Friday, December 29, 2006

TWO

Because i'm terribly bored at work and there's no one here but me....no phone ringing, no one stopping by, the third floor is closing up early but us!!

Terrible Twos If you opened it, you have to do it.

Two Names You Go By:
1. Pen
2. Yo Bitz

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Jeans
2. Sheesh, you'd think we were getting ready to play strip poker.......SOCKS

Two Things You Want in a Relationship:
1. I have them....Love
2. Friendship

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Hanging with Hal
2. Be with family and friends

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. Hug my Mom
2. NOT BE HERE AT WORK TODAY!!!!!

Two pets you had/have:
1. Our dog Cleo girl!
2. Our cat Weiner Willow

Two people who will fill this out: (I hope)
1. Jenny
2. Janelle

Two things you did last night:
1. Shopped with my sister
2. Watched Brother Bear with the family

Two People that live in your house:
1. Hal
2. Pen

Two things you ate today:
1. Banana
2. My sisters awesome homemade Turkey Soup...yummy for our tummies!

Two people you Last Talked To:
1. Shell (my sis)
2. Shari.....Love ya, don't want to be cleanin' up what your cleaning up!!

Two Things You're doing tomorrow:
1. Toboganning with the kids
2. Go see Eragon

Two longest car rides:
1. BC to Nova Scotia (about 8 times in my life but wonderful trip)
2. BC to Saskatchewan border

Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Hal and I's summer break

Two favorite beverages:
1. Water
2. Ice cold Coke

Two Cool People:
1. Laura
2. Rhonda

Two Favorite Bands/ Singers:
1. Don Williams
2. Def Leppard

Two Necessities:
1. God
2. My family and friends

Two Sports:
1. Hockey
2. Baseball

Two favorite candies:
1. Truffles that I got for Christmas (simply to die for!)
2. Cinnamon Caramel popcorn with nuts

Two Movies:
1. Silence of the Lambs
2. The Notebook

Two Books:
1. Tuesdays with Morrie
2. Pet Sematary

Two Channels:
1. the ones with Lost/Greys Anatomy/CSI's and Brothers and Sisters
2. Discovery/Animal Planet

Friday, December 22, 2006

I CRIED LIKE A BABY!

You guys will never believe what a fast one my sister pulled on me!!!!! Tuesday night she called and was totally stressing about what to pack, that there was not enough room in the van for the 5 loaves of homemade bread Mom was sending for us, all the gifts, the GT's, etc. So to lighten the mood I told her "Well just leave one of the kids at home?" This was followed by a short silence and then a big giggle.

Well I tried to get a hold of them Wednesday night to let them know there's a good possibility of snow Friday in our area and that if it was snowing in Smithers to spend the night there as it would be late and not good to drive through the Hazeltons and the pass from Smithers to Kitimat.

We're so excited to have them for Christmas and want them to arrive safely.

Back to the story: I leave work yesterday afternoon to get Hal for lunch. We have lunch, I drop him off and head up to visit with Laura, Adam and the boys. They decorate the tree and we're hanging out shooting the poop when my cell rings. I answer it and it's my boss Pauline, she needs me at the mall as there's a 'situation'. Now she's not been felling well so I boogied down to the mall very worried about her. I walk in to the office and ask her 'Are you okay? Do you need to go home for a bit??' She says "I'm fine, just fine, however not sure how you're going to be?" and she looks intently across the room, I turn to follow her gaze and there is........













MY SISTER, HER HUSBAND AND MY THREE NEPHEWS!!!! I dropped the bags I was holding, ran to my sister and hugged the stuffing out of her and burst into tears!!!!!! They were not due to arrive until late tonight. My heart is full with happiness and so much love for our little family. We are so very blessed and lucky to have such a loving relationship.

Not sure how often i'll be on or yourselves so MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY 2007 from our home to yours.

Penny and Hal

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Christmas Carols for the Disturbed

1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets
and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees
and.....

6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8.Histrionic Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle
Bells ....

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Christmas Traditions part one

A while back i'd posted about Christmas traditions and wondered what others had as a family tradition. Tonight Hal and I were pulling stuff out of a storage area and he says "Hon, when are you going to bake your shortbread?" I'd then realized here we are almost the middle of the month and it wasn't made yet.

I make a cheater version of Shortbread but it's melt in your mouth heaven!! It's 1 lb butter, 1 cup icing sugar, 1/2 cup corn starch, 3 cups flour and 1 tsp vanilla or flavour of your choice. Hal and I prefer the almond flavour. You whip the butter and flavouring, add corn starch and icing sugar, whip that. Then add in one cup at a time of flour and then drop by tsp. on a cookie sheet. 10 minutes later....voila...heaven!




My sailor man is happy and content for the time being. This is just one of our little traditions started the year Hal and I began our life together.

God Bless everyone and more traditions to come!
Pen

Monday, December 4, 2006

Getting motivated....

Ho Ho Freaking Ho!

The heater in the beater is fried and we're not putting another penny into it....including me! (hehehe sorry couldn't resist!)

Hal is going to look at used vehicles in Terrace this week and see what he can find. We're in a quandry as to buying used and praying like heck that it's not going to dollar us to death and that we get something decent....Hold on! What the hell am I saying...ANYTHING is better then the Beater! I have to admit that it's been good to us for as old as it is. 1985 Pontiac 6000 with almost 300,000 km on it.

For Hal it's parting with a car that used to belong to his Mom and then to his Aunt. For him it was more of an emotional attachment cuz it could not be for anything else, lol.

Fingers crossed and positive thoughts that we find something reasonable that's not going to break the bank.

Now to the getting motivated part. I've skipped out on Yoga more then a couple times now and really have to get into something physical but i'm finding that this is not what I want. There are also Christmas cards to be finished and baking. Tonight i'm doing the Christmas cards and wrapping up the last of the parcels to be mailed tomorrow.

On a positive note it's only 18 MORE DAYS UNTIL MY SISTER AND HER FAMILY ARRIVE!!!

xo Pen

Friday, December 1, 2006

21 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS AT OUR HOUSE!!


It's 21 days and a few hours until my Sister, Brother in Law and 3 nephews come for Christmas. That's the best gift for Christmas and is making our Holiday Season so much more exciting.

