I gotta run...

I'm now into my third week of my running program and my times are slowly improving. The second week was a little tough b/c I was quite sore and my numbers reflected that. This week my long runs are getting faster and faster. Not sprinter fast, but faster for Kelly Bastian. I've lost a few pounds since I started which is a plus.

Jordan and I are off to run some errands and possibly do some Christmas shopping! Yes I know it's early but I love Christmas and I have a lot of people to buy for and I want to be ready. As much as I love Christmas time I hate shopping just as much. I'm rather have grab bags if I can stay out of the mall! Bah humbug to shopping. Well, I haven't seen any Christmas lists yet. What do people want this year? Any hints?

A long absence....

Yes, it's been awhile. My husband has been nudging me back to blogging. I suppose I'll start back today but I can't promise any frequency.

I've been working at a new running plan for the past two weeks. Jordan outlined this routine to me and I'm not going to admit that it is easy to follow. My legs and well honestly the rest of my body have been hurting quite a bit, but the payout is well worth the pain and fatigue. Here is the plan that I have been running:

Sunday- 5 mile run
Monday-1 hr cardio/abs
Tuesday-2 miles/abs
Wednesday-4 miles/abs
Thursday-Play volleyball
Friday-3 miles/abs
Saturday-DAY OFF

I'm working towards running a 1/2 Marathon next year. I haven't decided the race yet it is to be decided. I've completed 2 weeks of the program and the running will increase after 4 weeks. I have also been running with Jordan's watch and foot pod to help track my pace. It's interesting to see how slow/fast you go on a run. Well, time for dinner.

Meetin' with the Michiganders!!

Tomorrow Jordan and I set off on a reunion weekend. Tomorrow we head to my college roommate, Jody's house which is about the 1/2 way point to get to Traverse City where we will meet up with Jordan's college roommates for an extravaganza!! Jody has the cutest little guy Dylan who is almost a year old who I can't wait to see. We don't get to see each other that often but it's still great when we do even if it's for a short time. This summer she and her hubby drove through Illinois while I was visiting my folks and they stopped at the Lincoln Oasis. My parents live around the corner and I got to see them (only for a few minutes), but it's still great just the same. I miss her a bunch, but I always know she's just a phone call away.

In Traverse there will be about 16 of us! Jordan had 12 guys living in his house in college and a bunch will be meeting us there. It should be great. Lots of BBQ and goodtimes! Wish me will-power! BTW another lb down today! Good way to start the long weekend!

Second wind

I'm getting back on track here. I lost a pound which doesn't seem like a lot to most people but any loss is a loss so that's good. I went to the gym twice over the weekend and ran my 3 miles. Both times it went very well. I plan to head out today before dinner and do 3 more. I'm trying to get in a lot of activity before this weekend. We might be going to Michigan to a MSU reunion with Jordan's old roomies and you know how those things go. Wish me will-power!

Yesterday, after my run, Jordan and I went out back with Barkley and had a BBQ. They put out these nice new Stainless Steel BBQ's in the backyard in the dog park. We sat out there and grilled while Barkley ran around in the yard. It was great. We will probably be doing that more oven until the weather gets bad. It's nice to have that facility. I have missed BBQ since we moved to Toronto. It's one of my favorite things about summer. (Next to watermelon!)

That's all for now. Time to get motivated. Pray for Jordan he ran 18 miles yesterday and had some struggle b/c of his leg. He's had quite a bit of pain and had been uncomfortable.

Ho Hum....

This week has not been a good week. Work has been a struggle and I've had no time to eat properly. It's not that I have been over eating, in fact I've been undereating. This is just as bad they tell me. I have not been hungry and if I do eat dinner it's been later and later which is not good.

I'm going to run today. Maybe it'll be good for the stress. I'm worn out. I have had to work 7 days str8 without a day off. Not happy about it. At least i'll have thurs/friday off and Jordan does too! Catch ya later.

Back in Canada

I had a very enjoyable weekend with my family back in Illinois. I ate a little off of my plan but it was worth it. We ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant and had some Arrenellos pizza! Yum! I didn't really gain any wait so I was lucky. So, now it's back at it. I am finding it a little hard to get to the gym. I have felt really tired since I"ve been home. I know that's not an excuse b/c going to the gym gives you energy.

