Would you believe that it's been 10 YEARS!?!

I know, I can't believe it!

Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday!

Other times it feels like TEN l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g years!

We did the church thing


We did the picture thing even if we felt like goofballs


We did the family thing

MacKenzie's

Wright's

We did the wedding party thing


...and then we did the celebrating!



Three and a half years later (to the day) we did the 'Our Family' thing

Bunny Hill or Ski Bunny?!?

Last week on what was 'Family Day' we all went skiing.

It was my first time.

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.

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.

Thing is we have a trip coming up, a ski trip, for March Break. We all know that Geordie can ski, remember?!? 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.

So, last Monday up to Martock we went...

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.

So, here is Geordie. This is now our retirement plan...

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.

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!

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! Okay, maybe I wasn't but it makes for such a better story!

After my lesson Callum and Geordie joined me on the bunny hill and we all went down together. Well, Callum stayed by me, Geordie went down, back up and down again in the one time it took us to go down.

Finally, my third time going down after my lesson went great, or so I thought...

Here are the thoughts that were going through my head as I go down the bunny hill ;

- I'm AWESOME!

- I can't believe I'm going this fast...ALREADY!!!

- I'm a natural!!

- Why is this the first time I'm trying this?!?

- I'm too awesome to start so late!

- Sure, not as good as Jenn Heil but I'm sure she was just like me!

- The possibilities that I threw away by not skiing until now?!

- I could have been an Olympian!!

- The speed I am going is unreal!

- The hill is going to use me as an example to all

yes, all these thoughts, and more...

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!!

When watching, please remember all the thoughts that were going through my head while this is taking place...and that the camera adds 10lbs! ;)

I have a problem with staring at my feet as I go making me look even more spazzy...

The next time I went down, again, the same thoughts were going through my head until Geordie passes me going much, much faster; does a hockey stop in front of me; turns around and starts skiing backwards saying, "Mummy!! You're doing great!! Come on!! You Can Do It!! Just follow me!!"

Bubble burst!

Then I see the video...now I question EVERYTHING I have ever done where I thought I did a great job and looked cool!! :(

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If I Want It, I Get It!!!!

This weekend past was pretty big back home!

Sir Paul McCartney played Halifax, in his only Canadian show!

Now my Father is an incredibly huge McCartney fan and believes that they have some kind of bond as they are both left handed (remember my bubble and that bubbles do not fall far from the sky). So, the 'children' (a.k.a. The boys, Callum, and I) got Dad tickets.

In the end it was the 3 MacKenzie Boys that went. **

They said that they had a great time.

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?!?!?

Yes, my friends I suffer from F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing out).
Unfortunately, I have passed this fear on to Geordie as well.

Since, in my bubble, I get everything I want...

WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!!

**Nobody leaves Sissy out!

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Still Alive...barely!

Took a little break! First due to exams, then due to catching up on everything I neglected while studying. On top of that we've been having huge problems with our computer/connection. Thank goodness we have our little friend!

One thing I have come to realize is that not only are we a 2 computer family, but, we are a family that NEEDS a computer. It is no longer a WANT. Can you believe that?!?!? Actually, I bet that most of you are as well. What would happen if your one computer broke down? How long could you go without it?

So, now, not including Callum's work computer we now have as many computers as we do televisions. Funny thing is we use both computers more than we do the television.

We have also been busy with Easter parties, Spring Break (yes, Spring Break for 5 year olds) and a trip to Wilmington. All were great times! Here are some pics of Geordie's school Easter party;

Here's the two 4 year old classes
(please notice the 4 gentlemen on the bottom right)

Here is what I like to call 'Geordie and his big brother, Bubba'!

Remember the Three wise monkeys proverb?!?
Geordie with his good friends;

Finally, on the hunt!
Sorry for the blurriness but I think it's a cute pic!

