Shelly and Fabulous Frank of Shelly’s Podcast fame came to the Pacific Northwest for a vacation and lucky for us, spent some of it with us.  If you’d like to know what we were up to at our cabin on Pitt Lake you can tune in to Shelly’s latest episode 199!

While we were at the cabin Fab Frank had a little mishap.  Check it out!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgiudMRXkaQ

Thanks for hanging in there, a new episode will be in the feed real soon!

MISTY
MAY 2005 to AUGUST 2007

None of us are immune to these crimes but I find these particularly disturbing

A vicious attack outside a SkyTrain station in East Vancouver early Tuesday morning left a 56-year-old Asian woman in hospital with serious head injuries.

After handing over $5 for five days straight, 79-year-old is shoved to the ground and robbed of his wallet.

Last week I received a phone call from my Mom. She is a cashier at a self serve gas station, loves her job and her customers. At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the world as she knew it came to a grinding halt when a drug addicted loser thought it would be a good idea to rob her at knife point. Fortunately, she was not “hurt”, the thief took his loot (cash, lottery tickets and smokes) and then hopped in a car that his equally pathetic girlfriend was driving.

We tend to assess the severity of these situations based on whether or not the victims are physically hurt but do we ever consider the long term effects of what these assaults do to the poor victims that are just going about their daily business? Physically my Mom is “fine”. Emotionally she’s a wreck. She is in the process of quitting her job because she is terrified to go back. She is the one who must endure police interviews, sleepless nights and try and build her life back. She is 60; for her it will not be an easy task, but she is strong and will prevail.

I’m finding it harder and harder to be sympathetic to society’s less fortunate individuals who happen to fall into the life of addiction or find themselves living on the streets without a roof over their head. I have supported many of these people by donating cash, buying coffee and meals and I don’t want to group them all into one category for I believe that there are those that are trying to find their way. I am, however, tired of the homeless people & drugged up kids in my community that think it’s okay to steal and harass the rest of us in order for them to meet their needs. Bottom line, I am sick of no one taking accountability for their actions. Drugs are to blame, government is to blame, my childhood was bad, etc. There are a million different reasons but at the end of the day it is about choices. If you want to drag yourself to hell and back go ahead, but leave the rest of us alone.

Concentrate on the picture above. Put yourself in this happy place, feel the tranquility of no cars, no electricity, sounds of lapping water on the beach and the buzz of hummingbirds nearby. Cut to the reality of same place but brother and sister fighting for the umpteenth time over God knows what and Mom (yes, me) completely losing it.

I have been with my children for forty six days straight and though we know the love is still there and strong we’re just not feeling it very much these days. I did not book any summer day camps this year, Dad has been working really long hours and bar a few play dates it has been the three of us 24/7.

I couldn’t stomach a weekend at our beautiful retreat coupled with constant bickering over trivial things so I proposed a challenge to my two charming children. If they could get through three days without fighting I would pay them $10 each. I know it was a bribe, I was desperate and I am not proud of it. We are not big believers of cash rewards as incentives and still struggle with the whole allowance scenario.

Our daughter just had a birthday and has quite the stash of cash. Her comment “Brody, it’s only 10 bucks!” She has also admitted in passing that her favourite thing in the whole world is to fight with her brother. My son on the other hand was an easier sell. He is broke and really wanted to purchase a new video game. They negotiated, agreed and then we all pinkie swore that the challenge was on.

The kids swam together, played together and supported one another. At one point a disagreement started but they shut it down quickly! Bribery tactics or not, three days later we were a happy, intact and calm family. The cash was gladly paid out and a video game and Webkins has been purchased with the “winnings”.

This little challenge wasn’t my best parenting move and will probably haunt me down the road. For the most part though, a week later, they are still getting along and right or wrong this has been the best $20 I have EVER spent.

I finally sat down and posted what I had, hoping I could put some form of closure on this particular post. The bottom line, I hate it. Even my husband commented that he expected more from it knowing how excited I was about the Cookie Stand.