Barkley has been too. He's slept for the last 2 days, except for when he picked up a sheep squeeky toy that he stole from our other dog Sam (my parents dog). I said Sams name and Barkley looked around for him. My parents dog Sam and Barkley get along very well . They're kind of funny though b/c they're very jealous of each other and if you give attention to one of them the other comes over and tries to push his way into your hand. Also, if one dog is on your lap the other will come and sit on the other and they just accept it. (well sam doesn't always b/c Barkley is a fatty and squishes Sam!) Barley loves it at my parents house b/c he eats Sams food if we leave it on the floor and you don't hold Barkley back while Sam eats it. Also, the two dogs tag team my dad and anyone else who's around into giving them lots of treats. It's pretty funny.

Jordan is off Friday and Saturday! Woo Hoo! It'll be great to see him at home 2 days in a row! Well, that's all for now, time for bed!

Back at it...

Yeah, it's been a long time since I've posted. No excuses I just haven't posted. This last month I've been busy getting on the weight loss path again. I have lost 7 lbs this month. Doesn't seem like a lot I know but it's better to lose it slowly as far as maintaining it goes.

I've been running with my psycho marathon runner husband. Last Tuesday I ran 5 miles with him down the lakefront in less than an hour. It was great. I didn't feel too bad afterward which was suprising. What was cool was when we got down to the Molson Ampitheatre, James Taylor was playing and we could hear it while we stood next the water and all the huge boats. I also ran 2 other days, 3 miles each day. I'll try to keep on here to log my results as they happen.

I am going home this weekend! Yeah! I leave on Thursday and come back on monday. Mr. Barkley is going with me, but Jordan is headed to St. Pete. We are enjoying his few days off for the All-Star break. Catch ya later.

Busier and Busier

Well, I thought December was busy....this new year is getting more hectic everyday...in a good way. Yesterday I spoke with my big bro and he said he and Jen might be coming up for a visit Presidents day weekend which just happens to be the weekend before my birthday. They might be flying and I can pick them up in my new car! (I'm still in love with my new car by the way!) Jordan leaves for Florida on the 13th so they will have perfect timing! Keep your fingers crossed that they can come!

I had planned to go see my friend Jo in Michigan...and I haven't forgotten about you Jo, but I can't leave the country until I get my new work documents! Yes that's right. I can't leave this goofy country or else they won' t let me back in after February 6th! I don't wanna leave b4 then either for fear they'll say your document expire in a few days and "You will be in our opinion a burden to Canada" ...go back to your own country like they did the first time! If you haven't heard that story let me know b/c it's a good one. Not funny then but pretty funny now.

I have made my Florida plans March 3-9th is when I go! Can't wait! Warm weather! No more snow and lake winds! This is the 3rd year in a row that we have gotten to go down there! So Awesome! Lets just hope I don't get fried! For some reason as I have gotten older my skin doesn't tan as easily and I always burn. Who knows why.

Little brother house update! They should be closing sometime this week and could be in the house by next week! Very exciting!

Last night Jordan and I added something new to our workout...swimming! We haven't been in a long time. We swam a bunch of laps and enjoyed the hot tub! It was amazing that Jordan agreed b/c he does not like the pool very much! Anyhoo, I'm off to enjoy another lazy Sunday! Later Gators!

Volleyball!

Last night I did something I haven't done in a long time. I played volleyball with my friend Natalia. I've started going to a league on Thursday nights. It was so much fun. Kind of a flash back. I think it's probably my favorite sport to play. It was nice to take a break from my normal routine and just play a bunch of games of pick up v-ball.

Tonight Jordan and I are going to go running and then swimming! Yeah swimming! Gotta love the indoor pool/hot tub in our building.

Also, spring training update...I'm going! We haven't decided when I am going but I am! Probably in March sometime. I can't wait to get away from the cold weather. I'm tired of being cold!

Well, that's about all I've got right now. Catch ya later!

