tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65205454982172082432024-02-21T09:55:51.954-05:00Avoiding the LaundryScaling the mountainous piles of dirty clothes in hopes of seeing a clean floor...if even for just one day.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-85789640222092963182012-11-01T10:10:00.003-04:002012-11-01T10:10:18.186-04:00Slow Cooker Chicken Corn ChowderOkay, I haven't been on here in two years and have not really had any desire to blog, but I needed a place to publish a recipe and what better place than here, right? <br />
<br />
This is my family's favourite winter soup. It's yummy and so filling. <br />
<br />
2 tbsp butter<br />
1 1/2 lbs chicken cut into cubes<br />
<br />
2 cans cream of potato soup (I usually buy this at Loblaws as it can be hard to find)<br />
2 cups frozen corn<br />
1 1/2 cups chicken broth<br />
2 small onions diced<br />
2 ribs celery sliced<br />
2 small carrots sliced<br />
1 tsp dry dill weed<br />
2 potatoes peeled and diced<br />
<br />
1/2 cup half & half<br />
<br />
1. Fry chicken in melted butter (season as desired) then set aside<br />
2. Combine soup & broth in slow cooker (I use a whisk so not to have any clumps)<br />
3. Add the rest of the ingredients (including chicken) except cream<br />
4. Cook on low for 6 - 8 hours<br />
5. Stir in cream and serve<br />
<br />
*If you want a thicker soup, remove a cup of the liquid from the soup and combine it with a tbsp of corn starch. Add it back into the soup and turn the slow cooker on high for the last hour.<br />
Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-16987211048121700242010-07-02T11:32:00.000-04:002010-07-02T11:32:35.001-04:00My "Home" SongFirst off, here' are the lyrics and the Jason <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Mraz</span> cover:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHrJda73pNs&feature=related">http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">youtube</span>.com/watch?v=QHrJda73pNs&feature=related</a><br />
<br />
"<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Summerbreeze</span>" by Seals & Crofts<br />
<br />
See the curtains hangin' in the window<br />
<br />
In the evening on a Friday night<br />
A little light-a-shinin' through the window<br />
Lets me know every thing's all right<br />
<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowin' though the jasmine in my mind<br />
<br />
See the paper layin' on the sidewalk<br />
A little music from the house next door<br />
So I walk on up to the doorstep<br />
Through the screen and across the floor<br />
<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind<br />
<br />
Sweet days of summer -- the jasmine's in bloom<br />
July is dressed up and playing her tune<br />
And I come home from a hard day's work<br />
And you're waitin' there<br />
Not a care in the world<br />
<br />
See the smile awaitin' in the kitchen<br />
Through cookin' and the plates for two<br />
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me<br />
In the evening when the day is through<br />
<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind<br />
Summer breeze makes me feel fine<br />
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind<br />
<br />
I remember this song from my childhood, but that's not really when I fell in love it with.<br />
<br />
It was on the second "Dazed & Confused" soundtrack. Did you know they had two? Well, they did and this song was on it. I'd say it was the mid to late 90's and I was in university. Joe, my then boyfriend/now husband, and I had already been together for at least 3 years. We knew we would get married it was just waiting out time until my schooling was all finished. (On an aside note, we got engaged on my last day of classes in '98. We didn't wait long, but at that point we had been together for 7 years.)<br />
<br />
As much as this song reminds me of my childhood it also was my dream of what I wanted my home to be like. I knew I wanted a kitchen with a window over the sink so I could be at the counter working when Joe drove in the driveway from work. Old fashioned and cliche, but true. What can I say, I'm an old fashioned romantic.<br />
<br />
Now I look at the song and realize that I pretty much got what I dreamt of. How lucky am I?Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-85230233179436336402010-07-02T11:06:00.000-04:002010-07-02T11:06:00.576-04:00Summer Playlist RecommentationsMy good friend Tricia is making a summer <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span> and wanted some recommendations and, well, I kinda went a little overboard. Then my other friend Nicole (no, she's not imaginary) said I should post my recommendations on my blog and I thought, "Why not?!". <br />
So, here it is....my MANY recommendations for what could be included on a summer <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span>.<br />
<br />
These are songs I included in my "Summer 2009 <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Playlist</span>". They're not specifically from last year, but ones that just make me think of summer:<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Summertime</strong> - DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (A must! I remember having the cassette single of this. "Drums please!". Luv it!)<br />
<strong>You G<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">et</span> What you Give</strong> - New Radicals (This plays at the end of "Surf's Up", so my kids love it too.)<br />
<strong>Into Yesterday</strong> - Sugar Ray (Again from the "Surf's Up" soundtrack, but I dare you to not think of summer when hearing it! "The sky turns to a different shade of blue after the rain.")<br />
<strong>I'd Like To</strong> - Corrine Bailey Rae ("Put Your Records On" is a good song, but this is more summery.)<br />
<strong>Make It Mine</strong> - Jason <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Mraz</span> (Just light and fluffy.)<br />
<strong>All This Beauty</strong> - The Weepies (Abby always likes this song. She bounces around to it.)<br />
<strong>Flake</strong> - Jack Johnson (My favourite <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">JJ</span> song of all time, so it always has to be included.)<br />
<strong>Seven Days in Sunny June</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Jamiroquai</span> (The title says it all.)<br />
<strong>Summer Breeze</strong> - Jason <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Mraz</span> (The original was my favourite "home" song, but I love this one just as much. I'll post another blog entry as to what I mean about "home" song. )<br />
<strong>You Don't Have to Believe Me</strong> - Eric Hutchinson (If I have not introduced you to this man than shame on me!)<br />
<strong>Time Won't Wait</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Jamiroquai</span> (Just fun!)<br />
<strong>Mama Told Me (Not to Come)</strong> - Three Dog Night (I always remember Tom Jones singing this song on a TV special with a bunch of British celebrities in the audience.)<br />
<strong>Free Ride</strong> - Edgar Winter (Mel Gibson, Robert <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Downey</span> Jr - "Air America". My second summer of university.)<br />
<strong>Doctor My Eyes</strong> - Jackson Browne (If I ever had the guts to do karaoke this would be one of my songs.)<br />
<strong>Tiny Dancer</strong> - Elton John ("Almost Famous"....need I say more?)<br />
<strong>Bad Things</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Jace</span> Everett (It's the theme song for "True Blood". It's also one hell of a nasty song and I love it!)<br />
