A is for Apple and other fun things

I have so much to blog about and not enough time. Time and that I could post twice a day for the next two weeks and probobly still have lots to say. Now watch, next week I won't be able to think of one fun or interesting thing to blog about.

Let's get on with the show. Last week I was tagged by a grrls wrrld with a meme to list seven random things about me. I know I have done similar ones to this one, but let's give it a go shall we.

1. I have a toe ring. I have had one since 1986. The particular one I am wearing is 15 years old and was made out of beads by my youngest sister. The ones before that were all rubber rings that would only last so long then break. This one is going on strong.

2. I used to drive a motorcycle. And if I can remember to bring the photo to my sister's house and scan it in, one day you will all get to see me on my former ride. I sold it to buy a convertible, still only had two seats, but it was much more convenient in the rain and while wearing skirts.

3. I lived in England for a year. February 1977 - February 1978. I still remember all the castles and Brighton Beach and our little house in Sutton, Surrey. I remember my best friend Liana (who still sends cards, along with her Mom for birthdays and holidays) and our school Devonshire Public school. My younger sister was born there, but has never been back.

4. I play a cello. Not very well anymore, I could use a little practice to get up to snuff again.

5. I also play a flute. I taught myself and then gave my sister my flute and haven't seen it since.

6. I worked at Cineplex Odeon for two months shy of 10 years. It was the longest ten years of my life.

7. One person (and only one,ever) told me I would make a terrible mother and should never have kids. I never knew why he said that and wish I knew where he was today, so I could go over and smack him in the face. And of course brag about my kids.


You are probobly all wondering why A is for Apple?

Because I have the best Hubby in the whole entire world. You see, my trusty Dell laptop is starting to give me trouble. I love it to peices and it is our second Dell laptop, my fourth if you count the two I used at work. I also used Dell desktops at work and loved them too. But, now that my photography passion is taking over again in my life, I wanted my next laptop to be an Apple. I was waiting until I had a complete handle on my camera and learned all the ins and outs of Photoshop Elements.

But Hubby was tired of me getting frustrated with my Dell, although he tried to convince me that a new Dell was all I needed and even the professionals aren't using Apples for photography anymore. I stood fast and declared, "I will buy my own next year when I can start earning some money again". So, Hubby did some research and visited a few shops. His research identified the fact that I was right. Can we hear that again folks. I WAS RIGHT. Apples are awesome for what I want to do.

Hubby decided that I should have one. You see tomorrow is my birthday so for my birthday this year I got my Apple. I have no idea yet how to use it entirely, but I am learning. And for now I cannot do a full post, complete with links from Safari. I will need to keep posting from my Dell until my migration. So far so good, I love it to peices, I just uploaded all my photos, so we are off and running.

Here's to Apples.

Tags, tags, tags...

Thank you miss mel, for tagging me with a seven's meme. I think I may have done one of these before, but hey let's see if I can list seven things I haven't listed before. And if I repeat myself then I apologize.

Here are the rules... Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog. Ok, so I don't really like tagging people, but if you want to play along leave a comment saying that you played so we can all check out what you wrote.

1. I lived in England for a year as a child. I was six going on seven and my younger Sister by one was born there. My father was posted there to open a church so we all tagged along for the ride. The six month stint turned into a year. I have fond memories of living there despite the rainy weather. I remember all and I mean all of the castles. I remember our trip to Paris and NOT going up the Eiffel Tower because I figured we would be back again soon (uh... thirty years later I have not been back) and I remember wearing uniforms to school and how cool I thought it was. We came home with a British accent and lots of jealousy from our friends here. I would love to go back one day.

2. I used to ride a motorcycle. Not that long ago either, ok, it was actually seventeen years ago... I am starting to feel really, really old. I miss my bike especially when the weather is this awesome and you want to feel the freedom of the open air. Hubby used to ride too, but neither of us have bikes now, such a shame. We can't even convince A to want to learn he thinks they are silly. Not when you have to pay for your own gas it isn't!!

3. I play a cello. It is such a strange instrument to play, but I wanted to go to a certain middle school and I had to play a stringed instrument. Lori Singer played the cello on Fame and always looked so cool, so I thought I should give it a try. I don't look quite as cool and I need some practice, but my cello sits in the basement eagerly awaiting to be held again.