Needless to say the damn thing is still haunting me. My question to you is do you ever go back and “tweak” posts that you were not satisfied with, leave them as is or delete altogether? For those of you who read blogs, would you bother to re read something that had already been posted?

I probably just need to “let it go” but the anal side of my personality won’t let me. Tell me, oh experienced ones, what would you do?  This inquiring mind needs to know.

It’s a amazing how one,  simple concept can restore your faith in mankind, even if it’s just for a moment. On our recent trip to Lasqueti Island we came across this roadside stand.

On the table was some of the most beautiful produce I’ve seen in a while; zucchini, huge plump raspberries, fresh basil that had the most wonderful smell, geraniums, a huge bouquet of flowers and home made baked goods. Also on the table was a locked money box. At that point I realized that there was no salesperson, big dog growling or security cameras to ensure that you paid for your goods. Someone was actually running a business based on the HONOUR system.

I’m not naive enough to think that theft never takes place, but for me, the Cookie Stand warmed my heart and gave me great hope.

For the past couple of weeks the dog has been running along the fence, ripping up my garden (o.k. weeds) and barking up a storm. I figured it was just his state of mind starting to go as I haven’t been as diligent walking him as I should.This afternoon he started up again and low and behold look what we found in the neighbours cherry tree. Looks like this family of four (maybe five) have moved in. As cute as they are, they are not what I want to see when I have kids and pets nearby.

Dudes, it’s daytime! Go to bed!!

At least I have the peace of mind knowing that my dog isn’t talking to a worm or a figment of his imagination. He is doing his ever loyal duty and keeping us informed of new goings on.  I wonder if my neighbour knows he has new tenants…

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar with a sexual health educator this week who was amazing and I am quite proud of the fact that, for the most part, we have done a good job educating our kids. I’m sure my pride will be quickly shot down once the kids attend their session and some embarrassing fact will be brought to the forefront about what Mom and Dad said or, God forbid, did! Though I knew it already, the realization really hit home tonight about how much our kids need to know and how little most of them do know. If you’re in the least bit shy talking to your kids about sexual health I strongly recommend attending a similar seminar or checkout some great resources that are available. Studies show that children who are educated about their bodies are less likely to be preyed upon by predators and tend to abstain from sexual activities until much later.

I also received an email from a friend which came directly from a local police station. I know drugs are everywhere, in different appealing shapes and forms but this, targeted at children, sparks a whole new level of fear.

This thing called parenthood, didn’t come with an instruction manual and there are many days I wonder “What Were We Thinking?” There are so many unknowns, challenges and obstacles they will have to face, more today, I believe, than when we were kids. I guess the biggest thing we need to do is love, listen, take lots of deep breaths and try to give our children the necessary tools to get through each day. I just hope and pray we do it right.

We all have neighbours. We like some of them, some we don’t know, some we simply co-exist with and others are a down right pain in the butt. This is pretty much how I sum up my view of the relationship between Canada and the U.S., depending on the issue in the forefront at the time. I am not a political person by any means. For the most part I would say I am politically illiterate, so much so that in elections past I used to call my Dad and ask him who I should be voting for. My Dad has since passed and I have had to make these very scary, adult decisions on my own.

One thing that I have always admired about the U.S., envied in fact, is their patriotism. I love how the 4th of July is a HUGE deal and that sporting teams, from the ground level up, are supported and revered. Though many of us Canadians are very patriotic and love that we are Canadian we have a tendency to be complacent (except when it comes to hockey ). We don’t fight too many big battles, we remain polite and keep our mouths shut, because, God forbid we may offend someone. That tends to be the Canadian way.

My son’s Cub group participated in Hands Across the Border today. I wanted to take him as I had gone when I was a Guide a very, very long time ago. I got up this morning, the weather was wet and I almost bailed. In the end I got the crew up and headed out the door. I am so glad I made the decision to go. Where else in the world can you participate in an event that the border is closed between two countries so that children of all ages can meet each other, trade badges, pins, crafts and flags? Yes there was a police presence, but there weren’t armed guards with rifles or fear that something terrible was going to happen. It was just kids having the time of their life, appreciating their new found friends with no worries of war, borders, or who had done what to whom.

