Housewives

I must admit, I do watch some of the Housewives series.  I particularly like the Orange County one.  Not sure if it's because of all the orange skin from tanning or because they are "classier."  Snicker.  Atlanta and New Jersey ones are just TRASHY.  My goodness.  And other ones don't seem that interesting.


But hey, Housewives of Vancouver, I'm all in.  I want to see who these women are.  And the ads for the show have been hilarious!  "I feel like I'm Martha Stewart...on acid."  That's so awesome.  


I mean, this show is going to be complete garbage and nothing worthwhile in terms of a "deep" show.  But I'm sure it's going to be entertaining.  Oh yeah, April 4th.  Marking that date down!

Clothing

I'm doing some cleaning and I can't believe how much recycling I have.  That's just recycling!!!  And there are some many areas that not only have to be tidied up but actually organized.  Life has taken over and I need to regain some control.  

I did an assessment of my closet and right away, I saw a big box of maternity clothes that I have to decide what I want to do with.  Sell?  Give away?  Is it even worth selling?   My basement.  Time to  reorganize and sell stuff on Craigslist.  Kitchen?  Time to get rid of some things I don't use.  

And the list goes on.  It'll get done.  It just has to.  

Tables

I thought I might have to take my one kidlet to the doctor today.  I was called by the school to come and pick her up.  Her stomach was hurting and I don't like those calls.  

I was thinking of which doctor to take her to.  If I had to, I'd take her to the nearest walk in clinic as it didn't sound like something too serious.  But I didn't like the thought of it as I hate the exam table at the one clinic.  Yes, yes...resources are tight.  But I don't like exam tables that have a rip in them.  I just get visions of all these germs just hiding in there!!!

But thankfully, no doctors visit was needed.  Phew!

Work Around the House

 There always seems to be a project around the house.  ALWAYS.  Well, first world problems right?  I have a house to worry about.   But if things are going to go wrong, can we just space them out a bit please?!  


This time, one of the bathrooms and the bathroom vanity seems to need a little work.  But in the whole scheme of household things to do, that seems to be low on the list.  So it will be there for a while.


I wish I had more tickies of items completed rather than just a list of to do items around the house!

Bike Racks

We've avoided having to buy bike racks.  Hubby doesn't have a bike.  And I'm too worried about having to watch 2 kids on their bikes while in public.  They're good on their bikes, but they're not great.  And what if they hurt someone because they panic and can't stop?!  No thanks.  I'm not ready nor do I want that responsibility.  

But in the event that I do have to buy some, a yakima bike rack might not be a bad idea.  Looks strong and sturdy.  Price isn't bad either.  

But like I said, I can avoid it right now.  The kids are content going around the block on their bikes!  Yeah.  

Yo-Yo

In my younger days, I loved playing with the all cool yo-yo.   I always loved doing the Around the World trick.  Walk the Dog was one I could never really accomplish.  Probably because I ended up picking up dustballs more than anything else.  

But in my not so young days, trying to find an old fashioned wooden yo yo is like a needle in the haystack.  I looked up yo-yo and found yomega.  Huh.  Had to check that out.  

Really?  We're in the age of aerodynamic and the amazing returning yo-yo?  Talk about missing the boat on the yo-yo. 

Hmmm...maybe I'll finally be able to do my Walk the Dog trick now!  

Hospitals

I can't say I hate hospitals, but I'd prefer not to go to them.  There is always sadness at hospitals.  But there are also joyous events of births and stories of those beating diseases.  So I try to remember those rather than the not so good stories.  

But you spend enough time in a hospital, after a while, you know the sound of medical carts.   You know the pace of the nurses.  You get to know the patients that are in the area.  The really great ones and the nutso ones.  

Always an adventure at the hospital, that's for sure.  

ID

Wow.  I feel old today.  I got my Driver's License Renewal letter today.  Basically, 5 years had gone by and it was time to renew.  Was I feeling old because of the 5 years?  No.  I don't remember the cost being SO high?!  And I heard myself saying, "in my days, this license wasn't so expensive!" 


I remember it being $50, now it's $75.  Gouge.  I had to just renew my passport too.  Yowsers.  $85.  I don't remember that being so high either.  


BAH.  I have no choice though as I need the ID.  =(  Oh well.  I'll just have to amortize it over 5 years.  I'll feel better...until the next renewal.  

Informercials

I love informercials.  I really do!!  If I had all the money in the world, I would love to buy and test each informercial item.  Some I've actually bought because I'm so curious!  Obviously some items work better than others.  


I wouldn't mind trying that airbrush makeup machine.  That actually would be fun.  I'd probably paint my face looking like a clown unintentionally.   But I'm not that rich, so I have to be choosy with my infomercial items!


