Life Lessons Learned from Rhoda Morgenstern

Remember Mary Tyler Moore's neighbour, Rhoda?  The brassy New Yorker with the crazy little Mother and the unseen doorman, Charleton?  Sister Brenda who went on to become Marge Simpson?  (I digress...)

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show"

Rhoda was a strong, independent woman with a lot of sass.  Valerie Harper, the actress who played Rhoda wasn't too far from that herself.  This brassy woman with a fighter's spirit has become the poster girl for inner strength and undeniable joy, despite facing death in the face and giving it a big ole raspberry Pffft. 

Last night Hubby and I watched the NBC special by Meredith Vieira on Valerie's brave struggle with terminal brain cancer.  Diagnosed in January of this year, Valerie was given 3-6 months to live.  Not taking the news lying down (literally or figuratively), Valerie, 74 yrs young and her adorable husband of 26 years, Tony have fought valiantly against the disease and so far have been successful.

What really struck me as I watched this special was the attitude of positivity and sheer JOY that Valerie exudes each day, despite the chemo treatments, feeling run down and looking death in the face.  Even while standing in a cemetery picking her "lakefront real estate" for her gravesite, Valerie found peace and joy.  Her concerns were not for herself but for her beloved husband and daughter who will be left behind.  

I was amazed!  This firecracker of a woman has even taken on the challenge this Fall of joining Dancing with the Stars.  She has chosen to live her life to the full, despite her diagnosis and embrace the days she has left, no matter how many or few they may be.

KELSEY MCNEAL/ABC

I am inspired by her courage.  Her strength.  Her tenacity.  Her JOY.  I don't know if Valerie knows Jesus as her Saviour.  From watching the interview I would doubt it, but I don't know that for sure.  What I do know is that the attributes she has shown through this incredible adversity in her life, is how I would want to embrace life when the storms come and knock me off my feet.  More often than I care to share I find myself allowing emotions and struggles (minor struggles) to blow me over and steal my joy.  But I want my life to be defined by JOY.  I want people to look at me and be inspired.  Not by my own courage.  Oh no!  I want them to see Jesus shining through me.  I want them to know that my joy, my peace, my strength comes from the One who paid it all for me.  The One who is preparing a mansion for me in Heaven.  The One who will one day call me home.  Oh how I long for Him to say, "Well done good and faithful servant!".

My prayer today is that Valerie and her family would know Jesus.  That they would know that the strength, the peace and the joy she has comes from a Higher Power.  It comes from the One who made her and has numbered her days. God bless you Valerie.  I will be cheering you on as you dance and as you kick cancer's butt!  I hope your days are many and your joy becomes complete!

Welcome Summer!

Today is the first day of summer, in case you didn't know that (and perhaps live under a rock as the announcement of it's arrival was EVERYWHERE today).  After the Spring we've had up here I am more than delighted to see summer arrive.  Unfortunately though, for the "longest day", we had overcast skies so there was no late-evening sunset for us this evening (not that I would have seen it as I was in my basement family room watching The Voice).

Speaking of The Voice... have you been watching?  What a great group of super talented people.  Kind of makes American Idol finalists seem like amateurs.   Oh wait... they are!  If you're watching The Voice, who is your favorite?  I have two... both on "Team Blake"  Dia Frampton and Xenia.  I don't think I could choose between the two if I had to (which of course those voting in America must do!).

Had lunch today with one of my nieces.  It was a quick lunch but a great visit.  She was being a doll and is taking my shower gift for an upcoming family bridal shower I won't be able to attend on Sunday.  I felt kind of bad asking her when it dawned on me that she'd just told me she carpooled in with someone today.  Oopsie... hope said driver doesn't mind a little "extra" stuff on the way home.  (insert cheshire cat grin here).  I would have delivered the gift myself but it is an hour's drive to my sister's home where the shower's being held, and about 25 minutes to my brother's/nieces homes so with my niece in my neighborhood it really saved me time this week.  Thanks "K"... you're a doll!!  The rest of the day feels like a huge blur to me now.  Hmm.

I will say though, I've been keeping on with the Reshaping it All challenge I started awhile ago.  I've continued to count calories and work out (tonight walked/ran on the treadmill for 2 miles in 32 minutes) and have lost another 1/2 pound this past week.  That's 9 lbs in total so far.  I'm 1/2 way to my first goal.  I can't believe the difference it's making in my life... and my wardrobe.  Clothes I haven't worn for a couple summers now fit and some of my shorts even feel like their falling off me now.  Hubby is enjoying the "new" me too (wink wink)

Today's photo for the 30 Day Photo Fun challenge I again took from one of the pictures I shot on my time up north.  I KNOW the pictures are supposed to be "daily" shots, but seriously... are we all doing that?  I think not.  Besides... I at least took it this week!  That should count for something shouldn't it?  Anyhoo... here's my photo:

Day 21 ~ Micro (up close)

I was having fun with the new camera while up at Dad's last week and although I'm 100% girly-girl and hate any insect-y type creature, I was fascinated with the huge dragonflies buzzing around the property.  This little guy landed on this little flower so I was quick to zoom in and capture him in all his buggy-eyed glory.  The one good thing about these fascinating creatures... THEY EAT MOSQUITOES!!  Go dragonflies!!

Tears of a Fan

That old Smokey Robinson song, "Tears of a Clown" just popped in my head as I was thinking of what to title today's post.  I had to change the last word though because although I can act very "clownish", today's tears came about as a result of watching Carrie Underwood (of whom I am a HUGE fan) in her just released new video for her single Mama's Song.

In the video, Carrie is singing to her actual Mom about her wedding day in which she hands her Mom a homemade scrapbook as she leaves for her honeymoon with her new husband, Canadian hockey player, Mike Fisher (who is also in the video with Carrie).

