Hey,
Sort of a disappointing week. We have been doing some research on Arizona - had a dinner with Cathy and Chris to plan some of our trip details last weekend. And...this week it's looking like it might have been in vain.
We have been taking some financial hits lately...car repairs and eye glasses, and now...our bathroom is letting us know that it's in desperate need of attention. It's one of the frustrating parts of home ownership...those maintenance and repair costs that you try to prioritize...but never works out how you hope. We spent money late last year on a new fence because it was about to fall over, new doors on the front and back of the house because there were huge drafts and new basements windows because we were boarding them up - there wasn't even glass in 2 of the windows! So...you would think that we might get a bit of a break with home repairs just until after our trip...but no. The bathroom tub / taps have been a problem for a while now...the plumbing is just so old that we can't get replacement parts. So we thought that instead of having a massive demolition and remodel, we might be able to get a tub/shower overlay. This seemed like a good idea from an environmental perspective...no tub and tiles to dispose of. We could have it done by a company relatively quickly and they would be done the work in one day! I would not be without a bathroom (since our downstairs bathroom is worst that peeing outside) and that was a big plus!
The obstacle...the quote! It was higher than I thought. And it would take most of our saved nest egg. But we need a bathroom...so the stress becomes...how to do Arizona and a bathroom in the same year. It is going to take belt-tightening to a whole new level! Don and I had just worked out the whole mess when yesterday...our toilet started leaking water all over the floor. Come on!!! Can we catch a break...just a small one???!!!
If I had not already paid for Creative Escape, I would be opting out. Don says that he is going to pass on him going this year which sucks! I really wanted him and I to have this time away. But he brings up so many good points...it would be less money, the weather in August in Arizona is not really good for outdoor activities...heat being a factor. And many of the places we wanted to visit are not even operating during the August week that we are in Arizona. Something about heat! So...it might be a girls vacation - which saves half the expenses. Enter guilt! I feel sooo guilty...but Don says that this is my Super Bowl...anyone who knows Don knows that Super Bowl is sacred! He really wants Cathy and I to have this opportunity and have fun. He knows that we really want to go and he is the most amazing husband to think this way!
I really want to have a bathroom...so the dilema continues. I could get the bathroom done in a more DIY fashion, pulling the tub out, gutting the tiles, new plumbing, for less money that the company wants for the overlay...but I would have to have demolition ongoing for weeks, maybe even months. And we are not handy so we would be relying on help...helpers who have other priorities other than my bathroom. I am blessed to have a Dad that is amazingly handy...but he also doesn't have to live with me during the chaos! And who knows what we will find when we rip the wall down...I shudder to think!
So I move thru the weekend with more questions than answers...more confusion than ever. I know we will work it all out...but right now...I am spinning from all the possibilities.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Feb 22 - Feb 28
Hey,
This week has been a loooong and expensive one! With the car repairs last week, and new glasses for me...this week has brought more high ticket expenses! Tori had an eye appt and needed new glasses...my goodness - two sets of eye glasses in under a week. And waiting for the insurance company to reimburse us is never a short wait!
But we both love our new frames...Tori's are very sophisticated and make me realize that she is becoming more of a young woman every day. I was due for a change...I had not changed frames in almost 10 years! I was happy to not be stuck in 1999 with my round owl frames. What do you think?
The snow fall this week played havoc with the rest of my week - I had to cancel some Friday appts so I got alot done in the office. And I am hoping against hope that we have seen an end to the snow this winter...I know...there has not been much...but I am ready for pastel colours, capri pants and some warmer weather!
I also got to go to the Grand Opening of the Scrapping Nook in Welland and was honoured to be asked to do a make and take. I demonstrated the new Shimmerz...if you are interested take a look at http://www.shimmerzpaints.com/. They are really a great product - very versatile and great to revive some old supplies and make them more current with a bling finish. I made this canvas almost entirely out of the shimmerzpaints and some white coasters. Every coaster is made without patterned paper...that's using shimmerz techniques. So cool!
In the days leading up to the Grand Opening I got to thinking about how Janice (the new owner) must feel...nervous, excited, happy, worried...all these emotions around fulfilling her dream of owning a scrapbook store. I watched her move through the customers on the opening day...and was so happy to see her achieve her dream. I felt very blessed to be a part of that and thank her so much for including me in making that day a great success. We had a lovely dinner after the store closed and seeing everyone celebrating Janice's special day felt great.
