Still Alive!!!

It's been more than a month since I last wrote. What have I been doing?!?! I'm trying to figure that out...

I actually have been really busy. Between school work and then Callum's parents were here for a little over a week, then more school work...trying to get everything back in order. You get my drift!!

I have also been 'in talks' with a couple of friends. By the end of April we will be launching our own little business. You might look at it as something for us to do and make a little money on the side. Here's hoping everything goes well...more will be revealed at a later date! ;)

As I said, Callum's parents were here for a nice visit. Geordie loved having people visit HIS house (yes, that's a hint to all). We had a good time, and Wright Mum was a great help!! I was in midterms and the one day that I had to go and write my exam (outside the house) Geordie's school was canceled due to lack of power...there was none! So I was able to go on and write my exam and have no worries because Geordie was with his Grannie. They had a fine day!! To the Castle playground and Chick-fil-A they went!! On top of that meals were made and my kitchen now has curtains!! I am really starting to think that I should start a rent-a-Grannie business!!

I should mention that Wright Dad was also helpful. He and Callum had to take apart one of the toilets...they did a great job!!!

Truthfully, I locked them both up in their room and only allowed them out when I had a job for them to do!!!!

Geordie celebrated his birthday party on the 23rd (which funnily enough was actually his due date!). Check out the cake...


Unfortunately Geordie was upset that he was on it. We thought it was great!!!
We had it at the recreation centre in Carrollton where Geordie takes his gymnastics class. He celebrated it with his friends, Nora Jane, Ethan, Jayley, Ella and Carson.

pictures; (from top to bottom) Callum and Geordie, The superheroes cake, opening presents with his friends, Nora Jane and Geordie.

Geordie is now 4!!!

Yesterday was Geordie's fourth birthday. We couldn't believe it. He was very excited, and then he started talking about being five...

I was talking to him about each birthday and what he could do, which led to where he was before he was a baby...

Me: "you were in my tummy."

Geordie: *in awe* "you eat me?!?!?!"

Me: *while trying not to laugh too hard* "no..." didn't get a chance to say anything else.

Geordie: "I crawled in there?!?!?!? Who's tummy were you in?"

Me: "Nana's, and Daddy was in Grannie's"

Geordie: "Who's tummy was Nana in? Grandad's?"

Me: "No, Nana was in Nanny's"

Geordie: "Who's tummy was Grannie in?"

Me: "Grannie Hamilton's, who was Grannie's Mummy."

...then Geordie was bored of that subject.


photo above; Geordie, 10 minutes old.

Conversations with Geordie...

We had cupcakes for desert tonight...

Me: "Geordie, how is it?"

Geordie: "It's goody!!"

Callum: "It's good, goody isn't a word. We speak Queen's English".

2 minutes later

Callum: "My cupcake is good"

Geordie: "My cupcake is GOODY!!"


Today Geordie and I were running a couple of errands after his school. As we were coming out of a store...

Geordie: "When we get home can I ride my bike?"

Me: "Aaahhh...I'm not..."

Geordie: "Yes or no Mummy, that's all you have to say, Yes or no!"

I'll remind you again that Geordie is not yet 4!!!

above; Geordie just over 6 months. When he didn't talk back or correct us!

The showoff...

Check out the standing and pedaling technique!!!

The proof...

Geordie driving and starting his bike on his own!!!

More driving...

Today, Callum took Geordie to practice his 'driving'. Yesterday Geordie did a whole loop in the driveway! Today, he was starting on his own, using the breaks and going round and round and round and round and round...well you get my drift, the tennis court!!! He even drove the bike back to our place which is up a hill.

Off with the Training wheels!!!

A couple of months a go Geordie and I had a conversation that went something like this...

Geordie: Mummy, when can I drive the car?

Me: When you are 16.

Geordie: Ah! Man!...well, when can I get my training wheels taken off?

Me: When you are 4!


He's not yet four but he's driving without training wheels anyway!!! The other day Geordie was at our good friends The Gray's house having a great time while Callum and I slaved away getting the house in order. They were outside playing and Nora Jane (Geordie's friend) was learning how to ride her bike without the training wheels, so of course Geordie wanted too!!He had great success!!!!
I have a feeling that he will be driving a car before 16 as well!!!!!

above: Geordie driving (with Kevin & Nora Jane in the background), Geordie telling Nora Jane how to take the wheels off ;) , an extremely happy Geordie!!!

