tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60850665812127765082024-02-19T21:42:39.820-05:00My Bloggie ThingieHelen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-85689138823622210442010-08-18T08:31:00.000-04:002010-08-18T07:30:20.672-04:00Would you believe that it's been 10 YEARS!?!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I know, I can't believe it!</span></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlQNn6ZA-MQdETD0KZAsWH1Zt6ZXq-o5hDmYaNvdDIh2VyCYF7JpmNfieL15IJMZmr6ISL8s2LDNhwFA1tbC0U_qx12wnJ26p_3lNd4OerOh9O5PBIvSpewg-EAbsFfdQx7AdRedx1IMo/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B19%3B38AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlQNn6ZA-MQdETD0KZAsWH1Zt6ZXq-o5hDmYaNvdDIh2VyCYF7JpmNfieL15IJMZmr6ISL8s2LDNhwFA1tbC0U_qx12wnJ26p_3lNd4OerOh9O5PBIvSpewg-EAbsFfdQx7AdRedx1IMo/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B19%3B38AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235890086729442930" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes it <span style="font-size:180%;">seems like</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">it was just yesterday</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Other times it feels like TEN l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g years!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We did the church thing</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLwt93z4sX1Op74sLOgbb6DbkWDbtPFUoG1KdHKSh6VFM_pnL3__hlF1rFrxTxDUU1O_HdWiYrtzcuASwwHOJO7VDO359J59oliS1FvBHitS4D6OHwPObv1DHxMQzq8TOMtmK_CPgC99c/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B25%3B54AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLwt93z4sX1Op74sLOgbb6DbkWDbtPFUoG1KdHKSh6VFM_pnL3__hlF1rFrxTxDUU1O_HdWiYrtzcuASwwHOJO7VDO359J59oliS1FvBHitS4D6OHwPObv1DHxMQzq8TOMtmK_CPgC99c/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B25%3B54AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235888336017305138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We did the picture thing</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;">even if we felt like goofballs<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivecCztWF269ZT1TU5UCcPRZAsmoCaVwjogGx2F-xoXCV149KoYXHKRO0A8L6jje0P1LuVRduxW9ZCvTvIrISXYHmzS49QGHIlk2OLFI-lfRTjwKHFgMREN62i7JQoDfy11wd4V3xVwztz/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B31%3B47AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivecCztWF269ZT1TU5UCcPRZAsmoCaVwjogGx2F-xoXCV149KoYXHKRO0A8L6jje0P1LuVRduxW9ZCvTvIrISXYHmzS49QGHIlk2OLFI-lfRTjwKHFgMREN62i7JQoDfy11wd4V3xVwztz/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B31%3B47AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235890486370430866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We did the family thing</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSPSJNeOOIi2Y8Lj4MaceaUpPCAvQu_kV0vRXvti85PH9I9gMEFjSXbfPjomCSnajSKqfq4Kl4pMdzK_6NqXlehe-Xm38PufSssPuCbq16nffBWvCUTtcHHurOwCB6kJPldAFHaAXyRxn/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B33%3B36AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSPSJNeOOIi2Y8Lj4MaceaUpPCAvQu_kV0vRXvti85PH9I9gMEFjSXbfPjomCSnajSKqfq4Kl4pMdzK_6NqXlehe-Xm38PufSssPuCbq16nffBWvCUTtcHHurOwCB6kJPldAFHaAXyRxn/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B33%3B36AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235891605470234018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">MacKenzie's</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub6k7LZjNFf20ICRquDiAlsFhZ870UcC7WJc8uGR08Zmk9j0IL-zmWCudrRoMflylaxS3yNUSmNeJJoAI7XT6VOSRUmN-8QKA9Loi6ovMKRjoH6di6NmWY8T02FlAvZtb5k4m7fbQA2es/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B37%3B07AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub6k7LZjNFf20ICRquDiAlsFhZ870UcC7WJc8uGR08Zmk9j0IL-zmWCudrRoMflylaxS3yNUSmNeJJoAI7XT6VOSRUmN-8QKA9Loi6ovMKRjoH6di6NmWY8T02FlAvZtb5k4m7fbQA2es/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B37%3B07AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235891607801943522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wright's</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We did the wedding party thing</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs4Xrz2otJNjb0EhB3wPsiZ_uKY7-tt23g4Q6eafNs2Z2Ctioks_y1_T8WqSfDW4KtmMPZxdBvDoxMVSEA134IFmmxAyReTEF_GgrxqP8CjGEQuPcGZZKwNPUaGpPxMxu9xWKA8h7LNh9/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B28%3B36AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs4Xrz2otJNjb0EhB3wPsiZ_uKY7-tt23g4Q6eafNs2Z2Ctioks_y1_T8WqSfDW4KtmMPZxdBvDoxMVSEA134IFmmxAyReTEF_GgrxqP8CjGEQuPcGZZKwNPUaGpPxMxu9xWKA8h7LNh9/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B28%3B36AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235892627863775474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">...and then we did the celebrating!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1yaZ7ACzzI-Wz7ViK8OlM47D7WcLlNQGkn7ewX3JrJbQAXDhRdSZQXV86bB5yyJU2vBoI1IIAh8Oc4wBmfkD1vkguX7nF0pHjvXPy_nFNTEhyphenhyphenMRHjbogOYGCB2DFx7N4tJonDjEZ8ow0/s1600-h/08-18-2008+11%3B24%3B36AM.BMP"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1yaZ7ACzzI-Wz7ViK8OlM47D7WcLlNQGkn7ewX3JrJbQAXDhRdSZQXV86bB5yyJU2vBoI1IIAh8Oc4wBmfkD1vkguX7nF0pHjvXPy_nFNTEhyphenhyphenMRHjbogOYGCB2DFx7N4tJonDjEZ8ow0/s400/08-18-2008+11%3B24%3B36AM.BMP" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235888332912339298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three and a half years later </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;">(to the day)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> we did the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'Our Family'</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> thing</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2U76jL0sU-IcQv4J3bUmZsD2pRBhrwXxg7LPmp0UvLCUAdefZQvDAaUsow64P8_kv6HOSQUb6hqVk5lvU_zY0TjkekkYx_bQ5g_foJsgQ2ZPxpmDkg_q_Z419Kgvswgusy082AxG7b8k/s1600-h/1st+Family+Pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2U76jL0sU-IcQv4J3bUmZsD2pRBhrwXxg7LPmp0UvLCUAdefZQvDAaUsow64P8_kv6HOSQUb6hqVk5lvU_zY0TjkekkYx_bQ5g_foJsgQ2ZPxpmDkg_q_Z419Kgvswgusy082AxG7b8k/s400/1st+Family+Pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235893002069605778" border="0" /></a>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-74226556789047214892010-04-14T09:16:00.003-04:002010-04-14T10:17:28.714-04:00The World According to Geordie...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrCUm4m37m_v7oiy9u1Tit6K0fbxHqSGT0tuHM-R2USTnnozp-mGJTAC0DBFC117ku6qtykCLColQ5zX3OSJ5qEwDsNHwGIjIOrCs6dOoy4zhYrAY9_x0Z9FWHEtFjZ0vWCEYsR7_ycs/s1600/saddleback.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrCUm4m37m_v7oiy9u1Tit6K0fbxHqSGT0tuHM-R2USTnnozp-mGJTAC0DBFC117ku6qtykCLColQ5zX3OSJ5qEwDsNHwGIjIOrCs6dOoy4zhYrAY9_x0Z9FWHEtFjZ0vWCEYsR7_ycs/s400/saddleback.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459982914290986498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>4200ft, Saddleback, Maine</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie's new song (to the tune of Frere Jacques); "<b><i>Obi Wa-an, Obi Wa-an, Obi Wan, Obi Wan, Obi-Obi-Wa-an, Obi-Obi-Wa-an, Obi Wan, Obi Wan</i></b>"</span></span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">------</span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Walking to school I go to hold Geordie's hand, he says, <b><i>"no thank you! It kind of gives me the creeps." </i></b></span></span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">------</span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie decided to give Callum a hockey party during the Olympics (the Canada/USA game). We made him chicken nachos, wings and bread/dips; even brought him a beer. He decorated with balloons. Red & White. He found 2 blue; "<b><i>Mummy, I'm going to put the blue balloons down in the basement cause those are USA colours and we don't want to see those.</i></b>"</span></span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">------</span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie is on a bit of a nickname kick. If your name is one syllable, he makes it more. If it is more than one, he makes it one. The other day he decided to give Nana a nickname; he told her that he was going to call her Jake.</span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">------</span></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We're having a little trouble with Geordie and girls. There are just too many of them! Don't even bother asking him about his girlfriend. Too many and they are all over the continent! There is one girl, in particular who is in grade 6. Her name is Jenna, although he calls her Jenny, I don't bother asking. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Well, he loves waiting around for her, and walking home with her. One day Geordie and Callum went out for a bike ride and when they drove past the park, people were calling Geordie's name. Jenna was one of them. End result, Geordie and Callum are at the park.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The next week, Jenna was walking home with Geordie. My mother and I were walking behind them. He's trying to impress her with various stories (yes, at this age!) Then she asks;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jenna: <b><i>"So, do you like to go to Ardmore?"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>"Yes, when you're there!"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I will remind you that we are <b>right</b> behind them!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When it was time to say good bye to Jenna, Geordie goes to give her a hug and while hugging her he says, <b><i>"you know, we're like boyfriend and girlfriend".</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Next day, we go to pick him up from school. In the school yard we suddenly hear from one of his classmates father's, <b><i>"Geordie kissed you?!?"</i></b> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You then see Geordie with this huge grin yelling out, <b><i>"YUP!! I KISSED KEELY!!! RIGHT ON THE CHEEK!!!". </i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He was very proud of himself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-----</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie; <b><i>"Mummy, I know that you know everything. Then you tell me and Daddy"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*note; no coaxing here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">----</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie's Grannie is very big on grammar. She knows her stuff. Unfortunately Geordie has his own ideas AND sticks to them;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>"...me and Daddy..."