Janice, I wish you success as you embark on this new journey. It is much appreciated that you have continued the Nook family, giving us a place to call home and a source for our creativity. And for anyone looking for a great store for scrappy supplies...check out the Scrapping Nook at http://www.thescrappingnook.ca/. Tell them Vanessa sent you.
Ness
This week has been a loooong and expensive one! With the car repairs last week, and new glasses for me...this week has brought more high ticket expenses! Tori had an eye appt and needed new glasses...my goodness - two sets of eye glasses in under a week. And waiting for the insurance company to reimburse us is never a short wait!
But we both love our new frames...Tori's are very sophisticated and make me realize that she is becoming more of a young woman every day. I was due for a change...I had not changed frames in almost 10 years! I was happy to not be stuck in 1999 with my round owl frames. What do you think?
The snow fall this week played havoc with the rest of my week - I had to cancel some Friday appts so I got alot done in the office. And I am hoping against hope that we have seen an end to the snow this winter...I know...there has not been much...but I am ready for pastel colours, capri pants and some warmer weather!
I also got to go to the Grand Opening of the Scrapping Nook in Welland and was honoured to be asked to do a make and take. I demonstrated the new Shimmerz...if you are interested take a look at http://www.shimmerzpaints.com/. They are really a great product - very versatile and great to revive some old supplies and make them more current with a bling finish. I made this canvas almost entirely out of the shimmerzpaints and some white coasters. Every coaster is made without patterned paper...that's using shimmerz techniques. So cool!
In the days leading up to the Grand Opening I got to thinking about how Janice (the new owner) must feel...nervous, excited, happy, worried...all these emotions around fulfilling her dream of owning a scrapbook store. I watched her move through the customers on the opening day...and was so happy to see her achieve her dream. I felt very blessed to be a part of that and thank her so much for including me in making that day a great success. We had a lovely dinner after the store closed and seeing everyone celebrating Janice's special day felt great.
Janice, I wish you success as you embark on this new journey. It is much appreciated that you have continued the Nook family, giving us a place to call home and a source for our creativity. And for anyone looking for a great store for scrappy supplies...check out the Scrapping Nook at http://www.thescrappingnook.ca/. Tell them Vanessa sent you.
Ness
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Back with a shameful smile...
Feb 15 - Feb 21
Ok…I am back with a shameful smile and a heavy heart that I have been remiss at blogging. My new goal for 2010 was to “check in” here once a week…and it’s already mid-February but I am here!
This week has certainly been a week of revelations for me, and one reveal has opened the door for the next. First and foremost…Cathy won a Golden Ticket at Creative Escape 2010 and this gives her and a friend the opportunity of attending the event. And I am that friend – lucky for me! We are awarded with the opportunity of paying the fee…and attending the event and what an event! The line up of teachers has my head spinning and I am a bit overwhelmed at the idea of booking accommodation/flights…and getting to AZ by August. But it’s going to happen…I see this in my future.
When the initial excitement of getting a chance to attend CE had sunken into the foggy matter that is my brain…I was struck with a big of anxiety. The trip is going to be costly and with Don and Chris coming with us…it’s a major vacation. So getting the funds available for such an endeavor in a short period of time will be the challenge. Second…my health / weight and flying. I always get nervous before a flight…worrying about cramming my ample rear end into a teeny tiny airline seat. So…I vowed then and there that this year…from February until August…I was going to make my health my priority. And the very next day I was up at 5 am…walking on the treadmill.
I have determined that exercise is non-negotiable…I mean…I would not think of going into work without a shower…so I should view exercise the same way. I have to get up…get it done and over with. And so far…three days down and I am still alive. LOL!
I am not running marathons yet, but I am finishing the 30 minutes and getting to watch one of my TV shows on DVD. This week it’s Season 12 of Dallas…and I am loving the outfits…the 80’s humour and the fact that any woman would find JR attractive. The DVD keeps me from wanting to scream and the time flies by. Well not really flies…but it’s not intolerable.
This week has certainly been a week of revelations for me, and one reveal has opened the door for the next. First and foremost…Cathy won a Golden Ticket at Creative Escape 2010 and this gives her and a friend the opportunity of attending the event. And I am that friend – lucky for me! We are awarded with the opportunity of paying the fee…and attending the event and what an event! The line up of teachers has my head spinning and I am a bit overwhelmed at the idea of booking accommodation/flights…and getting to AZ by August. But it’s going to happen…I see this in my future.
