Merry "After" Christmas

Happy New Year! - 10 days late.

Christmas was fantastic this year; quiet and peaceful - just the way that I enjoy it. December, however, started off in a whirlwind - starting with the birth of my new little Niece Kaylee - She is such a little adorable cutie I wanted to steal her and run home; but I'm sure my brother would have tackled me and would have threatened to spit in my eye if I didn't pass her back over. She looks so much like Ryan (Even the high forehead...that child will need to grow bangs ) although I'm sure Mommy will surface as she grows older *She turned 6 weeks yesterday*. Of course she was born a bit later than expected, and up until she was born I had every weekend free and clear to make the speedy trip over to PEI for the meet n great, however she had her own plans and on November 29th she graced this world - and I was heading to Boston the following weekend....talk about "bad" timing ;)
Boston was fantastic, we took a couple of extra days and made it a long weekend together - NFL Football (Pats vs Colts), shopping (Wrentham Outlet Mall) and Uggs x 3. It was great to get away as Mr. Fidler was super busy over the month of November, being a one-man show so we didn't see much of each other with our conflicting schedules. I didn't purchase all that much for ourselves, beyond my Uggs, but oh my did we spoil our nephews & neices to the max! OshGosh, Uggs, Nautica, Nordstroms!! They are now decked out with all new clothes, and of course I couldn't forget the toys. This vacation was a bit of a "fly by the seat". We had a few hotels book for our stay but Friday night was up in the air - my Husband the worlds greatest compass decided for us to stay in Rockport, MA for the night - he knew the direction and we just started driving, no map and no internet - and after 30 minutes of driving we found our location and our hotel for the night. Fantastic! The next morning the lil'town of Rockport was having their annual tree lightning ceremony - the town was a buzz of activity! We purchases some of the cutest christmas tree ornaments and had breakfast at this little diner that made the best eggs I've had in a long time. It was such a gorgeous little town - a must go and see if you are ever in the area.

I know, I'm about to talk about the Weather - as a Maritimer it is my god given right to do so.... It has been fanastic this year, we have had only one snow storm followed by warm temps and rain (bye bye snow) - we received about 10cm prior to Christmas (Yippee! White Christmas) and now there is just a light dusting covering the ground to help elimiate the ugliness of the dead grass...and they are calling for rain and 7 degrees tomorrow. I know the real cold weather will find us eventually but having this type of weather in January is suiting me just fine.

I know I don't post as much as I use too - I also don't have time to bake or to be online as much as I did when I was online almost 24/7 - I prefer life this way, busy and active. (Speaking of active, I can't tell you all how much I love Yoga!).

Well my office is becoming a buzzing little community of patients - so I best get my 'work-face' on and get something done (Although I Do look busy typing up my blog entry)

Washed away by the rain

I'm sitting at my desk, looking out amoungst the PMQ's and playground equipment watching the rain fall silently - I find it weird and a little eerie not to see any kids out running around or jumping in the newly formed puddles. School is back in session; Autumn is right around the corner. I for one, love Autumn - the crisp morning air and the changing leaves leave me in a constant state of pure giddyness. I can't wait to pull my comfy leather jacket and scarf from the closet and spray my Uggs for another season of slush, snow and sleet. Wait...okay I'm letting the seasons get ahead of me; it was 32 degrees with humidity yesterday; I was still laying outside catching rays. (I actually have a tan this year!!).

Life has been good, per usual - Hughie and I finally had a week away from the Valley, we spent a week in Toronto (Buffalo & Niagara Falls) visiting Hughie's Brother and Sister-in-law (aka my Brother in law and Laura!)It was a fantastic week - although like always, we didnt' get a chance to see everyone that we would like. We are hoping to get down for a weekend in February, where we will sound the alarm nice and early that we are coming so we can work around people's work & life schedule.

*Side note: Never EVER go into Buffalo and stay on the US side of Niagara falls - it was basically "Jane and Finch". We were warned almost immediately by our bellman not to walk after dark and/or walk past a certain point in the daylight (needless to say it was only a block away from the Sheraton). He also pointed out that our housekeepers had "sticky fingers". Yikes!! Needless to say we were planning on staying two days, we made it one night! However, I will say the shopping at the outlets was fantastic.

My Brother is doing fantastic. He had his Esophagetcomy (*See bottom for description) surgery on the 15th of July, 4 months from the day he was diagnosed with Stage III Espophageal Cancer. He is on his second last chemotherapy dose (3 prior to the surgery and 3 post surgery), and while this is a lot harder than his first three doses prior to the surgery he is being a trooper and my hero for how he is managing this. On a happier note, his girlfriend and him are going to be having a little wee girl in the upcoming weeks - she is 34 weeks along and is feeling as uncomfortable and irritated as she has since her first trimester.