The Pogo

The other day we were running around crazily trying to do everything at once for the house. It was a 'snow day'. We didn't think anything of it, but down here, even Subway was closed!
Anyway, we had to get lunch on the go so I introduced Geordie to The Pogodog (they are called corndogs down here). My father loves them!! Now Geordie is a big fan as well!!!

Lobster, my friend

Due to the craziness with the move we've been eating out a lot. One night we were out at a place that had crawfish
Geordie asked for one on a plate, so we got one. He named it 'Lobster'! He's a genius I tell you!!!!
Lobster was great entertainment, we were actually able to stay at the restaurant for over an hour without one, "I want to go!".
Lobster came home with us since he quickly became close friends with Geordie. Lobster was allowed to stay overnight but had to go back to his place first thing in the morning.
The next morning, we all felt used. Lobster was gone before any of us got up. He must have called a cab or taken 'the walk of shame' home, wearing the same clothes as the night before.

above; Geordie with his friend Lobster & Lobster sleeping in his big room.

ABC's

I've been trying to get him to do this for awhile...notice the "I did it nicely Mummy"?!?! As you can imagine, this was not the first take!!!! Please take note of Zed!!!!! That's my Canadian Boy!!!!

Alone and in need of help!!!!

Callum and I have been married for seven years, five months and one day. We got married on a Friday (at home in Halifax, NS) and moved away the following Tuesday (to Toronto, ON). This past week is the first time that we have really, really felt alone.
Trying to get the house back in shape after 'the incident' is really taking a toll. In the beginning we were a head of schedule, and thank goodness for that!! This past week I lost two days (one for Geordie being sick, the other because Geordie's school was canceled due to a 'winter storm'). This coming Monday is also a holiday so there is another day that I will not be able to do anything. On the weekends we have tried taking Geordie with us to 'help' but painting a closet only works for about 15 minutes, the portable DVD player only works for another 15...so what to do next!?!?! On top of that Geordie is also feeling the stress that we are going through which is not helping!!
We can't help thinking how different it would be if we were home!! Where we could easily drop Geordie off at 'the grandparents' and go do what we have to do. Where we wouldn't think twice about imposing on anyone!!! Here it's different. I finally broke down and did email some friends and they are all set to help out. It was hard to ask for help, I think that's why I emailed rather then called. The friends we have down here are great and I know that they would help out in any way possible, but they also have their own lives.
Also, not to say that we have not had any help...we have, and we have totally appreciated it.
It's just different!!! Sorry, can't explain it...it's just different!!
Well, here's to us just getting through the next two weeks!!!

photo: Callum and I on our '6 month' wedding anniversary. We thought we should have received presents...nobody else did!!!

That's not a snowstorm!!!! THIS is a snowstorm!!!!

Right now as I write not only is it snowing in Georgia but it's actually staying on the ground!! I was just talking to Callum and he said that everyone is taking pictures (with their phones) out the window . Callum is making fun of them, of course, as well as telling them that the Interstate (20) is shut down, due to the snow... and they are believing him!!!!
Funny thing is we'll probably hear for a couple of weeks how crazy this snowfall was...they know nothing!!!!

Photo: My mother in a snowfall back home!!! Isn't it pretty!!???!!!

Surpise!!!

Back in November we surprised Grandpa for his birthday. Geordie loved it!!! He loved the idea of being a present. Of course, by the time we got to the door to say surprise he turned shy and didn't want to wear the bow he picked out!!!!

For those of you who only know Callum...yes, it is true! Dolly was NOT the first thing cloned!!!

photo: Geordie with Grannie and Grandpa!

Being liked!

Last night we went to Chick-fil-A for supper. For those of y'all in the North...it is a must!!! If you're ever down in these here parts, find one and go!!! Food is great, 9 times out of 10 they have a playground and the owner is a deeply religious man (can you believe that, down here?!?!?) who does not open on Sunday!!! Now for that alone, I would spend my money there!!! It annoys the hell out of me that people who are so dead set about following the bible and into their religious beliefs still find it fine to not have a day of rest!!!!
Anyway, back to my story... sometimes Geordie has a little bit of a weird fashion sense and we allow it. It comes to the whole 'biggies -vs- smallies'. You know, except for the fact that it might get on your nerves, is what your child doing hurting himself or anyone else? Is it going to make a huge impact on his life? If the answer is NO (a.k.a. a smallie) then we allow it. Save the negotiating for the 'biggies'!!!
Last night Geordie decided that he wanted to wear his ski goggles out. So we're getting out of the car and walking to the restaurant. Three or four teenagers are walking to their car, there was one guy and the rest were girls.
Well, they saw Geordie and did the whole, "look at him...he's wearing goggles...he's so cute" thing. Geordie turned and smiled at them and then turned back and said to us, "those ladies like me!"

above: the goggles and the diva!