</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grannie: <b><i>"Daddy and I"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>"no, me and Daddy"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grannie: <b><i>"the correct way is to say, Daddy and I"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>"why?"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grannie: <b><i>"you put the other person first, it's polite"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>"well, I say me and Daddy you can say that"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grannie: <b><i>"but it's not correct"</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Geordie: <b><i>" Me and Daddy..."</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>-----</i></b></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-60247554974305538662010-02-23T15:44:00.004-05:002010-02-25T12:01:34.113-05:00Bunny Hill or Ski Bunny?!?Last week on what was 'Family Day' we all went skiing. <div><br /></div><div>It was my first time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Never really thought of skiing as being my thing. I have always been strong in sports just never really liked the idea of doing something that you can fall at. Fail, I do not have a problem with, fall...totally different story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Same thing with skating. Although I can do it, and took lessons as a child. I remember not really enjoying it, I was timid because I was always afraid of falling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thing is we have a trip coming up, a ski trip, for March Break. We all know that <a href="http://hemacken.blogspot.com/2010/01/hello-world.html">Geordie can ski, remember?!?</a> Well, we figured that I should learn so that Callum could have some time to do the trickier hills and Geordie would not have to stay off the hills at that time. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, last Monday up to <a href="http://www.martock.com/">Martock</a> we went...</div><div><br /></div><div>Both Geordie and I had a lesson. Different instructors, of course. Geordie's lesson was on the big hill. Mine started on a very small hill; far away from the bunny hill. While Geordie was learning French fry turns and hockey stops I was learning pizza turns and snowplow stops. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, here is Geordie. This is now our retirement plan... </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WHaW2pvzFm0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WHaW2pvzFm0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Notice the backwards skiing, first time doing that. Wish we had filmed him by the end of the day. He could go front to back and back to front again and again in the blink of an eye.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is me. Well, I do not have the NO FEAR of Geordie but I was much better than I thought I would be. When I put on the boots, I thought that I would hate it! Those are the most uncomfortable things to wear! </div><div><br /></div><div>So I have my lesson, I do okay. I fell once...and you know what?! I didn't get hurt. Once I had the fall behind me I was fearless! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Okay, maybe I wasn't but it makes for such a better story!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>After my lesson Callum and Geordie joined me on the bunny hill and we all went down together. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, Callum stayed by me, Geordie went down, back up and down again in the one time it took us to go down.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, my third time going down after my lesson went great, or so I thought...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the thoughts that were going through my head <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">as I go down the bunny hill </span>;</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i> I'm AWESOME!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- I can't believe I'm going this fast...ALREADY!!!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- I'm a natural!!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- Why is this the first time I'm trying this?!? </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- I'm too awesome to start so late!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- Sure, not as good as Jenn Heil but I'm sure she was just like me!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- The possibilities that I threw away by not skiing until now?!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- I could have been an Olympian!!</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- The speed I am going is unreal! </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- The hill is going to use me as an example to all </i></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>yes, all these thoughts, and more...</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, of course I prefer to show my Princessy, gorgeous, totally put together side but here, for one time only, I will show my, well, spazzy side. Very few people see this...and yes, I am sharing it with y'all!!</div><div><br /></div><div>When watching, please remember all the thoughts that were going through my head while this is taking place...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">and that the camera adds 10lbs!</span> ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz0J9_iVHyfaAOkwy9NPbJPTc29kmLI9tvaSnw3zM2cJOBkVhPnQZanGx0UHxb2uGm872XWCYg9XNvFqQuqXg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I have a problem with staring at my feet as I go making me look even more spazzy...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next time I went down, again, the same thoughts were going through my head <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">until</span></b> Geordie passes me going much, much faster; does a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRJM4iqkPg0">hockey stop</a> in front of me; turns around and starts skiing backwards saying, "<b><i>Mummy!! You're doing great!! Come on!! You Can Do It!! Just follow me!!</i></b>"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bubble burst! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I see the video...now I question EVERYTHING I have ever done where I thought I did a great job and looked cool!! :(</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">--------</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-19674006167508490582010-02-08T18:46:00.008-05:002010-02-08T19:55:51.260-05:00So! I Ran a 1/2 Marathon...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">...and lived!!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Although, let me tell you, it was very shaky towards the end!</span></i></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The morning started out great. I was psyched that it was at 9AM! We usually have runs at 8:30AM and I am NOT a morning person. Could not do it to save my life! I'm totally one of those '5 minutes makes so much of a difference in the morning' type so having a whole half hour?!? Pure Heaven!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Anyway... it was said that it was -10C (14F). Although it felt cold, I did not think that it was THAT cold! The gals that I have latched on to all met up and then we went to the starting post.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You see us? We're in the back! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Doing something I like to call 'penguining' </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>(see </i></span></span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366548/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Happy Feet</i></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i> if unsure of that one!)</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So...now do you see us? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73aFcE6g0Eoeg3tpPd77r1x2EWCNCknF3EaV0q_Due2dyhoQeU0sKNz7VHRRNXctiU41kG6937CtqJ-2HJ8kETV9JMmbX-_BU-0awXejZw4E89De7Ie48vyvpOS550DgccS6nEimcalQ/s1600-h/IMG_2248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73aFcE6g0Eoeg3tpPd77r1x2EWCNCknF3EaV0q_Due2dyhoQeU0sKNz7VHRRNXctiU41kG6937CtqJ-2HJ8kETV9JMmbX-_BU-0awXejZw4E89De7Ie48vyvpOS550DgccS6nEimcalQ/s400/IMG_2248.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033752353813634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Don't worry...neither do I! This is just here to give you an idea. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">On to the run;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kEv5nygklYtnjqKZUXmIZsYbb7l7a9l7Hm41ywIg20eTqA_9i72-AKhiJkV9ltKEeBSfUHm5OhKTgaUy613y4F3S-OEPNAFvn4NoK7nziDD6LVWtFqa06FAVSZRIOpLdNSRr-aBhBiA/s1600-h/IMG_2251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kEv5nygklYtnjqKZUXmIZsYbb7l7a9l7Hm41ywIg20eTqA_9i72-AKhiJkV9ltKEeBSfUHm5OhKTgaUy613y4F3S-OEPNAFvn4NoK7nziDD6LVWtFqa06FAVSZRIOpLdNSRr-aBhBiA/s400/IMG_2251.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033749125544514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAixFB2E1xOE-8R22wF1TUQr_1Ofec7MO9_Tlefk95lKWt28kDqqtTkCF-zmNU6kyaxEbRXo1nscizu7QscbhGAwpGC-ZZsf-yY5_Qbit3f-N0jXtUHOA2noFnhK445vfy-lBAeCOplI/s1600-h/IMG_2253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAixFB2E1xOE-8R22wF1TUQr_1Ofec7MO9_Tlefk95lKWt28kDqqtTkCF-zmNU6kyaxEbRXo1nscizu7QscbhGAwpGC-ZZsf-yY5_Qbit3f-N0jXtUHOA2noFnhK445vfy-lBAeCOplI/s400/IMG_2253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033740388681378" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Started out great, there wasn't as much talk as there usually is but all was good! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">It was a little annoying when the wind was against you. Then you think, great it will be behind us when we come back! <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Think again...this <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">is</span></b> Nova Scotia! The wind changes in the blink of an eye! Therefore, the wind seemed to almost </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">always</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> be against us!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Half way through I had to stop to un-stuff my socks that were bunching up under my toes. Let me tell you, THAT HURTS! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesson learned; do not wear socks that you have only worn on shorter runs.