<strong>Use Somebody</strong> - Kings of Leon (More from last summer, but if you don't know them.....)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay here are songs from my Driving <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span> from when we went to Florida this spring:<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Alloway</span> Grove</strong> - Paolo <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Nutini</span> (I always picture dancing to this song with a drink in my hand. I'm always sad the entire world doesn't know this song.)<br />
<strong>Crash Into Me</strong> - Dave Matthew's Band (Because I forgot how amazing this song is. Bad me!)<br />
<strong>Don't Stop Me Now</strong> - Queen (Not a Queen song I knew of until I watched "Shaun of the Dead". Now I love it.)<br />
<strong>Everyday</strong> - Dave Matthew's Band (I remember this video was a guy just going around hugging people. )<br />
<strong>Everyday People</strong> - Sly & the Family Stone (This group always make me think of Nicole's family....or was that KC and the Sunshine Band? ;) )<br />
<strong>Got to Get you Into my Life</strong> - The Beatles (Because every mix has to have some Beatles in it.)<br />
<strong>Henrietta</strong> - The <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Fratellis</span> (Julie introduced me to this group....just a fun song!)<br />
<strong>I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week</strong> - Mandy Moore (My other karaoke song.)<br />
<strong>I Want the World to Know</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Anjulie</span> (I will admit to dancing in my kitchen to this song many times.)<br />
<br />
<strong>(If You're Wondering if I Want you to) I Want You To</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Weezer</span> (I am embarrassed to say I did not know about this song until this year. Bad me. )<br />
<strong>Joker and the Thief</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Wolfmother</span> ("The Hangover". The scene at the blackjack table. Picture Bradley Cooper giving the security camera the finger. Yes!)<br />
<strong>Life Less Ordinary</strong> - Carbon Leaf (This was one of the sample songs on my computer. Luv it!)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Mushaboom</span></strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Feist</span> (Okay it's more of a winter song, but I love the idea of it.)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Neverending</span> Summer</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Dayplayer</span> (Nicole - Sweets from "Bones" is singing this song!!!!!)<br />
<strong>Once in a Lifetime</strong> - Talking Heads (We all know this song, but who owns it. Get it!)<br />
<strong>Oxford Comma</strong> - Vampire Weekend (Okay it does start out "Who give a fuck about an oxford coma", but the fuck is pretty fast. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">lol</span>!)<br />
<strong>Stay (Wasting Time)</strong> - Dave Matthew's Band (Fun.)<br />
<strong>The Underdog</strong> - Spoon (Picture <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Zac</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Efron</span> walking slowly to this song in "17 Again" and that's only half of the appeal. ;) )<br />
<strong>Your My Best Friend</strong> - Queen (Summer!!!!!!!)<br />
<strong>You Do It for Me</strong> - Matt Morris (Justin <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Timberlake</span> recommends him. Need I say more?)<br />
<strong>You Make My Dreams</strong> - Hall & Oats (Watch "500 Days of Summer" and you'll know why. )<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, here are some songs from my F<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">amily</span> V<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">acation</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span>. Don't worry, only one more <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span> after this one. I saved the best for last. ; )<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Back in Time</strong> - Huey Lewis & the News ("Back to the Future"...need I say more?!)<br />
<strong>Good Day Sunshine</strong> - The Beatles (The title says it all.)<br />
<strong>Hero (Unplugged)</strong> - "Starstruck" soundtrack (Even Joe and I like singing this song.)<br />
<strong>High School Musical</strong> - "HSM3" (<span style="background-color: white;">Tricia, your daughter's 5. Y<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ou'll</span></span> be here soon!)<br />
<strong>New Boyfriend</strong> - "Starstruck" soundtrack (It's catchy!)<br />
<strong>Power of Love</strong> - Huey Lewis & the News (Again..."Back to the Future"!!!)<br />
<strong>So They Say</strong> - Jamie <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Cullum</span> (The kids love dancing around to this one.)<br />
<strong>Something about the Sunshine</strong> - "<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Startstruck</span>" soundtrack (Summer!)<br />
<strong>Much Better</strong> - Jonas Brothers (Okay, I have to put one Jonas Brothers song on here! This is my favourite.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Last one. T<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">hese</span> songs are from my "Chuck" <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">playlist</span>. The whole family can't stop listening to this one:<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Cobrastyle</span></strong> - Soft Machine (Nicole, I always think you would like this song.)<br />
<strong>See the World</strong> - Gomez (I don't know why but this reminds me of a university summer. Touring around Europe. Having fun.)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Cellphone's</span> Dead</strong> - Beck (Abby likes this song because of the girl saying "One by One I'll knock you out". <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">hee</span>, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">hee</span>!)<br />
<strong>Don't You <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Evah</span></strong> - Spoon (I am loving Spoon!)<br />
<strong>Short Skirt/Long Jacket</strong> - Cake (<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">C'mon</span>, it's the Chuck theme song.)<br />
<strong>Fall Into Place</strong> - Apartment (It's fun from the start all the way to the end.)<br />
<strong>Private Eyes</strong> - Hall & Oats (Okay, it's not a huge recommendation but watching Abby dance to this makes me love it.)<br />
<strong>Fresh Feeling</strong> - Eels ( "You don't have a clue what it is like to be next to you". That's how the song starts!)<br />
<strong>Dropped</strong> - Phantom Planet (Don't think for a minute, just get it. It's both rock and dance. It's everything rolled up into one and I LOVE it!)<br />
<strong>The Twist</strong> - Frightened Rabbit (Great band! In the show there's a big explosion, someone might perform an assassination, and some one's getting ready for a date. All in one song!)<br />
<strong>Do You Believe in Love</strong> - Huey Lewis & the News (Wind machine ON! - Sorry, inside joke. ; p )<br />
<strong>Love it All</strong> - The Kooks (I've recommended it. Colleen's recommended it. Get it!)<br />
<strong>Diamond <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Hoo</span> Ha Man</strong> - Supergrass (You j<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ust</span> want to dance to this. And for the guys, picture two women fighting in a car while this song is playing. Yup.)<br />