Through all this we had to deal with a more so than usual bratty phase. Would you believe that he started to yell at us?!?! I know!! I was dumb founded!! By the 3rd time he was in time out and after the 5th time (when he did it at a friends house where I had the back up of another mother who had been having the same problem at the same time...I know, we said hhhhmmm?!? as well) that was the last. Since then, things have been good!

As for me, really, still here. Some days I'm ready to pack the car and leave. More houses in our subdivision have gone up for sale, more houses are foreclosed. They keep saying it's going to get worse before it gets better. I think, it's possible that for once the media has NOT blown something out of proportion. Here's hoping our luck changes soon.

Bubbles, Glasses and Racing...

Geordie and Callum have been busy. Last weekend they went to Alabama and watched the Indy practice or something or other. They went with Uncle Vijay and had a great time!!! Although Geordie did admit that he likes Grandpa's races better!

This past weekend it was a rainy one. All indoor activities!! Here is their new addiction!!

(please ignore mess in back, this is our one room that we have not organized! we just recently started using it and this is what it is used for!)

As for me, what have I been up to on the weekends...

Hello, my name is Helen and I am addicted to House Hunters International!!

Seriously!!

I have been watching television less and less. Just not interested... then this show comes along!!

I blame my in-laws!!! When they were here they tied me down and made me watch it!! They also poured wine down my throat!!! YES!!! They are like that!!! ;)

So, it is now on my favourites list and I get to watch it on the weekend. Saturday morning I was all set for the 6th district in Paris; by Saturday night I was buying a cave house in Southern Spain. Sunday morning I changed my mind and had my heart set on a house on the Mediterranean in Italy. By that evening I was back to Paris...

We've discussed my bubble before and how it's a great place where everything goes my way! You think it's a joke, don't you!?!? Unfortunately It's not. There are a lot of times I really do live in this bubble and therefore think that I can do anything. For example, I think that we could go and live in one of these places...no matter the cost.
Where the money comes from?!? No idea! I don't think about things like that! That's just silly!!

I also think that if I played the lotto I would have a good chance of winning.

I blame my father for this. As my mother says, "Your father's glass half full is ALWAYS full!"

Now, before you start feeling bad for Callum and what he has to put up with...I do have my head on straight for some things!! Fortunately, they are usually the things that Callum lives in a bubble about.

Example, last year when Callum had to go to Germany for work. A couple of days before going he comes home freaked out about how we have to buy a new suitcase. To begin we have plenty of luggage and it's all in perfectly good condition! BUT...our bags were either too small or too big for what Callum wanted to bring. Therefore, in Callum's mind, we had to quickly run out and buy a $100 medium size piece of luggage for him to take this one trip to Germany!!
Needless to say, we did not buy a new suitcase!

I think everyone has a little bit of a bubble. I'm not talking about 'what if'...I'm talking about really thinking that you can do something!!!

What's in your bubble?


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The rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying you want to be interviewed. (I’ll take the first five or so, if there are that many of you interested.) 2. I’ll email you five questions of my choosing. 3. You update your blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You offer to interview someone else in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. They will answer the questions on their own blog and carry on the process.

My questions are from Much More Than A Mom.

1. If you could have any job in the universe EXCEPT the one you have (and being a parent doesn't count - this job has to pay in actual money), what would you do? What do you think would be most rewarding about it? Do you see any negative qualities to your dream job?

I would like to be involved in nonprofit / fund raising. Specifically for the arts, cancer research and children's charities (that almost sums them all up, doesn't it?!?!). As well as liking the fact of doing it there would always be a new thing to conquer AND there would be a lot of last minute, down to the wire stuff that I just love!
Rewarding wise; I'm helping out others...'nough said!
The only negative thing I see is getting too involved and taking the time away from my family.

2. You are walking alone in the forest and come upon a meadow. In the centre of the meadow you find a box, about 6"x6"x6". Inside that box you find something you've always wanted but never thought you'd get, and it's not jewellery or money. What is it? Why did you think you'd never get it? How do you feel now that you have it?

Oh my stars! I have no idea with that size box. Does sanity count?!?