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Then we're on the last bit... 0.6K left to be exact </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">0.372822 mi). Almost to the top of the steep hill that is at the end. I start to feel nauseous. I try to ignore it. It's getting worse. I mention it to my <b><i>amazingly super understanding great running</i></b> friend. Next thing I know I'm finding it hard to focus and all I'm hearing is, "Helen! Helen! Look at me!" over and over.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">At this point here is what is running through my head;</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">1) I'm going to faint! Why am I going to faint?!? There's only .6 left!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">2) Kelly needs to leave me! I'm close I will be fine! She needs to go! I can't ruin this for her!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">3) OH NO!!! I'm not going to make it!! I have come this far.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">4) Okay...how am I going to finish it?!? Do you think I can crawl?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My friend squirts Gatorade in my mouth. I sit down, she stuffs </span><a href="http://www.sportbeans.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">jelly beans</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> in my mouth. Seriously! She holds my face and stuffs them in! At this point I remember her saying, "they fell on white snow, it's okay!". In her haste to get the beans out for me they all fell out of her pocket. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Would love to see how the dog acts who finds those.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A minute or two later we were walking out of the park and then running the rest of the way. At that point I felt great! We were at the end and what makes it even better is having the rest of the crew at the end yelling for you<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">and bacon!</span></i> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgNftyWoT4xzgIj88kuTnzGf2pTBycWm3wp3dxvvE7qKWHYKxnaP4Mz7WFz0ptfocyNVlsbgIT0h1D3tpgvufFEPnzCVFQj112ujviLmQ-TAYuqlVcrB5mtx9Jgf1YTyp_Ue590cJD-4/s1600-h/IMG_2275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgNftyWoT4xzgIj88kuTnzGf2pTBycWm3wp3dxvvE7qKWHYKxnaP4Mz7WFz0ptfocyNVlsbgIT0h1D3tpgvufFEPnzCVFQj112ujviLmQ-TAYuqlVcrB5mtx9Jgf1YTyp_Ue590cJD-4/s400/IMG_2275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033736985805490" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">THE END!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">You don't seriously think that I got away with it that easily do you?!? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Finished the Half, gave out hugs, put in my popsicle stick number, went on about the 'about to faint' situation. Then, walking to the car, in the parking lot... slip on some ice and <b><i>WHAM!,</i></b> down on the ground! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">Best feeling in the world! That cold ice and snow on my back and legs...well, I highly recommend it to anyone after a half marathon! :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Here's to my first half and great running mates!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigirjACQKWOhrZHY9eUnSg_XPuI-XywcTo1XbbuVyD1zW_0p-SGOtL9ynTUxYQHRfzHlHaukPmYTTaCF12N-zV9rtZXZtkIpr4RVNGOgtGyuqAKe4Vj4DtmsMKr92HafJWJpggld_wHGk/s1600-h/group+photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigirjACQKWOhrZHY9eUnSg_XPuI-XywcTo1XbbuVyD1zW_0p-SGOtL9ynTUxYQHRfzHlHaukPmYTTaCF12N-zV9rtZXZtkIpr4RVNGOgtGyuqAKe4Vj4DtmsMKr92HafJWJpggld_wHGk/s400/group+photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033726251848898" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i>Next one is in May! </i> :oP</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">----------</span></div></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-12840097946485083822010-01-26T15:29:00.007-05:002010-02-02T09:19:15.965-05:00Helping a Parent Along...<div>Canada is a little different than USA and we are using this to our advantage!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week I was caught on the ice at Geordie's school. A couple of the father's had to help me out. One noticed the Georgia license plate and commented. I will admit to saying, '<b><i>yes</i></b>' with a slight drawl. </div><div><br /></div><div>But our real usage of the USA/Canadian difference is in parenting.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been known to say such things as;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>"No, they do not allow that in Canada!"</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>"They do not have that in Canada!"</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>"Yeah, Canada, it's a little different and there are different rules"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>So now, if we do not have something or say no to doing something Geordie automaticly thinks that Canada just does not have it; </div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie was watching tv one day and needed to leave the room for a second;</div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Mummy, pause it please!"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"Oh, sorry Geordie, there is no pause here."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"UGH!!! They don't have pause in Canada?!?!"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lv1Y-KwrwO8&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lv1Y-KwrwO8&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-9689302461774931772010-01-22T09:13:00.008-05:002010-01-22T10:48:37.651-05:00So, are you happy to be home?!?<div>That's the number one question we get!!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;">Seriously thinking of answering the question with, "NO!" just to see what kind of reaction I would get.</span></div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we are happy to be home.<br /><br /></div><div>The next question is; "<i>Is it everything you hoped it would be?</i>"<br /><br /></div><div>Ah, I guess. We didn't really know what to expect. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last time we lived here, we were not married, Geordie was not around and we were students rather than professionals. Much different life! <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">We could also go through the day without complaining about any aches or pains AND have more than one drink and wake up fine the next morning!</span></i><br /><br /></div><div>Here are a few things that we did expect:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The ocean</b>, and how much Geordie loves it!</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9_qF-yH5Mx4dOFQVAI03_GJPVU8QtG33jCVeSQk2mzd4Tmt2BjPRRmXX3tK5sKQ9H7tOe1_03HiB1UkGN7h0UzymEb14tL5Xh_7bXIF3zi_ZTB5X149uD18R4WbQJHGgSFBkHwcgllA/s1600-h/IMG_1869.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585440489741522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9_qF-yH5Mx4dOFQVAI03_GJPVU8QtG33jCVeSQk2mzd4Tmt2BjPRRmXX3tK5sKQ9H7tOe1_03HiB1UkGN7h0UzymEb14tL5Xh_7bXIF3zi_ZTB5X149uD18R4WbQJHGgSFBkHwcgllA/s400/IMG_1869.jpg" /></a><br /><b>Walking/scooting to school</b>... 1km (.6mile) each way </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOHlkcDRtr-P9n0jxFLfp7zulzrQ5uJ1R7Ki_JSq-vgF0mYcdYYVzze4J5vATm5AbEh9PLnytHCMJgHjKeP_mj5RSj3LGe0MVDucLqpAKwQLI9UN-80ZFocoSvTiJvz7Dr3MApohJvqU/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585433378857394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOHlkcDRtr-P9n0jxFLfp7zulzrQ5uJ1R7Ki_JSq-vgF0mYcdYYVzze4J5vATm5AbEh9PLnytHCMJgHjKeP_mj5RSj3LGe0MVDucLqpAKwQLI9UN-80ZFocoSvTiJvz7Dr3MApohJvqU/s400/1st+day+of+school.jpg" /></a><br /><b>The culture</b>... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">yes, that is a beer!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQYUh4N4a1hgW6h4WrtV1RDqeigZIiDCaC4g0SA_7KoYt5EmQh7qnlEOHcqh84o78nSkqb1gwQyjVZDGXQ_UZFbBNqfOZrqifTWx6x3WarK4Lvw5ESJT281MHIEiSmPYaTT1itlRvWOw/s1600-h/IMG_1909.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585425193862882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQYUh4N4a1hgW6h4WrtV1RDqeigZIiDCaC4g0SA_7KoYt5EmQh7qnlEOHcqh84o78nSkqb1gwQyjVZDGXQ_UZFbBNqfOZrqifTWx6x3WarK4Lvw5ESJT281MHIEiSmPYaTT1itlRvWOw/s400/IMG_1909.jpg" /></a><br /><b>Wearing </b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_underwear"><b>long johns</b></a><b> under your Hallowe'en costume</b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Geordie wanted to be a skeleton, I went looking at all the costumes and they were horrible so...we made it! Less than $20 for supplies; horribly cheap looking pre-made costume $30! ...and this one glowed in the dark!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZfi22oyyccTCvwnhNoeYuHQKRm0z5mVd8-J0rjWyuKOg8lDmOZMpcqJ1AtstEVWQ6umzRshsfCBd5O-q8pCMCw0Zs-L9ZI_uz9DSgoI-9CsLE5l5cv87TLp7NDHsn342AOK7rJiJSjM/s1600-h/IMG_1918.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585419845254626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZfi22oyyccTCvwnhNoeYuHQKRm0z5mVd8-J0rjWyuKOg8lDmOZMpcqJ1AtstEVWQ6umzRshsfCBd5O-q8pCMCw0Zs-L9ZI_uz9DSgoI-9CsLE5l5cv87TLp7NDHsn342AOK7rJiJSjM/s400/IMG_1918.jpg" /></a><br /><b>Snow in November!!!</b><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdxrVg515wzfuFE7fl3LvjrHBdvHyWaVa84Vq0b1Uh7h-zPL6yHDvfOg4oc-WKvFCVecl_Ug_7U-MHpv56jOHevb0HnxbumcBwHznMLoK9EJCKhM1Y0V94dmh3kWSgAWq7V6p0QUqVZ4/s1600-h/IMG_1962.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585416311435794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdxrVg515wzfuFE7fl3LvjrHBdvHyWaVa84Vq0b1Uh7h-zPL6yHDvfOg4oc-WKvFCVecl_Ug_7U-MHpv56jOHevb0HnxbumcBwHznMLoK9EJCKhM1Y0V94dmh3kWSgAWq7V6p0QUqVZ4/s400/IMG_1962.jpg" /></a><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by the way; while everyone else was cursing this snow Geordie and I were strolling in it, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">loving every minute of it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">!!</span></i></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b><i>----------</i></b></span><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-63591075611456926892010-01-20T08:55:00.003-05:002010-01-20T09:34:49.323-05:00HELLO WORLD!!!!It has been three months and fourteen days that we have been back in The Great White North, eh?! <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">-and that is one of the only times that I have said "eh"! I will admit to making statements sound like questions though!