I Believe

So the 2010 Olympics are over. What a time, what an amazing experience for Canada and for Vancouver what a party! I have never experienced so much Canadian pride as I did during these Olympics.

"I Believe" was one of the Canadian Olympic motto's/logo. I certainly believe in how the positive emotions can be infectious. Hubby and I were able to make it to the mainland for a couple of days. We didn't have tickets to any of the events, but what we saw was amazing. I think we took over 600 photos. We were in awe of the crowds and how happy everyone was. The police were friendly, people were polite and helpful, the thousand of volunteers my sister, my girlfriend, and my brother just to name a few, all volunteered to help out at the games. They tell me it was an experience they will never forget.

Some of the international media seem to take any opportunity it could to lamb base Vancouver and it's inaction in certain events. Case in point. I heard that British news was saying that Vancouver was having all these riots. Yes there was a few protests, and unfortunately a few rebel rosers broke some windows. But, I have to tell you, they were a small group, never once did I see a fight or anything that could even resemble a so called riot.

That's the Olympic Cauldron behind me. See all those people. Folks lined up for hours to get a shot of that thing.
Here's a little better shot of the Cauldron....see all the people....oh my goodness, and nope no riots here....
This is a photo of just some of the crowds working their way towards that Olympic Cauldron. It was something I will never forget again. The street vendors were selling and trading a variety of pins, and again, I never saw any thing close to rowdiness or riots.

Police officers from all over the country came to help out with the security of the Olympics. I took this photo as one of the officers was from my husband's hometown of Hamilton. I thought that was cool as well, that they wore their own uniforms, again it showed a united Canada working together to make this a enjoyable event for the world to enjoy! They "Believed" as well.

The Olympic Clock near Robson Square

This caught my interest, Samsung I gather was on of the Olympic sponsors but the critters on the side are the Olympic Mascots. I thought it was cool how they projected these images on the building.

Some very friendly and kind police officers taking care of this rowdy Olympic fan
Downtown Granville street wall to wall people and not a fight or riot in sight.

Yes I believe that a city the size of Vancouver can hold an international even such as the Olympics and welcome the world. I believe that it was a great success, I believe that this is a memory and experience that I will never forget.

I want to thank all of our international guests for behaving themselves and for making these Olympics so enjoyable for all.

Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt

This week's theme is "Daily". What an interesting choice, what are somethings that I do daily, or see daily, or experience daily...hmmm let me see......

One of the things I see "daily" are birds at my feeders........

Another thing I do "Daily" is talk to my hubby about plans and every day stuff, he is my best friend and I get to be with him "Daily".

I get the"Daily" enjoyment of being around my favourite dog Bert

There are so many things I do on a "Daily" basis, but the most important thing of all, is that I get to be mom to my three wonderful daughters!

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out tnchick for all the instructions, happy hunting all!

Camera Critters.....

A few weeks back a couple of friends an I went snowshoeing up at Mt. Washington on Vancouver Island. It was a glorious day. Sun was shining, fresh snow on the ground. The local birds were in abundance and didn't seem to afraid of coming down to say hello......

We had some nuts which they seemed to really enjoy. These birds are called "Whiskey Jack's".

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out Misty's Musing and My Dogs keep me Sane if you would like to join in on the fun!

Camera Critters

One early morning in July, I was getting ready for work. I went into our poweder room to put on my make up when what do I see out of the corner of my eye, but this little guy.....you can imagine my startle....but he stayed there long enough for me to get a few photos....I guess that is one of the things I should expect living in the country and leaving my window open.....I remember leaving a little note for my hubby that we had a guest in our powder room and that if he felt so inclined he could ask the guest to leave ......

If you would like to join in on the fun please check out.....Misty Dawn at
My dog's keep me Sane for all of the instructions.

Happy Weekend to you!

Talking about what matters and what you want......

Back in 2008 I made a post about "Advance Directives". In that post I talked about the importance of planning for what you would want done if you were given a terminal diagnosis.

In that post I mentioned that our Health Authority had put out a series of pamphlets entitled "Advanced Health Care Planning" They were a series of 4 pamphlets. The first pamphlet Planning Fact sheet; is used as a tool to help the individual plan for advanced care and talking to the family and health care provider about their wishes. The second pamphlet dealt with CPR and what that means and the benefits and risks. The third asks you to look at how much health care you want. It describes 4 different levels of care, Comfort, Limited, Surgical or Intensive Care. The final pamphlets talks about feeding and for some that can be one of the most difficult topics to discuss. In light of what is currently going on in my family it seemed like an apporiate subject to talk about again.