Spelling Smarts?!?!?!

As most parents do we've been spelling certain words now for a couple of years. This took me a long time to be able to do, as my brain does not work that way (no comments needed!). I have heard many stories about how children eventually know what the parents are spelling. Well, this is Geordie's version...
About a month a go, we were all together and Callum or I spelled something. Geordie says, "no, I don't think so, I want to A-B-C-F-I-G!". This is now a regular thing.

While home a friend told me of a letter toy, I saw it at her house and bought it before we left. I know I could probably get it here but I wanted the 'Canadian edition' it said ZED, not ZEE. Geordie loves it and I wish that I had known about it a year or more a go. I highly recommend it!!

photo: Geordie's 'school' picture

Snow...

Geordie loves it, he says, "it's juicy!"

When do things change?

Geordie enjoys cleaning, he asks to do it regularly. He likes vacuuming, washing windows and sweeping. He also loved shoveling. My question is...when does it change? When do you suddenly hate doing these things...and why?!?!?!

picture: Geordie shoveling on Swaine St.

Christmas Presents...

Geordie cleaned up this Christmas. It was great he got a lot of really good presents that we easily brought back with us. Nana and Grandad got him a camera, which he loves!!! It was one of his first presents that he opened. When he opened a present that he really liked (for example his computer from Uncle Russell and Uncle Greggie) he would get me to hold it and then he would take a picture of it. It was quite funny.
If Geordie opened a present that he wasn't that in too, he would simply put it to the side and say, "no thank you".

picture: Geordie opening a present that was neither photo worthy or a 'no thank you'!!

To decorate or not to decorate...

This year for Christmas we were not going to bother putting up any decorations since Geordie and I were leaving on the 16th and Callum on the 21st. Our plan was just to go home and decorate Nana and Grandad's tree. Well, Geordie really got into the whole decorating thing and wanted to do it so we went to Hobby Lobby and purchased a small tree, a set of lights and some ornaments (all for under $10...Americans do know about sales!). So Geordie decorated 'his tree'. There were some branches with six ornaments on it. It was quite a nice tree...in one area!
We went home and he then decorated Nana and Grandad's tree, which was his as well, of course! When Geordie was finished there was one 'lane' of ornaments going from top to bottom. If you looked straight on it looked great! Move a bit to the side, either way, and there was NOTHING! Again, there were branches that had 6 or 7 ornaments on it.
It did rival the Christmas tree from the late 80's or early 90's that my brother Greg did. My other brother Russell and I are still convinced that Greg stood back and threw the ornaments on.
Over a week a go I tried to take down our little tree. I took off all the ornaments and then Geordie walked into the room. Well...he would have none of that. He put all the ornaments back on and I figured that I would just take it down that night after he was in bed. A little bit later I was on the computer and heard a little banging and then a lot of 'scuffle', then it stopped. Geordie came running in and told me to 'come see'. He took me into his bedroom and there was the Christmas tree, with lights on, I might add, in his room. Geordie had taken the tree down off of the dining room table and brought it up the stairs to his room. It's still there now!!!



above: Geordie in the snow

Some funny parenting...

Really, Callum is a great father!!! These were just some really funny photos.

Tonights dinner conversation went like this:

Geordie, "can I have my ring" asking about a gaudy Spider man ring.

Callum, "no, we're eating now"

Geordie, while pointing to Callum's hand, "but you have your ring on".

Callum had nothing to say!!!

above; yes, that is Callum with a pair of binoculars (bi-noc-i-nocs according to Geordie).

Great sayings by Callum

" If I thought that I could make food, I would almost allow you to go away by yourself"

So, it's been awhile...

it's not that life has been dull, far from it, it's been too busy. We are in the month from hell!! A little while a go I wrote about staying here for another year due to various factors; sale of house not going through, no jobs worthy, etc... It really mainly all came down to the house!

We were doing a non-conventional sale and things didn't work out. We were selling the house ourselves and people came to us with a lease to own offer. We said no. A third party (a real estate company) came in and said that they would buy it after 6 months. Meanwhile the people were to move into the house and the real estate company was to assume our loan (this means that they are the ones that are to pay the monthly mortgage, we still owned the house). Well, the people stopped paying and the company (who was then supposed to pay) did not.

