Tuesday, October 02, 2007
THE MOVE
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Our camping trip

LOL anyhoo, we went to the beach the next day and played in the sand. Alicia drew in her sketch book
and made a sand sculpture truck.
Kelly blew up a floaty for Anastasia to play with (you have to click on this picture to see the look on his face. too cute.)
and, I gotta tell you, that little girl can take the cold water. It was pretty darn chilly but you wouldn't know it by how she jumped in.
And of course we played guitar in the evening and sang by the camp fire. Alicia is getting so good on that guitar and sings so nicely, it brings me to tears every time. Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Hey Y'all!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Good Bye my Beautiful Aunt
Well, the time came this morning, for my beautiful Aunt Ellen to leave this world. My dad's baby sister has gone to heaven. There is such a sadness in my heart today. My only consolation is that she is finally free of the fear and the pain and the sickness. My grief is partly selfish that I got to know her so late in the game and didn't have the benefit of her presence in my life until I was all grown up. And then for such a short time. My grief is greatly for my dad, who loves her so much and will cry for his baby sis. It's greatly for Curtis, who loved her better than anyone ever could and will cry for his sweetie pie. It's for Ellen who lost her life so young and will not grow old with the love of her life. It's for the whole world, who whether they know it or not, has lost a precious treasure. One that gave love and compassion for everyone, and saw beauty in every day things. One that had magic in her words and got pleasure out of giving to others. She will always be in my heart, for evermore, and every good thing I ever do again will be in her name.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Summer Fun
We managed to get out of there with very few injuries, which is a good thing, because the next day we went to Play land!!! This first one is on the scrambler. We tried to ham it up a titch whenever we spun close to Kelly, who was ready and waiting for the photo ops!
Things started getting a little competitive at the golf course. Everybody wants to be Tiger Woods!
Okay, you two...simmer down! LOL
This one is on the last ride of the day...the log ride...should have been called the "sog ride" cuz you get soggy on it. It is basically a roller coaster in water...great for a hot day. Is it just me or is this picture hilarious!
We had so much fun we ended up staying for 7.5 hours! We played games and won stuffies, we ate warm mini donuts and burgers, we went on every ride we wanted to (for Kelly that was one ride and then he got queezy...snicker snicker)we played mini golf, and just had a really fun time.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

This is my beautiful Aunt Ellen, who has inspired me to start blogging. My first recollection of her was at her first wedding when I was about 7 years old. After that, I didn't see her again until last summer when she came to visit us in BC.
My Aunt Ellen has an energy about her that just makes me want to stop and smell the roses. I read her blogs daily to keep up with her thoughts and feelings, and she just makes me wish I could be near her. It's funny how you can see some relatives and wonder where the heck the genetic connection is. With her, I instantly felt a kinship. I felt like I was talking to a long lost sister rather than an aunt. This picture was taken the day she left BC. I had said my goodbyes the night before, but ran back over to my parents' house the next morning to catch her before she and her wonderful husband Curtis left. The reason, to get this picture.
As I mentioned in my last entry, my sis, my daughter and I made a calendar for my dad last year for Fathers Day. The calendar featured my dog Frisky in various costumes representing a significant event or holiday for each month. I figured, what could be more significant for that month than her visit with us?
My Aunt has been suffering with some pretty heavy medical issues in the last couple of years. Cancer is so cruel. It can take away so much, and yet she always seems to have time, energy, and concern for others. Just reading her blogs shows me that. Seeing the concern and love that pours onto her from former students, fellow bloggers, and friends is a direct indication of how many lives she has touched and continues to touch each day. She's a truly lovely person with an obvious passion (and skill) for writing stories of her childhood, and of daily events that can make you smile to yourself, or well up with tears.
We were all lucky enough to meet and get to know her husband Curtis as well. I rarely see a couple so much in love. It shows in the way they look at each other, talk to each other, and take care of each other. Truly inspiring to those of us who haven't found Mr. or Mrs. right just yet.
I was reading Curtis' blog the other day and my heart swelled so much I thought it would burst. He was talking about how happy it made him to see my Aunt happy, and I just thought it was the sweetest, most genuine sentiment. So heartfelt I sat there grinning from ear to ear while at the same time tears stung my eyes. Of course, I can't even get through an episode of Little house on the prairie without bawling, but still!
Anyway, I've only laid eyes on Curtis and Aunt Ellen a handful of times, but I love them both. Somehow, they move me, sap that I am.
Posted by sharon at 7:21 PM
The Vancouver Zoo

