Lovin' the Jon Bon!

What a time. So much fun. The road trip to Moncton was awesome! And the concert was WICKED! Just wished the heat hadn't taken so much out of us. We had grand ideas of partying with the parking guy (we parked in some guys lawn for 25 bucks and he invited us to his party after the show) to taking a dip in Parlee Beach when we got home. We ended up vegging on the couch and watching Family Guy. Poor Rhonda fell asleep. Lindsay made us garlic toast on hamburger buns. I had a few drinks but that was the extent of our partying. Still, it was a great time.

It's funny when you get some time away from the kids. I knew I'd miss them, but didn't realize how much. On Sunday, I "slept in" till 9am...which is huge for me normally being up at 6am. I got up while everyone else was still asleep, showered, went out on the deck, chatted with Steve's sister's boyfriend and his friend for a bit, they left for bkft so I went for a walk on the beach, came back, Steve's aunt invited me to the flea market in town, went to that and came back. Finally the rest of the gang were up around 11am. I was so ready to jet but as it turned out, it was better we stayed. DH called from the bus saying they stopped in Sackville, NB. He got off there and we picked him up. It was really nice having the company on the way home. Turns out he had an incredible time in TO. Only bigger things are coming for us. :)

Well, that's about all my excitement. Looking forward to another fun wknd if we can get rid of this damn rain! Still didn't get my lawn mowed. It's TERRIBLE!!! I tried doing it on Friday but pulled the cord 50 times with no luck. DH said he forgot to show me how to prime it. For goodness sakes! Oh well, at least I know now. hehehe Almost go home time. Stay in out of the rain.
~B

Oh, Oh, We're Half Way There!!

I'm totally there in my mind, believe me! I dropped the kids to daycare this morning and told E that I'd see her Sunday. I prepped her all week, but you can tell she's not happy about it. Hopefully MIL will get along okay with them. E's got a b-day party to go to on Sunday, so there's that to look forward too. And we'll be back early afternoon. Surely they can survive till then.

So I did get to bed at 10:30 last night. I did have a great sleep despite missing DH in bed. You get used to the snoring and blanket hogging. You miss it when he's gone. Anyway, he's having fun in TO. He went to dinner with 4 millionaires last night (and didn't have to pay). He's meeting up with our friends tomorrow. I wish I was there but at least I have something to look forward to too.

Well, I'll be in NB all wknd. I'll tell you all my misadventures on Monday. :)
TTFN!
~B

SYTYCD aka "Dance"

I know, I'm so so dumb to stay up after being SO tired. But I had to watch. :) I love the show like crazy. So entertaining and the hot bods are nice to look at. hehehehe At least I got to bed earlier...though 11 isn't great. And I did have a short relaxing bath with E in the bubbly tub. But no worries, I'm NOT staying up for the results show tonight. I do have one errand: to print the bulletins. But Fr. may say not to worry and he'll do it. Either way, it won't be late. I go after the girls are in bed. It takes about an hour by the time I print and fold them all. But again, I may not have to worry.

Tonight MIL & I are having LOBSTA!!! I haven't had any this year and we decided to get some while it's on sale this week. Hopefully they're not sold out!!! I'm really looking forward to it. I gotta pick them up (and dishwasher packs...I'm completely out...ironically they're on sale TOMORROW), then get the girls before 6. It'll be a tight squeeze. Fingers crossed there won't be any line ups at the store. I don't have a cell on me either so I best get there on time.

So, DH arrived in TO. He called me around 3:30. He sounded exhausted. He said they were up pretty much all night. A bunch of the gang were going to Canada's Wonderland but DH's opting out. We have friends in TO that he wants to see. I messaged them so I hope they connected. And only 1 more sleep before my trip to NB for BonJovi!!!! I'm half packed but need to do a load of laundry tonight. Rain, stay away please! Or at least be misty and not scorching hot! Ooooh, tomorrow 26 & sunny; Saturday 26 w/scattered showers; Sunday 24 & mainly cloudy. Did I mention we're staying in Shediac on Parlee Beach??? Might get a dip in tomorrow night...if it's not freezing.

Well, gotta run. TTFN!
~B

And ANOTHER Midnight!

Okay, this trend is ending TONIGHT! I was home around 10:30 from the BOV (Business Overview…get used to the acronyms). Hehehe Anyway, MIL and I chatted a while about DH…he got up to tell his personal story. Got lots of positive feedback. So proud of my man. :) DH got home around 11, then we chatted, had a glass of wine to celebrate and it was midnight again before we went to bed. But he’s on the road as I type, so early to bed tonight.