So, long story short (like I can), we had to go through the courts and get the people out of the house and we are now 'in talks' with lawyers. The people left the house in a mess and now we have to deal with that. This weekend past was spent cleaning out the house, we filled a dumpster with things left behind. Now we have to get it cleaned and repainted (that's how bad it is!). Then there's the carpets... here's to hoping that Sears Carpet Cleaning can work their magic!! We're hoping to be in by the end of the month.

Above you will notice Callum in the dumpster...isn't that insane?!?!? You wouldn't believe the stuff they left behind!!! We threw out everything (including over 20 porn videos, some with hand written 'XXX Live' on them...not to worry they also had various religious paraphernalia to make up for the tapes). We did keep four large garbage bags full of clothes, which we will donate.
Notice the grocery cart in the back...that was actually in the laundry room!

Snow, Snow and More Snow...

We are loving the snow!!! Geordie's enjoying sledding and Callum's getting some great use out of the death sled he made years a go. It sounds scarier then what it really is. It's simply a toboggan on skis. Not to be confused with the toboggan of the south, which is what they call a tuque. One friend from 'down there' referred to it as "skis with a seat on it".

pictures; I'm coming! I'm going! I'm gone! All done!

What is this freedom of speech you speak of?!?!?!

I was driving down Young St., in Halifax listening to the radio, the song Dear Mr. President by Pink came on. About a month and a half a go Callum was up in Toronto and heard the song and was telling me about it. I always meant to download it and listen but kept forgetting. Today I finally heard it!!!
I was listening to a station very much like the ones (four to be exact!) I listen to in Georgia. I have never heard this song even mentioned on the stations, and they all play a lot of Pink!!!
Now here's my question...is anyone surprised?!?!?
When the Dixie Chicks came out with Not Ready to Make Nice two out of the four radio stations played it (although for the first couple of months before the song came on there was a public service announcement made by the president of the station, about how they decided to play 'this group' because even without air play they still had the #1 song in the country and a bit more blah, blah, blah...).
I wonder if it is played in other States or if it's just south of the Mason-Dixon line!!

The Snow Experience!

We arrived home yesterday. Our flight was actually fifteen minutes early!! (So HA!! to those pessimists!!!) Others were not so lucky.
We did arrive to snow and Geordie could not have been happier. I'll admit, I didn't exactly mind it either!!!
Last night my father quickly went out and got boots for Geordie and we borrowed a snowsuit from his cousin. He was all set for Canadian outside play.
This morning he found the boots right away. He was very excited and put them on. He then walked around like Frankenstein.
Later that day, after much practice with the boots, when it was time to go out he put on the snow pants, boots, jacket, hat and mittens and went on his way. He was beyond excited all he wanted to do was dig! We could not find his shovel so my mother gave him a big spoon and an old ice cream bucket. He was satisfied.
Outside he slowly made his way down the steps and onto the sidewalk. He tried to get up on to the snow but the wind was holding him back a little. I told him to quickly get on the snow then turn his back to the wind (showing him as well as telling him). Geordie nodded his head and then did his own thing... he turned around and walked backwards. He was a little disappointed though because the snow had a covering of ice and he couldn't dig as much as he wanted too. So out comes super mummy with a shovel and smashes it up for him. I went back in to watch from the door (you didn't seriously think that I stayed out in that cold weather did you?!?!?!). Within minutes Geordie was surrrounded by two 'ladies' ( I would say age 2 & 4). They seemed to just stand around while he dug!
He was digging standing up and I called out to him that he can sit down on the snow because he's wearing snow pants. He just stared at me like I had five heads and was a crazy lady!! This is not exactly new!!!
When it was time to come in he brought his 'shovel and pail' in with some snow! He wanted to play with it inside. He forgot about it for a bit and then when he went back to it, it was water. He was okay with that...he wasn't okay when I poured it down the sink!!!!

above; Christmas 2006

Pot?!?! Kettle?!??! Black?!?!?

This morning I overheard a husband say to a child,
"Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall".

That's all I have to say...



So as not to incriminate anyone, real names were not used.

Traction Control

Yesterday when Geordie came home from school we noticed that he had a rubber band on each shoe...

Us, "Geordie, why do you have rubber bands on your shoes?"

Geordie, "I put them on at school to help me go up the slide"

We asked his teacher's about them, they had nothing to do with it. We now call him MacGyver!!

above; the MacGyver traction control

Beliefs?!?!?!?!?!?

Last night I asked Callum if he had read my blog lately.
He replied, with a straight face, "I don't believe in blog!"
He was serious, he really thought that, that actually made sense!!!

