With An Angel On My Shoulder

Friday Funny: Organizing Tip

2012-02-10T07:33:00.003-06:00

I saw this useful tip in a book about organizing that I was reading.

2012-02-07T01:01:00.004-06:00

I've had a case of writer's block lately...
or perhaps just a Pinterest addiction.

Over 2200 Pins!

Follow me HERE.

Friday Funny: Files

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Weigh-In: February 2012

2012-02-02T22:21:00.003-06:00

ugghhhh!

Well, at least it wasn't a gain this time.

Follow my weight loss journey HERE.

Goose

2012-02-01T08:03:00.004-06:00

There's a reason I call her Goose.
As in Silly.

Rolling around on the path.

Friday Funny: Auto Repair

2012-01-27T08:24:00.003-06:00

I'll write a post about this week's car trouble soon.
I'm so annoyed.

Instagram

2012-01-25T08:32:00.002-06:00

I took this picture with Instagram.
I never really think to use that first,
so I probably won't have many photos using that program.
I'm not big on editing photos.
I just try to get them nice to begin with.

Friday Funny: Frozen

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

After a pretty mild winter thus far,
we've been thrown right into a deep freeze this past week.
I thought this little poem was a perfect fit for this week's Friday Funny.

New Glasses

2012-01-17T14:40:00.003-06:00

Last week, ClearlyContacts.ca was having a promotion for FREE glasses!
I just got mine today!

I love them so far!!
They just need a little adjusting but otherwise they are great!

*I am not being compensated for this post. This is just my own opinion.*

Friday Funny: Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T07:22:00.002-06:00

Huge Giveaway at Portraits by Dana!

2012-01-12T18:44:00.003-06:00

Portraits by Dana is having a HUGE giveaway. Click the image below to check it out!

Path

2012-01-11T10:13:00.005-06:00

The Pup and I recently found a new walking path behind our neighborhood.
I've lived here for 6 years and have never noticed it!
I always thought you couldn't cross over the dry creek,
but in a search for a missing dog (not mine)
I discovered you could
and that there is a walking path beyond that
and a little forest to walk through too.
This picture was taken on one of our walks along that path.
Look how happy my pup is!
and that makes me happy too. :)

Beauty and the Beast 3D

2012-01-07T20:55:00.004-06:00

(the poster way up on the ceiling was the only one we could find!)
(don't mind the creeper boy in the background, hehe)

Last week, I found out I won tickets to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D!
Today, I took these two princesses to the advance screening.
It was my first time experiencing a 3D movie.
Whoa. That was crazy!
What a fun adventure!

Friday Funny: Reverse Psychology

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

New Year Change

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001-06:00

While I've been doing some organizing, I've slacked on taking pictures.

So with the new year (and a new iPhone!),
let me show you a little change I made in the kitchen.

(BEFORE: Oops, didn't realize the baby angel was mooning you)

I liked the holder for my utensils, but for some reason it is shorter at the back,
so everything kept falling out, and it looked like a huge mess.

Twice a year, there is a city wide "free curb giveaway".
I found this popcorn bowl and snagged it.

It's way too heavy to use for popcorn, but then I thought,
it would work well for holding my utensils.
Just turn the word "popcorn" towards the wall.

(After. Much better)

There, that's already better, isn't it??

Have you done any organizing lately?

Weigh-In: January 2012

2012-01-02T18:02:00.004-06:00

Another gain.
This is getting ridiculous.
Time to get back on track.

Please send me some motivation and inspiration.
I don't want to be back over 200 again!!

I can not let my pain keep me from exercising.
Walking almost every day isn't enough, apparently.

It's time to EMERGE a healthier me.

Word of the Year 2012

2012-01-01T18:44:00.001-06:00

verb (used without object), e·merged, e·merg·ing.

1. to come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity

2. to rise or come forth from or as if from water or other liquid.

3. to come up or arise, as a question or difficulty.

4. to come into existence; develop.

5. to rise, as from an inferior or unfortunate state or condition.

from dictionary.com

Every year, I choose a word to help guide me through the year.
This year, I have chosen the word Emerge.

This post put the word in my mind.
I toyed with other possible words for the year but kept coming back to Emerge.

I googled the word and came across this image.
"She Hoped To Emerge A New Woman" struck me as the perfect description.
That's exactly what I hope for in 2012.

I hope to Emerge in 2012 as a
healthier,
happier,
more secure,
successful,
organized,
better
me.

