Thursday, June 30, 2005

Happy Canada Day

I have no idea to write about today, think I'll just ramble on for a bit. I just read Myrna's blog about always being late, and I'm am very seldom late BUT today I've been late for everything. 5 min late this morning and 15 min coming back from lunch. And it shouldn't matter cause I come in 45min early pretty much everyday and yet I still have this nagging little guilt at the back of my mind. However, I will not let it get to me cause today is the beginning of the LONG WEEKEND...woo-hoo!! Don't really have any specific plans, going for a tan after work, going to Acton for a drive to see if our house is started (fingers crossed), then going by my Aunties house to drop off some stuff where I "might" just have to take a dip in the pool :) Tomorrow we're going to Myrna's and Jamie's for a bbq, then hopefully heading to Chinguacousy Park to watch the fireworks. And some evening Kristen wants to go to the drive-in cause they're playing 3 movies per screen instead of the usual 2. Huh, after I write all that seems like I do have a few plans this weekend. Oh well, its all fun and doesn't require too much of me which is good for a relaxing weekend.
So to referance Myrna's blog again, she was talking about spring cleaning and my comment to her was, I did crazy cleaning for my parents at Christmas for their visit, and I did it all again in April for Kristens parents coming to visit so I'm officially on strike with "in depth" cleaning until its time to move in Oct. For now I'm only going to maintain my weekly cleaning, when I start packing I'll get down to the nitty gritty. I plan on starting my packing when we return from Nfld in late Aug, that way it gives me two full months to pack at my own pace and not get overwhelmed with everything. Shouldn't be too bad though cause in July my Aunt Bernice is having a yard sale, the perfect opportunity to get rid of a few more things that we will not be taking with us. Well time to go and start enjoying my Canada Day Long Weekend...WOO-HOO!!

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Telemark Skiing

Myrna sent me an email yesterday to tell me that she "googled" a friend from highschool to find his name in a few articles on the web. He's an outdoors person and one thing that was mentioned was "telemark skiing" I knew basically what it meant but I wanted to find out the details. Here's what I found, figured I'd share my new found knowledge.

The sport of telemark skiing is similar to cross-country skiing, but with more of an alpine ski and boot. This type of skiing offers the gentle gliding over flat terrain of cross-country skiing, as well as the ability to navigate steep snowy hillsides. Telemark skiing originated from Norway, from the Telemark region, where skiing was a natural mode of travel due to the long winters. Sondre Norheim, of Morgedal, Telemark first demonstrated the telemark turn in 1868, later called the Christiana turn.
Telemark skis are shorter, stiffer and a little wider than cross-country skis and offer more control especially when traversing down a steep hill. While ski resorts see lots of telemark skiers intermingle with alpine skiers on the hill, most telemark skiers search out the solitude of the quiet winter backcountry for miles of untracked powder. However, with the freedom to travel down steep snowy slopes in the backcountry comes the responsibility to carry the proper avalanche and safety equipment.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Quotes about being "alone"

I just rec'd my copy of Oprahs newsletter via email for July. She's encouraging everyone to take time for yourself and enjoy being alone. Here are some of the quotes she listed on her site, hopefully they'll inspire you to take time to reflect, relax, and rejuvenate on these hazy lazy days of summer.

"Follow your own path, and let people talk." -Dante

"Solitude is sweet." -William Cowper

"I restore myself when I'm alone." -Marilyn Monroe

"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the right to be free." -Charles Evans Hughes

"Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living." -C.G. Jung

"Shine alone, shine nakedly, shine like bronze." -Wallace Stevens

"I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude." -Henry David Thoreau

"Alone, I am drunk on my thoughts." -Mason Cooley

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Samantha The Softball Player

Samantha at Softball Posted by Hello


Last night I walked to the ballpark to watch Samantha play softball. I was quite impressed at how well she played for a beginner. I was not impressed with the way some of the parents would yell and pressure their own children. It was so hard at one point to tell this one dad to chill out and just let his daughter have fun. I told my Aunt (Samanthas mom) I would probably be crying in the middle of the field if he were yelling at me like that. Overall it was a good experience and I really liked "Coach Jason" he didn't yell at the girls, he was all about positive reinforcement and he made sure all the girls we're given equal chances at different aspects of the game. They didn't win the game but that didn't damper their spirits, maybe next time SIS!
Samantha at Softball Posted by Hello
Samantha At Softball Posted by Hello

Myrnas Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal Shower pics Posted by Hello
This is supposed to be when she gets "SURPRISED" but the nosy boots already had it all figured out.