What in the hell is there to believe in?!?!?!

I do know that he believes in superheroes...


above; Captain Hay Bail, PEI 08/03

Geordie-isms

Like most children Geordie still has his own words. Of course you think that only your child has them and that his special words are the funniest thing ever!!!! Unfortunately the Wright side of the family (not to be confused with the actual 'right' side) seem to do that at any age.

Callum's parents live in Wilmington, N.C. Very nice place. It's where Dawson's Creek was taped and now One Tree Hill, along with various movies. It can be a little on the 'posh side' and has a gated community called Landfall there. Well, Callum and his father are both known for calling things by other names. I don't know if it's to remember things or if they just have too much going on in their head to remember the correct name/term (for example, Callum always calls it The Space Pin). So Landfall became Landfill as soon as they moved there. Only problem was that I had just recently seen something about a bunch of people who made a ski hill out of garbage with a community around it so I really thought that it was called Landfill!!!
One night at a party in Wilmington I was talking to some people who lived in this gated community and I called it Landfill!!!

Here are a few of Geordie's little 'sayings'...

cereal is 'cereat'
backpack is 'packback'
'at morning' means anything in the past
'butter' could be either butter or peanut butter
flip-flops are 'flop-flops' (and it actually started out as 'glup-glups')
pants are 'long shorts'
boys underwear are called 'boxers' while girls underwear is 'knicker-boxers'
the tongue of a sneaker is the 'chin'
a belt is a 'seatbelt' (it seems that anything that goes around your waist is a seatbelt)
meringue (like the pie) is 'a-rang-a-tang' (like the monkey)
bathing suit was 'baby soup' at first but has now turned into 'baby suit'
driver's suit is 'driving soup' (yes, only my child would know that one!)
fog is 'frog'
breasts are 'lady bumps' (he really, really did come up with this all by himself!)
gargling is 'like a wookie'




above;Geordie making himself handsome 11/07

Cheap -vs- Thrifty

Yesterday I was talking to a bunch of people a-boot the whole thrifty thing and it had me remember one of Callum's finest moment!!! Truthfully I don't remember if this is one of the stories that he hates me to tell or not, but it's just way too funny!!!! I've been having spontaneous giggles every so often for the past 24 hours whenever I think of it again so I felt the need to tell!!!

When we first lived in Toronto we used to do our grocery shopping together. This one day while in the produce section I asked Callum to pick out a few ears of corn. When we were home and I was putting the groceries away I got to the corn...they had already been 'peeled', yup, no husks left. Callum didn't want to pay for the husks since it was like 'dead weight'. It was heavy so it made the corn more expensive and we don't eat that part, wasted money. It took me a couple of days to tell him that you pay per ear, not by the pound!

above: Callum

Holiday Cards...to do or not to do?!?!

The holiday card...do you send them? If so, to who? To people that you see everyday or just to those that really the only time you come into contact with them is by holding the Christmas card that they sent you?!!? When you think about it, does it make sense to send to either?!?
Actually, maybe that's more about the Christmas letter
Yes, the good 'ol Christmas letter...I enjoy receiving these. I also secretly enjoy writing them. What's better than talking (okay, writing) about yourself and your family with no interruptions? You can say all you want about how you don't brag, but there's no getting around it. Everyone does...really, think about it, how can you not brag, "Geordie is doing well in school, he is very social." Even though that is a fact, it's bragging. Goodness even me saying that Geordie is a bad ass (which he is and we love him dearly for it) is bragging that he's mischievous. Do you send those people who you see weekly an update on your family when they've been living through it all with you? Why do you send to those who you don't talk to anymore except for this one last connection? Also, with email, social networks, blogs how are you only in contact with them through Holiday mail?!?!?!
Really, my problem with the whole card/letter situation is finishing them. We all know that I have a problem with finishing things. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I didn't have a c-section.
This year, due to problems that have come up we have decided to not bother sending anything out. Unfortunately the same happened last year. Well, different situation, but same no cards! I'm hoping most people are reading this and not thinking that we just forgot them or worse took them off our 'wist'. To end...here's to a great 2008 to all and don't take us off your 'wist', we're hoping to get the card/letter back and running next year!!!!


