Christmas has come and gone and now 2008 is hours away from being history! When I look back at the year it seemed as though it flew by...but a when we were in each moment it was if time was standing still, crawling by, but here we are on the cusp of a New Year!
I still can't believe it is going to be 2009! 2009! Wasn't it only the year 2000 yesterday?!
Christmas was delightful! We had tons of fun with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
We watched many movies, played Wii and sung along to Sing Star. Hello!? How fun is sing star! F.U.N! that is what!
We are home again now! It is nice to go away and visit but is also nice to come home again.
We are spending the evening with some of our closest friends. What better way to bring in a New Year!! We are gearing up for cocktails, games and food, tons of food if I know our friends! We will be devouring appetizers, followed by homemade pizza and finished off with chocolate fondue...then we will play Settlers of Catan, Rummoli and take a dip in the hot tub!
Perfect!
Happy New Year to All!
Here's to 2009 and all the hopes, dreams, aspirations and adventures a New Year brings!
Cheers :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Happy Christmas to All!
Today is our last day of work before the holidays! We are lucky enough to be able to close our office for the Christmas break. We all need time to spend with our family and friends and re-charge for the New Year! So, we are excited to not have to return to work until January 5th, 2009!!!
This year we are spending Christmas with my family out in B.C. It is the first time since Yvan and I have been together that we have gone out for Christmas to the West Coast. We have been out lots in the summer and other times but not at Christmas. We are really,really looking forward to it!
We celebrated Christmas with Yvan's family on Saturday - and it was fantastic. It really felt like Christmas day! We ate lots of good food, visited and exchanged gifts! We love his family so much and we were glad to be able to spend some time with them before we head off to Vancouver.
Saturday night I had the pleasure of spending the evening with Rhonda, Shannon, Cheryl, Jess and Shauna! I love these girls! They are so understanding, supportive and fun! Thanks for the great time gals!!!
We were hoping we might get a special something for Christmas but it looks like we will have to wait until sometime in 2009 for that now! We are sad beyond belief but because of our amazing family and friends we will get thru this Christmas season and we will be o.k.
We wish you all the happiest of Christmases and all the best in 2009!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
Love Rana and Yvan
P.S. Here is my favourite Christmas carol done by two amazing singers! (Yes, you might have already seen it on Cinn's blog today too! Great minds think alike right Cinn :)
This year we are spending Christmas with my family out in B.C. It is the first time since Yvan and I have been together that we have gone out for Christmas to the West Coast. We have been out lots in the summer and other times but not at Christmas. We are really,really looking forward to it!
We celebrated Christmas with Yvan's family on Saturday - and it was fantastic. It really felt like Christmas day! We ate lots of good food, visited and exchanged gifts! We love his family so much and we were glad to be able to spend some time with them before we head off to Vancouver.
Saturday night I had the pleasure of spending the evening with Rhonda, Shannon, Cheryl, Jess and Shauna! I love these girls! They are so understanding, supportive and fun! Thanks for the great time gals!!!
We were hoping we might get a special something for Christmas but it looks like we will have to wait until sometime in 2009 for that now! We are sad beyond belief but because of our amazing family and friends we will get thru this Christmas season and we will be o.k.
We wish you all the happiest of Christmases and all the best in 2009!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
Love Rana and Yvan
P.S. Here is my favourite Christmas carol done by two amazing singers! (Yes, you might have already seen it on Cinn's blog today too! Great minds think alike right Cinn :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Marley & Me
I finished reading "Marley & Me" on Wednesday - oh my GAWD!!! Why didn't you people warn me - I mean you warned me but really you should have WARNED me!
I cried from beginning to end. Now part of that is because I have slipped out of the comfortably-numb phase back into the crying-buckets-of-tears-spontaneously phase again.
But holy-schmoly that is one tear-jerker of a book - and my dogs were both curled up with me as I was reading the end of the book - well, we had a bit of a snuggle fest for sure after I finished! If they weren't spoiled before, watch out, they are going to be even more loved and cuddled than ever now! The cats too!
Pets, what would we do without them!
I cried from beginning to end. Now part of that is because I have slipped out of the comfortably-numb phase back into the crying-buckets-of-tears-spontaneously phase again.
