Dancing to Daft Punk (with a baby)

Here is Anne's training video for the concert in August:

Well it might not quite work out like that because,as you can see, her belly is starting to stick out a fair bit already. but I'm sure she'll give it her best with only a little vomiting :)

Garage Sale Tales

Went garage saleing this morning. Locked keys in car, had to borrow the phone from the sale people. Luke had to come with the bike to show me where the key was taped. While I waited for him I hid behind the car and threw up. Exciting morning eh?

Got a sand box toy, shorts that are too small, Tommy shirt, and a Etch a sketch for Maya.

In other news I decided I was actually sick and not just pregnant and slept all day.

Bag Pipes

Some parents take there kids to see movies, some take them to see The Wiggles, some take their kids to a museum for an educational afternoon.............us, we take our kid to see a bagpipe concert.

For some unknown reason Maya adores Bagpipe music, she even has a CD we listen to on a regular bases. Today there was a big competition in town so being good parents took her to listen for a couple of hours. I have told her that when she gets older her and I can learn to play together. Pity our neighbours.

Facebook

Do you ever peruse peoples friend list on Facebook and think .....my goodness this person has not left highschool?

Nope, still haven't done a proper profile.

Technology

TV Protip: If you spend $3000 on a new 50" LCD or plasma TV, DO NOT complain when your $50 VCR from 5 years ago looks like crap on it. I really don't know why you bought the TV then. *sign*

On a side note, one of Tech Corps services now is home theatre setup. So I have been to a few peoples places now setting up the cables for their new TVs and stuff. Its pretty interesting and enjoyable. But people don't seem to realize you need HD definition sources to make you high definition plama TV look any good.

Sometimes I look down and think oh man I am getting FAT, I have really got to do something about this...then I remember I'm pregnant.

Food Guide Question

I wonder if popcorn is included as a serving of vegetables??

New Jammies

Here is Maya performing her star maneuver from gymnastics. She is modeling her new summer jammies from Zellers.

The Time Has Come..

This is a large pile of clothing that currently do not fit me due to my rapidly expanding waste line. Gone are ill fitting uniforms, shorts, shirts, closet items. This rather large pile does not represent pants nor sweaters even. Luke asked if I was sad and honestly if I never see most of those clothes again I would be happy. Wouldn't it be cool to get a whole new wardrobe- once I lost the weight of course.

I'm not naked, I actually purchased some brand new clothing the other day. Old Navy helped me part with my money via shorts, Capri's, blue tee shirt, white tee shirt. I also picked up a dressy top at thyme just cause. I got some used pants as well from value village. So I guess I am all set as a pregnant person. Although I still need a dressy dress.

As a pregnant person thus far I have gained 8 pounds- I really am only allowing myself 30 maximum. However I crave Wonderbars so I really must become more active to counteract the wonderbars. I am not giving up wonderbars.

DAFT PUNK

Well last summer Daft Punk started doing a world tour doing this concert. I was lamenting their lack of a Toronto show as I really really really wanted to see them after seeing some of the Coachella concert vids.
Well this year it looks like they are doing a North American Tour and Toronto IS on the list. And guess who has 2 tickets? ME! OHHH YEEAAHH.

So anyway its on August 5th and Anne really really really wants to go as well, but the pregnancy will probably not allow it. We will talk to the place and see if there are any options, but otherwise I need someone else to go with. I can't wait though. Its going to be soo awesome.

End of Futsal season

Well another season of Futsal has ended. I think my team ended up 4th or 5th out of 10 . We lost a great game last night 5-4 and had an amazing season overall.
We did decide over the weekend that Anne was just too pregnant to play anymore (she is a pretty rough player) and so she (very) sadly had to sit this last one out.
Outdoor should begin in June, assuming that enough people sign up, so may will be pretty empty.
New for me this year will be playing the 30+ outdoor league. I played a couple times for them last year and since I am technically "allowed" to play for them this year the guy who runs the local team really wanted me to play (not for my skills(z), just so they have enough players :P )
Its quite competitive and I look forward to it most of all I think. We play in places like Goderich and Kincardine and other close towns.

Preggers

So up until about 2 weeks ago, Anne was looking pretty normal, maybe a little pudgy. And only that when dressed up for soccer or a tight-ish shirt or sweater.
The suddenly, pop, she looks pregnant, not fat. I don't know if there's like this mental switch that allows us to suddenly see it, but there's that round belly swinging around for all to see.

Wierd

So I have made a chronic lack of posts in the last little while. I don't really have a good excuse, but I will blame the fact that I am actually working everyday.
So, so make up for it, my Xbox 360 now blogs for me! Obviously its auto-generated based on what I do with it, but its pretty good none the less.

Cravings

Yesterday I had a craving for fries, as I was in Owen Sound I went to the chip wagon beside the farmers market. Ordered a large , and yes, my arteries are clogging as we speak. Imagine my disappointment when I was handed a hot steaming container of McCain's fries. I thought they were fresh cut. Thus, I still have that craving... and for a Wonder bar. Anybody know on locally where I can get fresh cut fries in the winter??