above: Geordie putting on the ornament he made at The Square in Carrollton

Christmas Parade

This is our fifth holiday season here and we finally went to the Christmas parade. Well, Geordie and I did. Callum was stuck working. First of all I can't believe that it's our fifth!!!!???!!!!
Anyway, we went with some friends and it was... interesting. I actually don't remember ever watching a parade. Being in them? Yes!! But watching them?!?!? Well, I now know why I've never watched one. BORING!!!!!
There are two high schools in Carrollton, one's marching band started it and the other finished it. In between there were church's, church's and more church's. With a couple of extras thrown in. Please notice picture...it's those guys that reenact the civil war stuff. I only thought that they were in movies!!!
We had a great time. Geordie was with his friends and I was with mine and it was great to be there and [actually] know some other people as well. It was a little weird to be watching a Christmas parade in the dark wearing a sweater. There's just something to be said for cold weather and chance of snow during the holidays!!!
Something that I find weird down here is that the people in the parade throw candy. I've never come across this before...does it sound normal?!?!?! Geordie of course likes it and I won't complain when a tootsie roll is thrown my way. But it's still a little weird to me.
All in all a good time was had by all and we still have some candy left for a four hour drive to Savannah tomorrow.


above: (1st pic) Geordie, Nora Jane & Jayley (2nd pic) Nora Jane, Jayley & Geordie
(3rd pic) reenactment studs!!

Here for a ?good? time, not a long time...

After all the whining, complaining and lockdowns we have decided to stay on for another year!!! But, come early spring 2009 we are back to the home land, and that's 'fer shore'!!!
To begin we have not received a good enough offer of (or for) a job. Are we being picky?!?!? YES!!! Then the sale of our house did not go through so we are in the middle of that now. We were planning on still heading back to Canada and dealing with the house thing from there but then Callum's work came up with an amazingly good offer if we stay for the next year. So last week, the day after the lockdown we signed a contract to stay on for 2008.
So, we will be heading back to our house and putting it back up for sale. Thing is, it's not as disappointing as I thought it would be. Maybe because we have an actual time frame, where as before we've just been waiting [impatiently] to move and never really knew when.
Anyway, that's it for now...believe me there is more to this story, I'll fill y'all in later!!!!

3 or 13?!?!?!?!

The other day Geordie and I were at a store. This was our conversation...

me, "Geordie, you choose, do you want to sit in the seat of 'the buggy' or the main part of it?"

Geordie, "I want to walk."

me, "I'm sorry, you can walk later right now your choices are seat or the main part of 'the buggy'.

Geordie, "uuuhhhh...whatever!"

Yes, I got my first attitude 'whatever'. Where did this come from?!?! Not from my sweet little boy, who I know can be more on the side of badass at times!! Still!!! He's only three!!!! I know they say that children are growing up faster these days but...three?!?!?! saying whatever?!?!?!? This was a day after the three of us went out to lunch and he ended up sitting at a different table from us. I'm already getting the 'when can I drive' question. It comes right after the, "Mummy, when can I take my training wheels off my bike" question.

picture; 08/2004

Bad words?!?!?

One of Geordie's first words was the "s-word". No joke!! I would say it went something like please, mummy, daddy, yes, no, hi, s-word. Actually come to think of it the "f-word" was probably in his first 50!!! Thing is he used it in the correct context. One day he knocked over a cup of milk and said, "S*@T".
I remember my mother saying, even before Geordie was born, that the f-word would be one of his first words. Callum didn't believe her. As funny, and actually cute, as it is to hear a baby swear you don't really want it to happen. Callum quickly went into baby-mode and stopped swearing at home. For those of you who know Callum, I know that this is unbelievable but it's true. Even now, I am so used to not hearing him swear anymore that when he does it freaks me out a little.
Geordie stopped swearing about a week before he first started school... at the First Baptist Church Pre-school. Could you imagine what they would have done?!?!?!
So, now the problem is me!! Most of you know that I'm not one to swear. I was always afraid of getting caught and then by the time I was 'allowed' to, I thought I sounded stupid. Even now, I will spell words out and ruin stories by saying the f-word, or s-word (ask Lynn, she rolls her eyes every time). My problem is hell and damn!! So, of course, that's now Geordie's problem, well, actually ours!!!
The other day I was talking with some people about Geordie 'hanging out' at the skate park (as in skate board). Someone commented about the language that the teenagers would use around him, and being worried about that. Swearing isn't really done down here. At Callum's work the employees can easily pick out the Canadians, they are the people who swear. There are some things that I try and keep Geordie away from, language, well, I can't say it's at the top of my list.
Guns, violence, now there are some things that I would prefer for my child not to witness. Which leads me to the one thing that really bothers me, why are the 'swear words' censored out of a movie that is on in the middle of the afternoon (for example, on TBS, 'heck' is heard while you see the lips say 'hell') yet, they will show someone being blown up or a person shooting another and think that this is acceptable?!?!?! I would much prefer my child to hear the f-word then see something violent, even on television. So, am I backwards?!?!?! I mentioned this to the ladies I was talking too...they looked at me like I was blue. I took it that they thought I was backwards.
Thing is...I know Geordie's going to swear. It's a given!! Actually, its possibly it's in his genes. Swearing is fine!! Now if he picked up a gun...I would have a problem!!!