New Ride

Sorry for the long absence. New year...maybe I'll try again. We were home at Christmas and stayed with my family. We had a great stay. We came back with a brand new car! Woo hoo! My commute is down to 5 minutes from and hour and then some. Here is a photo of our new ride :

Well, that's all for now. I just wanted to show the new wheels. Adios!

Uncle C

Today I received an e-mail from my Aunt Connie in Arizona updating us on my Uncle Charlies condition. It is not good. Here is a piece of her email:

... On Thurs, we were told to get to the hospital ASAP! He's now at the 5th hospital. An ultrasound was done again on both legs-both were full of clots from the groin to the ankle. A special xray showed that none had gone to the lungs. Thank goodness for that special filter put in over a month ago.

On wed. he had a procedure done called an agiojet thrombectomy. Medication was put in and a specila vacuum to suck out the clots. Well that didn't work. He was really jammed up! The cardiovascular surgeon put in two balloons to open the main arteries. Thank goodness that worked or he said he would have had to amputate!

He was on the table for over 5 hours. It was the worst case this Dr. had ever seen! I finally got to see Charlie around 3:30. He had gone in for the procedure at 8:45. He's resting comfortably except his back hurts. He has to continue laying on his back with legs straight. The nurse is watching the drainage from the two incisions behind his knees. There is still clotting from the groin up that will be addressed today at 3:00 pm. Keep those prayers coming please and once again I thank you for all of your continued love and support. Connie

Well, that's all I know on Uncle C. Please keep him in your prayers.

Good news update!!

I received an email from my Aunt Connie a few days ago updating me on my Uncles health. Here is what she said:

Uncle C had a great day. When we arrived at 8:30 am, he had a vent collar on & was breathing on his own without the air flow from the machine. He's on his own for at least 3 hours & then hooked back up to the vent. OT & PT came in today too. He sat up like a champ and stood for the first time in two weeks. Then he circled with his hand that he wanted to walk. Of course they didn't let him.

Next step will be the swallow test to see if he can get things down the correct pipe. He's hungry- a sure sign that a Henson is getting better. They won't feed him anything until he passes the swallow test. We're getting pretty good at lip reading & have provided him with a piece of paper with the alphabet on it so he can point to the letters to spell words. He's trying so hard to talk. Wasn't aware he was in there for 2 weeks now. Though the year was 1998, then 2008. Month was July to him. A little cloudy but coming back. His eyes no longer have that bloody red look to them. Forehead with stitches is healing well. Can't believe it. Hope to have him in a rehab facility by the weekend if not early next week. The Dr. is being very conservative with his condition, little bit at a time. Can't wait to get him closer to home.

That right lung is sounding pretty clear. I've yet to see the latest xray to tell whether it's completely inflated. Once again, I thank you all for your prayers and concern. ~ Connie

Finally, good news! My mom is going out the Arizona to help out this Saturday. I know my Aunt will be happy to see here. Well, that's all for now. I just wanted to update and say thanks for the prayers!

In need of prayer!

On Sunday when I got home from Boston (blog post coming later) I called my mom. She told me that my Uncle Charlie, who we refer to as Uncle C, was in the ICU. He was working on the roof of a two story house and fell off. He broke his ribs, punctured his lung, shattered his wrist, forarm and elbow. He is having trouble breathing on his own and they may need to put in a trach soon. The bottome lobe of his lung is not inflating. He has been under complete sedation, but has finally responded to some of the testing they have been doing.

Also, his wife, my Aunt Connie, just found out her mom, who lives in Michigan, has breast cancer and needs to have a mastectomy. My Aunt had planned to fly from Arizona to MI, but for obvious reasons will not be able to. Please pray for her to remain strong through all of this stress and for my Uncle C to make a speedy recovery.

Ma and Dad

For Labor Day weekend or should I say Labour Day like they would up here, my parents came for a visit. We went to Niagara Falls on Saturday and we went in an areo car over the whirl pool which is about a mile down river from the falls.

The picture doesn't show the whirlpool very clearly, but it's still cool!

The Aerocar

A very pale me and very tan them!

Nature at it's best!

We also went to a Jays game this weekend thanks to Jordan!

Awesome seats as usual.