The sadness overtakes me

On our counter for site visits of this site we have been averaging 2-3 visitors per day.

What Happened??

We once got 12-15.......have I no friends, family, acquaintances. I guess if this is my life I might as well never do facebook, it would take me years to get a respectable 35 friends.

So sad....

Tech Corps

I have been meaning to post this for a while but have been busy.
So I am currently self employed. I have joined forces with my friend Nathan (for whom I have been doing occational computer work for the poast few years) and now service the clients of his computer consulting business as well as the few customers I have built up myself.
On top of this I work out of his internet cafe and also deal with the home PC's people bring in for repair.
So far this has been quite busy.
So my company is called Tech Corps, and I still need to come up with a slogan and logo.
Its quite nice to be reguarlly setting up and fixing stuff again as I was feeling that I was losing my edge. It is taking a while to get back into the swing of things and be used to dealing with all sorts of people face to face, most of whom are quite frustrated before they even see me.

But I think this will be a very good thing and if the plans Nathan and I have have work out, the company should grow and be quite profitable.
Prayer and any suggestions would be quite welcome!

Happy Easter

Well I bought myself some new underwear...I guess I am set for my birthday.

Pregnancy Update

I'm at 16weeks now- four months. Not even halfway through, I know some woman just love being pregnant, I'm not one of them. I am a miserable pregnant person, I feel awful, do not want to do anything and frankly I'm happy to be in grump. So leave me alone and do not cross me.
Yes I'm still throwing up. Less nausea more actual vomiting episodes. My energy level is up and comes in spurts, otherwise all I want to do is watch movies. I'm starting to feel lightheaded and faint. Most likely dehydration. I will get my hemoglobin checked soon just to make sure.

On the positive side, I think I may have felt the babe move- or it could be gas. I have only gained three pounds, but I only have a few pairs of pants that fit. I'm in that awkward getting big look, but not quite pregnant stage. When I was pregnant with Maya people had really thought I had let myself go. Still playing soccer, only two more games....hope nobody notices my protruding belly until then. Of course I am playing with guys and guys are so unobservant.

Bags

Yeaaaaa San Fransisco!!

In Love

With Kinder Schoko-Bons.

Luke wanted one and I refused to share. He eats them to fast and does not saver the goodness, and for goodness sakes I'm pregnant, that is like taking candy for a baby. Not that babies should have candy...so it is like taking Mommies from a baby.


We call breast milk 'Mommies' in this house.

Do you know what isn't fun?

Working Thursday night
Sleeping until 2pm Friday
Going to sleep at Midnight
Getting called into work at 3am
Throwing up in the ambulance while caring for a sicky cardiac patient
Dozing on the two hour trip home while feeling incredibly nauseous
Going to sleep from 1pm to 5pm
Trying not to die while having a headache, and wanting to throw- up

Yeah- don't do that it isn't fun.

Sadness overcomes me

It has just occurred to me that we did not receive a 'congratulations on the growing fetus in your uterus card' for the pregnancy. Much less presents...... Friends?? Family???

HMmm...

For some reason it struck me as funny that you can purchase home pregnancy tests at the dollar store. Although it have stuck me that those things are overpriced.

For the Love of a Potty

The other day as a I was cleaning Maya's potty it occurred to me that I really didn't have to do this anymore. She has been toilet trained for a year, is perfectly capable of climbing and balancing herself on a adult toilet. Thus I warned her, said sometime soon her potty would be gone and promptly put in the basement. The next day I happen to be working, so Luke defected all the questions about where the potty was for when mommy got home.

Luke is not exactly in agreement about the potty issue. Luke says she LOVES her potty and Luke and her have had more then one shared poohing bonding sessions. What we both didn't realize was how attached to the darn thing she is.

Basically she will use the big toilet unless she is tired then she realizes that is misses it, she is not a big girl, she never wants to have her baby sister use it and she wants it back. Those phrases are repeated for long, long lengths. Thankfully she has not peed her pants in protest....yet.

*Rumble* CRASH!

So on Tuesday at supper time all the ice on the east facing roof slid off and wrecked our eaves trough and back steps railing. Also wrecked the garage roof. We aren't terribly upset about the whole thing as its all covered by insurance and will give us an excuse to properly organize the garage.
So they will rebuild the back porch railing, fix the clothesline, and replace the garage roof, as well as some of the other minor damage bits and pieces. All in all we were pretty fortunate..
Because we have had an insane amount of snow the last few weeks and then suddenly it was 12 degrees on Monday, there have be more the a few homes around town with damage. The insurance guy was telling me that a couple of other garages like outs were smashed flat and one of them had a car in it. Pretty crazy. I couldn't even move some the pieces ice, I bet the long one that landed on the garage roof weighed more than out car.
For us its one of those firsts in life: first insurance claim! :)

Tight Pants

So I have been putting on a bit of fat- I say fat cause it is fat. It if from me eating more then usual and from decreased amount of energy expelled. BUT with fat you can squeeze into your pants and they do not hurt. Tonight I put on a pair of pants I wore last week comfortably and tonight caused pain- significant pain. Guess it is good I got the maternity clothes from the depths of the basement.