<strong>Good Days Bad Days</strong> - Kaiser Chiefs (English Rock!)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Momma's</span> Boy</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Chromeo</span> (I put this song on repeat over and over again. Fun and silly.)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Wannamama</span></strong> - Pop Levi (I dare you to try to stay still during this song. I DARE YOU!)<br />
<strong>Tigers in the Fire</strong> - Love Grenades (Disco and <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">dancey</span>.)<br />
<strong>Bite Hard</strong> - Franz Ferdinand (It starts of slow, but......wait for it........that's right!)<br />
<strong>Now We Can See</strong> - The Thermals (Abby loves this song. My girl's got taste.)<br />
<strong>Looking at the Sun</strong> - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Gramercy</span> Arms (THIS is summer.)<br />
<strong>Christmas TV</strong> - Slow Club (I know, but I don't think of Christmas. In the show it plays during a wedding on a beach...in May.)<br />
<strong>Black & Gold</strong> - Sam <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Sparro</span> (I heard this song while I was at the movies the other day. We both can't be wrong!)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Backward's</span> Walk</strong> - Frightened Rabbit (It has the lyric "You're the shit and I'm knee-deep in it.". And it takes a couple listens before you realize what they're saying. Very cool.)<br />
<strong>Got <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Nuffin</span></strong> - Spoon (What can I say, they're an awesome band.)<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Amarillion</span> </strong>- <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Datarock</span> (This song reminds me of the 80's and I love it. "I wanna walk you home from school. I wanna take you on a date.")<br />
<strong>Merrymaking at My Place</strong> - Calvin Harris (Weird intro, but then it gets good.)<br />
<strong>Can't Stop Feeling</strong> - Franz Ferdinand (Abby approves this selection. )<br />
<strong><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Astair</span></strong> - Matt Costa (Slow and sweet. It's a man and a guitar. How can you go wrong?)<br />
<strong>Swim Until You Can't See Land</strong> - Frightened Rabbit (You see the pattern, right? ; ) )<br />
<strong>In My Sleep</strong> - Austin Hartley-Leonard & Kendall Jane Mead (Okay, not really a summer song, but I can't NOT recommend this song. So sad. So lovely.)<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> - Vampire Weekend (Light and fun....then listen to the lyrics. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">hee</span>, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">hee</span>!)<br />
<strong>Light & Day/Reach for the Sun</strong> - The Polyphonic Spree (Just happy.)<br />
<strong>Feeling Good</strong> - Nina Simone (Surprisingly, the kids LOVE this song. I love the lyrics.)<br />
<strong>September </strong>- Earth, Wind and Fire (How I feel about this song is well-known. This is my "backyard dance party with a drink in my hand" song.)<br />
<strong>Neighbor</strong> - Band of Horses (They mention "chipmunks in the backyard". Hello?!)<br />
<strong>On My Way Back Home</strong> - Band of Horses (They're good...and to me summery.)<br />
<strong>Bluebeard</strong> - Band of Horses (Sitting around a fire, looking at the stars, listening to this song. I can picture it....even though they do mention "snow".)<br />
<strong>Don't Hide Away</strong> - Bishop Allen (Upbeat and fun.)<br />
<strong>Terrified</strong> (with Zachary Levi) - Katharine <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">McPhee</span> (Proof that <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Zac</span> Levi is the whole package. )<br />
<br />
Wow. Okay, that's it. You can agree with my choices. You can disagree with my choices. I don't mind. All I know is that this was fun. : D<br />
<br />
Now onto my explanation of a "home" song.......Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-57330148262088553442010-06-19T22:11:00.000-04:002010-06-19T22:11:43.885-04:00TwinsThis is <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Abbigail</span>, my 6 yr <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">old's</span> daughter's, definition of being a twin:<br />
<br />
"There is a string that attaches my heart to Stewart's. And even if we're far apart, we will still be together."<br />
<br />
She came up with this all on here own. And when asked why she came up with it she said, "So Stewart won't ever be sad if we're not together.". <br />
<br />
These are the moments that make it all worth it. The moments when you think to yourself, "Maybe, just maybe I'm doing something right.". Then the moment is gone and you're left to deal with the next challenge. :)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-49556130284681134212010-05-22T09:20:00.000-04:002010-05-22T09:20:39.841-04:00REAL tvFor the last 3 weeks we've been in "finale season" in <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">tv</span>. For anyone who loves television like I do it's a wonderful time of the year. I've always loved any "sweeps" period when the shows pull out all of the punches to get people to tune in. But as a person who's always been a fan of television, I'm surprised at how few shows I was looking forward to watching. In fact, the grand total is 5. And do you know what is to blame for this? REALITY TV.<br />
We are a society who has turned "fame" into an occupation. An occupation that it seems anyone can apply for. (see <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Speidi</span>, Paris Hilton, Kate <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Gosslin</span>) Why? <br />
I will admit when reality <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">tv</span> first started I watched a lot of it....Survivor, The Bachelor, The <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Bachelorette</span>, Flavour of Love, etc, but then I took a step back and said, "What the hell am I watching?!". These shows are full of people who have no other desire than to get their face in front of a camera for no other reason than to...get their face in front of a camera!<br />
You know those "man on the street" news reports where the reporter is standing in front of a crowd and there's always a handful of people waving their hands like crazy, making pretty much idiots of themselves? That's what these "reality stars" are doing. In the most basic form they're saying "Hey! Look at me!!!!!". Why are you looking? <br />
Critically acclaimed shows don't last anymore because no one is watching them. We'd rather watch Dancing with the Stars or American Idol over and over again. (Two shows which have basically turned into popularity contests.) <br />
Television used to be an art. It was a place where all sides of creativity came together and produced wonderful things. Fun things. Things that made you forget about your life for just a little while and made you wish you were the other guy. Nowadays television has become similar to watching a car accident where we are happy to watch the other guy crash and burn. What does that say about our society?<br />
The one thing I take solace in is the fact that my family is a Nielsen's family. Our votes are being counted and, although it's only 4 votes, every bit counts. <br />
I have especially been concerned with ratings this year because I wasn't confident that my favourite shows would be back again next year. So, I made sure that my vote counted....and I honestly made a difference. For the first time in a while my shows were all picked up early...with exception to one that just squeaked by. (I think it was my personal vote that helped with that one.) :)<br />
<br />