The other day when my mother and father in law returned home from their trip to the cancer agency they discussed with us what the oncologist had to say. One of the topics MIL mentioned was "Palliative care". When I heard her speak those words I thought, thank god someone had the wisdom and foresight to brooch this sensitive topic with them.

I was a palliative care nurse for 5 years. I was so please to hear that MIL was open to all the program had to offer.

Palliative programs help not only the patient, but they help the families deal with end of life issues and how to help the individual deal with medical or emotional issues that they may be faced with during their journey.

One such issue that my MIL might be faced with is that of oxygenation. With the cancer being in her lung she will come to the point when taking a simple breath will become a struggle. In order to help minimize this discomfort she will be entitled to receive home oxygen and oxygen therapy at no cost to her or the family. The Palliative care program picks up the cost.

For someone who has to deal with knowing their time is limited, the last thing they need to worry about is the financial implications of receiving such treatments. Knowing that things such as this will be taken care of provides a certain peace of mind and can allow the individual to focus on what truly matters to them at this point in time.

Palliative programs provide such a valuable service to the community. The program is headed by physicians, pharmacist, physio and occupational therapists, registered nurses, pastoral care, and even provides for alternative therapies such as music, pet, therapeutic touch and so much more. This program provides an opportunity for an individual to stay at home for as long as they like and can manage. It also provides an opportunity for respite for the caregiver.

There are so many wonderful services that this program provides, and I am so thankful that we have that available to my mother in law, and that she is receptive to becoming part of the program.

If you would like to learn more about Palliative care programs here are a few links.....

Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Health Canada
Cancer Research UK what is palliative treatment
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Is it really necessary?

The other night hubby and I were watching TV and a program came on. It started by showing women is quasi football uniforms. They were wearing those really short shorts, crop tops and had belly jewellery and of course lots of makeup. They were pretty scantily dressed. playing what looked like touch football. I said to my hubby that I found it offensive and got up and started to walk away, when he told me it was a CSI show. REALLY? You could have fooled me. As a result I haven't watched a show since. I digress.

Seeing those women dressed as they were got me thinking about women and sport. For some reason it seems women need to show as much skin as possible to get the masses to watch our sport. Case in point, women's beach volleyball and tennis. I remember a few years back and the whole hoopla about the women having to make their already skimpy beach volleyball uniforms a little leaner. That just didn't seem right to me. Of course much dialogue went on about it, but in the end the promoters got their way and the women had to make their uniforms leaner.

Back to the CSI and the football...why did these women have to wear those outfits? If it was truly meant to be a sport, why then weren't they covered as completely as their male counterparts? Do they think women don't need the extra coverage? That we don't deserve the protection that the extra padding would provide us? Can you imagine seeing a NFL player running around the field in little shorts and a cropped jersey? I don't think so...it just wouldn't happen. So why then is it alright to expose all of the female body?

Don't get me wrong, I am not a prude and I believe that if a woman has a body that good, she has the right to show it off if that is what she wants to do. But to use the female body to sell a sport to me is just wrong, and it detracts from the women as athletes. These women have worked hard and it is that hard work that has resulted in theses women having the sculpted bodies they have. I ask you aren't women athlete's as worthy as their male counterparts to be taken seriously for what it is they bring to the sport? Being appreciated for the expertise they bring to the sport and not just their bodies.

When I was searching the interent I came across this:

"Olympic beach volleyball uniforms: Why are the women wearing bikinis?

I've been watching both men's and women's beach volleyball and can't for the life of me figure out the practicality of the women wearing the skimpy bikini outfits. As a woman who has worn a bikini or two at the beach, in the sand, I am looking at them and thinking it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I'm just imagining them spending hours digging sand out of the nooks and crannies after the matches, thinking about 'sand burns' and other various hazards from being barely covered. If this is the optimal performance uniform, why are the men not shirtless and in Speedos? I have to wonder if the women are just flaunting their perfect bodies and 6-packs of abs and whether it's merely part of the beach culture rather than a requirement for the sport."

Men and women's uniforms for beach volleyball

What's your thoughts?