At one point my six year old daughter giggled and said, “Mommy, that girl thinks that America is the United States and that when we walk over there we’re not in Canada anymore.” When I told her the little girl was correct her eyes opened wide with awe. Further explaining had to be done as to why there was the statement at the Arch “May These Gates Never Be Closed.” We explained that if they were closed we would probably be at war and not friends anymore.

As I watched the parade of participants march through the archway I felt a true sense of pride and well being. The flags were raised simultaneously (the announcer made it very clear that it wasn’t a race) and as the anthems were sang tears ran down my face. I was and am so proud to have been part of such an amazing event and hope that it will continue for many more years. Despite what these two neighbours may think of each other, for me that moment was filled with a profound sense of peace and true patriotism for my country and that of my neighbour. Sometimes we don’t like the guy next door, they may annoy us or ignore us but more times than not we need each other. Hopefully, at the very least, we can respect one another.

I am a very busy woman. I volunteer far too much, look after the administration for our family business and am a SAHM of two kids and all that entails. I do not need more things to occupy my time. I tell my wonderful, persistent husband this, but he continues to try and draw me into his internet world. A couple of months ago Rod sent me a link to Twitter.

Being that I spend a lot of time in our home based office by myself my Twitter friends have become my co-workers. I’m a social gal and need interaction. Being stuck in a home office for hours during the day by myself is comparable to nails on a chalkboard, tinfoil on fillings – you get the picture.

Twitter then introduced me to the wonderful world of podcasts. By chance I happened upon a tweet (Twitter posting) of a podcaster and her husband. This happened to be the Tuckers and their podcast The Tucker Tales. Their site recommends other podcasts to listen to and those podcast recommend podcasts and so on. But no, I couldn’t just listen. I had to start providing feedback to these shows. First it was an email or two, which led to a phone call, or two, or three, or four. Rod and I even had the opportunity to be a guest on the Barnuts! I have my shiny new iPod (compliments of Air Miles!), load it up each day and take my new found friends with me wherever I go. I have the Tuckers, and BUCKET with Corey & Jen, Barely, CJ & Dan (Love Long & Prosper), Wicked Good, Kids Wife Work Life, Desperate Husbands and my latest fav The Redboy Podcast. For any of the podcasters that may read this, thank you for the bright spot in my day, it’s a true pleasure and I thank you for all of the hard work you put into your shows each week. Because I’ve had a few glasses of wine it’s appropriate that I say “I love you guys!” For you non-podcasters out there check out these shows; you won’t be disappointed.

I’m sure I have become a thorn in this podcast communities side but I must admit, even though it is simply an acquaintance situation, I feel very much at home with this group of people and think they are one of the kindest, most helpful, fun communities I have had the opportunity to chat with.

Rod comes home from his very long days (tis pool & spa season you know) and I’m filling him in on the kids, school and the latest Twitter & podcast info. He’s still far more of a geek than I am and always be, but now, just briefly, he’s giving me the “glazed over look” and I wonder if he’s sorry that he sent me “the link.”

Reality check and fast forward 30 days. First part of the month was disastrous. Weekdays were good but weekends were filled with great friends, good food and yummy Pitt Lake special coffees and vino. Which basically counteracted all the efforts of Monday to Friday.

Towards the end of the month the weather picked up, I’ve tried to walk the dog a little more and tennis lessons have resumed. I like my food too much to give it all up so I need to move the body more. This past Thursday was d-day. Though I pretty much had been losing and gaining the same four pounds over the course of the past month, I thought for sure I could at least weight in being down a few pounds. NOPE – was up 1/2 a lb.

Though disgruntled I’m still plugging away. Managed a few walks today and a tennis lesson (oh yeah and snack and some wine!). I honestly still need (and more importantly want) to get this weight off but have come to the conclusion that it will come, in time. Some days I’m motivated, others not. As long a I’m healthy, moving and having fun it will all work out in the end. Rod tells me to quit worrying (he’s just happy ’cause the boobs are bigger when I am!) but we all have a goal and this is mine. This too shall come and I will be accountable.