Myrna's Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal shower pics Posted by Hello

Tracey decorating Myrna in ribbons and bows from the gifts.

Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal shower pics Posted by Hello

One of the games was pass the "stick" last one standing won the prize :)

Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal Shower pics Posted by Hello

Games cont'd...

Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal Shower Pics Posted by Hello

Myrna cutting the cake, Erykah supervising

Bridal Shower Pictures

Bridal Shower Pictures Posted by Hello

Myrna and I roasting in the HOT party room.

Bridal Shower pics

Bridal Shower Pictures Posted by Hello

Myrna enjoying the yummy food

Naughty Shower Presents

Bridal Shower Pictures Posted by Hello

Vicki and Joann gave Myrna edible underwear, but not just edible, the good candy ones like those candy necklaces we all loved as children....and adults....lol.

Friday, June 17, 2005

About Me

Myrna just posted this on her weblog cause she stole the idea from Leslie (Tara's friend) who did it on her weblog. So I'm doing the same!! It's just such a great idea.

LAYER ONE: On The Outside
- Name: Christa
- Nicknames: My dad calls me Chrissy-a, Ron Fiegehen at work calls me nooner, blonde bomber, and Chris
- Birthdate: March 22, 1980
- Birthplace: Corner Brook, Newfoundland
- Current Location: Brampton, Ontario
- Eye Color: bluish
- Hair Color: strawberry blonde
- Height: 5'5"
- Righty or Lefty: lefty all the way, I'm very left side dominant with just about everything
- Zodiac Sign: aries
- Religion: Christian - Pentecostal
- Sex: Female

LAYER TWO: In The Inside
- Your heritage: England from some sides of the family and other sides I've been told trace back to Native/Aboriginal people (though my red hair would NEVER say that)
- The shoes you wore today: Pink flip flops with red polka-dots, which I will probably get in trouble for since its against company dress code...eeek
- Who you look like: everyone says my dad, I don't see it.....he he
- Your weakness: honestly I don't know what to write here, I'm going to say my contrariness cause I feel like its what makes me a bad person sometimes :(
- Your fears: I'm afraid of being attacked by a sexual predator...honest I am!
- Your perfect pizza: Kraft brand homemade pizza , Little Caesars or Pizza Pizza or Pizza Delight pizza, I love it all.
- Goal you'd like to achieve: I want to travel and do the things that are on my lifes to do list.

LAYER THREE: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
- Your most overused phrase on AIM/MSN: ...lol
- Your thoughts first waking up: Snooze button
- Your best physical feature: I like my eyes but I get the most compliments on my "natural" hair colour
- Your bedtime: 10ish during the week but Kristen always keeps the tv on til like 11!!
- Your most missed memory: Fires on the beach with all my highschool friends, listening to the guys play guitar and harmonica.

LAYER FOUR: Your Pick
- Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi when I do drink pop
- McDonalds or Burger King: McDonalds (Wendy's is my favourite though)
- Single or group dates: both
- Adidas or Nike: no preferance, I usually buy the best deal
- Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
- Cappuccino or coffee: I love french vanilla cappacinos from Tim Hortons

LAYER FIVE: Do You?
- Smoke: nope
- Curse: sometimes but not super bad words or anything
- Sing: all the time but I never know the lyrics, I just make them up
- Have had a crush(es): lots, I was usually the one getting dumped in highschool
- Think you've been in love: Absolutely
- Want to get married: yes, waiting "VERY" patiently
- Believe in yourself: Yes I do
- Motion sickness: Not really, just can't read in the car
- Think you're attractive: Overall yes but I definitely have bad days and have things that I know I could improve on
- Think you're a health freak: I'm getting there yes, Jen keeps giving me heck that I'm starting to worry so much about everything.
- Get along with your parents: yes
- Like thunderstorms: yes
- Play an instrument: nope but I would love to learn to play the piano