Well, there ya have, my last 4-6 months described in a couple of paragraphs - patients have started to grace my waiting room so I best get to work!

Happy Autumn!


_______________________________________________________________________________
Esophagectomy --

The principal objective is to remove the esophagus, a part of the gastrointestinal tract ("food pipe"). This procedure is usually done for patients with esophageal cancer. It is normally done to remove cancerous tumors from the body. It is best done when an esophageal cancer is detected early, before it has spread. If taken up early enough, an esophagectomy might prove to be life saving. Despite significant improvements in technique and postoperative care, the long term survival for esophageal cancer is still poor. Currently multimodality treatment is needed (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) for advanced tumors. Esophagectomy is also occasionally performed for benign disease such as esophageal atresia in children, achalasia, or caustic injury.

Classification --There are two main types of esophagectomy.

A trans-hiatal esophagectomy (THE) is performed on the neck and abdomen simultaneously.[1]
A trans-thoracic esophagectomy (TTE) involves opening the thorax (chest).

In most cases, the stomach is transplanted into the neck and the stomach takes the place originally occupied by the esophagus. In some cases, the removed esophagus is replaced by another hollow structure, such as the patient's colon.

After surgery, patients may have trouble with a regular diet and may have to consume softer foods, avoid liquids at meals, and stay upright for 1–3 hours after eating. Dysphagia is common and patients are encouraged to chew foods very well or grind their food. Patients may complain of substernal pain that resolves by sipping fluids or regurgiating food. Reflux-type symptoms can be severe, including intolerance to acidic foods and large, fatty meals. Jejunal feeding tubes may be placed during surgery to provide a temporary route of nutrition until oral eating resumes.

I didn't disappear.....at least not on purpose.

I have to apologize for the lack of updates - I've been looking at my blog for the last month wondering if I could spare a moment of "Downtime" to type up a legit blog instead of a quiz or a two liner. At this moment, I really should be working as I'm sitting here at work, however, with going to bed with a impending cold and waking up with a sore throat & ear pain my will to work has dissipated.
Things are pretty much status quo for Hughie and I - we are both "enjoying" our work. I hang out with a great group of people for 40-hours a week, and some days if I can look past all the unwell people, it is almost not even work.
We are slowly fighting our way through the spring yard work. I have about another day of leaves, needles and branches to clean up (Yes I do the yard work, I find it very therapeutic) So hopefully this weekend I will be able to work my way through spring cleaning my house on Saturday, and on Sunday after a couple days of drying time (+++rain) I will be able to complete the yard. I'm just hoping this cold will go by the wayside so I will be able to complete my list.
So, we didn't' do a spring vacation this year, it was on our to do list but we couldn't get things to line up as well as other years. However there was two main issues that kept holding us back, 1. We kept judging everything up against Ladera; in St. Lucia which was a mistake to do as it was a 5 star resort and our dream vacation and 2. My brother (26 years old) has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Esophageal/Stomach & Lymph node Cancer. The latter has taken my very straight and narrow life and flipped me ten ways from Sunday. He is currently receiving his second round of treatment with an impending surgery to take place in June/July. He looks fantastic and has a very positive kick ass attitude, so I'm sure everything will be good to go and he will have a clean bill of health before long.
So somewhere between visiting the Island, (Prince Edward) and hiding in needles and leaves I haven't found the time to update my blog. I'm thinking about doing some major blog upheavel, changing around my site, but first I have to find the time to get it done.
I wish there was 8 days a week.....

Tenderized

Do you know when you take a piece of meat or chicken, place a piece of waxed or parchment paper over top and pound the living snot out of it to make it all tenderized...well that is how I feel this morning. Since moving home, I have been running approximately 7k-5 days a week - it has been great to have that alone time at the end of a busy day to clear my head before I step into "wife" mode and make supper and spend time with Mr. Fidler, however, I felt like I was stuck in a rut. So either A. I could join a gym and waste my money - since that would mean I would have to force myself to jump in the car and drive to the gym..work out, then drive home or B. I could find myself another aerobic work out video that targets the core. Well I decided on "B". It is definitely cheaper than a gym membership. I did some search online and after careful research I decided on two DVD's "Jillian Michael" 6-week abs and "something" Yoga (Can't remember the name since I haven't pulled it out of the wrapper). So last night, after I got home from work I pulled off the wrapper and popped it into my dvd player and hit the play button. 35 minutes later I was a piece of meat..I could have wrung out my ponytail...I did manage to jump on the ellipitcal for a 25 minute run..a couple of K; but that was all my poor body could take. Now this morning, just as the title says I feel like I've been attacked at the core by a blunt object. (I don't recall what those meat tenderizer mallets are called). I haven't tried the Yoga DVD yet, however, I think that will be a weekend DVD - since I don't run on the weekend (unless I miss a day during the week), I would like to do something to center my body and mind....

