Ben is back home. He had a marvelous time, wishes he could have brought his new friends home with him. I hear the kids ran after the bus as it pulled away from Codroy. He brought an accent home with him, guess that was unavoidable...it was so cute to hear. This was a wonderful opportunity for Ben, for any kid, to be able to go away from home and make new friends and learn about their way of life and to walk away from it wishing it could continue. He was definitely glad to be home but sad about having to leave his friends behind. I am glad he got to experience this with his friends from home, as well. This is something they will share and have in common for the rest of their lives.
School is out - YIPEE! although it comes with a bit of sadness...Ben and his gang are off to high school. It was a good year. I work at Ben and Sarah's school as a noon supervisor and I volunteer as much as possible. I have followed the kids in Ben's grade right from Pre-K - gotten to know them, got to share a lot with them - it's been a remarkable journey - to see the growth and changes over the years, to be able to share the hugs and laughter is something most adults don't get to do. Sometimes they share problems, as well. That's a great feeling knowing you are trusted to share but at the same time it can be sad. It's great to see watch them grow into teenagers and to grow into themselves.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
One more sleep
Missed Ben's 7 phone calls from Newfoundland last evening. Got them on the answering machine though..."someone pick up the phone, I just want to say good-night before going to bed", "hello, anyone there, pick up the phone", "I am so tired, just want to say good-night", etc...poor Ben. I came home and heard the messages and felt so sorry I had missed his calls. I almost called but it was close to midnight Newfoundland time. I'll call this afternoon to say "HI".
One more sleep and he'll be home. I know he is having a great time and will really miss all his new friends but I also know my boy well enough to know that he is counting the hours till he arrives home. It's been a long week.
He was "screeched in" Tuesday night. He was so proud to tell us he is officially a Newfoundlander. I know he will not soon forget these last few weeks.
A card came in the post the other day addressed to "My Quebec Family"...Ben's 'Newfoundland twin', she wanted to say she missed us and to thank us for making her "feel at home". It's a great feeling to learn about the impact you can have on people. Miss you Em, our door is always open!
Ben, can't wait to have you home.
One more sleep and he'll be home. I know he is having a great time and will really miss all his new friends but I also know my boy well enough to know that he is counting the hours till he arrives home. It's been a long week.
He was "screeched in" Tuesday night. He was so proud to tell us he is officially a Newfoundlander. I know he will not soon forget these last few weeks.
A card came in the post the other day addressed to "My Quebec Family"...Ben's 'Newfoundland twin', she wanted to say she missed us and to thank us for making her "feel at home". It's a great feeling to learn about the impact you can have on people. Miss you Em, our door is always open!
Ben, can't wait to have you home.
"Happy Birthday to Me"
I'm at the age where I don't like to acknowledge my birthday but my friends relish in it.
I guess there is the fact that I am healthy and happy and still alive but I don't like that the numbers keep getting bigger - the up hill climb is difficult. 30 I had a hard time with, 40 was ok...but the big 5-0 is going to be tramatic - and for the record, I'm not there yet. I remember being a 17 year old and thinking 25 was soooo ancient.
And that's all I'm going to say...I'm now in age denial.
I guess there is the fact that I am healthy and happy and still alive but I don't like that the numbers keep getting bigger - the up hill climb is difficult. 30 I had a hard time with, 40 was ok...but the big 5-0 is going to be tramatic - and for the record, I'm not there yet. I remember being a 17 year old and thinking 25 was soooo ancient.
And that's all I'm going to say...I'm now in age denial.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Lonesome in Newfoundland
My traveler is lonesome but having an awesome time. Imagine having a bonfire by the ocean!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Newfoundland bound
Ben and his buddy Matt are Newfoundland bound. The bus pulled out from Shawville at 9am. The plane will just have taken off from Ottawa Airport - 12 noon. After spending a few hours in Toronto they will be in Newfoundland by 9 or 10 pm Newfoundland time.
Ben has called 3 times already, he makes me smile - miss ya 'Benjamina'. (When Alex went on his SEVEC exchange he only called once - my boys are so different.) I am wondering what he is thinking about his very first airplane ride. I know he will be ok because he is with his buddy, they will take care of each other.
My baby is gone...see you Friday Ben
Friday, June 08, 2007
SEVEC...
...Society for Education Visits and Exchanges in Canada.
My 11 year old son is off to Codroy Valley, Newfoundland tomorrow with 17 other children from the area, 9 of which are from our community, so he knows most of them from school and one girl is on his soccer team.
Last week, May 26 to June 2 we hosted their "twins" from the Codroy Valley, 25 plus their 4 adult chaperones. It is a marvelous adventure for all the children, but not just the children - the adults have a great time as well. It's a wonderful way to expose everyone to the different regions of Canada, places and events some children may never have another opportunity to experience. I am so envious of my son, hmmm I wonder what the penalty is for being a stow-away these days.