Hal and I are floating on cloud 9 and so anxious for them to arrive safely. We moved here in '99 and haven't had a Christmas with them in that time. Growing up we always had huge gatherings and the door was open to one and all.

The house is being decorated this weekend, parcels and Christmas cards to the post office on Monday afternoon once the work day is finished. Hal is going shopping next week with Doug and i'll be giving him a list of last minute gifts that I can't find here in town. We've got a closet full of stuff for the kids here already not to mention the stuff that my sister is having delivered here. Have a few bids on ebay for other cool stuff for the kids that i'm unable to find in the stores. If I win the auctions that's awesome but it's okay if not as these are just extras.



Back to work....
Pen

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Cute story and Meal Planning

We had the complete joy of having Ms. Kali come hang with us yesterday for a few hours while her Mommy and Daddy went for the ultrasound to check on her little sibling. Baby number 2 is growing and healthy! We're so happy for Doug and Shari that all is well with this pregnancy!

Kali is such a little ham and oh so much fun to have around. Every now and again she plays shy with Uncle Zero and in the past he's been tentative to just pick her up for fear of making her cry. Well yesterday he was playing with her and the two of them had me cracking up with their scrunchy faces while she ate her lunch. After lunch she and I came in to the living room to sing songs, chase each other and just be silly. Well Uncle Hal came up and joined in the fun...after a bit we went into the kitchen for a drink and Kali literally leaped from my arms into her Uncle Hals, she snuggled right up into his neck and gave him the biggest hug, well I tell you if she didn't already have his heart she sure stole it then!! After the big ol hug she went to give him a smooch....well he's got a goatee and it surprised her. She gave him a quizzical look followed quickly with a "Whas sat?" We just cracked up and she snuggled back in for more loves. Don't tell but Uncle Hal's eyes sure got a little misty after that.

Hal and I were talking yesterday about budgeting and both agreed that Meal Planning really works for us with saving money. I told him that it's hard for me to always think of meals so if he would have some input it would be so much easier, then i'm not left guessing what he wants and dinner changes up to something we both like.

This week we've combined a few favourites with some new dishes. Here's a preview of our week ahead:

Monday: Stuffed chicken breast with Mushroom gravy, Risotto Parmesan and steamed veggies

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic toast and caesar salad

Wednesday: Prawn stirfry over noodles and garlic toast

Thursday: Scalloped potatoes, ham and snow peas

Friday: Potsticker soup

Saturday: Enchiladas, mexi fries and salad

Sunday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli

That's it for now. We'll see how this week goes and start next weeks meal plan asap.

Ta ta for now in blogland....looking forward to updates from all!
xo Pen

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Dr. Seuss

TODAYS QUOTE:

Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.

-Dr. Seuss

Need something to make you smile

Click on this and you can't help but giggle too!!!
You'll have to click on the Play button twice to see it.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

SNOW DAY!!








We couldn't believe what we woke up to this morning!! It's beautiful but it took us almost an hour to shovel our way out. The funny thing is all this snow could be gone by tomorrow.
This just adds to the Christmas spirit!!
xo Pen


Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Boring blogger

Guess all's well here in Kitimat, not much to write about and feeling like a very boring blogger. There is a lot going on with everyday life but nothing super exciting other then my sister and family coming home for Christmas and the extreme joy that has brought to Hal and I. Along with that joy and excitement is great trepidation and fear of the drive that it takes to get here, especially the middle of winter.

So far we've had more snow this year then we had by the end of December last year, much the same to report for the areas they will be travelling. The boys i'm sure will be excited about the snow and the fact they will be able to go rip roaring down the hills in toboggans, lol. My sister said no toys for Christmas but their kids and what is Christmas without toys.....right?!?!

We've got most of our Christmas shopping finished for the little ones but have a few special orders that we are waiting to arrive. Christmas baking will start next week, this year Laura and I are going to try to make chocolates again, it was a quite a bit of work before but a lot of fun just the same.

I'll start a new post about favourite Christmas memories and hope that you will do the same in your blog. It's truly a special time of year and always nice to see what others have for traditions and fave memories.

Take care until we blog again,
Pen

Friday, November 10, 2006

Off to Rupert

I'm off to Prince Rupert with Laura and the boys this weekend for a Tae Kwon Do tourney and am looking forward to getting away for a couple of days.

The weather is supposed to be wet and windy but that's okay, Rupert is a beautiful place to visit and spending time with Laura and the boys is always so much fun.

She's a wonderful friend who has been by my side for so much, telling me when i've messed up and giving me a reality check but just as quick to give a hug or emotional support.

It's true in life what they say about being lucky to have one or two really good/best friends. In this life i've been fortunate to have 4 and there's room for more but if this is the limit then I'm greatly blessed and oh so fortunate.

I'm feeling introspective today but not enough time to blog it. For the 4 women in my life who are my soul sisters 'I love ya and Thank you from my whole heart!'

Peace out for now,
Pen

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

I'm so freaking excited!!

Fingers crossed that everything goes as planned so that.....My sister and her family can come here for Christmas!! It's been at least 6 years since we've had a Christmas together and i'm so excited about spending it with all of them.

My nephews are soooo excited too. Hal is over the moon as am I, it's going to be a wonderful Christmas and to share it in our new home is even more of a blessing.

I'll be back with more later..dinner time right now and my honey has hockey tonight so want to be a 'good wife' and have him fed before he goes.

xo Pen

Monday, November 6, 2006

Pumpkin Pee Pie

A story as shared on the Rottie website i'm on. It was too funny and a great reminder so had to post.

Enjoy!!
Pen


This year we had a very large pumpkin which was carved and discarded at the curb after Halloween. Lola ,our 18 month rottie had helped to clean it out after the seeds were removed.

While the pumpkin sat waiting for garbage pick up, several of the neighborhood dogs, relieved them selves, basically in the pumpkin. There were several other curb side pumpkins suffering a similar fate.

I never gave it another thought until my neighbor rang my bell on Thursday morning holding a pie. She said that there were such lovely pumpkins left out that nobody seemed to want, she had decided to collect them and make pies.

I was speechless, well beyond speechless. She said "How about you put up a pot of coffee and we'll taste this bad boy!"

