Bundle Up

It's 'bundle up' or 'stay in' kind of weather today. -8C(16F) or -16C(0F) with the wind chill.

I made it to my step class this morning. Our regular instructor was away and a peppy, younger one was there in her place. The music was extra loud and it seemed harder to keep up, but she's a nice, funny girl that loves what she does. The gym was super-crowded. It always gets busy around the New Year.

We're having another family over for lunch on Friday so I had to do some groceries. The plan is Lasagna, baked chicken legs and salad as they have 3 kids.

L passed her swim instructor course. She was having a hard time with the instructor. One day he would say her lesson plan was too detailed. Then the next day it would be too simple. She didn't think there was that much difference in either plan. So she had a talk with him after class to express her frustration and got an 'A' rating the next day. Go figure.

This morning, I received some gossipy emails about our extended family from 2 of my sisters. We're terrible.

A lot of people seem to be going to CUBA for vacations lately. I guess it's one of the safe countries.

I agreed to a charity pickup in the New Year, thinking I'd have lots of time to gather stuff over the holidays. Hmm.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year when it comes and have fun tonight doing whatever pleases you. We'll stay home, and have a quiet one.


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A Reprieve

Well, I had my breast ultrasound this morning and the technician couldn't find anything, so I'll see my doctor next week to see what he wants to do next. I should think up some questions/suggestions for him. My mammogram a few weeks ago had detected a lump in the left breast. Now the technician said my breasts are dense so it's difficult to see stuff. She also mentioned that the best time to do a mammogram is about a week after the END of your period, if anyone cares to know. Also, mammograms can't be done too often as they are X-rays. This poor girl was waiting to get her tests done after me and her bladder was too full, so she had to go empty it. I remember her saying in the waiting room that she couldn't do a 'partial' emptying, that with her it was 'all or nothing!' I had a good feeling going into this test this morning when I drove into the crowded parking lot and a spot opened up right before me. After which, 2 or 3 cars came right behind me.

Afterwards, I stopped by a mall and found a new pair of boots and some nice Christmas cards at 90% off. I didn't really need any, but 90% off is a good deal.

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New Furniture

home theatre

new couch, new coffee table
new dining set
new bar table and chairs

I've posted some photos of the new basement furniture that I've been talking about. Hope you like them!

We saw the new James Bond movie last night. Action, violence, beautiful women and not a lot of plot this time. L saw the Benjamin Button movie and loved all 3 hours of it, declaring that it's a 'must see'.

K and I spent a lovely afternoon bowling with the cousins today. K's really enjoying the imitation CK One cologne I got him for Christmas. The weather was spring-like today, I even went for a walk this morning.

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Honest Scrap

Scrap means left overs, fragments, discarded material, and many times truth and honesty is discarded material, considered fragments and left over. So, we need to tell it like it is, and let the scraps fall where they will.
Honorees are to first list 10 honest things about ourselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! Second, we are to pass the award on to 7 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.



Well ,first, let me thank Mr Bill for the nomination.

So I need 10 honest things about myself. Alright, let me give it a try...

1) I grew up thinking we were poor, but now I realize we were just middle class, I guess I was comparing with the lifestyles of other relatives

2) It bothers me to see full garbage cans, empty toilet paper holders, empty ice trays, a sink full of dishes. The same goes for uncleared mailboxes, unsorted junk mail, clutter in general.

3) One day my sister pointed out that I was a hypochondriac. I just have to read about some disease, and I have it. I've improved since then.

4) I hate dusting, and housework in general. I'll add sewing and mending to that list. Luckily, my husband is always vacuuming.

5) I have a friend I've known for over 20 years and my daughter pointed out how little we really know about each other. I see her regularly throughout the year. But I've had friends that discuss the most intimate details of their lives with me, go figure.

6) I think I'm loyal, responsible, trustworthy, thoughtful, compassionate...sounds boring, doesn't it? I have to live a little.

7) I'm miserable and cranky (bitchy) when tired.

8) I can be judgmental and blaming

9) My parents had 4 daughters and a son. I'm the eldest daughter and my brother is the youngest. My dad had a son from a previous relationship. But we've lost touch with this half brother who disappeared after a family wedding (1991?) when a thoughtless speech was made that did not include him.

10) I think I naturally set goals and love to accomplish. My favourite saying is 'I have to...'

If this intrigues you, consider yourself tagged and feel free to participate.

Profound Advice

Well, I survived last night's party. We ended up cutting 3 birthday cakes complete with singing, slicing and serving throughout the night. The first cake was for M's sister's 60th, then they decided to do one for M's mom who will be 79 Jan 4th, then they did one for M's nephew who is 18 today. (My niece in California is also 15? today.) L got into a religious fight with her uncle and her grandma, which I did not witness. Her uncle told her it was a shame she didn't attend church every Sunday which he does and she took offence to that. He's far from what you could call Godly. Then her grandma argued about who her godparents really were, but she was the one who was mistaken. Then M walked into the room and berated them all for upsetting his daughter. My take on this is that it's all in the family and thank goodness I wasn't involved. Everyone enjoyed the new basement.

I took L for her tennis match earlier on that evening. She was just there for the experience as she was trounced by her opponent. But I had an interesting conversation with her mom for the 45 minutes that we sat together. We talked about urban growth, the benefits of sport for kids, then she offered some profound advice. She said that basically, for a young girl, it doesn't matter what great job you end up getting, it all boils down to who you marry. That could either make you happy or ruin your life. But she couldn't offer any insight as to how to go about picking this 'right' person. (-:


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Everyone's perspective

It's snowing lightly today and supposed to warm up to 10C (about 50F) tomorrow! That sounds like a lot of water.

Hope everyone had a good Christmas. My sister gave me some new makeup, so I was all dolled up for a change yesterday. L arranged that I should have a spa gift certificate for Christmas. So I plan to book my first massage (Swedish?) sometime this year. Something I've wanted to do but would never have gotten around to otherwise. She thinks she knows what's best for me.

Within M's family, a joyous pregnancy was announced. There was news of a surprising and saddening divorce (M's sister-in-law's brother). M's handsome 18 year old nephew seems to have broken up with his constant girlfriend of 4 and a half years and is seeing someone else. Is this always the risk when you have a good looking boyfriend? (Brad Pitt comes to mind!) Another 18 year old nephew has a totally transformed look upon his return from the first semester at university. Goatee beards and moustaches are 'in', along with one earring in I forget which ear. I mentioned that I enjoy the odd annual xmas newsletter. I now understand that not everyone appreciates these as some can seem boastful or bragging. Hmm, you have to think of everyone's perspective when you write, don't you? Well, I did enjoy a moist butterball turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, the classic meal.

Now I have to go for my walk, it's been a challenge keeping up with the exercise during the holidays. I also have to plan the grocery list and the logistics for tomorrow's party. L's weekend tennis tournament got scheduled right in the middle of the party which won't help. Along with the fact that my mother in law is bringing 2 trays of hors d'oeuvres and 3 other dishes that will need to be warmed up. Helpful, yet ...

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All the Best

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

My florist friend made this arrangement for me for Christmas.

The kids' old piano teacher dropped by last night with some surprise little gifts and we caught up with her news. I think the kids have spent more time with her over the years than with real family!

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