DH got his second recruit last night (me being numero uno!). He’s so psyched, and I’m so am I. I’m really convinced we’ll have our own office and our own team. I believe in the company and the amazing things they can do. Yeah, it’s hard work building your team, but once you’re in place, the freedom you can have. To be able to drop your kids to school and pick them up. To go to a sports day or on a field trip. Or to have a day at home to yourself. And have the freedom to enjoy a better life. We want some of that. And I know it’s only a matter of time. The spirit of that group is contagious!!! I know DH will come back fired up and ready to go!!

I however, am ready to wind down. Once the girls are in bed, I’m heading to bed too! I may I’ll stay awake for some “Dance” (SYTYCD) but I’m not betting on it.

TTFN Peeps!!
~B

Mari: Wishing you only happy memories of your grandma in this sad time.

4 Nights in a Row...

...that I've been up till Midnight!!! Not sure I can handle another. DH & I have a meeting to go to. I decided to take separate vehicles cause he may be staying late. So Mama can hit the road early and head to bed early too, fingers crossed!

So, tough getting through another day tired. I may head out for coffee but I'm on foot and not sure if the rain will stay away. I'm hungry too. We didn't have much home to take for lunch. I ended up with a pb&j sandwich and cantaloupe. I usually take yogourt and granola but alas, we had none. Thankfully DH picked up the groceries today so I'll have a better lunch tomorrow. Maybe I'll get a snack while I'm out too. :) Anyway, not much else on the go so I'm gonna jet.

TTFN!
~B

Best Place to Take a Nap at Work

Any suggestions??? I SO need a spot today. When you look at a scenario on paper, you realize it's going to be bad. But then you live it and realize it's much worse than you thought. We drove to CB on Friday...left at 6pm. We left CB yesterday...again at 6pm. One positive thing was a kids were WAY better to deal with on these trips (esp. L who isn't a fan of car travel). Both girls were a delight. There were a few things I could have done without...like us just getting on the hiway when E says she need to poop. UGH! But we managed. Got her to a Tim's and she pooped for about 5 mins or more. Couldn't believe it. Too much off her routine and not enough fruit. I'll make sure to remedy that next time. And L, what a dream. She may have cried about 10-15 mins the entire trip. There were some times when it was challenging coming up with entertaining stuff for her, but I managed. We played with the arm rest, did peek-a-boo, toe tickling, you name it. (I didn't realize how creative I could get.) :)

So definitely over all the trip was the best we've had with both girls. The trouble is getting in around midnight and having to work the next day. I laid down in back from about 9-midnight...switching sides, and peeking up to see the time and where we were. But it wasn't very comfortable. Figures, a parent would bring pillows and blankets for the kids and not themselves. :) I'll know for next time...and schedule a day off the next time too!! DH is away on conference this week from Wed-Sun so he kept the girls home today. And MIL decided she was too tired to go to work today so she's home too. Must be nice. :( Oh well, I have another fun wknd coming up with no kids and no hubby to answer to. :) I'll miss them, I'm sure but a wknd to myself sounds delightful!!!!!

Now, back to the wknd. Great drive and sleep on Friday night. Sat a.m. got up with my girls and then my nephews. We all walked down to Granny & Poppy's to surprise them for (what Mom thought) Father's Day. Both were happy to see us. Dad & DH went in town with the older 2 for groceries. Mom & I took care of the younger ones. We all had lunch at mom's. Then we took all 4 kids back to my brother's. The younger ones went for naps while the older ones played outside. I tried to catch a nap...not much though. The plan in the p.m. was to take mom & dad out for dinner then go for a "drive." What we were really doing was having a surprise b-day party for her and my uncle. They turn 60 this month and next. We pulled into the firehall and mom didn't know what was going on. She walked in and was really surprised. My uncle showed up about 15 mins later. Really surprised as well. We had music playing all night but not many got up to dance. It was pretty low key, but that didn't stop me from having a good time. :)

Sunday we went to morning mass, visited Great Grampy Jack, and took the girls for lunch. Then we landed back at mom's for a nap. DH & I made spagetti for supper. Mom had everyone over for supper and cards. We left right after supper. We had a few delays but we got on the road by 6:30. It was a great trip...just wish I had more sleep. Story of my life. :)

Well gotta run.
TTFN!
~B

Shiny Happy People

Okay, so I'm much happier today. Got invited out to lunch (very last minute) by work. We were originally invited but we didn't get any details...till about 15 minutes before the dinner. At least we made it. Had very yummy margarita fajitas at the new Brewdebakers in Clayton Park.