But holy-schmoly that is one tear-jerker of a book - and my dogs were both curled up with me as I was reading the end of the book - well, we had a bit of a snuggle fest for sure after I finished! If they weren't spoiled before, watch out, they are going to be even more loved and cuddled than ever now! The cats too!
Pets, what would we do without them!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Muppets
The muppets were such a big part of my life when I was kid. I remember every week we would watch "The Muppet Show" it always made everyone happy.
I always wondered why they didn't run "The Muppet Show" again. I think kids and adults would still love them.
Much to our surprise last night we watched a brand new muppet special called "Letters to Santa" and it was so funny and cute!
Here is Kermit singing "Rainbow Connection" to make you smile.
So, since I was looking online for muppet videos - I thought I would see if there was anything on "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas". Does anyone remember that Christmas special? It is probably my favourite Christmas show as a kid (o.k and as an adult). They used to play it all the time but I haven't seen it in years....luckily I found this video.
Oooooh...now I am really excited - I just found the DVD on Amazon - and I ordered it!!!! Ha ha ha! I am such a nerd.
Hey, you do what it takes to keep you happy and going - "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas" does just that.
I always wondered why they didn't run "The Muppet Show" again. I think kids and adults would still love them.
Much to our surprise last night we watched a brand new muppet special called "Letters to Santa" and it was so funny and cute!
Here is Kermit singing "Rainbow Connection" to make you smile.
So, since I was looking online for muppet videos - I thought I would see if there was anything on "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas". Does anyone remember that Christmas special? It is probably my favourite Christmas show as a kid (o.k and as an adult). They used to play it all the time but I haven't seen it in years....luckily I found this video.
Oooooh...now I am really excited - I just found the DVD on Amazon - and I ordered it!!!! Ha ha ha! I am such a nerd.
Hey, you do what it takes to keep you happy and going - "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas" does just that.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Baby, IT'S Cold Outside
When I woke up this morning the temperature outside was -35 degrees Celsius which is bloody cold!
Today is a plug-your-car-in, wear-every-piece of warm-clothes-you-own, turn-up-the-heat, better-yet-just-stay-inside kind of day!!!
Jack Frost is not just nipping at your nose - he full-on took a big hunk out of it!!!
This is what it looks like out our front door today - Brrrrrrrrr!
We decided to make our favourite breakfast - Bagels and eggs with turkey bacon
Bagels and Eggs
2 bagels
4 eggs
handful shredded cheese
spices of choice - we use Epicure Herb 'n Garlic
-Cut bagels in half and lightly toast and butter (it is good to toast the bagels first so they don't get soggy)
-Spray frying pan with Pam
-Place bagels in pan and widen holes if necessary.
-Crack 1 egg in each bagel hole carefully (sometimes you need to lift the bagel up to let the egg fall thru slightly.
-Cook on medium heat
-Add water to help steam cook eggs (like basting)
-Cover and let cook.
When eggs are close to your desired consistency - sprinkle with cheese and spices
When cheese is melted you are done
Voila Bagels and eggs! Yum.
Oh and yesterday we hit 13 months!!! UGH! That dull, thudding sound you heard was just me banging my head against a brick wall!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Comfortably Numb
Or is that uncomfortably numb? I guess feeling numb shouldn't feel comfortable but it is better than feeling overwhelmed with grief...which happens -oh boy does it happen.
I feel as though I am walking around with a giant force field over me. I don't feel particularily happy and don't feel exhaustingly sad. I laugh at times, I cry at times but I feel impartial to all of it.
It is as though I am watching my life as if it were a movie...I watch the characters and I think to myself "Wow, what a difficult time they are going thru - I should give them a hug". "Maybe I could fix it and make it all better for them." Then reality hits and I realize -this is MY life. What the...how did we get here?!
What comes to mind is the song "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
"Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Come on, Come on, Come on, now,
I hear you're feeling down.
I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again.
Relax.
I'll need some information first.
Just the basic facts.
Can you show me where it hurts?
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I had a FEVER My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain, you would not understand
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.
I have become comfortably numb.
O.K.Just a little pin prick.
There'll be no more aaaaaaaaah!
But you may feel a little sick.
Can you stand up?
I do believe it's working, good.
That'll keep you going through the show
Come on it's time to go.
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown,
The dream is gone.
but I have become comfortably numb."
I wished I was feeling more like this
Sigh - Don't you just love Ben Harper!