When the initial excitement of getting a chance to attend CE had sunken into the foggy matter that is my brain…I was struck with a big of anxiety. The trip is going to be costly and with Don and Chris coming with us…it’s a major vacation. So getting the funds available for such an endeavor in a short period of time will be the challenge. Second…my health / weight and flying. I always get nervous before a flight…worrying about cramming my ample rear end into a teeny tiny airline seat. So…I vowed then and there that this year…from February until August…I was going to make my health my priority. And the very next day I was up at 5 am…walking on the treadmill.
I have determined that exercise is non-negotiable…I mean…I would not think of going into work without a shower…so I should view exercise the same way. I have to get up…get it done and over with. And so far…three days down and I am still alive. LOL!
I am not running marathons yet, but I am finishing the 30 minutes and getting to watch one of my TV shows on DVD. This week it’s Season 12 of Dallas…and I am loving the outfits…the 80’s humour and the fact that any woman would find JR attractive. The DVD keeps me from wanting to scream and the time flies by. Well not really flies…but it’s not intolerable.
Interestingly enough…in the past 3 days, I have been the least tired that I have been all week. Who would have thought that exercise would give you energy? But it does! I have been whipping thru the daily tasks at work and at home, I have energy at the end of the day for a little creative play. I know all the scrappers will be wanting pics…so I have added one of my Valentine’s card for Don…it’s not mushy cuz he is not a mushy card guy. I have been crazy busy getting ready for a certain LSS’ grand opening next weekend…I am doing a little make and take but no sneak peeks are allowed.
I have also been busy making a little gift for my nephew Liam – a little altered gift box with a chipboard album and some coordinating wooden letters. He is so adorable…here he is with his overly excited Auntie. Isn’t he precious? I was pleased at how the letters turned out…and will share the album once Chris and Jaimee get to see it.
Well...that's it for this week...thanks for taking a look.
Ness
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 5 - Exploring Vancouver
I woke early, eager to explore all Vancouver had to offer. My traveling companions prefer a more laid-back start to the morning, so I had to be patient. In their defense, it was 5 am Vancouver time...but it was past 8 am in Ontario and I was excited to go!!
We did get breakfast quite early at our hotel - very overpriced but it was convenient and hot! We set out to Stanley Park by 8 am. Dave agreed to drive the monster truck for me...big mistake. My MIL was not happy about it because I was responsible for it...and should be driving it. I thought we would be ok...but should have known that I live under an unlucky cloud!!!
We pulled out of the hotel parking garage, and were happily discussing our options for the day. Dave slowed for a red light...and bang! A motorcycle behind us lost control of his bike and plowed into the back of the pick up...with Dave driving! My stomach dropped and MIL was very mad. I should never have asked FIL to drive...my responsibility...you know the drill. The driver was ok...he sustained a broken light and some scrapes and our pick up was perfect and unharmed at all. But it set a tone for the morning...not a good thing to have the first day out.
We got to Stanley Park without incident and decided to take a horse drawn trolley ride thru the park. The ride was 1 hour and a very enjoyable way to see the entire park. Our horses, Newman and Aces fought amongst themselves the whole way, nipping and biting at each other. It reminded me of Don and I! Our guide Katie, was friendly and very knowledgable.
The trolley's easy pace made taking pictures a breeze and my new camera was great. We stopped at Stanley's Park's collection of totem poles for a quick photo op and the best espresso that I have tasted!
We passed by some of the devastation that Stanley Park suffered in the storm of 2006 - whole trees were uprooted during the high winds. It was sad to see the huge trees laying on the ground but there was new growth all around - evidence that life goes on in the rainforest.
The girl in the wet suit statue was really cool...and the Vancouver teens love to dress her up for special occasions...today she was au natural...but legend has it that she has quite the wardrobe! The seagull on her head was funny!
Don really wanted to see the Aquarium so we headed there next. We saw lots of tropical fish, some I had never seen before. Don and Dave marveled at the size of some fish...having only seen the shrimpy Ontario versions.
My pics of the gelly fish turned out pretty cool!!!
We really wanted to see the dolphin, excuse me, porpoise show but were disappointed when it started to mist. We thought that the show would be cancelled for sure, once the mist turned into drizzle about 10 minutes before the start time. Jan and I made our minds up that rain would not stop us from experiencing the whole travel experience. We secured a spot at the rail, hoods and umbrellas up to protect us. Little by little, the crown grew, until it was 3 deep around the viewing tank.
To my surprise, Vancouverites are completely unaffected by rain...most don't even try to stay dry! And their version of rain differs greatly from my version of rain. Water falling from the sky...to me that's rain. In Vancouver, they distinguish it...mist, drizzle, sprinkling and rain (by then I have hunkered in somewhere warm and dry)! Their version of rain is a monsoon to me!
