...turkey tomorrow! Mmm...

1. What’s a profession you believe to be overpaid?

Government Ministers..er’ I mean Pro-Sport Players and; Celebrities!

2. Who’s a musician you believe to be overrated?

Eric Clapton...R. Kelly and 50 Cent

3. What in your life could stand to be overhauled?

My closet !!! ..oh my lord, I feel like I have nothing to wear EVER. :( Poor me. Maybe I’ll get some clothes for Christmas.. :)

4. What’s something interesting you recently overheard?

Not really ‘interesting’ - just the only thing I can remember just overhearing...and more of an irony in it’s timing – of all things to hear someone talking about when your walking by..sad..and too bad they have to explain it to random people they haven’t seen since the events…..as I was walking by a friend who I hadn’t seen in awhile, I overheard her explaining to someone, after this someone asked how her partner was doing, that she and her partner had separated this year; and the someone commented – it happens to the best of them! – and they both then awkwardly laughed…ugh.

5. Who is the most overextended person you know?

All the hardworking single mother’s or father’s out there, this is a difficult time of year! And a very busy time of year – it’s difficult to be everything and everywhere!
It’s a hard time of year for everyone..but there are definitely people who are having difficult times...for unfortunate reasons...or unfortunate circumstances. You can only do your best – it will be noticed, and won’t be forgotten!

Today's grateful list:

Hot light hazelnut coffee...mmm

In 3.5 weeks i'm on vacation!

Cuddles with the kid

The kid LOVING the snow,and getting so excited when playin in it! (He found the tinies corner that hasn't yet melted over lunch break)

Turkey dinner with friends

Pie

Weekends!!! :) YIPPEE!

K....don't get me..

Today's grateful list:

Health and happiness

Comfy pjs

My bed

Sitting on the couch; enjoying the fireplace and xmas lights lit up outside

My pink and white striped comfy socks

Maynard’s sour patch kids

Wine

And A for bringing home hot fudge….and ice cream!

AND TGIF tomorrow !!

Polly wanna what ?

Ugh...I’m having one of those days where time is crawling, and I just want it to speed up so I can be home! It doesn’t help that I’m working late this week...doesn’t help at all...AND my mind is everywhere but here.
You ever get consumed in your thoughts and stay focused on something – that can’t be averted, changed – is inevitable but still it’s there and your thinking about it over and over and over and over…again – like for the entire day!
I’m so not looking forward to a dark, and cold walk to my car after work.

Pholph's Scrabble Generator My Scrabble© Score is: 15. What is your score? Get it here.

Love Pink!

Loving the World of Pink - and how far we have come and the direction that we are taking!

Growing up, I was a Tomboy, and still am of sorts. I played all the sports, video games, hunting for frogs, digging for worms, building tree houses all the outdoorsy things in our day that were stereotyped to boys! I remember how incredibly cool it was to get Ms. Pacman (what a change for the times) - the feeling I had when I could pick a 'girl' character to be when I was playing a video game....liberating and empowering to be able to play someone like myself - and for them to be strong characters that could defeat evil and prevail.
Times have changed - women and girls have been given more liberties and freedoms. More things are acceptable and the world is realizing the female population are a capable one! Although we always were, men, marketing departments and their company executives are just now realizing - girls love sports, they play video games too....hmmm..and they love to shop and spend money! hmm...OR maybe women are in these higher company positions and are changing things themselves...how cool!

I went out and did some Christmas shopping this past week and couldn't have been happier and more excited for all the changes in marketing that I saw - we never had these things growing up, but how exciting that these generations now have the choice and option! FUN!! :) I think it's a sign of changing times - and what a great time to be a girl! ...a strong, confident, true to oneself and one's passion - an expressive girl!

Yay girl power! .....I so want a pink basketball, golf putter and xbox controller! ;)

Love Thursday!

Have you ever come across somebody whose been so amazingly talented at doing something; whether it be artistically, physically or just something ever so simple but incredibly natural that it has knocked your socks off or completely stopped you in your tracks?