What's your Word of the year?

Word of the Year 2011 - Courage
Word of the Year 2010 - Thrive
Word of the Year 2009 - Survive

A Little Courage Was Needed

2011-12-30T21:40:00.004-06:00

(she loves climbing on the table when the vet isn't in the room!)

Today I took Emma to the vet.

I found a lump on her back.

I was so scared!

But I used some courage and made the appointment.

The vet checked her out and actually found 2 lumps.

She took a sample and they came back with fat cells.

So, for now everything is okay, but I'll have to keep an eye on her.

I feel a bit relieved but not entirely.

My husband's lump was "just fat" too.

Friday Funny: New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T00:37:00.002-06:00

Word of the Year 2011: Year-End Report

2011-12-29T10:00:00.002-06:00

In January, I announced that my Word of the Year for 2011 would be Courage.

With the year coming to an end,
it is time to report how the word has worked for me.

Using the definition from Merriam-Webster
"mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty"
I would say that this word was definitely a good word for 2011.

In 2011, I had to use courage to make some changes in my life.
The biggest use of courage was when I abandoned all the
what-if-it-goes-wrong anxieties
and jumped feet first into a financial plan
which resulted in all my debts being paid off.
How's that for courage?!

I also used courage this year to:

Start my weight loss journey.
Not letting my pain stop me from going for walks with my pup.
To take on a job as a poll clerk at the elections.
Be Team Captain for a Relay for Life Team in memory of my husband.
To start dating again.
(and courage just now to admit that!)
To go to Convention!
To babysit a little girl the same age mine should have been
(during the hardest month of the year, too)
To fight wasps all by myself!
To let a 14 year old deaf student move into my house.
To videotape a mouse instead of screeching and running away.
(okay so I screeched a bit too)
To speak in front of 100 people at the 5th annual Walk to Remember.
To take a big risk in hopes of solving my financial crisis
To sign up for my first-ever craft sale.
To talk a bit about my dream.

I also:

Pumped gas by myself for the first time.
Poured windshield fluid in my van for the first time.
Met with a counselor (a story for another time: I proved I was right)
Drove on the highway a few times. (courageous because I nod off while driving)

and much more!

While Courage may have been my Word of the Year, it doesn't mean it will end when the year does. As with my previous words, Survive and Thrive, the word Courage will carry over for the rest of my life.

Did you have a Word of the Year? How did that work out for you?

Previous WOTY:

2009 - Survive
2010 - Thrive

Check back next week to see what my Word of the Year for 2012 will be.
(any suggestions? I'm still narrowing down the options!)

Giveaway Winner

2011-12-28T00:13:00.005-06:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.

I hope you'll all come back again!

And now, what you've been waiting for...

The winner is.....

and just in case the video doesn't work, here's a pic:

Comment #3 !!!

Congratulations, Lost-for-Words !

I don't have an email address to contact you.
Please contact me within 24 hours (November 28, 11:59 pm CST)
with your mailing address and to let me know which of Patches' cousins you want.

If I don't hear from you, another winner will be chosen.

iPhone

2011-12-26T18:40:00.002-06:00

I bought myself an iPhone for Christmas.

What are some of your favorite apps?

Christmas in Heaven

2011-12-25T10:27:00.001-06:00

This is babybear's 7th Christmas in Heaven
and Bear's 4th.

25 days of Giveaways - Day 24

2011-12-24T00:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the 25 days of Giveaways. Hosted by Tina.
This annual giveaway is for bereaved parents
with prizes for honoring and remembering their babies.

For those of you coming to my blog for the first time, allow me to tell you my story:

(the short version)

Finding out I was pregnant was the best day of my life.
I was over the moon happy!

My happiness did not last long.

On July 22, 2005, I lost my precious babybear (Tyla) at 26 weeks gestation.
My heart broke.
No, it shattered.

The next few years were difficult, to say the least.
We talked about having another baby
but we were too afraid.

The risks were too high.

and then...

tragedy struck again.

My husband was diagnosed with cancer.
and just 10 months after he was diagnosed, he passed away.
(you can read the full story HERE)

And so, that's my story.

I look forward to getting to know each of you. Please do come again!!

I haven't celebrated Christmas (no, not even a tree!)
since my husband passed away but
this year, I decided to take part in this giveaway.
I've been wanting to the last couple years, but didn't know what to give away.