So, I had a good night with both girls last night while DH & MIL were out. Both were really well behaved actually. L is still "off" because of teething (I think). Waiting for her 4 eye teeth to come through. Hmmm what else. Going on a surprise trip this wknd to CB...SO SHHHHHH!!!! Mom doesn't know!!! My aunt is throwing a surprise party for her and my uncle. We're driving down tomorrow night and staying with my brother for the night. Hopefully Mom won't try to stop by while we're there. :) We're showing up at the party. HEHEHEHE!!! I love surprises! :)

Well, I'll keep it short today. Hope y'all are doing well.
~B

OMG...freakin' people!!!!!!

Sorry, need to vent a bit. If you ever have the brilliant idea of organizing a reunion, pick up the closest object...unless it's a stapler, scissors or a knife...and wack yourself over the head! All the planning, calls, emails/messages/more emails...everything you do isn't appreciated because someone's pissed off over something.

After talking with a former grad who planned her reunion, I wanted to do what they did...pick a few events that people could show up and pay their own way (beach day/dinner/drinks at a bar). Loved it! Thought it would be easy. Well when I asked what people would like to do, they suggested a dance...which requires a hall, liquor licence, DJ, munchies, etc...oh, and money up front. Well I don't have that kind of money, but I figured if everyone sent post dated cheques, I'd know the money would be there to pay for everything. So I sent out all the details a month ago with a deadline for July 1st. I haven't received anything. Today I email everyone asking for ideas for an alternate plan. Then I got 2 emails from gals wondering what the heck's going on. I referred them back to my message from a month ago. Now I'm getting attitude over it. My goodness, some mother's children!!!!! What a pain! I'm kind of hoping the dance falls through now because it's more trouble than it's worth. UGH!!!!

*sigh* Thank goodness that's over. In other news, the wknd was tough with E...very, VERY challenging. DH was in course again all wknd which is explains the issue. After a lot of talking/couching, FINALLY by Sunday, she turned a corner. Today DH kept her out of daycare...so happy for her. They had a really fun day. Now, I'm just about off for an excitified evening. I have my first 2 sit downs tonight with my trainer. All I have to do is sit there and watch, but still, it's nerve racking. Weird. Anyway, wish me luck.

~B

Annoyed...in general

Not loving the weather today. Oh, and really not impressed that I need an update of flashplayer to play Lexulous at work. We're not allowed to download stuff on our work computers so I can't play till I'm home. :( Sucky!!! Especially since my brain capacity is slim to nil at night time from the "afterwork" routine. Oh well, dems the breaks.

I'm also annoyed with how busy it's been this week. Something's going on every night. Tonight will be fun...choir dinner...but tomorrow I have to meet with my trainer to do a phone blitz. So I have to get some more numbers between now and then (in cause I don't have enough). Plus, I have to print the bulletin somewhere in there before Saturday. I have Training Sat from 10-noon. I gotta make cookies for the Chinese dinner on Sunday (through church). I have choir and mass on Saturday at 3...I'm on duty for the solo. And Sunday's no better: 10am-church with E; 12-4pm-scrapping (bringing E); 4-6pm-Chinese Buffet at church; 7pm-?-Business Overview. I may skip out on training and the BOV. I just have too many other commitments which I made first.

And the final thing...that I'm groaning over and not mad about...is DH possibly not going to BonJovi with me. There's a business conference the same week and it would be awesome for him to go. I totally support him going. Just bummed to be without my hunny for the fun trip. But that's not a for sure thing yet. We'll see.

So, I'm leaving my office in 10 mins, getting in the van, cranking the tunes, turning tunes down when I pick up the girls (hehehe), heading home for a bit before going out for a fun dinner with the choir ladies. Should be really nice. Whatever you do tonight, take some time to relax!
~B

No Vote

We got to the polls too late. I'm really disappointed I didn't get to vote but happy to see the NDP step up. I've seen a lot of bashing of the NDP online. I have faith that this being a different time and a different province, they will operate differently too. And if not, in 2 years we can boot their butts out. And it'll also tell us it doesn't matter who's in power. Anyway, that's my limited rant (and knowledge) on politics.