A couple nights ago, I met a man in town who did just that, he stopped me in my tracks cold. I was ordering some supper while waiting for a few girlfriends; nothing out of the ordinary was happening – two people standing side by side, ho humming - rocking back and forth – staring off into space– waiting for an order of food; when he started singing….it was completely under his breath – casual not attention seeking in the least; and it was THE MOST incredibly raw and beautiful – natural and pure voice I have ever heard in my life…I completely stopped, listened and looked at him in awe – this is definitely not something you hear or even discover in a stranger ever, if at all – (especially in a small City) when he paused I said in utter and complete awe “You have an AMAZING voice.”
I haven’t stopped thinking about him since, and hope I see him again. He moved here recently from Barbados and he was a delight to talk to and his voice...unreal...all that I think to compare it to is ‘maybe’ Southern gospel – BUT I have never heard anything that natural and pure...it moved me.

Today’s grateful list:
Senses

Hot coffee

Relaxing

Warm towels

Rejuvenation

Lipbalm

Shopping

Natura Life

Our first dusting of snow came early this a.m.; a cold and crunchy a.m.;

It seems like now that the cold weather is on its way everyone is getting into a ‘knitting’ spirit. Maybe the art of knitting is on a revival. I’ve always enjoyed knitting; I’m not great at it and can only knit and purl straight type projects such as blankets, scarves, and dishcloths.
I’ve always wanted to learn to knit mittens; my grandmothers always knit us mittens when we were younger, and I still have about 3 pairs from them – they are the warmest mittens I’ve ever worn. I may have convinced a fellow blogger to do an ‘easy’ and slow tutorial for an ‘easy’ mitten pattern.
I was at our local market this past weekend, and I couldn’t believe how cheap handmade mittens were being sold for; they seem so complicated to make and so time consuming. Mind you for me, it would probably take a year to build one pair. But, some were definitely under priced.
Other knit items I love are baby sweater, hat and booty sets! There’s a woman I worked with not long ago that knits these all the time and with a great deal of ease, and they are the most precious, and beautiful little sets – I can remember my grandmother made those for us as well when my sisters and I were born. The minute I’m preggo I’m going to be knocking on JW’s door..haha.

I'm going to try and get a few knitting projects completed this Winter when the cold sets in - and I have no inclination to leave my house, and i'd also like to get some scrapbooking done. Something else I love, but never seem to have time to do - I need a scrapbooking/craft room! I think the organization would get me motivated, instead of having my stuff in rubbermaid containers. There is a big sale on at a local store that is closing and I can't stop looking at the picture of supplies a friend of mine went and bought yesterday - I just want to go and spend lots of money on fun stuff!!....doh!;

I am absolutely loving my treadmill! I was lucky, I researched different ones; and heard of a sale through a friend and was able to find one with the exact features I wanted and ended up getting it for a steal of a price (which A was really happy about) – and it is awesome, does everything I could want and so much more. I think I’ve had it for about six weeks now. The best thing about it is the fact that I don’t have to leave the house to use it – especially since the cold weather is on its way – no thank you; I don’t have to sign up to use it for a 20 min time slot like at the gym; I’m not waiting for someone to get off of it so that I can have my 20 min turn; I don’t have to wipe anybody else’s sweat off of it; I have a great start to an exercise room…and have so many ideas turning in my head to make it even better (although A says I’m done..); I can turn the heat up in the room before using it so that it’s not that horrible changing into gym clothes; I can dilly dally on it for as long as I want at whichever pace that I want; If A is watching sports, I can walk on it and watch my shows, as it has a built in TV – and the BEST thing about it….I can exercise in whatever I want, I don’t have to worry about having cool gym clothes because I can run naked if I want or run in my pajamas – because it’s in my house (Monday night I went for a run at 10:00 p.m. in my pjs while watching John and Kate! :) LOVE IT!

Weekend Rewind

Today's grateful list:

Hot Coffee

Crisp pre-winter air

Beyonce's - If I were a boy

Dance dance revolution

Sleep

Post-its

Questions Friday

1. What usually marks the middle of your day?

Lunch time – but by 3:00p.m., everyday I’m always counting down till I get to go home…and it feels like it’s the middle of the day then.