I haven't had time to make anything but
then I thought about Patches and how much he means to bereaved parents.

If you don't know about Patches, please check out his blog!

So, I've decided to give away one of Patches' cousins!
Winner can choose which cousin they want.

And since it's Christmas Eve,
I won't pick the winner until December 28th.
so you can hopefully enjoy your holidays.

This giveaway is open to bereaved parents in Canada and the United States.
Giveaway closes at 11:59 pm, CST, December 27, 2011

To enter:

Just comment below and tell me how to find my Christmas spirit.
Be sure to have a valid email address in your comment or profile.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

2011-12-23T20:41:00.003-06:00

Check out my guest post over at Mabel's House.

Thanks, Liz & Mabel for the opportunity!

Friday Funny: Grinch

2011-12-23T14:31:00.003-06:00

Happy Holidays.

Toy Drive 2011

2011-12-21T23:03:00.004-06:00

Every year, I donate a teddy bear
in memory of my babybear.

This is this the bear I donated this year.

2010
2009
2008
2007

Remember

2011-12-12T00:09:00.002-06:00

My candle for the
TCF World Wide Wave of Light
December 11, 2011

In loving memory of
♥ Bear and babybear ♥

Afraid to Hope But Still Dreaming

2011-12-08T16:38:00.017-06:00

(me, age 4, already dreaming of being a mom)

There's a part of me that hopes, that if I am meant to be a mom, it will happen... that someone will let me raise their baby because I can't raise my own. I won't seek it, I will wait for it to happen, if it's meant to be.

But this is my fear about adoption... it's not guaranteed either.

"I had thought my heart was a fleshy, pulpy thing;
I didn't know it was actually made out of blown glass.
It shattered into a million pieces."

Quote from HERE. A story about how an adoption failed.

The above quote perfectly describes how I felt after my babybear died. I can honestly say my heart has never mended. After Bear also died, I lost all chances to have another baby. I already knew that the likelihood of me having a live baby was slim to none, but to have any chance at all ripped away was, and remains, devastating.

A few months after Bear died, I wrote a draft letter to ask people to be on the look out for my earth-child. I dared not seek adoption, but I hoped, that if it was meant to be, it would just happen.

I did not mail out that letter.

Every few months, I consider it again. And again. But I never do.

Because I am afraid.

I'm afraid to hope. To dream.

Besides, how could I be a single parent? I could not afford it. I was a daycare kid and I do not want that for any child of mine. But, as a single parent, I wouldn't have a choice. There are so many reasons why not.

And so, my dreams, they continue to be stored in the past.

But I keep peeking in the door, because deep down inside me... my dreams are still there.

It's still the reason I keep living...

Sara Isabel

2011-12-08T00:00:00.002-06:00

My cousin Sara is a musician out of Edmonton, Alberta.
She has just released her first video! Check it out!

Follow her HERE.

I Miss Christmas.

2011-12-06T07:51:00.003-06:00

(our last Christmas photo - the only Christmas Emma got to celebrate)
can you tell I was fake-smiling even then?

I miss Christmas.
I miss you.

Seeing everyone else post about Christmas
is making me sadder and sadder.

Weigh-In: December 2011

2011-12-05T10:11:00.002-06:00

Ugh, another gain.
In my defense, TOM was here.
(Time Of Month)

This is so depressing.

Follow my weight-loss journey HERE.

Friday Funny: Birthday

2011-12-02T00:00:00.001-06:00

(My birthday is on Sunday... please don't sing.)

Book Review: My (not so) Story Book Life by Elizabeth Owen

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

You may recall me writing about
the contest over at Mabel's House
to win a copy of Liz's first book.

Well, I was lucky enough to win!

(here's me with the book)

(she wrote a sweet note inside!)

Thanks, Liz!!

***

Review: My (not so) Story Book Life
by Elizabeth Owen

My (not so) Story Book Life is Elizabeth's account of her journey of striving for perfection to being content with life. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing at the hilarious mishaps that Elizabeth and her husband, Matt, encounter in their 1950's house; I had tears filling my eyes as I read about Liz's friend Angela, who has been diagnosed with cancer; and I was amused by the literary heroes in modern day settings. And of course, we can't forget Mabel, the canine star of Liz's blog. I still laugh at the description of Mabel barking at a ghost. "A ghost?", you say? Well, you'll have to read the book.

