Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Top 100 - Vanessa-style

Top 100 - Vanessa-style

Here are the top-100 things that I would like to accomplish in my lifetime.

Commit to exercising – 5 times a week – no excuses
Finish a scrapbook album
Tell Alex more often that I love him
Steal kisses from Victoria anytime I want
Remind Don that he is the centre of my world
Relax in the Caribbean sun with a rum punch in my hand
Complete my FCI designation
Learn how to “let it go, Vanessa!”
Find time to read every day
Be the leader of my pack, and walk my dogs daily.
Organize my house – de-clutter
Develop more “girlfriend” relationships
Laugh every day
Visit Wales and AJ
Take a Hawaiian cruise for our 20th anniversary
Improve my health before I am 40
Finish at least one layout per week for one year – total 52!
Go paperless in my department at work
Repair our backyard fence…ourselves
Learn how to build a fence – see #19 – ha ha.
Eat chocolate – ok…like I wouldn’t!
Cook more often – give Don a break twice a week
Visit Vegas…and leave a secret there!
Take my Mum to a spa for a girl’s only weekend.
Forgive others (and myself) more quickly.
Walk 10,000 steps in one day.
Participate in the Walk for Cancer – and finish it!
Buy a boat…and fish with my man!
Go to NYC and shop, really shop!
Make and mail my own Christmas cards before Christmas
Get one good family picture for 2007!
Learn to use my camera – take a photography class!
Scrapbook with my friends more often.
Write a book
Ask Brian to design my tattoo and have the nerve to get it “inked”.
Visit Miami and have Chris Nunez tattoo me!
Be a corpse in an episode of CSI Miami / CSI Investigation / CSI NY
Participate in a car rally and win!
Watch my kids grow into happy adults
Catalog all my digital pictures – properly
Finish the 43 scrapbook kits that I have been hoarding
Donate to charity more often
Be kinder to the earth – reduce, reuse and recycle more, better, with thought.
Take Don and his dad to watch Philly beat the Steelers.
Remember birthdays and send cards more often
Find spirituality in my life
Have lunch with my Dad – just me!
Watch Tori swim with dolphins.
Curb the urge to get distracted – stay focused.
Get a mammogram without chickening out
Trace my family tree.
Go to the Oprah show once in my life
Be kinder to everyone – especially Don
Be completely alone with Don on a beach…the rest is private!
Meet my friends from the Nook website in person
Spend more time with my in-laws
Eat lunch every day – no skipping/forgetting.
Build a website with my Dad
Be thankful every day – count my blessings out loud
Stay positive in the face of negativity
Take my niece to see the Nutcracker – pass on the tradition from AJ to Marisa
Volunteer my time to help those in need
Camp with Brian and Trina at Algonquin Park
Tour Europe in style
Be at my goal weight by 2010
Blog more often – use the posts in scrapbook pages
Make at least 10 cards a month
Spend the day with Alex without arguing
Learn to garden and keep up the summer maintenance
Take dance lessons with my husband
Budget better and save more for retirement
Learn to accept the things I can not change – and stop trying to change things that are out of my control
Get to know my brother, Andrew as an adult
Re-affirm my wedding vows – just for fun this time!
Be more patient – with everyone!
Document our family stories before those who remember them best are gone
Listen more / talk less
Let my kids live their own lives, not the one I envision for them
Get enough rest / sleep every day
Visit the Greek Isles – truly explore Greece
Travel to Paris with Don in the spring
Buy myself a laptop
Compliment someone every day – tell them why they are special and valued.
Spend more time with my nieces and nephews being the “best Aunt ever”
Teach Bandit and Bailey to swim
Learn to think faster on my feet
Visit the 7 Wonders of the World
Attend an Elton John concert
Go ice skating at Rockefeller Centre
Sleep in the Ice Hotel
See Don’s face while watching his NY Isles play in Long Island
Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Swim with sting rays and sharks without being scared
Explore Canada from coast to coast
Kiss under the mistletoe
Visit Hershey PA…and eat my favourite food – Chocolate
Drink more water – take care of my skin
Say I love you more
Be a better friend
Be happy with the life I am already living

There..that's my list...if you can help me cross any off the list...please feel free!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Weary traveller has returned...

What a month September has been...and I know that I have been remiss in posting to this blog...but viewers...please cut me some slack :)

It all started with the Labour Day long weekend...getting the kids ready for school was a challenge...Alex at a new school for the 5th time in 5 years and Tori starting Grade 8...sooo many supplies and clothes to buy. So I started the week off broke but looking forward to the Stamplicity retreat on Sept 7-9.