Found that it was actually 19.5 lbs. I needed to lose based on first NAM (naked a.m.) weight. After one week, with Easter and a cabin visit included I’m down 3.5 lbs. It’s a start dear friends. This week I have a cold. Am I suppose to starve a cold or a fever? Hopefully it’s the cold!! Wish me luck and lots of willpower!

April 1, 2007
All right family, friends and whomever may stumble upon my lowly blog. Prior to my 40th I decided to get with the program and lose some weight. I rejoined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time and made a commitment to myself, that this time, I would get to my goal weight no matter how long it took. It took awhile but I lost 30 lbs and made it to goal – that was 2 1/2 years ago. Since then, I still try and make my monthly weigh in because for me, it’s my check, my accountability. Unfortunately I haven’t done very well. Though I haven’t gained all of the weight back I am well on my “weigh” and have gained back about 17 of those 30 lbs. Most since Christmas (was that darn bake exchange!).I’m in total denial – the dryer has shrunk my jeans, my scale must be broken, I’m over 40 so it’s harder to lose, the weather’s been bad so I can’t walk the dog (’cause I might melt?!!!), I’m too busy to eat properly and so on. The bottom line is, I like food, I like my wine and late night snacking in my big comfy chair in front of the big screen TV has become a hobby! I need to stop the insanity!!!! Ice cream is not a food group (but don’t ya wish it was?)!

So internet friends you are my witness! I will be making a true effort to get back to my goal within the next two months and the fact that shorts & bathing suit season is around the corner definitely is an incentive! Wish me luck and check in occasionally to see how I’m doing!

He couldn’t stand having to shave! The beard is back! Big cheers from all.

Burrito vs. Taco

Just for the record Taco Bell will be getting all of our future fast food Mexi business! I did not hear one word from our friends at Taco Time in response to my inquiry. Not even a generic send out of “Thank you, we have received your inquiry and a representative will get back to you shortly!” I even stopped by the mall and their menu still reads “Jr. Burrito”. Don’t be fooled parents of young un’s you are going to get a Jr. TACO in your kiddie meal not a Burrito!

Middle of the Night Visitor

The mystery has been solved, the little old gal across the street is visiting from NYC and is having some dementia paranoia. She actually came over and asked Rod where the police station was the other day! I ran into the “evil daughter-in-law” at a neigbourhood meeting and asked her if it was her Mom, etc. It was only then that she said that there were “issues” and that we should bring her back if she “escapes” again. Apparently they have had to hide her shoes because she “won’t leave home with out them!” For the record, she doesn’t leave home without her Amex card either! If it was me, I would be alerting the whole neighbourhood to my little gal’s condition. I’m still afraid she’s going to wander off and get hurt but who am I but the “lowly” neighbour. I’ve seen more concern from the “daughter-in-law” about her cats! (Okay cat lovers relax, I have one too!)

Here’s a note I just sent to our friends at Taco Time. What are they thinking? Or is it just me?

My children love Taco Time and go occasionally for a special treat. There has been some confusion though over the kids meal. The kids meal states a Jr. Burrito but when we order it we get a choice of a soft or hard shelled taco but no burrito. When the kids look at the photos they are different. We are told by staff that this is the way it is, you get a taco, not a burrito. Why is it then, that the store advertises a burrito?? Tacos are hard for kids to handle. The lettuce falls out, they aren’t wrapped properly and end up having to eat the whole thing with a fork!! Previously we have received burritos, they were wrapped tightly and it wasn’t a problem. The store says they can’t do it because the tortilla is too small. If you’re going to advertise a burrito, give a burrito not a taco. Could you please encourage them to change their sign to read Jr. Taco?
Thank you!!