Due to the rain & porpoisessalt water tank, I did not get pics of the show. Too bad, cuz these little guys can fly thru the air - fast and furious into the sky! The West Coast dolphins are much darker than our grey versions at home...and kinda resemble orcas. This is a protection for them as killer whales feed on them!
The Vancouver Aquarium is also much different than our Marineland back home. All the animals at the Vancouver Aquarium have been rescued or are rehabilitating - many have been injured by nets or other larger fish and can't survive in the wild. There were many animals with missing fins/flippers as proof of their hardships.
After a quick visit to the Aquarium gift shop, we headed out to the Scrapbook Warehouse, Vancouver's #1 store for scrappy supplies. (Like I would not hit one LSS). I found some great Vancouver embellies and a couple acrylic travel stamp sets. I was in happytown!!!
We headed back to our hotel for supper. This time, the restaurant exceeded my expectations. I had the liver, bacon and onions and it was melt in your mouth good! Don had bacon wrapped meatloaf and mmmm'd at every bite. What a way to end the day...bumbleberry pie for Don and I indulged in chocolate mouse cake with p. butter cup ice cream. Delicious!
We hit our beds early again because we expected a busy day on Sunday, boarding the ship. Don and I quickly re-organized the suitcases and carry-ons and fell asleep.
If we had only known what Sunday would bring...we might have stayed in bed!!!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Anticipation...
Anticipation – We booked our cruise to Alaska over 6 months ago in January and waited half a year for the day that we would set out on our journey. We spent countless hours searching on the Internet for the right cruise, booking excursions, researching port cities and looking for hotels and attractions in Vancouver. We made lists, crossed things off those lists and made more lists again. The excitement simmered until May when it soared off into a feverish pitch until yesterday. July 4, 2008 – the day were on VACATION!
Our trip started off well…on time to the airport, cleared customs (well Dave practically had to strip!!) and boarded the plane.
Our trip started off well…on time to the airport, cleared customs (well Dave practically had to strip!!) and boarded the plane.
The flight was long – poor Don’s back gave out after 2 hours…and he had to go 8 hours without a cigarette! I never saw a man collect luggage so fast…could it be that he could see outside just beyond the baggage claim doors and was jones-ing for a fix?? We had so much luggage that we needed to upgrade our car from a teensy Taurus to a Sport Trax (pick up with king cab), which I hate. Well it’s pretty enough (fire engine red with a box thing on the back)…but I am intimidated by the size. I plan to get Dave to drive it from now on!!!
Vancouver is nothing like I imagined looking at maps for 6 months! There is a lot of construction getting ready for the Olympics and it is a busy city! On our first glimpse along Granville Street, it was beautiful. The street is lined with huge evergreen hedges…nothing like the hedges in Ontario. These hedges put privacy fencing to shame…some of them are 2 storey high. You can imagine how old this neighbourhood is to have trees stretching into the sky. As we crossed the bridge into the downtown area, you could see the bay and mountains partially covered in fog. It was gorgeous, how mountains meet the sea. I can’t wait to see it when the fog lifts. Hopefully on Saturday.
Vancouver’s downtown is made up of MANY one-way streets…it is worse that Oshawa…and that’s saying something. We pulled into our hotel on the second time around the block – I missed it on the first try and had to double back!!! Oh, yeah…for those who know and love me…the fur was flying! Since our room was not ready and it was suppertime for us (3pm Vancouver time = 7 pm St. Kitts time), we drove around the downtown core looking for some grub for the “menfolk”. Most downtown restaurants that we found in our online searches were not open for dinner until after 4 – but low and behold…a Denny’s. Good enough…good food, reasonable price, and great service.
Downtown Vancouver is a melting pot of business meets buskers, unemployed mingle happily with the busy working class. Everywhere you looked, there was activity and some more strange than others!!! It’s eclectic meets Wall Street but after dark, it’s not the best neighbourhood to be in. Not a problem for us…since we were all asleep before it was dark here! After 18 hours, the traveling, the excitement turned into exhaustion and we are looking forward to Saturday.
We hope to take in the sights in Stanley Park, cross the Capilano Suspension bridge and find a scrapbook store. Come on…did you think I wouldn’t try to get my fix? All in all…a great start to the trip. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
We hope to take in the sights in Stanley Park, cross the Capilano Suspension bridge and find a scrapbook store. Come on…did you think I wouldn’t try to get my fix? All in all…a great start to the trip. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
MIA for 6 months...
Ok...for anyone still checking in to see if I post...I sincerely apologize. I am a bad bad blogger.
