Countdown to Varadero...

Varadero, Cuba (Matanzas) courtesy AccuWeather.com Forecast

Saturday, Apr 7
Sunny. Winds from the NE at 14 km/h. Realfeel®: 29 °C High: 28 °C
Sunday, Apr 8
Plenty of sunshine. Winds from the E at 11 km/h. Realfeel®: 30 °C High: 28 °C
Monday, Apr 9
Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Winds from the E at 8 km/h. Realfeel®: 32°C High: 30 °C
Tuesday, Apr 10
Humid with a blend of sun and clouds. Winds from the E at 12km/h. Realfeel®: 32°C High: 29°C
Wednesday, Apr 11
Humid with clouds and sun. Winds from the E at 12 km/h. Realfeel®: 32 °C High: 29 °C
Thursday, Apr 12
Partly sunny and humid. Winds from the E at 6 km/h. Realfeel®: 35 °C High: 30 °C

ARE YOU JEALOUS? :)

Going on Vacation!!

After much debate, Kristen and I finally booked our vacation. First we were waiting on Jen & Chris, who informed us they couldn't go this year :(

Then we couldn't agree on a place, Punta Cana - Dominican Republic (out of our price range), Cancun - Mexico (still the issue of safety though I was all for going), or Holguin - Cuba (very quiet place and was afraid we would be bored)....there were other factors but that's the jest in trying to decide. When last night it finally got to the point where we seriously considered going back to Varadero, Cuba and to the same resort as last year. Kristen also wanted to get more Cuban cigars and we have some cuban $ left from last year, by accident of course.

So we priced it out and talked about if we should do it or not and as of today...voila! We are booked to go to the Breezes Bella Costa in Varadero, Cuba (it's been renovated, as last year it was called Iberostar Bella Costa) A co-worker of mine went in February with her boyfriend (he was there last year as well) and they said not much changed and had a great time.

So to say the least I'm VERY excited and only have a week and a half to prepare, as we're going Saturday of Easter weekend. I'm very disorganized this year and not even a LITTLE bit ready to go...I should start tanning too I guess...being as pink as I am. Anyway just wanted to share the happy happy news :)

Guess Who Got Engaged This Weekend....

...and no it wasn't me....lol. It was JEN & CHRIS!! Yay!! This is "almost" as exciting as if it were my own engagement. They've been together just over 8 years and starting a whole new chapter of their lives in Newfoundland. So many happy things happening for them right now. Unfortunately it means being away from me and our friends but it's all good because I know they're happier than ever.

The Happy Couple :)

It seemed like everyone showed up at our house last night and I loved it....it was just like old times when we all used to get together. I was talking to Jen on Friday where she informed me the good news-bad news scenario...good news she was coming on Sunday to visit for a week. The bad news, her and Chris would not be able to vacation down south with Kristen & I this year :( So last night, after the big ENGAGEMENT...which I really am excited about, did I mention that already?...Jen & Chris showed up at the house. Then Steph & Tristan showed up and then Myrna, Jamie & Sarah. If only it could have lasted longer.


Otherwise, the weekend was pretty normal, busy with hockey, and the normal household chores. Kristen's team won Friday night 4-1 Woo-hoo! And lost Sunday 2-1 it was such a good game. Too bad the winning goal was for the other team. And yes, I did say Kristen and I are going down south..hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Not 100% sure yet where...I think we're leaning towards Mexico..but we'll see how has the best deal when it's time to book. Any suggestions or recommendations from your own vacations?

Happy Birthday Kristen

Only younger for a day.....now you're old too ;)

To everyone who wished me a happy birthday yesterday...thank you VERY much. It's so nice having 1 day a year that's all about ME!
It was a good day...a bit tired from the late night volleyball on Wednesday. I had some great presents given to me, a yummy cake from my co-workers and dinner cooked for me when I got home. I spent the evening chatting on the phone, lying on the couch and watching Ugly Betty (most of it) and Grey's Anatomy. What more could a girl ask for?
I'm hoping to do a wee bit of shopping out of my birthday $ ...the first thing to buy on my list are these slippers from the Superstore:
...much to Kristen's dismay...he's not a fan of the new slipper fad. Sorry honey but I REALLY want them and now I will purchase them :) yay me!