I was surprised when Ben said he wanted to participate in this program. I know that when Alex, my oldest son, did a SEVEC exchange 3 years ago Ben said he couldn't wait to be in grade 6 so he could do the same but Ben is my stay at home child. Alex and Sarah are my travelers, always staying over with friends and going places but Ben only sleeps over at his buddy Matt's house and that is barely 5 min. away - 30 sec. as the crow flies. Just days before Emily, Ben's twin from the Valley, was to fly in with her group he said he didn't want to do this...sorry buddy, too late now. You see, I'm sure part of his problem was that he is an 11 year old boy who was being twinned with a 14 year old girl...but by the 2nd. day they were almost like old buddies. Emily is the youngest of 5 children and an aunt to 2 little boys so she was not about to shy away from Ben. Once he got to know her he had a great time. On the last night she was here they were sitting together on the sofa, same sofa - not at other sides of the room, chatting up a storm about the weeks events and planning how to stay in contact. I am so glad for email, MSN and whatever technology will allow these kids to remain in contact.
As the bus pulled out on Friday morning for the return trip to Newfoundland, our guests reluctantly going home, there was a steady stream of tears, many hugs and plenty of good-byes. It is amazing what a strong bond can be made between total strangers in such a short period of time. Late that evening our phone rings, I pick it up to hear Emily excitedly telling me she was home safe and sound. When I asked what time she got home her reply was that she had "just gotten in the door". It was so heart-warming to know that she enjoyed herself so much with our family that she couldn't wait to call and let us know she was home safe...and that she wants to come back sometime to visit. I hope that will happen someday.
I am reassured, after meeting all these great kids and adults, that Ben will have the time of his life. He has been MSNing all week, getting to know everyone even better.
SEVEC is a wonderful experience and if your child (and you - because as much as it is for the children it envelopes the entire family) ever gets the chance to participate I say let them do it, the rewards are plenty.
My 11 year old son is off to Codroy Valley, Newfoundland tomorrow with 17 other children from the area, 9 of which are from our community, so he knows most of them from school and one girl is on his soccer team.
Last week, May 26 to June 2 we hosted their "twins" from the Codroy Valley, 25 plus their 4 adult chaperones. It is a marvelous adventure for all the children, but not just the children - the adults have a great time as well. It's a wonderful way to expose everyone to the different regions of Canada, places and events some children may never have another opportunity to experience. I am so envious of my son, hmmm I wonder what the penalty is for being a stow-away these days.
I was surprised when Ben said he wanted to participate in this program. I know that when Alex, my oldest son, did a SEVEC exchange 3 years ago Ben said he couldn't wait to be in grade 6 so he could do the same but Ben is my stay at home child. Alex and Sarah are my travelers, always staying over with friends and going places but Ben only sleeps over at his buddy Matt's house and that is barely 5 min. away - 30 sec. as the crow flies. Just days before Emily, Ben's twin from the Valley, was to fly in with her group he said he didn't want to do this...sorry buddy, too late now. You see, I'm sure part of his problem was that he is an 11 year old boy who was being twinned with a 14 year old girl...but by the 2nd. day they were almost like old buddies. Emily is the youngest of 5 children and an aunt to 2 little boys so she was not about to shy away from Ben. Once he got to know her he had a great time. On the last night she was here they were sitting together on the sofa, same sofa - not at other sides of the room, chatting up a storm about the weeks events and planning how to stay in contact. I am so glad for email, MSN and whatever technology will allow these kids to remain in contact.
As the bus pulled out on Friday morning for the return trip to Newfoundland, our guests reluctantly going home, there was a steady stream of tears, many hugs and plenty of good-byes. It is amazing what a strong bond can be made between total strangers in such a short period of time. Late that evening our phone rings, I pick it up to hear Emily excitedly telling me she was home safe and sound. When I asked what time she got home her reply was that she had "just gotten in the door". It was so heart-warming to know that she enjoyed herself so much with our family that she couldn't wait to call and let us know she was home safe...and that she wants to come back sometime to visit. I hope that will happen someday.
I am reassured, after meeting all these great kids and adults, that Ben will have the time of his life. He has been MSNing all week, getting to know everyone even better.
SEVEC is a wonderful experience and if your child (and you - because as much as it is for the children it envelopes the entire family) ever gets the chance to participate I say let them do it, the rewards are plenty.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Relay for life...
The Relay for life is over for this year. I have a few new aches and pains but they are all worthwhile when you consider the cause and what people with cancer have to go through. It feels great to have been apart of such a wonderful event. Our group raised almost $1900 with the grand total being just over $71,000.
My group, Bacon and Eggs - named after our breakfast group who get together every monday morning after we drop our kids at school, began converging on Leslie Lake as early as Friday evening after soccer. Around 6 pm on the 2nd. we got all decked out in our matching pjs and Relay for Life t-shirts and headed down to the beach for the speeches that would begin the night's event.
The walk started with the "survivors" lap lead by a bagpiper. All the teams formed a line, in pairs we stood across from each other, for the survivors to walk between us. Some of the 'survivors' walked with heads held high, some walked with tear dotted cheeks, some walked with heads bowed and tears flowing. It was very awe inspiring when someone you knew walked past. There were some high 5's, there were gentle hand holds, there were pats on the back. It is a great feat to be a cancer survivor. It was a heart touching moment. After the survivors had completed their lap the teams went out in alphabetical order, which in this case meant "Bacon and Eggs" led the walk. As I walked passed the yet unlit luminaries there was the family of our friend who died just a couple of weeks ago holding each other infront of his just placed luminary. If I didn't know before, I knew then why I was there. As we walked we each knew many people whose luminaries were placed in their honor. You could hear people reading off names. Some memories were very fresh in our minds.