The reason we missed out is because we were having our family photo done for a church directory. They give you the directory free but hook you on buying the pics...which were lovely. We're getting a large photo (bigger than 8x10) of the 5 of us (MIL, DH, the girls and me), an 8x10 of the 4 of us, an 8x10 of the girls, a 5x7 of Nana & the girls and 2 sheets of 8 wallets (1 each of 2 girls and 5 of us). All but the wallets are framed and mounted...for a whooping total of $400+. Very expensive in my books though MIL is paying half (God love her!). They were too nice to pass up, and way nicer than the ones the girls got done at daycare. But it's an expense I wish we didn't have to deal with while DH is laid off. I figure we'd only be doing this a few times. Anyhoo, we'll get the pics back in 2 weeks. Wish I had a scanner to show you.

We got home after 8 and got the girls ready for bed. L was beside herself she was so tired. E was a crank pot because she didn't want to go to bed. Fun, fun. After they went to bed, I wasn't long following. Watched TV for a bit then slept...through the night!!!! 2 nights in a row. I'm sure you saw in my FB status. Hope this is a trend. Well, I better run.

TTFN!
~B

Yum-oh!

I was supposed to meet up with Hil but turns out she wasn’t feeling well. So went home to a deeeeliscious prepared meal for me! Stuffed chicken breasts, sundried tomatoes & veg linguini and the icing on the cake…uh…was peanut butter chocolate cake! (Allow myself to introduce myself.) hehehe Everything was totally fabulous! Spent the rest of the night tidying up the kitchen and playing with the girls. Great start to the week.

Tonight’s kinda busy. We’re getting our pics done for our church directory. I’m hoping it turns out b/c the ones we got of the girls from daycare were less than impressive (I hate to say it but E had a forced smile and E just stared blankly at the camera). Very disappointing for professional photography. Anyway, after that we have to vote and DH has an appointment tonight at 8:30. Lots to cram in.

Well I gotta run! TTFN! Now go vote!!!!!
~B

B-day wknd continues!

It might have seemed like a low key b-day but it was a great one. We had a small family supper with big gifts. MIL gave me a mani/pedi from HS Studios. Not sure when I’ll book it but am really excited to! The girls gave me much needed dress socks (black and pink of course) and chocolates. So sweet. And I think E made me something at daycare cause she mentioned it. DH is picking the girls up today so he’ll get it, whatever it is. Hehehe

The wknd was good but busy. DH & I went in for training on Saturday. Really informal with a bunch of award presentations. The even gave me a card and a fancy pen (which is a writers’ dream). Afterward hubby & I went separate ways – he to his course, me to the grocery store. Went home afterwards and spent the day with the girls. Did laundry (towels still in the dryer) and tidied up. I had Maria come over to meet the girls (future babysitter). I know her and her mom through church.

Sun a.m. I took E to church. Went home, collected L & MIL and drove to the duck pond to feed the ducks. Then MIL took us out for lunch in Sambro. Went home for naps…thank goodness! L is still waking almost every night. DH & I are taking turns and I got up Sat night, so I needed the nap. Got up, showered, got ready for the business overview, picked up Hil and went to the Primerica office. Went out for DQ afterwards.

Not very exciting sounding…it all went so fast. Hopefully the week will breeze by a bit…though I doubt it. Tonight I’m picking up Hil for supper and cake. YUM! Have a sweet night!
~B

It's me Birfdee!!

My b-day started off great! E came in for a snuggle this morning. I love when she comes in bed with us, even if it’s entirely too early. But not today. She was right on time. Her & Daddy worked on a homemade card for me…with her name printed on it…though she need to work on putting the letters together in one line. Hers are more stacked on the page. Totally cute! And hubby had a beautifully worded card for me and a pink mp3 player. A really nice surprise since I already bought a CM puzzle punch and sandals.

MIL is picking up cupcakes for dessert tonight…more for the girls than me really. Hubby’s going on course tonight (and all wknd) so I won’t see him till late. On Monday we’ll do cake and a nice dinner. Oh, and I got one more humongous gift!!! I’m going to see the Thunder Down Under (like the Australian version of Chippendales) next month. Yahoo!!! Should be quite a show (wink, wink).

Not minding 33 so far. Kind of nice that it’s two of the same digit so I won’t forget my age all year long. LOL! Terrible how the mind goes. I’m looking forward to relaxing on the wknd. Tonight after the kids are in bed I have to go to church to print/fold the bulletin. Tomorrow I’m in training with DH from 10-noon, then he goes on course from 1-9. I’ll go home and stay with the girls while MIL goes to choir/church. Sunday DH’s in course from 9-5. I’ll take E to church at 9 and we’ll play all day. Sunday night at 7 DH and I have a meeting. So not much room for fun but we’ll make the best of it. This course/training/etc., could turn into something great. Positive thinking!