Pauline and her crew outdid themselves! The projects were amazing and I had a blast with my friends. I was frugal this year...seeing as how I have a room full of supplies that I won't use in my lifetime...but I have alot of new projects planned with the ideas / projects from the retreat. I had fun with Heather, Debbie, Cathy, Nancy, Marlene and Caroline - that was my favourite part...being with my friends for the weekend. And I went home happy...but very very tired.

I had 2 short days to recover...then we launched into the CamAm Shop and Hop...a 2 week-long event where I shopped in 14 different scrapbook/stamp stores in both Canada and in the US. I managed to visit 6 of the Canadian stores before I was packing up for a work trip.

I attended my company's strategic conference from Sept 16-18th and was priviledged to attend the most amazing seminar...Keeper of the Flame, with Mike Lipkin. If anyone has the opportunity to read this book, I highly recommend it. I left the conference feeling exuberated and ready to tackle any task that life would throw at me! I was full of new ideas to overcome problems both at home and at work. I felt like a million bucks...and left the conference to continue on the second leg of my trip...business meeting in T.O.

This leg of my journey was not without its problems...the hotel that I had a confirmation for...had me booked in for the following week and were completely booked when I arrived. They were kind enough to point me in the direction of another hotel - gee thanks guys! This hotel had only one room left...some conference in town, no doubt - and the room did not have air conditioning. Since the weather has been slightly chilly...I figured it was only for the night...so grin and bear it. I regretted my decision at about 11:30 pm when the temperature did a spike from 13 degrees to about 29 degrees in one hour. I was drenched in sweat, unable to sleep thru the numerous police sirens down the block and wishing I was home. Six am could not come quick enough...and I made full use of the executive lounge to have a free breakfast before my meeting.

I suffered thru the mornining meeting (so tired and cranky in the heat) and then it was off to our office in Collingwood for 2 days. I enjoy my time in the northern office, the people are so much fun and very down to earth. It makes my job easier to deal with very co-operative people...and it doesn't hurt that I bust a gut laughing when I am there!

Thursday afternoon, I was finally on my way home. Home to my darling husband, who had been my rock thru the entire trip...taking calls of me whining that I wanted to be home, etc. Home to my kids...who I missed like crazy...and home to my fur babies, who would greet me at the door with love and affection...and some pain if they managed to knock me down!

I was sooo happy to be home...for one day...Friday - then back to the US to finish off the CanAm Shop Hop with my friend Cathy. We had a great time...traveling thru north New York state, thru farm and forest, getting lost, but then eventually finding our way. We found some great stores...Buffalo Stamps, Utopia and Simply Scrapbooks to name the best 3! And got to meet some really nice ladies along the way. We didn't get home until after 10 pm...we started the trip at 8 am...so it was a brutally long day. I found so many new products...things that I had not seen in Canada...so it was definitely worth the drive.

Sunday....a day of rest for some...but not me! I finished the CamAm Hop and turned in my passport...14 stores in 14 days...some thought it could not be done...but Cathy and I proved them wrong! We have empty wallets, tired feet...and a new appreciation of what it takes to run a scrapbook store! Kudos to the stores in Niagara...still the best customer service in the land...and there is no place like home!

I have tons of pics of me in front of the stores...requirement for a challenge on the website...and I have inspiration enough to last a year or more! Enough posting on this blog...off to play with my stuff!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Back-to-school! I can not wait for everyone to be back to our regular routine. I know that my kids love to be off school and have the summer to hang with their friends. But why does my house have to be the "hang-out" spot. Probably because we are not home...we are at work. Nothing like having a house with no parents...but this is my house.

And I know, that my Mum and brother reading this will say that this is fitting justice for the summer havoc that I caused back in the day...but I could not have been this bad! Ok...I was this bad! I never fully realized why my Mum came home from work and flipped out when the living room was messy, or there were kids piling out the back door when she walked in the front door. Hey Mum...I get it now. Can you release me from the curse/hex now?

In all seriousness...we are busy getting ready for back-to-school. Got the clothes this past weekend and plan on a shopping trip for supplies this weekend. Staples has these great lists which are grade-appropriate and it makes things alot easier than letting my kids decide what to buy. Can you imagine my bill then? No Alex...there is no laptop on this list...sorry. Miss Victoria, I don't see a binder with speakers on this list...put that $50 item back on the shelf. Guess I get to have my little bit of justice after all!