2. From whom (or to whom) was your most recent middle-of-the-night phone call?
A – he went over to a friend’s after hockey for a drink and to try out Dance Dance Revolution….baby! …before we purchase it for ourselves. Weeeee!

3. On what social, political, economic, or moral issue are you in the middle of the road?
Not sure middle of the road is the right term….but the man that is having the babies – is it a man, is it a woman, and why are Oprah and Barbara Walters glorifying it so much…

4. How likely are you to give someone your middle finger?

LOL – likely! It feels good to give the mf from time to time…a strong mf here and another strong one there! ….hits the spot.

5. When were you last caught in the middle of a disagreement that really had nothing to do with you?

My parents were down a couple of weeks ago, my stepmom wants an electric fireplace for the den – more for ambiance, but they have a woodstove in the livingroom, so my dad disagrees that they need one. I have one and LOVE it; so I was helping my stepmom’s cause….or at least trying!

6. Among people you know, who has the greenest thumb?
My grampy! ....and my dad :)

7. Among people you know, who has the bluest blood?
Hmm…I can’t think of anyone that I know who comes from such a prominent background…I know a few individuals who would like to think they are ‘blue blooded’……nope can’t think of anyone.

8. Among people you know, who has the yellowest belly?
Oh….., I don’t think there are many people who lack courage in this journey of life….there are many trials, obstacles that we all come to in our paths, and that need to be crossed, expectedly or unexpectedly…and we’ve all needed to be courageous!
When it comes to trying new things, or dangerous “appearing” things….I am a chicken at the best of times! :)

9. Among people you know, who has the blackest heart?
I’m going to say BT; because she is young, full of energy, hot, sexy – loves life and loves a party. Has tons of self-confidence, personable and very sweet.

10. Among people you know, who is the most silver-tongued?
HS; MG; KD; BM; ND; MW – I could go on, there are so many smart, and articulate (who can speak clearly and convey what they mean) people in my life – much better than I can.

11. Where’s your favorite beach?
My favourite beach would be the one on my own very private island! …of course; but around here, I’d have to say Parlee Beach.

12. Where’s your favorite place to spend money?
Sadly, I don’t really need a favourite place…I’m good at spending it anywhere….but I do love the grocery store or drugstore!

13. Where’s a good place to watch people?
My absolutely favourite in the whole wide world would be to sit outside the Louvre in the gardens…for days and days and days on end; it is FULL of people from all walks of life and BEAUTIFUL art, landscaping, fountains, sitting areas or picnic areas etc. etc. etc.

14. Where’s a good place to be totally alone?
Driving a distance and listening to music.

15. Where’s a place outside of work (or school) where you’re likely to run into people from work (or school)?
The Saturday market

16. Who frightens you?
Mentally unbalanced people who think they are balanced

17. Who regularly surprises you?
A :) He is genuine, giving, understanding and unconditional.

18. Who calms you down?
Depends on the topic….but usually A of course, my sister, my father, or h to the eidi.

19. Who inspires you?

My grandfather; and anyone following their passion in life – I had an incredibly inspiring conversation with a local photographer last week…she’s amazing, and has grown so much over the last few years and was incredible to me!

20. Who admires you perhaps more than he or she should?
…um…everyone!! Duh…..haha

I'm tagging various people....hopefully someone else will complete some Friday Questions! :)

Grateful list:
Humour

The shreddies in bits and bites

Salsa and chips

Yummy food and good friends' company

Pottery

Men that grocery shop

Health

Fridays!!

Love Thursday!

Love is in the air! It is such a great feeling and such a happy time. And, so special to have such close friends feeling the 'love bug' right now too!
These are some friends who are newly engaged, and I am so happy for them, and very excited, as this is a really special time in their lives and A and I are happy to be sharing it with them!
So many are moving on with their lives, growing older and lives changing so much, but for the better.
It seems if someone isn't getting engaged they are announcing their pregnancy, and I am so excited and happy for one friend and her partner in particular who have been trying for the last couple of years, and it now seems like it is their time - and I know that they will be such amazing parents, and I am so happy and cannot wait to see this little guy in a few months!

Ever do the dance with no pants?

