Disneyland

My husband promised the kids that when they were 7 and 5, we would take them down to Disneyland. And it's been years since my husband told them this and they remembered. Boy, did they remember! For years they've been telling people that they're going to Disneyland when they turn the appropriate age.

So this year, both my kids are that magical age and it was time to take them to that magical place! For a week, we told the girls that we would be taking their dad to the airport so he could go on his business trip. And the girls were very sad that dad was leaving and they kept saying things like, "oh, I'm going to miss you so much daddy. When are you coming home?" It was very sweet. Secretly, my husband and I were just killing ourselves laughing as the kids had no clue.

When it was time, we took dad to the airport and we parked in the long term parking lot. We finally let the kids in on the secret...that they were going to Disneyland! LOL! Well, the first 2 minutes were kind of lame because they didn't get it and thought it was some joke. But then the hamsters were finally running inside their heads and they got it. The screams!!! Yes, screams good enough for a Disneyland commercial!

So, let me start off with the not so great stuff on this trip. Good part about this, small list. First of all, the weather in Southern California bit the big one this time. It was cool and there was a ton of rain. One day, it just downpoured so much that we all went back to the hotel for a couple of hours. For all the time it did rain, made the rain back home look like spit. Yes, 1.5 inches of rain per hour. I think at one point, it rained 15 hours straight...with lightning, thunder and huge winds. Another day, it was about 10 hours. And there was rain in between. You do the math. Ponchos were a hit with the family. Basically, we were in the eye of some big storm. But we made the best of it and ended up still having a great time.

Because of the not so great weather, I couldn't take the kids swimming. And they were somewhat disappointed. But seriously, if these are my 2 big cons for the trip, then the trip was an absolute success!

We had a ton of great moments on this trip. First time on an airplane for the girls. They loved it! We spent a ton of time at Disneyland, a fair bit of time at the Disney California Park and at Universal Studios. In each location, they got to meet characters, get their autograph and pictures with them. They enjoyed some great rides...Soaring California being the absolute best for them! They couldn't believe that room service for food exists and that the hotel room gets cleaned. LOL! Everytime they saw the room clean, they were in awe. Yeah, me too. They couldn't believe they could walk through Sleeping Beauty's Castle either. And the great treats they have out there! Oh, I still can't believe how cute the Mickey Mouse caramel apples were. And throughout their trip (and this is what I love about travelling), my daughters met so many other great people and made some new friends.

I could go on and on about the great memories they had. But for me, my great memories are of the pure joy that we all had on this trip. There were just so many smiles and so much laughter. And considering last year was a bit rough...this was a great way to just celebrate as a family and to celebrate moments of joy and happiness.

We're already talking about going back...can't wait!

Video

As you know, I love Christian pop music. It's craziness since I don't go to church and not religious. I can appreciate religion and have no problems with people who have specific faith.

But music is so universal! So if the music is good, I listen! And sometimes, these Christian pop artists can be just as fun as other musical pop artists. Today, I found the following video that put me in a very good mood and sung by some great Christian pop artists:

Beads

I used to bead jewellery. But no longer. I just wasn't very good at it but I definitely wanted to try it. I have some friends that make AMAZING jewellery and I am always in awe.

But that doesn't mean that I can't look at beads or jewellery. I found some chamilia beads and they're pretty. I know I'm such a tomboy...but deep inside, I can be a girl! I love shiny, pretty things.

It's a good thing I'm born in April. I have a reason to look at jewellery with my birtstone...diamonds.

Blogs

I do get the occasional question of why don't I promote my blog more often? Well, first of all, not that many people are interested in my life. And those that are and are part of my life probably knows what is going on. They're my primary audience. Yes, something like all 9 of you.

Do I want it bigger? Perhaps. I could use something like a business intelligence dashboard, or get proper hosting, or get a company to assist. But why? I don't think I'll ever be big enough or popular enough to get big advertisers. And there are so many other mom bloggers out there. I'm just not that "special" in the blogging world. Isn't there like a billion unique pages out there? Yeah. I can't compete...and I'm so ok with that.