The summer is a great time to catch up on shows you might not have watched before. Instead of watching Big Brother 22 why not rent a season of a show you haven't seen before and give it a try? You might just be surprised.<br />
<br />
Now, after all that do you want to know what my 5 shows are? Here they are:<br />
<br />
Mondays @ 8pm - <strong>Chuck</strong> (NBC) - For anyone who has never seen an episode of Chuck please try it out. If you like action comedies this is the show for you. It is filled with some amazing stunts but at the same time staying so funny. It's a show that doesn't take itself too seriously. <br />
<br />
Wednesdays @ 9 and 9:30pm - <strong>Modern Family</strong> (ABC) - <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Everyone's</span> calling it the resurgence of the sitcom. I agree. It is absolutely hilarious and every character is worth watching.<br />
<strong>Cougar Town</strong> (ABC) - Don't let the name scare you. This is a very well-written, funny show. Just like Modern Family every character <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">hold's</span> their own. It's from the creator of Scrubs and Spin City. And for anyone who got sick of Monica (me included) on Friends, Courtney Cox is no Monica in this one. <br />
<br />
<br />
Thursdays @ 8 & 9 - <strong>Bones</strong> (Fox) and <strong>Fringe</strong> (Fox) - Bones is a forensic show, but it's more about the characters. And Fringe, well, it's this generation's X-Files, but not as creepy. <br />
<br />
All that said, there are other shows I do watch when I can, but please remember anything after 10pm from Sun - Tues is past my bedtime. :( That said, I do like <strong>Big Bang Theory, Glee, 30 Rock</strong> and I am looking forward to catching <strong>Lie to Me</strong> when it comes back on this summer. I was a faithful <strong>Lost</strong> viewer for the first 3 seasons and I just haven't been able to keep up anymore. I will tune into the series finale because, well I always like to see how a show end.<br />
<br />
Okay, that's it. There's my rant. Just next time you're sitting on the couch watching television, think about what you're watching. Are the people on the shows worth your time? Because if they're not, why are you watching.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-27170141706349245302010-03-02T11:11:00.000-05:002010-03-02T11:11:07.165-05:00StoriesMy dad has always had a very specific way of disciplining. He would weave an entire lecture to put his point across. I am often quoted as saying (in my younger years) that by the time Dad was done with a story I was married and had two kids. I would always tell my mom that I'd rather her just yell at me because my dad's stories seemed torturous to me.<br />
Well, now that I'm all grown up it's a different story. It is truely one of those moments where, as an adult, you are grateful for the actions of your parents when you were a kid....and you know you will be repeating those "methods" with your own kids. Since they were such good lessons I thought I would put some of them down here for you.<br />
<br />
-Heart vs Head Story-<br />
This is a pretty frequent one that occured a lot when I was a teenager.<br />
<br />
"Cole, when you make decisions in life you have to make them with part of your head and part with your heart. Your brother makes decisions all with his head and you make them all with your heart. You always need both. <br />
In some cases you need to make them with a bit more of your head than your heart or the other way around, but both must always be present."<br />
<br />
<br />
-On a Scale of 1 to 10-<br />
I've heard this one since I was a little kid. Whenever I would get hurt either it be a splinter or a stomach cramp the following conversation would occur:<br />
<br />
Cole: "It hurts!!!!!!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
Dad: "Now, how bad does it really hurt?"<br />
<br />
Cole: "Really, really bad!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
Dad: "Come on. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being your arm cut off.) how bad does it hurt?"<br />
<br />
Cole: "It's a 9!"<br />
<br />
Dad: "Nicole, your arm is cut off! That had got to hurt a lot. How bad does this hurt?"<br />
<br />
Cole: "It's a 5?"<br />
<br />
Dad: "Your arm is cut off! It is no longer attached to your body! How bad is this splinter?"<br />
<br />
Cole (sheepishly): About a 2?"<br />
<br />
Dad: "If that. You're fine."<br />
<br />
Okay, a side story to this one which I have told many times. When I went to deliver my kids via c-section I found out that the hospital also used the "scale of 1 to 10" pain scale. <br />
While recovering from the c-section the nurse asked me on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad the pain was. Can you guess my response? "3". hee, hee! The nurse was in shock and couldn't understand it. Another nurse came in and asked again what my pain was like. Again I told her 3, but this time I told her that I had been subject to the "scale of 1 to 10" thing my entire life. And I've been accustomed to believing that having your arm cut off would hurt a hell of a lot. <br />
<br />
-"No Problem"-<br />
This one is my favourite. <br />
For anyone who doesn't know my dad is a retired police officer. This story is about a collegue of his that he would always bring up when us kids would complain about the various problems in our lives. I don't remember the officer's real name, so I'll call him "Bob".<br />
<br />
"There's this guy at work and any time anyone gives him something to do he always would say, "No problem". He'd get the crap jobs piled and piled on him and his response was always the same...."No problem". "Bob can you stay late tonight?" "No problem!". "Bob, can you do some extra paperwork?" "No problem!". <br />
A bunch of the officers who were complaining about something or other couldn't understand it. Why didn't Bob ever get upset? Didn't any of this bug him? <br />
Well, one day they asked him why everything was always "no problem". It turns out Bob was in the war. And in the war he was dirty, hungry, getting shot at and basically living in hell. Then Bob had a problem! Now.....no problem!<br />
So whatever you're going through remember Bob and his "no problem". Is it really that big of a problem?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, those are my three favourite. There were many others over the years, but those three are ones that I know I will tell my own kids.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-90252155615442680712010-02-06T09:37:00.000-05:002010-02-06T09:37:30.283-05:00I'm a big fan of song lyrics. I am totally convinced they are modern day poems. Anyway, this is one of the songs I just love lately. It's by the Gabe Dixon Band. And if you haven't heard of them check them out on itunes. <br />
Anyway, this is the song......Further the Sky<br />
<br />
When you don't know where you're going you don't know why<br />
It feels like another day's bleeding into the night<br />
Lay your head on my chest while my beating heart pounds out the secret of this life<br />
<br />
The higher you reach, the further the sky<br />
The more miles you walk, the longer the road<br />
The steeper you climb, the harder you stand to fall<br />
The stronger you get, the heavier the load<br />
<br />
I wish I could you give the ansewers in paper and ink<br />
I wish I could stop all the tears before they start falling<br />
But we're feeling our way and we're always beginners<br />
We're all cuts and no scars<br />
<br />
The higher you reach, the further the sky<br />
<br />
The more miles you walk, the longer the road<br />
The steeper the climb, the harder you stand to fall <br />
The stonger you get, the heavier the load<br />
