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!

Now...off to find a 10K! Preferably in the fall...and preferably in Canada! :oP

Meanwhile, would you believe that our child is a s*@t disturber?!?!?

Hard to believe, isn't it?!?!?

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.

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.

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;

Annoying child: "my eyes aren't red"

Geordie: "Yes they are. I can see it! It's really red!"

Annoying Child: "really!??! but my mother said they weren't" starting to freak a little

Geordie: totally calm "Nope! They're bright red!"

Unfortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. BOTH Callum and I love pushing other people's buttons!

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1/2 Fish

Summer is coming along meltingly! Seriously! I am melting away...in more ways than one!!! Tomorrow is my 5K. The weather is saying, 'feels like' 38 C. Here's hoping the route is shaded!!

The swimming lessons are going great! Here's Geordie in his first session of swimming lessons.

Front crawl (or what they call free style); back crawl; breast stroke and play time at the end! Would you believe that the water is 12ft deep here. He knows that it's "2 Grandad's" long and thinks absolutely nothing of it! Our philosophy...what's the difference between 12 ft or 4 ft for him?!?!?

Wordless Wednesday - Summer Fun!

Unclear & 'Misread-able'

So I received a comment the other day by anonymous. I did not take it as 'trolly', but I do feel that it is one for discussion.

In my post last week; 'Thoughts on moving...by Geordie'.

I wrote how I had told him, 'We are a lot different than most of the people here, we think and believe in different things and we want to be with other people who are more like us.'

I realize now that it was unclear and could be misread. I have also discussed this with Geordie.

My new friend Newt from the Tyler, Texas area pointed this out to me by commenting;

Anonymous said...

"we think and believe in different things and we want to be with other people who are more like us"

Are the "people who are more like us" those who are into diversity and who appreciate other people with different lifestyles, outlooks, etc.?

Newt

So, to answer your question Newt, and to expand on something I should have in the first place;

Yes, 'the people who are more like us' ARE into diversity and appreciate other people with different lifestyles, outlooks, etc... That is why we want to be surrounded by them.

Being here for almost 6 years we have taken in the culture, we now say grill instead of BBQ. We do not regret the move here as it has taught us a lot. Unfortunately, though, where we live there is not much diversity, different lifestyles and/or outlooks. There is also not a lot of appreciation of other cultures. As always, I will point out that this is not everyone. We have surrounded ourselves with some great people, who do think differently than us and yet, we still love them! ;)

So, I probably should have said something like '...we want to be surrounded by diversity and appreciation of many cultures...'

Does that sound right?!?
Have you ever been unclear and/or misread?

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Virginia is for Lovers...

That is actually Virginia's claim to fame. I find this extremely funny as Callum and I have only ever been there with Geordie in tow AND HIS PARENTS!!!!!

Last weekend at a glance;

Race wise...good quali, horrible first race, found out something happened to the carbor-thingie, had to work for a while fixing it; race final next am went extremely well.

The beginning... we're the orange car. I think they call it a Lola but truthfully I don't know if that means the type (like sedan), the company (like Honda), or the make (like Accord)...and again, I think that it's a Lola.

The middle...

Geordie's "Grandpa just passed someone" dance.

The End

1st in class, 3rd overall!

Driving from the track to the podium (picture by Geordie)

'The Team'

Driving back to the garage from the podium

...and, as always, he was catered too;

Here's the view from my chair, where I was more than excited that there was WiFi for me and my little friend. I asked if they needed any help once or twice...well, maybe I just thought of asking; As they say, it's the thought that counts! ;)






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Wordless Wednesday - Graduation of a Pre-schooler Prt II

*** If you missed it, here's Graduation Prt I!

Creative Conversations...

Although Geordie is going through a huge, "I don't like girls" phase he has a few that seem to be void of this rule.

There are his 10 year old twins across the street, and of course N.J. , then there is Tara!

Tara is my brothers girlfriend and Geordie is more than smitten...still...and he has not seen her since Christmas!!

A couple of weeks a go when we were in Wilmington. We were sitting around Callum's parents table having lunch discussing something or other that had absolutely nothing to do with anything Tara!;

Grandpa: "...the little blonde one?"

Geordie: (who was not even involved in this conversation) "who? what? Do you mean Tara?!?"

Grannie: "Who is Tara?"

Me: "Greg's girlfriend."

Geordie: "Who's Greg?!?"

Yes, my friends...complete denial!


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A couple of weeks a go Callum and I were discussing a 'project' that Geordie needed to do for his graduation;

Me: "Oh, it says that he can draw us, we don't need to get a picture, we'll just get him to draw one."

Callum: "He can draw us?!?!?!"