I've always been a fan of Carrie's, ever since she first showed up on the American Idol stage years ago, but her relationship with Mike has really upped the anti so to speak in my obsessive need to follow their lives fan interest.  My friend and I are always quick to share any new tidbits of information we glean about our favorite couple, such as pictures of them shopping in a quaint little Eastern Ontario town near where they visit family, or details about their wedding from my "inside source" (aka my niece whose in-laws were at the wedding!).  This song of Carrie's really touched my heart when I first heard it on her "Play On" CD.  Carrie co-wrote the song and I immediately knew it was about Mike, before their engagement was announced.  To see the video just about bursts my heart with joy for this young couple as they start their lives as a godly, young family.  I wish them nothing but God's blessings, joy and marital bliss!

Here's the video for you to watch... but you may need a tissue... like I did!  Enjoy!

Addicted... Again.

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I have this terrible addiction to reality t.v.  Well, it has hopped into overdrive this week yet again as I have once more been sucked into The Bachelorette.  I told myself that I wasn't going to get emotionally involved like I did during Jillian, my fellow Canadian's season when she had to choose between her final three guys of Ed, Kipton and Reid.  Nope.  I was not going back to that obsessive place again.

Last time, I was so sure that Reid was the best choice for Jill and had convinced myself that when he returned at the final rose ceremony to propose,  having been sent packing the week before, that she would choose him.  Instead though, she rejected him a second time, choosing Ed, the guy with multiple girlfriends back in Chi town, to whom she got engaged and after one year, they just recently ended their engagement.  I vowed that was it.  No more getting suckered into producer Mike Fleiss' freak show.

This season, I decided that in order to not get emotionally involved, I would "sleuth" and head over to the jerk, "Reality Steve's" website to get the spoilers so that I would know what happens in advance, so as to avoid the obsession I had last time.  Yet, here I am, two weeks from the finale again and I am addicted yet again, hoping beyond hope that everything I've read online is just a red herring and that somehow Ali will pick the better of the two "amazing" guys left.  Either way she can't go wrong and let's be honest... the show has a really crappy track record.  Nonetheless though, I am spending too many hours of my days reading every piece of information on message boards, hoping that Ali will choose the down-to-earth landscaper, Chris to be her forever-fella.  Sigh.  What is wrong with me?  Is there a 12 step program for this?

Fortunately, a few girlfriends, their kids and I are taking off to the "beach" tomorrow at a local conservation area's lake.  I'll get a break from my Bachelorette addiction for at least a few hours... and get in touch with the REAL world instead of my fake "reality".

Birthday Wishes and Friday Meme Mania

Before we get into to today's post I just want to wish the love of my life, my wonderful Hubby a VERY Happy Birthday, and wish his twin sister the same!  Yesterday was Canada's birthday (it's 143rd) so Hubby's entire family assembled at his older sister's for a Birthday BBQ.  I had prepared homemade burgers as well as a birthday cake for the "twins" (Hubby and his sister) to take with us.  Krissy and the triplets came over on Wednesday to help me with my first foray into actual cake (not cupcake) decorating.  I was pretty pleased with the results, although upon first glance, Hubby thought his cake looked like it was a baby shower cake - ha ha

I had found these really cool "springy" food colors at the bulk food store in the baking aisle and decided to do a "softer" looking cake than the primary color cake in my "Basic Decorating" guidebook I'd purchased.  I also had to alter the pattern a bit since I didn't have a huge star cookie cutter as my outline for the "Happy Birthday" part.  Here's the side views of the cake too:

I used a Betty Crocker "French Vanilla" cake (using milk instead of water in the recipe) and the Wilton Buttercream Icing recipe for the frosting.  The cake was super moist when we cut in last night and everyone enjoyed!  Yay!!

Now onto some Friday memes:













Dear Hubby,

I just want to wish you a Happy Birthday and say how much I love you.  It is a delight to celebrate you today and I pray God's richest blessings on you today and each day of your new year!  Be sure to take it easy, relax and enjoy yourself tonight and this weekend... NO WORK ALLOWED!!

Your loving (and beyond blessed) wife

The gist of Susanne's meme "Friday's Fave Five" is to think back over the past week and blog about 5 favorite things from the week.  It can be anything so here we go... in no particular order:

Number One

Celebrating Hubby and his Twin Sister

As mentioned above, one of my favorite things this week was celebrating Hubby and his twin's birthday at our Canada Day BBQ.

Number Two 

Having Krissy and the Triplets Over

While Krissy and I decorated Hubby's cake on Wednesday, Teddy, Josh and Emma slept up on my bed... aren't they so sweet?  They unfortunately didn't sleep long... as Josh kicked Emma and woke her up.

 Number Three 

Listening to Emma's Giggle

During my visit on Tuesday with Krissy and the babies, Krissy had some "giggle time" with Emma that was so adorable.  I just had to share it with you ~ hopefully you can listen/watch the video above.

Number Four 

Hubby's Joy Opening His Presents

I started this post before Hubby got home from work... but before I finished, we took off for Birthday festivities.  We went to the theater for an early movie ~ the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz movie "Knight and Day" and then to dinner at The Keg Steakhouse.  After filling our tummies with delicious food, we went shopping for a new BBQ (part of Hubby's gift) and then home for leftover cake and gifts.  Hubby was thrilled to open his present of DVD series:  2 seasons of Survivor (1st season ~ Borneo & 7th season ~ Pearl Islands) as well as the second season of Terminator:  Sarah Connor Chronicles.  See the big smile on his face... and he hadn't even opened his gifts yet!!

Number Five 

Ali Kicking Justin "Rated R" to the Curb on The Bachelorette

This week on The Bachelorette, Ali confronted wrestler (and fellow Torontonian), Justin "Rated R" when his then girlfriend Jessica called to tell Ali that he was not only cheating on Ali (because he was dating her prior to going on the Bachelor), but he was also cheating on Jessica with some other girl in Toronto.  Nice!  Ali was so angry with him that she immediately went to confront him which led him to run away like a frightened school child, hobbling through bushes and fountains on his casted leg trying to get away from the truth that he'd been caught.  He eventually came to sit and talk with Ali, denying everything she was confronting him with, only to have the producers run over him with a big ole "bus", by playing the voicemail messages he'd left Jessica in the recent days while on the show, vowing his love to her.  It was "the most dramatic episode" yet! 