I didn't know what to do so I thanked her, told her to wait a minute, ran upstairs, and called my office number which rings down stairs. I got the phone and said I had to take this and asked her for a raincheck. She said she had another pie in the car for another of our friends.

When she left, I called the neighbor for a heads up. No one ate the pie unless our little baker friend kept one for her self. Finally I got the courage to call her and tell her the truth.

All she had to say was "I'm sure the oven temp killed the germs from the dog pee."

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Pigs would blush!! :<

Cleo has the worst case of gas yet!! OMG WE DIDN'T THINK IT COULD GET WORSE but holy hell she's peeling the paint off the wall, clearing room and I tell ya...

pppffffft, pppfffftttt, ppffftttt is not a pleasant sound as she gets up to walk across the room. Willow has even taken to hissing at her and smacking her as she walks on by. We were told to get yogurt and try her on two tbsp. a day and see if it helps, if not then it's back to the very expensive dog food but at this point in the game it's that or having our house deodorized on a daily basis.

I love my girlie but ummm does anyone need natural gas....CHEAP AND NOXIOUS!!!

g'night all,
xo Pen and ppffttt aka Cleo

Why Men are so happy!

What do you expect from such simple creatures!?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be president.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station because this one's just too icky.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress - $5000; tux rental - $100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood, ALL the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Everything on your face stays its original colour.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
You almost never have strap problems in public
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You don't have to shave below your neck.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes, one colour, all seasons.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket-knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives, on December 24, in 45 minutes.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Am I getting in over my head?

I'm finally motivated to get going with fitness again. Hal is bringing the elliptical upstairs from the basement and we're setting it up in our bedroom, lord knows there's enough space for it.

I've also signed up for Yoga Fusion Monday and Thursday evenings starting November 6.


"Yoga Fusion uses basic Yoga postures and fuses other stretch ‘n strengthening exercises from Pilates and sport into one great class. Warm ups include breathing techniques and Sun salutations providing exercises that promote flexibility, muscle tone, and relaxation. This class will help participants feel energized, increase circulation and help reduce stress."

I'm also considering these two other courses so that i'll be active 5 days a week and seriously it's only one hour out of each day. I'm to the point now that an hour a day is the least I can take for myself to become healthier and more fit.

Sculpt ‘n Stretch Saturday mornings. 45 min strength and endurance workout to boost your metabolism and tone and firm the entire body.Then release and relax with a 1/2 hour stretch using basic yoga andrelaxation techniques

X-Press Ball Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. A total body conditioning class that doesn’t require a lot of time. Uses the stability ball and various pieces of resistance equipment.

This would leave Wednesday and Sunday as free days and would provide a great resting day between classes. I'm excited and looking forward to the changes.

Take care all,
Pen

Friday, October 13, 2006

Feeling poor? Time to feel Thankful I say....

Global Rich List <<<------ Click here

Hal and I have whined and complained about not having enough money and we wish we had more so we could buy this or that....well type your households combined earnings in that link and see just how well off we really are. I showed Hal and it certainly puts things into perspective and made me sit back and think how selfish we've been and how thankful we should be.

I also need to say how wonderful Thanksgiving was with Shari, Dug and Kali sharing that day with us. It's nice to have such awesome friends who have become our extended family. Shari, Dug, Kali, the Taylors and their family are all included in that extended circle.

We've been so lucky to have made amazing friends in Kitimat and can only hope we are as well. Seven years ago we left our families, friends, our lives behind in Kamloops and came to this little town we'd heard very little about. At that time Hal and I needed a fresh start and it was the best thing we ever did...scary as all heck but so good for us. Life is good, we have much to be thankful for and each of you, friends from all over, are included in this wish "Thank you! Thank each and every one of you for being you and for allowing us into your lives."

I'm rambling as Hal and I were out until 2 a.m. last night then worked all day. Tried to nap after work but no go, the dog and cat were having none of that, lol.

cheerio and xoxoxo
Pen

Monday, October 9, 2006

Wise Advice..hehehe

Dear Kotex,

I recently noticed that the peel-off strip of my panty liner had a bunch of "Kotex Tips for Life" on it. Annoying advice such as:

*Staying active during your period can relieve cramps.
*Avoiding caffeine may help reduce cramps and headaches.
*Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep you hydrated and feeling fresh.
*Try Kotex blah blah blah other products...

Obviously the individual behind this was someone who has never possessed a functioning set of ovaries. Go ahead and tell a menstruating woman
that drinking 6-8 glasses of water will help keep her feeling fresh. Like we need more fluid inside our bloated bodies from hell...but go ahead...
I triple-dog-friggen-dare-ya...See what happens and report back. I'll wait.

While you're at it, dump out the coffee at work and remove the chocolate from the vending machine. I garan-damn-tee you that the first to respond
will be females who just ovulated. Staying active will relieve headaches & cramps...well guess what, the only activities that interest me is
eating..sleeping..bitching or crying for no apparent reason.. ...and oh...does ripping someone's head off count as a friggen' activity?????

Look, females don't need or want tips for living on their feminine hygiene products. Younger girls are already hearing "helpful"
crap like that from elderly relatives. Veteran females have already concocted their own recipes for survival, many containing alcohol &
barbiturates.

Printing out crap advice while sneaking in ads for the brand that was already purchased is just plain annoying, not to mention rude, and is
enough to send a girl running to the Always brand. It's not a fun time, but DO NOT try to cheer us up by adding smiley
faces or bunnies or flowery cutesy crap to your products or the packaging. Put the crap in a plain brown wrapper so we can throw it in
our carts discreetly and have it blend in among the wine and beer.

There is nothing more annoying than having a blinding pink package announcing your uterine state to everyone in the store. Why don't ya
just add an in-store microphone to the damn package & announce that...helloooo, another female in the store is on the rag!!!!!
So take your tips for living and your cute bunnies & the smiley faces and shove them right up your @ss!


P.S. How about adding a free sample of Pamprin & maybe a "plane-size" bottle of vodka to your packages instead?

Thursday, October 5, 2006

What to blog?

Anyone else ever wonder what you should blog about? Why do people read other peoples blogs beyond the obvious friends and families checking in with their family.