</span></i><div><br /></div><div>I'll take you back to October; the travel up was great! Callum's brother came down and helped us drive back. One 26ft Uhaul with trailer carrying our car and our other car driving in convoy. We broke up the drive over five days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Day one saw not one, but two flat tires. Luckily it happened when we were parking the Uhaul at the hotel in the evening. </div><div><br /></div><div>Day two was a long day of driving but all were in good spirits and Callum's brother was a demon with the Uhaul! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>A demon in a good way...he left 15 minutes before us and we never caught up to him! </i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Day three we took out the brand new Nintendo DS...it was a quiet day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Day four; <a href="http://www.freeportusa.com/">Freeport</a>...need I say more?!? <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">-although when shopping Freeport do not go with 3 males!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Day five was the home stretch! We stayed the night before in Houlton, ME so that we would be fresh for the border crossing. All paperwork was in order, plus copies of everything just in case! Stopped on the US side to deal with the cars (one is Canadian the other American). That took about 15 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then on to the Canadian side...lots of paperwork but we had everything that was needed. Finished in about 20-30 minutes then the Customs person smiles at us and says, "Welcome back!". That was it, we were done. They didn't even look in the cars let alone open the truck. Callum was mad! All that strategical packing...</div><div><br /></div><div>Walking back to the cars;</div><div><br /></div><div>Callum: "<b><i>Well, we're Canadian again!</i></b>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: "<b><i>I don't like Canadians.</i></b>"</div><div><br /></div><div>An hour later he was back to being happy about being Canadian!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now he is loving it!! First day of skiing, after one lesson he was ready for the big hill; </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-size:10px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8mHswgq5HTY&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8mHswgq5HTY&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><b>...although once in a while he will remind us that when he's 18 he is moving back to Georgia.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-------</div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-70230819464422844422009-10-03T20:36:00.004-04:002009-10-03T20:54:30.859-04:00Moving right along...Finally on the road;<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMawPl7TDy_mrqltnSDa00_jYT1RNaS4qfiTLBzX66AoySzCVqXTFyW0g0qplaVuF_BFQHoS1pe5J6pO6p_fkvgFM2PCDQ2quV7ulEUffeDsNc8dbSnavP14F6ul7iIv2VNEHclcr7hEA/s1600-h/IMG_1781.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388539533762272786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMawPl7TDy_mrqltnSDa00_jYT1RNaS4qfiTLBzX66AoySzCVqXTFyW0g0qplaVuF_BFQHoS1pe5J6pO6p_fkvgFM2PCDQ2quV7ulEUffeDsNc8dbSnavP14F6ul7iIv2VNEHclcr7hEA/s400/IMG_1781.JPG" /></a><br />Not without some drama;<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl6qUt0ylgTWhDsxucKQwe7KQvhLW-bIY_RFnLM1aMr13ma1Q9lZaP_tMoxxnyi-qEpU1Fccd_eYXLYKp0acIpzuGIfMh1oVLji6b4oRr6HhHsHmI5BCapWZb_4rqLB5bRkxZnSyp_dM/s1600-h/IMG_1758.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388539525470840610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl6qUt0ylgTWhDsxucKQwe7KQvhLW-bIY_RFnLM1aMr13ma1Q9lZaP_tMoxxnyi-qEpU1Fccd_eYXLYKp0acIpzuGIfMh1oVLji6b4oRr6HhHsHmI5BCapWZb_4rqLB5bRkxZnSyp_dM/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" /></a><br />On our way home;</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1iZdYW8hm7MYFVrXXh1ILGdOmhSQsBN78ZewWKfYlQu1k0bIVsNO1o5a_PYGF_9ecFX-WYft7v9mRM4N4UnhFXvklIsPf7yzYF-1GdxJO5x4DOaWiSpsLEVK9Zjo_iyR1Ld0Kd4Gpfk/s1600-h/IMG_1755.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388539521594151282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1iZdYW8hm7MYFVrXXh1ILGdOmhSQsBN78ZewWKfYlQu1k0bIVsNO1o5a_PYGF_9ecFX-WYft7v9mRM4N4UnhFXvklIsPf7yzYF-1GdxJO5x4DOaWiSpsLEVK9Zjo_iyR1Ld0Kd4Gpfk/s400/IMG_1755.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-19705355905274306042009-09-21T16:39:00.004-04:002009-09-21T16:55:17.487-04:00Counting Down!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">11 more sleeps</span></b> and we're gone!<div><br /></div><div>Lots to do, trying not to get sidetracked. As well as packing and dealing with all the paperwork also trying to get resume up and at'em as well as looking for work. So, trying to stay away from my <a href="http://hemacken.blogspot.com/2009/04/wordless-wednesday-say-hello-to-my.html">cute little computer</a>...kind of...</div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie's doing well. He goes back and forth between wanting to go and not wanting to go. Most of the time he is more for the 'wanting to go' side but once in awhile he gets a little teary-eyed at the thought of leaving his friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>One afternoon within half an hour he called for <a href="http://hemacken.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-bring-up-don-juan.html">his gurls</a> 4 times. They were doing homework. Finally on the fourth time when they said that they couldn't come out he said, '<b><i>Fine then! I'm moving to Canada tomorrow and you will never see me again because I will be there until I die!!</i></b>"</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Drama Queen anyone?!?!?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of which. This was Callum just seconds a go when Geordie had a small toy up to his lips;</div><div><br /></div><div>Callum: "<b><i>Get that out of your mouth!! You don't put small things in your mouth. You could swallow it and choke then we will have to take you to the hospital and spend at least $500! Wait until we are back in Canada!</i></b>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Off to be somewhat useful!!! Be around soon!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-49624433057554192852009-09-08T07:30:00.001-04:002009-09-08T07:30:00.509-04:00Busy Bees!! ...well, people!We have been crazy busy!<div><br /></div><div>Trying to get everything together for the move. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>This is not a complaint...</b><b>AT ALL</b>!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>I am merely stating a fact!!!! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>All summer Geordie has been talking about 'running a race' so we found a children's race for him. He did it this weekend. <a href="http://www.us10k.org/">The US 10K Classic</a>; </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X8tWeop4OvYLiyr2CWVg5MNWfJxNKgyi-MY_kjRu6WJLHy6dDNhwU81Apk-1j7x6gDSJqYFJb_l7yuwvM-YvXq7f2nlYjEdotCp0MA3knIK7hfH7BK4C_K4UjoQMjxW-DOcs64OSIKM/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was 0.5K (0.31 miles). There were 5 races for children and they were broken up by age, Geordie's race was for 5 & 6 year olds. Parents were allowed to run with the children, so Callum did. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">To be honest, I was more afraid for </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Callum</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">running</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> it than Geordie.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look under the ( d's ) you will find Callum & Geordie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWQ4auyxCBSBfSE_rYrCv6gECGkmwiZQ7_r4bZxZr5bOHhBlFv6Owtvw81fCvvs4UHsx47WWGQdx2VMXS6V__1eo78Gcv96YX7IyuXvVySmv6MQ_2MF3rbZFpBe-ypIBLjjZcH-m1lE0/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the race started Callum was running behind Geordie but Geordie kept turning around to see where he was. So Callum quickly changed his strategy and moved in front of him;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5z9D8di4iwcygEuA0JNjn3Tt95gePR9W_7D8Fxpu1W9TkVIH-8pzUIxkoQVmBfT_UfglrrQLHnzEk9vaD4Uzv9bt-9yM4A0BAknY9IN-yQiSfwuWMHydMIXgMoisXJph62rb1qH0msw/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at that form... and that hair...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Nu_Cp34OoFM_oF7meGutLfCoyOGaeFCdEJCnhDji5Lgntvr4v2Xr-fThJY_-uVnceoDFajqE9e1dLnlXSHrrPO_grCrmYsu787AiBSRhRvun_zf1RbDw7zTIBp9xdx-0yxIx-oi204/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both 'boys' ran the whole race. I had told them both it's perfectly fine if you need to stop and walk. They had paced themselves well and did a lot of passing down the 'backstretch'. By the time Geordie thought about walking he could see the finish line.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you ask Geordie he thinks that he came in second. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The first 10 girls and first 10 boys receive a medal. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We just know that he was in the top 10 for boys and his time was somewhere around 3 minutes and 23 seconds;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...take note of the 'cheese smile'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3BpPfhLP26HwEd53rg0CO-C1279IrWuAHJ0kYRELv_scJBpWMGWfieCZWhuzMH3z2bU95jOnnDVL1TV-dHvwiZRM6DxZWjyQQ0csxt2YRlJ8vwPaUcNKrGeb3aW3EOWBT4wnHiTO3Vs/s400/IMG_1653.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The proud parents and the tired of pictures Geordie!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvADU7YIbXZ3mvfd__HAV3APcna7c6Pe2eX3TiVzZAz7g0X9v-uY1sBwOOPCrKs4qWgE00IlO9UVDgT77JtV6Y9_f992G6DKfm_uQPv2rOizIb92UcrWESg0PKaLE-YWlodl9naln1li4/s1600-h/IMG_1658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvADU7YIbXZ3mvfd__HAV3APcna7c6Pe2eX3TiVzZAz7g0X9v-uY1sBwOOPCrKs4qWgE00IlO9UVDgT77JtV6Y9_f992G6DKfm_uQPv2rOizIb92UcrWESg0PKaLE-YWlodl9naln1li4/s400/IMG_1658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378908860746565506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3BpPfhLP26HwEd53rg0CO-C1279IrWuAHJ0kYRELv_scJBpWMGWfieCZWhuzMH3z2bU95jOnnDVL1TV-dHvwiZRM6DxZWjyQQ0csxt2YRlJ8vwPaUcNKrGeb3aW3EOWBT4wnHiTO3Vs/s1600-h/IMG_1653.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">**update; Callum slept well that night! ;)</div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-29685730522212124372009-09-02T07:57:00.003-04:002009-09-02T08:18:34.617-04:00Sweet Home Nova Scotia...