Here’s another dilemma to ponder…a few weeks back our doorbell rang at 2:30 in the morning. It was like one of those weird movies where the wife wakes up and starts poking the husband “Did you hear that?” We waited for a few moments and then the bell went again. Many of you know that we’ve started calling our neighbourhood the ghetto so no one was in a hurry to see who was at the door. Needless to say whoever it was didn’t go away. Rod finally went and opened the door and I could hear him talking while I was freaking out upstairs. Next thing I hear is “Would you like to come in?” Not knowing who it was I’m trying to whisper in a very loud way “NO!” Turns out it’s this little old lady who is trying to escape from her daughter-in-law. This poor gal was convinced that the daughter-in-law was either trying to do her in or have her committed. She had money, she had I.D. out the wazoo, passports, credit cards and even had a snack; some nuts (okay I know what you’re thinking!) and an apple that she kindly offered to share. She is 84 years old and asked to stay the night. When we refused she asked me to take her to a hotel. Not knowing her situation, whether she was on medication, suffering from dementia, etc. there was no way I was taking her anywhere. To make a long story short she finally agreed to let us call the police.

What were we to do? She probably is suffering from some form of dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s but she appeared very lucid and together. What if the daughter in law was really trying to cause her harm? How do you know? Especially at 2:30 a.m? I can only hope that the police can tell the difference. We discovered that she escaped from the house across the street. We don’t know these individuals well and to date the family has never come over to say anything to us as to what to do in the event she “escapes” again. Do I have a right to go over and ask or do I let it go? What do you think?

Fun times were had by all here. We’ve eaten too much, drank too much and now face the realization that now we have to smarten up. Poor Neo is desperately hoping that he has become a part of the New Years resolution and that Mom (yes me) will make a better effort to walk him more! So far that hasn’t come to pass. I’ll blame the weather and the fact that mom-in-law is visiting but really those are no excuses. We both need the walks so hopefully I’ll get my butt in gear and walk us both very soon!

Which brings me to my next point. It wouldn’t hurt me to walk more especially after a comment that my dear daughter made the other day. It was such a good come back that I have submitted it to a very popular publication. One of the local malls has a family room that contains a stall that has a full side adult toilet and a kids size functioning toilet. Everytime we go to this mall Briana insists that she has to visit this bathroom. So needless to say on our last visit we had to make a pit stop to her favourite toilet (She has been an avid bathroom inspector since she’s been two!) Once inside the family room I realized I needed to conduct my business so here we were, mother and daughter side by side, giving in to the call of nature. I looked over at Briana and said, “It looks like you’re getting to big for that toilet Briana.” She glanced in my direction and immediately responded “It looks like you’re getting too big for yours too Mom!” Yup, out of the mouths of babes! Gotta love ‘em but why do they have to be so honest?!”

Back in November we took out a loan and decided to take the family to an NHL game! One of the local pubs has a restaurant attached where kids are welcome; they also promote that their bus trips are kid friendly. We discussed this with friends of ours who had been on the bus trip before and based on their experience kids were present and overall it was a pretty tame, fun evening.

Rod and I should know by now that if something is going to go wrong or if there is an opportunity for our kids to put us in the negative spotlight it will happen!!! Why should this time be any different?

The game was a blast and the kids had a great time. Mid way Briana ate a rotten peanut (I know what you’re singing now!!) and reached for a drink. Lucky for me it happend to be my cooler. This became a big “to do” because my six year old is now sucking back my Smirnoff Ice. I freak out which in turn gets her really excited because now she has to share with everyone how she “drank booze”.

We lost the game, our little angel is still going on about her beverage and now we have two very drunk and very obnoxious young gals on the bus sitting behind us. Brody is shrinking in his seat, appalled that these girls are using ever four letter known to man. I decide to make it a learning experience about choosing behavoir, if you don’t like it, don’t do it, don’t bring girls like this home to Mom, blah, blah.

Meanwhile Briana is hanging out with our friends, oblivious to the goings on and then out of the blue you hear “I drank booze at the hockey game!’ That even silenced the obnoxious drunks in the back . The bus is now silent and everyone turns to look at the Parents of the Year. Someone picks up the mike on the bus to ask “Is that a real kid back there?” Yup, not one of our defining parenting moments but definitely adds to the kid story repertoire.

Briana will soon be known as “Gummy” if she keeps loosing teeth at this rate! Two in the past three weeks and another one almost ready to come out. She’s going to look like Bo Bo soon…