I have been a follower of Liz's blog for quite some time, and I felt like I was reading a story by a friend. I really enjoyed this book, and am so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Go get yourself a copy of this book today, and if you're not already following Liz's blog, what are you waiting for??

Happy Birthday

2011-11-29T08:46:00.003-06:00

Happy 41st Birthday, Bear.
I miss you.
♥

Missing

2011-11-27T00:45:00.001-06:00

I miss you.

(3 yrs ago today, you flew away)

Friday Funny: Chocolate

2011-11-25T06:54:00.000-06:00

First Ever Craft Sale

2011-11-19T22:24:00.004-06:00

Just a pic of me with the table at my first ever craft sale!

Friday Funny: Taking Exercise Seriously

2011-11-18T07:10:00.001-06:00

seriously, I gotta get back on track with my exercise...
... who's gonna virtually kick my butt?

In Flander's Fields

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Craft Sale: Sneak Peek

2011-11-09T08:18:00.003-06:00

If you're local, contact me for information on the craft sale on November 19th.

Friday Funny: Don't Forget To Change Your Clocks

2011-11-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

(yes, a little crude humor...but a good reminder too!)

Temperature

2011-11-01T22:54:00.003-05:00

This made me happy today.
10 degrees in November?!
Yes, Please!

Weigh-In: November 2011

2011-11-01T16:26:00.001-05:00

Let's just say...
I'm very, very disappointed.

This can't continue!

Significant Days

2011-10-30T09:49:00.004-05:00

Today is a significant day in my history.
In most people's lives, these are minor things,
but for me they are big things.

October 30, 2005 was my expected due date with babybear.
As you all know, she died in July that year,
3 months before she was due.

October 30, 2008 was the last time Emma saw her daddy.
It was the one and only time I was able to take her to the hospital to see him.

(pic links to the blog about B's cancer)

Today's also my brother's birthday
and I'm sorry if that has lost its importance in my history.

Present Plans

2011-10-28T15:41:00.001-05:00

I got this fortune in a cookie today.
"Your present plans will be successful."

I sure hope this is a sign that what I'm doing is the right thing.

Friday Funny: Money Problems

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

(crossing fingers things work out this week)

My (Not So) Storybook Life: Another Giveaway

2011-10-20T21:38:00.004-05:00

Liz at Mabel's House is having another giveaway to win a copy of her new book
My (Not So) Storybook Life.

You can see an excerpt HERE.

See Liz's Blog to see how you could win this book too!

edited to add: I won this book!!
See??

October 15th Photos

2011-10-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

This year we had our Annual Walk to Remember on the actual day.

(beginning our walk around the park)

It was our 5th annual walk and we had approximately 100 people.

(a pink balloon for my babybear)

We had a Remembrance Ceremony
which included a local artist and a local author speaking
and the reading of the babies names.

(the crowd returning from the walk)

The nice walk around the park was followed by fellowship and refreshments.

(cupcakes generously donated by one of our participants)

That evening, I participated in the World Wide Wave of Light.

(October 15th Wave of Light 2011 candle)

A nice way to remember my little girl, and all the other babies gone too soon.

I ♥ you, babybear.

October 15th Wave of Light

2011-10-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

Friday Funny: Nap

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

(I'm obsessed with these ecards... I've pinned a million of them on Pinterest!)

Another Kind of Anniversary

2011-10-13T23:04:00.003-05:00

Can't believe it was already one year ago today
that my pup was injured.

It still makes me cry every time I think about it
and how she almost lost her foot.

Today, a year later, she is doing much better.

She still has bald spots from where the cuts were,
and her toe is a bit crooked, but only I notice it because I look.

She runs and jumps like she always did
but I constantly worry she'll hurt herself again.

I'm just so glad she's okay now.

(you can read more about this in the archives October, November & December 2010)

To Be Thankful...

2011-10-10T09:26:00.004-05:00

(our last Thanksgiving Dinner, 2007)
I wish we took more photos of us.

Today is Thanksgiving.

I'm trying hard to be thankful.
This weekend marked 3 years
(THREE YEARS!!)
since my husband fell down the stairs
and ended up in the hospital for good.
It was a couple days before Thanksgiving, 2008.

How hard it is to be thankful
when your entire family has died.

But
I am thankful...

... for my pup.
... for my friends and other loved ones.
... to still have my house.

and every day
I will learn to be thankful again.