My day at Mt. Washington

Yesterday was one of those bonus days. Yes a bonus day. The weather hasn't been the greatest, mild, raining and dark. Sounds like a typical winter day around here. Yesterday was a day off for me, so there's bonus number.

Next, at work a few colleagues and I had planned a cross country ski or snowshoeing day. Not many people signed up. Actually I think there were only four of us and one of them forgot she had to work. So with the numbers being so low I didn't think the last two remaining individuals would want to go. However, one of them still did as did I, so the plans were on. We had been watching the weather reports for the snow conditions and road conditions. Mt. Washington was getting a huge amount of snow. The forecast and conditions were being rated excellent for all Nordic and skiing activities.

It was decided that my friend would drive. Her cousin also decided to join us. So here is was Tuesday morning the sun was shining there was a little crispness in the air, it was fantastic conditions. My knapsack was pack, and I mean packed, I was dressing in layers and had extra clothing stuffed in the bag, along with my safety stuff, you know the plastic bag, wooden matches, flash light, first aid, water, fruit and snacks...yes well I might have gone just a tad overboard, but as the girl guides motto goes "be prepared" and prepared I was.

Waving goodbye to my hubby we got into the car and headed north. A pit stop to the local coffee bar was our first stop. With lattes and coffee and treats in hand we started our journey. The mountain is only about an 1hr and 20 mins from where I live. However, as we were deep in conversation we missed our turn off. We had to travel another 15 mins north before there was a spot where we could turn around. Oh silly ladies. I said to my friend, we'll just put that down as part of our adventure.

We finally made it to the mountain. It has been years since I have snowshoed as was the case with my companions. So we ventured off to the lodge were we filled out all the necessary paperwork and then were fitted for our shoes. I was made the trail breaker as I was bigger than my two companions, hey not fair I say, and I was the oldest to boot! Anyhow, after a brief descriptions of how to put the shoes on and a talk about the trails and where we could go, we ventured out.

We made a few stops along the way to take in the sights and were in awe of the complete silence there was, except for when we were visited by these lovely little creatures.....

I believe these little guys are called Whiskey Jacks. They were friendly enough, but they knew exactly what they wanted and kept flying down at us...we decided that maybe we shouldn't encourage them any longer and after another photo op we decided to continue on our journey.

My snowshoeing buddies.

this is one of those photos you take the camera and just shoot...I think it turned out pretty good. I think it really captured the moment.

So off we went, trail blazing. We came to a fork in the path and came across our first snowshoer's. We asked them about the trial they were just coming off of, and they said it was very pictureque but it is about 11km round trip. Oooooooooooh....I don't think we were in for that, at that point we had already been on the snowshoes for over an hour, so we decided that would follow the trail for 1/2hr turn around and make our way back via another trial, and that is exactly what we did. It's a good thing we didn't go much farther as there were lots of hills and some challenging areas that really got the ol cardio going.

this was part of the trial we took going back to the lodge.

this view is looking out towards one of the chairlifts for the downhill skiers
We made our way to the lodge and the older gentlemen offered to take our photo

This week Olympic Nordic teams for Japan, Sweden, USA, and Norway are here practising for the Olympics. I don't know what the problem is with our Olympic Organizing committee. Why on earth haven't they changed venues for the snowboarding and put it at Mt. Washington. There is NO snow at Cypress!!!! They are planning stock piling it and making snow....doesn't that seem odd to you when we have this!

Life is a gift........

It's interesting how life plays out sometimes. Just when you think things are moving along nicely you get sideswiped when you least expect it.

I haven't been blogging as much lately for a variety of reasons, and I honestly can not remember if I have shared certain stories or not. So please bare with me if I repeat myself.

Last spring my mother in law and I had a bit of a falling out. Long story. In the fall I decided that life was to short to allow time to be wasted on being angry with someone. It was October and it was coming up to my hubby's birthday and his parents had invited us over for dinner to celebrate his birthday, how could I not go, it was hubby's birthday after all. So I decided to put on what I call my "big people pants" and suck it up. Well, I guess that was the best thing I could have done as mother in law and I made amends. It actually ended up being a very lovely evening. Once home my hubby said to me that was the best gift he could have asked for. That made me happy.

Since that time we have enjoyed many dinners and outings with his parents. One such outing was taking his parents out for dinner to celebrate their 55th Wedding Anniversary. This was a special time not only we were celebrating their anniversary but the shear fact that my mother in law was still with us and doing well.