Me: "Yes! That's what it says."

Callum: "Okay?!?! But I'm telling you now...it is NOT going to look like us!!"


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Callum called home, Geordie answered;

Callum: "Did you call?"

Geordie: "No."

Callum: "Did Mummy call?"

Geordie: "No"

Callum: "Are you sure?"

* this from the guy who you have to ask 'did the phone ring while I was gone? did you answer it?' too!

Geordie: "Daddy, I know that Mummy did not call you!"

Callum: "Is Mummy sitting right beside you?"

Geordie: "No, she's in the shower, that's how I know she didn't call you. Can you call back later please?"

Callum: "Yes" ...feeling a little silly.

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Graduation of a pre-schooler (part I)

Here is the beginning of Geordie's 'graduation'. He is front row middle. He is the loud voice that you can hear clearly until there are words that he is unsure of...although, that didn't stop him from belting it out loud and clear! It's possible that he is the only child in his class who did not know this song until he was taught it here. ;)

Anyone care to bet money that Callum rolled his eyes at the chorus of 'aaaaahhhhhsss' from the parents!??!!!

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Thoughts on Moving...by Geordie

* This is all talk, there is no moving...yet!*

Geordie has been talking a lot about moving lately. A couple of weeks a go this conversation came up;

Geordie; "Why are we moving?"

Me; "Mummy & Daddy are not from here and we only came down here to live for a bit and experience a different 'culture' and we feel that our time is more than up."

Geordie; "But I like it here. I don't want to leave my girls! Why do we have to leave?"

Me; "Well, it's kind of hard to explain but this is not exactly a great fit for Mummy and Daddy. We are a lot different than most of the people here, we think and believe in different things and we want to be with other people who are more like us. Plus, we like winter. Remember Mummy & Daddy are Canadian."

Geordie; "But I'm from here."

Me; "Yes, you were born here but you are also a Canadian citizen because Mummy & Daddy are. Just like Daddy is Canadian but he is also Scottish because that's where Grannie & Grandpa are from."

Geordie; "I like it here though."

Me; "I know, but you'll like it there too. You'll make more friends and there will be things to do there that you can't do here...like skiing and snowboarding."

Geordie; "But I don't have ski boots."

Me; "Well, we can get some. There is also skating."

Geordie; "OH YEAH!!!! ...and then I can do hockey.
Okay...I'm ready, let's move to Canada!"



Since then there has been much talk about moving from Geordie, although nothing has come up yet!
Only problem is that he thinks that moving to Canada means moving to Halifax. We have had to explain that, that might not be the case. Just hoping that wherever we end up they have a skate park as good as Halifax's. He talks about it all the time... to the point where he only goes to the one in Carrollton to practise for the one in Hali!

Here was the conversation the other day;

Geordie; "Will we live with Nana & Grandad?"

Me; "Remember Geordie we might not be moving to Halifax. There are other places in Canada too."

Callum; "...but yes, we would probably stay with Nana & Grandad for a bit and then move to our own home."

Geordie; "But I want to live with Nana & Grandad forever!"

Callum; "Yeah?!?!? Well Mummy & Daddy DON'T!"


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Mumbles on a Monday!

We have had a crazy couple of weeks. In the last week of school I was trying to get out and do things that I can't do when I have a five year old trailing behind. We had Geordie's graduation (pictures to come soon). Took a trip to Wilmington and spent some great days on the beach! Water at just over 20 degrees Celsius...in May!!! Who can complain!?!?! Does water EVER get that warm back home at any time?!?!?

Then we get back and try and get into a regular routine for summer.

So...this is what we are up too! Mornings consist of yoga for lumpy parts, work (reading, math, geography) then off to swimming lessons. Afternoon some quiet time, then some kind of experiment, finish with an outing (today we are signing up for Karate, we checked out a class last week and Geordie loved it!). Each Wednesday afternoon we have a playdate with friends. Really it's for the mother's sanity but the children think it's totally for them! ;)

This coming weekend we are off to VIRginia for a crazy race weekend. Then back to the 'schedule' next week. We will be spending 10 days at the end of June/beginning of July in Wilmington as Geordie will be going to camp there and Lynn is coming down. We will be able to celebrate Canada Day (July 1st) as well as the 4th of July there. We're looking forward to a laid back beach vacation!! Although, I might drive Lynnie nuts with touristy things. I'm psyched for a ghost walk! Love those things!!

Note; this means that out of 45 days I will be spending 19 with my in-laws.

That's just over 42%...you can now call me Saint Helen! ;)

I have also signed up for a 5K. On June 20th at 10am I will be running in Chandler Park in Atlanta. Do you know how hot that's going to be?!?!?!?! I know I can, I know I can...