I've been wanting to blog but have had a hard time staying focused on one thing so todays blog is going to be one of those get to know me. Please feel free to repost and let the rest of us learn a bit more about you!

xo Pen


1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME: Penny Lynn Spicer

2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING ? nada-I'm in my sheep jammies

3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO NOW? : sweet silence

4:WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER? 2034

5. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? umm, this sounds gross but untoasted garlic bread then a banana

6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? surprisingly...YELLOW (bet you thought I was gonna say BLUE!)

7. WHAT IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? Dreary looking day, overcast and light showers

8. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Shari Joy just before LOST

9. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX? His butt and smile

10. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT POSTED THIS? It was sent to me by Sheila and I miss her tons..it's been way to long and I hope she's extremely happy!

11. HOW ARE YOU TODAY? Introspective and kinda serious feeling

12. FAVORITE DRINK? ice cold water

13. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? Rum and Coke or Coffee with Baileys

14.FAVORITE SPORT? love Hockey live and just to spend time with my honey i'll watch baseball or hockey

15. HAIR COLOR? Rich brown w/ light brown highlights (all fake of course!!) and currently wondering what colour i'll do next.

16. EYE COLOR? Blue with green flecks

17 DO YOU WEAR EYE CONTACTS? Hell Yeah - i'm blind as a bat

18. SIBLINGS AND AGES? Michele - 35 (for now)

19. FAVORITE MONTH? December (C H R I S T M A S )

20. FAVORITE FOOD? only one...HELLO, I'M HAVING A LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD!! Greek is a favourite though

21. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Gridiron Gang with THE ROCK...ssshewww he's hot

22. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? Christmas

23. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT? Well Hal may have an issue with it but before Hal nope, no problems asking someone out.

24. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS BETTER? I'm torn on this one like them both.

25. SUMMER OR WINTER? SUMMERTIME

26. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs and Kisses

27. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE-NIGHT STANDS? Relationships (I guess the rebel in me would say One-night stands)

28. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA ? Chocolate

29. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS BLOG THIS? Yes

30. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO BLOG THIS? Everyone feeling positive ;-)

31. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO BLOG THIS? Everyong feeling negative ;-)

32. WHAT BOOK(S)ARE YOU READING? Dog obedience, Tuesdays with Morrie and newest Tami Hoag

33.WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Willow (i'm on the laptop and Willow is being a pain in my side so she's my mouse pad) Keith Urban on the office mousepad.

34. FAVORITE BOARD GAME? hmmm, been so long since i've played one I don't have a fave.

35. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? made dinner then watched LOST

36. FAVORITE SMELLS? Moms homemade bread and chicken soup (favourite smell as a kid coming home from school....open up the door and that combined smell would drive us kids crazy!)

37. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? GAH!! Where did the night go?

38. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? I wanted two or four...we've got two furbabies right now and awaiting our third sooo guess we're going for four


39. WHAT WOULD YOU NAME YOUR FIRST SON? It would have been Cole Robert

40. FIRST DAUGHTER? Would have been Aislinn Faith

41. WHERE DO YOU WORK? City Centre Mall, Administration Office

42. FAVORITE PIZZA: pepperoni with feta

43. IF YOU WON A MILLION DOLLARS WHAT WOULD YOU BUY FIRST? A new car then have a burning party for the old Pontiac. Then two tickets out of town so Hal and I could figure out what to do.

44. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE: Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. -Pamela Vault Starr

45. WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM CAREER BE: No laughing but i've always dreamt about the Theatre.

Monday, October 2, 2006

TV Junkie

Okay, time to own up to the fact that now i've officially become a TV addict!! OMG i'm so thrilled that Grey's Anatomy, LOST, CSI's, Two and a Half Men, Desperate Housewives, Ghost Whisperer, The Amazing Race, Survivor.....gah, the list is endless.

I've made a deal with myself that after work every night I must go for a good walk and do Cleo's obedience training before I can watch that night's favourite program.

So far today i've stayed active by vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing floors and cleaning windows. Heading out now while the sun is shining and it's beautiful out to go for a walk and do Cleo's training. I absolutely love this time of year as the air is crisp and cool with the wonderful smells of Fall! Yesterday was spent starting the clean up of the back garden...ugh that's going to be a huge job and i'm actually looking foward to making it a dog pen.

Off to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, home to make dinner and then i've got a hot date with the men of CSI Miami and Prison Break!

Keep smiling!
Pen

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Blogger ticks me off!

okay after numerous attempts i've worked out a way to post pics without bloggers upload right now.

All's is well in my world and time just flies on by...STOP THE CLOCK! whew.

Holidays were fabulous and I was able to get back in touch with a good friend of mine whom we'd allowed ourselves to drift apart. Time and distance can do that if you allow it so we've promised to stay in touch. Rhonda, Quincey, Laurel and Dennis we were so tickled to have been able to spend time with you and as always it's just never enough. I found that although a lot has happened and the kids have all grown so much it's like not much has really changed. The comfort of an old friend was there in moments of quiet, the sheer joy of just being together was awesome! Tears of happiness and sadness, laughter, joy and amazement were just a few of the emotions felt in such a short time. I love you all and look forward to you coming to our home.

Boy do I wish I had a digital picture of these guys when they were little so you could all see how much they've changed yet stayed so very much the same. This Aunties heart beams with pride and love for this crazy little gang.



I'm still chuckling at the fact that my little sister bought the exact same sofa and love seat. Luv ya Shell!

We enjoyed our visit with Hal's brother and his wife. We also stopped by Cass and Duaine's, saw Cody's soccer ball and got to hang with them for a bit. It's tough now to see the boys as they are teens and we know they love us but given the choice of hanging with your friends or with your Aunt and Uncle....well you got the picture. It was sweet though cuz Ty and Cody did make time for us and it was good for a few laughs.

We stopped by the breeder of our future Rottweiler pups and met Akilah, Alexa, Gracie and Brutus. OMG they are absolutely beautiful with the sweetest temperaments. Given the opportunity Hal would gladly have taken Brutus home with us. What a big goober he was, lol. Carol was so kind to take time out for us and let us meet her and the dogs.

AKILAH:




BRUTUS:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

ALEXA:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

From there we went to my brother Ted's place and met his gf and her daughter and nephew. What a busy household but the kids are such a hoot!