However, since I am venturing out west and up north to Alaska tomorrow...I am going to try to journal as I go. My hotel and cruise ship have internet cafes and I will do my very best to pop in here and keep the blogging going.
The past six months have been tough for Don and I...busy with work, kids and usual stuff...combined with some very "unique" family stressors. So we are in grave need of a vacation together to re-connect.
More about the trip in later posts. For now I will say that we are putting Jan-June behind us and hoping that the last half of this year is better for us. With a positive attitude...and fingers crossed, I enter July!!!
However, since I am venturing out west and up north to Alaska tomorrow...I am going to try to journal as I go. My hotel and cruise ship have internet cafes and I will do my very best to pop in here and keep the blogging going.
The past six months have been tough for Don and I...busy with work, kids and usual stuff...combined with some very "unique" family stressors. So we are in grave need of a vacation together to re-connect.
More about the trip in later posts. For now I will say that we are putting Jan-June behind us and hoping that the last half of this year is better for us. With a positive attitude...and fingers crossed, I enter July!!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
January 2008
Happy New Year...and my apologies that I have not blogged sooner. I will aim for better results this year...no promises mind you...but I will try.
I have been busy keeping my 2008 goals - here they are:
1) Use my new treadmill 4-6 times per week
2) Take my lunch to work...and eat it (I sometimes skip lunch and pig out at supper)
3) Read 25 books this year - magazines don't count
4) Get my house organized and de-cluttered
5) Scrapbook once a week - complete 30 layouts/projects in 2008 and load them into the gallery 6) Have date night once a month with DH to re-connect.
So far, I have been very good...I have used my new treadmill 4-6 times per week...5 times per week on average. I have increased the time I exercise and would love to participate in a Walk for Cancer this year.
I have also taken my lunch to work, and eaten every bite. This new exercise regime makes me soo hungry and I am enjoying my snacks throughout the day. A big change from no breakfast, skipped lunch and monster supper with snacks all night. I have made 7:30 pm my cut off and brush my teeth at that time to stop me from snacking.
I have also read my first book - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett...and highly recommend it. I found the characters believable and enjoyed learning about architecture, more particularly building cathedrals and life in the Middle Ages. Quite different from today...yet the issues are remarkably similar.
And I have finished 3 projects - one birthday calendar, one mini book to record all the books I read this year and another mini book to record pics of my layouts completed this year.
Don and I had our first date night on Jan 11 - it was his choice..so it was date night "man-style". Yes, pizza, beer and wings. We stayed in and enjoyed our feast and it was great to have quiet time to catch up on our week!
I finished up the week at a crop at the Four Points Suites with Scrappin' The Night Away. Michelle Miller was a very good hostess and her store held a number of unique finds. Just what a girl who has everything possible could want. Cathy and Heather were also there and I truly enjoyed their company. Not bad for starters to 2008!
I have been busy keeping my 2008 goals - here they are:
1) Use my new treadmill 4-6 times per week
2) Take my lunch to work...and eat it (I sometimes skip lunch and pig out at supper)
3) Read 25 books this year - magazines don't count
4) Get my house organized and de-cluttered
5) Scrapbook once a week - complete 30 layouts/projects in 2008 and load them into the gallery 6) Have date night once a month with DH to re-connect.
So far, I have been very good...I have used my new treadmill 4-6 times per week...5 times per week on average. I have increased the time I exercise and would love to participate in a Walk for Cancer this year.
I have also taken my lunch to work, and eaten every bite. This new exercise regime makes me soo hungry and I am enjoying my snacks throughout the day. A big change from no breakfast, skipped lunch and monster supper with snacks all night. I have made 7:30 pm my cut off and brush my teeth at that time to stop me from snacking.
I have also read my first book - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett...and highly recommend it. I found the characters believable and enjoyed learning about architecture, more particularly building cathedrals and life in the Middle Ages. Quite different from today...yet the issues are remarkably similar.
And I have finished 3 projects - one birthday calendar, one mini book to record all the books I read this year and another mini book to record pics of my layouts completed this year.
Don and I had our first date night on Jan 11 - it was his choice..so it was date night "man-style". Yes, pizza, beer and wings. We stayed in and enjoyed our feast and it was great to have quiet time to catch up on our week!
I finished up the week at a crop at the Four Points Suites with Scrappin' The Night Away. Michelle Miller was a very good hostess and her store held a number of unique finds. Just what a girl who has everything possible could want. Cathy and Heather were also there and I truly enjoyed their company. Not bad for starters to 2008!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