Pregnant in America

http://www.pregnantinamerica.com/newsite/trailer/youtube/

Not sure what the film maker is trying to say...nor what the outcome of his own personal journey was......but it kinda highlights why myself as a nurse who loves childbirth could never work in a medical setting assisting women. Perhaps in the future I will be midwife guiding woman to do the most nature thing God created us for.

Bunk Beds

We told Maya that when the baby actually gets here and gets bigger, we will have bunk beds for her and her sister. Maya thinks this is fabulous and wanted to practice.

Black Pens

This is kinda silly but.... I'm absolutely sick of black pens.
They are everywhere!! Well in this house. On every counter top, in every corner, in every drawer there must be at least two.
They must fall out of my pocket when I come home from work in those moments it takes me to climb up the stars and change. Or they are multiplying. Admittedly I often have one in my pocket when I'm not working as I feel rather naked without a writing instrument but they are usually snug and my tight jeans pocket. Perhaps Maya is busy writing the great Canadian novel and just simply misplaces her pen all the time. In any event I'm sick of it.

Radom Awesomeness

Click this for an awesome flash movie of random awesomeness. Seriously, its pretty funny,

Thats My Girl

So very proud of Lisa.

Completed in first half marathon - first race for that matter in 2.07: 17.

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!! I knew you had in you.

Only Thirteen

We only took thirteen pictures in the month of February. Reason- because apparently in the inability of myself to take pictures Luke does not pick up the slack.

Maya is pictured her on the day we cleaned out her dresser of clothes that do not fit. It was terror. She actually feel asleep crying because she was exhausted from all the crying- unreasonably attached to her clothes one might say. Initially she was excited about sharing with her baby sister then the grumpies got to her.

That is the apron I made for her birthday. Her doll has a matching one. She is also wearing a dress and long johns. She went out and about in that outfit, My little individualist.

The cream soda is mine- currently obsessed. Allow myself one can- not a bottle a day.

Star Wars

Steam Punk style. Though you would like this Brock
http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com/search/label/steampunk%20star%20wars

The Number Five

Is officially boycotted by Maya. She refuses to say it, and skips over it all the time. She knows it exists and is simply trying to drive me crazy.

Loser Everytime

This week due to some strange course of events, between Luke and , we have purchased five coffees thus far at Tim Horton's. We we quite excited every time we rolled and every time it was like a knife through the heart. This is as close to gambling as I get and frankly it has been quite a waste. Unfortunately it is the only coffee that doesn't make me nauseous.

An Australian Douglas Copleand

As I have been sitting and sleeping ALOT as of late, been reading more then usual- say three to five books a week. Discovered an Australian author who feels like a less insane, less on crack Douglas Copeland. Max Barry. It appears he only has three published novels. Jennifer Government was a little to sci-fi for me, as well was getting concerned about the violence. Company was excellent- could not put down- some of the sex in it was pointless as it didn't help the story along at all. Anyways, good reads says Anne and Luke

Pregnancy Update

Had our first midwife appointment- yes everything is going fine. Student midwife took my blood. Ouch! Although, it is hard having the patient giving you directions. I have been feeling like my pants are getting snug but it is just fat as my uterus is still quite low. Must get out and exercise. Speaking of which- the half is off- simply not prepared, and every time I think of running I get nauseated. I have been peeing lots and obsessing about cream soda and green grapes. Was able to drink Tim Horton's coffee on the weekend but the coffee maker is still in the basement- can't stand the smell of it brewing.
Been thinking about names, can only think of boy names- hmmm I hope that isn't a God sign. Rather fond of Abram.

Craving/ Aversions

Craving

• Drumsticks
• Cream Soda, which is completely odd as I feel all pop is the devils liquid sugar
• Chips- yes I actually bought a bay and there is nothing organic or healthy about Ruffles
• Fruit- Green grapes and cantaloupe

Aversions

• Cheese
• Tomato's
• Actually can't finish this- too nauseous.

Don't think So

Basiclly I think you can do anything- you just have to set your mind to it but.....

Yah, I don't think I could do this- or at least not at the pace they did.

I want this table.

I want this so bad, but its just a table. But I its soo nice.

Sports

Finally a weekend where things aren't screwed up. Because of the weather things have been cancelled or have a lack of players or whatever. So we had a normal hockey game Saturday night, and a excellent game with lots of guys last night and soccer is good to go for tonight. We havent' had soccer in 2 weeks so it has been missed.
The Saturday night hockey only has 3 weeks left and then the tournament, which seems so very soon and makes me sad.
Sunday night hockey will go to the arena closes.
I think we have at least 6-8 weeks of soccer which is good. Its that time after hockey is done that I find hard not to become blob like.
We do have that nice bike trailer my parents got us for Chrismas so I am sure as soon as the snow melts we will be using that a fair bit.