Frankie T at the plate.

Here is a rainbow we saw over the falls.

I'll write more late, but I need some sleep after my eventful weekend! Later gators!

Barrigar Baby

I got a few photos of the Barrigar baby so I thought I'd share. What a face!

I hope to get more soon. I've let the new mommy enjoy her new baby, but now I want details. I hope to hear from her soon. Hint Hint!

Baby Barr is here!

Yes, the newest little addition to our Ferris Family has arrived! Baby Dylan James Barrigar was born this morning! Jody is doing fine! I got a call last night at 5:30 that her water broke and she delivered around 10:30 this morning! He weighs 6lbs 14 oz and is 19 inches long. He also has a lot of dark hair! I'm so excited! I can't wait to meet the little guy and apparently he couldn't wait to meet us. He was 3 weeks early! Congrats Jody and Aaron Barrigar! (For those of you who don't know, Jo is one of my college roommates and closest friends!)

New Job

I've been at my job for over a month now. It has been pretty stressful, but it's starting to get a bit easier. I have had to learn a lot but I think I have the hang of it now. It's not what I want to do with my live, obviously, but it is passing the time and allowing us to save money for a new car. When we go home for Christmas we will be buying a car. Having a car will help me to feel less stuck in this city. I'm not sure what we are getting, but I'm pretty excited about it.

My parents are coming to visit labor day weekend and then later that week Jordan and I are going to Boston. Well, he's going first and then I will be joining him. I get to go to Fenway! I'm pretty excited because I've never been there before. Jordan will be working the first day that I'm there, but then he has the next few days off.

Well, other than work, not a lot has been going on here. Jordan had 5 days off, but now he's back to work. Over the weekend we went to the ROM, the Royal Ontario Museum. It was fun, but a lot of it was under construction. It was pretty tiny compared to the Field Museum. I guess we're pretty spoiled having grown up in Chicago, because most museums (cept in New York) don't compare to the Field.

That's all for now, catch ya later!

Big Bro in Canada

On Friday my big bro Kevin and his girlfriend Jen made the trek up to Toronto, and I do mean trek. It took them by land and by sea to get here, but they did make it. They go to the bridge in Port Huron and stopped to get gas. Someone informed the that there was an accident on the bridge and therefore, there was a 3 hour delay to get across!

They were given an alternate route which took them 20 miles south to a ferry crossing. It was a 12 car ferry. Many other people had gotten the same idea so it took them a little time to get across. It was 15 minutes across and 15 minutes back which was less time then if they had waited for the bridge. They got within 20 minutes of my house and had to wait again b/c of an accident that lasted an hour before traffic started moving again. They finally got here at 12:00 am.

On Saturday they got to experience the street car when we headed down to the beaches. It wasn't that hot out, but it was comfortable to relax in the sand. We headed back home and they got ready to go to Kevin's friend Maneesh's wedding. It was an Indian wedding with all of the tradition and ceremony. Kev and Jen arrived just in time to see his friend arrive on a white horse. It was a long but interesting ceremony they said and afterwards they experienced real Indian food. A little spicy, but ok they said.

Today we took in a Blue Jays game. Jays won in the bottom of the 9th. Awfully weird for the Jays to be in town, but for Jordan to not be. He is still on his 3 week road trip, ugh. We're trying real hard to get through it, but it's getting kinda tough. I do miss him a lot. I do appreciate phone calls! Thanks to my support system!

Kev and Jen are currently at the reception for the wedding. (it was like a 5 day extravaganza, but they only went to 2 days of it.) I expect them soon. I can't see Kevin getting too into the Indian dancing and song. Here's what they looked like when they left for the wedding this evening. Cute!

I start my training for my new job tomorrow, 5 am! Ugh! Wish me luck because I'm going to need it. Well, that's all for now. I'm just hanging out until they return. Later gators!

Blue Jays Dog Day!!