We all walked together as a team for the first couple of laps then knowing we had to pace ourselves over the next 12 hours some of us left the trail for our campsite, waiting to take our turns. We didn't really have a schedule for who would walk when, but knowing at least one of us had to be on the trail at all times we just took turns when we felt like it. Every once in awhile someone would get up and head to the lake to start walking and to find any of our team who were walking and tell them it was time for them to rest. As it worked out we all walked at least 4 hours. Kris, Fiona and I were there when the luminaries were being lit, we took turns lighting a few. I walked from 1:30 am to 4 am...to me I picked the best time. By this time the luminaries were all lit, the moon was almost full and shining on the lake. The path looped along the lake and then up a small incline - the lake was always right beside us, with the luminaries on the other side of the path. As we walked on the upper side of the trail we could see the walkers along the lake. I walked with a flashlight in my hand but rarely used it. It was a very calming atmosphere. At that time of night people walked alone, some walked in pairs - there was some chatter but mostly it was quiet, lots of time for reflection and thought. Around 4 am I took a break and headed back to our campsite. One of our group was still awake, 2 were still walking, one was trying to catch a few naps in her lawn chair and the rest had tucked themselves into bed. Kerry and I watched the dark lift, we heard the birds awaken. I went back out to walk at dawn, the first person I saw was my high school English teacher, she walked with her hands behind her back like she was in a contemplative mood, we bid each other "good morning" and kept to our task. My walking partner woke up and caught up with me shortly after 5. I noticed a lot of our walking was done in silence.
It all wrapped up with the teams joining to complete the final lap. With less than a 1/2 hour of sleep all night I was glad to pack up and head home. I came home, threw my clothes into the washer, took a long hot shower and jumped into bed.
Two sore feet, one sore ankle and one sore knee, it was all worthwhile and I will do it again.
It was good, it was all good.
My group, Bacon and Eggs - named after our breakfast group who get together every monday morning after we drop our kids at school, began converging on Leslie Lake as early as Friday evening after soccer. Around 6 pm on the 2nd. we got all decked out in our matching pjs and Relay for Life t-shirts and headed down to the beach for the speeches that would begin the night's event.
The walk started with the "survivors" lap lead by a bagpiper. All the teams formed a line, in pairs we stood across from each other, for the survivors to walk between us. Some of the 'survivors' walked with heads held high, some walked with tear dotted cheeks, some walked with heads bowed and tears flowing. It was very awe inspiring when someone you knew walked past. There were some high 5's, there were gentle hand holds, there were pats on the back. It is a great feat to be a cancer survivor. It was a heart touching moment. After the survivors had completed their lap the teams went out in alphabetical order, which in this case meant "Bacon and Eggs" led the walk. As I walked passed the yet unlit luminaries there was the family of our friend who died just a couple of weeks ago holding each other infront of his just placed luminary. If I didn't know before, I knew then why I was there. As we walked we each knew many people whose luminaries were placed in their honor. You could hear people reading off names. Some memories were very fresh in our minds.
We all walked together as a team for the first couple of laps then knowing we had to pace ourselves over the next 12 hours some of us left the trail for our campsite, waiting to take our turns. We didn't really have a schedule for who would walk when, but knowing at least one of us had to be on the trail at all times we just took turns when we felt like it. Every once in awhile someone would get up and head to the lake to start walking and to find any of our team who were walking and tell them it was time for them to rest. As it worked out we all walked at least 4 hours. Kris, Fiona and I were there when the luminaries were being lit, we took turns lighting a few. I walked from 1:30 am to 4 am...to me I picked the best time. By this time the luminaries were all lit, the moon was almost full and shining on the lake. The path looped along the lake and then up a small incline - the lake was always right beside us, with the luminaries on the other side of the path. As we walked on the upper side of the trail we could see the walkers along the lake. I walked with a flashlight in my hand but rarely used it. It was a very calming atmosphere. At that time of night people walked alone, some walked in pairs - there was some chatter but mostly it was quiet, lots of time for reflection and thought. Around 4 am I took a break and headed back to our campsite. One of our group was still awake, 2 were still walking, one was trying to catch a few naps in her lawn chair and the rest had tucked themselves into bed. Kerry and I watched the dark lift, we heard the birds awaken. I went back out to walk at dawn, the first person I saw was my high school English teacher, she walked with her hands behind her back like she was in a contemplative mood, we bid each other "good morning" and kept to our task. My walking partner woke up and caught up with me shortly after 5. I noticed a lot of our walking was done in silence.
It all wrapped up with the teams joining to complete the final lap. With less than a 1/2 hour of sleep all night I was glad to pack up and head home. I came home, threw my clothes into the washer, took a long hot shower and jumped into bed.
Two sore feet, one sore ankle and one sore knee, it was all worthwhile and I will do it again.
It was good, it was all good.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Too early! Another good-bye!
As said in this post I am walking in the Relay for Life on June 2. I am looking forward to the camaraderie of the group I am walking with. I am proud of myself for doing this because of the cause. I am saddened, however, that I have another reason to walk. This past week we lost a friend to cancer. 49 years old. Father of 2. Husband. Great guy. Gone too early, he should have had more time. I know that's a cliché but it's so true. It's always so true. 53 is too early to die. These kind of good-byes are hard. I like good-bye when you know it is only for a short time, when you know that tomorrow you will see this person again. That next week you will see this person again.