And... finally... Friday Fill-ins:

And...here we go! 

1. When it's quiet I try and savor the peace.
2. I haven't done laundry in what seems like a month but in reality it's only been over a week.
3. My heart is full of gratitude and love for God's gift of my Hubby.
4. Happy Birthday Canada too this July 1st week.
5. In the town where I was born there isn't much exciting that goes on.
6. The demonstration of God's love and grace is something I really love about my Hubby.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I was looking forward to celebrating Hubby's big day, tomorrow my plans include going to pick up the new BBQ and Sunday, I want to go to church ~ it's been weeks since we've been at our church!


Okay... your turn!

Wii-ly Fun... and Tiring.

Yesterday was an exciting day around the ole Nest.  Hubby and I recently cashed in a load of airmiles we'd been collecting and we ordered a Wii.  We'd picked up a Wii Fit with the coverage from work and wondered how long it would be before we could get the console to start out on my new year's fitness regime.  To our amazement, we ordered the Wii online from our airmiles company and voila... the UPS guy was back at my door with the console on Thursday.  Yee-Haw!

My first workout on the new machine was fairly simple.  I did a few yoga moves, a couple balancing games and did the testing they do to check BMI/weight and balance.  They do some funky calculation and give you a "wii" age when they're all done.  I had first entered the program as a "Guest" and that Wii Age was 52 yrs old.  Yikes.  No offense to those over 52... but I'm only 45.  I'm not ready to be 7 years older just yet!  That time I'd done it in bare feet.  After I'd made my little  "Mii" character, I redid the test and to my comfort and joy, my Wii age was now 41.  Ahhh... I like that!

I often tell people that I'm allergic to exercise.  I get a red rash on my face, I break out in a sweat.  It's all very ugly.  Now though, with my new Wii, I have no excuse to stay in my seat and eat bon bons.  I can get up and go for a bike ride like I did tonight (3 km btw) all while standing on my Wii balance board.  Hubby and I had a boxing match tonight where he knocked my block off a few times.  I almost had him but drat it all... he got one more good right hook on me and I went down like a girly girl.  (Oh wait.. I am a girly girl!)

I can already feel it in my butt and thighs from doing the yoga moves but I have to say, I'm totally enjoying this.  Anything that can make working out fun for me is important.  I hope I can keep it up because I really do need to get my little flabby body under control.

Before I end tonight, I wanted to tell any of you that care (or are a reality tv junkie like myself) that I reopened my Armchair Reality Review blog.  You can head over if you want to read my take on this winter's reality shows that I watch.  So far I'm reviewing The Bachelor and American Idol.  I'll also be commenting on Survivor and The Apprentice when they start.  And Dancing with the Stars too no doubt.  Have a great wii-kend!

Pass the Cheese, Please!

It's like there is a magnet in my t.v. that draws me to watch it.  I didn't want to.  I vowed I wouldn't.  Yet, tonight (or rather last night as I look at the clock on my computer) I broke down and turned to ABC to watch the cheesiest slice of the Bachelor served up yet... The Bachelor:  On The Wings of Love.  Who writes this stuff?

I think it's an addiction that I need help for.  I really do.  I don't particularly like the guy - Jake Pavelka.  Sure he's a nice "Christian" boy... but he reminds me of a grown up Opie from the Andy Griffith show.  "Golly gee, girls... you all look so durn perty in your fancy dresses!  Gaffa.  Gaffa".  If I hear him say something about "nice guys finishing last" one more time I think I'll toss my cookies across the family room floor.  BLECH!

How is it that someone THAT good looking, can be that dorky?  I'm just asking!  It's like he's got a body that's a 10, and a personality that's a 3.  It doesn't compute in my wee little brain.

I don't mean to be harsh but after 13 seasons of this show, and 5 or so Bachelorettes, this old lady is getting just a little tainted in the love-o-meter.  Perhaps I've become too accustomed over the years of the editing process reality tv (this show in particular) takes.  After they duped me last Season with the precious Reid/Jillian chemistry and her choosing the dufous Ed, I refuse to get sucked back into hoping for a happy ending.  That all being said, yep, my t.v. was glued to ABC (City TV on Canadian cable) and I watched the handsome, albeit goofy, Jake meet 25 women, some stunning, some sweet, some slutty ... and some just plain crazy.

Hubby and I spent the better part of the show picking a) our favorites Ali, Ashley, Ella, Emily (who sadly didn't get a rose) and Tenly, b) the ones here strickly for a "career" move (aka models like Gia and Rozlyn) and c) the one who hooked up with a producer during filming and gets kicked off in a future episode (our guess is Rozlyn or Elizabeth from Nebraska... or maybe the super competive girl ~ think her name was Christina... she reminded us of the actress Kate Winslet).

One thing I really had to wonder though was what on earth were the producers thinking inviting Jillian and Ed back to help Jake with narrowing down the ladies.  Jillian should have been afraid to let Ed loose in front of that room of pretty girls (as you'll remember last year he left in the middle of filming Jillian's season to go home to date his former girlfriends... yep plural!!).  I'm also curious as to why producers thought this party-loving duo (Ed and Jill) were capable of helping wholesome Jake with this monumental task.  I'm just sayin!  I don't see how this was the best they could do with helping the guy?  Finding the most scandal-ridden couple in Bachelorette history?  Perhaps they were trying to convince us what a great pair Jill and Ed are.  Ya!  Okay.  Whatever!