Stay tuned folks - I just purchased a new Dyson Handheld and a review of this new item is coming!

Tag, you’re it.

I normally don’t really have any real need to do these little games.  However I was tagged…but it will not go any farther than this blog; cause god forbid someone feels the need to waste a couple of hours….or minutes of your day.  Sigh,  without further ado:

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals or are they members of your family?

Chakotay (7) was my first “on my own” pet -  A Sib-husky, with all the charateristics of one to boot.  He loves to sook for attention and rubs up against you when he knows you are wearing black, however he is my fur-son and love him regardless of his fasination with wanting to turn my clothes into a hairy mess.

Sekaya (2.80) is a little white princess (Sib-husky) with bright blue eyes, who scare the pants of people when her eyes glow red when the light hits them the right way.  She is the polar opposite of Chakotay however when she curls up with you on the couch with her head in your lap all just seems right with the world. 

They are my fur-kids I would protect them as a mom would protect their sons or daughters.    I just wish people wouldn’t give me that “look” when I say I have fur-kids not real kids….

2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?

Dreams are only meant to come true in your dreams. 

3. What would you do with a billion dollars?

This question is just a bit “out there” but…I would pay off all my families/mine debts and settle down in some field, build a dream home and a husky sanctuary!  (and go to every Canuck game!! Go Lu!)

4. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?

Running!

5. What is your bedtime routine, with your kids?
Fur-kids……Well first I let them outside on their leads – and hit the washroom and do all the normal stuff…plus remove my contacts and brush my teeth – take the pooches in and then give them their evening treat – cause if I forget that step, they won’t let me go to sleep.

6. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?

Married and through a mutual (not anymore) friend. 

7. What kind of books do you read?

I’m a avid reader, and will spend hours reading without really realizing that hours have past.  I love Romance/Adventure/Science Fiction and plan ol’ Jane -Fiction…

8. How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I rather not look into the future, instead I enjoy what I have today.

9. What’s your fear?
I don’t believe I want to face my fear today, therefore I won’t list what it is.

10. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?
Damn straight – what an opportunity.

11. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
It snooze once, and then meander out of bed – cause if I don’t get a move on fast enough I have two fur-kids staring at me doing the “tip tip tip tip” dance with their nails.

12. If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?

That he would put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher…

13. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I love my name, however I would love to have a Celtic name….I’m not fussy.

14. If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?
LOL I lived without sun and rain for about that same amount of time….and replaced both with snow…. so I’m not fussy about what type of weather I’m dealing with.

15. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?

Spinach salad with poppy-seed dressing w/strawberries/raspberries/cheese and chicken…yum

16. What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?
I use to love blogging since it would eat up at least an hour of my day, and while living in the North it allowed me to keep my friends and family up to date about my daily life.  However, since moving down South I really don’t spend near the amount of time I once did…I rather miss it, but…I really don’t have that hour any more.

17. Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?
Salty – give me a Almond over a piece of Chocolate anyday!

18. What items are in your purse right now?
Aleve, hand cream, lip gloss X 2, A spare necklace, a couple of set of keys …..and the usual purse stuff.

19. If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?
I had the best of both worlds in St. Lucia, we were on the side of the mountain but a short car ride to the beach.

20. What do you watch on television that you know you shouldn’t?
I don’t really watch anything outlandish…. plus I’m old enough to watch pretty much anything I want too.

There you  have it, my first official post in 2011. Sad really that it has taken me almost 2 months to find the time to sit down and post – and it was a “filler”.

Happy first day of Winter!

and...it is downpouring rain!

I'm very disappointed in the weather as of late. You would think, that after living in the GWN for two years I would be pleased with the mild wet weather. Don't get me wrong I'm glad that I'm not wearing three layers of clothes but I would love to be wearing at least one 'extra' thermal layer. I've been hoping, fingers crossed,that we would have at least a white Christmas. However when I started my car this morning my temp gage registered a balmy 4 degrees...no snow today!