I always see back-to-school time as a time for a fresh start...even though fall is not the fresh start season. The new supplies and clothes...with the fresh faced kids heading back to learn more and have new adventures. Maybe it's the smell of newly sharpened pencils or the clean house at the end of the day...but I just love Back-to-School!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Our Beluga experience


Just had to post a photo of the kids having their Beluga experience...


Not much happened this weekend...Don and I are still reliving the memories from last weekend!
Can't wait to go back again!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Everyone loves...Marineland!

My company had their corporate picnic at Marineland on August 18 and Don and I took Tori and our nephew Brandon along for the fun. It was a great day...but very long and lots of walking/running after our boy.

We started out early...we were in the parking lot waiting for the park to open! Brandon was so excited, pointing to rides that he wanted to try. He had never been to Marineland and Don and I had a few surprises in store for him. The day was extra-special for me because my friend Cathy was there with her hubby, Chris - Chris works with me at Walker.

When the gates finally opened...we hit the deer park first. Brandon was not overly impressed with the sleeping deer...the deer were less impressed with him...little kids are noisy to tired deer! We knew that once the feeding hut opened that the deer would become more interested - deer like to be fed. We handed Brandon his ice cream cone filled with feed and waited...camera ready...and the deers did not disappoint...within seconds, he was surrounded by the deer, nibbling at his deer feed cone. Brandon didn't want to give the food to one deer...so he held his cone high...like a little male version of the Statue of Liberty...trying to get away. The deer were taller than him and just leaned in for more food. Finally, Don gave in and rescued Brandon...plucking him up and out of the way. But not before we had a good laugh...

We visited the Killer and Beluga whale tanks...and these creatures are amazing to see close up. Don, Brandon and Tori got to encounter the Beluga experience...for a fee, you can feed and touch the belugas...and it was definitely worth the wait (40 minutes in line...). We have great pics of that adventure and Marineland was kind enough to take a few...again for a fee!

Lunch with my co-workers was great...food was good and it was nice to see everyone with their families. It was a much needed break from chasing Brandon from place to place and we all enjoyed the burgers and dogs!

We just had to see the dolphin and seal show...so it was onto King Waldorf's Castle for the show. We got there 45 minutes early...but the place was still packed! I could not believe that this small amusement park could hold sooo many people! The show was cute...and the dolphins were amazing-worth waiting for.

We were running out of steam at this point, but Brandon had yet to see the Killer Whale Splash show so we made our way back up to Friendship Cove. The kiddie ride area was a sea of parents and crying kids...the wait in line was over an hour in most cases. We convinced Brandon to forget the rides this time...and herded our group to the Killer Whale show. We could not get near the place...it was 4-5 deep with adults along the edge of the pool. You could not see the kids for the adults in the place. We waited for the show, standing in the heat...Brandon asking me how much longer every 30 seconds. Then, when we had one minute to go...he said, "Uncle Don, I need to go to the bathroom!" Well that called it a day pretty quick...back to find a bathroom, updated our tickets for seasons passes...and got out of dodge!

All in all, we enjoyed the day very much. We plan to take Brandon back again in a couple of weeks so he can try a few of the rides that he missed. And it's great exercise for us...chasing after him as he calls over his shoulder, Come-on, Auntie Nessa...hurry up! But I would not change that for the world! I love watching his face light up when he sees something amazing! That is definitely worth all the waiting and walking - for sure!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Canal Days - Aug 2007




So...Don and I had some time with Tori at Canal Days...and it was fun. We walked along the canal looking at the vendors goodies...and Tori got her first 'tat! Not looking forward to when they become permanent...this one wears off in a couple of weeks.












The weather was great...sunny and warm with a bit of a breeze to cool things off. Perfect ice cream weather...and again...Tori had to indulge.











Now that Tori is getting into her teens, she doesn't often want to come on outings with us. We usually have to coax her, or bring the neighbourhood along...but today...she wanted to be with us. Without the usual drama or entourage! Soon enough, my baby girl will be off with her friends, so it's days like this that I cherish. Laughing with her in the summer sun!





Friday, August 3, 2007

Holly's Gentle nudge...

My friend Holly from the Nook message board is the GTD member for August and has "nudged" me to get back in the habit of blogging. I admit that I am a slacker in this department...but I will try to be better.