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p53tJ4tOnHJUFFP47bwEp3Lv-dy6otPiOkubQsnz3eIrCIP9AiwSCI4dhoppqdvfgcP3koxHJtvS7n1eFGoUuSqPAEwju3V_ci4SNwHV-g4JD8ufJXzikNWZ_GfSzWN1XJHL4fpmdzM/s1600-h/helen_callum.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwlX8efqwQK2w_4lQwqwupHoVX2S1kFzZaaFT9GuU_E2ojaZaVyyY0wZKCI9bxq51250G_alkSz2Panf3KqUCU1Xgwd7_ppwfPojfnFjppKzUVdAX6JXWNaRKvtU2qXYsWuP3tUCge4A/s1600-h/Grits.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwlX8efqwQK2w_4lQwqwupHoVX2S1kFzZaaFT9GuU_E2ojaZaVyyY0wZKCI9bxq51250G_alkSz2Panf3KqUCU1Xgwd7_ppwfPojfnFjppKzUVdAX6JXWNaRKvtU2qXYsWuP3tUCge4A/s200/Grits.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376842682625270290" /></a>Well, it's final! We are moving home! <div><br /></div><div>Kinda' crazy! As most of you know we have been here, in the south, for almost 6 years (OCt 24th will be our sixth 'anniversary'). Unfortunately, we have been trying to get out for four and a half of those years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since spring, Callum has been <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">actually</span></i> looking for a job outside the automotive industry, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">just like everyone else</span>. </div><div>We had decided that we would go anywhere from Toronto to Halifax. We were also not going to totally rule out some countries in Europe. During the week I would weed through jobs and send them to him. On the weekend Callum would apply.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skip to now. We are signed, sealed and about to be delivered!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>If Callum was to write down everything that he wants in a job, this would pretty much be it. It's a toaster bonus that it happens to be back home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, it's my turn! Weeding through jobs for me and then applying. Meanwhile, getting everything sorted here. We have had 4 moving estimators come, and a quote from Uhaul. </div><div>Uhaul is looking pretty good right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>...and just when I started liking grits!!!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-40831055098242517552009-08-27T07:48:00.005-04:002009-08-27T09:55:33.962-04:00I am SO going to heaven!<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">A cute little 112 year old (not looking a day over 80, I might add!) arrived at the pearly gates;</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">St. Peter: "</span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Yes my dear, what makes you worthy of entrance?</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Cute Little 112 year old: "</span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I lived in rural Georgia for five years, 11 months, 5 of those years under the Bush Administration...</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">...and with that the bells rang, the choirs sang and the gates burst open...</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">St. Peter: "</span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Come in, come in, my dear. You have served your time in hell!</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyM8SHxeh8tgHkSf_ONkNlPAdh3Df2CS1xjIPhlgztKqxDGToV_TnbayyciqHIKwkTyzg-GKk139Kj0WEXfouQKeNgoBvKwk6_F-YJBwvHCBeE6LZY2BorcgcaQcb0cwLG-4qZYmEWo/s1600-h/hali"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyM8SHxeh8tgHkSf_ONkNlPAdh3Df2CS1xjIPhlgztKqxDGToV_TnbayyciqHIKwkTyzg-GKk139Kj0WEXfouQKeNgoBvKwk6_F-YJBwvHCBeE6LZY2BorcgcaQcb0cwLG-4qZYmEWo/s400/hali" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374614478275817490" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-84272884527835761602009-08-17T15:43:00.006-04:002009-08-17T16:41:12.204-04:00What's really in a name...<div style="text-align: left;">I was a single parent this weekend. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Callum was away so it was just Geordie and I!</div><div><br /></div><div>It just happened that <a href="http://hemacken.blogspot.com/2009/06/creative-conversations.html">my brother's girlfriend</a> was near by for the weekend so we went over to visit. It was a quick trip as she was here on business and didn't have that much time. We left Saturday around noon. Checked in to the hotel and then went swimming for a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie knew that 'my friend' was coming to meet us. He kept asking questions about her.</div><div>Finally when 'my friend' knocked on the door Geordie went and hid under the desk. </div><div>Tara walks in and as she talks Geordie peeks out. For 30 seconds he just stood there. He didn't know what to do. Then...the showman appears!</div><div><br /></div><div>What a showoff he is!!! It's insane!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had been in the hotel room for a bit and Geordie whispers to me; "what's her name again?" Of course, you know that a five year old whisper is the equivalent to an adult talking! </div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie has the ability to remember EVERYTHING about someone...except their name! He can tall you what size shoe you have or what you ate when you were with him, but tell you your name...very unlikely!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we went out to dinner</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHckaqOyUkIuK_BlDd6lsZ08QygR9BzGizjJijuKr7au3sMnJCMV889CYcMiAP7mtC2ZcdBOGqJzwAjuvHSlfS7L9f1WhtWRiL3Z8SMql7XY8wjydrpcM6f4JVhX3RyRAS0L_Sdm4SWH8/s400/IMG_1600.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><i><b>This is Geordie's new 'cheese smile'.</b></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>When we were waiting for our table Geordie was even more rambunctious than usual. When I went to tell him to settle down I get;</div><div><br /></div><div>"I know Mummy. It's just that I'm so excited that Tara's here. I can't help it."</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, using <b><i>the whisper</i></b>!</div><div><br /></div><div>After supper we took Tara to try a donut from <a href="http://www.krispykreme.com/">Krispy Kreme</a> as we do not have it back home...just the commercial!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZAdPbiGEnG34r49Mh-yHbj5pjRXfbxdNPJ4mT8nOLWttEJYkFV4YKubiyA4lYixy1D2JgcrpiKe9Q8LYc3yX31lGeHbuTDf1dYech4dCmk0u8iXm638Im9HpLhjNCjK1NyOayHNzjUs/s400/IMG_1603.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">eat your heart out Greg!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Geordie enjoyed it too;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVirqQDgAQWkAkj6z-ivl3eb10eInLsgung_yJl4MPxoNwNNr-oCnoBULn8cnbpspaalmaZcUnyHNNxy69CxdBmIFl6by1HYGJGFrSHEfbYVrj-ySSuX9IDL_jd8n_ix22sZEIjevHa-w/s400/IMG_1604.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Geordie didn't stop talking about Tara for the rest of the night, and half the next day! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> aaaaahhhh...young luv!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">update: girlfriend is now soon to be sister-in-law!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">------</div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-71224197048841651302009-08-12T07:37:00.006-04:002009-08-12T08:22:10.605-04:00Wordless Wednesday - sk8er little dude!<p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx087y5sk-wjZzQlRjuFW_iuf-Q6QlTBpsuOqzuKC4_cN5ht7w1m5P9iEgoE6OuVcLqH6NkYjdG_vvJy52A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3x21s_-ImPcg7bq1BwLvICAO0cicK3RD7ZLYoLc-haWpaigBlms4L2SzDWiqRbnb5riBx0U0xGYJ2QRbP3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzFsQyTna1ZTQF30JL4907jGbRo4C8uDgLxNH4GHf5Y1JpBsA0KFFhOK8uFxVE7CoGvRDhVWF9YxQq-yyhZ2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p align="right"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxq31XwGAHwVWuhpH2BEmpX4a7y0qyjQYYXfJPLCok_Njx5RQbO0XB2sY8qsID9_OE6FTwEIgQaipNM8e2mZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-78166890601863740852009-08-10T10:01:00.008-04:002009-08-10T12:04:12.467-04:00We Survived...with a phone call home of course!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvmNhxq3xtLdhdBUYJY56JBId-Iuvn3sgW-t2SXIP5RCvUGWXpB0rIgjTTR31dzOzu116KiYFGA_YAUcaJ1KUOrPHNPW-QgBtLHvQ6A9fMCFw0fk3ReCwDFywlbfLiB0lTA9hpovlL6M/s1600-h/baby+II"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvmNhxq3xtLdhdBUYJY56JBId-Iuvn3sgW-t2SXIP5RCvUGWXpB0rIgjTTR31dzOzu116KiYFGA_YAUcaJ1KUOrPHNPW-QgBtLHvQ6A9fMCFw0fk3ReCwDFywlbfLiB0lTA9hpovlL6M/s320/baby+II" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368341129642330002" /></a>Well, we have 2 days of big school under our belt and now into the first full week. <div><br /></div><div><b>Day 1</b>; I picked him up and everything was great! The whole car line thing down here is definitely something to see! He enjoyed his first day. In his class is a girl (cute, blonde) who was in his class two years a go in nursery school. Back then she went back and forth between Geordie and his friend. Now she goes to church with Geordie's friend so she is his friend's girlfriend. We'll see if that's the same by the end of the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been told that he needs to look good everyday because she is in his class.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Before I tell about day 2 I will try and explain about the discipline system in his class. </span></div><div>Everyone starts with a green stamp. This is Groovy Green, it means you have had a good day.</div><div>Proud Purple - you had an exceptionally great day!</div><div>Okay Orange - you have been talked to once.</div><div>Watch out White (I think) - you have been talked to again and during play time after lunch you have to do laps of the playground.</div><div>Yikes Yellow - your parents are called.</div><div>Boo Blue - office!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now...</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvJ5YBiujaAwJ0uNb3WM7t9tSDvzHHNmXdS9X9wv5EavZLwtuahND1CDuamcNmNZTLbtjimI7oPxMnlH7pS9q2xgPGvSrItiD-r_qJOaC25I37NqxVXd_byhoZe46gunEVhyCU8MqwZg/s320/baby" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368337260364385330" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Day 2</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">; Callum dropped him off in the car line. Everything went fine. Around 1:oo I get a phone call from his teacher. Yup...Geordie was on Yikes Yellow!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He was 'cutting up'</span> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(didn't think it would be appropriate to ask what that was at the time, figured it meant messing around and asked a friend later on)</span></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">not listening, etc...