Let me back things up a bit here. Last December my mother in law had been diagnosed with Bowel cancer. She underwent radiation and surgery. Her recovery was a little longer than anticipated and there were a few bumps in the road, but by the spring of 2009 she was given a clean bill of health. Things were looking up.

That all changed on December 22, 2009 our lives took a turn. I had been working, and when I got home from work my hubby told me that he had been on the phone to his dad and that mom had been unwell all day and asked if I would call them, I did. We had a lengthy discussion on the phone and I gave her a few options. She opted to wait till the next morning and I would take her into work with me and take her to the ER department where she could be looked at. A plan was in place. It wasn't an hour later that we got a panic call from dad stating that mom was in severe pain. We rushed over. There she was sitting in a chair, ashen, cool and looking very unwell. My mother in law has diabetes along with severe coronary artery disease. I checked her blood sugars which were high as was her blood pressure. This woman was in acute pain. I called an ambulance. Living in the country it took longer than normal for an ambulance to arrive, but arrive it did. She was assessed and then taken to the hospital.

Once in the ER she was quickly triaged and put on a monitor, her blood pressure was through the roof. She was in severe pain. The doctor eventually came and saw her, ordered her some narcotics. Bloodwork and a chest xray were also ordered. We waited patiently at her bedside for results and what would be the plan of attack. Mother in law having finally received something for pain was sleeping. The ER doctor came and asked to speak to FIL, hubby and I. She took us over to an area where she had MIL's xray's up on the screen. She asked us how long we had known about the mass on her lung and liver. ????????????. We had no idea!!!! We were dumbfounded, how could this been. According to the ER doctor the mass on MIL's lung had been there since last year when she first had xrays when she was being overseen for bowel cancer. NO one told us about this. The mass on her lung had tripled in size and was of great concern. Basically, the ER doctor was telling us MIL's prognosis was extremely poor. The ER doctor could see we were all shocked and took us to a quite room where both hubby and father in law proceeded to break down in tears. How could this be? Why didn't we know? What happened, what does all this mean? All the questions and no answers.

Mother in law spent the next couple of days in the hospital. The pain they believe she was experiencing was not caused by the masses they saw but rather she had passed what they believe to be a kidney stone. Had it not been for the acute situation we wouldn't have sought medical attention and who knows how long it would have been till we found out about the masses. There is another story here which I will share at a later date.

As a result, Christmas was very somber. Hubby rounded the troops and told them they better drop what they were doing and plan on seeing mom over the holidays as this may be her last.

We made the best of the Christmas season, many stories were shared, there was laughter and tears and quiet moments of reflection.

Mother in law has had numerous tests since Christmas with the final diagnosis being poor. She and father in law will being going to the cancer agency this week to speak in person to the oncologist to determine course of action. Mother in law has already said she won't do Chemotherapy and she has been told that she is not a surgical candidate do to her co-morbidity's. So whether they offer her palliative radiation I am not sure. She has no pain at present, but the oncologist has told her she will and that they need to plan for that. She has an excellent relationship with the oncologist, to bad we can't say that for her GP, as I said the situation with the GP is a whole other post.

We are trying to make the best of the situation. Mother in law has already given us her "Bucket List" which isn't very big or daunting, but something we can be working on.

I know first hand what it is like to lose a loved one. Having lost both my parents, a sister a niece and nephew, I understand the emotional pain my hubby is experiencing and the journey he is travelling. But I have difficulties comprehending what my father in law is experiencing. I can't imagine the pain he must be feeling...the woman that he has loved for over 55 years...the woman who has bared his children, the woman who has been by his side and encouraged him and supported him in his life endeavours is now dying. Oh my heart aches for him. I pray that he finds comfort and that peace is by his side.

Sleep such wonderful slumber......

So it has been another sleep deprived night. I was so looking forward to a good nights sleep. Tuesday was a 16 hour work day, and Wednesday I didn't get home from work until 0700 Thursday morning and had to be back at work by 4pm that day. Needless to say I was looking forward to some much needed sleep.