I feel as though I am walking around with a giant force field over me. I don't feel particularily happy and don't feel exhaustingly sad. I laugh at times, I cry at times but I feel impartial to all of it.
It is as though I am watching my life as if it were a movie...I watch the characters and I think to myself "Wow, what a difficult time they are going thru - I should give them a hug". "Maybe I could fix it and make it all better for them." Then reality hits and I realize -this is MY life. What the...how did we get here?!
What comes to mind is the song "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
"Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Come on, Come on, Come on, now,
I hear you're feeling down.
I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again.
Relax.
I'll need some information first.
Just the basic facts.
Can you show me where it hurts?
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I had a FEVER My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain, you would not understand
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.
I have become comfortably numb.
O.K.Just a little pin prick.
There'll be no more aaaaaaaaah!
But you may feel a little sick.
Can you stand up?
I do believe it's working, good.
That'll keep you going through the show
Come on it's time to go.
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown,
The dream is gone.
but I have become comfortably numb."
I wished I was feeling more like this
Sigh - Don't you just love Ben Harper!
Monday, December 8, 2008
What Happens...
...on a chilly Saturday morning in our house!
You doze by the fireside
You stretch out for a snooze under the Christmas Tree
You watch your favourite Christmas movies while baking
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Goodbye Sweet Car
Well, SGI called last night and told us that my dear, sweet VW has been deemed a total loss! They couldn't save her! I am sad...I loved my car. It took me to and from places safely. It was fun to drive....sigh. I know it is just a car but it was my car...and so the search begins for new (used) one.
R.I.P
I will miss you!
R.I.P
I will miss you!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bead For Life
Yesterday I hosted a Bead for Life party. Bead for Life is an organization which partners with women in need from Uganda to help make a difference in their lives. The party featured beautiful beaded jewelry made of recycled paper by refugees from Northern Uganda’s brutal war and HIV+ mothers. All of the women Bead for Life works with were living on less than a dollar a day before they began making beads.
The best part of all is that the money raised from the sale of the beads goes directly to the women and communities in Uganda. The hostess/host do not get any benefits from hosting....they need to buy their jewelry just like everyone else.
Hosting the event is free - doesn't cost you one red penny (of course any food or refreshments you serve are your expense). You contact Bead for Life - they ask how big and when your party will be. You give them your address and they send you out the kit with all the jewelry in it. Then you sell the jewelry to your friends and send the money back to Beads for Life. There is no shipping costs involved - nothing, nada! It was awesome!
And the jewelry is AMAZING!!! It is so much prettier and more intricate when you see it in person.
The best part of all is that the money raised from the sale of the beads goes directly to the women and communities in Uganda. The hostess/host do not get any benefits from hosting....they need to buy their jewelry just like everyone else.
Hosting the event is free - doesn't cost you one red penny (of course any food or refreshments you serve are your expense). You contact Bead for Life - they ask how big and when your party will be. You give them your address and they send you out the kit with all the jewelry in it. Then you sell the jewelry to your friends and send the money back to Beads for Life. There is no shipping costs involved - nothing, nada! It was awesome!
And the jewelry is AMAZING!!! It is so much prettier and more intricate when you see it in person.
Because I am a cotton-headed-ninny-muggins (I have been itching to use that since I watched Elf Saturday night for the umpteenth time) I forgot to take pictures of all the gals trying the jewelry on. Sheesh! Can you believe it.
I think about 25 women came out for the party (thanks to all those who brought friends and family along) making it a success. The total sales from the day where just a few dollars shy of $1700.
$1700!!!!!! YOU GALS ROCK !!! I am so excited to send the money to Bead for Life - All the purchasing of jewelry for yourself or loved ones has just made a woman and her family's life on the other side of the world that much better!!! How awesome is that!
The adoption posse came out in full force - Cheryl, Rhonda, Ricki, Sandi, Natasha, Jessica and Shauna...they hung around after for a visit and catch up...Rhonda's right...we all need to be living in the same city to do this more often - come on Ricki and Rhonda - move to Toon Town. Shannon - we missed you and wished you were there - I made black bottom cupcakes in your honour (they were awesome!). Jess it was nice to meet you! We will see you soon hopefully :)
I love that women came together to celebrate and empower women a world away. I challenge all other women out there who read my blog to throw a Bead for Life party...and blog about it!
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