We take for granted that there will always be a tomorrow to say "good-bye". But sometimes tomorrow is not the kind of day we hoped for. So, we should dwell on 'today' and make it the most it can be, take full advantage of it being here. Don't worry so much about tomorrow...and say "See ya!" instead of "good-bye!"
We take for granted that there will always be a tomorrow to say "good-bye". But sometimes tomorrow is not the kind of day we hoped for. So, we should dwell on 'today' and make it the most it can be, take full advantage of it being here. Don't worry so much about tomorrow...and say "See ya!" instead of "good-bye!"
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
Not sure who to credit for this, it was sent to me via email...it perfectly sums up how it feels to be a Mother:
Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby
just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having
my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel
so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Waiting and rushing!
I thought while I waited, yet again, for my kids to get ready for school I would blog...because, after all, sometimes it feels like I have time to write a novel while I wait.
I don't wait very well. I'm a pacer - back and forth, back and forth..."come on, let's get going!" It's like time wasted. But the kids don't see it that way, especially when they're getting ready for school. Now if we were going shopping to buy them something they would be out the door in a flash.
This morning I have breakfast to get to. It's Monday morning and the girls are waiting so I am in a hurry and therefore I am not into waiting. I enjoy our regularly scheduled Monday morning breakfast. It all started innocently one day with a bunch of stressed, tired, over-worked Mom's who just needed some down-time before their week started. We all have kids. Kids whose ages run from 3 to 32...one of the Mom's is a Mom of one of the Moms - I know it gets complicated but we like it that way. I wrote about our age range in this past post.
We all know that waiting eventually leads to rushing.
Wait! That seems to be a familiar word around our house. Like I said, I am not a waiter. BK or before kids, I was always on time and maybe even early for events. Now, after kids, I hardly remember the last time I was on time. Or maybe it just seems like I am always late and some of that may be attributed to the fact that I am always rushing here and there. Rushing to get everyone off to school. Rushing to get them to their games - soccer and ball season are in full swing. Rushing to get dinner. And after all the rushing is over for the kids I then have to rush to get my stuff done because I have had so much rushing to do for the kids....and on and on and on...like one of those traffic circles that just keeps going round and round and if you're not paying attention you forget where to get off or even how to get off.
MOM, LET'S GO, WE'RE WAITING...oh yeah I forgot, I'm rushing to get somewhere.
I don't wait very well. I'm a pacer - back and forth, back and forth..."come on, let's get going!" It's like time wasted. But the kids don't see it that way, especially when they're getting ready for school. Now if we were going shopping to buy them something they would be out the door in a flash.
This morning I have breakfast to get to. It's Monday morning and the girls are waiting so I am in a hurry and therefore I am not into waiting. I enjoy our regularly scheduled Monday morning breakfast. It all started innocently one day with a bunch of stressed, tired, over-worked Mom's who just needed some down-time before their week started. We all have kids. Kids whose ages run from 3 to 32...one of the Mom's is a Mom of one of the Moms - I know it gets complicated but we like it that way. I wrote about our age range in this past post.
We all know that waiting eventually leads to rushing.
Wait! That seems to be a familiar word around our house. Like I said, I am not a waiter. BK or before kids, I was always on time and maybe even early for events. Now, after kids, I hardly remember the last time I was on time. Or maybe it just seems like I am always late and some of that may be attributed to the fact that I am always rushing here and there. Rushing to get everyone off to school. Rushing to get them to their games - soccer and ball season are in full swing. Rushing to get dinner. And after all the rushing is over for the kids I then have to rush to get my stuff done because I have had so much rushing to do for the kids....and on and on and on...like one of those traffic circles that just keeps going round and round and if you're not paying attention you forget where to get off or even how to get off.
MOM, LET'S GO, WE'RE WAITING...oh yeah I forgot, I'm rushing to get somewhere.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Finally the weather is co-operating. I have managed to get outside this morning and start working on my poor, neglected flower beds. I really want to do some extra work this year on one that has been here from when my Grandmother owned the house. We bought my grandparent's house from my parents after they had both passed away, my father's parents. And there is still this one little corner of the yard that keeps my Granny with me. I have even managed, over the past 23 years, to keep some of her peonies alive. Actually, the peonies are older than that, I have just been nurturing them for the past 23 years, they are probably almost as old as I am. Over all these years I have also tended to some of Grannies hens and chickens.
Gardening is a favorite hobby of mine...it's a great relaxation tool. I have even been known to get down in my friend's dirt as well. When you see a weed, pull it! It's amazing how much time you can fritter away while working in the garden. When the flowers are blossoming it's a well earned reward. I get my green thumb from my mother. She has always enjoyed her flowers, not that she has ever spent much time tending them...some people just have the knack for having great looking gardens without having to spend too much time working in them. I guess as long as the prep work is dong properly the rest can be leisure time in the garden.
I look at the lawn and realize that time has taken a toll on the lush green grass that once was there, time and the kids with numerous wheeled toys and vehicles, such as bikes, scooters, 4-wheelers and even the snowmobiles. For the past few years I keep saying, this will be the year I reseed...so, maybe this will be the year I finally do just that.
Enough procrastinating, time to get back to work.