So, have you made your plans for this summer?


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Bang! Bang! Let's Play.

I have a few questions before I allow my child to come to your house;

#1 Do you own a gun?

#2 Is that gun under lock?

People might think that I'm crazy but in the first three weeks that we lived here there were at least 6 shootings where a child shot the gun. Yes, they were 'playing' with a gun that they had 'found' that was not under lock and key I'm not even going to mention the fact that it was loaded!

There have been 2 times that I have not asked. Luckily those households ended up fine. But it is something that I will not do again. I'm not chancing it!

Unfortunately we have neighbours who not only have a gun loaded in a shoebox, "but it's okay because it's up high in the closet" they also allow their 9 year old to play with a BB gun out in the middle of the street and yard. They have allowed this since he was 6. Now, please tell me, what do you think will happen when he comes across that 'real' gun?!?

I know people try and tell me that it's about freedom, that they have The Right to Bear Arms but due to my upbringing I fail to see the freedom in any of it.

One bloggie friend mentioned a little while back about how stores are running out of ammunition because people are buying it up like crazy for fear of the Obama administration putting a tax on it. Have I mentioned lately how much I love taxes?!?!

I have been told numerous times that there are laws about guns here and you do have to go through a screening...but I guess there is a loophole. One can buy a gun at a gun show without a background check. Now, how safe does that make you feel?!?!

Georgia also passed a law a couple of years a go allowing you to have a concealed weapon in your car. Again, it's freedom.

So, what do you need to know about a family/house before you allow your child, or yourself to visit?


Many friends were surprised when we allowed Geordie to have a gun with his costume this past Halloween.
It's a toy, he knows this. He also knows that real guns are extremely dangerous.

Wordless Wednesday

It's A Cultural Thing...

As Reese Witherspoon's character in Sweet
Home Alabama says, "People need a passport to come here!"

We have found many cultural differences between here and home. Truthfully, we didn't think that we would see as many as we have American television as well as books, magazines, etc...

But alas, there are. Starting with the graduation situation (yes, I realize that rhymes in a weird way... and I'm keeping it!). As soon as the notice came out for the pictures Callum and I were laughing our heads off! Pre-schoolers?!?! Cap & Gown?!?

Back home you do not get a gown until high school graduation (grade 12) but there is no cap. When you graduate from University with an undergrad, again, there is a gown but no cap. When you receive your Masters, during the ceremony at the time you receive your 'papers' they put the cap on you for a second and then take it off. I'm almost positive you have a cap for the ceremony when you receive your PhD. These same 'rules' exist for your grad photos.

Now, as funny as we think this is... HOW CUTE IS THIS PHOTO?!?!?

Yes, I am afraid I have turned into one of those parents!! ...and just wait, the ceremony is this coming Monday evening!


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Wordless Wednesday - Could one be any happier?!?

Remember my cute little listener?!?!?

There is a rule in Geordie's class about listening;

-First time you are spoken too you are put on 'green'
-Second time you are spoken too you are put on 'yellow'
-Third time you are spoken too you are put on 'red' and a note goes home to your parents that needs to be signed by one of them.

In the first two weeks of school this year, we had one. Now, in the last two weeks of school we have another.

Truthfully, I'm kind of proud that we have only (knock on wood) had two. Thought that there might be more due to his negotiating skills and stubbornness that could give his Uncle Greg a run for his money.

Here are the 3 this time;

(1) Green - Had to be asked several times to sit up during circle time.

(2) Yellow - Yelling on the way back from the bathroom, after he was told that quiet voices were to be used.

and finally, the one that does not surprise me what-so-ever at all...

(3) Red - Using the building blocks in the classroom as a skateboard immediately after he was told that was not what they were used for and that he was to put them away.


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Possilby too observent!!

Many of my stories are usually at someone else's expense. Today, and hopefully only today, it will be at mine. This was told to me by Callum who had a hard time getting it out between breathing and wiping the tears away;

Geordie; "Mummy's doing yoga to make her parts long and skinny."

Callum; "What parts? "

Geordie; "You know, those lumpy parts!"

Callum; "What do you mean lumpy parts?"

Geordie; "You know the ones around here (as his hands hover around his belly/waist) that move around like this (then grabbed his belly and shook it up and down)."

Little does he know that those 'lumpy parts' are partially his fault!!!


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Wordless Wednesday - What happens when you snack while baking...

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.

Wordless Wednesday

Work to Live, Live to Work!??!

A friend sent this to me recently. In her words, "Brilliant!"

It was made by a 20 year old and won second place at the 

American Association of Retired Persons. 

U @ 50