And as a person that watches Shark Tank and Dragon's Den on a regular basis, I would love to find out how much the item costs to make to sell.  What is the profit?  Most of these items are probably extremely cheap to make so the profit margin must be huge.  


Guess I'm adding to the person's profit margin.  

Lights

Everytime I go to someone's house, I must admit, I snoop for ideas.  I just think that people have the neatest way of showcasing their house and I wish I had more of that creativity!  

When I bought my house, I didn't realize that it could get a little dark in there.  I wish I had thought about using an led light bulb or a couple of them where when they were on, they would light up around the bottom of the cabinet area.  Would shed a lot more light in the kitchen.  

But I think it's too late for me.  The samples I saw could only be done while the cabinets are being installed.  Now that they are, I'd have to drill a hole into the cabinets for it to happen.  Thanks, but no thanks.  

Perfume

For a scent free office, there seems to be a lot of people wearing perfume.  I'm not entirely into it.  And honestly, I don't care if you wear name brand or   discount perfume.  I just find with the office being so stuffy, having scents around can make it even stuffier in the office.  

But some folks just don't care around the office.  And I'm not the perfume patrol. 

Briefcases

A number of staff members in our office received briefcases.  Seriously, they look like CIA agents now.  Somehow, the information inside the briefcases will be safer.  Perhaps.  But these briefcases seem to stick out so much that if I were looking into a crowd and who I would mug, it would be our officers because they look like they have something valuable in the suitcase.  


I think we were restricted where we could buy these, but perhaps for the guys, the company could have gone to GotBriefcases.com briefcases for men?  Some interesting styles.  Now I have to see if they have the women's equivalent.


But no point in complaining about it as these are bought.  

Wedding Rings

I have a white gold wedding ring.  I purposely chose white gold as I like the colour better than yellow gold for a ring.  It's just me.  And when I wear jewellery, I tend to wear silver rather than yellow gold.  So it matches well.


But the big trend now is those  titanium wedding bands.  I don't know.  Seems like too strong of a metal for a wedding ring.  I get it...strength of this metal is a metaphor for the strength in love and marriage.  But I think there needs to be a softness in marriage too and maybe that's why I've stuck with the gold.


Well, it doesn't matter.  It's not like I'm getting a new wedding ring.  I like mine just fine.  

Jobs

Sometimes I think about jobs that I may want to try.  A paramedic?  Yeah!!!  Actually, I did want to be one at one point in my life until my school counsellor said I would suck.  So much for her being supportive.  So obviously I didn't go down that route.  But sometimes I do wonder what my life would be like if I did. 

Anyways, I don't know if I'd want to be a paremedic here.  My friend is one and it took him forever to get into it and it's not always good pay.  So I thought, why not look up what it's like in the US.  I checked out the Paramedic Jobs website.  Yeah.  Let's just say I'll stick with my job for the pay that I get versus what I'd have to do.   Yeah, sometimes fantasizing about something is just way more fun.  

Treatment

We hear about all these celebrities going to the posh los angeles rehab centre, or some rehab centre in some luxury resort.  Yeah.  Sounds like a party that I wouldn't mind going to.

I wish Hollywood wouldn't make it sound so "nice."  I know people who have gone to rehab and it's not an easy place to be in.  And it's a place to get better and work on your issues.  Not to have fun and pretend like everything is ok.

I have such a love hate relationship with Hollywood.

Camp

My one kid got invited to a local camp in May. But it's for a whole district so girls of all ages can go to this if they are part of this organization. Only problem is my kid is a certain age. It's a camp where horse riding is made available to the campers. They get to be around horses, handle the horse equipment, pet the horses and even ride the horses.

 Get my drift here? It's a camp ALL relating to horses. Except, if you're a certain age of 8 at this camp, you're not allowed near the horses, you can't pet the horses, you can't touch the equipment, nothing.

 Yeah. I'll save my money. No point in sending her to "horse" camp only to find out she can't do the majority of activities.

Drums

I love taiko drumming. That's some awesome stuff. But I love drumming in general. If I had a sound proof room, I'd definitely love to take up drumming...the ones found in bands. YEAH. There is something so cool and sexy about drumming and doing solos. Though I'm not sure if I was actually coordinated enough. But I love the thought of banging out on some great drums...maybe even Tama Drums. So much in the world that I want to do and just not enough time. Until I take drumming lessons, just going to air drum.

Earrings

Family dinners can be amusing...parents love dragging up all these stories about their kids.  And usually, their always embarassing.   Diamond Earrings for men?  LOL!  Don't even DARE to bring that topic my father-in-law.  When the topic of earrings came up for his sons, he was having none of that!   Let's just say his sons were smart enough to not get one.