Gardening is a favorite hobby of mine...it's a great relaxation tool. I have even been known to get down in my friend's dirt as well. When you see a weed, pull it! It's amazing how much time you can fritter away while working in the garden. When the flowers are blossoming it's a well earned reward. I get my green thumb from my mother. She has always enjoyed her flowers, not that she has ever spent much time tending them...some people just have the knack for having great looking gardens without having to spend too much time working in them. I guess as long as the prep work is dong properly the rest can be leisure time in the garden.
I look at the lawn and realize that time has taken a toll on the lush green grass that once was there, time and the kids with numerous wheeled toys and vehicles, such as bikes, scooters, 4-wheelers and even the snowmobiles. For the past few years I keep saying, this will be the year I reseed...so, maybe this will be the year I finally do just that.
Enough procrastinating, time to get back to work.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
New laptop
I am writting this post on my brand new, very own, Acer laptop...ordered it Friday, picked it up yesterday. Now I don't have to stand in line behind 4 other people waiting my turn on the computer. The kids now say they have their own computer, hey everyone is happy.
Jann Arden tickets and a new laptop...try topping that all in one week.
Jann Arden tickets and a new laptop...try topping that all in one week.
Jann x2
I saw Jann Arden in concert for the 2nd time in as many weeks. How lucky!!!
As I was heading to work on Friday the announcer on the local radio station MyFM said there were two free tickets left for the coming Saturday night concert and that the 1oth caller to identify the song would win..."I Would Die For You", from the "Time For Mercy" CD (the yeah,yeah,yeah song that my son used to sing along to...mentioned in the previous post), was the song and I WON - twice, I have won Jann Arden tickets....could life be any better!
This time I cajoled Kris into going with me. We had a great time. Jann was fantastic, as usual.
I have wanted to see Jann in concert everytime she has come this way but have never gotten to see her.
Even with bacterial conjunctivitis I still enjoyed the show...which is getting much better now with the help of eye drops although I sometimes miss my eye. Kris and I made a great pair driving home, one with a bad driving leg and the other with bad eyes...between us we had 3 good legs and 3 good eyes, more than one driving really needs.
As I was heading to work on Friday the announcer on the local radio station MyFM said there were two free tickets left for the coming Saturday night concert and that the 1oth caller to identify the song would win..."I Would Die For You", from the "Time For Mercy" CD (the yeah,yeah,yeah song that my son used to sing along to...mentioned in the previous post), was the song and I WON - twice, I have won Jann Arden tickets....could life be any better!
This time I cajoled Kris into going with me. We had a great time. Jann was fantastic, as usual.
I have wanted to see Jann in concert everytime she has come this way but have never gotten to see her.
Even with bacterial conjunctivitis I still enjoyed the show...which is getting much better now with the help of eye drops although I sometimes miss my eye. Kris and I made a great pair driving home, one with a bad driving leg and the other with bad eyes...between us we had 3 good legs and 3 good eyes, more than one driving really needs.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Good Mother
My 9 year old daughter and I shared a great time together Monday evening.
Jann Arden was coming to Ottawa. I wanted so badly to see her, have wanted to for a very long time. I have every CD she has made. I can still hear my oldest son singing along, as a 2 year old, in the back seat to the "Yeah, yeah, yeah" verse of "I would die for you". The day I bought the CD we were shopping in Ottawa and we had to play that song over and over and over again just so he could sing along. It was priceless. He was joyful.
So, Jann's coming to Ottawa and I'm not going...circumstances, I asked a friend but she was busy, then I thought it was too frivolous to spend the money, not that it was alot but finances are tight right now so I just let the idea drop, again. Then along came a contest in our local paper for the chance to win 2 Jann Arden tickets...why not, I thought. Why not indeed, I WON!
Same friend still busy so I thought it was a great chance to spend some quality time with my daughter. Besides, when she found out I had won the tickets she asked if she could go with me...by this time I had already asked my friend so daughter was disappointed.
Sarah's favorite song is "Good Mother". So I, being a good Mother, won brownie points Monday night. Straight after school we cleaned up and headed to the city. We shopped for an upcoming birthday party, girly stuff, then had supper at Kelsey's. We got to Scotiabank Place early, always fun to soak up the before performance atmosphere.
When we went to get our tickets punched the girl looked at our tickets, checked the seat area then called on another lady. Always the pessimist, I wondered OK, what's going on. This older more authoratative looking woman, approached us. I could feel Sarah tense up beside me. She said, you have seats in the 224 level, would you like to upgrade to the 101 level...I tapped Sarah on the back, she grinned, not aware of what good luck we were having...we gratefully excepted the tickets, said Thank you and went on our merry way. Once we were in our seats I explained to Sarah our good fortune by showing her where we would have been sitting, which was alright considering the tickets were free and after all, it was Jann Arden - would there be a bad seat.
Sarah recognized most of the songs before I did. She was singing along and having a great time. When the music started for Jann's last song (before she came back out for her encore in a Sens jersey), Sarah looked at me, smiled and said, "it's my favorite song!" I felt like a "good mother".
Sarah fell asleep in the van almost as soon as she hit the seat. I had a great 1 hour and 10 min. ride home, listening to Jann Arden tunes on the CD player. It was a good day.
If you get the chance to see Jann Arden in concert run, don't walk to the nearest ticket booth. OK, in this day and age it's more like - run, don't walk to your computer and click for tickets.