Repairs

My kids have been asking for camping again. I'm good at travelling but definitely not good at camping. I don't mind cabin camping or car camping. But real camping. No thank you. For whatever reason, people forget that tents are not structures with walls. It's a dang piece of cloth that separates me from the outside. And I always get the farters outside my tent.

The idea of a recreation vehicle isn't bad. Actually, I have a co-worker who goes around in their rv now instead of camping and she loves it! Though I do wonder what her rv repair bill costs. Regardless, she doesn't mind "camping" as there is a dry place to go to when it rains.

So, I'll see if I can stall the kids on camping. Or maybe they'll want to camp in the backyard. I'm all over that.

Drums

I was watching some movie tonight. Cheesy as can be. Can't even remember what it was called. Basically, it should be called a waste of my time.

But I always try to find some redeeming quality of the movie. This time, it was the steel drums. Yeah, not even the scenery, acting or people in the movie. The music only. How bad is that?!

Well, I guess it wasn't a "complete" waste of my time as I did clean to the movie. Background noise. Some people use music, I use the tv.

Knife

Cleaning is no fun, but it just has to be done. But every time I clean up, I find things that I haven't seen for a while. I love it!

This time around, I found my utility knife. Now, I may not be a girl that goes camping much or likes the outdoor much, but I really wanted a cool souvenir while in Switzerland. And what better souvenir than a Swiss Army Knife! Yeah. I can go chop a tree and live out in the wild.

Well, the thought is that I can. But it's unlikely. I love this knife and it just brings back so many good memories. Every time I use it, I think back to that awesome vacation.

Passive Agressiveness

Today, I had lunch with some friends. And we had a good conversation about passive agressive people. Basically, I'm not interested.

I talked about passiveagressnotes.com because I think it's a pretty funny website...I was going to post some stuff from it. But when I went to visit today, not very good stuff. No guffawing material, maybe just a small hee hee moment.

So instead, I found a cartoon to illustrate passive agressiveness today.

Job Bank

I know that there is a website that is a job bank for any Canadian to look up work. And it's nice, because you can be anywhere and look up the work.

But I didn't realize that there was a healthcare job bank. I guess there must be somewhere, even in Canada. It's a good thing. Makes job searching easier because it's targetted.

The sad part is that I woudln't even qualify for any of those jobs. Boo. Seems so cool and the pay rocks.

Now, if they just had a job bank for "cool" jobs.

Facebook Games

Does anybody on here play Frontierville?! OMG. That is one crazy ass game....in terms of being an absolute time sucker for me. And the quests are getting crazier and crazier.

The latest one is making silver bullion bars...but it only takes a gazillion things to make it and a gazillion amount of time to collect the material to make the bars themselves. Of course this is just one quest of many. OMG, if you're playing, send me cloth!!!

It's good to play a game that has many different quests...but sometimes, it's just too much.

Binoculars

It's too early to put in a ticket for hunting a mule/buck or whatever other license there is. I'm not into hunting, but my husband is. It's a good bonding activity for him, his dad, his brother and whoever joins the hunt with them.

I always lend my hubby my old pair of binoculars. They're probably 20 years old but they work like a charm. But I saw some ncstar ones. Those look good too. But I won't invest unless I have to. And really, when the heck am I really going to need binos? I don't even bird watch.

If my hubby breaks my pair, he can buy his own.

Gifts

There is so much pressure to buy "great gifts for couples" because you want to make sure the gift is appropriate for both individuals not just for one person. You don't want to make one person feel left out. And you don't want to have the pair think that you decided to spend more money really for one individual rather than equally for the two of them.

Maybe I just think too much about this stuff. But it's no fun getting a gift for people when you're not sure they're going to like it! It's so fun seeing someone's smile, joy or suprise when you get them something that you know they'd appreciate. Case in point, a tuxedo cake for a certain individual for their birthday. On a side note, I don't think I've ever heard someone talk about a tuxedo cake...that much. Quite endearing actually.