LAYER SIX: Have you ever...
- Smoked: yes, tried it a few times in highschool, quit when I got sick from it...so queasy...
- Done Drugs?: never
- Gone to the mall?: not today but love going when I have $$
- Eaten an entire box of Oreos: don't think so
- Eaten sushi: the one thing Kristen still hasn't "made" me try
- Been on stage: Yes, not recently
- Gone skating: about a year and a half ago
- Gone skinny dipping: Its on my "Lifes To Do List"
- Dyed your hair: once I dyed it blonde every other time hi-lights
- Been called a tease: not lately
- Gotten beaten up: nah, not the violent type...he he

LAYER SEVEN: Getting Older
- Age you hope to be married: honestly I hoped to be married now at age 25 :(
- Numbers and Names of Children: No kids yet, so many names that I like: Riley, Mason for boys, Lindy, Caroline Grace (after my grandma's) Rae, Caileigh or MaKailah for a girl
- Describe your dream wedding: Very simple I'm a plain Jane, small and intimate. Outside would be nice too
- How do you want to die: I don't know, I have realized in the last few months though that I do fear death.
- What do you want to be when you grow up: I have no idea, sometimes I think I want to be a stay at home mom, other times I think maybe I should open my own business...I'm still young let you know when I figure it all out :)
- What country would you most like to visit: Australia

LAYER EIGHT: In a partner
- Best eye color?: no preferance, I like Kristens though cause they're a really unique colour
- Best hair color?: Brown
- Short or long hair: Short, I like pretty boys
- Height: Taller than me
- Best articles of clothing: jeans and nice striped dress shirt

LAYER NINE: In The Numbers...
- Number of CDs that you own: Kristen burns and owns most of our cd's
- Number of Tattoos: none, I've realized that I like them on other people sometimes but definitely don't want one for myself. I don't like when they're peeking out of clothes cause then it makes the person look dirty...weird I know but its how I am
- Number of piercings: one in each ear
- Number of times your name has appeared in the newspaper: twice that I can remember - one for a math award in Gr. 12 and a basketball team one when I was 12 or 13 years old.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Camping This Weekend!!

This weekend we are going camping at Sibbald Point Provincial Park. Its not far from Brampton, I would guess about an hours drive, depending on traffic and which route you take. It originally was supposed to be Myrna, Jamie, Jen, Chris, Steph, Jason, Kristen and myself. But Steph and Jason backed out a couple of weeks ago, and then....Myrna and Jamie backed out today, even though they said they "might" still go. So that leaves just the 4 of us to face the outdoors. I thoroughly enjoy camping at provincials parks, they have fire pits at every site, running water and hot showers. Not to mention flushing toilets :) the hi-light though is we usually pick parks with great beaches and cleaning swimming water (a luxury in southern ont, something I truly miss about good ol Nfld) Sibbald Point has become Kristens and my favourite park to camp for all the above mention reasons.

This summer so far has been hectic and shows no sign of letting up so I intend to take full advantage of this weekend away to relax, catch up on some reading, soak up some rays, and maybe even catch up on a few zzzz's. If I get real brave and hot I might even take a dip in the water, I get cold so easily that I whimp out a lot in this area. Anyway, hope the weather is warm, little or no rain and lots of fun and relaxation.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

It's a Girl

My friend Jillienne had a girl! Her name is Chloe and weighed in at 9lbs. and 2oz. She was born something after 10 Nfld time this morning. Mom and Baby are both doing fine. My friend Jody was speaking with her and she said she was tired and felt like she just had a baby....lol. Congratulations Jill, the adventure has just begun!