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

I dragged poor Hal through Ikea, HomeSense, Costco, three malls and just a few clothing stores. But the big payoff was that he went golfing, bowling and whatever else guys do when they get together.

We enjoyed our time visiting with my sister and her family, oh man she makes the best buns and homemade soup! Next time we go we'll be spending more time and hopefully things will be a bit more settled for them.

I was able to go see my other niece Chelsea at her gymnastics and W O W is she amazing!! I truly hope she sticks to it and really gives her all because she's got what it takes. Ashley is doing really well too and i'm also very proud of her.

We stayed with Dennis and Lisa and their girls for most of our stay in Kamloops. It's so strange to see Ya Ya (Kayla, their oldest) all grown up and out on her own. OMG she was at the bar with us and KISSING BOYS! (okay so it was just her bf but sheesh, when did she grow up??

All the kids are doing so wonderful and i'm proud to be their Auntie. This was one of our better trips to see everyone. Hal and I actually managed to do quite well without bickering or wanting to kill one another....okay so once going back to Maple Ridge from scary downtown Vancouver he may have gotten in a bit of a mood but he apologized later. I guess seeing people cooking drugs on the sidewalk may be unsettling to a fellow who grew up down there and is shocked to see the change...more on that later.

Hugs to all, glad to be back and looking forward to getting caught up on your blogs.
xo Pen

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

I'm baaa-aaack!

Holidays were wonderful!! We are exhausted and i've got pics to upload and get rested up a bit then will come back and blog.

Hugs to all,
Pen

Monday, September 4, 2006

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY KALI!!

Uncle Hal and I send you birthday hugs and kisses wherever you are today!

How you've changed...


















to this little girl now...

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Where's Waldo?

I mean Shari?? I've been curious to know where they are on their cross-country Griswald vacation. I miss her very much but am so glad she gets to make this journey with Kali, Dug and his parents. Looking forward to them all getting home, looking at the pictures and hearing the stories.

Miss you all!
xoxoxo Pen and Hal

Going home and what it brings...

Hi all,

It's been awhile since i've posted and now know why i've felt removed from so much and have kept so busy. As some of you know Hal and I are going on holidays next week and going 'home' where I lived with Mom and Dad, then on my own and then moved in with Hal.

Going home is bittersweet because it means seeing our nephews, nieces, friends, my Mom and Sister and all the happiness this gives us but also brings forth the loneliness I feel without Dad in my life. I'm happy Mom has moved on and is once again enjoying her life and that she has a partner who cares about her and she him.

When Dad was dying and we were on our road trip so he could say 'See you later.' to his friends we talked and laughed a great deal. Some times these talks were very hard to have but also very necessary. At the time I didn't want to remember the journey but now in retrospect wish I had journalled every moment. I've found the past week that dreams have been abundant and also flashes of memories i'd long thought buried or erased from memory. I've contemplated writing a book (so to speak) about some of the experiences from life so far.

Here is a glimpse into one of our conversations....




C ourage
A lways believe
N ow
C atch the sun
E njoy every day
R ejoice, Remember and Respect


One day we were talking while driving along the highways of Alberta and he said that the C word didn't always have to have negative connotations that it was also a very positive thing.

He said it brought him to the Lord, closer to his family and gave him a greater appreciation of what he had during life and was looking forward to the adventure that life would bring him on the other side.

While we were talking he asked what I feared most with death. I told him it's not fear of death just fear of what life would hold without him and how our lives would change. I now understand that we choose the outcome.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Still breathing

Hi all,

Life is good and the days are flying by faster then ever. Hal and I leave on holidays in two weeks so we've been getting ready for that plus working.

I'll be back to blog on the past two weeks. I've got some pics and stories to tell.

xoxo Pen

Friday, August 11, 2006

The Power of 3

From Jenny via Janelle...

3 Things that scare me:
Spiders, Being truly alone, My Naked Reflection!!

3 People Who Make Me Laugh:
Hal, Friends, Robin Williams

3 Things I love:
Hal, Nephews and Nieces, kids laughing

3 Things I dislike:
Fighting, being disorganized and waiting

3 Things I Don't Understand:
Hate and War, Algebra and Autism

3Things On My Floor:
My dog Cleo and her stuffed animals aka babies, shower stuff and papers for filing

3 Things I'm Doing Right Now:
this blog, drinking water and listening to the trees blowing in the breeze

3 Things I want to Do Before I die:
travel the world, hopefully grow old and enjoy life

3 Things I Can Do:
lol, i'll keep this 'G' Scrapbook, Write and Cross Stitch

3 Ways to Describe my Personality:
mixed, laid back, friendly

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To:
your intuition, your best friend, your heart (sounds good Jenny!)

3 Things I Don't Think You Should Listen to:
Rumours, Rap and Politicians (lol)

3 Favorite Foods:
only 3? Spanakopita, Jalapeno poppers and potatoes

3 Beverages I drink regularly:
water, coffee, and diet coke

3 Shows I watch:
Lost, CSI and Talk shows

Monday, August 7, 2006

Monday Menu Plan

This is my first shot at meal planning and it's going to be a rough one, lol.

Monday:
Chicken stir Fry, steamed rice and garlic toast
(Stir fry is chicken, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, pea pods, green and red peppers)

Tuesday:
Honestly probably something from Terrace as we're going to a tea and then shopping.

Wednesday:
Lasagne, spring mix salad and garlic toast

Thursday:
BBQ'd Chicken, roasted potatoes with peppers, zucchini and onion, garden salad

Friday:
Grilled Salmon with dill sauce, rice pilaf and assorted grilled veggies

Saturday and Sunday undecided....hey I covered Mon - Fri though, lol.

xo Pen

"HoneyDo" list

This is our "Honey Let's Do" list:

Main Bathroom:
- Finish scrubbing the grout off the shower tiles and then seal. (Previous owners grouted and left it on the tiles instead of wiping it off so we've got one nasty looking shower)

- Paint, hang curtains (Hal wants to keep the blinds but i'm nixing that!) and decorate with Asian theme. Colours are Benjamin Moore Sundried Tomato for feature wall and Rapture for the remaining walls.