4. I was a cheerleader in High School. And I loved every second of it. I was deferred for a year because my marks were a bit low, but eventually I made it to the junior squad and became captain, then on to the senior squad. I was so tall that I thought they wouldn't take me because of it, but that wasn't it at all. I even remeber some of the cheers. I would love to coach a cheerleading squad now with all the extra flips and dances that they do now compared to when I was a cheerleader.

5. I have a thirst for knowledge. Some days it just doesn't seem that way, but I truly love to know a little bit about everything. I loved it when my friends would call me up because they couldn't figure out how to work something or clean something or fix something. I get my thirst from my Dad. Although he is not always right when it comes to opinions about things, he is really truly right when it comes to fixing or putting things together. We think alike us two, and I love it!

6. I love to cook. And that includes baking. Sadly, as of late I have not been doing a lot of either. And it isn't because I am pregnant, although it plays a small part. It is because I am tired of cooking these awesome gourmet meals that I alone appreciate. When you spend a good 45 minutes making a delicious Chicken Wellington it just sucks the life out of you when two of your family members pour a bottle of ketchup over it and the other eats a ham and cheese sandwich. Cooking for one is just not that much fun. And baking is off right now because we can all stand to lose a couple of pounds.

7. I am my Mother. There I said it. Now if any of you tell her I admitted it on the Internet, I will find you. I can distinctly remember the argument that my Mom and I had back when I was about sixteen or seventeen where I yelled at her, "When I get older I will be the exact opposite of you!" That lasted about five years, then slowly I turned into her. Complete with the cleaning obsessively (I am not as bad as her though) and the way I bring up J, it is all my Mom. So it is true, you eventually become just like your Mom.

And those are seven things about me. Will be back tomorrow with an update on the long weekend, the basement, the new haircut and more.

More About Me - Meme

A little more info about yours truly, courtesy of a Meme from Karen MEG. Let's see if there is anything I haven't shared before.

INSTRUCTIONS: Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
1) Pointless Drivel
2) Shelli's Sentiments
3 Curiosity Killer
4) A Day in the Life (aka gliks)
5) Life is Good... At the Beach

Next select five people to tag: (if you haven’t done it already)
I think most bloggers I know have done this one, but if you haven't join in and let me know in the comments that you decided to do the Meme.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Finishing University, Slinging beer for a living, spending summers by the beach and pool and hanging out with my future Hubby.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Hanging out with my FIL who was cisiting from Vancouver, getting ready for a trip to Regina to visit my Sister and worrying that Hubby wasn't going to like his new job that he just started.

Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Skittles ( a weakness I am trying to overcome)
2) Cinnamon Sticks
3) Fresh fruit with yogurt dip
4) Coffee
5) Any kind of cracker that is just hanging around in a bowl waiting to be snacked on.

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
1) Jack and Diane (John Mellencamp)
2) One (U2)
3) Jump (Pointer Sisters)
4) Life is a Highway (Tom Cockrane)
5) Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2) - ok, so I know most U2 songs, and I can think of other words to songs right now, but can't think of the name of the song, so U2 it is.

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1) Pay off the mortgage
2) Buy my dream beach house in Rehoboth
3) Make sure my kids were taken care of
4) Travel over to Europe and back to California
5) Spoil my family rotten.

Five bad habits:
1) Snacking when nervous
2) Fiddling with my hands
3) Not putting my soda cans in the recycling
4) Sun worshiping without the SPF.
5) Procrastinate when I don't think I can do something.

Five things you like doing:
1) Snuggling with J
2) Shopping at fancy stores
3) Blogging
4) Taking photos
5) Meeting Hubby for lunch

Five things you would never wear again:
1) Leg warmers
2) Addidas 'underwear' style shorts
3) My old cheerleading uniform
4) My little blue dress (unless I lose a good 20lbs or more after this baby, but if I do make it, I'll wear it and post photos)
5) Most likely my overalls.

Five favorite toys:
1) laptop
2) camera
3) car
4) phone
5) internet

phew! Be sure to let me know if you play along...

Five Questions: The Interview

I read Whoorl's interview this afternoon, and although I wasn't going to ask to be interviewed (Whoorl has tons of peeps reading her blog and I figured a million and a half of them were going to ask for questions, so I didn't want to add to her list) but she offered and sent me five questions. If you want to play along, read the instructions after my interview and I will send you my interview questions.


1. What is the last thing you do before you get into bed at night?
Kiss J goodnight. Once in a while Hubby will go in and check on him, make sure he is tucked in, still in bed and kiss him goodnight. On those nights that I didn't get my goodnight kiss, I don't seem to sleep as well.