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The teacher said that usually there are a couple of children who test them in the first week of school </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(for us day 2!)</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. They just want to get a handle on things right away. She was incredibly apologetic. As we all know, Geordie is beyond a tester (he had a letter home in his first week last year at nursery school as well, same deal...seeing how far he can go) and he needs to be put in his place right away or he will keep trying.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then I had to talk to Geordie. He was upset;</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Mummy?"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"Geordie, what's going on?"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"I don't know." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(through tears)</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"Well, why aren't you listening?" <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Totally nice voice</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"I don't know. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(again, through tears)</span> I don't want to be here. I just want to be home with you forever!"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"OKAY!!! I'll come and get you and you can stay with me forever! You'll never have to go to that bad school again!!!"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Seriously?!?! Do you think I said that?!?! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Of course I didn't!!!! But it didn't stop me from thinking it!!!!</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Went on to tell him that going to school is like Daddy going to work and reminded him what he likes about it. Also the whole love you but disappointed, yadda, yadda, yadda...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When I picked him up an hour and a half later. All was well! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Callum and I discussed it and we felt that he was disciplined enough...this time! If it happens again, he won't be so lucky!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That evening when I was talking to Geordie;</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"Geordie, did you do laps during your play time outside?"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Oh yes, we ran them."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"WE?!?! Who else?"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Me and </i>'the girl'<i>!" </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>...and so it begins!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>------------</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-61759255474046876522009-08-06T10:00:00.009-04:002009-08-06T11:35:27.645-04:00He's not ready for school...<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He's still my baby!!!!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-axl02X1Vn6SxEiEyMDAnKvxcv96boXV9zYbCw2KCjQbblWPA69fvrXZj0xVS1WBCwDCsIaq33sJm8heh4LsaUQr0F-AWP9-QLqL7nRuoJMjpcrOSBbwb9w9G78Nrw23ON3l32ZeLZH0/s1600-h/baby"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-axl02X1Vn6SxEiEyMDAnKvxcv96boXV9zYbCw2KCjQbblWPA69fvrXZj0xVS1WBCwDCsIaq33sJm8heh4LsaUQr0F-AWP9-QLqL7nRuoJMjpcrOSBbwb9w9G78Nrw23ON3l32ZeLZH0/s400/baby" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366872453396657042" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Okay! Maybe it's not him! Maybe it's me! Callum tells me it's me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today was Geordie's first day at school, school. Not a nursery school, but an honest to goodness public school where they HAVE to take him!</div><div><br /></div><div>The other night we went for orientation where we met the teacher, checked out the classroom, the school, etc...</div><div><br /></div><div>There was quite a celebration going on with various inflatables and food. It was actually a great way to start things off. The only thing we found a little different was that they were giving out free Bibles, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>again public schoo</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">l </span></i>; </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQuDwhIDIYiWn0ArfwFKsSY684dh9BQQa8uPNzt0FZcfO8HOGU-96AJ89SvKPw70mBrLKNzn4pNfKeNaNoHRsf2mAeSc3QnV20BfEkcGbtpFemr23jLjgrukuvt0tNiuAG4usrEghXwQ/s1600-h/August.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQuDwhIDIYiWn0ArfwFKsSY684dh9BQQa8uPNzt0FZcfO8HOGU-96AJ89SvKPw70mBrLKNzn4pNfKeNaNoHRsf2mAeSc3QnV20BfEkcGbtpFemr23jLjgrukuvt0tNiuAG4usrEghXwQ/s400/August.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366855922714494946" /></a><div><br /></div><div>It ended up that the local church, where many of our friends go and work, were putting the whole thing on. They also donated all the school supplies, including back pack. Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night Geordie was in bed by 7:30, I had his lunch and bag packed by 7:45. At about 8:15 I heard some noise up in his room. After a bit I went up to check on him. There he was in his boxers and a t-shirt lying in bed. When we put him down he was in his cute little pyjamas. I asked him why he changed;</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>"I'm a big boy now, I'm starting big school tomorrow so I have to wear this to bed now. Just before I fall asleep I'll have to take my shirt off and just sleep in my boxers. Remember Mummy, I'm getting older now."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This morning when I went in to wake him up. He was a little awake and asked if it was time to get up. I told him he had a couple more minutes and laid down beside him. He told me he needed a little bit of alone time. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*sniff, sniff*</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>As Callum pointed out, he is not making it any easier on us.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP1h2eRKXyQ_S6r-1dyBKEUwyh9zm-yHQHR8isbN408obMq4lV6vjfXOvkwA2WVrM2UYKnePzc-BKvMZdL3sNMX9GRa4JmE-k-uvwrE4Codtb6ihC2nSxop4ds0BoaGZ16IZDk-aB0pc/s1600-h/August+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP1h2eRKXyQ_S6r-1dyBKEUwyh9zm-yHQHR8isbN408obMq4lV6vjfXOvkwA2WVrM2UYKnePzc-BKvMZdL3sNMX9GRa4JmE-k-uvwrE4Codtb6ihC2nSxop4ds0BoaGZ16IZDk-aB0pc/s400/August+012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366855918067204002" /></a><br /><div><div>Look how far I went! I pulled a 'my father' and took a picture of him waking up.<br /></div><div>Didn't even realize I was doing it until after it was done. It's like my father was sitting on my shoulder saying, <i>"Princess, get your camera, go to the bedroom and call out 'Geordie', SNAP!"</i> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">To Geordie, I apologize...still putting it up though!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>While Geordie got dressed, including gel and 'oderant so that he smells good! I worked on the breakfast. Whole grain flax seed waffle with smoothie. One of his favourites! Note; smoothie seriously takes 3 minutes to make (frozen bananas, yogurt, milk, orange juice, ice)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlJ58Tv3FFG5O_vHa3vDixZo9WZvdqmBoSnYLzTc25gLH2bewF3UO7fL9zWpcDhkjxytx2iIWE9kDxwPkbcYXmfSrR6LgqKVnLNn9MR-Ve8SH9HM4iRzQfIK_5JqYdOcnRUU0cjpks9A/s1600-h/August+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlJ58Tv3FFG5O_vHa3vDixZo9WZvdqmBoSnYLzTc25gLH2bewF3UO7fL9zWpcDhkjxytx2iIWE9kDxwPkbcYXmfSrR6LgqKVnLNn9MR-Ve8SH9HM4iRzQfIK_5JqYdOcnRUU0cjpks9A/s400/August+013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366855912472817730" /></a><br /></div><div>Lunch had been packed the night before. Homemade pizza pockets and fruit salad. <a href="http://www.reusablelunchware.com/store/utensils/36-bambu-spork.html">Check out the spork! Love it!!</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsmkc39maFGkLfw26VAS1jhzjVrnb2vQPXkd-gT5QbhpbxxB7TQf9YIlmy6fdkYhfvpCS3EFjdrNIviy305ZAIxkmyS2ZWtO_hBmQahyphenhyphenYdRGGDLzWmIZVhsXF1K1X5xgSj_RwrxzoSnM/s1600-h/August+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsmkc39maFGkLfw26VAS1jhzjVrnb2vQPXkd-gT5QbhpbxxB7TQf9YIlmy6fdkYhfvpCS3EFjdrNIviy305ZAIxkmyS2ZWtO_hBmQahyphenhyphenYdRGGDLzWmIZVhsXF1K1X5xgSj_RwrxzoSnM/s400/August+011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366855910078703762" /></a><br /></div><div>Lunch is packed. Last week I had ordered some new products for lunches from <a href="http://www.reusablelunchware.com/store/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">One Small Step</span></b></a>. Great new company that have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>amazingly great service</b></span>. I was going back and forth between the <a href="http://www.lunchbots.com/">lunchbots</a> and another product. <a href="http://www.ecolunchboxes.com/product.html">I ordered the other product and when it arrived I was very unimpressed with it</a>. They had no problem exchanging it and within less than a week I had lunchbots. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5clIu-4WiaSITd7SY-lDJ9mmhVszK1SKW0slEF3GW9l9ww03X3qmqqnAEvftsdL_Z6Vjl_eTw8JlDygWcmuXBPCOckS2jGnIU12dQ36gXlB9T9IIRm-CaYqRuekZGpy4o8Eo0UYLLMsg/s400/August+014.jpg" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry about the picture, totally bloggers fault! :oP</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is going to be interesting to hear how many other children bring their lunch. When we asked the teacher and teacher's assistant about Geordie bringing his lunch, we kind of got the feeling that they thought that, that was not normal! You can get lunch at the cafeteria for $1.65.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We decided last night to start the first day exactly as it will always be. Callum will be driving Geordie to school so we didn't want to freak him out and have me go as well. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Although I really wanted to go.</span> We just thought that having me go would be more for me than for Geordie. Since the orientation was the other night and we knew what teacher he was getting, had met her and checked out the classroom we figured all was well.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is Geordie's 'camera' pose.