Main Bedroom:
- Art/Photo's for wall
- Curtains for windows

Kitchen:
- Fix countertop in the sink corner
- Hang Nana's plates
- New clock

Office:
- Paint
- New desk, bookshelf and *quietly types* BASKETS for closet shelving unit and bookshelf
- Floor protector for under office chair

Basement:
- Find out the cause of that funky smell
- New gyproc, paint for walls and for concrete floor
- Set up gym equipment so it can be a workout room but that nasty odor has to go!!

Whew, I think that's it and it feels good just to have typed it. Hal and I are trying to focus on completing one room at a time but we have this horrible tendency to float from room to room. First priority is to 100% finish the main bathroom and to get pictures for the main bedroom then that's two rooms completed!!

Thanks
Shari for the idea of posting what needs to be done, it truly does help.

testing

Penz Thots

k Shari, figured it out! When you type/paste in the address you want to link it gives you the a href="http://insert blogspot.com addy here/" then it repeats it.
Where it repeated I deleted it and typed in Penz Thots so just type in what you want your link to say.

Canadian Living

Saturday, August 5, 2006


Alrighty, it's 4:30 a.m. in the freaking morning and i'm wide awake!!



Wow if only I had this much energy after work last night there's so much I could have accomplished, lol. If I started re-organizing the living room it would wake Hal up so instead i'm here journalling in my book and playing online.

k, just got back from letting Cleo out, filled her water dish and folded a load of laundry, put another in the dryer and should really try to get some zzzzz's.

xo and sweet dreams to all
Pen

Friday, August 4, 2006

More musings..

- If you throw a cat out the car window is it considered Kitty Litter?

- why are chocolate chips tear drop shaped and not like a chip

- why are chicken fingers called chicken fingers?

- why don't sheep shrink in the rain?

- why do people sing "Take me out to the ballgame" when they're already there?

- if a person has multiple personalities and one tries to commit suicide would the 'others' be charged with attempted murder (hehehe, sick I know but I bet you laughed)

- if a mute swears does his Mother wash his hands with soap? (found this one and had a good giggle)

- If a cow could laugh would milk come out it's nose?

- Ever wonder why there isn't mouse flavoured cat food?

Friday Funny

Thanks Jen G. for the Friday giggle, great way to start a Friday, lol.


The Purina Plan

I went to Wal-Mart to buy a large bag of Purina for my Labrador Retriever and
was in line to check out.

A woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

On impulse, I told her that no, I was starting The Purina Diet again,
although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last
time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care
ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it
works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one
or two every time you feel hungry & that the food is nutritionally complete
so I was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now
enthralled with my story, particularly a tall guy behind her.

Horrified, she asked if I'd been poisoned and was that why I was in the
hospital.

I said no.....I'd been sitting in the street licking my balls and a car hit me.

I thought the tall guy was going to have to be carried out the door.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Fingers do the talking

It's been a long time since i've just let my fingers do the talking so this blog may not make sense but i'm just going to start typing. In light of this so called anxiety that's causing some issues it's best to just do this and see what comes of it.

New home - love it, want to make it ours, splash of colour here and there, the smell in the basement bothers me and don't know when we'll get it fixed. Hal puts off helping with small things and it bugs the shit out of me! The wall unit needs to be put in the corner so the living room can be made whole, it's detached and void of the cozy feeling I desire. Pictures, personality but it's cold and uninviting, messy and disorganized. As I type that i realize that's how i'm feeling about my life too!

Negative Self - lazy, boring, overweight, to many wants instead of focusing just on needs, spoiled, self-centered. I need to exercise more and be healthier, it's up to no one but me to be accountable for what goes on in my life.

Positive Self - caring, kind, laughter, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, determined, strong,

Shell - Miss her so much, feels like a world of distance between us, where are the days of just walking across the street and hanging out, hugs, laughter, disagreements and then back to normal. Sisters by chance, friends by choice! I love you Shell and will see you in 5 weeks. The time will fly but we'll make the best of it.

nephews - grown so much, missing out on their youth. From babies to men in the blink of an eye, smiles, giggles, barney is my heerio, matty rats and stinkin boys. Lego, attitude, love, Christmas morning shivers, Papa and Gramma, camping fun

Mom - I love her and need to focus on not judging her but more on acceptance, let go of the anger, disappointment, try not to repeat the negative and work on repeating the good stuff, there was lots of it growing up but find at times that I forget that and wallow in self pity. She is a daughter too! I love you Mom.

Friends - Sunshine, warm, happiness, fun, confidante, sadness, lonely, not enough time, let down by some who I never thought would do that but have forgiven, worry that i've let down friends too and don't realize it.

when I read this it made me sad inside, heavy hearted, lonely, worried about what others would think when they read this, no need to feel sorry or that there is something deeply wrong, just need to work through it and quite often this helps. Even thought it may make no sense now, tomorrow is a new day and will shed a different light on what's come out tonight.

Friday, July 28, 2006

My wishes for you!

http://www.mayyoubeblessedmovie.com/

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Stolen from Shari, Jenny and Chunks

1. If you had to set your own work schedule; 8 hours per day; 5 days per week what would you work?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. I'd work Wed to Sunday but that would cut into Garage Sales and Saturday morning with great friends!

2. What Reality Show would you be on and why?
I too would love to do the Amazing Race....perhaps we should all start a Canadian version and be in the first "Amazin' Race Eh!"

3. What is the last book you read?
Some fluff, no brainer romance thing while we were out fishing the Kitimat. Perhaps I should have been reading "Bear Sense" or "Train your hunny where not to BBQ"

4. There are many songs that bring us back to a certain memory. What song(s) do you HATE to hear for that very reason?
I have a very difficult time listening to Eric Claptons 'Tears in Heaven'. It was played at my nephews funeral.

5. If you could go back in time to be any place in world history, what time would you choose and what country/place?
I'd love to go back to witness the building of the Pyramids. I loved the whole Eve idea too, lmao.

6. Do you know more than one language? Which one(s)?
No, not fluently. I'm able to pick up bits and pieces of conversations in French and Spanish.

7. What is your favorite blog? If comfortable please post a link.
No can do, have more then one favourite and you'll find the links on my blog. Crikey, who wants to feel like the last kid picked for games with that question???