3. What do you see yourself doing in 20 years? You know, once the kids have moved out and/or are in post-secondary education (hopefully) and you can actually focus on yourself for a while.

Back to #1. At this point be in consulting, pick the jobs I want, take time for travel and still be playing!

4. Define failure, for you.

Not being happy.

5. Describe the very best friend you've ever had. We want to know everything. Are you as good a friend as he/she is or was? What makes you a good friend? What makes you a crappy friend?

You know the 'real' answer is your spouse...but that's kind of boring!
Never really thought about it before but when I read this question I sat down and did.
I have had 3 great (best) friends in my life. Lots of really good friends, but 3 that I would put into this category.

There's JP. Yes, a guy. I do believe that you can have (just) a friendship with someone from the opposite sex! We met in grade 2 and up until grade 12 went to the same school. What was great was that he was feminine enough (look up metro sexual and you'll see his pic!) to get things but he was not in to all the girlie annoying cattiness.
We hung out together, worked together, went to school together. We even noticed that if we were together it seemed that our parents would let us do more! Unfortunately, Callum didn't think that JP would look that good in a dress so for the wedding he was a groomsman.

Then there's Lynn. We met in grade seven. We shared many things, like our love for NKOTB (as well as Gerald and Chris!). Lynn and I are the exact opposite in many ways. We could go shopping and I would pick out a shirt thinking it was the ugliest thing...Lynn would love it, and vice-versa!
She's the thinker while I'm the jumper. She analyzes things (sometimes to death) while I could care less. I live in a bubble...she secretly does too.

...and last but not least, there's Alaina. We met when we were both brand new mothers (well I was about to be, she had been for a couple of weeks). Right away we developed a friendship much like you did back when you were a child. We were comfortable around each other. We were very different yet very much alike. I do believe that the reason why we moved here was for me to meet Alaina.

Thinking about these 3 they all have similar traits. Just to name one...they are all low maintenance friends. High maintenance friendships never last!

I hope I'm as good a friend as they are. I know that I learn from them and hope in return that they learn from me.
I do worry that I take more than I give...which is so in my personality. I know of some friendships that I know wouldn't last because I could walk all over them. I need to be told NO!

25 Random Things About Me...

This is going around on facebook. I did it there, so I'm killing 2 birds with 1 stone and pasting it here as well...

1. I cannot stand the colour red! I would go so far as to say I HATE IT!

2. I do/say, then think. I have small frontal lobes!

3. For the first 12 years of my life I thought that there were only 3 religions. Catholic, Protestant and 'study'. Those were the only 3 classes that were offered at school so I totally thought that was it. Can you tell that I didn't pay that much attention in class?!? 

4. I would love to go to a psychiatrist/psychologist. Someone listening while you talk about yourself...how great is that?!?!?

5. I would like to live in Europe for a 'spell'!

6. My feet increased a whole size after pregnancy. 

7. I am NOT a finisher. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Geordie did not have to be delivered by c-section!

8. I thrive in chaos! Love it!

9. I do much better in a male dominated 'situation'. 

10. I love floorplans. Sometimes I think I should have gone into architecture.

11. Sometimes half way through a story I think, "why am I telling this"...and totally forget the point, as well as where I am in the story.

12. My nostrils flare when I drum. My mother thinks this is one of the funniest things. 
Thing is I cannot flare them on command...only when I drum!

13. If I do not like you, you know it. I'm not good at hiding that.

14. I secretly categorize people into 3 categories; knowledgeable, intelligent or both. A lot of people who you think are intelligent are actually just knowledgeable...they couldn't work themselves out of a cardboard box!

15. I am bossy. My brothers call it something else though...

16. I will NEVER own a mini van. Callum knows this and he respects it! Grew up with one when they first came out. Needless to say, I only ONCE EVER drove the 'downtown route' in Hali. Christmas Day of grade 10  JP talked me into it. I think we were the only vehicle on the road, or people for that matter.