Today's grateful list:

Delicious HOT coffee

The kid cuddling up in the a.m. – sharing my pillow

Sweet pea body cream

Mandarins

Sisters and nephews

Work week coming to an end

Skating

Love; wedding and engagement talk

I want to thank Black Sheeped for her lovely grateful lists - I think it is a fantastic idea, and keeps life in perspective!

Traditional or not?

It’s a question that has come. Times are changing and perspectives of what is traditional and what is non-traditional are evolving with these time changes.
Thinking back 25 years ago, our household was very traditional – the women cooked, cleaned, and did the shopping. Holidays were celebrated in a traditional fashion, as per societal norms. The women were entering the work force and making money. Maternity leave wasn’t a year long, but it was always the women staying home with the children. Weddings were affairs to remember, now it seems eloping is on the rise and less of an affair for the ceremony. Women are picking out their engagement rings etc.
I find I am living my life in a traditional sense, but I am more liberal than what women were those 25 years past. Our household is close to 50-50 on the cooking, cleaning and shopping; although I find myself doing the more intricate/time consuming tasks. I could definitely ease up on Holiday tradition and instill my own beliefs on every single one of them. For instance, I’d rather be camping than be at someone’s house for Thanksgiving turkey; If I was allowed I’d have Chinese food for Christmas dinner; Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be about family and homemade gifts – I cannot wait until the day my children draw, paint, create art….; Valentine’s Day is important; Canada Day must be celebrated; I’d elope or have a small ceremony on my grandfather’s lawn, barefoot (if the choice was mine); and I will help to pick out my engagement ring. For the most part, I am traditional..
I believe it’s important to have traditions and to instill these for your children, and their security. But also I think it balances our lives to a degree; yet allows us to have an independence, to be different and unique – as this is a very important quality in a person’s life and in a family’s unity – otherwise we would all be the same.
It is good to have changes to the traditional sense and perspectives on what the traditional sense is to us all.

Gay people are born everyday. You will never legislate that away.

I am SO happy it’s Friday!
It hasn’t been a particularly busy week, but this time change is killing me. I get home have some supper, plunk on the couch and can barely move from my trance like sleepy state until it’s time for bed! One night I was actually in bed at 8:30p.m. and, I slept the entire night through….very strange for me. So, with the sleepy state our household has been in, my being away last weekend, my parents down Sunday and A playing hockey and working late, we’ve barely spent any “quality” time together it seems and we have declared tomorrow date day! :) I can’t wait.

The original plan was to do nothing – sleep in, stay in our pajamas all day, lazy around, watch movies, eat take-out, and watch the hockey game later that night! And, some of the original plan will still be in play for most of the day, but we are also contemplating a Wii station or Xbox (I beat A at every Wii game out there…so it would be soo fun for me! Haha – and who doesn’t love a good game of duck hunt? – I’m too competitive at times…) We are also going Christmas lights and Christmas decoration shopping! FUN – It’s going to be a great day!! :)

I’ve been pulled into the Christmas Spirit – with all the early decorating a certain relative has done…oh my…I know! The hounding for Christmas lists; the discussion of holiday plans and vacation time. I too am beginning my Christmas lists - my wants and gimmies list; my giving to others lists, my Christmas card lists etc. – and hounding others for their lists!

Rush it!

I love holidays, and really enjoy Halloween – the little critters all dressed up and looking so adorable, going from house to house to gather one of my loves, sugar!
But, why is it, the minute Halloween is over people are rushing and pushing for Christmas to be here. Oh my lord people….give us a breather!
I do really like Christmas, (and I am looking forward to getting our tree up, and gifts purchased and wrapped - but there is also a stress factor that comes along with it, and life is busy enough without people asking me the weekend and week after Halloween for my Christmas lists…Plus, I’m at the age where I don’t need anything because if I do I just go out and buy it myself.)
In my opinion, all things Christmas should wait until the week after Remembrance Day..at very least! You should be respecting that short 11 day span that we have to wear our poppies in remembrance and to think and admire those that have past and lost their lives for our freedoms. Give yourselves until at least November 17th, just out of respect for those individuals…..think of the past, the family members, the friends whose worlds have been and are affected by this day and by the present day.