Last night

Last night Rogers threw a big bash in Ottawa for the Q4 launch. Rogers staff from Brockville through Ottawa attended, there were over 300 people there. It was at a Harbour front restaurant and the whole place was shut down for us. There was lots of food and drink and I took advantage. Unfortunately I made an ass of myself by getting inebreated and dancing all over the place. The Kingston crew were the only ones brave enough to get up and dance and did we dance. We danced our asses off. I got sick and passed out on the bus on the way home and lost my coat. I'm really mad about that because it was the coat Dan got me last year for Christmas :(
Anyways, I learned my lesson for now, no getting drunk at company functions. LOL.

I got my coat back. Yay! Here are some pictures of my adventures.

Halloween party

The year goes on...

I can't believe how quickly this year is just flying by. It feels like I just had a birthday and yet another one is coming way to quickly. Things are going well, work is the same but I'm comfortable with that. I found a childrens book publisher in Belleville and will be submitting one of the books I've been working on. I have a girlfriend that wrote a book as well and I am illustrating it. We except to have it completed by the end of January and hope to get it published shortly after that. I find just working isn't enough and I want to keep trying with my art even though I have seen nothing but failure so far; I can't give up. It took most illustraters I've read about 10 to 15 years to get a break, so giving up isn't an option. I will find my camera cable soon and post more pictures.

Halloween

This is Oli and Jaz as the Princess and the Frog. We are taking them to Petsmart this weekend for a costume party for pets. I hope they win.

All settled in now

The move is over and our new place is great. There is more room for family and visitors to come over and hang out. My girlfriend and I spent yesterday building a bench and putting up blinds and wall coverings and it's nearly finished. We are missing some dressers for our bedroom but we will be picking those up next week. I will post pictures as soon as I find the cable for my camera.

Pictures of our adventure

A little secret adventure

I am whisking Dan away on an adventure for his birthday this weekend. We are going to Muskoka beach which is a 4 hour drive north of Toronto. The resort is called Taboo, and what will happen is we get up there and first thing after we check in we get a side by side hour long massage. Once that is over we get back to the room which has a fireplace and its own jacuzzi tub out on the porch facing Muskoka lake a bottle of wine shows up to the door. We then will enjoy a lovely meal at the Boathouse. We will then retire to our room for some one on one time, (details will not be disclosed). The following morning we get breakfast included in this package and then we will spend the day canoeing and hiking all through this beautiful wooded and beach area. And then dinner at the Lounge that evening. Home the next morning. He knows only that I am taking him somewhere and he never reads my blog unless I tell him to ;) so the secret is well kept. I'm so excited and hope all goes as planned. Wish me luck. And Dan a happy 29th b-day!

Dan's new career

Poor Dan, just starting out with Sunrae and they're already given him a hard time. He got sent to work out of town, so far in fact that he cannot come home save for the weekends. (VERY TOUGH for me) So he gets up there and finds out his lead hand as well as one labourer is quitting which leaves him and two other guys to finish up the job. He's feeling really overwhelmed and frustrated because this was a huge step for him and now he's wondering if he made the right decision. I'm trying to keep positive because being away from him is difficult but I don't want to burden him with more frustration so I'm trying to be strong and re-enforce him with a positive attitude. I hope he's ok.

Counting down

Dads yearly family gathering is quickly approaching and I'm so excited. Its great to get to see everyone and talk and play. Its a nice break from the norm. I'm excited to see what the "piggery" looks like. Poor dad and Jaana working their butts off. I'm sure it'll be a show stopper.
On another note, Dan and I just got his MRI results back and they've discovered he has a degenerating disc in his spine. That's why he's had so much pain over the last year. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done about this disease, it'll just get worse and worse as he ages. Right now all we can do is keep him in physiotherapy so that they are working out the pain regularly. So keep him your thoughts as it's a tough thing to hear.

Me

I finally heard back and I didn't get the area manager job. I'm actually relieved. I already work a lot and I am still doing projects on the side here and there so I would've been stressed out and have very little time to work on what I want to do. So in the end everything happens for a reason. I will continue working as store manager and thats just fine with me.

To you babe

The days are long and beautiful and the summer hot and moist and I think of being alone and being with friends and being with you. The heat in the night wakes me and I can't sleep so I toss naked awake and restless. The spinning arms of the fan hypnotize me as I stare, not thinking of anything, but thinking of everything all at the same time and I wonder...wonder why there is a burning sensation in my heart a desire for your touch its intoxicating. Sweat beads off me and I turn to see your face and I smile knowing you'll always be there, beside me in my arms...forever.

