Guitars

I love the guitar. I play...but definitely not well. But there is something so cool and rockstar like to be able to play some amazing guitar rifts. And rifts for any type of music. Playing well, but having an awesome guitar too...OMG. That's like getting Rock and Roll God status right away. The gibson les paul with bigsby guitar is an example. Beautifully shaped, looks amazing...and I'm sure just plays beautifully. I can dream.....

Prepaid Cards

I like the idea of prepaid cards so that if I get one, I can buy whatever it is that I want. However, there is a trend for having a prepaid card for teenagers. Part of me doesn't like it because they can buy whatever it is that they want. But on the other hand, it seems a little more secure than cash. And better options for them to buy what they want versus just a gift certificate from a store. I guess with everything, it's about having conversations with your children and putting parameters around it. Geez. Whatever happened to kids wanting to just hang out on the porch with a slurpee in hand?

Fireplaces

Seems like an odd topic to talk about considering it's FINALLY summer here. But there is something about fireplaces.

But the latest fad is to have wall fireplaces. I particularly like them at swanky hotels or at the latest theatre. Some of them, I've seen a whole length of a wall. Fantastic and absolutely chic.
Though, can't really enjoy them right now since I can actually say it's hot.

Pet Peeve

Every store you go to buy something, you're going to get a receipt for it. Except for the ones that have receipt printer that is all crapped up.

As a consumer, I'm telling store owners, get a printer that works properly. I really dislike having to wait in line because it's not working, or it rips off the receipt the wrong way causing me to get someone else's information...I could go on.

I know this is a true first world problem. But really, fixing it would make a big difference. Thanks to all the stores that have good ones.....

Rings

I had to take off my wedding ring when I was doing some stuff on the car.  Afterwards, I was looking at the ring and it's amazing how a piece of metal and a stone can mean so much.  After 12 years, I still wear that ring as if I had just received it. And with that ring comes so many memories and milestones.  It really is quite incredible!


But that's not to say I don't look at other rings.  I look but it doesn't mean I need or want another wedding ring.   


Hee hee.  I discovered the scott kay ring.  Hello.  Totally awesome.  Though, with all the diamonds on these rings, I think I really would be able to cut myself out of a glass house.  


But it doesn't matter...this "tiny" ring was meant for me and all the promises that went with it.   

Travellers

At the wedding anniversary party that I went to, I had the opportunity to see my father in law's friend from the UK.  He came a number of years ago to Canada...but decided to come again.  And he's just awesome.  


He came back again to do a road trip with my in laws.  They drove down to California all in their minis.  That means they took all their camping gear, all their car spare parts...everything they needed in these TINY little cars.  Quite impressive to say the least.  


They ran into some car trouble though.  I had a good laugh about it all because that's just part of the adventure when travelling.  And he totally agreed.  Made the trip more memorable.  


I'm not saying that every trip should have issues.  But sometimes it's the ones where you run into issues and how you solve them are the ones that you remember the most.  


As the night went on, we talked more about our trips and our adventures.  There is something to be said about travellers and their spirit about adventure.  Doesn't matter if your trips have been small or limited...that spirit still exists.   


So, I may not be able to travel much right now...but I long for it.   Until then, I will live vicariously through others.....

Long Weekend

I love long weekends.  Well, who doesn't?  An extra day off of work!  

This Canada Day long weekend, didn't have anything planned.  I don't like travelling on the long weekend as traffic is crazy, I hate the waits and the crowds are nuts.  But that's not to say I didn't have anything to do!  

Saturday was a nice casual day.  The family just chilled in the morning.  I could just tell that all of us needed it.  After a year of lessons, school, activities and goodness knows what else, it was nice to know that summer was here and we could just relax.  In the evening, we did end up going to a family member's 10th wedding anniversary.  It was a lovely affair!  Very casual event in their house.  But it was a great opportunity to meet up with family that I don't get to see all the time.  As well, see some of the couple's friends who I see maybe once a year.  

What I love about these casual events is that you never know what will happen.  Out of nowhere, we get an impromptu concert from 2 guys...just singing and playing their guitars.  They were amazing!  The barbeque, the guests and the great conversations really made it a fantastic night.  What a fun anniversary celebration...wasn't even mine!  

Sunday was Canada Day.  We had intentions of going to a city celebration.  But the weather was atrocious!   So, the family ended up cleaning.  And I mean, we cleared out a whole closet and some other areas.  Felt so good!  Had some extra room, some great donations to give to a local charity and I felt so productive. 

The rest of the day was at Chapters (how I love thee) as the kids had some gift certificates to spend.  Then it was off to a little shindig with 2 girlfriends.  Literally, sit, eat, chat.  That's all there was. Lots of good eats and great laughs.  And again, just loved how it was so casual.  

And Monday, just lots of activities with the kids.  Keeping them busy and just enjoying time together.  We even had a spa afternoon.  LOL!  One kid is definitely going to be a spa kid.  She sure knows how to relax!  

Just like that, the weekend is over!  Felt productive, but felt like I had time off to recharge.  Can't wait for the next one!