Today Barkley, my friend Tammy, her dog A.J. and I went to Dog Day at the Blue Jays game. Before the game we got to go on the field during the doggy parade! Barkley didn't like the fake grass very much! I was afraid he wouldn't walk on it at first. Barkley tip-toeing through the turf!After the parade we met up with Barkley's friend A.J. and his mom Tammy! They had grass brought in on the concourse so that the dogs could go potty, although Barkley was afraid of that to, go figure! They were both very well behaved during the game. We saw a lot of different kinds of dogs. Some people even brought some Mastifs and Great Danes which were huge. Those dogs just sat in the aisles. Here is a picture of one of my favorite dogs that I saw!Barkley had his own seat, but he had a hard time keeping it down b/c his little butt would push it up! Here are some pictures of our fun day!

Barkley always ready to run away from a camera!


I don't know what they are looking at but at least you can see their faces for once! They got lots of looks in their matching bandanas that Tammy and I made!

100th Blog Post

Well, I finally did it! It's been about 2 1/2 years in the making, but I finally cut my hair to donate it! I drove to Cass City, MI this weekend where one of my roommates from college lives because she was having a baby shower. I made her take me to the salon on Friday before I could chicken out. Here are some of the pictures Jody took.

BEFORE:

After:

10 inches!!

Mr. Barkley decided on his own that he wanted to go swimming in the pond! Boy did he stink! He drank so much water! I think he thought it was a huge water bowl. When he got out he rolled in the sand and got filthy! He had a great time at Jody's parents house! Well, that's all for now, I just thought I'd post the pictures for those of you who have been waiting for the results! Later gators! One more day in the thumb : ( and then it's off to Canada. : (

Florida

Florida

Long story short we had a great time in Florida. We went to Disney World the first day b/c Dad had never been there before. We hung out by the water most days and then pool and some by the bar. It was a great trip, but it was over far too soon. It was great to have all 5 members of my immediate family plus my soon to be sister in law Stephanie and my hubby all together in the same place.

Jordan and I on the tram for the back lot tour.

Happy campers!

Animal Kingdom Safarri

Love Birds

My Bro, his Fiance, me and JB at their hotel.

Girls Weekend

On Friday I got a call from my Mother asking if she could come up for the weekend. I admit at first I thought she was joking, but it turned out she was serious. She left early on Saturday morning and arrived in Toronto just slightly b4 I got home from work. I left a key for her at the desk and she came in and let this adorable little guy out of his "House" as we call his crate.

He decided to be a nice doggy this weekend and allowed me to take some photos of him. Those big buggy eyes are very sensitive to the flash, but and he freaks out if he even sees the camera. I turned the flash off and he let me take photos in front of the window near the light.

Anyhoo, back to Mom...we went of for dinner at a place called the Brasserie which was very tasty. We also checked out the Eaton Centre the big mall in the downtown area. We did a little shopping and then headed back to my condo. It was great just being able to have girl talk and even just sit and watch a movie together, which we did last night. Yesterday we went for Lunch and then went to Sobeys, the bakery where I still work. I took her down by the lakefront and then we stopped to pamper ourselves. We both got pedicures. My toes are pink! Yes pink. I was never much of a pink girl, but I'm coming around. She left around 11 this morning and last I heard had just passed our old town of St. Joe, MI and was nearing home where I'm sure they missed her. Too bad! I get to have her for a weekend they get her all the time I'm sure they survived.

Here is Mom holding Barkley back from his lick attack. His rapid fire tongue is hard to control. He always tries to French kiss...yuck!

Me looking kinda tired at Breakfast! Not used to those early mornings!

Well that's all for now. Maybe I'll post a few pictures that I got from Ma's camera from our trip to Florida. Later gators!

White out!!

I took a page from Dawn Klemish's "It could only happen to me" book today. Today was a horrible day at work. I had to carry about a 100 boxes... yuck. Right before I left work for home it began to blizzard. It was snowing and then there was lightning and thunder. When I got outside the snow was blowing so hard I could not see a foot in front of my face. I waited for the street car while snow pelted me. When I got off at my stop I walked across the street and had to walk with my head down hopping that I didn't walk into an oncoming car. I stopped to reward myself with a caramel Macchiato sp? from the coffee shop in my building. I'm sure I looked like a complete mess, racoon eyes and all. After I got my coffee I walked around the corner to enter my building with the coffee in one hand and a bag of groceries in the other. I banana peeled to the ground and wacked my tailbone in the process. I miraculously did not spill my coffee or my groceries. I only bruised my ego and tailbone. The weather continues to ruin my afternoon. Poor Barkley must have his legs crossed, but neither he or I want to go out there.