Camping holiday

We found this cove and the water crashed up onto the rocks all around us. It was amazing. That night we played with the settings on the camera and got some interesting shots.

Dan

I am very excited to announce that Dan took a plunge and left his old job at Barr to become a Foreman for Sunrae. He was noticed at his current job by the owner and since has been asked to come join Sunrae in an elevated position of Foreman. This is truly a blessing as he was driving to Belleville every day and it was becoming monotonous. He has been offered this position along with a company truck and gas card and company phone. So we will be saving in gas mileage and insurance. I am so proud of him because it's a scary step leaving a company you've worked for for four years, but I've known he's capable of more and so does he and he finally got the balls to move ahead. Barr is stunned at his leaving and has been trying to bribe him to stay with more money but it wasn't about the money. He had asked for a chance last year to make Foreman and wasn't given the time of day, so he's sticking to his guns and starting with Sunrae next week. Congratulations Dan, baby I think you are a rock star.

All the summer babies

Marieanne, Heidi, Anthony all born in June and I forgot to say happy birthday to you all and I am so sorry. You have all been a big part of my life and I miss you terribly. I really hope there will soon be a time for all of us to get together and talk about old times, and catch up. I'm barely involved in your lives anymore and I miss that. So happy birthday again, Heidi turning 30! Marieanne 29 Anthony 27. None of you look it so thats a good thing! LOL. Have a wonderful year and keep in touch. Lots of hugs and kisses.

Update

Jo-Anne has had her surgery and she is doing ok. She's in a lot of pain still but at least shes gotten the worst part over with. Other than that we are all doing well, there is a career opportunity I am going for and that is the Area Manager position in Kingston. So instead of over seeeing 1 store I would be in charge of 4. So I've applied and we just have to wait and see. It would be a big change as my responsibilies would triple but I like challenge so it would be good for me, and I really hope I get it.

News

Jo-Anne, Dans mom just got into a pretty serious accident. She was standing on the sidewalk waiting for her bus when a local bum was speeding down the sidewalk on his bicycle and slammed into her. Jo flipped to the ground and broke her arm in two places. Luckily a big guy grabbed the bum as he was trying to speed away and the cops and ambulence were called and the guy was charged with assult. Jo has been back and forth to the hospital since Friday and her operation keeps getting bumped and bumped. So she is sitting around with her arm broken and its healing and they will have to rebreak her arm and set it properly whenever they get around to getting her into the operating room. Its ridiculous. Its putting a lot of strain on her and us because she can't do anything for herself so we are busy taking care of her until she can get better. So please keep Jo in your prayers, this is trying on all of us.

3 years

Dan and I have just celebrated our 3 year anniversary. I know amazing right? We weren't going to do much because we bought an SUV recently but Dan really wanted to at least go out to dinner. He wanted to go to a place we've been to before but I suggested using my iPhone to find a new restaurant. So Dan took the phone went to Urban Spoon which lists every restaurant in your area. He selected the price point he wanted the type of food and we found a restaurant called "Aqua Terra". This restaurant is located in one of the hotels downtown Kingston and we got a table that faced the harbour with city hall tower looking down at us. It was beautiful. The service was amazing, the chef gave us a "taster" to start for free, which was fresh raw tuna with apple slices, presented on a slender platter and each serving in its own spoon. As a starter we got escargot but not the usual covered in cheese escargot, this was served in a large abstract bowl with clover leaves and some sauce that was soooo delicious. For dinner I had lobster ravioli, which was so mouth watering I kept eating even though my stomach was saying no, and Dan had a beef something or other. At the end of dinner our waiter gave us a choice of desert for free again to congratulate us on our anniversary. After this wonderful meal we went for a walk in the moon light beneath the restaurant by the harbour and then home. Dan and I talked about how far we've come and we feel we've both changed and grown so much since we've been together. He did a lot of growing up recently and recognizes the benefits of being in a committed relationship. I have learned to relax and enjoy life more and not let things get to me so much. I'm so happy and I have a feeling that wedding bells are coming sometime in the next two years (I hope). I've never had the whole white dress and ceremony thing with family and friends around so I really look forward to that.

The last six weeks....

"Trailer Park Party" Dan and I went as Joy and Earl from "My name is Earl" tv show.







This past weekend at Dans dads place.






May two four weekend at Picton beach.