It is a good routine and I love it. I slowly open his door, let my eyes adjust (must do this as I almost stepped on him once when he was on the floor), hold my breath (not sure why I think my breathing will wake him up), check his covers, add another cover, bend over and kiss him. I step away and take a breath and whisper "I love you" as I leave the room. I leave his door ajar at night, just a crack so if (which is often thanks to my neighbours) he gets up he can pull open the door without without too much fuss.

2. If you could live anywhere, would you move?

This is a tricky question. My first instinct is to scream out 'YES"!!!! But, then reality sets in and I have to think about who I would be leaving to move. My dream is to one day live at my favorite Beach when we retire. But, that is a long way away. And if we could afford one of the million dollar homes to have as a summer house, then I would definately spend my summers there.

But, in all honesty, I would have a really hard time moving away from my Parents and my Sister. One of my Sister's moved almost two years ago (a three day drive) and it is really hard to have her far away. The other Sister has been gone for a while but, she is young and carefree and we see her often enough as she is in driving distance (15 hours). My Parents and Sister who is here really are a huge part of my life. I would have a really hard time being away from them, so I think I would have to stay put for now. Unless of course moving meant a huge amount of money so I could bring my family out anytime I wanted.

And I would have to add, that after watching SAJ and Whoorl have so much fun out in California and after visiting San Diego myself last fall. If I could live out there, I think I would. The weather is just so much more what I am actually living in.

3. What is your favorite recipe?

Well, in all honesty, I have many favourites. But because Whoorl posed the questions, I will think of her in my answer, just in case she needs a little Sangria in her life.

BeachMama's Sangria (which many peeps used to order when I was a bartender)
1 part red wine (and don't be cheap on your wine, it will show through in the Sangria)
1/4 part OJ (I always use pulp free, because it's my Sangria and I hate pulp)
1/4 part lemon and lime (If I can't find the mixers, or am going to the corner store, I get Fruitopia lemon)
splash of brandy (don't be cheap here either)

Shake this sucker up and server with fruit slices (Orange, lemon, lime) and cherries.
**I use parts because then you can make a glass or a pitcher, it's up to you. I usually use a bottle with a lid when I make a pitcher so I can shake it. And I never leave it sitting with ice in the pitcher, just pour it over ice in your glass, nobody likes watered down Sangria. And if I wasn't pregnant right now, I would be mixing Sangria and firing up the BBQ for some burgers.

4. What was the happiest moment in your life?

Hands down the day that J was born. It was a beautiful August day and I had no idea that he would bring so much joy into my life. I remember, very well, holding him and looking at him and just wanting to cry (ok, I did cry) because he was so gorgeous and I waited so long to meet him. There has been nothing sweeter for me than meeting my son.

5. What cheese do you prefer on your burger, if any?

Cheese, did someone say cheese? How can I pick just one? Yes, first of all, I do love cheese on my burgers. In fact I rarely eat one without cheese. Now because we usually only have cheddar around here, that is what gets put on my burgers the most. But, truthfully I prefer mozzarella. I love the way it melts and holds onto all the other condiments on your burger.

If we really have some fun cheeses, like havarti or gouda, I like to mix it up a bit and add them all to melt in harmony on my burgers.

Great, now I am drooling wanting a burger, which I probobly won't get for dinner, but hey I can pretend.

Instructions for an interview:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Great, now I get to bundle up in some winter gear and head to the hockey rink, for what I hope is one last hockey game of the season for A. This is the Championship!!

Seven Songs For the Rest of my Life

I was going to write a post today about how awesome my Dad is. Why you ask? Because my Dad didn't even blink when he was searched at the airport after borrowing my travelling golf bag. Apparently my golf bag, which had been stored in our garage at the old house, was covered in chemicals. Chemicals that set off all the alarms and bells. It was just fertilizer or limestone for the grass, but apparently those are pretty popular for creating things that explode.

Poor Dad doesn't even golf, he borrowed the bag so that he could bring an odd shaped box containing a Barbie castle to Regina for my neices 6th birthday. What a trooper. I have thanked him over and over again because who would be the next person to travel with golf clubs? Me. And do you think I would have wanted to be searched and had strange peoples gloved hands down my pants? NO THANKS.