2011-10-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

We've been having a heat wave this week.
(Yes, in October!! )
and with it being Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend,
I thought this funny fit.

and even though I don't celebrate holidays anymore,
I hope you'll have a wonderful one.

Weigh-In: October 2011

2011-10-04T07:29:00.004-05:00

Much to my disappointment
I gained 3 pounds in September.

These are not excuses,
but just a way for me to track
what may have caused this gain.

In September,
I started to wake up earlier
to ensure my HomeStay student
wakes up in time.
(her bus comes to pick her up at 7am!!)

Being awake earlier means I eat more.
Some days I have breakfast twice!

I took a whirlwind trip
out of town one weekend
and drank lots of coke
to keep me from nodding off
as I drove.
(it didn't work, I kept nodding off.)

And while I walked almost every day,
I did not do much other exercise.

I need to find another exercise program
that does not bore me to death.
and find something that will put me
back on the right track
with my weight loss journey.

Two months of low losses
then a month of no loss/no gain
and now 3 lb gain.

Something is not working.

Book: My (not so) Storybook Life

2011-09-30T09:00:00.003-05:00

Liz, of Mabel's House wrote a book, My (not so) Storybook Life
and is having a giveaway to win a signed copy.
I have been following her blog for some time now,
and I can say with certainty that Liz is a genuinely great person
and has a wonderful sense of humor.
I look forward to reading her book!

Check out this excerpt:

***

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

***

Like it?
Look HERE for a chance to win a copy.
Or buy a copy on Amazon.

Friday Funny: Blog Writer's Block

2011-09-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is me lately.
I can not think of anything interesting to blog about.
And if I do, I don't have pictures to post along with it.
Or I don't have the energy to put a copyright on them.
Any suggestions for getting out of this slump?

Friday Funny: Autumn Leaves

2011-09-23T08:15:00.002-05:00

You Asked.... Weight Loss, Hearing, and Stampin' Up!

2011-09-22T08:31:00.006-05:00

Last week, I gave my readers a chance to ask me anything. I only received a couple of questions this time around, but you can email me your questions any time.

Mallen asked: Are you doing anything in particular to lose weight?(congratulations by the way!)

A: My two biggest changes have been 1) Cutting back the consumption of Coke and 2) Getting Off My Wide Behind.

I was drinking up to 6 cans a day of Coke (and that was on an average day - if I was having a bad day, I sometimes had more!). I now only have a few a month, if that. This past weekend I had a few because I was driving on the highway and was trying to keep myself awake (it didn't work).

I started doing the Shred, but over the summer I failed to do that much. However, I started walking again in January, and not letting my chronic pain stop me. Now, I walk much further and tolerate the pain longer.

That's about it. My weight loss is slow-moving as a result, but I'm hopeful that means it's more likely to stay off. You can read more about my weight loss journey HERE.

Mallen also asked: Were you always hard of hearing?

A: Yes, I was born with a severe profound hearing loss as a result of Maternal Rubella (German Measles).

Jen asked: I was wondering how your Stampin' Up! is going.

A: Well, as with any new business, I've had my ups and downs with this business. I have some great customers, but I need to expand my customer base. A few weeks ago, I went outside my comfort zone and invited some strangers to my open house in addition to my regular customers. Unfortunately, no one came! I was so bummed. But just a few days after that, I had a SU party at a friend's and each of her guests were brand new and they all enjoyed themselves and made orders, so I felt successful again. I hope that things will continue to go in the right direction. Even though right now I am not making a lot of income, in fact, I am probably losing money, I am still enjoying it and will stick with it in hopes that it will become a successful business.

Unfortunately, due to customs and all that, I can't sell to my American friends, but if you are Canadian, you can order from my website 24/7 or join my team as a fellow demonstrator! Send me an email if you're interested! (I'll have to be brave and use some COURAGE to let people know my full name. lol)

~@~

Thanks for asking!! If you have any questions, please feel free to email them to me at any time! Just let me know you're asking for the segment "Ask Me!" If I get enough questions, I'll do this segment on a regular basis!

Friday Funny: Masked Procrastinator

2011-09-16T08:31:00.003-05:00

I procrastinate by looking for Funnies for you.
Man, is it ever hard to find funnies that are funny AND appropriate to blog.
My sense of humor is much more crude!
(as evidenced by my pinboard for funnies!)

Ask Me

2011-09-12T07:35:00.003-05:00

(the hat I made for kick off party)

I've been in a bit of a bloggy slump lately.
So I thought, why not have another edition of Ask Me!