Pregnancy

One forgets how things are around the house with a pregnant woman in residence. Anne's current notable aversions are coffee (I have to make it in the basement now), cooking (i cook the meals - nothing new there) and my breath (a sad lack of kissing).
Then there's the cravings, of which there having been many yet, but I had to get a ham and pineapple panzerotti a 12:30 Saturday night from the local pizza place, this was after anne had been asleep for a couple of hours.
I don't think things get better for a long time either (like 18 years :)

Storm

You know all the storms last week...this ws our view out our front window to the house accross the street- yes that is in focus.

Love

I Love you Mango and I'm going to kiss you- like it or not.

Picnic

Maya felt it was necessary to have a picnic one day while outside playing. Croutons and V8juice.

Love for Mma Ramotswe

I have been working my way through The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith- which isn't difficult as all I want to do it lie around. There are two particular points about Boswanawa vocabulary/ culture which make me smile.

• When somebody is dead they are refered to as late- almost reverently and quite regretful.
• As well Mma Ramotswe is traditionally built- meaning fat. She does not need to worry about what she eats as she is pleasantly traditionally built which is pleasing to the male Boswaninas eyes- unless he is confused with skinny twig girls.

They should make it a ride

I love this clip from Top Gear. Its James May taking the Bugatti Veyron up to its top speed of 407 kph. It's a street legal road car, thats leaving F1 cars in the dust!! I want a ride in one.

Sad Goodness

This article about a girl with a brain tumor really made the tears flow. I had heard of the success of the fundraiser but did not know it was that successful.

High Tea

So one interesting side effect of Anne being pregnant is her interest in tea. You read that right, Anne is drinking tea. Now before you get all excited, bear in mind that this is uncaffinated herbal, not the traditional Tetley Orange Pekoe.
The flavor she has enlightened herself with is Ginger Peach. Quite tasty if I do say so myself.

Snow

Rotten drive to work tonight- if one could call 20-40km hr driving. One of my worst drives ever. Usually you can see the road here and there-tonight the entire 40min drive was a guessing game. The drive generally takes 15min.
When I got halfway I considered stopping for a bit, got out and dusted of my rear light, but then saw several cars go by. I got in the line thinking it would be alot easier to follow rear light - I have no idea where those cars went. They could not have been driving faster as really it was a white out out the whole trip. I didn't know I was in Elmwood until I saw the buildings at my side- the lights of town were not visible at all.
I hope it is a better drive in the morning home.

Shopper

I am really excited about the prospect of a new baby as it opens so many new avenues of shopping. Luke thinks we have everything we need, but this time around there are a few things, I just want.

• Arms Reach C0-Sleeper- Just to get a bit of space, what we really need is a California king mattress, but perhaps this will due, to prevent Maya from crushing the baby when she comes in to our bed at 5am.
• Cloth Diapers- as we didn't start cloth diapers on Maya until she was four months old we have no itty tiny baby diapers. Also some are just plum worn out.
• Tummy Tub- Well I just think this looks cool, there is no actual need.
• Car seat Bunting Bag- Looks warm and snugly
• Glider Rocker- Have always wanted one- yet am always to cheap- with foot stool
• Bumbo baby seat
• Leather Bib

Books

Why can't books that are a series, be clear about that at the begining or on the cover? I read Alosha the past couple of days and at about half way through it was clear that it was going to be a series. Nothing was said about this on the cover or on the first pages! Fortunately the trilogy is out (but I know the library will only have this one or the third one). Yes its a "teen fiction" novel, but I enjoyed and will tear through the series.

In the mean time I've started A Brief History of the Dead (its a fiction novel) as Anne just finished it and told me to read it. Its very good and an interesting take on life after death and a great story to boot. The writing style really seems to suit me as I am having no trouble vividly seeing everything in my mind, something that I stuggle with in some books (that I usually don't finish thusly).

Names

Maya wants to the name the baby LollyPop, and now she wants a boy so you gota feel for the kid.

It's a Yolk Sac!

After much vomiting and peeing I had a ultra sound today to get some sort of gestational date, and it looks as if I am about seven weeks along. Thus we- as Luke likes to say- are due mid September which is great as the Midwives are full full full for August.

There was, thankfully ONE little yolk sac and a heart beating away at about 178 beats a minute. Too early to conform Mayas little sister but as per the Chinese chart I think we are all good.

Nausea is comical yet but some food aversions are popping up ie.coffee. Eating little. Baked food seems good.

OH I didn't see Lukes post before I did mine- both sides of the story eh.

Big love, a very very small heart

So today Anne and I got an ultrasound of our unexpected family member and everything looked great. Its totally amazing to see a little heart beating on this lump-thing that's only like 7 weeks old.