Another issue in this week of madness is that I broke a filling again. I grind my teeth at night which in turn causes my fillings to break loose. My dental insurance has been giving me the run around, but I finally got it figured out and I have an appt. for next thurs.

15 days until Florida! Woo hoo! After the snowy mess of a day today I will be happy to see the palm trees and the sun. Oh yeah, and Jordan too! And my family.

I am also considering becoming a consultant for Creative Memories. It's a scrapbooking company. I've been going to workshops on some thurs. nights and having a blast. I'm going to be having a creative memories party at my house soon with my small group. Should be fun.

Well, that's all for now. Later gators!

Happy Birthday to me...

Aside from the fact that my hubby is in Florida away from me this turned out to be a pretty good day. I had an unheard of record number of calls from happy birthday wishers. The day started out with Jordan calling me at 12:01 to be the first to call me. Actual I was born at 4:05 in the morning so he cheated. He used to set his alarm and call me at 4:05 to wish me Happy birthday.

On my break at work I had voicemails from my mom, Sarah (E) Nixon, Jody, and my sis-in-law Melissa. At lunch I got a call from an unrecognized number. Four people sang the entire bday song to me. When they finished I said "Thanks, who is this?" They all laughed. It was Karl, Sara, Doug and Patty. Quite humerous.

I went out to dinner with my friends from my small group friends at East Side Marios. It was a lot of fun. It's great to finally have people up here that we can hang out with.

After dinner Kevin called followed by Lynn, and bringing up the rear was Kyle.

I really had a great Birthday, but I still miss my Jordan.

Barkley was starting to behave more and more each day since Jordan's been gone until the fire alarm went off today. He knocked all of my picture frames off of a table and went totally berzerk. He's a little nervous guy. Good thing he's cute.

Thanks to all of my birthday well wishers. Thanks for making it such a good day!

Toronto...The Frozen Tundra

On Wednesday the snow began and off and on for the next few days it has continued. This has been the coldest week we've been through so far....and by we I mean Barkley and I. Jordan left for Florida on Wednesday..sniff, sniff. I'm very sad to see him go and Barkley is to. Barkley has been very naughty since his dad left. I feel like I have a bad three year old that I can't control. He hates the snow/cold and only walks around for a few minutes out there and then he lifts his front paw in the air which is my signal to pick him up. This week it has gotten worse. He now puts both front paws in the air and walks around a bit on his two hind legs, like a person. He looks like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynSF4WwHZP4

I have tried wiping the snow off of his paws while he's out there to help warm him up so he'll stay out there, but that has not helped and a few days ago he bit my gloved hand. He didn't hurt me but that was his way of telling me he had had enough. He won't stay outside long enough to do his business. He prefers embarassing me and pooping in the lobby in front of the doorman and in the elevator! I'm getting very frustrated and I miss Jordan's help. He seems to be getting better, thankfully. I don't know why he is such a wimp now. He used to stay outside for a long time, but now he's a pamperd pooch, a city dog.

On Tuesday before Jordan left we celebrated Valentines day. I got beautiful roses and a nice card from Barkley! We went to one of my favorite restaurants in Toronto called Cayo Coco. It is a Spanish tapas restaurant. (Tapas are individual appetizers that you order a bunch and share ie. spanish omlet, garlic chicken, spicy potatos, etc) It is in an old row house and it was empty b/c it was the day before Valentines day. We had the entire restaurant to ourselves...very romantic. I brought a chocolate cream pie home for dessert from work. It was awesome.

Jordan left Wednesday for Florida. I will be joining him on March 16th and my whole family is coming too; Ma, Dad, Kev, Kyle, Stephanie. It'll be awesome. We are going to Disney World on Saint Patricks day. My dad has never been so it'll be fun. I just hope it warms up by then. Jordan was complaining that he had to were pants instead of shorts and a sweatshirt. Boo hoo right?