Being a shift worker I realize that the world doesn't work on my schedule. Hence I have invested in a night mask and ear plugs. My hubby who is self employed works and sleeps at all hours, and has the luxury of making up his own sleep pattern. Hubby is a night owl. I believe this is partially due to the fact that often after dinner he will fall asleep on the couch for 2-3 hours. So by the time I am ready to go to bed he is just waking up and is rejuvenated. He then will stay up till 4 or even 5 in the morning, which is fine by me. Here is the problem. My dear sweet hubby is like a bull in a china shop. When he comes to bed he doesn't enter the room or bed quietly, not intentionally of course but all the same he is noisy and shuffles about ALOT before he finally goes off to sleep. Well by this time I am now awake. I don't have to get up yet, but my sleep has now been disturbed. I attempt to fall back to sleep only to be awoken by the roar of snoring. Oh yes, this man can snore. He snores so much that he can be heard a floor down and on the opposite side of the house.

So, my resolve has been that I get up, pillow in hand and make my way downstairs to the couch and try to get some more sleep. I will if I am lucky dose off for a little while, but then dawn approaches and the room becomes light and the day begins, whether I am ready for it or not.

I have been cursed with being a very light sleeper, and being a shift worker doesn't help. My sleep schedule and pattern is often all messed up. So what do I do? We have talked about separate rooms, but he won't hear of it and I really don't want to go that route, although we kinda unofficially have that going on right now. I think my hubby might also suffer from sleep apnea. I have asked him to go to his doctor to get checked but he won't go because if he does he says he doesn't want to use the CPAP machine.

Here I sit, making this post whilst he is upstairs snoring away having a wonderful sleep. I have to work again this afternoon, and I had all these things I wanted to do today prior to going to work, but I am now feeling sleep deprived and don't have the energy. To be perfectly honest, I think I am a tad on the cranky side.

So I ask you what's a girl to do? What would you do?

Christmas is coming........

As I sit here sipping on my skinny latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon I realize that there are just 4 short days until Christmas. Are you ready? I'm almost done....I have one project yet to do...hopefully I will get to it today.

Hubby and I were out shopping on the weekend....well I was shopping he was my side kick. He tells me he can't start shopping until at least the 22nd...he needs the pressure he says. Thanks but no thanks. Not for me.....as it was I started my Christmas preparation a little later this year than I normally do...but it's funny, it always seems to comes together in the end. Christmas is kind of like having a baby it comes whether your ready or not!

I was watching the news last night and the weather reports. We have youngest son travelling from Ontario out west today. With all the storms out east I was worried his flight might be cancelled. Hubby informs me that he would not be flying through the area where the major storms are...but you never know with the weather. I was feeling so sorry for those folks all stranded at the airports. One woman was trying to head south for her daughters wedding the next day....I hope she makes it....personally though if my daughter was getting married I wouldn't be travelling the day before her wedding to get there...especially in the winter.

Anyhow, youngest should be here by dinner time....we are so excited. He can't arrive soon enough!

So I should get myself moving...things to do places to be.....but I would like to leave you with this rendition of Silent Night....it's a bit of a rocking version sung by Johnny Reid...a Scottish country singer if you can imagine that....Johnny Reid - Silent Night Enjoy!

Happy Monday to you all!

Camera Critters

There's a community about 45 mins. from me called The Comox Valley. This area is great for the avid outdoor person. There are all kinds of sports and activities to do year round. In the valley there is the community of Courtenay. There in the centre of town is this wonderful bird esturay. What I find amazing about this esturary is surrounded by an airpark, a walking and picnic area and only a few short yards away a residential area. It never ceases to amaze me how nature can adapt to human surroundings.....to bad the same can't be said for the human race.

If you would like to join in the fun please check out Misty Musings for all of the instructions!

Just because......

Christmas is suppose to be a joyful time. For those of religious mind it is a time to remember and to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I was raised in a Catholic household and Christmas was a very special time. Unfortunately for some Christmas brings nothing but worry, hardship or a flood of bad memories.

As an adult, I still appreciate Christmas but I certainly don't look at it as a religious celebration anymore, but rather a time and opportunity to slow down in life, to reflect and be appreciative all the gifts we have been given. It's a time of remembering that Christams is a time of giving......and it's not the materialistic giving but rather giving from your heart.

Christmas for me today is a time when I and I hope society tries to remember we need to give back. We need to do our "giving" in a way that helps.