So, what to buy my couple friends this year? Who knows. I'm still looking. But I'll probably lean towards an experience that both of them will like.

Cute Food

I have a number of websites that I check regularly. And some, I just happen to bump into by accident.

The websites that I do love are the ones that show cute food!!! Seriously, how can you not just awwww at the site of the following items?

Wouldn't you want one of these?!!!

For the geek in me...cute cake!

How about these? Sure would make a rainy day ok.

And who doesn't love Domo-kun?!

And my favourite find today...little bear buns on top of a beverage/soup:

Easter

Easter is later than usual this year. I remembered last year it was in March. But doesn't matter. Anytime Easter comes around, it means having to get all the Easter eggs ready for the hunt, making some Easter meal or hopefully getting a chance to attend one! But as I don't have the religious background, Easter really is just a fun holiday for the family and a chance for all of us to get together.

I googled online Easter gifts - Personal Creations for some ideas of what I could make or get for the kidlets. Sometimes it's not good enough to just have chocolate eggs for them. And they have some cute ideas!

But as I go through the page...maybe just something for my nephew. It's not like my kids don't have their Easter baskets, etc. ready.

So a month to go to think about it all.

Lawyers

Considering how difficult law school is and how long it takes, I always am amazed at how many there are. In google, you can type in personal injury attorneys tucson and you'd find a gazillion. Really? That many in Tuscon? And that's just a certain type of attorney. I'm sure there are just as many that are divorce lawyers, environmental, government, etc.

K and G, maybe I should become a lawyer. Apparently I'm cut throat enough. LOL!

Brakes

I'm taking my car in this Thursday for some servicing. Boo. But I have to get the oil change done. As well, there was a notice I received saying that there is a part that they need to add to the car and it won't cost me a dime. Good. And I have to check the door...it's sticky for whatever reason.

But I'm also concerned about my brakes and I think I'm going to get them to check it. I heard some loud squeaking the other day...but it wasn't grinding. I know the grinding sound...that means for SURE I need to change my brake pads.

Ugh. The idea of having to change brake pads already is making me nervous. It's not cheap. And secondly, they always try to ask me which name brand...brembo, or just their brand and I guess there are even no name brands. All I want to know is if it works.

Here's hoping that it's an oil change and the door is easily fixed. I know that everytime I go in, it's not cheap.

Insurance

I can't say I particularly like this time of year. Granted, there are many things to look forward to. But it's that time of year for taxes, revisiting finances and insurances.

And even though I always feel better after it's all done and knowing that things are in place, the idea of having to to go through it is daunting. Just going through the different insurances is depressing. Critical illness, disability insurance, life insurance...the list goes on. Is each one enough or too much, do we need it or is it covered by work?? If I had all the money in the world, I could insure for everything but that's not the case.

So...time to hunker down.

Visit

Today was a day that my husband and I made our way back to the BC Cancer Agency again. Never fun...especially when you get bad news. We weren't quite sure what to expect this time around. But I never mind the waiting room. Hearing people talk openly about their disease with such dignity and honesty is truly humbling. The bravery that people have while in there and the bravery that families show in supporting their loved ones is truly incredible. I always feel blessed to have these people in my presence.

My husband had his iPad with him so that he had something to do while waiting. But he brought it because he wanted to be ready with all his scanned images, ready to discuss his case with his oncologist. In the end, nothing more to do at this point. What's done has been completed and we can only wait and see. Best option and news we could have gotten today.

And though it was "happy" news, it was nothing like the news of the tsunami that rocked Japan today. The devestation, loss of life and panic.... The images are really unbelievable and really did seem like it was from some "end of the world" type of action film. My heart goes out to those that have lost their lives in an instant, to family members that grieve, to a country that must rebuild itself once again.

Life is extremely short and fragile....

Gifts

Throughout the year, I make notes on my Excel spreadsheet so I can figure out what I can get for gifts for family and friends. I always try to find "new" things and experiences for them. So I browse on the net for different things.

Cake Gifts seemed like a good idea...hello, cake pops! I can make them but mine never look great! Their cakes and cookies all look fantastic too. Again, I can bake it, but decorating something, let's just say I do not have the skill for that.