What's not amazing is Anne trying to drink a litre of water a couple of hours before hand (while trying to sleep because she is on nights) and barfing a couple of mugfuls all over our bed the towels made ready it anticipation of the rejection. Then she promptly asks for more water and then barfed it up again just before we left for the appointment. So it wasn't enough and we had to go back a little later again. Good thing things like this don't really bother me. (much anyway)

Games

So one of the fun things about have an Xbox now is some of the different types of games that I can try that don't show on on PC, that is once in a blue moon when I have a friend over or get a free rental.
So last a week a free rental came in the mail and since Anne is working 3 nights this week I decided to rent something, just for fun. Not a lot of selection at the local Movie Gallery, so I grabbed Ninety-Nine Nights. Don't rent this game it sucks. Can you say rushed out the door? The menus, voice acting, and controls are horrible. On top of that, there were issues with in game sound being only the right and crackly. Plus its fun for about 10 minutes and this is boring. At least the cinematics were cool. Anyway, I was disappointed and so took it back today and traded it for Rockstar Table Tennis which oozes quality and is quite fun the 15 minutes I have played so far.
Also picked up Ninja Gaiden for 5$ off of eBay! I loved this game about a year ago when I rented it for a borrowed xbox and have never gotten close to finishing it. Now I can at a nice resolution bump and sell if for a profit on eBay afterwards! Ooo the sweet ninja moves...

bleh

Well the nausea has stared along with the retching. Joy

Food seems very pointless. Smell of butter caused me to stop eating lunch and leave the room. It also could have been pictures of Nigeria from this months National geographic.

I must stay strong.....Half marathon coming.

opps didn't mean to link entire post oh well.

Huh?

I wasn't aware I was supposed to feel dirty.

Just so you all know....

........ I'm pregnant. I had the fear and bought a test to get rid of the fear but it was positive, and the back up test was positive as well so I guess that means either I have a fetus in uterus or something more sinister creating human growth hormone.

Nope it wasn't planned, and yes were were being quite careful thus we know it was Gods will, and I'm sure with his perfect planning we will be provided for. Not sure when I'm due so a ultra-sound will give some clues this week. A ultra sound will also calm my fears of one fetus vs two. Which would be scary- very scary.

I have been feeling mostly fine, some low level nausea, and a little fatigue. Not sure if the fatigue is related to the pregnancy or my half marathon training which I plan to do early march if all goes well.

Maya is overjoyed at the prospect of a little sister, she wants it to sleep in her bed and use her pajamas. She can't wait to change diapers, and to put it in a car seat.

Have told the grandparents- joy, joy, happy, happy.

Karen Comes Second

The other night I was looking for an old email...difficult as we have archives from 10years ago- not embellishing here- and I notice an old friends yahoo address.

Low and behold she still uses it and is alive and well and Calgary.

Say hello to Karen H.

She and I attended the same kindergarten class and so on. She was also stiff competition in the running department- as in she mosty was ahead of me. Melanie first, Karen second, and Anne third. I seriously have a box full of bronze ribbons. Although I think I beat her at CWOSSA once. My finest moment. Never did beat that Melanie- biggest shame.

Two Meaningless points

• I really appreciate when people shovel the sidewalk in front of their house.
• Why does the library have books 1, 4, 5,7 in a series and not the rest?

I'm a bear!

Maya is currently obsessed with dress-up. It is the one time of the day she will get dressed without a fight.

One more down....

Ian asked and Heather said yes....

I think everybody should get married- it is unnatural to be celibate.
hMMM certain brother- in -law of mine whose name starts with J, hmmmm

Skinned....

While at the meat display in a local big box grocery today I noticed that here in Hanover you can purchased a skinned rabbit for home consumption. Who knew such exotic treats were so easy to come by for us non-hunters?

Apple iPhone

http://www.apple.com/iphone/
Best desciption I have heard so far: "hot sex in a container"
Looks pretty cool to me. It would be more interesting if I was someone who had to carry a phone around all day. But I can appreciate it as a nice technological tool.

Goal

I'm stealing a goal from a complete strangers blog to run 2007km in 2007.

Grandad

Tonight we went to visit my Grandad who had a heart attack and is in the hospital. It looked as though he might die tonight, so we rushed there but further diagnosis showed that he will probably make the night. It was a nice visit though.
Other than some trouble breathing and clearly weak and tired, he was pretty much his normal self. He is 87 and is quite alright with the idea of passing away. His only concern was that Nana (his wife) was going to be okay if he was gone. We all assured him that she would be quite alright and the family was all there to help her out.
So we will see how he does over the weekend (if he makes it) and after that, see how my Nana, who is also sick right now, will deal with all of this.
He's a pretty robust guy and a very cool Grandad also well as Great Grandad to Maya. It would be nice if he hung around a few more years so she might have a few memories of him later in life.

New Shoes

Expert shoe people say that runners should replace their shoes every 500- 1000km, I get new ones when I start to get shin splints and do not resolve when i complete my run. Thus as I am limping about , today I bought a new pair.

Tried out the Runners Den in Owen Sound. Great service, Surprisingly good selection for a tiny (physical space) store. As I ran in a couple races sponsored by the store I felt I should give it my business. Purchased a Asics maxi um support shoe as my arches continue to fall. I would pronate worse if I wasn't wearing an orthotic. Mine are lilac in colour. Purchased 15% off- which still is flipping expensive. Should pray for a healing of my hips downwards so I can buy cheaper shoes.

Did my base 10km tonight in the ran- still with no reflective jacket. Amazed at the downhill performance. I had not realized how painful it has been to go downhills and how often I have walked them. Actually I have avoided hills knowing that the downwards movement would be a killer. Little concered about the amount of space in the toe box but movement in the ankle is limited- narrow feet are hard to fit.