Well yesterday was pretty overcast, so there was no beach for me! I took most of the week off to hang out with Anastasia while Kelly was at work. She's with us for about ten days, so we thought we'd do some fun, adventurous things. Yesterday we went to the Vancouver Zoo. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes from my house, but it's well worth it. The place is huge and is constantly being improved. A couple of years ago I was there with a friend and, as we walked by the hippo enclosure, we marveled at the bravery of two zoo workers who were getting dangerously close to a hippo that was soaking in a pool of water. The next day in the news, it was reported that one of the hippos had died. That explained the bravery. Anyway, after an investigation, it came out that the conditions that the hippos were living in bordered on abusive and were most certainly neglectful.

Well, after all the finger pointing and threats to the zoo, there has been massive improvements that are ongoing and the hippo's enclosure is now a haven for these guys.
Here's the little lioness sunning herself with the girls.

It's hard to see in this pic, but I think these were the baboons. I just liked the pic cuz it's a nice one of this rare "blue haired booger nugget."

So for today's' adventure Alicia, Anastasia, and I will be off to the arena to go ice skating. Stay tuned for the riveting photographic evidence of our day! LOL
Friday, August 03, 2007
Summer Rocks!

Since Kelly has freakishly long arms, he's able to take pics of us himself. lol.
It's such a nice beach and less than a half hour drive, so we love going as often as possible.
As the sun goes down, the sky looks so pretty. It is a little vacation for us every time we go. 

Tonight, Anastasia comes to stay with us for the week, and I'm taking most of the week off, so I'm hoping for great weather so I can take her and Alicia to the beach. I love Summer.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
I love summer!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Good News!
Anyway, now I'm starting to pack, paint the walls back to white (yuck) and bring boxes over every time I go to my parents' place. I'm pretty busy, so I'm not gonna be on my game with the blog for the next couple of months. I'm still gonna post, but it seems hard for me to get more than a post or two a week at best. Moving is so busy, I want to get as much done in the next couple of months as I can. That way life is easier when moving day comes.
Anyway, gotta go do some hair!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Aaaahhhhh Summer

So one day, we decided to actually get up at a reasonable hour, get ready, hop on a bus, and go to our favorite beach in Vancouver. We had planned to meet some friends there, but wanted to get a good log to set up beside, so we headed off before anyone else did. We got to the beach and found the perfect log close to the water and fairly close to the concession stand. After laying out our towels and blankets, we lay down to catch some rays. Aaaaaaahhhhh, I've always been a sucker for the sun. At the idiotic age we were, we had no regard for the damage it could cause, so we slathered ourselves up really well with lots of baby oil, and both of us drifted off into a deep sleep.
When I opened my eyes, the sun had moved over quite a bit. How long had I been sleeping, I wondered. I looked down at myself to see that I had been sleeping long enough to get a nasty sunburn. Looking over at my friend, I noticed that she was still laying on her tummy sawing logs, but had a towel thrown over her diagonally covering about a third of her back. I gingerly lifted a corner to see the contrast between the blinding white skin under the towel and the bright lobster red skin that had been exposed to the sun for God knows how many hours. Yikes! I tried to gently wake her by saying her name...then I shook her shoulder and said her name a little louder. On the third try, she didn't open her eyes, but she did screech, "Leave me alone!" When I tried again, she screeched something starting with an "F" and ending with an "OFF!"
By this time, I had just about had enough of he temper, so I did what anyone would do. I carefully replaced the towel diagonally on her back so that it lined up exactly with the crisp line that the raging burn had created, put some sunscreen on my own burn, so as not to let it burn further, and went to the concession stand for a nice ice cream cone. Sweet dreams Theresa...
Needless to say, the girl suffered pretty severely for her bitchiness. She agonized over her burn for a week, and then peeled like an onion. LOL Not to mention the fact that she looked ridiculous with a diagonal line across her back, one side so red it was almost purple, and the other white as snow. You know, on the way home from the beach she was sitting in one of the courtesy seats and I was sitting in a seat right beside them when a little old lady got on the bus. She looked at Theresa who quickly spat out, "I'm not giving up MY seat!" So I gave her mine. She just never learned that nothing good comes of being so bitchy!
Oh FYI, my burn turned into a nice golden tan. Hmmmm. karma? Perhaps.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
our busy weekend