New Barbeque

This is Kristen's new bbq....I don't even feel right saying it's "our" bbq because I really don't use it. This is his baby and he does ALL the cooking on it. I think it's Weber E320 if I remember correctly....I'll "so" hear about this from him if I'm wrong...lol.

I love this time of year when it starts to warm up and bbq season begins, cause even though I LOVE cooking, it's nice to come home to have dinner waiting for me. Last night we had our first dinner from it, STEAK..yum!

Quilts

Today I feel like bragging about my mom and promoting some of the products that she sells...

her passion in life...QUILTS!

This one called "Winning Hands" measures 88" x 102"

This is a "Winning Hands" as well and the same size as above...obviously in different colours
This is a "Tulip" quilt, not sure the measurements on this one
And another "Tulip" measuring 84" x 99"
If you're interested in purchasing one, send me an email christaball@hotmail.com She also takes orders for other patterns and colours. Not to mention baby quilts if you're looking for something smaller.

Sunrise, Sunrise

Took this yesterday morning just before leaving to drive to work. My Dad is very much a morning person and talks about how much he loves the sunrise, I understand why :)

Quotes to Live By:

My Dad sent me an email with various quotes, these 3 really caught my eye...especially the quote by Michael J. Fox

Peterborough Tournament

Peterborough was so much fun & just what I needed. Chatted it up with the girls, cheered on the boys (they won 1 out of 3 games) and relaxed and didn't think of any of the things that have been on my mind lately...I feel so refreshed!

Here's some snaps from the weekend...Happy Monday Everyone!

Congratulations Della & Jamie....

On the birth of Shea Charles Benedict Locey who came into this world on March 13th @ 6:14pm weighing in at 9 lbs / 9 ozs.

Peterborough HERE I COME!

Well it's been a rough week, surprisingly it went fast but it's been a roller coaster. More work related but that's life, going to have weeks that are harder than others.On a good note, we're going to Peterborough tomorrow for Kristen's hockey tournament. It'll be at the Evinrude Centre. Boy am I looking forward to a night away and some time to just hang out and have some fun. Really need the break this weekend :) Also, Kristen's and my birthdays are next week so what a better excuse to celebrate!!

Other pleasant things....I bought bulbs to plant for my cutting garden. I bought both a white calla lily bulb & a pink one, every year they'll keep doubling and I'll get more blooms. So start small and hopefully end up with lots.

And now the best part...Grey's Antomy & Ugly Betty for those of you who will be watching Grey's Anatomy tonight I won't ruin it for you BUT what a great episode!! I cannot WAIT til next week. Ugly Betty was a good episode too...I really think I will go into cardiac arrest if any of these shows get cancelled.

Anyway I think that's all....I have 30 minutes before I'm done work for the day (shhh...don't tell I blog at work sometimes) And then I'm going to "thoroughly" enjoy my weekend. Have a good one everyone!

Sweet Moments

What am I going to do when we actually have children of our own. Just seeing Kristen with Tristan makes me all mushy and warm inside :)

Home Brew

As promised....pictures...yay! :)

Kristen has decided to attempt making beer ...again. The first two times, no, it just didn't turn out...looked more like molasses, I'm told it didn't taste very good either. The 3rd time, it worked :) Tasted similar to Corona.

So this batch we're hoping turns out as well...once again it's a Mexican Lager which should be similar to Corona like last time. In these pictures he's taking it from the first fermentation stage, into the carboy for the secondary fermentation stage, after this he'll bottle it and then it has to set for a couple of weeks (I think) then ....bottoms up!