I went to my couples small group on Friday night solo. It was lots of fun. I'm doing something with some of them tomorrow night, but I'm not sure what b/c they haven't told me yet. Yes, I will be 24 tomorrow! I have to work 8-4, but such is life.

Well, I think I better hit the gym. I've been keeping it up still. 5-6 days a week. I'm pretty sore so I took yesterday off. Gotta get ready for Florida! Have a good week everyone!

P.S. I got my work permit and it permits me to work in a dental office now! Woo Hoo! I will be looking for new employment after Florida! Can't wait.

Christmas
I guess it's about time that I blogged about going home for Christmas. We had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of our family. Barkley was especially happy to see my family's Shihtzu Sammy. We found them snoozing lazily together in the recliner in the living room
After being snowed in in Colorado while visiting Jordan's Dad, Jordan's Brother Karl, sis-in-law Sara, and Baby Luke arrived home just in time to see us before we returned to Canada. It took Luke a little while to warm up to us but eventually he liked his auntie and uncle. I think he thought I was a baby sitter.
Luke enjoying one of his Christmas presents.
Uncle Jordan did Luke's hair.

Well, that's all for now. I will add more photos when blogger lets me. 

Hi Ho Hi Ho....It's off to work I go....

I just got home from work a little after 4 and now I'm relaxing a bit before I change my clothes and go to job number two. There is a concert tonight at the Rogers Centre, the Andre Rieu orchestra. It's today and tomorrow and I will be working both. It's a little easy money right in time for Christmas, but what a long day. This means I will be taking a day off from the gym, but I've been everyday this week so I guess one day off is ok, if you can call this a day off.

Tomorrow I plan on wrapping the rest of my Christmas presents when I get home from work. Less than a week till we're back in Illinois! Woo Hoo!

Fa La La La La

We decorated our tree and condo this afternoon while listening to Christmas music. Our tree looks pretty good I must say. Here are a few pictures of the finished product.


Yes I'm holding Barkley against his will. He does not like the camera.The tree skirt is the one my family has used my whole life.

Lazy Sunday

I'm sitting in front of my computer looking out the window at deceiving sunshine. I bet it's cold as crap out there. I'm adjusting to my life as a walker with no car, but it's still freaking cold. It's so cold somedays as I walk the ten minutes to work that I just want to scream in pain from the harsh wind bareing down on me. No matter how many layers I put on it still bites at your face. Ahhh...spring training in T minus....the only bad thing about spring training is that my hubby will be away from me for most of it. The good part is that I think family will be there.

The good thing about not having a car this winter is that I don't miss all of the scraping, snow falling up your sleave as you brush off the roof of your car, and the crappy car we owned not starting 9 times out of 10...stupid Cavy. I don't miss that part of a Michigan winter, but I do miss the beauty of it all. Watching Lake Michigan freeze into sheets of glass-like ice breathing as the waves move is something to watch.

I will be at my mom/dad's house in less than 2 weeks! Woo Hoo! Ky Ky is picking me up either friday or saturday depending on if he is working. I have yet to decorate my own christmas tree. This year we bought our FIRST fake christmas tree. I'm not counting the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that we borrowed from Grandma last year because this one doesn't have a bare spot on one side! It's been sitting in my living room for nearly a week now, naked and sad looking. Jordan has been so swamped from work that he keeps telling me, "Tomorrow we'll decorate it, tomorrow!" Yeah well tomorrow never comes buddy! I didn't want to decorate it while he was in Florida this week because that's just depressing. So in a bit I will go wake his but up and make him come help me. I've done all of the Christmas shopping this year he could at least help with the tree...tehe!

This year will be the first Holiday that I will be cooking, at least that is the plan anyway. We are having Christmas Eve at Jordan's sister Lynn's house. I will be cooking a ham along with other various holiday delights. I'm pretty excited. I think it will be fine, but it's always different when you cook in someone elses kitchen besides your own. I am going to be emailing my sis-in-law a grocery list and she'll buy it and have it all there for me when I get there. Should be fun. I love an adventure. P.S. Melissa, Lynn said it was ok if we had Christmas eve at her house, but I haven't had time to call you, plus you're in CA!