I'm as ready as I can be with regards to Christmas - our tree is lined with decorations and presents adorn the floor beneath it. The dogs walk by the tree daily and give each present a little sniff, much to their chagrin their presents are not wrapped this year, but waiting for their stockings to be be hung by the fireplace.

I meant for this to be a longer Christmas related post - however work is beckoning for my return so I must go.

Once again you find me sitting at my desk at work drinking a XL-Christmas Cup of Tim Horton's. December has snuck up on me this year, I've known it has been coming for quite sometime although for some reason while I was rolling over in bed this morning to slap my alarm clock I caught a glimpse of the letters D.E.C on my Blackberry...and that seemed to freak me out a little. This time last year, while I was dealing with the bitter cold, I had at least a couple feet of white snow on the ground. Everything looked fresh and clean. I love the Autumn and the leaves but now I'm just ready for that powder to fall from the Sky to give December that magical feeling. I have so much shopping to do over the next couple of weeks I don't know where to begin. My nieces and nephews shopping is finished and that is all that I have completed. Thankfully I know what I'm getting everybody else, it is just a matter of driving to either New Minas or Halifax to purchase those thought-up purchases.

One thing has been bothering me lately and that is how often that I've been blogging - trying to find the time to sit down and type out how my life is doing is quite hard considering that all my family and friends are so close; and I update my life frequently on facebook or pick up the phone. I'm contemplating closing down this chapter of my life albeit keeping this blog around so I can read about my life in the north, and anyone else that may happen to find it. I'm not 100% sold on the idea of ending a three year portion of my life but I rather hate blogs that lay dormant for months with only the odd little post here and there about nothing particular (Just like this post is turning out to be). That is one big question I dwell on...Southern life isn't as exciting as moving to the unknown North.
People know how to live in the South.

Christmas Countdown
====================
24-days!

Some Northern habits never go away.

As I'm sitting here at work, surrounded by piles of paperwork that needs to be completed I'm compelled to start Christmas shopping online for items for my adorable nieces and nephews. I find myself drawn to online shopping although I have an over abundance of shopping malls only a 75 minute drive away, Halifax. Yet, I can't help but buy online where I don't have to drive that distance and put mileage on my Caliber. Now, I really don't have to start online shopping now, as most items would arrive in a few days to my doorstep but I just can't get out of that Northern way of thinking when it comes to shipping times. Although, my luck would have it; I have found what I'm looking for, for all four kidlets. We did purchase them some outfits while were in the States but Uncle & Aunt just can't give clothes for Christmas; that would just be wrong!
I can't believe that I have been living in the south for almost 4-months. Sometimes it still seems like it is all a dream, that I should be packing my action packers for the long trek up North; however I know that is not the case. The last 4-months have been a whirlwind, so much to do and buy. Thankfully, the spending spree is pretty much dwindled over the last month, and now we are just purchasing what we need vs what we want...
I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, where I can place a tree in my front window and start a fire in my fireplace, for the last two years I have been watching faithfully the fireplace channel on Bell; this year no more..(Although I probably will, as it is addicting).
Well, I should get back to work; my piles are growing larger by the minute!

58 days til Christmas folks!

To give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends & family; and may they all have a fantastic,healthy and memorable year.

I’m thankful for so much, I can’t list them all – but if I know you either personally or just as a acquaintance, thank you for being a part of my life.   I hope you all enjoyed the time you spent together with your friends and family.

Turkey Time!

Organized Procrastinating

Have you noticed lately, that the more time you have the less you get done. As I sit here with my XL-Coffee from Tim Horton's I can't help but notice that I haven't wrote a post in weeks. I wish I could say it was from being extremely busy, but alas I have not been. My life is starting to roll up nicely into a tight little routine. So you would think that I could find time to write at least a little...but nope.
So with all that said, Fall is upon us - the leaves are falling and changing the most gorgeous brick red and deep yellow. There is a crispness in the air that makes you want to curl up in the livingroom under a fleece blanket and start a roaring fire (Which I may just do tonight, but in my basement not the fireplace). I love this time of year, comfy sweaters and knee high boots. Sometime in the next couple of weeks I will pack away my summer clothes and take stock of the clothes I have for the rest of Fall and prepare for the upcoming winter season. Hughie and I just got back from a huge shopping spree to help prepare us for the Winter season; you'd think that after living in the North for two years that we would have all the winter-gear that we would need, however that is not the case. When you got dressed for the "GWN" winter blast you prepared by layers after layers of clothes. That got topped off by a heavy parka, sorels and wooley socks. However the East-Coast winters are so much different than the last two years in the North and the 2.5 years prior to that in Manitoba. For those who don't know, East-Coast winters are known for there damp/cold/slushy/rainy weather = -20/25 at the coldest, which means my -40 Sorels and The North Face parka is just a bit over-kill for the winters down here. Although I'm sure I'll get at least a could couple wears out of them as I play in the snow with my fur-kids and take them for snow-walks around the block.
So yes, as I was saying we just arrived back this morning (at 5:30am) from a trip to Boston/Freeport. I of course, spent way to much money but the deals and savings far outweighed any remorse that I may feel. My best purchases was a pair of UGGS in Boston, where they don't have sale taxes and my purchases at The North Face in Freeport; where I purchased a Vest (700 down-filled), a Hoodie, a pair of pants, a new toque and a sweater for $137.99 - that same vest I saw at Cabella's in Portland for $129.99.... Crazy! I also........started Christmas Shopping!! GASP!. I couldn't pass up the deals and purchased an outfit for each of the kidlets, now all I have to do is add a toy and a book to each of them and they are finished....and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, maybe I'm better organized than I give myself credit for.