<br />
The bigger the dream, the rougher the ride <br />
The truer the love, the deeper the ache <br />
The blinder the faith, the tougher the goal<br />
<br />
The higher you reach, the further the sky<br />
The more miles you walk, the longer the road<br />
The steeper you climb, the harder you stand to fall <br />
The stronger you get, the heavier the load<br />
<br />
I know, it's simple and it's been said in many different ways many times over, but I like it. And when I like something I want to share it with the world. Enjoy.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-14242415611863107172009-12-27T19:15:00.000-05:002009-12-27T20:25:08.685-05:002009 - A Review(I know, I know. I haven't been on here in ages. Would you just accept I've been really busy?) <br /><br />So, we're at the end of 2009 and all I have to say is life is good. Really good! I've seen so much sadness around me this year and yet here I am...still smiling. How is that possible? Maybe because I know how lucky I am. Don't believe me? Here's the list:<br /><br />1.I've been hopelessly in love with the same man for the last 17 years....and thankfully he's been hopelessly in love with me too. :) To quote Tom Baxter, "See what I'm trying to say is you make things better. And no matter what the day is with you here it's better."<br /><br /><br />2. I have two wonderful children who can challenge me daily by everything they say and do.....and that's a good thing. They are my greatest achievements in this life and continue to make me proud to be their "momma".<br /><br />3. I have three of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bestest</span> girlfriends in the world. Ladies, I love you more than words can say. You're the reason I'm looking forward to turning forty. Five years......Vegas!!!!<br /><br />4. I have made some wonderful new friends this year. It's amazing what you can find lurking around your neighbourhood. ;)<br /><br />5. I've joined a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">book club</span>! (When you're an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">English</span> major who's been out of school for over 10 years things like a book club is very exciting.)<br /><br />6.I saw a tonne of movies this year. <br /><br />7. I read A LOT!!! <br /><br />8. One (hyphenated) word......Self-esteem. I'm not perfect, but I'm a pretty good catch and it's taken me 35 years to believe that.<br /><br />9. I love my job. <br /><br />10. I've somehow become my mother and I'm okay with it. She's not a bad person to be. :)<br /><br />Anyway, there are so many other reasons for why I am full of happiness this year. Sure, there's been stress, but life is pretty wonderful. <br /><br />So, my wish for 2010? That I continue to view my world through those rose-coloured glasses. :)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-63552590570518316192009-08-07T01:06:00.000-04:002009-08-07T01:28:03.433-04:0010 yearsTo my love,<br />Today is our 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary. Even though I've often said that we've always been like "an old married couple" from the get-go, we finally are one! And in this year, more than any other, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. You are my heart and soul. You know me....the good and the bad...and you still love me despite it all. How did I get so lucky the first time round?<br /><br />Well, you know me and you know how much I love quotes and songs. So, here's one for you. A song from Take That because well, you know how much of an anglophile I am and because I only thought it fitting that we went a little retro.<br /><br />I'll love you forever Joseph.<br />Love,<br />Cole<br /><br />Nobody Else<br /><br />Making my way through photographs<br />Of the night when you first stood by my side<br />Old friends with smiles some are here some are gone<br />Good memories of our senior high<br />Looking back we're the only couple still together<br />Even then I knew this love would be forever, I knew<br /><br />Cause there's nobody else in the world that could love you<br />Anymore than I do, always here for you<br />Nobody else in the world could love you more<br />Nobody could love you anymore than I do<br />I'm still here for you<br /><br />Our lives have all changed we've come a long long way<br />Our faces show the lines of two young songs<br />And in their houses there will be pictures<br />Like the ones of you and me<br />Hope they can look back and smile just like we have done<br />Never once have I felt the need for another<br />We were strong and survived the storm in time to discover<br /><br />Cause there's nobody else in the world that could love you<br />Anymore than I do, always here for you<br />Nobody else in the world could love you more<br />Nobody could love you anymore than I do<br />I'm still here for you<br /><br />All of the smiles we have won<br />Just from looking back and reliving all the good times<br />And when we've been through all the pages<br />We just start again, oh<br /><br />Cause there's nobody else in the world that could love you<br />Anymore than I do, always here for you<br />Nobody else in the world could love you more<br />Nobody could love you anymore than I do<br />I'm still here for youColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-56342313782560554242009-07-08T17:08:00.000-04:002009-07-08T17:28:39.067-04:00Anger SongSo, my friend was making an "angry playlist" and asked me for some suggestions. I gave her some and then started thinking about what my favourite angry songs are. I knew it would be based on lyrics more than sounds because, well I am a fan of words. I am fan of the idea that you can put words together and through that you can express feeling. And how someone can use those words to express their own feelings, but in return express the exact same feelings of a complete stranger. I think I am daily amazed by that fact.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the anger......<br /><br />Here is my favourite (if you can call it that) angry song. It's not loud or hard, but to me the lyrics are powerful. Mostly because we've all been there. We've all wanted to say to someone, "You fucked up.". It's a rant and it's a good one. So, I thought I would share with all of you. And if you haven't heard of this guy you need to. <br /><br /><br />"You've Got You" - by Eric Hutchinson<br /><br />I've got a bone to pick with you and this opportunity<br />i couldn't live this down enough to make up for you and me<br />i feel a swelling in my soul i've been choking up inside<br />i'd bite my tongue just for your sake but i'd swallow too much pride<br /><br />and who will be sorry first who will be sorry first<br />and if you won't be the one to budge i can tell what i am worth<br />and you've got you to blame for what you do to you<br />there's nothing shocking so it must be true<br />and let me set this record straight on the drama you create before you go and turn your back on me<br /><br />i've got a lot to pay you back i've been saving up for years<br />i'm gonna break you into two now who's gonna hear your tears<br />i've been the friend you never had now you'll never have me back<br />i bear a witness to your faults and that line's severely cracked<br /><br />and who will be sorry first who will be sorry first<br />and if you won't be the one to budge i can tell what i am worth<br />and you've got you to blame for what you do to you<br />there's nothing shocking so it must be true<br />and let me set this record straight on the drama you create before you go and turn your back on<br /><br />you're gonna live your life and stay on your side<br />you're not ashamed to try you're more afraid of why<br />this bridge is burning now it's caving in<br />we're never gonna win we'll run in circles till we fall in line<br /><br />and who will be sorry first who will be sorry first<br />and if you won't be the one to budge I can tell what I am worthColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-15927212321767388162009-07-08T12:58:00.000-04:002009-07-08T13:10:47.223-04:00What do you think?I have this weird habit. Every time I'm using the microwave (whether it be to pop popcorn, heat up a heating bag, or just reheating a meal) I use the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">allotted</span> time as a timer. Instead of just standing in front of the microwave, waiting for what is in there to be done, I run around trying to get various tasks done before the time is up. I have actually perfected unloading a dishwasher in under 2 minutes. Getting lunches made for the next day, no problem! It's like a challenge.