So... as you can see... for someone who was NOT going to get sucked into this silly show... I think I took a ride on Jake's crazy stunt plane too and I'm now zooming towards a cavity ridden (cuz he's so gosh, darn "sweet"), down-home, good ole Texas boy, CheeseFest!  Yikes!  I need help!  I'll be back later today with hopefully a more inspired post.

Wednesday Already?... and the Random Dozen... Again.

What is happening to my "daily" blogging?  Life has sped up to uncontrollable speed and I am either too exhausted at the end of the day or too brain dead to think on something exciting to write about I guess.

Hubby left Monday night for trip #2 of his business trip extravaganza.  While he settled into his hotel in Connecticut, I watched DWTS and Canada's own reality show, Battle of the Blades finale (where an NHL player is teamed with a female figure skater).  BOTB was similar to DWTS with the exception that the winning pair won not only a crystal trophy, but also 100,000 for the charity of their choice.  DWTS should do that & forget the tacky mirrored ball.

I was busy on the weekend getting the house decorated for Christmas. Pictures to come tomorrow (or maybe even tonight I'll have a separate post for that). 

My ticket is booked for California as I look forward to spending 12 days in the sunny CA sunshine of Silicon Valley with hubby on business in early December.  I LOVE San Francisco at Christmas.  We may even try and squeeze in a performance of the Nutcracker at the SF Ballet to celebrate the anniversary of our first date!

One really exciting thing this week is that I finished my 2 year writing course through the Christian Writer's Guild.  My mentor gave me a wonderful evaluation and now I just have to get down to the discipline and formulate the creative juices to actually produce something of literary worth.  Hmmm...  Focus, Sue... FOCUS!

That's the update... now for this week's Random Dozen, thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee:




1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?  I would love to master either dancing (like DWTS) or figure skating. 

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?  Both hubby and I tend to research ad nauseam larger purchases (like our recent car purchase for example) and for smaller purchases do some research but go by gut too at times.  Just depends on what it is and how much it costs I think.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?  Well... if only I had grown up on a "normal" type street.  My "movie star name" sounds more like a rapper name:  Elizabeth Highway 6

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food? Wow... how is one to pick?  If I were left with eating less favorite food or having to listen to less favorite music, I would rather give up my favorite food.  Did that make any sense? 

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?  Call me prejudice... but I like my banana's spot free...not a titch of green, but perfectly yellow and spotless!

6. Your favorite tree is?  A beautifully decorated, sparkly-lighted Christmas tree... and besides that a good ole Canadian Maple tree (with orangey-red leaves in the fall)

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?  Probably an 8 or 9?

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?  Not yet thankfully, but it has touched a few friends.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?  Analytical I think... why do you ask? hee hee

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?  In those silly quizzes on Facebook I'm a Golden Retriever so I think that's my answer.  Those are scientific tests are they not?

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?  For the most part, yes, but some old friends have fallen through the cracks of our busy lives (and distance)

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?  So many factors to consider here.  Such as,  exactly how many people are in the express lane and how many in the other lanes.  In the shorter line with more bigger loads, how many people ahead and how quickly is the cashier processing the items?  Also, am I in a rush to get out or am a relaxed and have to time wait in either line?  I tend to go in the shorter, more objects line if I would be the next in line but it really just depends.  Gee... guess I just reanswered #9 huh? ha ha.

If you want to get in on the fun head on over to Linda's site and join in on the Random Dozen!

(I'll be back later with some festive cheer!)

Wednesday's Random Dozen and Other Trivial Pursuits

DWTS this week was pretty good.  I felt bad for Anna, the pro, as she and the UFC guy (forget his name) were booted out.  Poor Anna... she always gets stuck with a so-so dancer and never makes it past the half way mark of the Season.  Hmm.  I do have to give a huge shout-out to Melissa Joan-Hart whose Charleston was fantastic (as was Kelly Osbourne's and Donny Osmond's).  Is that not the funnest dance to watch?  I couldn't help but have my mind race back to the Brady Bunch episode where the family was all doing the charleston.  Love that dance!  I was disappointed though in the Texas Two-Steps.  Didn't seem like a single couple who'd been given that dance did it justice.  I would love to have seen it done well.

During the show they announced the new Bachelor star and the rumors were right.  Blech!  Jake is the new bachelor and I doubt I will be able to stomach the season without a barf bag handy while watching this pilot in his pursuit of love.  How corny was the name they gave the season too ~ "Wings of Love".  Oh boy!  It's about as corny as Jake came off on Jillian's season of The Bachelorette.  I do feel kind of bad for the guy though.  He so desperately wanted to be The Bachelor and so many, like myself, are less than enthused.  Guess the old saying, "be careful what you wish for" will apply in this case because I doubt this will be the wonderful experience he thought it was going to be.

Okay... enough of that!  A few "housekeeping" things before I get on to this week's Random Dozen.  To reply to Julie's comment from yesterday, my back is still bothering me and I am still going to the chiropractor 2x a week, although it has improved.  It aches more than sharp stabbing pains now and I am feeling a little like I'm living in a "Catch-22" situation... I want to exercise to lose weight which I know would help my back, but exercising hurts my back so it hampers any progress I try and make in the exercise department.  Can you say frustrating!

Time now for this weeks' Random Dozen, thanks to Linda!






1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)  My style is caught somewhere between the two.  I half write/half print most of the time and it's not the prettiest handwriting I've ever seen.  Don't you hate how you love everyone else' handwriting more than your own?

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?  Okay, now I'm just feeling very wishy-washy tonight.  Again, I think I'm a bit of both, but more than likely a bit more of a realist if I'm honest with myself. 

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?  If I have to chose ... Elton John, although I'm not a HUGE fan of either.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not just horror flicks but also ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.  I can still remember in my late teen's/early 20's watching a 1981 movie called Ghost Story with Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks Jr and a bunch of other old actors.  It was so suspenseful.  I was with some friends from our youth group and I can still picture us girls sitting watching with a blanket over our faces at eye level so when we got freaked out we didn't have far to move the blanket to shade our eyes.