Geordie on the first day of school 09/07

It's all about the plastic...

...as in surgery, not credit!!! When we were moving down here my m-i-l (that's Mother-in-law who lives in North Carolina) had just been invited to a Botox Party (think Tupperware only with Botox) so I knew that things were a little different down here. But I didn't think that it would be that different on this subject!!!!
The amount of boob jobs that are walking around down here is insane!!! I'm not talking about reductions for health reasons (to which I know of two people back home who have had that, again...for health reasons) I'm talking about up (at least) two sizes kind of jobs, perky kind of jobs, 16 year old boobs kind of jobs!!!
It seemed like Callum came home and told me about someone having something done at least twice a week for the first two or three months that we were down here. Mainly boobs, also some tummy things. It all just seemed to be done so easily, almost like getting your haircut. You decide on the style and then in the chair you go!!!
To change the subject just a little... I'm a radio listener. I always was but since my brother, Russell, became an 'on air personality' I feel like I need to support radio. I love listening to this show in the morning. They're great and could actually be Canadian...there's even a lesbian in the crew!!!! If you ever have a second, check them out in the morning. Hilarious!!!!
Anyway, the thing that got my attention was a new contest, 'pick ur plastic'. Yes, my friends you can win that plastic surgery you have always wanted. Is this weird, or am I just showing my age?!?!?!

above; Uncle Russell with Geordie

...put it on my wist, pwease!

Back when things were much easier...



Geordie is now at the age where he wants everything so instead of dealing with the complaining and whining about wanting something we put it on the list.
About a month a go when Geordie really started to get into the 'I want that' phase that will probably last the rest of his life I explained to him that Daddy and I will make him a list and any time he sees anything he wants he just needs to ask us to put it on his list. When it's a 'present time' we will go to 'the list' and pick from that.
Now, really, I'm not totally sure that Geordie understands the whole process and if he thinks that he's going to get everything that he has put on his list he is greatly mistaken. He does know that he gets presents for Christmas and his birthday and those presents will come from his list.
We are told on average about 20 things a day that he wants on his list and sometimes he remembers what things he has on his list. For example a commercial could come on and he'll say, "oh that's on my wist". Only problem, and really I don't see it as being that much of one, is that we have yet to start writing down the list!!! There's plenty of time though and there are always going to be things that Geordie wants.
The real test was one day in a toy store. I watched three mothers dealing with their children screaming about what they wanted and that they couldn't leave the store without it. Meanwhile Geordie and I were quietly walking through the store with him holding my hand, pointing at things and saying, "mummy, can you put that on my wist?". Yes, the question over and over and over can get annoying but really...which would you prefer?!?!

above; Geordie 11/04

Marketing

This is the new marketing campaign at the local Chevrolet dealership. Interesting isn't it?!?!? Well, this isn't it!!! When you buy a car your name goes in for a draw to win a Beretta gun thingie.

Lockdown

Today I decided to check out the after-after Thanksgiving day sales. There were some great sales. I was actually looking for a fleece for Geordie for those cold mornings but there were a couple things that I had to grab. I have a rule no more than $4 for a shirt and $6 for a pair of pants. So, I got one pair of pants and two shirts...and I was being very 'choosey'.
So, I'm minding my own business walking along and I notice that people are standing around and looking in one direction. I figure someone fainted or was sick. It was before noon on a Monday most of the people in the mall are over 65 at this time.
As I'm walking down towards where everyone is looking I notice that the stores are starting to close their doors. So I asked a salesperson who was holding a cordless telephone what was going on. She said that there had been gunshots fired and that she was closing her door. So I ran into her store and we closed the door. Hung out there for a little bit then when everyone was starting to open their doors and police were around we ventured out. I went to the next store as my car was parked out that way and since the police/security were not stopping anyone it seemed safe to go. Not so, next thing you know all stores had to close their doors and lock them. No one could leave or enter the mall. One of the suspects was 'missing'. Luckily I was in Borders so being stuck in there for a couple of hours really wasn't that bad. I had books, magazines, music, food, drinks and a bathroom. Here's the story.
Thing is yes, we were okay but we all knew that one of the suspects had still not been found. I grabbed a bunch of books and magazines, as well as a chair and went to a secluded spot away from windows. There were some people attached to the windows including one family with a 1.5 year old and a 4 year old. I'm usually not a WCS (worst case scenario) thinker but in this situation I was!!!! Maybe I've just been hanging around Callum too long!
When we finally did get out of the store we had to line up so that they could go through our stuff (if they felt the need) and check our I.D. After finally getting out of the mall we then had a long wait to get out of the parking lot as they were also checking cars if they felt the need.
I guess this is the 3rd situation with guns in the last month at the mall.
hhhhhmmmm..... any thoughts?!?!?!?!