I grew up in a family of 12 children....but you know I never ever felt I went without. My parents did not only provide for their family, but they were volunteers extraordinaire. Even at the busy time of Christmas my father would head up the committee for decorating the church, or organize the community breakfast. My mother somehow found the time to purchase gifts and prepare a food basket out of her own money for one of the more needier families in our community. She would then have myself and another sibling go and deliver the parcel. I remember asking my mom why she did that and her response was simple "because I can...we can". I didn't quite grasp the full meaning of those words until much later in my life.

My parents commitment to helping their community had the ripple effect not just on me but for many of my siblings as well. I see now that ripple has touched my daughter as well....for the past 4 years she goes and helps serve Christmas dinner to the homeless. This year she tells me she is going to the Downtown east side to help out at the shelter. Although she has never said it, I know that is her way of giving ....she tells me it gives her great comfort knowing that she is able to do something for someone..."just because" she could.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all remember to do just one thing nice....to give just once from the heart....."just because". What a wonderful world this would be!

Merry Christmas

Retirement......

I was reading the Yahoo news bulletins today and what should I come across but this article Fewer Canadians Saving for Retirement.. I read this and I wanted to go Duh!!! Kinda like that V8 commercial. I mean really, with the economic times being what they are, people are struggling just to make ends meet....planning for retirement right now is a luxury.

The information provided in this article came from the Royal Bank, again no surprise here. If we don't invest they lose money plain and simple. The cynical side of me says this is just the banks way of trying to get their grubby little hands on my money. They try and use the scare tactic that if you don't save now....blah blah blah....kind of like the Aesop fable about the ant and the grasshopper. Which I guess there is some merit. But times are tough so how do we make this happen?

I certainly don't want to end up having my meals in some soup kitchen. I certainly don't expect my kids to help support me in my aging years.....and I don't want to be put into an over priced and poorly run retirement facility, so what's my plan. I really don't know. I do have a pension plan...but that certainly won't cover my bills. So I must have a plan. I guess the banks have got me. I've never really understood the concept of borrowing money to put into RRSP and then paying off the loan from your tax returns. Do you really get ahead? Ideally that sounds nice....but how many of you actually do that? When that tax return cheque comes, don't you have it ear marked for something else? I know I do. I did that RRSP loan thing one time I am not sure that it put me ahead of the game. I think this year I might look at doing monthly contributions....for example...I recently paid off my truck loan...so I figure I should just continue with that amount and put the money into an RRSP.

What do you do? Do you even think about retirement? Do you have plans? The one thing I know is that I don't want to be eating cat food when I retire.

Head or Tails Tuesday

The theme in this weeks Heads or Tails is "Gone Fishin" Apparently we are encouraged to be as creative as we want with this one. Well needless to say the first thing that came to my mind is all the wonderful fishing trips I have gone on with my hubby. We have seen some spectacular sights. This past summer we came across a school of White sided Dolphins...now that was spectacular. We've also had the great privilege of seeing some of the most glorious sunrises and sunsets. We've had our share of experiencing a queasy tummy or two whilst fishing....and of course we have had the opportunity to tell a fish tale or two. But for this heads or tails I want to share how hubby and I met.

There is a on line dating site called Kettle of Fish.....well isn't that appropriate. We didn't meet on that site....but we did meet online. On line dating is kinda of like fishing....you put yourself out there....post a photo of yourself, and little bio about you....your likes and dislikes.....I will call that the bate. You drop the line.....you get a few nibbles....I'll call that your first chat with someone on line....you meet for coffee....or maybe even a lunch or dinner date. Unfortunately it doesn't turn out...we call that a lost fish.... But then one time....you put down that line, you wait...and maybe wait some more but then when you least expect it you get nibble....I'll call that you start to chat....you decide to meet.....things go well.....we'll call that the reeling in......you let the slack out...you pull it back in....you work the line...and then finally after much work and maneuvering you got it....you reeled in a keeper.....

Yup...I'd say fish'n is just like dating....and I caught my catch...and he's definitely a keeper!!!

If you'd like to join in on the fun please check outSkittle's Place for all of the instructions.

Happy Fishin all!!

Choices.....

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get"

That falls true for life being all about choices. Hubby and I experienced this over the past weekend. Our family is a blended family. My husband has two boys from his first marriage and I have 3 girls from my first marriage. Our children do not live with us. My girls live on the mainland, but we are fortunate to see them on a regular basis. My husbands boys unfortunately live 5000km away. His boys are still school age so the only time we get to see them is during vacation times such as Christmas, Spring break and the summer. Along with that we have to share there visits with Christmas and Spring break by alternating every year.