5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?  In real life, the scariest moment was when I was 21 and my Mom and I were in a head-on collision.  We both saw the car coming at us and we even talked later in the hospital about what color the car was.  I got out of the car on my own while Mom had to be cut out with the "jaws of life".  Even before Mom was out of the car I was whisked off to the hospital, not even sure if she was alive.  It was very scary!

6. What word do you misspell without fail?  I ALWAYS misspell niece - want to spell it neice and then stop, rewind and try it again the correct way.

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at?  Scrapbooking!  I have tons of stuff and one finished project but I just don't seem to have creative juices that flow while doing it so I lose interest quickly.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?  A few years ago I totally would have said "being around people" but the older I get (and probably because of our quiet, childfree life), I recharge more being alone.


9. Have you ever been on TV?  Sort of?  When I was a little girl there was a local t.v. station that had this little variety program.  One of my church friends was having a bday party and we went down to see the show and they called us all up on stage and we got to be on t.v.  Nothing exciting!

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)  My grandma made THE BEST apple pie so, unless it's made with Crisco pastry and the apples are the right kind and done just like Grandma, I would pass on apple pie.  Store bought just doesn't cut it.  But... at Thanksgiving... pumpkin all the way... with lots of real whipping cream on top!  (and I wonder why I need to lose weight!)

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?  None


12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?  I think my lesson I need to learn over and over is to die to self and make God my priority.  I get so easily sidetracked with things of this world that I neglect Him more than I should and more than He deserves.  I guess along with this lesson is balance... balancing life with my time with God.

Your turn!  Head on over to Linda's and grab the Random Dozen questions by clicking on the link above... and have yourself a Happy Hump Day!

The Week In Review

I can't believe it's been a whole week since my last post.  What's up with that??  You'd think I had a life or something.   Let's see if I can fill you in on what's new, without boring you to death!

Wednesday I looked after my friend, "A"'s youngest... 3 yr old "M".

A Moment of Pensive Reflection at Play

 We had fun putting puzzles together and watching Treehouse.  A & M stayed for lunch and the rest of the day was putting away and finishing laundry.  Wednesday evening, with my oven back in operation, I made Chewy Oatmeal-CranRaisin cookies for Thursday's ladies' group at church.  When I got up Thursday morning I also made some homemade Blueberry Mini-Muffiins to take as well. 

Abide, our church ladies' group is doing Beth Moore's "The Inheritance" this semester and whoa... was this week's amazing.  Here's an "Arsenio Hall - things that make you go Hmmmm" thought... while God was instructing Abraham to go up on the mountain with his son, Isaac and use his son as the sacrifice, have you ever thought about God the Father and God the Son sitting side by side up in Heaven watching this event take place?  Abraham and Isaac were in a sense the foreshadowing of the Good News story of Jesus' being the sacrifice for our sins.  In their case though, God intervened and Isaac was spared, but Jesus had to go through with His being the sacrifice so that you and I could accept His incredible gift of grace and forgiveness for our sins.  What must He thought up in Heaven watching this event, knowing that there would be no reprieve such as Isaac recieved?  What a Wonderful Savior we serve, indeed!

After Abide I picked up my mother-in-law to take her for a spin in the new vehicle.  We had lunch at Tim Horton's and then she helped me pick up some spring bulbs that I need to plant in my garden.  Should have done it that day since it's been stinking freezing ever since!  Brrr.

I got up Friday morning and again, enjoying that working oven, I made another batch of Blueberry mini-muffins to take to the car dealership to thank them for all their help in selecting and purchasing our new Santa Fe.  Channeling Desperatate Housewives' Bri VandeKamp (or whatever her new name is - since I haven't watched from the very first Season)  I put my mini muffins in a little basket and attached a pink bow from the flower arrangement hubby brought home the week before.

My Thank You Muffins

The guys at Hyundai were surprised and delighted.  Mission accomplished!  I did some grocery shopping while I was out and then hubby & I (who was home for the day) hung out in the afternoon together.

Saturday we were up early and out the door shortly after 7am to take our first "long" trip in the Santa Fe.  It was cottage work weekend at Dad's place on the lake.  We arrived just after 9am while my sister & her kids, Dad and "G" were having breakfast.  Brrr was it chilly up there.  Even with two layers on I was still shivering which hurt my aching back.  The colors up there were spectacular though.  Check out this tree that sits right beside the boat dock (which the guys & my sister were taking out for the winter). 

Fantastic Fall Foliage

Even our "boys" had to get in on the action at the cottage.

 

Fall at the Cottage

Even though I'm no "outdoor girl", it kinda sucked being up there with a bad back because there really wasn't much for me to do.  Everyone else was busy - the guys were taking down trees...

Taking down the rotted Birch tree

... the girls were splitting the tree into logs for the woodstove that heats the place...

C & S splitting logs

while G & L, my step-mom and sister-in-law, worked in the kitchen.  I... well... I wandered around as cottage foreman feeling guilty about being useless in all realms of cottage life.

In the afternoon, hubby, L and Dad raked leaves while C & her kids took the kayaks out on the lake.  Even little Pepper, my sister's cutie pie dog (remember when I puppy-sat Pepper in the summer?) went along for the trip.

Newest Fashion Statement - The Pepper Purse (aka life jacket)

With life jackets on, the voyagers paddled away from the shore to sights unseen (at least by me since I didn't see which direction they went).  They returned an hour or so later with both Pepper and my nephew, G, having done in for a "dip" in the frigid waters.  Good thing they were both wearing their life jackets!

In the evening, we all hopped in our vehicles and head off to the chapel for the yearly Thanksgiving Weekend Pot Luck and Sing Song.  Our plates were piled high with delectable dishes from the women of the surrounding lakes and with full bellies we raced one another to shout out the number of our favorite hymns from the hymnals.  Hubby and I were not staying overnight because of  his fighting a cold and my bad back, so we left after the last song and head back home.  Good thing too I hear... it snowed at the cottage on Sunday!  I'm SO not ready for that kind of weather!