17. Speaking of JP, I "taught" him how to drive in the van...my father still doesn't know this. ;)

18. Callum has described my personality as, "it would wear bright pink to a funeral".

19. It freaks me out when people speak in Christianesse. I cringe when I am told to, 'have a blessed day!'. It just weirds me out...so not used to it! 

20. When I first met Callum I used to get him and his best friend mixed up. They were both cute with 'not-so-perfect' teeth. ;)

21. Along with a couple of friends (I will leave out your name Leslie); we used to put googly-eyes on leaves and try and sell them for a quarter. Nobody ever bought them, one older man gave us money but refused to take one.

22. I would prefer to think, "I wish I HAD NOT done that" then, "I wish I HAD done that". 
I have some of both.

23. I cannot get over how thick the eas'coast Canadian accent is. 

24. Sometimes I forget that I have to give a little and not just take!

25. The smell of pot reminds me of St. Pat's dances.

Washington Or Bust - prt I

Well, we made it to DC. We left Friday around 6:00 pm and drove 4 hours stayed in a hotel in N.C. and then drove the rest of the way on Saturday.

Geordie had no idea where we were going. On Friday after I told him that we will be staying in a hotel that night we were out running errands;

Geordie: "Mummy, I hope the hotel is in Washington!"

Me: "Why?"

Geordie: "Then we can see NJ!"

My mother is convinced he's psychic!

We get to The Gray's and Geordie does not recognize their car.

Geordie: "Is there a boy here?"

Me: "Yes, he's 2."

Geordie: "Are there other children?"

Me: "Yes, 2 girls, one is 2 and the other is 5"

We get up to the door, he's hiding a little behind me. The door is opened and it's NJ;

Geordie: "NORA JANE?!?!?!"

He was completely stunned. I'm not sure what we expected, we did think that he would dance around or something but he hardly did. He seemed to be more in shock. 30 seconds later they were playing!

Sunday Geordie went to church with The Gray's and Callum and I went down to The National Mall (which I will admit I thought was an actual Mall!). The Inaugural Concert was going on at The Lincoln Memorial, which was beside The Mall.

It was spectacular, spectacular!!!

The atmosphere was amazing. It was peaceful, friendly, and magical. Sounds lame, doesn't it?!?! But there is no other way to describe it.

Here are a few pics...

The arrival of the Obama's

Jon Bon Jovi

Herbie Hancock

Sheryl Crow

Will.I.Am

James Taylor

People were finding seats EVERYWHERE!

I actually enjoyed the Inaugural Concert more than the actual Inauguration. Don't get me wrong...both were spectacular but where the concert was less formal there just seemed to be a more laid back feel.

With Garth Brooks performance it was awesome to watch the crowd;

But this was my favourite performance! I love James Taylor and I'm beginning to really enjoy John Legend and Jennifer Nettles;

While the Inaugural Concert was very multicultural the Inauguration seemed to be mainly African American. One thing I noticed was how much people dressed up. Especially the older generation. Everyone was out in their Sunday bests, and they all looked GREAT! It really was a special time.

The Inauguration was crazy! So many people! Thing is, again, everyone was in such good spirits it was fine that you couldn't move, or that you were stuck behind a tree and could only see part of the screen. You were all there experiencing this great event together...you almost didn't feel the cold!

Callum & Geordie

Obama!

The Swearing In!

Callum & Geordie making friends!

The Speech!

Getting back to The Gray's was a little difficult...

It was a little busy! What is usually a 30 minute travel time took 2 hours.


Usually I'm not into the paraphernalia but on this day it just worked!


...and Geordie got a new t-shirt!

This was the best last minute decision we have ever made...and if you know me well you know that I'm always making last minute decisions!!!!

Did you watch the events?

I ditched my husband and son for roller coasters!

Yesterday I spent 10 hours away from my house with 5 other ladies...

and we went to SIX FLAGS!

We all had a ball!!!

It was so much fun, and so tiring, and so nauseating...

but it was GREAT!

We went on every single roller coaster...I think!

Some more than once!

There were times that I thought I would die!