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-BkMzspH6vXa68DEiOtToGVQogUKQA1H0DYrBY8KW1msaN4Pj8rto9gQysF2oCr3ZJrAG5t0Ee3fMD_vtN8Orhm8gqNp-2WNCFbcxPDRJTgA0270YPjUQta64bpmWt3Cfa5yAfl_eM/s1600-h/August+020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-BkMzspH6vXa68DEiOtToGVQogUKQA1H0DYrBY8KW1msaN4Pj8rto9gQysF2oCr3ZJrAG5t0Ee3fMD_vtN8Orhm8gqNp-2WNCFbcxPDRJTgA0270YPjUQta64bpmWt3Cfa5yAfl_eM/s400/August+020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366854319527071298" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">First time in his new seat. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Before this we had just been switching off cars because we were so close. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjET5uSY2ePJFzxuAX49PjOk1zsiUAe3Hhl3l4aRUZ5QRdmPp252cwSJ1OoWw-11Ep0Xq6ALIGgqbXb_ETq2QJ8olegVJ1ojE592AZU2TnunN_HNm2KULStqnb2ferZZYtuIaH3EA7SQjE/s1600-h/August+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjET5uSY2ePJFzxuAX49PjOk1zsiUAe3Hhl3l4aRUZ5QRdmPp252cwSJ1OoWw-11Ep0Xq6ALIGgqbXb_ETq2QJ8olegVJ1ojE592AZU2TnunN_HNm2KULStqnb2ferZZYtuIaH3EA7SQjE/s400/August+022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366854316981607634" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Truth, didn't want him to go! He is telling me to close the door.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZI5d6HPDjwqV_3wxqDznjSddbJ7bCgNb44WI4yloRyq0U1cyWkGtic-yhYx3pe-TIqnJ8QcxsQD6vMVUfS9UzQ3Mk1m5y5umHj3aesR90MTaAHSZhW2O4CEWyGtFBxGky3mXSNZbqzk/s1600-h/August+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZI5d6HPDjwqV_3wxqDznjSddbJ7bCgNb44WI4yloRyq0U1cyWkGtic-yhYx3pe-TIqnJ8QcxsQD6vMVUfS9UzQ3Mk1m5y5umHj3aesR90MTaAHSZhW2O4CEWyGtFBxGky3mXSNZbqzk/s400/August+024.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366854316396106098" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">There they go. Here comes the sniffles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq-2-pCKvTX3f-ZwbVsjpowYzmk8WlZCEHfVU59RGyxYnpZEaJpE_Bcb3aYWXGAd2Yk3PWODgshhfCojM0sslUW02BzCqDrn2fl6Q3v89lu7q97FAMyH2mNwPbGoVwZ0ZGtC2FStKxI8/s1600-h/August+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq-2-pCKvTX3f-ZwbVsjpowYzmk8WlZCEHfVU59RGyxYnpZEaJpE_Bcb3aYWXGAd2Yk3PWODgshhfCojM0sslUW02BzCqDrn2fl6Q3v89lu7q97FAMyH2mNwPbGoVwZ0ZGtC2FStKxI8/s400/August+025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366854305298836690" /></a><br /><div>Callum called me after he dropped him off. </div><div>That's where Callum learned that he wasn't ready either.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>---------</div></div></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-88577100350404929762009-08-05T10:06:00.001-04:002009-08-05T10:07:47.642-04:00Wordless Wednesday; and so it begins...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_MZtMHUqeKe0HBUaD0kkTSB7227j1Ds80TIFh7kqat44nmxb-sceNGaye8JjbLSyEeUxU0pVfCSvRRRmpVJDY6wB-33VmDsfSG1UDBx3dcul1cF8s3jok4RZgghNjw9lBhm62fFXOPk/s1600-h/April-09+074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_MZtMHUqeKe0HBUaD0kkTSB7227j1Ds80TIFh7kqat44nmxb-sceNGaye8JjbLSyEeUxU0pVfCSvRRRmpVJDY6wB-33VmDsfSG1UDBx3dcul1cF8s3jok4RZgghNjw9lBhm62fFXOPk/s400/April-09+074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366481092885051570" /></a>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-52055982817548460432009-08-03T11:45:00.006-04:002009-08-03T12:18:39.162-04:00Child Labour?!?!?Last weekend Geordie asked to have a lemonade stand. Conversation went like this;<div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Mummy, can I have a lemonade stand?"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"Sure, you can have it tomorrow (Saturday) morning in front of the house."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"Oh no, that wouldn't be good. Nobody comes down our street. We need to find another place."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <b><i>"People will be coming down tomorrow. There are yard sales going on throughout the neighbourhood so there will be a lot of traffic."</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie: <b><i>"okay."</i></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">not totally convinced!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>So Saturday morning...well before 9 AM this was the scene outside our house;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBWjRXNZI1hldz_ahdIuNbv66AzhhLradC_f2p1FtvGhY7HeZG_xk4GSQvVwIjiV0bAyb3hSmqJWvAAS7soag91cAFExULfVhPXjXO_udnyPiuLGBOri9gBc1oAtTMmtQiWWLMDarVfg/s1600-h/July+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBWjRXNZI1hldz_ahdIuNbv66AzhhLradC_f2p1FtvGhY7HeZG_xk4GSQvVwIjiV0bAyb3hSmqJWvAAS7soag91cAFExULfVhPXjXO_udnyPiuLGBOri9gBc1oAtTMmtQiWWLMDarVfg/s400/July+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365765833395468978" /></a><br /><div>Of course...it was slow moving at first and someone was just as excited to have access to non-stop lemonade.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U9UM05ZpdbF2RMGP5XFm8Uid6BAt4_PvM339BUHKygCy7LLHO6l9tWRMbkZWF-5KPXNXjA2phqpz1e91vKMHVRuV4_I0zxeLoPzxHzHihZvvGjGyjKK9hwBu4duCFM73QfsVY6ZrAj8/s1600-h/July+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U9UM05ZpdbF2RMGP5XFm8Uid6BAt4_PvM339BUHKygCy7LLHO6l9tWRMbkZWF-5KPXNXjA2phqpz1e91vKMHVRuV4_I0zxeLoPzxHzHihZvvGjGyjKK9hwBu4duCFM73QfsVY6ZrAj8/s400/July+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365765829913376418" /></a><br /></div><div>The first car came down and Geordie stood beside his table and waved. The car turned around in the cul-de-sac and came up, stopped and gave him some money. He was okay with that! He quickly figured out that, that was what he needed to do; stand up and wave. His next customer was a very southern woman. He tried to only fill her glass up half way to which she responded, "oh no baby! you need to fill that up!".</div><div><br /></div><div>So, little by little business picked up. Some just gave money. Others did buy a glass. Most people asked if this was the only thing that we were selling. The yard sale down here is a way of life! It's crazy. I am positive that some people make their living from it. You would not believe the amount of vehicles that drive around with trailors behind them going from yard sale to yard sale. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, in the end Geordie made $7.78. He was very happy;</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6p-5QRDyTgaWEq_CTchShfcC_LSMxbmEPBzgiDXWkohmq7cbhY1kfY-EjZwbkrzXEqBzcSqD9esmFnvzP1_DCG9vI6unNfqLFAnzxaGH25iMOZYW29nKowjwoJJU7q18TwhKwIPJhes/s1600-h/July+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6p-5QRDyTgaWEq_CTchShfcC_LSMxbmEPBzgiDXWkohmq7cbhY1kfY-EjZwbkrzXEqBzcSqD9esmFnvzP1_DCG9vI6unNfqLFAnzxaGH25iMOZYW29nKowjwoJJU7q18TwhKwIPJhes/s400/July+009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365765825834146626" /></a><br /></div><div>What did he do with the money?!?!? He bought 'checkmarks'!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds weird, huh?!? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Or should I say, "eh"?!? </span></div><div><br /></div><div>This idea started from a friend. Her children do various 'chores' to get checkmarks. Each checkmark is worth a dollar. They work their way up to the amount they need, to get what they want. For example her 8 year old (who was 7 at the time) got a <a href="http://www.nintendo.com/wii">Wii</a> this way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Geordie wanted the Lego Star Wars game which was $20 so he had to get 20 checks. He would do various things like clean the garage, help with laundry, vaccuum. We do not give checks for the regular things that he has to do such as clean up his toys. Once or twice we gave him a check just because he was incredibly well mannered somewhere or did a good deed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once he had the money from his sale we thought, why not let him buy some checks as well?!?</div><div>So, 7 check marks he bought! ...and is he ever happy!!</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you do to teach your child that not everything comes for free or when they want it?</div><div><br /></div><div>--------</div><div><br /></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-9050885282997276282009-07-23T13:47:00.006-04:002009-07-23T14:27:15.692-04:00Maybe those NRA guys aren't that bad...Recently we have been having many phone calls from the NRA. Usually we have not been home to answer, or I did not get to the phone in enough time.<br /><br />Today I did;<br /><br />me: "<strong><em>Hello</em></strong>"<br /><br />NRA: "<strong><em>Hello, could I speak to Mr Wright please</em></strong>?"<br /><br />me: "<strong><em>I'm sorry, he's not here right now. Can I take a message</em></strong>?"<br /><br />NRA: "<strong><em>No, that's okay, we'll call at another time</em></strong>."<br /><br />me: "<strong><em>Can I ask who is calling</em></strong>?"<br /><br />NRA: "<em><strong>This is</strong></em> <em><strong>the National Rifle Association</strong></em>"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">I will admit, hearing that was a little weird.</span><br /><br />me: "<strong><em>Oh, is it possible for you to take us off your list? We're Canadian</em></strong>!"<br /><br />NRA: "<strong><em>Sure, I'm sorry. We did not know of your circumstances. I will take you off the list right now</em></strong>!"<br /><br /><br />I never realized that being a Canadian was a circumstance!<br /><br />I will say that the representative I talked to was incredibly polite and did not push anything. I still would not like to meet up with them for some 'fun' though!Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-56804164525424370122009-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:002009-07-22T00:00:00.546-04:00Wordless Wednesday - My Rednecks!<p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dweCeFSd6LMRZ4MyASqETgV-oFfmQIffg7YicvBujhgCRBXKKYVrI5FDG2Um1Bn6NO_6Yhp-5VT4EpS2xMuBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-58861669391595217842009-07-20T10:28:00.003-04:002009-07-20T11:31:01.722-04:00Please summer just end...<p align="left">While everyone back home is just beginning their summer (or quarter of the way into it) I have had it with summer. March/April here is like June back home; May is like July/August. There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing!</p><p align="left">School gets out here at the end of May, for the first two weeks the children on our street are outside all day long playing. It's great! and takes me back to my childhood (*sniff*) when we would go out for the whole day and play. Well, as I said, that happens for approximately two weeks, then it's too hot for them to go out. Some are then in all day camps and others stay in their house ALL DAY LONG! </p><p align="left">This week is our first week without any classes or lessons. At this point I am so tired of summer I am ready to just stay in the house all day and do nothing. Luckily the last couple of days have had a nice breeze (usually there is no breeze what-so-ever at all!). But the 2 weeks before that it was hot and humid and I was just tired of it! I found that I didn't want to do anything, especially make supper at the end of the day. We had one week where we ate out three times!!! For us, that's huge!!!! We might eat out once or twice a month.</p><p align="left">So for me, I am done with summer. Although give me the chance and I would love to enjoy some of the summer back home... with the breeze and wearing shorts with long sleeve shirts/jackets (a popular fashion of the eas' coast). All I know is that when the time comes and we are finally back in Canada...I will never complain about the cold again!! </p><p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">COLD!!! BRING IT ON!!!!</span></em></strong></p><p align="left">We have to find a lot of indoor activities...here's one! </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKhu_6S1WZ_eZSGSjl8uQAtc0Gv7MRJc0Ez3nrP0QwdwQQvPkRBx_9fRDs8zCSBY3huDa-dh2JUHId_PDE9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center">Geordie loves the Chipmunks although he calls them Simon and the Chipmunks. His reasoning; "Simon is the smartest, and my favourite so he should be in charge!"</p>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-47473072951143625782009-07-14T16:18:00.001-04:002009-07-14T16:46:29.123-04:00If I Want It, I Get It!!!!This weekend past was pretty big back home!<br /><br />Sir Paul McCartney played Halifax, in his only Canadian show!<br /><br />Now my Father is an incredibly huge McCartney fan and believes that they have some kind of bond as they are both left handed (<a href="http://hemacken.blogspot.com/2009/03/bubbles-glasses-and-racing.html">remember my bubble and that bubbles do not fall far from the sky</a>). So, the 'children' (a.k.a. The boys, Callum, and I) got Dad tickets.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">In the end it was the 3 MacKenzie Boys that went. </span><span style="font-size:180%;">**</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">They said that they had a great time.</span></strong></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-1XZMeclD9_tHAPXz9dGze0yMnepZAMFYPeZMPBszKPQRn6Iuh7eyuV4Hr2Ow4nrY-6IvZ0D2uT_CSzzzAxHMx-dhOMo8sOqVaGSDeK3KFXZ7F-jNUZsomSbt5psHvo1wOyKP626nI0/s1600-h/PM%234.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358413360952908146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-1XZMeclD9_tHAPXz9dGze0yMnepZAMFYPeZMPBszKPQRn6Iuh7eyuV4Hr2Ow4nrY-6IvZ0D2uT_CSzzzAxHMx-dhOMo8sOqVaGSDeK3KFXZ7F-jNUZsomSbt5psHvo1wOyKP626nI0/s400/PM%234.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Now, as I am in Georgia, I was not there. Of course this killed me. I actually have seen Paul McCartney in concert and he's amazing!!!! If you ever get the chance...GO!! So it wasn't entirely that, what bothered me is the fact that they were all doing something together and I wasn't there. Me?!?! Princess?!?! Seriously?!?! How can they have fun without me?!?!?<br /><br />Yes, my friends I suffer from F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing out).<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Unfortunately, I have passed this fear on to Geordie as well.</span><br /><br />Since, in my bubble, I get everything I want...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!!</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw50TvFocDyjAI8cyy4cAIoCY0ZZEcBRSGykK4Za4LdWbAJ_3JWt1QMyuJjlNkHb5yOsy2BM_X2lXH-zkVL0-u8QQBXoJSdBMiogel0CQn5JXDaoohK1YokRVPg1Xd6Gftqg0P41T6T4Y/s1600-h/paul-and-family.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358413351668215250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw50TvFocDyjAI8cyy4cAIoCY0ZZEcBRSGykK4Za4LdWbAJ_3JWt1QMyuJjlNkHb5yOsy2BM_X2lXH-zkVL0-u8QQBXoJSdBMiogel0CQn5JXDaoohK1YokRVPg1Xd6Gftqg0P41T6T4Y/s400/paul-and-family.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><strong><em>**Nobody leaves Sissy out!</em></strong></div><div></div><div></div><div>----------<br /><div></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-40036601761984169712009-07-13T15:00:00.006-04:002009-07-13T15:30:34.292-04:00Why Was I Not Warned?!?!?Geordie has always been a sweet easy going child.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Sure he has bad ass tendencies, a stubborn streak so long it might get me home, and negotiates till the cows come.</span><br /><br />...but he has pretty much been a go with the flow kind of guy!<br /><br />Don't get me wrong...he still is that way, for the most part, but a couple of months ago once in a while we get this child who looks like our sweet, adorable easy going, <strong>non tantrumy</strong> Geordie but instead we get a tantrum throwing, talking back, demanding little bugger!<br /><br />At first we were worried. I had never heard of this 'stage' we thought it was just us! Luckily, mum's talk, and I found out that everyone was having the same problem!! One friend even referred to it as, "the f-ing fives".<br /><br />We are dealing with this 'phase' using 'time outs', alone time (which we know is the worst thing for Geordie), and taking things away. We have been doing well (yes, I'm patting ourselves on the back). We are following through (99% of the time, okay maybe 92%..but still!!!), and we are not raising our voices.<br /><br />...but, how much longer will this last?!?!? how much longer will we last?!?!?<br /><br />Why did I not know about this stage?!?<br />Did you go through it? Are you going through it?<br />What did you do?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">If you have yet to get to this stage, be warned!!! This makes me want to go back to those 'attitude threes'!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">---------------</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-59548164710005122642009-07-08T10:33:00.004-04:002009-07-08T10:47:10.418-04:00Wordless Wednesday...almost<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFltqpCenFqOBW3L4bq7u6ZNYUh54b8Nb4F0durrjSghzb2EVK45bLxuXZ9taGgjR6POIiMN75cuDHR7z3xyZ4bI1NR7ZnU5wjtwsbfm9jlDdSqrMZpsoPGOILlIqxlxjaTvqXN3qCqM/s1600-h/golf+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356100034359091970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFltqpCenFqOBW3L4bq7u6ZNYUh54b8Nb4F0durrjSghzb2EVK45bLxuXZ9taGgjR6POIiMN75cuDHR7z3xyZ4bI1NR7ZnU5wjtwsbfm9jlDdSqrMZpsoPGOILlIqxlxjaTvqXN3qCqM/s400/golf+001.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo-3dTXrKxHr0Z0F-4bjbFNZopaHDZE-Y47dAcBUVp_q_NVPCKMB1FvjjFwSoYRWPX8i1hsBOr3O93WDth-iY4kkDjQYaYJARoKXaODxcTMQiijhXgtednhFiA7kvijt67_mwIinvLPs/s1600-h/golf+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356100031330449346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo-3dTXrKxHr0Z0F-4bjbFNZopaHDZE-Y47dAcBUVp_q_NVPCKMB1FvjjFwSoYRWPX8i1hsBOr3O93WDth-iY4kkDjQYaYJARoKXaODxcTMQiijhXgtednhFiA7kvijt67_mwIinvLPs/s400/golf+002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzpwkVsga0quCWMVdT9cEcykk5DERypplDh6TePoD70PfFLteUklejW4gx9HwXrt074K-PW08rUUxnANyY6-tVab2jrWSaqSM-vlRt4BfbG2Rs6rSiwiriIRVX3EDnPTvFwtqA-Pqjyc/s1600-h/golf+003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356100025070934642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzpwkVsga0quCWMVdT9cEcykk5DERypplDh6TePoD70PfFLteUklejW4gx9HwXrt074K-PW08rUUxnANyY6-tVab2jrWSaqSM-vlRt4BfbG2Rs6rSiwiriIRVX3EDnPTvFwtqA-Pqjyc/s400/golf+003.jpg" /></a><br /><div> </div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyYO5nOZ4GkXBJD2R23A9cIYz7XhriM_ruOnV5g9le_CcldcwlwcgxTbNrSoHaj0A6gmVDekJNw8SzAalyxDg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p></div></div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085066581212776508.post-49674288783266870142009-06-26T11:06:00.003-04:002009-06-26T11:22:51.661-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbbp0eLeM2ba-3RsknIMlP04tVcELWUvUBSUFRDmJ2_qQu_vZYl8rZrKFm6WgeY-gVWZrNy0yP5ZW0ev_7g_8rxDu1v7ByEv3nAM-XVWpFmO6EmwY742vWpebJXlAYH8fBVR8TkC0SgY/s1600-h/6-20+013.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351653229716761010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbbp0eLeM2ba-3RsknIMlP04tVcELWUvUBSUFRDmJ2_qQu_vZYl8rZrKFm6WgeY-gVWZrNy0yP5ZW0ev_7g_8rxDu1v7ByEv3nAM-XVWpFmO6EmwY742vWpebJXlAYH8fBVR8TkC0SgY/s200/6-20+013.jpg" /></a><br /><div>So, I did it! 5K in high 30's C / almost 100 F... in the shade!! Let me tell you though...there was not much shade. Way too hot for this Canadian Girl, but I did it. As you can see my time is to the left!</div><div> </div><div>Now...off to find a 10K! Preferably in the fall...and preferably in Canada! :oP</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Meanwhile, would you believe that our child is a <a href="mailto:s*@t">s*@t</a> disturber?!?!? </div><div> </div><div>Hard to believe, isn't it?!?!?</div><div> </div><div>The other day at Karate, there is another child who is exactly 2 years older than Geordie and has taken a liking to him. Geordie doesn't really want to have anything to do with him. So, he says hi to the child but tries not to sit by him. To be honest, I can see why Geordie wants to stay clear of him. </div><div> </div><div>Yesterday, this child kept coming up to me to 'tattle' on Geordie. First the "he said he won't be my friend" then a couple other things then finally he came up to me and told me that Geordie just punched him. Guess what?!?! Geordie wasn't even near him when he said it happened. </div><div> </div><div>Five minutes later the boy went to sit next to Geordie, next thing I know that child is whining about having red eyes. He came over to his mother and asked her about his red eyes and she told him that they were not red. He went back and sat next to Geordie;</div><div> </div><div>Annoying child: "<em>my eyes aren't red</em>"</div><div> </div><div>Geordie: "<em>Yes they are. I can see it! It's really red</em>!"</div><div> </div><div>Annoying Child: "<em>really!??! but my mother said they weren't</em>" <span style="font-size:78%;">starting to freak a little</span></div><div> </div><div>Geordie: <span style="font-size:78%;">totally calm</span> "<em>Nope! They're bright red!"</em> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Unfortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. BOTH Callum and I love pushing other people's buttons! </span></div><div> </div><div>-------</div><div> </div><div> </div>Helen Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16089947269968019187noreply@blogger.com7