We had missed hubby's family Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, and also the one at the lake on Sunday so I had bought a small turkey breast for us to share on Sunday.  After church I made pastry and popped a pumpkin pie in the oven for hubby and then found a delicious recipe for Maple Roasted Carrots to add to the mashed potatoes and Green/Yellow bean mix I planned to cook.  It wasn't bad for a little feast, although our mouths are watering already for the huge feast we'll enjoy at my sister's place next Sunday!

That's about all that's been going on with me since my last post.  I should have been working diligently on my second-to-last assignment over the weekend, but instead I played Sims 3 and watched copious amounts of reality t.v.  Speaking of reality... I've decided I'm not quite ready for daily blogging about my reality addiction so I think for now, I'll close my reality t.v. blog.  I'm already behind on that so if I feel the need to "vent", etc about my addiction, I think I'll stick to doing it here.  The pressure's off then about recapping, etc.!  Thanks Linda and Sarah though for following me in that short-lived venture.  If I ever get the urge again, I'll let you know!

Okay... need to make some dinner before small group tonight.  Then, when I get home I'll watch the DWTS results show and find out from Chris Harrison who the next Bachelor will be.  Please be Reid... Please PLEASE do NOT be Jake!!   

Oh... and I almost forgot... at this time of year, Canadian Thanksgiving,  I just want to publicly thank God for all His amazing blessings He's given me in my life:  my hubby, my family, my friends and most importantly, His Son who saved me from myself and sin and gives me the eternal hope of a future with Him in Heaven!

I DO Know the Way to Santa Fe

... and it's sitting in my driveway this very minute.  Yep.  We picked up our brand spanking new SUV this afternoon!  It's so shiny... and pretty... and ours...after only 60 payments!

We left home in this, our 2000 Protege and the very first car we bought together as a couple...

and came home in this, our new Hyundai Santa Fe...

It took Gene, our salesman, about an hour to go through everything with us.  While sitting at his desk, Hubby noticed a few cards and signs on his workspace walls with Scripture verses.  "Gene's a Christian", he said.  Very cool!  As we stood outside with Gene, keys in hand about ready to step in and drive our new vehicle off the lot, Gene asks us, "Are you people of prayer?"  "We sure are" we replied.  "Then let's lay hands on your new vehicle before you leave" Gene said.  And with that, a prayer of blessing was given over our new vehicle by the man sent from God to help us in our journey.

I fully believe God was in this entire process.  For you friends who have been reading my blog all summer, you know what a long, arduous task, shopping for a vehicle has been.  That fateful Saturday in mid-September, as we were preparing to decide on a used Ford Escape, I just felt strongly in my spirit that we were supposed to go to Hyundai before Ford.  Now I see fully that God had placed that feeling inside me and for a reason.  My prayer today is one of gratitude for God's very abundant provision of this vehicle.  I also pray that we would use it to bring Him glory and for His service.  It actually is His and He's just loaning it to us after all!

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Couple of other quick things before I go.

1.  There's an update on Krissy's visit to the cardiologist over at their blog - Quickly Outnumbered for you to check in on if you've been following the progress of my great-niblings-to-be.

2.  After some thought and an act of mercy to my non-reality tv addicted friends, I have started up a new blog strictly for my ramblings of  reality t.v.  Come check out my new The Armchair Reality Review.

Whatever Happened to Modesty?

I was going to title tonight's post "Hannah Montana is Dead" but I didn't want there to be a riot of tweenage girls going crazy (not that I know of any tweenagers reading my blog). Did you see DWTS results show tonight? If you did, you may understand the title of my post. The show premiered Miley Cyrus' new video and can I just say... could the girl's shorts have been any shorter? She was donning some pretty skimpy "daisy dukes" for such a young girl. And doesn't she claim to be a Christian and a "good girl"? Apparently not so much anymore.

I was really sad watching her video as I feared she'd go down the road of Brittany Spears and Jessica Simpson, both "good girls" gone bad once they got a taste of fame. Why does that happen? I know why... but it still makes me wish, hope, pray for a different outcome. Even watching the Emmy's this week when my favorite, Kristen Chenoweth, won her award, my sister commented on Monday, "Did you see her dress?" Kristen's boobs were hanging out and her dress was "see-through" along the sides, leaving little to the imagination. She too claims to be a Christian.

Now I'm not saying that Christians need to be prudes but there is a virtue in modesty. I remember dressing "like a streewalker" as my dad used to tell me in my younger years and now I realize it was a cry for attention. I just wanted someone, anyone, to find me attractive. How sad that we need to sell ourselves in order to get it... attention that is... not "IT". My heart breaks that a lot of young women today don't realize the message they send with the way they dress and act. Self-respect and modesty are a precious commodity these days and don't even get me started on purity!

Okay... I'm done my rant! Now on to more important things...

First off... TRIPLET UPDATE...

Krissy is going in for surgery tomorrow to have her cervix stitched. Paul wrote in their blog that she has a 'dynamic' cervix ... and that's not a compliment. It means that it opens and closes willy nilly and they need to stitch it shut so that she doesn't go into early labor. She should be in the hospital for at least 24 hours so prayers would be greatly appreciated. In other baby news... Paul got to feel the babies kick for the first time... totally awesome for the Daddy-to-be! I bet Krissy's starting to feel like a soccer match is taking place in her uterus! The babies' latest photo op is over at their blog too if you want to check it out!


Reality TV Ramblings...

Okay... I think this is going to be a regular part of my blog being the reality tv addict I am. I was even thinking that I may start a new blog just for my reality tv ramblings... let me know what you think about that idea!

DWTS tonight was pretty good as far as results show go. Ashley Hamilton going home... no loss there. Macy Gray... same thing. First week's castoffs were totally fine by me. It was cool to see the Stars of Dance production of The Lion King. I haven't seen the Broadway play and actually had no desire to do so, but if it comes back to Toronto sometime and the tickets are offered to me at a steal of a deal... I just may go. The tribute to Patrick Swayze brought tears to my eyes. Very touching.