Okay, so here's Kelly and I just before going to his friend's wedding. Alicia took this picture of us outside our townhouse.



These ones are Alicia and Anastasia at the salmon festival here in Richmond on Canada day. It was a lot of fun, just watching them goof off together.
It was a nice warm day, in fact, Anastasia needed some fresh air on the way home.

That morning I had colored Anastasia's hair blue. She's funky.
We had such a busy weekend, on Saturday we went to the mall in the morning, a wedding in the evening, and then a party that night. Then Sunday we were at the Salmon fest, and then we had to take the round trip from here to Victoria on the ferry to bring Kelly's little one home. So Monday was a nothing day and I loved it. We slept in late, hung out around the house, had a little visit with my sis, and then came home and watched a movie. We borrowed "the lake house" from Kelly's mom and dad...it stunk. No more time to write, I'm afraid. I've been on the computer for a while now, so I'd better get something done today. LOL.
Monday, July 02, 2007
LOL
Sorry guys, I just haven't had time to post lately. I feel much better now about the ball thing. It's really the farthest thing from my mind. Kelly and I have been in the process of moving him in with Alicia and me. It's so weird that I've been so commitment-phobic for so long, and then I meet Kelly and 4 months later we're shackin' up! I'm really happy, though and it feels so comfy and right.
Anyhoo, we took the girls to our local Canada Day festival on Sunday and blew about a million dollars on an ice cream each, a drink each, and putting Alicia and Anastasia on a couple of rides. The crowd makes you want to go postal, too, but ya gotta go into these things expecting it to be hot and crowded. Then you're typically left with one or two tickets, which get you on nothing, so you either have to buy more tickets or give your extras away. Hmmmm...I think I'll stand in the ticket line again so I can stand in a ride line again...NOT! LOL so I handed my remaining tickets over to the nearest stranger and we made a break for it. I have to say we did great on the parking. Just slid right in there, no probs.
So anyway, it really was a nice day and we all had fun, in spite of my ramblings. I hope you all did too! I have a couple of stories bangin' around in my head, so next time I'll post one of them. Take care!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
I'm so pissed
When I began the season this year, I was told that Drew didn't want to play because of what had happened between us, but his friends were urging him to shake it off and come out anyway. So he ended up playing for the team after all.
So I've found it very awkward this year because he's made some good friends on the team, so now the team seems very divided. Nobody is mean to me or anything, but if Kelly and I are on one side of the field, Drew and his posse are on the other. If Kelly and I wander over to hang out, Drew wanders away, followed by all his friends, leaving Kelly and I standing there together. This is getting so uncomfortable, I'm not having fun anymore. I told the team manager that I will play in the games if they are short females, but if they don't need me, I'm staying home. I don't want to leave them in the lurch, but at the same time, it really sucks to feel so excluded.