<br />Am I the only person out there who does this? I know no man ever does this as it is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">multitasking</span>, but does any woman? I know, we don't stand still waiting for the microwave stop because, well, women hardly ever stand still, but does anyone else look at it as a challenge?<br />Okay, let me know.....and I already know I'm weird. That's a given. :)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-80378303555100015292009-04-05T08:44:00.000-04:002009-04-05T09:02:44.884-04:00The answerFact: I do not have the time to go out and party, get drunk, etc. <br /><br />Do I have people who would be happy to look after my children? Sure do!<br /><br />Do I have a husband who is supportive of me having a night out? Yup!<br /><br />So, why don't I go out? Because I have to pay for it the next day. I don't mean having a hangover because that's a given. I mean, I drink so little that I feel the effects of alcohol after about half a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pomtini</span>. <br /><br />This is what I mean. One day of me not cleaning, tidying and general care of my house results in another full day's work of making up for it. For example, yesterday I spent the day downtown with Stew and then the whole family went over to my brother's for dinner. This morning I have woken up to a floor that desperately needs sweeping, 2 loads of laundry to fold, dirty dishes piled up in the sink, couches full of various backpacks, hats, mitts, etc, one kid who needs a bath, two kids who need to do homework, and two lunches that need to be made for tomorrow. Plus I have to run out this afternoon!<br />And I don't have a choice to leave it one extra day. My home is my place of work. I have daycare kids coming tomorrow. It must be done!<br />So, even if I have someone willing to take the kids for the night and Joe's fine with it. I can tell you now, even if I was able to sleep in the next day, I would still have to do all this work to get ready for the next day. And I know what you're thinking..."Why don't you do all of that before you go out?". Even if I did, at least half of it would reappear the next day!<br /><br />That, to answer my lovely family's question, is why I do not go out and get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">royally</span> pissed. I do not have the time. Sure if you had someone come over and look after my kids as well as tidy up the house I might consider it, but we all know I'd say no to that. Why? Because I cannot stand inconveniencing people and there's no way I'm gonna let someone else clean up my family's mess. So, thanks but no thanks. <br />I'll stick to my dinner or movie, or tea out with a friend. Maybe have a drink at the pub, but only one and not after <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">midnight</span>. ;)<br />My time is up. Breakfast is done. Must start tidying.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-23839358705449239172009-02-26T22:34:00.001-05:002009-02-26T22:40:08.971-05:00Computer habitsRight now on the computer I have the following windows open:<br /> - iT<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unes</span><br /> - F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acebook</span><br /> - W<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ebkinz</span><br /> - a digital copy of Midnight Sun<br /> ...and I'm blogging in this window. <br /><br />When Joe's on the computer he can only have one window open at a time. If I have anything else open he has to close it all out. <br /><br />I think that is just a great observation in our differences. I multi-task my ass off and Joe.....God love him. I know I do. ;)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-51331090870090293592009-02-26T22:09:00.000-05:002009-02-26T22:28:21.929-05:00DaddyTomorrow is my dad's last day of work. 35 years as a police officer. And in case anyone notices the similarity of years to my age....yup, dad found out mom was pregnant and decided to get a new, stable career. <br />Anyway, I'm sure some have heard that as a retirement gift to himself my dad is taking the entire family (10 of us) to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Disneyworld</span> for a vacation. When I found this out I am sure you can imagine I was all "Woo, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hoo</span>!". I didn't really think much of it, but was just thankful for the upcoming gift.<br />Later on my mom and I were talking a little more about it and she told me the reason Dad was taking us all on this vacation was to make up for all the time he missed when we were growing up. Here's the thing.....I don't remember him missing anything. Okay, when I really started thinking about it I remember some family dinners were missed and he was absent for some holidays, but not enough to say my father was an absent parent. In fact, if anyone has heard me talk about my dad it's only praise. <br />So, I guess what I really want to say is...we parents always worry about how much time we spend with our kids, but as kids if the time spent is quality time then really it doesn't matter about the quantity.<br /><br />Daddy, I am so proud of you. Not just for being the best police officer I have ever met, but for being the best man. Congratulations on a wonderful career. I hope mom lets you relax now that you're home more often. I love you to bits and bits.....always have.....always will.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-52999048555013633562009-02-23T18:24:00.000-05:002009-02-23T18:26:25.058-05:00For PaulI'm sorry. I can't. She's my best friend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />;pColehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-50942914811209643062009-02-20T21:28:00.000-05:002009-02-20T21:56:00.474-05:00In it for the long haulTo quote "Mad About Love".....<br />"'You put up with my crap and I put up with your crap?'<br />'That's marriage?'<br />'This is what I'm thinking.'"<br /><br />Words to live by. :)<br /><br />Ladies, you can't change your man. If you can't accept him the way he is then move on. Would you like it if he tried to change you?<br /><br />There's no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">back story</span> to this post. It's just one of the philosophies I live by. My husband's not perfect and I'm okay with that. Why? Because I am nowhere near <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">perfect</span>, but he still loves me to bits. :)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-39696773719490776392009-02-01T12:26:00.000-05:002009-02-01T12:32:29.529-05:00Pondering a though....It's been 10 years since I was last in a classroom and I have finally hit that point where I miss it. Well, I don't miss the whole worry over grades and stuff like that, but I miss the learning aspect of it. I miss the studying of a piece of literature to find the various, intricate layers. I miss studying so much that I've gotten to the point of highlighting and writing little notes on the various books I'm reading....okay, the Twilight saga. <br />I'd like to be in a book club, but I can't really find one. I've tried to start one up with my girlfriends, but we all know that when we get together we'll just chat.