So, this might be a possibility for my Excel sheet....

Shopping

I'll be heading down to the States soon. One of the things I love doing is shopping at a franchise that isn't available here. I feel a little guilty by not buying Canadian sometimes. But there are some cool products out there that I just can't get here at home.

Even if we have the same franchise up here, sometimes the US store has better options and different items still. Who knows which franchises I will hit up this time when I head down!

Music

One thing people find "odd" in me is that I love Christian pop music. In fact, I had a really long conversation with a co-worker today about it. She couldn't get over the fact that I'm not religious and I go to all these Christian pop concerts.

Granted, I like all types of music...and having travelled a bit, my musical taste includes music from those areas. For example, Italian rap. (I finally translated the lyrics of one of those Italian rap songs that I love...only to find it was some guy who was crazy about half the town of Italy and wanted to sleep with them)

But Christian pop rocks as do the concerts. And to me, I don't really hear the message per se. I think that the message can be changed to show a parent's love or just love towards someone else...doesn't have to be about God. And bottom line, if the music is good, I'll want to listen.

And seriously, who doesn't want to go to these concerts? You know for sure they start on time, no one steals your stuff, or barfs from drinking and there's no marijuana.

Hey...JC's in the house.....

Remote Control

I've lived in my current house for over 6 years. And from Day 1 when we moved in here, we put up a ceiling fan in the master bedroom. But for over 6 years, finding the remote for the fan has been a royal pain. It's always put someplace else. The kids always misplace it. It's always covered. Something.

But finally, after 6 years, my husband screwed in the plastic holder by the lightswith where the remote control sits. Pure awesomeness. I sound facetious, but I'm not right now. I'm really happy that I can always access that remote.

Now, maybe in year 7, he'll tackle a bigger task for me. I can hope.

Foreclosures

Hey, if I was willing to move to someplace else to live, I'd choose a place where I could get cheap housing and hopefully have the same paying job. I'd be living rich. I checked out some Outer Banks foreclosures...cheap. Though I highly doubt I could get a high paying job out there.

On the flip side, I do feel bad for those that had a foreclosure. Yeesh. To walk away from a dream of owning a house and having to start all over. And trusting that the banks will help you.

But I'm not moving anytime soon...so I'll just have to view houses that are for very cheap.

Moisture

I've heard of humdifiers but not much about the dehumidifier. I guess it makes sense...you have something that keeps the air most versus something that does not. And I'm thinking I need the latter.

In my washrooms, I have built in fans. But one of them for whatever reason isn't quite strong enough. Or at least, it doesn't seem that way for me. Or I must shower for such long periods of time that so much moisture stays in the house. I'm worried because I don't want to promote any mold growth in the shower areas. Ewwwww.

But I'll have to do some research because there are so many brands and types. Boo.

Weekend

There are some weekends where nothing gets done. Maybe it was the sun that brought out some energy in me this weekend. I really feel that I've accomplished a lot!

Of course there are the regular duties of taking my kids to lessons, cooking meals, and cleaning. I did all those. I also baked, worked on my Pay It Forward gifts for my 5 friends, knitted (scarves for adults and clothing items for my daughter's dolls), organized, scheduled and who knows what else. But it felt so good to be productive and have tons to show for it.

I just wished my cleaning would show a little longer.

12 seconds

Some places now have those fancy 12 second hand dryers. It's like putting your hands by the turbines of a large airplane. The air that comes out is quite forceful, but dries your hands ever so quickly.

But what's more fun is listening to my one kid squeal in delight when it goes on! Some serious giggles. Because of her height, she's close enough to get the force of the air to move her hair.

Maybe instead of taking her to Go Bananas, I'll just take her to a washroom with one of those dryers. At least the entertainment is free.

Netbooks

I've only used a netbook once before. Anybody out there have some good netbook reviews? The iPad is great...but it's not great for typing. One figure typing isn't a quick thing for me. And I don't like the idea that I can not use Flash while on the net.