Now I'm just finding out that we're having our baseball team party, but I haven't heard a thing about it. Like, excuse me, I'm not invited to my team party? It's being held at the home of a good friend of Drew's so I guess this is Drew's team now, and not mine. So why the hell should I care if they need me or not? I just want to quit and be done with it. I almost burst into tears on the field when my "friend" who's on the team told me about the party. The fact is, I'm going to a wedding the day of the party, and I have an invitation from another friend to go for drinks at her place that night, so I couldn't have gone to the baseball party anyway. But "ouch" it stings that I'm being left out like this. Am I in Junior high again? And how did the entire team manage to keep it so hush-hush about the party? Like, don't talk about it around Sharon, she's not invited. But we'll use her to fill a spot on the team so we have enough girls.
Anyway, I'm so done with this crap. They can stuff it.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Clean livin'
Now Kiki's Dad was a pretty strict guy, so he insisted on driving us too and from the pool to make sure that we were actually going where she said we were. That was no problem, since we had every intention of going to the class and becoming a couple of hard bodies.
We hopped out of the back seat of Mr. Kyrmizoglou's car...yeah, I know...Kyrmizoglou...and made our way to the aerobics room. We found a spot and watched as the instructor set up. Shortly after, the class began. We dipped, we kicked, we flexed, we pushed, we pulled. We stretched...pant...we repeated...pant, pant...we stepped...wheeze...we crunched...cough...pant...we looked at the clock to find we'd only been there for 10 minutes!
I glanced over in my friend's direction to see that she was looking at me with pain in her eyes. She goes, "do you want to go to MacDonald's?"
So needless to say, we were out the door and across the street scarfing burgers and fries within minutes! Of course we had to make it back in time for her father to see us walk out of the front door of the pool, but that was no probs! By the time his car pulled up in front of the building, we were strolling through the double doors looking like we'd just had the workout of our lives.
Aaaaah, nothing like cleeeeaaaan livin! That was the best Macworkout I've ever had!!!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Just some stuff
Last night we were invited to Alicia's school for awards night. Apparently she was receiving an award for something. They don't tell you what award you're getting, only that you're getting one. So it ended up to be for her visual arts class and the award was what they call a "passion for learning" award. I was a proud mama.
The person announcing the names of the recipients was the librarian of the school. Wow, talk about booooring. No oomph what so ever! Just droning on in a monotone voice, like could they have picked anyone with less enthusiasm and energy? I don't think so. It truly was like listening to one of Charley Brown's teachers...wa wa, wa wa, wa wa...
Anyway, shouldn't make fun, I guess...just kidding! Ha ha did anyone out there buy that? Shouldn't make fun...snort...aaaaahhhhh.
Anyway, I'm just doing cuts today, so it's a no brainer day. Only two more to go, and then I'm off to buy a $35 000 000 lotto ticket. Fingers crossed! Actually, my next one is in 5 minutes or so, so I guess I should wrap it up. Didn't really have anything to post about today, so forgive me for talking about nothing. LOL. Maybe next time I'll come up with something fascinating to say. Don't count on it, though. ;)
Friday, May 25, 2007
He swept me off my feet!!!