There were times when I lead everyone in prayer!
YES!! ME!!

But we survived it all, giggling and screaming the whole way!

Would you believe that not one picture was taken?!?!

So, here are some pictures of what I came home too...


Here's a closer look...

Usually the only thing(s) on my counter is the knife block and the paper towels.

Do you think that this is the equivalent to your dog peeing in the corner or eating your slipper when you leave them?

Well, off to clean the kitchen!

When I can finally get up. Am I ever sore!!

How was your weekend?

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A new pet...and other findings!

Geordie and Callum found a new pet to join Steve and Baby Geordie. The poor thing probably had no idea that hanging out on our porch could mean death to freedom.

So, without further ado... here's Ivan!

I was unable to get a good picture of him as I refuse to go too close to these pets of ours! Here's an example...

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More great thoughts by Callum, talking about getting away with things...

Callum; "Mummy stuck with tricks that were tried and true so she didn't get caught much. I was more of an innovator, which meant that I got caught a lot!

Geordie; "I get caught" *with big smile on face*

Callum; "But that's because you're an innovator"

Geordie; "Just like you!"

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Picture it; dinner table, talking, ALL THREE OF US ARE THERE. I just said something that Callum agrees with...

Callum; "f@#*in-eh!"

Total silence. Callum and I are looking at each other trying not to laugh.

Geordie; "I heard that!"

Callum; "you didn't hear anything"

Geordie; "Yes, I did. I heard what you say. You say, f@#*in-eh!"

The next day when Geordie and I were driving home after his nursery school...

Geordie; "Today I was with Carson, and Morgan and Dude and we had a big secret"

Me; "What was the secret?"

Geordie; "I can't tell you, it was bad words."

*quickly dialing Callum's number as Morgan's mother works with Callum*

We later found out that they were saying things like 'tree head' and 'car head'.

I didn't bother asking!

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Both of our mother's are huge backseat drivers. Truthfully, I don't know how the Dad's deal with it! ...and yes, they are both known to read this!!

Well, this backseat driver takes the cake!

Please note that this is a professional former F1 driver who is on a closed circuit. Do not try this at home! ;)

Back on the wagon...

Remember that list that I did a while back?

Well, I am still working on it! Honestly!

It is taking me longer than what I thought it would. That's nothing new! I'm a huge 'no concept of time' type of person and tend to be VERY optimistic with time. Which drives Callum batty!

Here is what I have done...

Running; I had started a running program...then I went home and 'pressed pause'.
Back on it now, just about to go after I finish this! I have found a couple of 5K's around here for this fall and still plan on doing one of them.

Organizing/de-cluttering; I actually did not stop doing this even though I did not update y'all. Before going back home Callum and I did the spare bedroom and laundry room. While home I did most of my parents kitchen...yes, they finally said goodbye to George Foreman! This past weekend we did our bedroom. It's about 95% done. You will not see before pictures of that room because it was THAT BAD!

By this weekend we will finish our bedroom and then on to the last room. A bedroom that has boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes of books.

Then we're again starting the process to get back to our home and native land and putting the house on the market.
So please pray, chant, talk to your angels, think good thoughts, etc... for us to get the hell out of here!

Welcome to My Etsy Shop!

www.hemsgems.etsy.com

-Rainbow Fluorite and sterling silver bracelet.

-Taqua nut and sterling silver earrings.

- Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and sterling silver earrings.

- Coral and sterling silver earrings.

It's just the start of it. There is much more that I need to get on. I also will be doing a craft fair at the end of October in Atlanta.

Still working on the going green! I am getting better at using less water and I finally believe that you do not need a different cleaner for every mess, room or surface. I am down to 2! I would be down to 1 but I like them both too much!

As for the exclamation points...you will notice that I have cut back hugely on them.

I will still use them! They are a need for me! I have just cut down, eg. before I would have put 5 ! in the last sentence, now I put just one!

I have put in to start volunteering at the American Cancer Society. Just waiting to hear back.