8. What is your favorite web site?
I love the Yenta site and all the Yentas....You guys rock!

9. Your house is on fire, the people and pets you love are safe and you can grab one other "thing", what are you taking?
Good thing it's me answering this cuz Hal would pick his boat! I'd have to say the Grandfather Clock, even if it's pushed, pulled and dragged. It's handmade by Hal's Granddad.

10. You have $100 to spend in the next hour. How are you spending it? (Saving it or giving it away not permitted.)
I don't need an hour to spend $100, trust me, lmao! Feeling the need for some pampering so would put it towards full body massage.

okay, so I really like my boss

and boy do I miss her, lol. She's on holidays for two weeks and has only been gone 4 days but do I miss our daily banter. Feel sorry for any poor soul who walks through the door, calls the office or even walks by the office for they may get pounced on by the psycho Admin. Asst. in Unit 276.

It's been nice being full time so far though as those little jobs that get pushed to the wayside actually manage to get finished and give a feeling of accomplishment and ORGANIZATION!!!

k, back to work (0kay, so i'm really going to do the post that Jenny, Shari and Chunks have already done)

hugs, heart and happiness
Penny

Monday, July 24, 2006

k, just a little stirred

Well the results came in and even i'm surprised at how great they were.
My Dr. is stumped as to the cause of this sudden increase in blood pressure. Kidneys, heart, lung functions are excellent, blood and electrolytes are normal.

He will continue to monitor pressure for a weekand if it doesn't drop then further tests will be required. He asked if there'd been anything that's caused major worry recently - NADA so i'm chalking it up to eating an overabundance of salty snacks, bbq'd food and much more then I should have during our camping trip. I'm to keep eating a limited diet, no alcohol and very light exercise.

BP was still up today 160/100 so still not good but it's dropped a bit, although I know right now there's some work related stress going on and some personal but working through it.

Thank you so much for the thots and prayers, it's appreciated.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Shaken and not stirred..

just a little scared!

The last week i've been having dizzy spells off and on, like vertigo. Knowing that I had an appointment with the Dr today just thought I'd ask him to check the ears today. We did the prescription refill, discussed the results of that womanly test (btw...excellent and no need to return for two years...YAY and sorry if tmi but this is an important exam to many women avoid).

Dr. asks how everything else is and thus mentioned the dizzy spells. He checked both ears and they were clear, listened to my chest and checked the glands in my neck...NADA everything was okay there. Well I went to stand up and bingo bango major dizzy spell so he had me sit down, whipped out the blood pressure cuff and cuffed me! Well it can be said his eyes gave it all away 170/100 when just two months ago it was 127/80. He wrote up a test sheet and asked that I head directly to the hospital for them. Guess i'll find out tomorrow what the scoop is. Until then he said "no salt, coffee, tea, cola, fatty food, red meat and processed food" I ate a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread, carrot sticks and a big glass of water for dinner.

Fingers crossed everyone that it's nothing serious and that I can get it under control without drugs.

xo Pen

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Silly questions and crazy thoughts

For giggles...do you have silly questions and crazy thoughts?


-Can you slam a revolving door?
-Can you read a picture book?
-Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
-If you're on an American airline, and you land in Canada and stay on the plane, is the drinking age still 21 or does it change to 19?
-Why is it written "May contain traces of peanuts or other kind of nuts" on peanut butter jars. Are people stupid enough not to realize it themselves?
-If you only have one eye...are you blinking or winking?
-If you have a gun and you ask, "can I ask you a question?" and they say "fire away" should you shoot them?
-What is a chickpea if it is neither a chick nor a pea?
-Whenever an adult is kidnapped why isn't it called adultnapped??
-Why is it that people duck in the rain, do they really think the rain won't hit them?
-If someone with a nostril ring takes it out, then blows their nose, do they have to cover that hole as well as their nostril holes so that snot does'nt blow out everywere?
-How come whenever you start to sing, you automatically sing in a higher voice than you talk?
-How come people say they ate the last piece of gum, when they really just chew it?
-If a pope goes to the bathroom, is it considered holy crap?
-Why is there no pine or apple in pineapple?
-If "Fantasy Island" really granted wishes, why wasn't Tattoo 6'6" ?
-Can bald people get a hair line fracture?
-If you sneeze and fart at the same time, does a vacuum form in your stomach?
-Why is it that no matter what color of bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
-What is a hacky, and why is it in a sack?
-Why do we have to pay a toll on "freeways"?
-Why do they say "an alarm going off," if it is really going on?
-Do babies produce more spit than adults?
-How come toy hippos are always blue, or purple, when real hippos are brown?
-Are there seeing eye humans for blind dogs?
-You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance?
-You know how most packages say "Open here". What is the protocol if the package says, "Open somewhere else"?

We live so close to heaven!

I swear this has to be one of the most heavenly places on earth...granted I haven't travelled a lot, lol. However, I digress. Hal and I spent the day yesterday fishing the lower Kitimat and even though it was windy and a little cool the wildlife and scenery was spectacular.

We watched Eagles and their young offspring, Gulls, Osprey and various other birds soaring, diving, fishing and just playing all day long. We stopped in a little bay for some dinner and the bear tracks there were H U G E and fresh!!!!! Being frightened by the sheer number of tracks I gobbled down the two hotdogs and asked (okay so maybe I demanded) Hal to put the bbq back in the boat and lets get the hell outta there! Let's just say that Hal wears a mans size 10 shoe and I was wearing his sandals, the one set of prints was considerably larger then the size of the sandal. I should have taken pictures but just wanted to get out of there ASAP!

Other then that we had an enjoyable day laughing, sharing funny thots and cherishing our time with each other. I love that silly Sailor Man.







Friday, July 14, 2006

No Matty this summer!



It looks as though our nephew Matt won't be coming to visit us for the month of August as planned. The family is moving back to Kamloops and with such a big change my sister and I agree that it's best for Matt to stay with the family and get settled into their new home and into a good routine before school starts in September. It's hard and i'm sad but it's for the best and that is what's most important.