...and he's trusting enough to be comfortable with me cutting his hair short. Wow, he looks different, eh? Oh my God, he's so cute no matter how he wears his hair!!!

He's a great Dad to his daughter, who obviously loves him like mad.
Here they are building a lego town. I think some poor lego dude was being eaten by a lego shark when I took this. He has a great sense of humor, which is a must for me. I enjoy laughter in my life and wouldn't last with someone who couldn't get silly. I love the fact that he can strike a balance between the child within him and being able to carry a serious conversation. Last night Alicia and I were clicking our heals together in the living room, and Kelly grabbed the camera to capture this little nugget...LOL That's a ripper!

Okay, besides how wonderful Kelly is, look how well our kids get along. These were taken at the mall. They're just like sisters. AAAAAAWWWWWWWE!!! Aren't they the cutest?


Okay, so now that I've gushed all over the place, a couple of weeks ago, Kelly and I were standing in the living room, when he suddenly took me in his big strong arms and began to slow dance with me. Isn't that so romantic? So we were swaying back and forth and I was just getting swept away. He gazed into my eyes, and then began to go in for the dip. Oooh, how fun! So as he begins to dip me, his foot slips from underneath him sending us both crashing toward the coffee table! (Just as a side note, there was a candle holder on the table that Alicia and her friends slightly broke. It just needed a little glue to reattach one of the pieces.) So, I crash into the table first, as Kelly struggles to maintain some control over the fall, and he follows me down nailing my cheek with his shoulder! We ended up totally warping the coffee table, and as for the candle holder that was in two pieces...now it's in about six pieces in the bottom of a garbage bag. If it wasn't totaled before the "dip" it most certainly was after. LOL. I know, I told you he's romantic. The great thing is, we can laugh about these crazy things. I can't believe I've found someone so perfect for me. I've never been happier, even with a bruised cheek!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sweet sweet revenge.
One night, as Dennis was getting ready for bed, I saw an opportunity to get him back for all the heart attacks he gave me as a child. I sneaked into his room while he was in the bathroom and quickly climbed under the covers of his unmade bed, making sure to lay in a way that looked like I was just part of the wrinkles in his covers. from under the covers, I heard Dennis enter his room. He hummed to himself as he got undressed and put his PJ's on. It was everything I could do to contain myself as he went about his routine, completely comfortable in his assumption that he was alone. I heard him make his way over to the door, and then saw the lights go out from under the blanket. He shuffled over to his bed, and as he drew the covers back, getting ready to climb in, I sat up screaming "BOOOO!!!"
Aaaaah, sweet revenge! There's nothing like it, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I just about peed myself laughing at his reaction. It was so sweet to see the familiar terror that was usually in my eyes, but this time was in his. It only lasted a moment, but it still lives on in my memory. He was a great sport about most things growing up, and this was no exception. I could tell he could appreciate the time and patience it took to pull that off. And I was just a little snot. My sister also appreciated the prank. To this day she brings it up, smiling at the prospect of someone getting even for all the times he jumped out from behind potted plants, or just simply walked up behind an unsuspecting victim and jolted them from behind. Snicker snicker snort...Still cracks me up to think of it...
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Anyhoo, we had a nice dinner with Kelly's family, but for the most part, he and his nephew were a few doors down dealing with the computer issue. It was a little awkward because I could tell his Dad was tired and I felt a little like they were babysitting us while Kelly was gone. Besides that, though, they are very nice and hospitable. It just maybe wasn't the best way to introduce them to Alicia and Frisky.
Out of nowhere, Kelly's sister's dog, (thank God not Frisky) who fallows their dad around like a shadow, starts dragging her ass down the carpet, leaving a nice brown skid mark about two or three feet long. His dad was not happy. I think his exact words were, "#$%*$*!!!!!!" I may be mistaken, though.
After the crap had been scrubbed out of the carpet, Kelly and his nephew, Christian, came in and started wrestling in the living room. It's a small condo, and his mom was reminding them of that, but the rough housing continued. Kelly's little girl Anastasia ran to one end of the coffee table, grabbed hold, and gave it a tug to make more room. Well the thing must have been held together with Elmer's glue because it collapsed into, like, six pieces onto the living room floor, spilling all of it's contents all over. Again, dad's head almost popped off. The poor guy just wanted some peace and quiet and his house had been pooped on and his table broken.
By the time we got into the car to get home, we were all pooped. Sigh. I'm kind of pooped just posting about it. Anyway, gotta go shampoo this set of highlights.








6 comments:
Welcome to blogland, Sharon! I see a lot of sadness in my eyes in that photo; that's because I had to say goodbye that day to family that I love very much. Distance doesn't diminish that; it only seems to intensify it.
I've added you to my blogroll, so I hope you get a few visitors from time to time; my little blog community consists of wonderful, warm folk from all over the planet.
Love you tons.
What a wonderfull thoughts you have about your aunt and her husband Curtis. And how well did you describe these two nice people as a relative. I certainly will read your blog as Ellen encouraged us to do. I write sometimes a few words because my English is not so good. But I assure you I will read your blog. And I also add you to my Blogroll, maybe it will help to get some comments from Holland. OK?
All the best from:
Herman
Hi Sharon:
I too am a cyber friend of Ellen and Curtis. I look forward to reading your blog as well.
Penny in NH
Welcome to our part of the blogworld. I started my blog as a result of getting to know Ellen through my daughter, who was a past student of hers. You are fortunate to be related to such a wonderful person. Amen to everything you said. I don't have time to link you right now, but when I get a moment, I'd love to add you to my blogroll.
Welcome Sharon! Your aunt is an incredible woman and like you, both her and Curtis move a lot of us. I look forward to reading your blog.
Kim
Ellen is a true sweetheart of a person and can see that this blog of yours will be just as enlightening and entertaining as Ellen is - must be something in the family genes
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