<br />I was thinking of looking into an online course or a night course. Nothing too deep, but more for the fun of it. I guess we'll just have to see. Do I have too much on my plate already? I think I'll have to think more about this. :)Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-75337371500922057482009-01-21T20:29:00.000-05:002009-01-21T20:49:07.852-05:00To AndrewYou are not my older brother. You are my younger brother. So, I'd really appreciate it if you stop talking down to me. Just because you are a cop does not make the overall authority over life. I might not see the world the way you do, but I don't need to be educated on it. I like my "rose coloured glasses" and the view they give me.<br />I don't need to buy a new house. Yes, our house is small. Yes, sometimes it's cramped, but it's home and I like it.<br />I don't need a new job. I like what I do. I am proud of what I do. I might not protect lives, but I help raise them. People ask me to look after their most precious possessions and I do a damn good job at it! I feel at home, at peace in my job right now and that can only mean that I am doing what I should be.<br />No, we don't have a lot of money. We can't buy people fancy presents and go on luxurious vacations, but we know how to give our love and our time.<br />I believe in creativity, poetry, music, literature, and art. I believe in imagination and escapism and expression. And I will do my best to teach my children what it all means.<br />No, this might not be "the real world" but it is the world I choose to live in. <br />So, how about showing me a little bit of respect and stop talking to me like you're my father. I already have one of those and he's a damn good one. I really don't need another. That badge you wear does not make you an authority on everything. I have opinions on things and in some areas I might just know a lot more than you. So quit it. <br />All that said...I'm a chicken. I know I'll never tell you this because I know I can't win an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">argument</span> with you. And you (as we all know) are always right. So, I'm gonna get my feelings out the only way I know how. This is my blog, my journal. In here I can say whatever I want. I might regret this later, but right now, well, I'm letting my feelings be heard.<br />Your Sister,<br />Cole<br />P.S. I'll always love you.Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-90669241722954474152009-01-11T20:37:00.000-05:002009-01-11T20:44:55.943-05:00Be a good neighbour!The people at the north end of my street just moved in in the spring. This is their first winter on our street. So far they are not good neighbours. They are the last ones to shovel their sidewalk and now they are not even removing the pile of snow at the end of the sidewalk where the snowplow went by. This pile of snow has been there for over a week. This is becoming a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">safety</span> hazard for me and the kids I look after...why? Because every time we walk to and from school I have to try and get my kids over this large and wide pile of snow onto the road to then cross it. This is not safe.<br />On Friday while walking home with my kids (on the road I might add because it was just easier then getting them to scale the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snow pile</span>) I finally ran into someone who lived in the house. I asked them very kindly to remove this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">snow pile</span> because of it being a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">safety</span> hazard. The young woman was very nice, said she understood, apologized and said it would be done. I told her as long as it's done by Monday I'm fine. It's still not done.<br />Now, I have to be a bitch, call the city, get it removed and then they will send them a bill for it. Fuck! I have 5 kids I have to walk to school tomorrow! Why are people such lazy assholes?! We have seniors on our street! <br />I hate being a bitch!<br />To be continued......Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-59740982917114185782009-01-03T09:22:00.000-05:002009-01-03T10:52:50.520-05:00You're only as old as you feelI'm trying to figure out how to write this without coming across as pathetic. I know what I want to say, but I'm trying to figure out the words. I might as well just jump in and start swimming.....<br /><br />I have a friend who is convinced that I will never grow up. (See, that comes across bad, but it's not!)<br />Okay, I'll try it from another angle.....<br /><br />I have a really vast and detailed memory. As a result I remember all the way back to when I was just turning three. No, I don't think I remember from pictures...I have a very detailed memory of visiting my mom in the hospital after she had my brother. I remember the lobby, what my mom was wearing, the family that were there and the special lollipop I got. My husband has joked before that he could never win an argument with me because I'll not only repeat back to him what he has said, but when it was said, where we were and sometimes what we were wearing.<br />This memory has served me well in life. In high school I not only knew my class schedule, but that of my friends.... okay, and the boy I liked. :) And as far as movies go well, I'm the person you call when you see someone in something and you can't remember what else you saw them in. (Of course, I'm really not needed anymore with IMDB available to everyone.)<br />But here's where this memory has also served me well....I remember what it is like to be 5 or 13 or 18 or 23. And I use it depending on whom I'm with. With my kids I'm able to make fun out of little things. I know it's fun to just play...to pretend...to scream and yell for a while.<br />I also remember what it's like to be a teenager. For little things to mean a big deal. To not quite get the whole responsibility thing and wonder what everyone else's problem is. ;)<br />I am a defender of youth. I'm not talking the whole party scene and all that crap. Hell, I didn't do that the first time around. (And some of the stuff teenage girls do nowadays.....well, I'm just wondering if they were all born without a conscience.) But the enjoyment of life. The silliness of it all. And maybe that's why I'm reluctant to give it up. But also, just maybe, it has to do with the fact that my kids will be teenagers at one point and I never want them to think they can't talk to me.<br />So, since my teenage years revolved more around movies, music, and stars that is what I am still very much in touch with. I still like watching movies over and over again. And I still get fixated on one celebrity for a while which means I have to watch every movie he's ever been in. (Right now it's Vince Vaughn.) And I have one little tribute to my teenage years that I keep in my kitchen....my old bulletin board. The one that was plastered with pictures when I was younger is still a collage of images. Now it includes more friends and family, the things the kids are interested in (like Camp Rock and Indiana Jones), and the kids' school calender, but I still make my presence known.