Monday, June 13, 2005

Cutting Garden

Since Kristen and I purchased our house I've talked to him about growing flowers in the backyard that I can cut and put in a vase inside. Then last week it seemed I was reading all sorts of articles and blogs about them. Myrna's friend Tara has one at her house in Moncton, NB and then there was an article on MSN.ca which suggested reading the book "Backyard Bouquets" by Georgeanne Brennan (I'm going to the library in the near future to see if they have it) I've also been trying to pay attention to which flowers grow at certain times of the year, for example, late April to early May are usually the tulips (I've decided I want all pink ones in the front yard for this time of year). I know later on in the summer we begin seeing the tiger lillies, and I know there were a few more that I really took notice of last summer but can't think of them right now.

I've also been taking pictures or saving pictures online of gardens and landscaping that have really caught my eye and would be feasible projects for Kristen and myself. We have so many ideas for landscaping, gardening, etc for the new house that I keep telling him there's no way we'll fit everything we want in such a small backyard, unless we make it all a "mini" version of the actual thing....lol.

Meanwhile, since we're still renting this summer we have decided to buy a couple hanging baskets for the front of the house and basically just maintain what's there. Don't really want to invest too much in something that isn't ours and that we're just going to leave in a few months anyway. Will post pics once we get the hanging baskets bought and put up.

Condolences

I would like to pass along my condolences to Jody who had a miscarriage June 11th of the newly announced pregnancy just 5 days prior. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Craig & Daymon at this difficult time.

Friday, June 10, 2005

Favourite Quote

I feel my heart has always been tender. I guess it's a blessing and a burden sometimes, but I have found peace (finally) with being so sensitive. I'm grateful that I feel deeply because it allows me to experience great pain and great joy. I'm alive! -Wynona Judd

Great Quotes

*People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
*Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,and paints his own nature into his pictures. - Henry Ward Beecher
*Whatever the struggle continue the climb it may be only one step to the summit. - Diane Westlake
*No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land,or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. - Helen Keller
*Nature herself has never attempted to effect great changes rapidly. - Quintilian

Thursday, June 9, 2005

Happy Birthday Jen

Jen Camping Posted by Hello

Just want to say Happy Bday to Jenny! Hope its a good one!! Not sure how you feel about getting 1 year older, just remember that we're all getting old with you, so we can all cry together....lol.

Monday, June 6, 2005

Weddings & Babies

On Sat (June 4th) we had Myrna's Bridal shower. I've been dying to write about it for so long but couldn't cause I didn't want to ruin the surprise. We knew she knew we were having one but she didn't know when or where until she started narrowing down a few things the last week or two. Otherwise, when she showed up on Sat she didn't really know what details we had planned. It was so much fun. I really feel it went over well and everyone had a good time. Or I hope anyway...lol.

We started off by playing games (which Jen and I organized) the first being How Well do you know Myrna? The table that had the most right won orange flip flops, so cute. Then the 2nd game was to melt an ice cube with a ring in the middle without using your hands. HILARIOUS! Rosa Matias from work totally took the cake, she put it in her mouth right away and almost broke a tooth. Her table won though, she got the ring on Myrna's finger in no time. Their table won bamboo mats for the beach. The 3rd and final game was a musical chairs type game except you had to pass a package around between your legs, when the music stopped whoever had it had to sit down. Last one standing one a the pkg, which was funky summer stir sticks. The door prize was a baking stone which Bobbi-Lynn won.

We then ate a great variety of food that Tracey (Myrna's sister and maid of honour) prepared, on to the gift opening for LOTS of gifts. Myrna did quite well and got lots of stuff for her new house. Then we clued up and everyone went home. It was a fun and non-formal atmosphere where everyone felt free to socialize and get up and move about. The only downfall was the HEAT! It was soooo hot in the party room, no air conditioning, the heaters left on, and no air circulating through the windows at all cause it was such a humid and sticky day outside. Luckily we had asked everyone to dress "summery" in shorts and skirts. Can't imagine if we hadn't!