So, on to the Seven Songs Meme. Undercover Angel tagged anyone that read her post. And I just feel obliged when I get a tag like that, plus it will be fun to see what my seven songs would be. They are to be seven songs that I would listen to, if I could only listen to seven songs for the rest of my life. So here it goes...

1. Boys of Summer - Don Henley. This is my all time favorite song and has been since I was fifteen.

2. Minutes to Memories - John Mellencamp. Not sure how this ended up being my favorite John Mellencamp song. I do love them all, but this one just makes me really happy. An oldie but a goodie. JCM is also my favorite artist of all time.

3. Cuts like a Knife - Bryan Adams. Need a little Canadiana in there.

4. Pride in the Name of Love - U2. Have been a fan for almost 25 and this song is one I can hear over and over again. U2 is my favorite band, so I have to include one from them.

5. Good Vibrations - Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Aka. Mark Walberg. Something about that song just gets me going.

6. Summer Girls - LFO. This was a one hit wonder, but it always makes me think of summer whenever I hear it.

7. Life is a Highway - Tom Cochran. Ok, will add another Canadian in there. I just love Tom Cochran, and I loved it when he played with Red Rider. I can listen to his music anytime. And seeing him in concert is awesome.

There you go, not so hard after all, actually I could have probobly added a few more, but those will do. For now.

Real Moms

I was tagged last week by SAJ to post a photo of 'Real Mom's'. I tried really hard to be clever and think of something really fun. But, truth be told is that I spend most of my days building Lego. So I have to say that Real Mom's spend hours building space ships out of Lego, knowing full well that they will be destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Right now, J is really into the Star Wars Lego that I don't know if I can take much more. Everything is about Star Wars. His old foam swords are now lightsabers, everyone is a character, mostly I am Yoda, go figure or Anakin.

His brother didn't get into Lego until he was at least seven. And we are already playing with the stuff, what will he play with when he is seven?

The good side is that this is the longest he has ever played with one particulart toy. So, all in all, I will take it. Packed away are the Thomas, Rescue Heroes, and cars and trucks. It is all about the Lego.

Although I can think of a few more 'Real Mom' posts this one is just describes my life so well right now that I had to post it. It might change now that the good weather is here, he just dropped his Lego to go outside while the sun is out.

One Word Meme

I was tagged by nancy for this one word Meme. Haven't done one in a while should be fun.

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your Vehicle? dying
3. Your hair? sad
4.Your mother? Love
5. Your father? Rock
6. Your favorite thing? J
7. Your dream last night?none
8. Your favorite drink? Wine
10. The room you’re in? Cozy
11. Your ex? Pass
12. You are? Tired
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Mom
14. Who did you hang out with today? Family
15. What you’re not? Sad
16. Muffins? Meh
17. One of your wish list items? SUV
18. Where is the ______ ? Party
19. The last thing you did? Drive
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your favorite TV show? Friends
22. Your pet(s)? Furry
23. Your computer? Necessity
24. Your life? Full
25. Your mood? alright
26. Missing? Sisters
27. What are you thinking about right now? Snack
28. Your Shoes? Heels
29. Your work? Hard
30. Your summer? Favorite
31. Your favorite color? Purple
32. Tag? Whomever

**Join in if you want to!!

And thanks to everyone on the info about Facebook. So far so good, my Sister seems to be enjoying it and my other Sister says she will keep an eye on her :)

4 Things Meme

4 things meme....Tagged by Northern Mom:

Four places I have worked:
1. Nortel (they still ask when I am coming back)
2. Angelo's Pizza (I had a dream two nights ago that I went back to work there and I remembered everything on the menu)
3. Cineplex Odeon (Do not miss this one bit, ok maybe the free movies)
4. Pinkerton's Security (Miss the free concerts)

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Bridget Jones
2. Failure to Launch
3. Just Like Heaven
4. Pride and Predjudice (BBC version, yes it is five hours long)

Four of my favorite TV shows:
1. Friends
2. The Amazing Race
3. Survivor
4. Men in Trees/Brothers and Sisters (two new ones that tie right now, like them both)

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. San Diego
2. Mexico
3. Thunder Bay
4. I should say Delaware, but it is so much like home it isn't really a vacation.

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Right now, almost everything
2. Grotto's Pizza
3. Nicola's Nic-a-Boli
4. Mom's Chicken Wellington (to die for)

Four things I like to do in my spare time:
1. Take photos
2. Snuggle with J
3. Surf the net
4. Write

Play along if you like!!