July 14th 2007

Mark your calenders girls that is the day of Kincardine woman's triathlon. I'm undecided if I will try a tri or if I will try to better my duel time. I wish I could do both. Now before any of you start with your excesses know that only pregnancy and MAJOR trauma will be accepted. I'm giving you six months notice to clear your schedule. I co not care if you live far away- there are these amazing things called cars and airplanes. Everybody has enough time to train- just cut out Oprah three times a week. If child care is a problem I am committed to help. If you do not feel you could complete the whole thing put together a team. One swims, one bikes, and one runs.
Imagine crossing the finish line knowing you completed an amazing goal and you get a metal!!!!

Last guilt--- if you are my friend you at least try.

I'm looking for the following people specifically to get out there and do it.....

• Lisa G
• Julie S
• JeanetteDiane
• Meghan
• Kathie
• Lyndsey

For those Not on our Christmas list and those I forgot to send a card to.....

2006...Affectionitly known as the year of …2006 in this household. Life changes, life stays the same and there was a little of both this year.

On the how we make money to buy food front, Anne continues to be employed at the Chesley hospital. After a long hiatus from continuing education she traveled once weekly to complete a course in patient assessment. Luke continues to be an executive within the home focusing Maya. This time at home has also allowed him the opportunity to hone his culinary skills by regularly providing excellent well balanced tasty meals to our family. When time allows he acts as a technical consultant, working on individual and small businesses computers. God continues to direct him towards full time employment.

Maya continues to grow and develop to be her own person with a unique personality. She has worked hard at learning to express herself verbally, letting us know her likes and her dislikes. She likes babies, dolls, kitties, books, gymnastics, slides, parks. Her love of babies was demonstrated on Halloween by dressing up as one. Her dislikes include mushrooms, swings, and brushing her hair. Maya is now fully potty trained, has a fully head of curly hair, and the most vivid imagination possible. She is looking forward to starting swimming lessons whenever we sign her up for them.

New to our household this year are Mango and Carrots, orange tabby cats. While they keep us awake with their insane playing, they are also cuddlers of which we have never had. Maya is quite fond of her brothers and demonstrates her love rather physically. She only has a few minor scratches. Another family member was added- a furnace. The 25years+ model finally reached its limit, Unfortunately it was February when it did so.

Anne’s newest hobby is leaving the house at all hours of the day, in rain, snow, and boiling heat to go running. For some reason it was the year to get in better shape. To demonstrate to the world her new found talents she competed in several local races such as the Wiarton’s Shore to Shore, the Sauble Beach road race, Chesley’s Community Classic, and the Kincardine Woman’s dualathalon. Respectable finishes in all of them even with incredibly hot weather. To complete well in the dualathalon a new Trek hybrid bike was needed, which Anne loves. Luke continues to mountain bike and bought a bike trainer for indoor exercise during the winter. We play soccer together, both indoor and outdoor, which is something we enjoy a great deal.

This year has been tough on some of our family members. Anne’s father fell off of a roof in February and suffered a basilar skull fracture requiring extensive rehabilitation. We said goodbye to Anne Poppa Cramp and Luke’s Grandma Bellamy. The both had lived long lives. Our beloved beta fish felix was ate by the cats. We hope he tasted good.

Have a Merry Christmas and Fabulous 2007

Games...notes on

• Andrea and I are Pictonary masters....not cheaters
• Sea farers of Catan is a good expansion.

To be a better person I must.....

Official List Anne

• Drink more H20. Develop larger bladder to hold it all as if not may have to take up pernant residence in the bathroom
• Do more fun things with Maya
• Run a two hour half marathon
• Pray more, Read bible more, Devolp a more in deapth relationship with God
• Keep track of running mileage
• Be more social

Official List Luke

• "I think resolutions are dumb"

Edit: Added a couple of more resolutions.

Resolution Run Barrie

Last night I completed the 5km resolution run with the Barrie Running Room. I had only decided to run it a week before so of course it was sold out but the organizers assured me that was OK and many people crash the race. Other then not receiving the hat and vest I am glad I didn't spend the money on the registration as it was poorly organized- from a competitive point of view.
There was no timers and no official finish times, as the turn around point official was late getting to the proper spot so I almost lost time with extra distance.
As I had not registered I was not to concerned about the details like where it started so after a rather loud search ( Luke and I fighting) I only had enough time to jump out of the car and find a spot in line before the horn blew.
It was a flat out and back along the shore of Lake Simcoe, I quickly moved to the front of the pack passing many people. I pased myself with some men, but soon moved on thinking 'Isn't this to be somewhat competitive?' I had a good finish - timed on my watch of about 24min. I lost time at the start line as I should have started at the head of the pack. Luke says I finished in the top12-15people, second or third girl. There were 217 registered running/walkers unsure of actual numbers. My goal was 30min. So I'm pleased. Eventually I would like to have a personal best of 21min.