I took tonnes of pics which I will post once I upload them from my camera which will happen whenever our computer at home gets fixed. Then yesterday I found out that my cousin is pregnant and due in Nov with her 2nd child and today that my friend Jody is expecting her 2nd child. She's unsure of her due date but going to the Dr on Thur for more answers. Just want to say good luck to Myrna for her future ahead with Jamie and congrats to Lori and Jody with the new babies on the way :)

Friday, June 3, 2005

Another Car Accident

Well...its just our luck! January 2003 I had an accident in the our car, not my fault but insurance still put up our rates to an EXTREME amount. So the last few months things have just been starting to go back down to more reasonable rates and then Kristen gets hit today by a guy running a red light.

He wasn't even supposed to be there, normally at 2pm on a Friday afternoon he would be at work. However.....we had a power outage at about 11:45am today it was at a major intersection just down from Kristens work, so they sent everyone home. He came by my work and waited for me to take my lunchbreak (as soon as he got here the lights came back on). Ironic thing in all this the reason of the accident was the result of a Butcher Engineering truck driver (whom I'm employed by) He brought me back to work approx 1:55pm and called about 10min later to tell me that he was exchanging insurance info with another guy.

The only plus side of this, he wasn't at fault and the guy offered to pay for all the damages. So he's been spending the afternoon driving around for quotes with the other guy. They're telling him we'll be without a car for 3 days at least and the culprit offered to pay for a rental as well. He explained to Kristen that he "just wasn't paying attention" and he "has a good insurance rate and doesn't want to call it in"

The air bags didn't go off (another good thing) and Kristen is fine, just frustrated. We've been doomed with accidents with this car. We've only been lucky not to get hurt. Thing is we're not in a situation right now to get a new one since we just bought a house. Guess we'll just run this one right into the ground as the saying goes and make the best of a not so best situation.

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Mom To Be...

Mom To Be... Posted by Hello


This is Jillienne or Jill as most of us call her. These are pics she had taken to show off her 9 month belly. Today when I was chatting to her, her sign in name was "8 Days to go" Its so exciting and unbelieveable at the same time. Exciting that she's bringing a new life into the world and going to be a MOM!! I know when the day arrives for me I will be just as excited but definitely anxious and scared. All the new responsibilities and change in lifestyle. Unbelieveable because I'm denial sometimes that my friends and myself are all at that "age" now to be getting married, having babies, buying houses....and Jill is one of them. I think realizing she's going to be a mom makes me realize the time is not so far away for myself (don't worry I'm not pregnant...lol). I just think about how our lives are changing and how we're maturing. Even scarier is we will be forever changing but need to be committed to staying connected to each other and sensitive to the new demands to maintain a friendship. I guess the same is true for all relationships. I want to wish Jill all the best on her new adventure and nothing but good luck and happiness.

Mom To Be...

Mom to Be... Posted by Hello

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Sisters

Kenda & Kayla Posted by Hello

Sisters

Bishop Family Posted by Hello


From left to right, Kayla, Uncle Shawn (mom's brother), Aunt Marg and Kenda. They went on their family picnic on Sunday so Kayla sent me the pics they took. It's not so much home that I miss when I see these pictures even though the scenery and lifestyle will never compare, but its my family that I miss. I love getting pictures cause the time when I see them til the next time always seems so long (its been averaging 18months between visits). I just miss being around them and seeing them. Although I talk to the girls online almost everyday it still seems like I don't "know" them like I used too. We don't sit down and laugh or cry together, we can't go shopping or go to Woody Point and get chicken coop together, we can't swap clothes (which I definitely will be doing when I'm home in Aug), or share new finds such as all the girly things like makeup and moisturizers :)

Kayla & Kenda are like the sisters I never had. We grew up next door to each other, if they weren't at our house I was at theirs. We fought like sisters, played like sisters, I protected them like my little sisters, I was expected to look out for them by both my parents and their parents as if I was their big sister, even their classmates thought I was their older sister. Some people think Kayla and I even look alike!

I just hope that no matter what, they always have the trust and comfort level to come to me about anything, good or bad, big or small. Whether its just to have someone to listen, looking for advice, or just a good gab session, that they know I'm there for them as a friend, cousin and a sister