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJTi2qVrf2oHeFjhZYGWpL3e8hMPnt4Kg61fqwNrK1XaDBU6qi0zBybKZFSHSIBuvFQyf1svFXB_2Z5TaZlmXIT2pa1iPJPgS8R0jD_H2AQvAHNO8uci1ug80scML_TsXygpMajs35Aw/s1600-h/010.JPG"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094226308745186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJTi2qVrf2oHeFjhZYGWpL3e8hMPnt4Kg61fqwNrK1XaDBU6qi0zBybKZFSHSIBuvFQyf1svFXB_2Z5TaZlmXIT2pa1iPJPgS8R0jD_H2AQvAHNO8uci1ug80scML_TsXygpMajs35Aw/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, maybe my friend is right...maybe I will never grow up. But I think I'm okay with that. </p><p>There, that's not too pathetic is it? </p>Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-76140665889516055092008-12-16T18:28:00.000-05:002008-12-16T18:45:25.009-05:00Christmas memoriesOkay, okay, I've been bad. I should have been on here ages ago. I'd say November was uneventful, so I didn't bother writing, but the truth was it was too busy that I just didn't have time to write. And of course whenever I did have time I couldn't think of anything to write. Now....well I'm making time.<br />What to write about? Well, Christmas of course!<br />I have to say this has been one of those years when all of those cliche's have actually <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occurred</span>. Remember how Clark Griswold just wants "an old-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fashioned</span> family Christmas"? Well, it seems I'm kinda having that this year. I've been in the middle of moments and thinking to myself, "This is the kind of thing you see in movies.". It's been a good year so far. :)<br />First, we went to cut down our tree as we do every year. We go on a Tuesday because that's when Joe is off of work and it's just a lot less busy. Okay, it's usually empty. This year we headed out early because there was a chance that the temperature was going to rise and the beautiful snow was going to turn into rain. Well it didn't rain while we were out. Instead there were big flakes of snow falling, lovely silence, packing snow and the wonderful smell of Christmas trees everywhere. To quote Linus from, well, The Great Pumpkin.....there was "nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.". It was beautiful and perfect.<br />The second moment came after the kids' Christmas concert last week. Since we live so close to Abby and Stew's school (and parking is minimal) we decided to walk over to the concert. Once the concert was over it was about 8pm. It was a nice, clear night and it wasn't too cold. The kids starting singing Christmas carols and the next thing you know all four of us were singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" while walking home in the dark. It was so cheesy it was nice.<br />Anyway, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">there have</span> been many more moments like that so far this holiday season. I can't help but consider myself blessed to have such wonderful memories of my kids. How did I get so lucky?Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-88375790015448706932008-10-29T13:53:00.000-04:002008-10-29T14:02:32.665-04:00I have always had a distinct memory of being read a specific book in grade one at Lord Roberts Public School. I remember sitting in the library and although I never knew the entire story I knew enough how it went. It was about a boy who went for a sleepover, but didn't want to bring his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">teddy bear</span> because he was afraid his friend would laugh at him. I know there have been many versions of this specific story, but this one was the original.<br />Well, for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">umm</span> 29 years now I have had that story in the back of my head. Here and there trying to search for it, but since I had no title or author I had no luck.<br />Today, I was at my kids' school library volunteering like I do and there sitting on top of a shelf was "Ira Sleeps Over" by Bernard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Waber</span>. The moment I saw it I knew that was the book!!! Obviously I took it out to read it to my kids. <br />The search is over!!!Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-89402472347861914282008-10-23T23:44:00.000-04:002008-10-24T00:06:47.963-04:00Thoughts running through my head right now.....*I really like the word "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">twitterpated</span>" :)<br /><br />*I should go to bed.<br /><br />*My shoulders really hurt from plunging that toilet today!<br /><br />*I think you're avoiding me.<br /><br />*I need to lose weight.<br /><br />*I miss adult conversation about nothing.<br /><br />*I need to go shopping tomorrow.<br /><br />*I wonder if I'm going to be able to get a good picture of the kiddies for the Christmas card this year.<br /><br />*I just want to skip Halloween and go straight to Christmas.<br /><br />*I miss school. I want to study something.<br /><br />*I need to lose weight.<br /><br />*I miss you. :(Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-78168321580526998892008-10-05T08:31:00.000-04:002008-10-05T22:12:51.808-04:00The belt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj925SX5HcEd-HztJbwtS6G_QAAch-zYaf8oLmpFY_9YE1uqEpeJd3nfAAD00hGFYt3U21bpKxms6qMqKUB7xwU-knl3pL9hS5EnAIEst6hZcO_Rpt2xiRPYQpTmWGgmrWSSUK7VRCQwHw/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253649265579331890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj925SX5HcEd-HztJbwtS6G_QAAch-zYaf8oLmpFY_9YE1uqEpeJd3nfAAD00hGFYt3U21bpKxms6qMqKUB7xwU-knl3pL9hS5EnAIEst6hZcO_Rpt2xiRPYQpTmWGgmrWSSUK7VRCQwHw/s320/005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When Stew was around 2 my friend Simon gave Stewart one of his old belts that he had when he was a kid. It's a nylon belt that had a big plastic buckle on it. He gave it to Stew because (at the time) Stewart was fascinated with plastic buckles of any kind.....car seat buckles, high chair buckles you name it. </div><br /><div>Well, Stew would play with it here and there, but basically it lived in his closet. That is, until this week. For the last 5 nights Stewart has been wearing the belt to bed. Yup, to bed. He's also worn it around during the day, but he always has to make sure he has it on when he goes to bed. I have no idea why this is! Does it has some special super power that helps you sleep at night? Has it become a new comfort item for him? (Forget the stuffed Curious George...make sure the belt is on!) He put it on the night before he turned 5 and has worn it every night since!</div><br /><div>Anyway, I'm perplexed. I have no idea how long this will go on, but from here on out I will be on "belt watch". </div>Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6520545498217208243.post-52328444759837064272008-10-01T16:26:00.000-04:002008-10-01T16:30:51.888-04:00A conversationCole: "I really want to see Eagle Eye."<br /><br />Joe: "Why?"<br /><br />Cole: "Because it looks good."<br /><br />Joe: "I don't think so."<br /><br />Cole: "I heard it was really good."<br /><br />Joe: "I don't think so."<br /><br />Cole "It is! I really want to see it!"<br /><br />Joe: "Why?"<br /><br />Cole: "Okay, because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shia's</span> all scruffy in it and I like scruffy."<br /><br />Joe: "He's a kid."<br /><br />Cole: "He is not."<br /><br />Joe: "He's a kid!"<br /><br />Cole: "He is not! He's 21."<br /><br />Joe: "Cole, that's a kid."<br /><br />Cole: "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Argh</span>!"Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14036553420470460228noreply@blogger.com0