MAY 2/4

May 2/4 we Canadians call Victoria day weekend due to the 24 beer we all love to drink while outside enjoying the sun. This weekend was amazing, Dan and I got to go to Sandbanks provincial park with the dogs and play and camp and it was great. I don't remember having a May 2/4 weekend this warm in a long time. It was calling for rain and clouds but that didn't happen, so we definitely lucked out. We took a long hike across the road into a field, jumped a few fences, crossed another field or two, went through the bush and ended up at this completely secluded rock beach. We had to climb down a small cliff and then hiked up the beach. There were trees that had fallen over due to the waves pushing up towards the shore and the dogs played in the roots like they were caves. It was unbelievably beautiful. Dan and I drank our beer and sat on rocks admiring the scenery, it was truly a perfect day. Our camp site was great, there were no other campers nearby so we could let the dogs roam as they pleased and they wore themselves out. The next day we spent on the beach, getting the dogs to swim in the frigid water. I only made it out to my knees and had to go back to shore, it was way to cold for my liking. I need to take Dan to a real beach one day, where when you do go in the water it is warm and inviting. I miss that about the gulf of Mexico, it was almost always warm. We got home Monday exhausted, we had to do laundry and clean all the dishes and the dogs and ourselves. We definitely smelt, having not showered or cleaned up at all in two days two nights. We were a dirty bunch. Overall a fantastic weekend, Dan said the best time he's had so far this year. We are back to being our happy in love selves again. He said I smile all the time now, as does he. A perfect way to enjoy a weekend.

New bloggers

I've recently gotten ahold of two long lost sisters through blogging. Michelle I've seen not long ago at Dads house two summers ago was it? I miss you terribly and am happy to hear you are moving on and up. Celeste OMG I miss you. Your blog touched and saddened me. We all lived through those days in fear and anger and resentment towards the people that were supposed to be there to protect us. I think they were themselves confused and lost to have put all us kids through those things. They probably have beaten themselves up over it for years I can imagine. After years of analyzing myself I've finally come to terms with our parents and forgiven them. I feel that if I hold this against them I cannot be real. Thats all I've been longing for all these years is to feel "normal" and part of the real world. I still stand out with the things I say, and things I do, but thats part of who I am now. I still don't think about those days, if I do I get really angry and f*@ked up and cry and lock myself up for hours. My bf knows very little but has seen the tears and heard the screams but still remains mostly unaware. I'm sorry for you, because I have felt your pain, its a pain that only those of us who felt it can talk about. I love you and know your dad and my mom love you and our family, not that "family" but ours. Nothing can erase mistakes of the past but I hope you can move on and be happy, I truely do. Hopefully we can all connect again.

Its been awhile...

Its been awhile since I blogged last, sorry! Things have been good, Dan and I went through a weird confusing growing up phase. He seemed confused for awhile about what he wanted and left town for a bit to figure himself out and then all of a sudden he was absolutely sure he wanted me! I'm happy especially now that he's happy and sure about us. I have a feeling he went from boy to man overnight or something. I think he was unsure if he wanted to be a grown up and had to spend time alone without me to miss me and it worked!

Our puppies are getting big and still adorable. We bought them life jackets so we can take them out swimming with us. Its to cold for me to get in the water this early in the year but Dan put on hip wadders and went out with the dogs and Oli swam way better with the jacket on. Dogs can swim well but our little pups get tired quick so this helps them float better. It was great. Jaz knows all of Oli's tricks now, she stands on her back legs and puts her paws way up in the air for treats and spins around. I wish I knew how to upload my iphone videos so you all could see. Anyways, talk to you later.

The movies

Dan and Kassy and I went to see "How to train your your dragon" in 3D. OMG so cute, want to buy this movie. Dan and I will be going to see "clash of the titans" in 3d tonight. Im so excited because I've seen the original back in the day the one filmed in 1981. Im assuming this one will rock the old one out of the water but all the same.

This past Easter weekend we took Kassy and the dogs biking. We bought this kiddy bike trailor and customized it to fit Oli and Jaz and it's attached to Dan's bike. They sit in there with their noses peeking out and breathing in the fresh air without trying to jump out! On lookers love it and point and giggle. We also bought tennis rackets because Dan and I want to get into better shape and this is the first time I've played since high school and man do I suck. Dan isn't much better but we had a blast. He was flashing his abs after we played thinking this one game changed his physical appearance. Funny man.

Spring

This week is going to be wonderful. The weather is going into the double digits. Anyone living in Canada knows what that means. Sweater weather...YES! Easter is around the corner and lillies, daffodils and lots of other spring flowers will start popping up all over. You can smell the sweet aroma of spring in the air. It's inspiring and uplifting after living through the cold of winter. My heart sings and I lose my winter depression pants and get into the stilettos and capris. It makes me giddy. Such a silly lady I am. The weather really affects me, I am so excited for spring. I am painting again. Finished one two weeks ago and starting a new one. Trying to promote my website more on www.kijiji.ca and soon will be on www.deviantart.com.