This year is our turn to have his boys here for Christmas, needless to say hubby and I really look forward to their visits. I am sure you can appreciate that it takes some planning to organize dates for visits. We appreciate that their mom would like to have Christmas with them so they celebrate it a few days before Christmas. This year presents us with a dilemma. Eldest son is in love and really wants to spend Christmas with his girlfriend and her family.

He had asked back in November if there would be any possibility of having his girlfriend come out west for Christmas. His father told him we would consider it. Needless to say my hubby spoke with his ex to find out what it was all about. Long and short of it.....girlfriend did not get the ok from her parents(no surprise there)so eldest son has opted not to come. Well actually what he wanted his father to agree to, was to fly him out west for only 4 days and not the extended visit as planned. My hubby said no.....he said he wanted him out here for the full time...as I mentioned we only see the boys during vacation time. That is the unfortunate part of all this. We recognize they are getting older,and have made their lives out east and want to spend vacation time with their friends. It's difficult....but it's choices. Hubby could have enforced his sons visit but what would that have achieved?

Christmas is close and we haven't booked the flights....after many telephone calls and much discussion the decision was made......only youngest son is coming. I think eldest son was thinking his father was going to cave into his wishes......hubby was hoping eldest son would still want to come.

Life is so short....what a shame that eldest son couldn't see beyond his desire to be with his girlfriend and realize he is missing out on spending some valuable time with his father. It's all about choices. I just hope he is mature enough to be able to live with his choice.

Is it a female thing?

Question.......is Christmas just a female thing? Case in point....how many of you out there have male partners who fully participate in the preparation for Christmas?

The other day I was talking with my co-workers and mentioning about all the things there are to do in preparation for Christmas and how I was feeling a tad overwhelmed by it all. I had mentioned that since my hubbies hamstring accident he hasn't been able to help me at all with the decorating. I mean I have put up the indoor and outdoor lights......the decorations throughout the house....I do the shopping the wrapping, the baking, the Christmas cards. So what is it he does. He shops for me.....that's about it.

It was then that my colleague said it was about the same in her house....she laughed when she was telling me about her husband when he thinks he is being helpful and will wrap some gifts but he doesn't put tags on the gifts so when she would go to ask him who the gifts were for he couldn't remember so she ended up unwrapping them and wrapping again.....

This seem to ring true for most of my co-workers. Yes the odd husband put up the Christmas lights or might help with some of the shopping...but generally that was about it.

So I ask you is Christmas just a female thing....do we do this to ourselves? Worry ourselves sick about ensuring everything is done and organized...the presents are wrapped and under the tree, that a little snack has been left for dear ol Saint Nick...that the bedtime stories have been read, that the stockings get stuffed.....the Christmas dinner is prepared and table set. I really wonder sometimes why we think we have to do it all....where are those men....they like Christmas I know they do.....so where are they when it comes to the preparation.....hmmmmm...good question.

A day that is difficult to forget......

Today marks a special day for me. It's a day that presents me with a mix of emotions and for some reason has been on my mind all week.

Year ago today and actually just about the time I am making this post I was been wheeled in to an Operating room to undergo a procedure. This procedure although not uncommon procedure is considered high risk and runs the gamut of possible complications.

Prior to the surgery the surgeon went over the possible complications and had me sign a consent.

So the day for my surgery arrived. I and my hubby and girls were all up early that morning 4:30 as we had to be at the hospital by 0600. My girls and husband were joining me for my trip to the hospital. Upon my arrival I was seen almost immediately. I was directed where to undress and change into the traditional hospital attire. I was then seen by the admitting nurse who reviewed all pertinent information she took my vital signs, and directed me to where I would wait to be taken into the OR. I kissed my hubby and daughters goodbye and told them I would see them in a few hours....that was at 0715 in the morning. Then off to my stretcher I went.

I was seen by one of the surgeons and he marked the spot where I asked to have my new pacemaker installed....next thing I knew I was being wheeled into the room. What an eerie feeling....I wasn't afraid....not at all....but I was curious as to why there were so many people in the OR room. I guess they sensed my surprise and I was informed that the nurses and such over on the other side of the room were preparing the instrumentation just in case it was needed. Oh I said and then I proceeded to climb onto the OR table. There they started to attach me to a variety of machines, but the best thing I remember was the wonderful warming blanket they put on me....then the anesthesiologist arrived and poked my arm and all I could remember was the discomfort of her starting my IV....funny typical nurse....critiquing even at a time like this.