Solaris

I’m covered in grime and dirt, sweating from my brow and my hair is a mess and I couldn’t be happier.  There is something to be said about a fresh cut lawn.  I always get a sense of pride when I look out my front window and see the grooves of my lawnmower in the short grass.

                             

That is our new Lawnmower; we had it for quite sometime but I have not gave it the attention it needs.  

It is a Solaris SP21HB.  I love it! Not because it is self-propelled and we own almost a acre of grass but because it is battery operated and doesn’t run on gas.   Now some may find this is a huge mess especially when you have to charge it every time you want to use it but I find it very environmentally sound.  You can even purchase, if you’d like, solar panels to attach to the machine so it continues to be charged while cutting the grass.

The Solaris has three different blade levels depending on how short or long you’d like to cut your grass.  I however like the lowest setting, however with that said the battery doesn’t stay charged near as long but I have no problems taking two days to cut my lawn – you should stop to take a water break after cutting half an acre anyways.

The Solaris is VERY easy to operate, it is as easy as pushing a button and holding onto a lever in order to operate the mower and turning off is just as simple; just release the level and pull out the little green grip from inside the battery area…plug in your charging pack and you are good to go…until the next time you want to cut.

I give the Solaris a 4.35/5.00 – I’d give it full points but the beeping gives me a slight headache when it is idle while you are stopping to pick up twigs or acorns.

Miss it?

Since returning from the GWN, I’ve been asked the same question over and over again. 

Do you miss it? 

I usually just nod, and say I feel “bittersweet” about the move south.  Basically, just so people will move on from that dreaded question.

What I would love to say is NO!! I don’t miss the North but  I miss aspects of my life up there; the simple way of life;  Not having to worry about bills or car payments…or putting on makeup, wearing comfy clothes 24/7, everyone waving at each other…..

Although the more I think about that question I realize the one thing that I found since I moved back South and didn’t realize was missing when I lived in the North was ME.   Only now as I sit here I only truly realize that for the last two years living in the North, I was missing ME.  I’m a very independent person, that is one of the things I love about Hughie and I. We are individually independent and co-independent all at the same time.  Up north, I was dependent on Hughie.  While there was a good many reasons why that was a good thing, but the one dark- thing was that I lost my independence.  I didn’t have a “out” a place where I could go willingly and freely to spend some “me” time.  I was stuck in the land of ice and snow.  I only realize now how much that was eating away at my soul.  I was not the person that people know me to be.

With all that said, when and if I get asked that question again; which, I know will happen – I can honestly say No I don’t miss my life in the North because I found Me again when I moved South 

Don’t misunderstand me, I enjoyed living in the GWL, I have stories and pictures that will last a life time, and god willing when and if I have children/grandchildren I want to sit them down and tell them about the two years I lived in the North amongst the Inuit.  If I could go back in time I would do it all over again.  Although if two years down the road the opportunity presented itself again, I’m positive  I wouldn’t be so willing to jump at the chance at another adventure North.

So there you have it, Do I miss the north…. No… I honestly don’t miss the North, however I do miss certain aspects of my simpler life, just not enough to do it again.