I haven't done one since moving my blog here from my old link.
(Which is still up, by the way, for your reading pleasure.)

Ask me anything you want to know
(be nice though!)
and I'll do my best to answer.
Can't guarantee I'll answer all the questions, but I'll try!

I'll do the follow up post next Monday!

Have a great week!

Mouse & Squirrel

2011-09-11T13:36:00.006-05:00

So in addition to the wasps,
my yard has apparently become home to a mouse and a squirrel.

Took this video from my kitchen window,
where they appear to be chattering about food.
I suspect the conversation went something like this:

Mouse: Please, Squirrel, pass me some food.
Squirrel: No! It's mine, all mine!

p.s. I don't know where the music is coming from on here?
Perhaps I had a website up on my computer that played it, I dunno!

p.s.#2 Yes, I know, I need to weed my yard
but with the wasps nest right there, yeah, I don't think so!

Reflect

2011-09-11T09:48:00.003-05:00

(photo source)

Remembering the victims of 9/11

Friday Funny: Back to School

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Homestay

2011-09-07T21:29:00.004-05:00

Remember a couple months ago,
I told you that a I was anxious about a couple things
that had potential to change my life?

One of those things was a job down the street
which I did not get.
I was (and am still) bummed about it.

The other thing happened!

I applied to be a homestay parent
for a student who attends the local school for the deaf.

On the day of the aforementioned post,
I met with the homestay coordinators
and then a couple weeks later,
I met with the family of the student whom they were trying to find a placement.

I kept in touch with the homestay coordinator
but it wasn't until this past Friday that I got the official letter confirming that she will stay here.

Today was her first day of school, so after class her bus dropped her off at my house.
It's been an interesting adventure so far!

She will stay here Monday evening- Friday morning every week
and go home on the weekends
and for any holidays.

I cleared out my guestroom/office
and rearranged it for her.
It's not completed yet
but it's good enough.

I wish I had the before photos on this computer.
but basically the futon/bed was against the window wall,
and my desk was where the futon was.
there was a bunch of other junk in between.
I was amazed at how much bigger the room looks now!

If this works out,
she could be here until she graduates high school.
(she's in grade 9 this year)

So, that's one of the many reasons
I've been so busy lately.

Because she's under legal age, I won't be posting pictures or anything. I know you'll understand.

Weigh-In: September 2011

2011-09-05T08:38:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it.
I didn't lose a single pound in August.
On the upside, I didn't gain anything either.
I stayed exactly the same.

I know I didn't do alot of exercising
but I did go for a walk almost every day.
I'm not really sure where the lull is coming from
but this has to change soon.

I had a very stressful August.
Probably one of the most stressful months I've ever had.

Things should be better soon.
Then maybe I can focus on my health some more again.

Wasps!

2011-09-03T14:51:00.003-05:00

You may recall that last year we found a wasp nest in my apple tree.

I hired someone to come get rid of it for me.
It cost me $100 and he didn't even take the nest down, just sprayed it.

In the past week, I have had at least 4 wasps get into my house.
Talk about panic!
Especially after being stung by a bee in June.

My friend brought over a wasp trap for me.
I put it up and for 3 days not a single wasp got stuck on the trap.

The other day I noticed that there seemed to be alot of wasps by my kitchen window.
I started to watch them and saw that they appeared to be going down into the dirt.
I did a quick google search which showed me that wasps do build underground nests.

I looked closer (through the window, of course)
and saw that they were going through a crack between the dirt and the concrete of my patio.

My friend suggested laying the trap down in front of the crack,
so I tried that and within a few minutes....

Yes! It worked!
Within 15 minutes there was probably 50 wasps trapped to this thing.

And by the time the sun went down it looked like this...

Whoo hoo!
Unfortunately, though, there are still several wasps flying around
so today I bought some wasps spray
and when it gets dark, provided it doesn't rain again,
I am going to attempt to spray this myself.
I'm very nervous and scared to do this!!
Wish me luck!

Friday Funny: Labor Day

2011-09-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

Fake

2011-09-01T12:12:00.003-05:00

This photo was taken with my webcam.
I was on the verge of tears.
So I faked a smile and took a photo.
Because, isn't that what the whole world does?
Wear masks to hide how they really feel?

Though I'm not one to usually hide,
I'm tired of fighting with people
simply because I don't always wear a mask.