Jann Arden was coming to Ottawa. I wanted so badly to see her, have wanted to for a very long time. I have every CD she has made. I can still hear my oldest son singing along, as a 2 year old, in the back seat to the "Yeah, yeah, yeah" verse of "I would die for you". The day I bought the CD we were shopping in Ottawa and we had to play that song over and over and over again just so he could sing along. It was priceless. He was joyful.
So, Jann's coming to Ottawa and I'm not going...circumstances, I asked a friend but she was busy, then I thought it was too frivolous to spend the money, not that it was alot but finances are tight right now so I just let the idea drop, again. Then along came a contest in our local paper for the chance to win 2 Jann Arden tickets...why not, I thought. Why not indeed, I WON!
Same friend still busy so I thought it was a great chance to spend some quality time with my daughter. Besides, when she found out I had won the tickets she asked if she could go with me...by this time I had already asked my friend so daughter was disappointed.
Sarah's favorite song is "Good Mother". So I, being a good Mother, won brownie points Monday night. Straight after school we cleaned up and headed to the city. We shopped for an upcoming birthday party, girly stuff, then had supper at Kelsey's. We got to Scotiabank Place early, always fun to soak up the before performance atmosphere.
When we went to get our tickets punched the girl looked at our tickets, checked the seat area then called on another lady. Always the pessimist, I wondered OK, what's going on. This older more authoratative looking woman, approached us. I could feel Sarah tense up beside me. She said, you have seats in the 224 level, would you like to upgrade to the 101 level...I tapped Sarah on the back, she grinned, not aware of what good luck we were having...we gratefully excepted the tickets, said Thank you and went on our merry way. Once we were in our seats I explained to Sarah our good fortune by showing her where we would have been sitting, which was alright considering the tickets were free and after all, it was Jann Arden - would there be a bad seat.
Sarah recognized most of the songs before I did. She was singing along and having a great time. When the music started for Jann's last song (before she came back out for her encore in a Sens jersey), Sarah looked at me, smiled and said, "it's my favorite song!" I felt like a "good mother".
Sarah fell asleep in the van almost as soon as she hit the seat. I had a great 1 hour and 10 min. ride home, listening to Jann Arden tunes on the CD player. It was a good day.
If you get the chance to see Jann Arden in concert run, don't walk to the nearest ticket booth. OK, in this day and age it's more like - run, don't walk to your computer and click for tickets.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Upcoming events
How about some links to upcoming events in and around the Pontiac Valley...
First of all, I'd like to say that I am walking in the Relay for Life, a 12 hour walk to help raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, on June 2 and I am looking for pledges...you can following this link to pledge me online... https://secureccs.ca/?inv=ca5603d3-d643-405a-b962-f2076667f943
Come visit:
Pontiac School of the Arts is into it's third year of summer courses, running from July 7 to 15, always the first Saturday to the third Sunday of the month, in the village of Portage-du-Fort, Quebec
How about a little pottery at Atelier du Druide in Campbell's Bay, Quebec
The Pontiac Artist's Studio Tour is a wonderful adventure and a great way to visit Fourteen professional artists in 12 studios as you tour through the Pontiac region of Quebec (on the north shore of the Ottawa River, west of Ottawa). The Pontiac Artists' Studio Tour is an annual juried art exhibition. Admission is absolutely free. Everyone is welcome. Artworks are on exhibit and for sale.
The Coulonge Chutes are not to be missed...you can even rent a cabin, or two, for a weekend getaway. Don't forget your camera!
Art in the Park - September 30 at Portage-du-Fort
1 pm to 5 pm...there will be a wide range of art activities for all ages by the Pontiac Artists' Association
Open House: Pontiac Churches
September 29 to September 30
"Discover the Pontiac's unique and diverse religious heritage"
819-648-5217
www.culture.mrcpontiac.qc.ca
bkuhn.cld@mrcpontiac.qc.ca
And not to be missed is the Shawville Agricultural Fair
August 30 - September 3 (Labour Day weekend)
First of all, I'd like to say that I am walking in the Relay for Life, a 12 hour walk to help raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, on June 2 and I am looking for pledges...you can following this link to pledge me online... https://secureccs.ca/?inv=ca5603d3-d643-405a-b962-f2076667f943
Come visit:
Pontiac School of the Arts is into it's third year of summer courses, running from July 7 to 15, always the first Saturday to the third Sunday of the month, in the village of Portage-du-Fort, Quebec
How about a little pottery at Atelier du Druide in Campbell's Bay, Quebec
The Pontiac Artist's Studio Tour is a wonderful adventure and a great way to visit Fourteen professional artists in 12 studios as you tour through the Pontiac region of Quebec (on the north shore of the Ottawa River, west of Ottawa). The Pontiac Artists' Studio Tour is an annual juried art exhibition. Admission is absolutely free. Everyone is welcome. Artworks are on exhibit and for sale.
The Coulonge Chutes are not to be missed...you can even rent a cabin, or two, for a weekend getaway. Don't forget your camera!
Art in the Park - September 30 at Portage-du-Fort
1 pm to 5 pm...there will be a wide range of art activities for all ages by the Pontiac Artists' Association
Open House: Pontiac Churches
September 29 to September 30
"Discover the Pontiac's unique and diverse religious heritage"
819-648-5217
www.culture.mrcpontiac.qc.ca
bkuhn.cld@mrcpontiac.qc.ca
And not to be missed is the Shawville Agricultural Fair
August 30 - September 3 (Labour Day weekend)
Come visit, you won't be sorry you did!