Oh and Lisa it was me and the old guy without a refective jacket. I looked sooo un refective- like a blur in the night. Thinking about baby blue now.Or navy......perhaps yellow.....

Gears of War

My friend Ian came up from the city to hang out for couple of days, of course meaning we played xbox most of the time.
I rented Gears of War because I have heard nothing but awesome things about it and because you can play two-player co-op through the entire game. We beat it in 2 very long sittings (well, last night and today)
It was amazing. It was seriously like sitting through a very tense 8 hour action movie with amazing visuals. Ian actually just paused it a couple of times and was like "Woah, lets just slow down for second."

Man was that game fun.

The graphics in the above link are exacly how the game looks too, except at a higher resolution.
I am glad to have won the xbox because it does make the ability to play a game with a friend a much easier process than on the computer.

Camera

Maya recived a used Camera we got from a mission store for 1$ in her stocking. To replace the one I forgot in Virgina at a restarant we stoped at coming home for breakfast. There was a buffet and I asked them to cook me real eggs and they did...... thats what you get if you ask. Luke wants to get Maya this camera when he gets a job.
Take a special note of Mayas Hair. This is pre brsuhing in the am hair.

Wee Wonderfuls Doll

Here is a sick little Maya and the Doll I made for her from Wee wonderfuls pattern. We opened stockings and presents on the 27th as I was working Christmas and Boxing day. Problem with this was Maya was sick. She had been up for the good majority of the night- along with us- coughing and crying with a fever. She refused to take medication and she was miserable. Sooo we just went along with the presents anyway- mostly sleeping though the experience.

The doll was not too difficult- mostly finding time to do it. The most difficult part was sewing the legs on to the body and ripping out the stitches after I realized I had done it wrong. I did it four times!!!!! At that point the fabric was falling apart and I had to do some creative cutting. I will be making another doll so she can be a twin- Maya's idea, and 'the stuff' like sleeping bags, sweaters, and backpacks.
Actually the doll is more for me as Maya seems more excited by the Dora doll that somebody bought her- not realizing the only exposure to Dora she has had has been at a store.

The sweater and pants she is wearing are from H & M, which BTW is a great place to buy cheap made by children for children clothes. She had to put them over her PJs.

Maya openning up her Christmas eve present of Hungery hippos game. Notice the dress Courtney? It if long on her but Maya is larger arond the back and the buttons pop open.

Tree 2006

Our wonderful tree we chopped down when there was still snow at a cut your own place. Our lights are dead in the middle of the tree. LEDs will be purchased at a boxing week sale.

Re-Gift

Is it a bad thing to re gift a gift at the same occasion in which you receive it?

Merry Christmas

All is quiet on the ER front and i'm hoping it should stay that way. Our Christmas dinner is in a few minutes and i'm hiding so I do not have to feed patients their Christmas dinner- my least favorite duty. Merry Christmas!

Futsal in the paper.

Here is the picture of Anne that was in the walkerton paper. Taken just before that great championship game.

Why?

What is wrong with my child so that she wants to wear diapers and pretend she is a baby?? To the point she puts the diaper on herself???

Carrots

I think this is a cute picture of carrots. I think this was just after the surgery that took away his ability to procreate.

Nativity

Saw the Nativity story last night at the Hanover Multi-plex. Really enjoyed it. I'm not a biblical scholar nor am I any sort of theologian so I do not care if it depicts the story accurately. My child- like faith thought the story was presented simply and effectively. My favorite scene was Mary and Elizabeth experiencing joy unthinkable while their fetuses moved within their wombs.

Was a little desecrated by Joseph. Hmmm.

Digg

At 0200 digging the digg

Running Quote

Goal: becoming a back of the pack runner.
Current status: wondering which way the pack went.
Ultimate goal (because you gotta dream big): getting the dirt stains out of my white running socks.

Princess

No offence Luke, but I want to be the next princess and marry royalty.

Sugar Overload

So you know those Sun-Maid little read boxes of raisins? We have some of the 42.5 gram ones here and last night I happened to look at the Nutrition Guide on the side of the little box. In a 42.5g box, 30 grams is sugar!! Thats 71% of the box!
So much for those being Maya's healthy bed time snack.

Bestest Christmas Evar!!!

So on Monday my Xbox 360 came!
So far I am very pleased. I was hoping for the holiday bundle with GRAW and Live Arcade, but it "only" came with Project Gotham Racing 3. The PGR3 is a holdover until Forza 2 is released next year, which then will be sent to winners. Its okay for a racing game, but I don't think I will play it that much, except to race with friends when they are over.
The other game I have is Dead or Alive 4, which I picked up at Walmart a month and a half ago for 18$. Its my favorite fighting game series due to the over-the-top characters, extremely quick fighting system, and awesome graphics. This one doesn't disappoint. Keep in mind we have a high-end computer system, but I was till totally blown away by the graphics this game produces on the 360. Seriously, the characters are amazing the levels very close to "realistic" as I have seen in any games.