So, as you can see I am still working on my list. Just trying to get back into the swing of things since being back home. Making things even worse is that I've had a horrible headache since last Wednesday which has put me a little out of commission. It's probably the change in air pressure but secretly I think I'm allergic to west GA!


What have you been up too?
Have you worked on your list?

Back in the belt...

Got in last night. Had a great trip home. Trying to get everything back in order, clean out fridge, groceries, catch up on my shows, unpack, etc...

This morning, Callum went back to work and Geordie went back to school. There he goes with his new 'packpack' from Nana & Grandad. Geordie loves that there are 'Canadian maple leafs' all over it! He was very excited. Didn't even want to eat breakfast here, wanted to eat it on the way.

Once back to normal life I will be around to visit!

A LOT going on in the coming weeks... I'll keep you posted!


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Not Too Bad!! Beware bragging happening!

I'm home! My accent is back to prove it!

Travelling was great! Yes...I said great!

Weather here is awesome! Sure when we arrived and walked outside a part of me did think about taking out my fleece but I faught it! I can adapt...to cold weather anyway!

Then yesterday there was drizzle! I love drizzle!

Geordie is quite a little traveler. He should be he's done it enough!

People even commented on how good he is.

The flight attendant in the first flight was gushing (yes, gushing) about how great he was to the pilots in front of me.

The second flight we had a pilot sitting next to us and at the end of the flight he commented on how good a traveler Geordie was.

If only they knew what he was like normally... ;)

Once landed in Halifax he was beyond excited. When we were at the top of the escalator he quickly picked out Nana and Grandad in the crowd. I let out a sigh of relief. I always have a small fear that he's going to forget what everyone looks like.

He wanted to run so I told him I would hold his 'packpack'. He went running to them. As he passed the security guards they laughed and said, "aaahhh, someone saw their Grandparents!"

That night bedtime was 10:15 for Geordie. Wake-up call on Monday morning was 6:00 AM. See picture above for 7:00PM, Monday evening when in time out!

This morning found Geordie up before 6! Luckily he fell asleep around 8:30 and woke up around 10:15. He is now enjoying his toast and tea! When in Rome and all!!

So far Geordie has gone through 2 bikes, first one was too big so another one was needed. Now he is in heaven! Everyone who has come 'round has had to watch him (first) ride his new bike (second) see him do tricks on his scooter and finally see him do tricks on his skateboard!

Last night Lynn came over and it killed Geordie to go to bed because "everyone was going to have fun without me".

He's in heaven! So many people so little time!

This afternoon...

SKATEPARK HERE WE COME!!!

This is why I'm probably not going to give the sex talk!

There are not many things that we would do differently when it comes to Geordie.

The only thing that we might question is how we put him to sleep. Yes, we ate our words, and would sleep with him.

Up to a month a go we would still be laying down beside him and then once he's asleep we would leave. This also meant that if he woke up during the night we would have to lay down beside him and 'sleep' until he did. Many times we would just end up staying in his bed because we fell asleep.

Thing is for the most part Geordie was a really easy baby and still is. Sure he's got some badass tendencies and he can be very mischievous but he is easy going and not high maintenance.

So, after the Canada Day long weekend (July 1st) Geordie started sleeping by himself. We would do the whole bedtime routine, wash, brush teeth, read a book, talk about the day and then tuck him in.

We had no clue how this would go. Geordie is a people person. He needs to have people around. We always joke that he's so independent he could live on his own for a week but being alone would kill him.

First week it went pretty well. Yes, there were some tears but he went to sleep on his own. He has 3 friends to sleep with now, Sasa, Beary and Michelin Man.

Second week, one night when I was putting him down this conversation happened;

Geordie: "Mummy, I don't like sleeping by myself. When does it stop?"

Me: "When you're married!" (said flippantly; thought I was being funny; forgot that G doesn't get that humour yet)

Geordie: "What's married?"

Me: *uh-oh* "Well, Mummy and Daddy are married that's why we get to sleep together. Nana and Grandad are married, Grannie and Grandpa are married..."