Tidbits

I feel like I haven’t posted in forever, I find it hard to find a few minute or two to sit down and fill you all in on my life amongst the trees.  Things have been going very well for Hughie and I, so well that I would hate to mention about all the good things just in case karma comes back around and kicks us in the ass… So for that reason I’ll rant on about random life happenings:

Work:  Work for Hughie and I for the most part is fantastic, I’m enjoying my job and the people I work with; and who would thought the amount of “interesting” people you’d run into during a shift at a medical clinic.  Hughie has the same thoughts as I do, unfortunately or fortunately he deals with them in a whole different way that I do.  The only negative is our lack of time together, things are much better than they were when in Selkirk, but it is hard to get anything done when we are working opposite shifts.  Lucky for Mr. Fidler, I’m a pro at cutting the grass, painting and cooking – so all he has to do is to keep his man-cave organized and clean. 

Life:  Hughie and I spent his birthday hanging out with the whales.  We drove the 75 minute drive to a 5-minute crossing ferry, then drove another 25 minutes to yet another 5-minute crossing ferry to arrive on Brier Island – a cute little Island were everyone knows everyone but at the same time caters to non-locals.  While we were hanging out in a frigid arctic, Hughie’s mom sent us a book  “things to do in NS”.  One of those things was a Whale Watching tour (Brier Island Whale Watching Tour).  We studied the area and ask questions to our friends that have been there before, and the more we heard about it, the more we wanted to go!  So go we did this past weekend.  Hughie celebrated his 32 birthday out on the Bay of Fundy and the Ocean amongst sea creatures 100x the size of our little zodiac.  It couldn’t have been a better day.

Cameron –aka Car:  I finally got my car officially registered for the NS roads – for the last month I was driving with a temporary license plate.  While we were unpacking all our worldly-goods from storage we came upon my old Sunfire license plate (2007). I thought how funny and nostalgic it would be to see if they can put Keileigh’s plate on Cameron….they had NO problem with it, and it also saved me $$$ that I would have paid for a new plate! Crazy and comforting at the same time.

Chakotay & Sekaya:  LOVE NS.  They relax for hours outside in the shade rolling around on the grass.  Playing with each other and shed like they are going to be bald tomorrow.  This has been the longest shedding ever.  I think they shedded their arctic coat months ago, and now are shedding the hair they would have shedded if they didn’t have a arctic-coat.  Sigh!  So much hair, I’m constantly walking around with a swiffer.  But I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love my fur-beasts.

There ya have it, not a lot of information but enough to keep you going.

A few other notables.

1. Love my clothes line.

2. Love my dishwasher

3.  Not a fan of recycling, something to be said about sending your garbage to Kugaaruk’s dump.

4.  Love the sun, heat and humidity – I’m no longer a pasty white – I’m actually almost a light almond!!! Which is a huge stepping stone for me.

Relaxation

I have found a new kind of relaxation – one where I can sit back with my feet up on my deck and just listen to the sound of nothing floating around my back yard.  I hear no Hondas’ or sleds’, no kids yelling and crying, no one asking “Do they bite”…..it is peace and quite at its best.  The area we live in does have their fair share of kids – although I have yet to see them, every now and again I can hear a splash and giggling coming from a house kitty-cornered to us in the back and that is all.  I sat outside yesterday afternoon for almost 2 hours, and besides getting a slightly redish burn, I didn’t hear a peep.  Now when I say I didn’t hear a peep I don’t mean I didn’t hear the odd bird flying by or Greenwood’s Air Force base doing their formations – but to me that adds to the charm of my back yard. 

Our home is finally coming all together.  We finally received our Fridge & Stove from Futureshop and we determined that we will never purchase big ticket appliances from them again.  Our bedroom is finally organized, minus one big box of clothes and a slightly disorganized closet (but that is mostly my better-half’s mess….lol).  The living-room set we ordered has arrived, and we will pick it up on Tuesday and our guest room is all set up and just awaiting visitors.  [Just call ahead so I can take the dog’s blanket off the bed and remake the bed with the “good” linen].  The only two rooms that look like a tornado has hit them is the basement aka Hughie’s Man-Cave and Hughie’s office.  The only reason being is that we are wanting to paint them prior to organizing the items in there.  Although the more I think about it, it may be beneficial to organize the office and throw drop sheets over the items verse the way the room is looking now.  It shouldn’t take much to paint the upstairs office, but the basement is going to be a bit of a chore.  Should be fun either way; I enjoy painting. 

I look forward to the near future where my house is all in order, so I can sit back and take a breather from reorganizing and cleaning and get ready for a trip to the States, Christmas and best of all the huge BBQ party we are going to throw.

Cameron

There are times when I forget all about justification processes and wants vs need.  In this case ..I both wanted and needed my latest purchase.  Last Thursday, July 22nd, 2010; Hughie picked me up from work, and weirdly we turned left out of my workplace instead of the required right to drive home.  After a few minutes, and when I finally saw the Dodge dealership looming in the distance I finally knew where he was taking me.

