Make Up

I don't usually wear make up and the major reason why is because of how I was brought up.  My dad always said to me that I shouldn't wear any unless it's a special ocassion.  That way people really see the difference.  

Guess I just saved myself a ton in money!   I like make up but I'm not entirely interested in it.  I leave it to the experts.  Though, I must admit, I like the idea of air brush make up.  Seems fun to do.  

But knowing me, I'd end up doing too much and I'd look like a clown.  Maybe for the world, it's just safer that I keep to my natural look!

Funeral Friday

As mentioned, my husband's co-worker recently passed away after her tremendous and extremely courageous battle with cancer.  As hubby was away for business and a conference, he wasn't able to attend the funeral.  So I attended for him.  It was an opportunity for me to say goodbye too.  Such a beautiful and wonderful person.

I've been to a number of funerals before.  They're just not something I like going to.  But it's something that you have to do.  And really, it's not about me.  It's about supporting the family and friends, to honour the person that passed and depending on how close you are to the person, an opportunity for closure.  

This one was at a fairly large church.  Probably could fit 500 people.  And as we got closer to the start time of the funeral, I could see the church getting filled up.   By the time we got started, the church was packed completely and there folks standing.  

There was a lot of song and prayer through this.  Though I didn't know the prayers...I have to admit I knew quite a few songs.  See, those Christian concerts totally helped me out!!   Some of the singers were absolutely amazing.   

There were so many wonderful things said about this person.  Her life was full!   Though there was sadness in the day due to this passing, there was also so much "joy" as this person was no longer suffering.  And the faith of those there that day, they knew they would see her once again.  

As I said, I really dislike funerals because of what it means.  But by far, this was probably the most "positive" funeral I've ever been to.  And more importantly, we celebrated a person who lived a good life, who made differences to those around her and the world, and I know for sure that she was truly loved.  

Backpack

Tonight, I took my kids to go do some back to school shopping.  They needed some new jeans,  couple of shirts, a new backpack and new lunchbox.   Good times. 

My youngest picked out items that were perfect for her.  Things with glittery hearts, cute butterflies, pinks and purples.  It's so innocent and cute.  

My oldest...well, she's been chomping at the bit to get a new backpack.  She wasn't pleased that I had gotten her a pink Hello Kitty lunch kit last year.  To be honest, I didn't realize how much she hated it.  As for her backpack, at least there was a cool monkey on it.  But it was pink.  How dare I get her a pink one!!

So this year, to be on the safe side, I let them both pick these "big ticket" items.  And tonight, I thought I was going to cry at the store when my eldest picked up this one back pack that I would have ever expected she would want.   It's not that it was ugly.  It was actually quite cool!  Beige fabric, a bit of patterned fabric at the edge of some of the pockets, very ruggish looking.  

I wanted to cry because of a number of reasons.  She didn't care what others thought about her bag (I don't see other kids her age carrying a bag like that).  Really happy she didn't succumb to peer pressure on that stuff.   She wore that backpack like a big kid and I find it hard to believe she's that big.  But the biggest reason was when I said she looked like a traveller, a world traveller.  And she said, "yes, this would be perfect for travelling and for future adventures." 

 The fact that she's ready for big adventures and dreams of them...that makes me so happy.  To know that she's growing so fast makes me realize that time is indeed passing by quickly.  And more importantly, the fact that she's confident in the person that she's becoming.  

I know, I know.  Probably totally analyzed the backpack to bits.  But I'm a mom.  I get to cry at these types of moments.  

Technology

My kids have never known a camera that wasn't digital.  Even their cheapo cameras have been digital.  

They snap pictures, look at it, then decide if they want to keep it or not.  I think it's great.  And really, digital cameras rock ...especially with all the advancements in camera technology.

So tonight, my girls were looking at a waterproof camera that I had got them.  I said that they could take it to a local pool/water slide park so they can take pictures underwater or with their friends...just some shots to remember the day.  

My youngest looked at me and said, "but after I take the picture, where do I see it?"

"You don't.  See that little hole?  You look through there and you'll see what you'll be taking a picture of and then you click here to snap the picture."

"Ok, but where do I see the picture after I take it?"

"You don't.   Remember what I just told you?"

The idea that my kid did not understand that digital cameras are not the only cameras around and that you can take pictures without seeing them the instant after to her is just a foreign idea. 

Gosh.  Is this how my parents felt when the CDs were just coming out?

First World Problems

I have first world problems.   I know that I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and many essentials that only others in other parts of the world can only dream of.  And because of my first world problems, I tend not to get too wound up about things.

Don't get me wrong.  Of course I lose it about many things.  But I always regain perspective about what is in my life and let things go or figure out solutions.  

And today, just a reminder that many things are first world problems.  Today, my husband lost a co-worker to cancer.  This woman is a woman that I had spent some time with.  Every time I was with her, I was surrounded by grace, genuineness, beauty and love.  And she had a laugh that was extremely contagious!  

Though I didn't know her well, I'm saddened by this loss.  The world is a dimmer place today without her laughter and spirit.   She fought so courageously for so many years through a number of devastating diagnoses and pain.  Her pain is something that we can only imagine and wish that we never had.  Yet, she went through this for half of her life.  And each day, despite the pain and frustration, she could still laugh and enjoy life in the best way possible.  

So, for those today having a "bad day," for those feeling that the world is against them, for those that feel that no one understands them, for those that feel that they've given so much only to receive so little, for those that cannot look to themselves to see responsibility, for those that spilled their coffee or couldn't find a parking spot....please, just give yourself a small shake.  You have the luxury of thinking of these things today and have the chance to live and change it or at least your perspective of it.  Be grateful you have first world problems.  

To Sandy...may your body and soul finally find the rest that it deserves.  May you be free from the shackles and pain of cancer.  And may you look down upon your family and friends and know that you are loved.  xoxo.....

London 2012

And just like that, the Summer Olympics of 2012 is over!   I really enjoyed the Closing Ceremonies.  Reminded me of the ceremonies for Vancouver 2010 where I got to enjoy the crowds, the show and the amazing event that it was.   Wish I could have gone to this show as it would have been a great one to remember. 

So giddy with all these pop groups that I love!!!  Of course, it wasn't all about the pop groups...it was about the athletes, the volunteers, the country and the amazing games.  Yes, I'll even miss all the Olympic commercials...especially the tear jerker ones.  

As much as I will miss all the sports, commentary, commercials and amazing moments, it will be nice to get back to regular life.  Do other things than be glued to the tv.  

Sochi is up next!  That will be another 2 weeks of my life lost again.  

August

Apparently I blinked.  It's August already.  And pretty much mid-August.   I'm really unsure where this summer has gone!!!

But I have to admit, it's been a great summer.  Pretty laid back.  Lots of activities and events to go to.  Finally got the propane tank filled up so we've been having a number of barbeques.  

Work has been good too.  It's been busy, but not insanely busy. And I love that I'm pretty much left on my own.  I know what needs to get done. 

So I'm going to continue savouring the summer with my family.  The chaos will start soon enough.