Well, thanks again for your Birthday wishes. I have wonderful friends that I’m very thankful to have. xox
~B

Ahoy Matie!

I'm going on a party cruise tonight! Hurray!!!! KOOL is hosting a party on the Tall Ship Silva. Eats, refreshments, etc. So excited. Thought I wouldn't make it since hubby's out tonight and MIL has to watch the girls if I go. But called around and got my gal pal Megan to go. Hip hip horray! Funny how a little something like free passes on a sailboat cruise can turn your day around.

Finally got our van back. I didn't even ask how much. Just glad to have my mama wagon. :) Guess that helped me have a better day too. And tomorrow...the big 33. Not sure if I should say "ugh"or "yeah." Hubby's on course so we're not doing anything tomorrow. Possibly going to supper. I got my name in for a Cirque matinee. If I get it, MIL will have to pick me up with the girls around 6pm. Then we'll go for supper since the girls will be crazy hungry. Maybe I'll pack snacks in case. :) Well, have a great night. Sunny and 22. Nice!

~B

Determined NOT to let crappy things ruin my day. :)

Yesterday, I left work to pick up my van at the shop. I went in and the guys told me to drive gingerly because the brake line needed to be repaired (DH was going to do it). I paid, went to the van, noticed a puddle underneath, got in, put my foot on the brake petal…to the floor. So, went back in the shop and told them, called DH on their phone to pick me up and left the van there overnight. It was certainly unwelcomed since our cash flow (which I should really call our credit flow) is limited. But looking on the bright side, I’m really glad I wasn’t driving home when it let go.

Poor DH had to be chauffer today. He dropped him mom off for 7 in Burnside. Back home to get us, drop the girls to daycare, and me to work. Then he had to run into the Shipyards to do paperwork for vacation pay. Back to Burnside at 11 to pick his mom up, she dropped him off at the PFS office and I now he’s waiting to hear when the van will be done (they assured him by 5). So, not sure if he or his mom will be picking me up. We’ll see.

So, other than that lovely business, I had a frustrating phone call with one of my co-workers. I repeatedly tried to explain myself but she didn’t listen. As far as she’s concerned, I dropped the ball and it’s my fault. In the end, kept saying “sure” cause I knew she wasn’t going to accept my position on it. WHAT-ever! I have no time for people like that. It’s a shame having to work with someone like that. I’m not going to let it bother me. Clearly if she can’t accept or acknowledge what I have to say, it’s not worth trying to justify it to her.

Today’s Tim Horton’s Camp Day!!! Buy a coffee and 100% of proceeds will send kids to camp.
~B

It's Tooos-dee!

I'm in a surprising good mood, considering I'm tired as hell. DH got home from his first sit-in and was so pumped. We were up half the night talking...and L woke up too. We're really working on being open to all possibilities. Faith, the "Secret", whatever you want to call it, it's working in our lives. I feel way more hopeful than I've been in the past layoffs. We've got nothing to lose, and only knowledge and more to gain.

I'm working on a vision board. So far I have pictures of a bigger home, a brand new Odyssey (cherry red), a Hawaiian beach/skyline, and a virtual me at 150 lbs wearing a bikini. :) And there's only more to come. Not material stuff as much as fun experiences for our family, education for the kids, freedom. It's easy to get inspired. Certainly the worry nags a bit in the back of my mind but I'm trusting that the Lord will provide. I really need to take a true leap of faith...not worry where it's coming from but trusting it will come.

Well, I better mozy. Get some vitamin D...sounds like an idea.
~B

Tickled PINK!

So, I got my hair done on Friday night. Very excited to have my appt since it's one of the 2 times a year I get it coloured. We went blonde. And I got brave after seeing my stylist's hair. She had a touch of mauve in the front...a happy accident. I decided to go for it and put a touch of pink in my hair. It's very subtle. It's bright, but not chunky...just a wisp. Very cute! :) Thought I could use a little fun and positivity after DH getting laid off AGAIN! Anyway, I'm not going to even dwell on it. I feel it's a sign for him to truly explore other opportunities. So, he's putting his all into it and I'm feeling good about it too.

We had a fun, busy wknd. Loved my scrapping time Saturday. Played outdoors with the kids Sunday. But entirely too short. I'll be glad for some time off.

Well, gotta run. DH's picking me up. TTFN!
~B