Family photos

These are photos from the past two months, sorry I haven't been faithfully adding to my blog. But here you go.

The movies

Kassy and I get to have a nice Saturday without daddy because he is off skiing with the boys. We will watch "Alice" the new Tim Burton film. I can't wait I love all his movies, he is very creative and dark in his depictions. Dan and I got to watch "Avitar" recently, an amazing film, the first I've ever seen in 3-D. I was the only idiot in the audience swatting at the dust floating by my face. It took me a few minutes and Dan laughing at me to catch on the it was the movie dust I was trying to bat away. LOL! Yes, that was really a blonde moment if ever.

Winter cold go away

We have been having teaser weather around here. Yesterday it was 7 degrees and I took the dogs for two long walks on my day off. It was lovely except the mud which I had to wash off the dogs after each walk. I just want to wear sandles and go to the beach. Ughhh!!! Winter blues, I have them every year. I find going to the tanning bed a few times a week helps but I burnt my leg so I haven't been able to go until it heals so I'm oh so blue. HAHA! Not overly I just want some heat please.

Going's on

Dan and I went for dinner valentine's night and ate at Red Lobster. I love crab so thats what I had. The evening was lovely and romantic except around 2 am I got really sick and unfortunately stayed by the toilet for the next 8 hours. I'm not sure if it was the food or if I can down with the flu, but it sure wasn't fun. Better now though, thank goodness.
This time of year there's not much going on except for work, which I am doing well and love and am making a star of myself. I've moved my team from an overall satisfaction score of 63% two months ago to 100% this month. I am really proud of my accomplishment because it shows I work hard and now how to run my store. I got a personal congrats from the company owner's who said they talk about me all the time and how far I've come. So it's nice to hear that I am making a mark.
On another note, we think our little Jaz might be pregnant. Not something we were looking for, she was in heat and we had her in diapers whenever alone with Oli, but she is fat and looking pregnant. I really hope she is just stealing Oli's food as we can't have puppies running around yet. Our little apartment would be a zoo!!! We'll see for sure soon as I am taking her to the vet on Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.

My birthday

I had an amazing birthday filled with surprises (Marieanne showing up unexpectedly) and I got a Wii (super fun). Dan didn't let me do anything that day, he served me, pampered me and wooed me. By 5:00 I thought we were having dinner at home but Dan tells me to get dressed up because he was taking me somewhere. So unbeknown to me we were on our way to dinner at the Keg which is a nice steakhouse. First though he drove all around downtown Kingston, through the old beautiful end that I love, because the homes there are gorgeous. Anyways so then we parked and he basically pushed me into the restaurant and we were escorted to the back near the fireplace and on the table there was a dozen pink orange roses with a love note in it. We enjoyed a nice dinner and I cried. We picked Marieanne up shortly after and went home for a bit and then bowling with Dad and Jaana and Mark (a friend of ours) joined us. After that we went home again and played Wii and then euchre (a Canadian card game). Great night, thanks to everyone involved. I'm now 30 and happy that I know who I am and happy to have love in my life and happy to be close to my family.

Katrina

Happy belated birthday to you Katrina, I'm sorry I didn't leave you a birthday wish on your special day. I love you and hope all your dreams are made a reality. You are a beautiful little lady and I hope to get to know you better one day. Love you lots.

Our new addition

We have rescued a puppy her name is Jazmine, we call her Jaz. Dan went to Belleville to pick her up with Oli and his mom. After getting her they went down by the river Moira to let them out for a min. At this time we only had one leash and since Oli is good and never runs Dan put the new puppy on the leash and let Oli loose. Oli saw some geese and went running after then not listening to Dan or Jo-anne yelling at him to stop. He began stopping just short of the water's edge but the ice was slippery and Oli slid right into the river. He began swimming hard but the current is strong and the water frigid this time of year so Oli was loosing the battle and was pulled under. Dan then jumped in to save our poor pup. He also had a hard time in the water as he said it feels like sharp needles piercing him. They got out of the water thank God and dried off and home safe. So now we have two puppy's Jaz and Oli, and they are in love already and she is precious. Being a rescue pup she lived with lots of other animals because she was abandoned by her previous owners and rescued from the pound, so she is quirky and kind of strange, but she is learning and is happy in our home. Here are some pictures of our new family.