So I am very happy with this "Christmas present" although I won't have a lot to play on it. At least with Xbox Live I can download the latest demos and stuff to check out, which is an awesome thing to be able to do with a console.
Play time isn't too much of a concern as I have it hooked up to my computer monitor and all the same sound stuff as the computer, so I just play it instead on my computer when I sit here at night.

Family

You know that you are not very close to your blood relations if completely forget to send a christmas card to your brother...... opps

Bathroom

I'm surfing the internet on the toliet- now what could be more fun then that. We need to get a laptop.

ANnd why have y'al forsaken me? Where are the comments? Is anybody mad at me? I forgot to ask you that julie today. I even told some people about this blog today to boost readership- it has dropped off. Come on give me some comment lovin.

Sugar

This past summer while buying some floor bulk at the New life mills outlet store we also picked up a 10lb bag of sugar....and i'm embarrassed to say that it is all gone...
I can't believe we use that much sugar. We bake more then average, some preserves require a fair amount but I would say that the good majority is from our morning coffee and Luke's tea throughout the day. I can't say it was even company cause we all know how phobic I am about having people in.

Indoor Soccer Championship Match

So last night was the final game in the Session 1 of the indoor soccer league we play in. We had a pretty good season and a lot of fun. We did well enough that we were fourth before the playoffs last week. That meant that we played the 1st placed team and the winner would play the for championship this week. They were short players and so were we, so it was a fairly quiet game and we won!
So back to this week. All of our players showed up, the bleachers were full of friends and family of players from all lots of teams, and energy was in the air because the game before ours was decided by a shoot-out.
It's not supposed to be a competitive league, but this last game was very much so. All players were giving 110% and it was evident by the blistering shots, bruised ankles (delivered by Anne), yelling from the benches and cheers by the crowd. At the end of the first half we were down by 4-2 and had got a goal in the last minute, so spirits were high.
The second half started and we got 2 goals in the first few minutes to tie it. Then another a few minutes later. Now the intensity was amazing, players were doing all they could to get a shot off, and the goalies were keeping everything out. They squeaked a goal in with about 5 minutes left and we couldn't get another.
So at the end of 40 minutes it was a tie and whet to a shootout. After 4 shooters on each side it was still tied. It wasn't unil the 13th shot that the other team won. But seriously, after a game like that, who cares who won. I have played very few organized games that I have enjoyed so much.
Playing with Anne on the same team was extremely enjoyable too. Being able to discuss the game afterward and trade compliments/critisisms is about each others play is great. And she finally gets why I am so pumped after a good game.
We are both really looking forward the the start of the second session in january.

Laptops are for cats who play soccer at Christmas.

• After all my moaning and complaining about soccer last week, this week prior to our championship game I was awarded 'Most Sportsmanlike' on my team. If that means I play an aggressive game, have few ball skills, laugh when my team players get nailed in the testicles, I guess i'm it. I'm really there to have fun and do not care if we win or lose. We did lose the game but in sudden death overtime- I even had to take a shot on goal which was laughed at. It deserved it.
• I want to remind everybody- yes you three who read this - that it is christmas card time. Mine are half done to be in the mail by Wednesday. I have received four thus far and eagerly stalk the mailperson for yours.
• The acts came through with their surgery fine. They are now neutered and up to date on all their shots.... and we are about $500 poorer.
• Luke ordered a laptop for somebody and in his testing noticed it wasn't perfect so Dell is sending a new one....until then I'm blogging in bed.

Looks like fun to me.

If you took a very violent and angry man and squezed his testoserone onto a roll of movie film, I am pretty sure this is the movie you would get:

Warning: Rated "R"

Tall Pines On-Board

These guys were awesome to watch from the spectator area. But because they were obviously pushing hard and going wide on stuff, I wasn't really expecting them to make it to the night stages. Now I know what happened. This stage would be crazy with ice and snow like it is most other years.

Rally of the Tall Pines

So this year I once again attended Tall Pines. Its the final round of the Canadian National Rally Championship.
What was different this year was that I signed up to be a worker, and in this case I was assigned to be a marsall. It was a new experience for me and went well. I basically just told people to stay behind the tape at the spectator areas, did some traffic directing, and helped with some setup and clean-up afterwards. There wasn't a real great line up this year but there was some really good driving and some close calls anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
It was fun being able to see the podium at the end of the night and hang out with and congratulate some of the drivers.
Anne and I may do it next year, but it depends on work and stuff.

Media Junky

Here's some vids that have made me a media junky this week:


You may have seen it before, but I didn't until yesterday. Crazy editing to come up with that. Well done and a good tune.



I have posted Daft Punk before, but this one is a new quality and so intesnse that I have to post it. It short too, but you get the idea. Hopefully I can see them one day.

I wish I had known Sesame Street was this funny when I was a kid. Ernie and Cookie Monster have amazing chemstry in this clip. Maya really likes it, but I don't think she quite knows why.

Invader Zim is his cousin

This is mostly for Brocks benifit.
I hang out on Shacknews.com, and people who do are known as "shackers".
Anyway, a shacker's cousin is the guys who does Invader Zim's voice as well as a lot of other cartoons and video games (he's also Raz on Psyconaughts).
Anyway this lead to this! Awesome!