However, diamond earrings for me?  For sure...but I'll have to actually pierce my ears!

Flowers

I think flowers really do add so much beauty to this world.  Some more than others.  So it's really nice when you get them on sale!  Ahh...music to my ears...sale and something beautiful!  

The thought of $20 roses is appealing.  I mean, that's a price that I would buy flowers for myself. 

Something to think about as there are a ton of birthdays coming up soon!  

Pool

I have a backyard that is large enough to have a pool.  And the idea is very appealing.  However, there are a couple of reasons why I haven't put one in.  First of all, I don't like the idea of people drowning in my backyard.  I know.  Morbid.  But it's true!

Secondly, I have no idea how to use any equipment.  Those   pool pumps?  No clue.  How much chlorine stuff do you put in?  I don't know.  I'd probably put enough to burn my skin off.

Last but not least, who is going to do the actual cleaning?  Oh hey, that would be me.  I have enough going on that I don't need to be doing that.

However, if there was a cute enough pool boy, that might just change my mind.

High School

As mentioned in my last blog, I hooked up with a high school friend.  During our chat, of course we chatted about high school.  It wasn't terrible for me, but I went to a very cliquey school and they were all stinking rich.  I was really the trailer trash of the high school.  But my dad really wanted me to go there like it would give me some prestige.  Yeah, prestige as the poor trailer trash kid at the school.  Despite some people treating me like the peasant, I found my niche and made some good friends.  

My girlfriend and I shared experiences about those days.  I thought she was quite popular and had friends in the "other" circles.  But we got along just fine and went out to concerts and other events.  But during our chat, she was telling me about how horrible her high school life was and one of the reasons why she survived those days was because of me.

Ummm...shocked?  Yeah.  Her "surviving" high school?  Man, I thought she was having the time of her life.

Just goes to show how perspective is everything and how maybe what you offer people may seem small or insignificant, but makes the biggest difference to them.  I really don't think I did anything "big" for her during those days.  Guess I just treated her nicely.  

Anyways, I am so done with that high school and all the cool kids.  Onto bigger things in life that are more important.

Laughter

Well, I meant to write this post on Sunday...guess I'm a little behind!

I had a great weekend that just past.  I really needed a bit of a stress release and to me, chatting and laughing is the best medicine.  Went over to my girlfriend's place and another girlfriend joined us.  Yummy food, chat, chat, chat.  GUFFAW, cackling, laughter.  Really, that's all it was that night.  Over and over again.  It was SO good!  There were more serious moments but then there were the lighter moments too.  It was just such a great flow of chat that night and I could have stayed so much longer!  Holy smokes.  You'd think 6 hours of yapping would be sufficient...but there was just so much to say!!!  So thank you two for a wonderful night.  I love these types of nights.

And on Sunday, an old high school bud came over.  I recently just touched base with her again and we had such a lovely time we decided to continue the friendship.  Again, we picked up where we left off and spoke of life after high school and parenthood.  So much to chat about.

After my 2 long days of girl chats, I did feel good.  Just felt nice to have my own time with my friends.  All women need time like this.  So glad I had a chance with some great gals.  

Jackets

I'm thinking of buying a new winter jacket.  But I don't want just something that is thick and warm.  I want something that will repel wind , snow and rain.  I don't like winter...so whatever I can do to repel the cold and wetness is a good thing. 


I looked up some websites for local companies.  But the problem is, seems like a lot of people wear certain brands.  It's not a bad thing except when you're at a party trying to find YOUR jacket and everybody has the same one.  


So I looked around for some other brands and I happened to stumble onto the obermeyer name.  Never heard of it.  But I looked it up.  Might be exactly what I need.  

Facebook

It took me a long time to join Facebook.  Part of my resistance was that I really felt that people could pick up the phone to call me to tell me something.  But really, with everybody's schedules, kids, and goodness knows what else, it's not always easy to pick up the phone.  E-mail is great...but sometimes, you just need something quick.

I must admit that Facebook has given me a chance to catch up with some people quickly and easily.  Facebook has allowed me to get in touch with some people that I lost touch with.  I've also received a ton of great coupons due to Facebook offers.  Oooo...today I used my 12 pack Keurig coffee disks coupon...worth $10.99!  And I like my games...a lot.  Quick games that I can walk away from.  All great benefits.

However, I have my issues with Facebook too.   My list of FB complaints:

1) I hate lurkers.  They suck.  Literally.  You can't go on FB and read everybody's status all the time, never make a comment to people's statuses and then when you see the person "live," you make some comment about their status.  Hmmm...you get to know about everybody else but no one gets to hear about what is going on in your life?  I think it's rude.  Make a comment here and there.