Then we're going to attemp a batch of white wine, green apple to be exact. We made strawberry zinfadel around 4 years ago and that turned out great! Can't wait since I really don't like beer. And it'll be nice to have some on hand for company. I haven't entertained in a while...might have to do that soon.

Monday Musings

Weekend in Review...I have pictures to post will do that tomorrow

Friday:
Finally washed my car, I swear the salt build up was ridiculous, I'm surprised my car hasn't completely rusted out yet. Was a 10 minute wait at the car wash but well worth it.
Went to Kristen's hockey game, great game and they won! Can't remember the score but it was close.

Saturday:
Went to Home Depot, bought some paint to start the main floor of the house. Paint chip is called "Tate Olive" yes, that's green! Painted one wall.
Went to visit Myrna & Jamie, got to hold Baby Sarah for the first time, she's just so dang cute. She had hic-cups at the time, poor thing, I wanted to make them go away but nothing I could do.
Watched Open Water 2: Adrift (liked much better than the first one and for Grey's Anatomy fans, McSteamy is one of the main characters) and Hollywoodland with Ben Affleck, it was okay but kind of long and not very exciting.

Sunday:
Went to Kristen's other hockey game, they lost... :(
Made stew for dinner, finally did my house cleaning (Saturday was a complete write off), painted a second wall, and talk to Jen, I've been really missing her this weekend.

For you Ugly Betty & Grey's Anatomy fans, this weeks episodes are new. NO re-runs! Yay!

Lessons Life Taught Me

Received this email this morning from a friend called "Lessons Life Taught Me" thought I'd share since some of these are REALLY good. Let's all try to have a positive spirit about life.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6 You don't have to win ever argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Its OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. Its OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life

28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Introducing Sarah...

Here she is...look at that head of hair! She's so sweet!

Happy Birthday Kenda

Happy 17th Birthday Kenda! Was going to post a picture of you but can't find a "nice" one :)

Hope it's a great one!

It's a Girl

Congratulations to Myrna & Jamie who had their baby girl. She wasn't due until March 16th but decided to come a little early. Myrna's water broke 8am yesterday morning and little Sarah (if they're still using that name) was born at 10:29pm weighing in at 8lbs. 13oz and 21 inches if I heard Jamie correctly. He called at 2:30 this morning so I was a little groggy. I haven't talked to mommy or daddy yet today. I will keep you posted and hopefully soon have pictures to post as well. So excited and very happy for you both! Welcome to the world Sarah.

Happy Birthday Mom's

Happy Birthday to both my mom and Kristen's mom who celebrated their birthdays yesterday!

Kelly Dawne Budden

Congratulations to Natalie & Dwight Budden on the birth of their 3rd child, a baby girl, Kelly Dawne born February 27th at 8:03pm weighing in at 7lbs 6oz.

Pink Tulips

So...I'm told that blogging about Grey's Anatomy on Friday mornings ruin the surprises for some of my devout readers :) Not realizing at the time if you miss Thursdays episode you can usually catch it again Friday night...! Oops...my apologies. However, I cannot promise that when Grey's is not a re-run, like last night, that I won't be gushing on about it on Friday mornings.

I was happy that Grey's was a re-run last night, it was an episode that I missed,..yes very ashamed to say I have missed episodes here and there. I kept cracking up at it...the guys camping trip has to be the funniest episode, where most of their shows I'm bawling my eyes out. So to Grey's...thanks for the comic relief.

I left work early yesterday, with bosses permission of course, due to the crazy storm that hit quite quickly yesterday. Took me an hour and a half where normally it takes 45 min which isn't too bad considering. At least I made it home safe & sound. Kristen got home about 10 min before me, along with some pink tulips.

He bought them from a co-worker who was selling them as a fundraiser for lung cancer I think.

Tulips aren't my favourite flower but they come a close second when they're in PINK :) These are one of the flowers I would like to plant in my cutting garden, when I start it.

Have a great weekend everyone!