And sometimes, when travelling, it's just easier to keep in touch with people if I had my own netbook. But I guess that also means I'd have to travel enough to make up for buying a netbook.

Spring

Oh, it's just around the corner! I can feel it! Literally. Of course the weather is a sign of what is to come. But it's always the flowers and the flowering trees that give it away. I have allergies and soon as everything starts flowering, it's time to pull out the allergy meds and eyedroips. It's not a good time. But it sure beats any harsh winter that I may have to endure.

But despite the allergies, I really do love Spring. It's a time of new beginnings and beautiful colours.

Training Downtown

I used to work Downtown and it was fun! But my office got moved and I'm at a different location and have been for years.

But this week, I got to head Downtown for 2 days of training. I was excited because I was getting a chance to get out of the office! And it was nice to do something different for work.

But I think the real fun this week was what I did when I wasn't training. I got Downtown well before training started as I wanted to beat the traffic rush. But getting there early meant I got to enjoy a cup of coffee and read the paper. I know that seems so lame to people, but that is a luxury for me and a real treat.

I also got to shop during my breaks! Oh, how I miss that. I went to my favourite stores, looked for shoes, checked out the bookstore, and just wandered. If I worked Downtown everyday, it's just mundane and I probably wouldn't even leave the office.

And last but not least, it was just so neat to see how the city has changed. Seeing all the Olympic legacies (some of the art work and furniture from the Olympic venues were even at the training site), different art work out on the streets, different stores and the building of new things such as the Stadium.

For those that work or go Downtown often, I know it's so mundane for them. But I really enjoyed my 2 days Downtown. What a treat.

Extended Benefits

I am extremely lucky to have extended health benefits. Not everybody is so lucky. And it is something that really helps out in our family expenses. As I'm getting ready for taxes, I tabulated all our prescription costs and it was quite scary to know how much I spent on prescriptions just last year. Oh well, hopefully that helps on taxes!

Though our medical care and extended health insurance has its issues, I can only imagine the issues with those that live in the states. Having to choose whether or not to even have health insurance is a big question. And if you decide that you are, who do you go with? Blue Advantage? Seems like the only one I know. But you get the drift.

I like knowing that when I need medical help and require extended health, my programs are there to support me.

Parties

Has anybody been to one of those jewellery parties? You know, kind of like the candle parties where someone hosts the party, the friends come over, buy a bunch of stuff and the host gets freebies?

I've been invited to 5 of these types of parties recently. Intriguing...but I don't really wear accessories. However, I saw some pretty neat silver, gold and tanzanite jewelry. But when the website doesn't disclose prices, I can only imagine how expensive the pieces are. So I've avoided going to these parties.

And as much as I want to help friends, if I don't wear the stuff, I'm not going to buy it. So if someone has been to one and can provide some insight, I'm interested in hearing.

Quotes

Recently, our house insurance was up for renewal. Every year, the insurance gets more expensive due to the aging of our house, increased costs overall, etc. And it sucks. But I can't imagine not having insurance...it's just a cost that I have to live with.

But instead of just renewing the insurance, I thought I'd try something like an esurance review for cars. Ask different insurance companies/banks and get a quote.

Online, I got some wicked deals. But they seemed way too good to be true. So I called the companies to clarify.

In the end, I'm actually saving with my current insurance company. So I stayed with them. And will be ready to pay for another hike increase when the time comes to pay it again. Can prices go down for once?

Things Around the Web

Oh, there is so much to check out on the web. I love web surfing. I read a ton of articles from the crazy to the sublime. And I also love watching videos because you never know what you're going to get!

As I was checking out things today...I happened to see another cute wedding proposal. I love it!


see more Hacked IRL - Truth in Sarcasm

Then there is the funny spoofs. For example, this is Tom Hanks on Toddlers and Tiaras (I swear that show scares me!):



There's also the things that are meshed together and you'd think would never work but does...in this case, a shamisen player and tap dancers:



This is a funny spoof on the state of prescribed drugs:



Hope you find some funny gems on the web today!