Tomorrow night's the 2nd Survivor. Hopefully "Evil Russell" won't dominate the show. I wonder who Jeff kicks out of the challenge. It's the first time he's ever had to do that. Wanna take bets it's that Russell guy... or maybe Ben?


And other things...

Just a quick update on the car decision... we still have no decision. We have put a deposit down on A vehicle... we just haven't decided WHICH vehicle. They both have different pros and hubby & I are having such a difficult time deciding on which is the wisest choice for our budget and our driving needs. Truthfully, I'm happy with either choice so I'm letting my precious, phlegmatic hubby decide which HE feels best with. I mean really... he is the one paying for it! We should have a decision tomorrow. I've been to the bank to get the draft for the downpayment so things are in motion... just be patient and I'll have the big reveal when it's all said and done!

Decisions and Disappointments

Life is full of decisions. Who do I marry? Where will we live? What kind of car will we drive? We've made some of those huge decisions already, but that last one is still looming over our heads. As we move to replace hubby's terminally ill car from our driveway, we believe we've narrowed down our choices. Do we go for a mid-size sedan with power sunroof and great mileage without a lot of pain to the budget? Or, do we move up to an SUV, lose the sunroof (sniff, sniff), and tighten the belt a little for the next 5 years? Decisions, decisions!

The two vehicles are tied in our minds both with pros and very few cons. We truly can't go wrong with either decision but tomorrow, I'm headed back to the dealer to test drive for sure the sedan and perhaps the SUV again. We should have a new car by the end of the week... I hope!

Speaking of the dealership, I made my way around the auto mall this morning in search of my lost cell phone. No sign of it in any of the vehicles we test drove Saturday and I have called and retraced all my steps from Thursday and Saturday (my only days out last week). Where is that silly thing? If only I'd had it on. Then at least someone, somewhere might have heard Lucy and Linus (the Snoopy theme) playing in the distance and helped me find it. Sigh. What can I do? Not much I suppose. I called the phone company today and put a block on my phone so at least if someone finds it that they can't call and text me into the poor house. If I hear nothing from all my legwork by the end of the week, I guess I'll go look for another one. Grrrr. I have to wonder... is this a case of peri-menopause brain?

While I'm thinking about brains... hee hee... I'm still working on last week's assignment that is now a week late. I've toiled for the past 4 days over my synopsis for question 1, writing my 2-3 page run-down of the book I recently read. I started to wonder if my mentor was really interested in reading my long-winded (3000+ word) rundown of the chick-lit book I so enjoyed, so I wrote him and asked him to clarify Question 1 for me. Would you believe he only needs a 750 word synopsis!! If only I asked first! Geesh! Think of all the time I would have saved. So, now I have to squeeze all that info down to 750 words before I can tackle part 2 of the question. Anyone want to do that for me? I'll be SO happy when this assignment is off in the outbox!

And now for a little t.v. talk... did anyone watch the Emmys last night? I was SOOOO thrilled when Kristen Chenoweth won "Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy" for Pushing Daisies. Someone at ABC should be fired for their poor decision making skills as this wonderful show was cancelled before it was allowed to take off. For the past 2 years it has one numerous Emmys BOTH YEARS after they'd made the decision to cancel the show. What a tragic loss, especially with so many crappy shows on out there. I'll get over it one day, I promise! Neil Patrick Harris did a pretty good job hosting and his opening number was very entertaining. Who knew he was that talented... and good looking.

DWTS premiered tonight. The judges' voting was all over the place and pretty inconsitent I thought. My votes are for Donny Osmond who I thought did a fabulous job! We'll have to PVR it tomorrow night as we have small group Bible Study.

Now how's that for an eclectic post?

Friday Fill-ins and Follow Up

Do I begin with Friday Fill-ins or Follow Up, I wonder as I sit here tapping on my computer keys. Let's do this in order of importance I conclude.

Follow Up: Triplets

Paul (since he's used their names in their blog I guess I don't have to use "code" anymore) has updated their blog on the latest Triplets news. You can read the whole update at their blog, Quickly Outnumbered, or I'll give you a quick update here. If you choose to go to their site you'll see the latest belly shot though!

This week Krissy felt the babies for the first time. SO exciting and if I'm honest I'm just a titch jealous, considering I will never know what that feels like... but it's not about me! She is now 21 weeks so they are well on their way... Lord willing. They had an appointment today at the specialist and there were two minor concerns that came up for your needed prayers. Here's what Paul wrote at his blog:

"...the first is that 'Baby C' had a bright spot in his small baby bowel. It could be nothing, and is often discovered to be just that, nothing. It could also be a few other things, an infection or a sign of more serious things (Ie. cystic fibrosis, or other things...) The docs decided that we should do some blood work to try to rule some things out - just to be sure. The chances of the 'brightness' being something serious is small, but there's always a chance...."

The other concern Paul mentioned is that Krissy's cervix has started to open a little which is TOO EARLY. She will return next week to the doctor to see if it has opened further. She may need a stitch in there to keep it closed and she is now off work and home to rest.

Please pray for the continued safety of Krissy & her pregnancy. Her appointment with the heart specialist is Sept 30 as well. Lots of prayer needs right now for my precious niece, hubby and unborn babies!

Follow Up: Survivor Samoa Premiere

It's great to see another season of Survivor in all it's HD glory. It's worth watching just for the scenery and this year's opening... I thought poor Jeff Probst was going to get whisked away in the South Pacific surf.