Next thing I recall was waking up, still being on the ventilator....my hubby was at my beside, then what seemed like only moments to me(those drugs are amazing) they extubated me from the ventilator. It was then that I started to feel my pain. My chest hurt more than I had anticipated....I was connected to so many machines.....I looked down at my chest and pointed and then up at my husband and I pouted he nodded he knew what I was trying to say. The unexpected had happened.

Apparently during my surgery, whilst they were attempting to extract one of my pacemaker leads they tore a whole in my aorta which necessitated them having to open up my chest to repair my heart. There was considerable blood loss and I had to have transfusions, I was put on medications called inotropes which helped to keep my blood pressure up. My two hour surgery ended up being over 5 1/2 hours.

Needless to say my family was very worried and wondered what was happening. After the surgery my husband told me the surgeon came looking for him....the surgeon told him he wanted him to come to his office, where he proceeded to tell my husband what happened. When told my hubby started to cry. What we prayed wouldn't happen happened. Just my luck.

The first 48 hours are a bit of a blurr. I just remember the pain, oh and the nurses of course. My night nurse was just amazing. She treated me with such respect and kindness, she was my angel. She got me through my first 24 hours and for that I will be truly thankful.

I was in for a very long journey for recovery. But I wasn't going to be deterred. My surgery was on a Thursday and I was discharged home by 5 pm on the Monday. I remember one of the instructions upon discharge was to keep moving, try to walk every day...and so I did.

We spent the next couple of days on the Mainland at my sisters as I wanted to be close to the hospital just in case. Our day came to take the ferry back to the Island and what a trip that was. Every bump and sway caused pain in my chest. We arrived home and the next day it began to snow....so my walks ended up being an adventure. My first day out for a walk my daughter took me holding my arm for support....I made it up the hill of our driveway and back....and I was exhausted. Each day I would push myself a bit farther. One day I pushed to much and hubby had to come out in his truck to pick me up....I just couldn't make it any further.

Today, a year later, I am back running, working full-time and preparing for Christmas. I still get tearful at the events of that day and how close I was to things turning out completely differently. For that I am thankful for each breath I take, each pain I feel, because at least if I feel the pain, I know I am alive. I try not to take life as serious, I am learning to smell the roses.

My chest, 6 week post Lead extraction and open heart. When looking at the photo the scar on the right is where my new pacemaker is, the scar in the middle well needless to say that is where the opened my chest...the scar on the left was were my old pacemaker use to be.

You know I look at the photo and I think, hey that's not so bad....at the time I thought it looked like a very bad Van Gogh painting. All the sutures and staples that were in there...it was a bit Frankenstein looking. It has healed well and for that I am truly thankful!

A sighting......

I'm so excited!!! I haven't had much of an opportunity these days to get out and do much birding. I try to keep my feeders well stocked for the local birds this time of year, hoping that some unique or obscure bird might visit my feeders or property.

Well wouldn't you know it...that is exactly what happend today. It was around 4:30 this afternoon when I arrived home from work. I was coming down our drive when I spotted this bird on the ground....it had a very distinct tail and flight pattern, oh how I wished I had my camera. Anyhow, later in the evening my hubby tells me to go look at the camera to see what he captured on film. Wouldn't you know it....it was the same bird that I spotted in the driveway. As it turns out this bird had been hanging around for some time pecking at the ground, giving my hubby an opportunity to capture this bird on film.

Clark's Nutcracker

This is a very special sighting as these birds only make their way to the Pacific West about every 15 years!!! And here we are with one right on our property!!! It turns out it's main food is pinyon or whitebark pine nuts. These birds are considered scavengers at campsites, and picnic areas; they eat suet at feeders, but also eat insects, birds eggs and nestlings, and fruit. So although they are a pretty bird to see, I don't think I would want them to take up residence if they are going to mess with our nesting birds and their eggs.

Anyhow, I was so excited to see a new bird in our area that I just thought I would share this with you. If you are interested in birds I have another blog called The Amateur Birder . There I journalize birds I have spotted in my area or on the Island. So I am going over there now to write about my new sighting.

Cheers all!