I have been looking for a vehicle for the last 6-8 weeks, dealing with a Dodge dealership out of town and after weeks of not getting what I wanted I was starting to get frustrated to say the least.  I could only say so many times that “No I don’t want a Journey or a Honda Civic, I want a Dodge Caliber”. So as we pulled into the dealership  I saw a beauty… a black 2009 Dodge Caliber.  After looking up close, and with Mr. Fidler looking over my shoulder, we deemed the black Caliber a misfire (there was over 50,000 KM on her and there was no cruise control) then I looked closer to the Dealership’s main office and there he was – a Sunburst Orange Caliber glistening in the ….well dang there was no sun, but to me he was glistening in the sun.  Walking up to him, I thought there is no way I can afford a 2010 Caliber – and as I looked closer I was realizing that I may have to go back to the Black Caliber that I just said was a “misfire”.  This orange Caliber has everything….and I mean everything, even a nice little button to turn my volume up and down and the channels on my steering wheel and a IPOD jack!  After Hughie nodding his head in approval, he said “Take him for a drive” .  Needless to say after 2 minutes in this car I was ready to jump off the nearest cliff for this vehicle.  So I did the march into the office, where I realized HOLY CRAP I could afford this, and it was only going to be $70.00 a month more than what my OLD Sunfire was costing me when I financed Keely….I jumped on that deal faster than…..[well my analogies suck today so I got nothing]..so I just jumped on the deal.  So after all the financial fun was all figured out, and I signed the paperwork – Cameron the Caliber came home with me on Monday Evening.  He is sitting pretty at 295Km just waiting for a nice long drive….Bay of Fundy here we come!

First Day

I felt like a kid walking into grade one all over again.  Walking slowly but full of purpose, yet at the same time anxious and a little bit nervous.

Today was my first day at work – my first day back to work in 2 years.  I woke up super early this morning, yet at the same time I was rushing to beat the clock to get out of the house on time.  I haven’t found my morning stride.  For the last two years, I woke up – made Hughie coffee and then spent the morning cleaning, organizing, reading blogs and Facebook.  Now, this morning I found myself running around trying to put my retainer in my nose (for my nose ring), get the dogs outside and then…inside, Sekaya in her kennel and Hughie out of the shower so we could take off for work.  By the time I got to work I was already exhausted. 

I know once I get into my routine things will be tickity-boo but until then I may just have to wake up at 5am!  (I don’t work until 9:00am)

Oracle

             

(The Trash Heap, a wise being (referred to as an "oracle"), serves as the garbage dump of the Gorgs. She and her heckling heralds live near the Gorg's garden, and she gives the Fraggles guidance and advice, which the Fraggles regard with reverence, although they do not worship her.) – Wikipedia.org

                      

Yes this is exactly what you think it is – a pile of garbage, or what I kiddingly named “Oracle” and it grew by leaps and bounds as we emptied box after box of items that I haven’t seen in 2 years.  Our long-term storage stuff arrived on Tuesday, a great set of guys who brought along his significant other (wife, girlfriend…I didn’t really ask) and there 4 month Great Pyrenees, who was the size of Sekaya.  Such an adorable little pup.    There was approximately 50 boxes, a half munched on couch, a peed on Papasan chair and about a dozen odd little items that I honestly thought I had threw out many many moons ago.    We did realize that we both read A-LOT!  I believe we must of kept Chapters in business during our stay in Manitoba consider the amount of boxes that were labelled “Books!”

However, I’m now sitting at my dining room table (very carefully I may add  - our tool box is enroute from Kugaaruk) looking around at my ever changing house.  We now have more stuff in it than we did when we moved in.    We also finally got an answer from Future shop with regards to our appliance order:  RANT ALERT!

So on June 30th Future Shop comes out with this crazy 36hour or 15hour I can’t really remember Canada Day Sale, and one of the sales that caught our eyes was the 15% off all Appliances – now we love Futureshop because of their product service plan and all the great service they gave us over the years.  So we jumped on that sale like you jump on grapes during  St. Martins Day Celebrations.  However, weird as it may seem we didn’t receive a “Congrats you have purchased….” email like you usually do.  However, we did not worry as we thought it was normal because they were big ticket items.  Days went by, and we could see the Order Number on our History page – but it wasn’t pulling up our order.  After spending a week calling Futureshop (3 different occasions) receiving the same “We will take your email address and get back to you with an answer”..Hughie snapped – giving the lady his ‘Bad-dog’ voice…..FINALLY after 8 days of waiting for an answer they decided to honour the price that we were suppose to get….  We then decided to ask for a little pain and suffering discount – I mean we are without our fridge and stove, and considering they are now delivering it within a week – I’d be cooking up a storm right about now , if the order wasn’t lost in limbo..so their idea of  pain and suffering is …….offering us $20.00 dollars off the total price… I was shocked to say the least…… But we filled out a form, and received the same “Give us your email…….”So we are not holding our breath – all we ask for is free shipping…I don’t think that is so much to ask for…. But regardless, our Fridge and Stove will be arriving Thursday!