Can I just say that I already have a cast member I ... well... hate. Okay... hate is too strong a word. If this particular castaway... cough... Russell H.... cough... were to say... get bitten by a shark and had to be taken off in a helicopter for reconstructive surgery anytime soon I wouldn't be heartbroken. This guy is a piece of work. In the first 20 seconds of landing on the sandy shores of Samoa, he is off with like 5 different women making alliances. "It's just you & me to the end". Uh... ya! Sure. He brags about being this multi-millionaire who doesn't need the cash as he burns people's socks in the fire. Um... isn't there a rule about destroying people's personal property? Whatever! I'm hoping the hype they've made of him doesn't mean he'll be around long because something tells me, if he is around awhile, I may just hate this season of Survivor.

I was sad to see Marisa voted off, especially after seeing a bit of her bio on the TV Guide Survivor Premiere Special on YouTube. You can check it out HERE. She was a really sweet kid with a heart of gold and didn't deserve to be backstabbed by Russell H and his evil ways.

It's too early to pick my favorites but I'll be back next week with more on my take of Survivor Samoa! I know you'll be holding your breath until then!


Friday Fill-Ins:

And...here we go!

1. My car has been stolen... by my adorable hubby whose car is terminally ill, leaving me stranded at home until we find a replacement vehicle.

2. Dancing with the Stars is coming up next week and I can't wait to see Donny Osmond dance with Kym Johnson.

3. Lately, things seem a little boring, as I recover from a cold this week.

4. Inside my bedside table is one of my favorite 'hiding' places for things I like to keep hidden from my hubby... like little surprises for him... and snacks I don't want to share ~ hee hee.

5. What happened to the seriousness of marriage vows... seems like every day you hear of someone else whose marriage is on the rocks. Today it was Avril Lavigne.

6. Plotting in fiction writing is not impossible! I will keep telling myself this until my next two assignments are done!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hubby's help on my first assignment, tomorrow my plans include probably car shopping... or sending hubby off while I stay home and knit/work on my assignment and Sunday, I want to watch the Emmy's at night!

Your turn... what's your Friday Fill-ins?

Reality TV and Random Dozen

Big Brother ended just as I had hoped... with Jordan beating out Kevin in the final HOH and able to choose who she wanted to sit next to and let me tell you, that "ditzy" little blond wasn't so "ditzy" after all. She answered the tiebreaker question within 1 point to win and then made a $500K decision by evicting Kevin and taking Natalie to the final 2. Good girl Jordan!

I just have to ask before I go on though... WHAT was Julie Chen wearing? I know she is "great with child" but really? A big blue TENT? I was waiting to see picnic tables set up around her and a fishing boat. Her stylist really needs some help I think. What do you think?

I digress! Most of the 2 hour finale was filler as usual, but entertaining none the less. Once Jordon evicted Kevin and hubby and I did a victory dance, the jury asked their questions to rambling answers by both contestants. It always amazes us that at this point the contestants' pride seems to kick into high gear as they sing the old Sinatra lyrics, "I did it my way". Anyhoo... getting down to the real business of the evening, after the houseguests inserted their keys with the houseguest they choose to win, Julie first pulled out "America's vote" which I voted for about 20+ times for Jordan to win, and surprise... it was for Jordan. Poor Natalie. All her talking to "America" on camera was for naught! The next two votes were for Jordan (which was a shock that Jesse didn't vote for Natalie considering she kept yapping about her loyalty to him in her answers to the jury) and then Russell surprisingly voted for Natalie. The next key was Jeff's (Jordan's shomance partner) and of course it was for Jordan and sealed her in for the win! The final vote was 5-2 for Jordan and she was crowned winner of BB 11. YAY!!! At the end of the night, it was time for Julie to award America's Choice for the $25K prize and surprise... Jeff, the hottie, won! The night was complete... with Jeff and Jordan coming out as the stars of the season, just as hubby & I had hoped! Ahhh... all is right in our reality tv world tonight!

Okay... enough of THAT. Time for this week's Random Dozen.

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas? I would have to say, a long boring meeting is worse for me. Standing in a line I can handle because I will usually chat it up with the people around me (whether they want to or not) so I can easily amuse myself. In a long, boring meeting I have to keep quiet and I tend to fall asleep which can be VERY embarrassing!

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive? I think it really depends. Sometimes I can fight back and get into it but that is probably more rare. I will more often become passive aggressive and go home and lick my wounds (and rant to hubby about the situation).

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.) My genealogical background is very British. My paternal side came from northern Scotland, apparently in the way distance something about sheep stealers or wine smugglers - lol. My Dad's parents came to Canada from Scotland in the early 1900's so my Dad & his sisters are first generation Canadian. On my Mom's side, I think my maternal grandma's family was English/Scottish as well (McIntyre was Grandma's maiden name) and my maternal grandfather was adopted and I believe of British origin as well. His birth mother or aunt was a well-known opera star of her day, not that I remember her name now.


4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you? Chocolate?! Um... seriously, I think the real answer is to be real, be kind, genuine.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to. Do "crack brownies" count as cookies? You can find the recipe at this post HERE

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit? Not unless it's a special occasion and I need my cute little black handbag.

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented? TOTALLY relationship-oriented! You can tell by looking at my house ;-)

8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel? We don't have any of those where I live so I'll say Cracker Barrel... but only because I LOVE looking in the little store attached!

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why? Hubby and I have walked out a couple of times. The last one was a John Cusack movie (forget the name) and we left because the first 5-10 minutes was him in a strip joint and it felt so dirty and disgusting that we couldn't sit any longer and wait for it to get better. We got our money back!

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization? My spiritual life would be the area I would love to develop more discipline... in particular my prayer life. I feel so ADD that I can't sit for a long time praying without my mind wandering off in a 100 different directions.

11. Was middle school fun or painful? Middle school fun... high school painful!

12. What is your favorite Fall beverage? I know I should say apple cider or something festive, but my favorite Fall beverage is the same as every other season... Diet Coke, wine or vanilla black tea! Oh... was I to pick only one?


So there you have it... these weeks' Random Dozen. Wanna play too? Head on over to Linda's to pick up the Meme questions and sign!