Matt will be able to come next summer for sure so that made him a little happier but he's still quite upset.

until later friends, keep smiling cuz it makes people wonder what you've been up to!
xo Pen

Sunday, July 9, 2006

Nieces and Auntie

Yesterday was wonderful as I was able to spend the whole day with my two little nieces. They moved to Victoria almost two years ago and I miss them and Sharon so much. My biggest worry was that Casandra and Alyssa would start forgetting who we are or just not being as comfortable. What a silly Auntie for thinking that!! When I saw them during the parade their faces lit up like little Christmas trees and then at work again they gave the biggest hugs and smoochies!

Alyssa and I were chatting while Casandra had a short nap and Uncle caught us with the camera.


Alyssa taking a pic of Casandra and Auntie


Yesterday Shari and I were going to garage sales and were still out when it was time to pick up the girls so we stopped by the house and picked them up, took them to the last few garage sales and they scored Barbies and baby barbies, talk about two happy little girls. Auntie is not a Barbie lover and in fact as a child had a Barbie graveyard for my sisters barbies whom used to occasionally lose an appendage of some sort,lol. But I love those little girls so not only did they get barbies, Auntie played barbies with them. The funniest thing was we were going to go swimming at the pool but when the girls saw our soaker tub they wanted to swim there and just hang out and that was just as awesome.



Cleo was in her glory with the girls and loved all the attention they gave her. They smothered her in hugs and kisses and even had her confused about the little plastic people. She was so patient and loveable with them and earned her cookies they gave her and they took her for a walk with Auntie too and we even had Willow following us. That had them cracking up that the cat was going for a walk too. Wish we had a camera to capture that moment of two little girls in hysterics.









Saturday, July 8, 2006

Who are you and don't be afraid to say "HI!"

Just checked my site meter and wow has there been an increase in traffic to this page. Wanted to let all of you know it's okay to say hello too.

Take care and keep smilin!
Penny

Wednesday, July 5, 2006

A week in Pen's world!

W O W!! Has life gotten crazy or what? With the beautiful weather, company, work and work related events the hands of time have been going double time!

Fishing and Friends
We had a friend from Kamloops come up for a week fishing the Kitimat. They fared not to badly catching quite a few fish, kept 3 and released the rest. Ken went home with some very nice salmon fillets. I wish they would have kept more of the fish they caught but they had to put up with them in the boat, lol.

Here's a few pics of Hal and Ken
















Ken flew back to Kamloops Friday night to spend the July long weekend with his wife and young son. It was so wonderful to see him again, he truly is a wonderful friend.

G'psgolox Totem Pole
Friday night Pauline and I headed to Kitamaat Village for part of the G'psgolox Totem repatriation celebration and feast. The celebration was a multi-day event. Here is a link to an article for further information: http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2006/07/01/haisla-totem.html also if you Google the G'psgolox Totem you will find many articles and stories on the theft and return of the totem.

I will not pretend to know how significant this must be to our Haisla people but would like to say "Thank You!" for allowing us to share in this historical event. The intensity of the spiritual and emotional energy was amazing. To hear the story of the return and what it means was touching. I was amazed at how many other communities came to join in the celebration with their masks, dress and dance. What a sight to behold and one that will stay fresh in my mind for many years to come. My one regret is not going back on Saturday for more of the celebration.

It was with great honour that I met Chief Dan Paul on Tuesday afternoon when the G'psgolox Totem Pole was delivered to its temporary home at City Centre Mall where it will reside until it's permanent home is ready in the Kitamaat Village. We are very privileged to be able to accomodate this amazing artifact.

Happy Canada Day eh!
Pauline and I went into the Canada Day parade on Saturday as representation for our Mall. There wasn't a lot of preparation time but we pulled it off and next year plan on having an actual float with Santa, the Easter Bunny, Kitimat Idols and Kit the Fox on it. It was a lot of fun though watching the kids get excited when they saw Kit, they wanted hugs and to talk to him, lol.

As always the food is simply amazing! Nancy and I walked back to the house loaded down with Samosas and BBQ pork. Ate a quick meal, drank a gallon of water and headed back down to the festivities. We met up with Ms. Kali, her Daddy Doug and Aunty Roy and chatted with them a bit while watching Kitimat Idol and Junior Idol sing. Jennifer and Katherine were terrific!

Here are a few pictures of Kit in the Parade:





For the life of me I can't remember what the heck we did Sunday but I know Monday was a relaxation day and Uncle Zero and I got to hang with Ms. Kali Joy. Here's the kind of day we had when we weren't playing with Ms. K.



Sunday, June 25, 2006

Wonderful weekend!

Wow, what a great weekend!! It started out with a girls night in Terrace watching Nunsense then going out for a bite to eat and some great ceasars. I have to tell you that Nunsense was so bloody funny throughout but the 'Rush' acene still gets me to giggling so hard!

After food, drinks and very informative and umm, errr interesting conversation we were off to a bar that was/used to be country. Well the lead singer was wearing polyester pants and that should have been our clue that it was indeed NOT country, lol. People watching was hysterical, Shari and Michelle dancing was great live entertainment as well. The band starts to play Mustang Sally and Shari and I are grooving in our seats when along comes Mr. Peabody telling us to "JUST DO IT...JUST DOOOOO ITTTTT!!!" hehehe, it was rather amusing yet frightening all at the same time. Let's just say after he left Gloria was promptly asked to slide her ass and chair just a little closer so there would be no more surprise visitors, lol.

We arrived home at 3:00 a.m. and it took almost another hour just to unwind and get tired enough for sleep. It's been ages since i've been up that late and being out.

I don't have any pictures to post because I didn't have a camera but Jenny, Shari and Lucy had theirs.

Last night was Hal's Hockey teams annual bbq out at the Snowflake grounds. It was nice this year as a bunch decided to camp. Doug, Shari and Kali were kind enough to have us stay with them in the motorhome and hang for the night. THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS...WE APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH and it made the night so much more fun as I was able to have some drinks to with no worries of having to drive home later. Lil Miss Kali Joy did amazing for her first time camping too!

Kali reading Taylor a story


Here are a few random shots of last night at the bbq:

Fire at night


Friends by the fire



Shari letting loose...


Doug thinking "Oh man, thought I was safe over here!"


Hal and Taylor snuggled up


and now a few pics of my favourite thing...






Deserted camp