(it's too bad I have to hide my good feelings too.)

Friday Funny: Ducks

2011-08-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Funny: Sea Horse

2011-08-19T00:23:00.002-05:00

Backyard Visitor

2011-08-17T18:44:00.001-05:00

baby squirrel in my backyard

Rough Time

2011-08-15T11:24:00.004-05:00

source

Friends, I'm having a rough time.
I need your prayers or good thoughts.
I haven't been posting lately
because I can't think of anything positive to say.

I'm struggling financially, emotionally, physically.
I feel like I'm drowning and the fight to stay afloat is wearing me down.

I just want to be okay.
Like he said I would be.

A dying man wouldn't lie, would he?

Win a Raspberry Ice Kitchen Mixer from Sweetopia

2011-08-14T13:58:00.002-05:00

Go HERE and enter to win a Raspberry Ice Kitchen Aid Mixer! And if you tell them that ter@waaoms sent you, we BOTH will win if your comment is picked!!

This contest is open in both Canada and the US!
And the best part is that this mixer helps raise money for breast cancer research!

Friday Funny: Flavored

2011-08-12T11:50:00.002-05:00

Friday Funny: Ice Cream Man

2011-08-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

Weigh-In: August 2011

2011-08-01T20:54:00.004-05:00

Well, I didn't lose much since last month.
I wasn't surprised because
with my trip to Salt Lake City
followed by babybear's birthday
and our anniversary,
I didn't eat very healthy at all.
However, I am a bit surprised I didn't gain any weight!

Hopefully, I'll be back on track in August.
(but I just ate a cookie, so we shall see.)

Friday Funny: Babysittin'

2011-07-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

(Just kidding! It's been fun babysitting this month!)

Join my Stampin' Up team!

2011-07-27T11:52:00.003-05:00

I don't usually promote my business on here but I couldn't resist to share this video by Shelli, the founder of Stampin' Up! If you live in Canada, you can join my team for just $119 and get everything in this video. It is over $100 in savings, and also you'll get a Christmas Keepsake kit (worth $50) for absolutely free if you join by July 31st!

Contact me today to join my team as a hobby demo, a part time demo or as a career demo! You won't regret it!

Unfortunately, since I live in Canada, only Canadians can purchase from me or join my team. (too bad, because I have some awesome American friends!) If you live in the states, you'll have to find a demo near you.

Anniversary

2011-07-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

8 years
since we said "I do."

and purposely left out the
"til death do us part"

Funny how that backfired.

Birthday babybear

2011-07-25T09:36:00.003-05:00

Today is babybear's 6th birthday.

Hard to believe 6 years has passed
since I said hello and good bye
to my little girl.
It seems like only yesterday
and forever ago.

On her angel day (Friday),
I had a few people over for a BBQ.
I made these sad looking cupcake bears.
At least they tasted better than they looked.

The balloon place closed
so I didn't get to do a balloon release.

What I wouldn't do
to have a real birthday party instead.
With a little birthday princess
instead of an angel.

The Tiniest Angel

2011-07-22T01:05:00.004-05:00

(I always thought this looked like an angel reaching for a baby)

Six years ago today...
you became the tiniest angel.

My heart is forever broken.
♥ Mommy

Friday Funny: Heat Wave

2011-07-22T00:00:00.001-05:00

Stampin' Up! Convention 2011

2011-07-20T17:51:00.004-05:00

From July 12-17
I was in Salt Lake City, Utah
for the 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention.
I have a million photos
(okay so just over 500)
but too tired to go through them all
so here is just one of me
with the Stampin' Up! rock
outside the home office in Riverton.

Gotcha

2011-07-09T15:41:00.003-05:00

(4 years ago today)

Her name means
"Healer of the Universe"
"Whole"
"Complete"

and she lives up to her name.

4 years ago today
was the day we "gotcha"
and I'm so glad we did.

(I wish you were home to celebrate)

Friday Funny: First Class

2011-07-08T16:34:00.001-05:00

4 more sleeps!
(that is, if I can sleep at all!)

Weigh-In: July 2011

2011-07-02T21:40:00.002-05:00

Down 2.5 lbs since June.
My scale does not read half pounds
but it kept flipping between 188 and 189
so I'm counting a half pound.

(next goal: reaching the 170's!)

More evidence of weight loss:
No longer need a bra extender.
Now I can wear my cute bras
that never felt comfortable even with the extender!
Sorry, no picture of that!