I have almost completed my Christmas shopping in record time this year. This is the first year I have not gone Christmas shopping with my Dad for my mom...Kinda sad. I've been coaching him by phone and he's doing a great job. He even started December 2nd I might add instead of December 22nd! The only problem is Ma buys everything she wants...tehe love you mom!

I'm looking forward to starting new traditions in my family this year. We've had a rough year and quite a bit of change in our lives, so I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with those we love and staying away from the trouble makers of the past. I'm pretty excited to be home b/c I'll be there for longer than at Thanksgiving so it won't feel like such a whirlwind. It'll be more relaxing I hope.

2 weeks....I can't wait. I'm sure it'll feel like it's taking forever to get here, but then it'll go by so fast. Can't wait to see most of you. tehe Time to put on some protective padding and attempt to wake a sleepy Jordan up so I can start the trimming of the tree...tehe! Happy Holidays everyone!

Pix from the Party The scary Aunties!
Mom, Luke, and Me
Luke
Me, Jordan and Tricia

Turkey Time

We traveled to my Parents house for Turkey day last week. We visited with my Dad's side of the family on Turkey day b/c they came to my mom's house. The food was incredible. I know my mom is a talented cook, but I think it tasted even better to Jordan and I b/c we have been eating so healthy for the last few months. We pigged out and it was great.

On the day after turkey day we went to Jordan's sister Lynns house and hung out with her and her kids. We brought her a present to celebrate her 40th birthday. Her kids were so hyper and they were so cute.

On Saturday we traveled to Jordan's other sister's house for her husband's 40th birthday. We played a cut-throat game of spoons and spent time with baby Luke. It was great to see everyone b/c we haven't seen some of them since April.

It was great to be home. Barkley loved it too. It took him a few days to get used to the quiet of our house and the fact that there weren't a bunch of people around to pet him anytime he wanted it. Jordan said he cried for two days and begged for his attention. Jordan has had a long week since we've been home work wise. A lot of Bluejays stuff has been happening so he's been at the computer non stop.

Jordan left for Orlando where the current temp is 84 degrees. Current temp in toronto...28 degrees with a chance of snow. Yeah I got the shaft. It is getting harder and harder to take Barkey outside b/c the wind gets so bad in the courtyard that it makes it hard to see. Stuff gets blown in your eyes and Barkley is not very well-behaved out there. He almost got bit by another dog today. It was pretty scary for me and he acted like nothing happened.

I'm excited to come home for Christmas. We are tentatively planning on leaving for home on the 23rd and returning on the 3rd. We look forward to seeing a lot of friends and family during that time. Here are some pictures from Keiths 40th bday party that I got from my sis-in-law Melissa: To be posted later...Blogger is not working right now...

New York City

Happy Halloween first of all. We are leaving for New York City tomorrow...yes I'm excited to be back in the USA. My friend Tammy is watching our sweet baby while we are gone. I feel like a mama leaving my baby for the first time. I'm a little nervous and will probably call home often to check on him. He is having a puppy sleepover with his friend AJ another shihtzu that looks just like Barkley. Well, that's all for now. I just thought I'd let you know where I'll be for the next week. Later gators!

What a bummer...

So after spending all day at work 9-6, I come home for 1/2 and hour and then head to job number 2 at the Rogers Centre. I scanned tickets tonight and froze my badonkadonk off in the process. It has gotten pretty darn cold here in Toronto. I came home to find out that Jordan had signed up to do the CN tower climb. This is where you walk/run whatever you can do up the stairs of the CN tower. There are 1776 total. I have wanted to do this for awhile and missed the deadline date on the last one so now I am bummed. I can't do this one b/c I work at 9 am. Oh well, what can you do? Maybe they'll be another one soon. Good luck Jordan!

On a happier note, I am going on Sunday to something called the CreativFestival. It's this huge thing at the expo centre where scrapbookers, crafters, etc go and show their projects and sell goodies. I'm pretty excited. It should be fun. Jordan is coming with me, what a trooper. Maybe he'll find out how to mat his photo project. We'll see. Well time for bed. Later gators.