2) I hate lurkers.  Yeah, for a second reason I hate them.  They never put up a status update.  I mean, once every month isn't too much of a hardship is it?  Again, you read up on everybody and don't even give a morsel to anybody?  Please.  It's not fair that you don't share.  If you're not going to, then get off FB.

3) Then there are those that tell me everything that is happening in their day.  Really?  Do I need to know that you just peed 3 times today and now you're off for a jog.  Now that you're back from your jog, you're going to take a shower.  Ooo...then you're having a snack.  Better yet, let me take a picture of that snack.  Then let me see a picture of your plate empty.  For sure, give me pictures and status updates, but EVERY moment of your day?  That is too much.

4)  Copy This junkies.  Hey, I'm ok with people copying and pasting other people's status updates.  But I can't stand seeing the same people post up those comments/sayings/posters about whatever...and it ending with, "If you care, post on your status."  Or "share, or if you don't, you're heartless."  Or better yet, the sayings where it's "take me as I am.  If you don't like it, then you don't deserve me."  But every one of your status updates is a copied and not even your own words?    

5) And my last issue...FISHERS.  Those that put those status updates that make it vague and they're literally fishing for a compliment or for people to ask what's wrong.  Why don't you just tell us all?  Why are you making us ask in some drawn out fashion? If it's such a big deal, WHY are you posting it?!!   It's tiresome to have fishers and now I don't even bother asking. If I ask, it's because they are a close friend and I just contact them instead rather than respond to the status update.  

FB.  It's a love hate thing.

Evenings

My perfect night is probably boring as hell to somebody else.  But last night, I had one and I was so happy.

It was sunny for a Monday so getting to work was bearable.  The sun also helped me in getting through the day...it actually went by so quickly!  Then it was time to go home and the commute was trouble free and much shorter than my usual night.  Bonus.

When I got home, time to make dinner, lunches for everybody's school and work day, and make sure that I defrosted any items I needed for the next night.  I cleaned while I cooked and got lots done.  

Then it was time for mandarin and math homework.  The kids were total rockstars.  They actually wanted to do more homework!  They didn't complain, they understood it all.  I was even surprised at some of their answers for their homework as it was much better than what I could have come up with.

Bath time was next.  No point in having kids that like homework if they stink.  It was easy peasy.

While the kids were getting for bed, I went to go exercise.  Got my workout in and felt good.  And of course, I needed a shower too. 

Spent some snuggle time with the kids and just talked to them.  They told me about what was on their minds.  Sweet as can be.  

After all of that, I still had time to watch a show with hubby and work on a scarf that I've been knitting.  

So totally boring to someone else.  But it was just a peaceful transition last night.  And I really felt I had a good balance of kid, family and me time.  

Tonight...well, let's just say I didn't have a perfect night.   So I will try to remember my perfect night more often and hope that it happens again soon.

Small Break

I've been knitting scarves for a while for the downtown eastside.  I buy my own yarn and then knit as many scarves as I can throughout the year in time for winter.  Then I either go and give the scarves out or I just give them to an organization/group that can take those scarves and give them to those on the street that need them most.  I can't get out to volunteer so this is a great way for me to give back in some small way.

But lately, I've been knitting for Knit-A-Square too.  Basically, it's an organization that helps infants with AIDS in Africa.  I can knit a couple of things...but I've kept to the knit squares.  These squares along with other squares that others have donated around the world are stitched together to make blankets for children inflicted with this terrible disease.  These children get very cold and these blankets help them immensely.  Again, it's my volunteer work and my way of giving back.  It's not a lot, but it's what I can do at this time.

However, I have had to give up this knitting for a very small period of time.  Hula girl needs me.  I'm taking her on another road trip and making her a knitted skirt.  Not very pretty.  But every hula girl needs something warm to wear if she's heading somewhere a little colder.

After knitting the skirt, I will be back to knitting for my charities.

Stats

I love stats!  I love them so much that I wanted to major in it.  But I ended up doing something.  Doesn't mean that I can't continue loving them.  Even better, I know a stats professor!  So he tells me whatever and I'm just fascinated. 

However, the stats I'm talking about aren't about numbers.  It's just about general stats about this blog.  As I've upgraded to the next version, there's an opportunity to check all things about this blog.  From web page views to sources of where new visitors are coming from.  

I can also tell where most traffic is currently coming from.  Canada!  Well, that's not suprising as most of my friends are from here.  But it breaks it down even more so I can conclude where my readers are really coming from...Richmond, Coquitlam, Burnaby.  Not suprising that it's the in the lower mainland.

But I find it surprising that there are viewers from other countries such as Malaysia and Russia!  But I guess if you're putting in search words, certain things just come up.

Hopefully new readers find this blog interesting enough to continue visiting!