You'll just wonder why it took you so long!
You'll just wonder why it took you so long!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
More discussion on Quebec language problems
Well, the election is over, good or bad. It was a very long 12 1/2 hours working the polls. The good news is that I only had problem with one voter who told me in French that since this was a Quebec election I should be speaking in French. No, respect for me as an English speaking person, born and raised in this province. What made this even more hurtful was that this person speaking to me is very new to our community, a community that is one of the very few English language communities left in this province. Little did she know that I could speak to her in French, enough to make myself understood, if the need arises. My first mistake was that I said "Hello" and not "Bonjour". My answer to her was that "I am speaking the language of my province, the one I was born in and have lived in my entire life". When she put her ballot in the ballot box I said, "Merci, bonne journée". She walked away without even a, "Merci, et vous!". Silly stuff!
Really, how hard is it to respect other people for their differences? Why is it so difficult to understand that we should be allowed to live comfortably, without retribution, in our own land?
It is becoming more and more impossible to get a job in this province if you do not have French as your first language. We are almost considered immigrants and we have all read in the papers lately how the Québécois treat immigrants.
This is not about all French speaking people because I know many French speaking Canadians that I have great respect for. One of my very best friends speaks French. I was going to say "she is French speaking" but that is like putting a label on her. French speaking, English speaking? Why should there be such a difference that we cannot get along and not celebrate our differences? Why should our spoken language be allowed to label us? How/Why does it make one of us more or less superior than the other?
The problem are the Québécois, the Separatists, who are fighting to take away the rights of the English in this province. But they are also isolating themselves from the rest of the country. Their own children, who are brought up speaking only French, are struggling to cope in the rest of the country where they cannot communicate.
I'm done now, I'm stepping off this soapbox!
Really, how hard is it to respect other people for their differences? Why is it so difficult to understand that we should be allowed to live comfortably, without retribution, in our own land?
It is becoming more and more impossible to get a job in this province if you do not have French as your first language. We are almost considered immigrants and we have all read in the papers lately how the Québécois treat immigrants.
This is not about all French speaking people because I know many French speaking Canadians that I have great respect for. One of my very best friends speaks French. I was going to say "she is French speaking" but that is like putting a label on her. French speaking, English speaking? Why should there be such a difference that we cannot get along and not celebrate our differences? Why should our spoken language be allowed to label us? How/Why does it make one of us more or less superior than the other?
The problem are the Québécois, the Separatists, who are fighting to take away the rights of the English in this province. But they are also isolating themselves from the rest of the country. Their own children, who are brought up speaking only French, are struggling to cope in the rest of the country where they cannot communicate.
I'm done now, I'm stepping off this soapbox!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
How to feel like you don't belong?
Try being an English speaking Quebecer.
Try being an English speaking Quebecer working the polls at a Quebec election.
Even better, try being an English speaking Quebecer working the polls at a Quebec election and having to do training in French. Thank goodness they made a few English manuals.
Better yet, being an English speaking Quebecer who was born in this province and who has lived here all your days but you feel like you don't belong.
It's not the greatest feeling to know that you are considered a second-class citizen. That you are not considering equal and that someone can take away your rights when it comes to the simplest of rights...freedom to have instruction in the language of your choice.
The French here in La Belle Province lament that their rights are being taken away...hmmm...can't say as I totally agree with them.
Try being an English speaking Quebecer working the polls at a Quebec election.
Even better, try being an English speaking Quebecer working the polls at a Quebec election and having to do training in French. Thank goodness they made a few English manuals.
Better yet, being an English speaking Quebecer who was born in this province and who has lived here all your days but you feel like you don't belong.
It's not the greatest feeling to know that you are considered a second-class citizen. That you are not considering equal and that someone can take away your rights when it comes to the simplest of rights...freedom to have instruction in the language of your choice.
The French here in La Belle Province lament that their rights are being taken away...hmmm...can't say as I totally agree with them.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Daylight saving time.
It's 7:03 pm and it's still daylight. I love 'daylight saving time'!
It's been a great day. My husband took all 3 kids and headed to the camp with the snowmobiles and some friends. I have had the most relaxing day that I can remember having for a very long time. Kids were on March break last week, a week earlier than the Ontario break. They just about drove me crazy. Up until Friday it has been so blessed cold here that no one has wanted to go outside. The wind has been blowing and wind chill has been almost unbearable at times. So, it is about time we get some great weather. Today, along with the longer day we also got above 0C temperatures. What more could one ask for.
Spent some of the day doing volunteer work, the quiet was just what I needed to do some finalizing on two brochures I have been working towards deadline on. One is the Pontiac School of the Arts course brochure for 2007 and the other is the brochure for the 2nd. Annual Shawville Jamboree. The website still needs some information but it's coming.
Day is slowing fading into night with a wonderful sunset...hues of pink. It's 7:20 and I can still see light...love it! Blue Rodeo is playing on the radio, "Bulletproof". One of my favorite Canadian bands.
Darkness is upon us!
It's all good!
It's been a great day. My husband took all 3 kids and headed to the camp with the snowmobiles and some friends. I have had the most relaxing day that I can remember having for a very long time. Kids were on March break last week, a week earlier than the Ontario break. They just about drove me crazy. Up until Friday it has been so blessed cold here that no one has wanted to go outside. The wind has been blowing and wind chill has been almost unbearable at times. So, it is about time we get some great weather. Today, along with the longer day we also got above 0C temperatures. What more could one ask for.