So, with that above rant said and over with I can continue – we now have a guest bedroom that is all outfitted with the required “guest” bedroom materials – although Chakotay & Sekaya have called that room as their own.  Don’ t worry though, the bed is nicely protected from their hair and paws…and the floors are hardwood so Swiffers take care of the fur quickly.

I can’t believe we’ve been living in Nova Scotia for almost two-weeks so much has happened in that time my head is still swimming.  I’m very much looking forward to working in Middleton in the near future.  I did have another job lined up in a town ~35 minutes away but after driving that highway more than once over the last two weeks I’m very happy to be car pooling with Mr. Fidler for the time being. 

Final Talley of Garbage bags:   5 with about 10 bags of Recycling…a big half munched on Couch, a peed stained papasan chair with the added bonus of chewed up wicker, a old television stand and a couple of half broken items that don’t need a claim…. all and all, not as bad as I thought it would be.

The Difference between the South vs North

 

1.  I don’t know my neighbours or my neighbours kids.

2.  Smiling at random kids may have me arrested.

3.  I don’t know where everything is located in my grocery store.

4.  Shopping in my Pj’s while drinking coffee may have me committed.

5.  Too many have alcohol that shouldn’t, instead of just a few.

6. I have to pluck my eyebrows, wax face, shave legs, apply makeup, shower and wash my hair on a daily basis.

7.  Summertime darkness.

8.  HST.

9.  Recycling (Although we love to contribute to a healthier sustainable environment).

10. Humidity. (For the sake of the argument, I love the humidity, although I know not everyone agrees with me.)

The Difference between North vs South

 

1.  I have only seen one Sewage Truck, and it was driving down the highway.

2.  We have two Tim Horton’s within a 5 minute drive from one another.

3.  When people say they drive a “Honda” they drive a Honda.

4.  Fresh produce all the time!.

5.  Cold Beer (Only makes sense if you lived in a Dry-Community)

6.  Wearing seatbelts

7.  No officially designated “Animal Carcass” pile at the dump.

8. Not one white wall in my house. 

9. My water comes from the ground, not a container under my house.

10. I wore short-shorts & a tank-top while shopping in July.

From the GWN to the GGP (Great Green Province)

I can’t believe it has been well over a week since we left the Great White North.  It really doesn’t seem all that long, but if I actually sat down and put everything in perspective over the last week I only wonder how I’m standing. 

The dogs managed the trip – not much squawking or screaming – but on a huge 737 you really don’t hear all that much anyways.  The red-eye flight from Edmonton to Nova Scotia was clutch.  Although considering how tired they were when we arrived in Halifax, I hardly think they slept all that much.  Apparently their seat-buddy down in the cargo hold was a CAT.  I’m sure Chakotay was thinking more along the lines of “this was his airline snack”.

I have to admit we lucked out with the purchasing of our house, by this I mean we had a great team of Lawyers and Realtors – I highly recommend, if you are moving to the Greenwood Area to speak with David Proudfoot & Paul Mann (Lawyer and Realtor respectively) – they held our hand (figuratively speaking of course) the whole way through.  David took the time to outline and made us understand the legal aspects of our mortgage while Paul was a god sent! He helped us more than he ever will realize. 

With that said, we are now living in our house! I’m falling more in love with it every day.  There is still lots to be purchased and organized but I love the feel of knowing that “this is mine”.  I promise I will post pictures as soon as I can, we are still waiting for some valuable items.  [There is a rant with regards to shopping via online with Futureshop for Appliances, but I’ll save that for another post].  Nova Scotia is just as beautiful as I remember – lush trees and grass as far as the eye can see.  I have yet to see a pile of snow or a dog tied up on the outskirts of town with no one around for miles (although I’m sure it does happen). 

I look forward to visiting every nook and cranny of my Province, but for now I’m off to bed – Long term storage is arriving tomorrow.  Anyone like to guess how many bags of garbage that will be.