Geordie: "Uncle Russell's not married!?"

Me: *uh-oh* "no"

Geordie: "Uncle Greg's not married!?"

Me: *uh-oh* "no"

Geordie: "So they sleep all by themselves too!"

Me: *uh-oh* "uhm, uh, yeah."


Geordie: "Well, how do I get married?"

Me: "You meet someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with then you have a big party, then you're married!"

Geordie: "I could married Nora Jane...or Olivia...no I think Nora Jane"

I forgot...global warming isn't really happening!

How is it acceptable in this day and age to sit in your ford truck for well over an hour with it running?!?!? This was yesterday!

Every time we go to the skate park there is at least one vehicle that stays running for the entire time we are there. One day it was over 2 hours! It was one of those Redneck trucks.

It's always a truck, SUV, or van.

Meanwhile...I sweat my bells off!!

It's so hot there; no shade and with it being the summer in the south and all. I roll down all the windows AND once in awhile I will turn the key a bit so that some incredibly hot air can blow on me.

It drives me bananas!!! See, it's making me go back to my old ways with exclamation points!
Sorry Rachel!

At first I thought that it was the children, teenagers who were hanging out. Then the door opens and out comes middle aged men and women.

When we moved down here, almost five years a go, we couldn't get over the lack of recycling that was done...NONE! Beer bottles are thrown out!
Every time we see that happen we think how my family would react!

In public there are only garbage cans with one hole for garbage...no paper, no bottles.

Unfortunately, over time, we have come to the ways of the land. Yesterday, I threw a wine bottle in the garbage.

I apologize!

Today, I opened 8 cans... they are in a bag waiting to be recycled.

We are changing our ways.

We use reusable bags and organic cleaners. I'm a bleach nut but luckily our grocery store sells chlorine free bleach so I still get my bleach! We try and eat organic as much as we can. Although I find it hard to do here. There isn't that much of a selection and what is here isn't always in stock! We are eating meals without meat and the meat we do eat is organic.

Our air conditioning is not on high. AT ALL! Believe me...I would be sleeping a hell of a lot better if it was!

I map out where we are going and what we are doing so that we use the least amount of gas. Callum has become a little bit of a Hypermiler, minus the speed limit rule.

I do have a problem with water. I try! My showers are cut down, I only put on the dishwasher when it is full. We have a front load washer and we don't water our grass. But I still find that the water is on too much and for too long. That's something that I need to work on.

Trying to teach Geordie about these things is working well in our house, but outside of it it's hard. We discuss how there are choices to make, good and bad, and for us good choices are reduce/reuse/recycle.

Funny thing is...many times we have overheard people here saying;

Global Warming is not real.

I had always heard that there were people who didn't believe in it, I had just not come in to contact with one. Now, I know of many. One of my favourites that is said is how the Democrat's have used Global Warming as their religion.



Since when does a political party need a religion?!? ;)

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Oh no!! I'm sewing up the burnt bra!!

I just realized I am setting the feminist movement back...

No joke!

The other day I wasn't really in the mood to make the meal;

Me: "Callum, you can make supper tonight!"

Geordie: "Mummy, you're silly, Daddy doesn't make food! He can't do that, he's a Daddy!"
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A couple of days later, Geordie was talking about how he wants to try lobster;

Geordie: "Can we have lobster?"

Me: "How about we wait until we go to Halifax and then you and Grandad can pick out a lobster and cook it?"

Geordie: "Grandad can't cook a lobster! He's a boy!"

Doesn't this picture just scream out...GET ME A BEER! (07/04)

When we moved down here and I became a 'legal alien unable to work' we decided that I would do the meals. For the most part, it's fine. I don't mind doing it and the rule is if you don't eat what I make you either starve or have to make your own.

Geordie would probably make his own, but he doesn't really know the rule.

Callum on the other hand would rather eat something that he did not like than starve or have to make his own meal.

All is not lost...Geordie does know that all major decisions go through me!