...the thought that counts

This morning Geordie and I were planning on going to the skate park where he skates with all his 'dudes'. No joke...they call him 'little dude'. Anyway, I told him I had to first get a shower and then breakfast. He asked if I was going to have eggs and I said maybe.
When I got out of the shower he informed me that my eggs were almost ready. I will point out that up to this point of the day I had not yet been to the kitchen and Callum was not home. I went downstairs and found four egg shells in the sink, Geordie had 'mixed them up' in one of his little bowls that only has room for one egg and then poured them into a pot. There was a little bit of egg mixture on the floor (that I actually couldn't see due to all the toilet paper that was on top of it) and on his stool, but other than that he did a good job. After the whole safety/cooking conversation it was off to the skate park...

I started taking a painting class about a month a go. Watercolour portraits (sorry being where I am it's actually watercolor). This is to be my first 'assignment'. Wish me luck!!!!

The performer...

Friday Callum and I watched Geordie in his first performance. His 'school' put on a Thanksgiving production. The Early Childhood Music Educator in me thought it was horrible. I never let any of my students under the age of 6 perform in front of people. I think that's one of the worst things you could ever do to any child. Meanwhile the parent in me loved it!!!!

Geordie was so cute!!! We had our worries of course...that he would see us and come running to us but he was absolutely fine! I would go so far as to say GREAT!!!! He was actually one of the few three year olds that not only sang but did the dance as well. Once in awhile we got a wave and he kept looking at me while he performed. It looked like he really enjoyed himself being the centre of attention!! I have no idea where that comes from - this is when a sarcasm key is needed on these damn things!!!!
As one friend said, "Geordie took to the stage like hockey to ice!"

I guess each child received an 'Indian name'. What's Geordie's you ask?!?!?! 'The Big Snake' of course!!! As Callum says, "he IS Scottish...there is a reason why we wear kilts!".

Geordie is the one in the blue shirt, possibly also the only one participating in these pictures. If you notice in the picture by himself he looks like he is either in pain, or the devil. This is actually his *smile* when you say 'smile' and take a picture, as for his eyes...it was horrible lighting there!

To begin...

I've been watching (more so reading) everyone else's blogs. Tonight I decided, I have a few minutes lets finally get one started. Which, truthfully, I'm surprised I haven't started one of these before!! I am the perpetual starter. I get an idea in my head and I do it right away. Finishing...well, that's a different story. Even this, I went to 'start' my own brand new blog tonight only to find out that I had started one about a month ago...and never finished it!!! Second...I get to 'talk' without any interruptions. Now really, how have I not started one of these?!?!?!?
Getting back to the starter thing; a couple of months a go Callum (the husband) and I were going through our books. On one shelf we found books on how to (1) do calligraphy (2) make lanterns out of paper (3) make candles (4) crochet (5) run...believe me I could go on. I decide I want to do something and I rush out and figure out where/when/how. Sometimes I get a book about it, sometimes I look it all up on the internet, once in a while I actually do it. Well, at least start it!!!
I do come by this honestly!! Ask my mother...she lived with a hole in the ceiling of the living room and half a mantle for way too many years to count!!!
I see that most people have a reason to these things...I don't think I do! Or if I do, believe me, it will change. So it will forever be known as My Bloggie Thingie! So for now...it's about the trials and tribulations of a Princess stuck in the south with my little family (Callum - husband, Geordie - 3 year old son) trying to get back to the mother land (Canada) while finishing her second undergrad (BBA) through distance education! Actually it's just another place to show pictures and brag about how smart Geordie is... speaking of which, how do you add those pictures!!!!

Good noise or bad noise?!?!?

Lastnight we were sitting around the table...

I was talking...

Geordie, "Mummy, please stop talking"

me, "why?"

Geordie, "I don't like that noise!"