Spent some of the day doing volunteer work, the quiet was just what I needed to do some finalizing on two brochures I have been working towards deadline on. One is the Pontiac School of the Arts course brochure for 2007 and the other is the brochure for the 2nd. Annual Shawville Jamboree. The website still needs some information but it's coming.
Day is slowing fading into night with a wonderful sunset...hues of pink. It's 7:20 and I can still see light...love it! Blue Rodeo is playing on the radio, "Bulletproof". One of my favorite Canadian bands.
I also took time to today to take a drive in the countryside for some late winter photos. We didn't have much snow this year so I wanted to take the opportunity to grab some shots before it's all gone...the week is supposed to be quite warm so it won't last long.
Darkness is upon us!
It's all good!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
What's going on...
Finally, we got our first snow storm of the season...that it only came last Friday, March 3 is fine with me, what better time to have a first snow storm than just before spring so it can all melt away.
Kids are on March break. Not sure what we're going to do. With the husband about to loose his job we're not making big plans. Although, I envy my friends who can go away every year for a family vacation to somewhere warm. I think there are plans to head to the camp in the woods with the snowmobiles....not me, the kids and Dad. I prefer the city to the bush, so if that is their plan my plan is to head into Ottawa for a shopping trip with Viv.
We turn the clocks back next week which means more daylight. I love this time of year when the daylight sticks around a bit longer. Helps get rid of the gloom of the February blahs.
Prepping a couple of photos for an art exhibit at the Café 349 to be exhibited with instructor and student works from the last two years of courses at the Pontiac School of the Arts.
Went to the most hilarious comedy show, Women Fully Clothed, last weekend at the Centrepointe Theatre in Ottawa. If you ever get the chance to see these ladies in action I recommend you don't pass it up. I went with 5 friends and we all had a great time. We laughed so hard we had to wipe the tears away. This was a great group of friends to go to such a show with. When we weren't laughing at the show we were laughing at each other. There is nothing like a good laugh especially with friends.
Kids are on March break. Not sure what we're going to do. With the husband about to loose his job we're not making big plans. Although, I envy my friends who can go away every year for a family vacation to somewhere warm. I think there are plans to head to the camp in the woods with the snowmobiles....not me, the kids and Dad. I prefer the city to the bush, so if that is their plan my plan is to head into Ottawa for a shopping trip with Viv.
We turn the clocks back next week which means more daylight. I love this time of year when the daylight sticks around a bit longer. Helps get rid of the gloom of the February blahs.
Prepping a couple of photos for an art exhibit at the Café 349 to be exhibited with instructor and student works from the last two years of courses at the Pontiac School of the Arts.
Went to the most hilarious comedy show, Women Fully Clothed, last weekend at the Centrepointe Theatre in Ottawa. If you ever get the chance to see these ladies in action I recommend you don't pass it up. I went with 5 friends and we all had a great time. We laughed so hard we had to wipe the tears away. This was a great group of friends to go to such a show with. When we weren't laughing at the show we were laughing at each other. There is nothing like a good laugh especially with friends.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Spring is on it's way!
Spring can't come too soon. I think I have the "February Blahs".
I've been grumpy, ok, so maybe that doesn't count. What about:
As I'm sitting here typing my fingers are cold and it's not from lack of heat because where I am sitting there is no shortage of sunshine. I am in the living room that is very bright and sunny. It's my favorite room in our house because it is so bright. The last few weeks have been so cold, most nights have been in the -20C or colder ranger and if sometimes we have had to contend with a wind chill which could take it into the -32c range. Just not ideal weather for feeling good.
Knock on wood, though, no one in our house has been ill. Watch, now that I've said that we will all come down with something. Even my friends and their families have had good health, ok, maybe not Kris who had a bout of bronchitis but I think that was just her body's way of saying "you need to slow down".
But the forecast is calling for milder weather with a lot of sunshine for the next couple of weeks...maybe just long enough to get us through March break - which starts this Friday here in Quebec.
It's time to get my shit together. It's time to stop procrastinating. It's time to get happy, happy, happy. It's time to enjoy life. It's time for SPRING! Bring it on!
I've been grumpy, ok, so maybe that doesn't count. What about:
- tired or maybe it's blah
- cold and blah
- feeling the need to hibernate, blah
- feeling non social, blah
- restless, blah
- blah, blah, blah
As I'm sitting here typing my fingers are cold and it's not from lack of heat because where I am sitting there is no shortage of sunshine. I am in the living room that is very bright and sunny. It's my favorite room in our house because it is so bright. The last few weeks have been so cold, most nights have been in the -20C or colder ranger and if sometimes we have had to contend with a wind chill which could take it into the -32c range. Just not ideal weather for feeling good.
Knock on wood, though, no one in our house has been ill. Watch, now that I've said that we will all come down with something. Even my friends and their families have had good health, ok, maybe not Kris who had a bout of bronchitis but I think that was just her body's way of saying "you need to slow down".
But the forecast is calling for milder weather with a lot of sunshine for the next couple of weeks...maybe just long enough to get us through March break - which starts this Friday here in Quebec.
It's time to get my shit together. It's time to stop procrastinating. It's time to get happy, happy, happy. It's time to enjoy life. It's time for SPRING! Bring it on!
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