Friday Funny: Canadian

2011-07-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Canada Day!

Bear With Me....

2011-06-27T21:46:00.005-05:00

... I've got a lot to talk about today.

Remember when I asked if you could guess what these circles were going to be?
Can't believe you all guessed right!

I've been super busy lately getting my swaps ready for Convention
which is just two weeks away!
(Anyone live in Utah?)

I still have lots to do to get ready,
so I won't be around much the next little while.

Last night, my great-aunt died.
(I really hate cancer.)

So, I'll be traveling to go to her funeral as well.

I got stung by a bee the other day.
On the the bottom of my toe.
And I was wearing shoes.

My washing machine broke, too.

Also, I would like to thank those of you who commented on this post.
One of the two things that day did not work out, much to my disappointment.
(a job I really wanted)
The other thing is still pending, but has moved forward to the next stage.
I am not sure I should really go into details just yet.
Please keep your fingers crossed that this works out.

I have just a couple more days of work before I'm unemployed again.
(at least for the summer)
My job search continues.

There's some other things going on right now
which I can't get into right now.
I just hope things fall into place soon.

Stress is not a good thing.

Anyway, that's a little glimpse of my life these days.
Hope you're all doing well.

Friday Funny: Work Out

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

A Bit Nervous....

2011-06-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

(A gift from a friend - Willow Tree Angel of Courage)

Today, I have two things happening
that have the potential to change my life for the better.

Please keep me in your thoughts.

My Weight Loss Journey: Same Dress, Two Years Later

2011-06-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

(blob on left, crazy-smiley-lady on right)

The other day, I saw a cute little black dress on sale.
On a whim, I tried it on and was amazed to see
it not only fit but I liked the way I looked in it.
I totally brought it home with me!

It got me thinking about how I don't really SEE a difference yet.
I know I have lost weight because several pairs of pants are now too big
and ones that were too small now fit again,
and some of the too small ones are now too big too!

I dug out this blue dress from my closet.
I bought it to wear to my brother's wedding in 2009.
It fit then, but I felt like a blob.
(a very alone blob)

Decided to try it on and take a photo to compare.
And while I still have a very long way to go,
I can see that this blue dress is fitting me better.
Soon it may be too big!

Friday Funny: Hamster

2011-06-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

What I've Been Up To

2011-06-16T07:54:00.002-05:00

Keeping myself busy
getting hundreds of swaps ready
for Convention!

Any guesses what these will be?

Friday Funny: Computer

2011-06-10T01:32:00.000-05:00

My Weight Loss Journey: Goals

2011-06-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

just me being silly

“Courage doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,
‘I will try again tomorrow’.”
~Mary Anne Radmacher

In looking for quotes about weight loss, I found the above quote. I have heard this quote a few times this year, and I think it rings true. More importantly, you may remember at the beginning of the year, I chose the word Courage for my Word of the Year (WOTY).

When it comes to weight loss goals, I have always kind of generalized my goals. "I want to lose weight". I think this came from fear of disappointment.

As a sufferer of chronic pain, I have often quit any attempts to exercise and get into shape. This year, I have my WOTY urging me along. An even though my body aches, I haven't quit.

I met my first major weight loss goal in April, in part due to my courage to keep trying. This may be a lesson I've learned too late, unfortunately, but its one I plan to continue.

Don't let your fears prevent you from taking that first step. And the many that will follow.

Relay for Life 2011

2011-06-06T15:22:00.004-05:00

On Friday night,
I participated in a 12 hour
Relay for Life
for the Canadian Cancer Society.
My team and I raised over $800
in memory of my Bear
and others we know who lost the battle
in honor of the friends & family who have survived,
in hope for those who are currently fighting
and in faith that someday a cure will be found.

Here are a few photos from the night:

Lighting the luminary
in memory of Bear and babybear

My luminary is along this section

HOPE on the baseball diamond

I hope to do this again next year.
and maybe I'll be brave enough to post a link to my fundraising.

Friday Funny: Research

2011-06-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I am taking part in the
Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life

Cancer will not win.

Weigh In - June 2011

2011-06-02T00:47:00.003-05:00

Down 5 lbs since May 1st.

for a total of 19 lbs since December 1st.
and a total of 34 lbs since my highest recorded weight.

Friday Funny: People of Walmart Song

2011-05-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry. This is too funny not to share!

People Of Walmart Song - Watch more Funny Videos