Holly has started a game of Scattergories...and here are my entries:

My Name: Vanessa
1. Famous Singer/Band: Van Halen
2. 4 letter word: Vain
3. Street: Victoria Avenue
4. Color: violet
5. Gifts/Presents: Vase
6. Vehicle: Viper
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Vials of sand
8. Boy Name: Victor
9. Girl Name: Valerie
10. Movie Title: V for Vendetta
11. Drink: V-8
12. Occupation: Video store clerk
13. Celebrity: Vanessa Williams
14. Magazine: Vanity Fair
15. U.S. City: Vermont
16. Pro Sports Teams: Vikings (Minnesota)
17. Fruit: V-8 Splash (fruit drink...I can't find a fruit starting with V)
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Very, Very tired
19. Something You Throw Away: Vitamins ( old ones – expired)
20. Things You Shout: Victory!!!
21. Cartoon Character: Velma (Scooby Doo)

There...sorry some of my entries were kinda lame...but V is not a common letter...which is why I love that my name starts with V...love being original!

I am tagging Heather V, Kristi-Anna, and Janice...have fun with Holly's challenge ladies!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Still recovering...from the weekend!

What a weekend! I knew looking at my calendar on April 25, that I would be wiped out by the end of the weekend but I was not really expecting to be exhausted!

Thursday evening and early Friday morning, I crammed for my final exam toward my Credit Designation. I had done well in all my earlier assignments, so I was not too nervous. But I wanted the whole thing to be over. It was...in 24 minutes, I wrote my exam, submitted it to the instructor, shook his hand and left the college - forever! Yipee!

I decided that I deserved some retail therapy and purchased the required uniform for a PJ party - cute PJ's! Then I dashed home for a quick nap so I could stay up all night!

I attended the Scrapping Nook's Annual PJ party crop on Friday night and it was fantastic!
I got so much accomplished - I made over 40 cards and decorated my letter V for the store. Just cropping with my friends was a celebration for me - love being with Heather and Debbie anytime! Jan, Karen, Tara, Patti, Elia and Janice made it more fun...and of course, Matt - our special guy for the night.

I actually made it to 6 am when my body overpowered my brain and sent me home. After a power-shop for groceries...I finally got to bed at 9 am! I was only allowed a quick nap - then off to my nephew, Brandon's 6th birthday party. By 2 pm - I was done...and slept until Sunday morning!

They say that you can't catch up on sleep...I tried all day on Sunday to catch up on Friday's all night escapade. I failed miserably and was still groggy on Monday, proving to myself that I am getting old and can't party like I used to!

It's Wednesday and I am feeling human again. Just about time for another weekend of scrappin'! ;)

Monday, April 23, 2007

The terrible blogger...

that would be me! I decided to start a blog back in March...then haven't updated it since.

Ok - turning over a new leaf...now that there are actually leaves on the trees. I was kinda forced to start my blog again when I was Tagged by Lori...here is the game.

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes:

1) I hate to wear socks...period. I suffer all through fall and winter because socks are expected...but as the new buds of spring appear on the trees...the socks are relegated back to the drawer where they belong.

2) I am a TIVO addict...I HAVE to save my favourite shows and LOVE that I can skip the commercials. I often save so many programs that it takes me a whole weekend to get through a week's worth of shows!

3) Part b of #2 - when engrossed in my favourite shows...I often do not see or hear anything around me and must be poked or shouted at to get my attention.

4) I twirl my hair when I am thinking or nervous - and often mess up a perfectly good hair day with my crazy twirling!

5) I travel with my pink blankie when away from home...it is a soft polar fleece blanket. Not so much for security but often for warmth and it often doubles as a great second/third pillow.

6) I have to be the "driver"...when riding in a car as a passenger, I often get car sick.

7) I like to play practical jokes on my family...most often on my DH who sleeps with one eye open!

That's it for my 7 - and since I am so late in responding to Lori's game...I won't tag anyone. But feel free to play if you wish!

Thanks for stopping by...more soon!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Welcome to my blog...

After months of saying I would start a blog...I have finally done it!

Welcome to my world...a peek inside my world, according to me! It may not always be exciting but it will always be me!

What's new you ask? It's March Break and Don and I are off this week. Well, I go back to work on Thursday...too many meetings to be off the whole week! But it's a great time to clean out the closets and get the house sparkling and new for spring. It's only Monday but already the house smells like orange Pledge!

I have planned a few scrapbooking projects to finish and upload to the Scrapping Nook gallery - I have not really finished my own projects lately. Too busy finishing kits from last year's trip to Buffalo CK Convention. But I am focused on completing my to-do list this week. I spent alot of time browsing the Nook's gallery today and have lots of inspiration and ideas.

I finally got a hair appointment - time for a change. Then more errands and more cleaning - not too exciting. We are planning a short day trip to Kitchener on Wednesday if the weather is nice. I love road trips.