Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from our family to your's...Hoping your days are filled with love and happiness in the years to come.....

terry and michelle

Approaching the New Year...

So here we are again...getting set for a New Year, 2009. A time when we all start to think about resolutions and what we can do to make this coming year better, different or just improve something about ourselves.
In the shower this morning I was thinking well what are my resolutions going to be this year? You know there is always the lose the "last 10" but lets be honest here..I have been making and breaking that resolution since I was 13 years old I'm sure. No I don't think I will do that....I think I am going to try the "let's be happy with yourself" resolution...time to stop comparing and obsessing about weight....hmmm we will see how I get along with that one!! lol

So I'm still pondering....don't get me wrong I have tons of things that I think I need to work on. Of course I am looking forward to a New Year to begin, and all the possibilities it may bring for Terry and I. Hoping and praying that this will be the year that we are chosen and are lucky enough to raise a baby of our own.

I still feel though that there is more....our whole life right now just seems to be in limbo...I don't really know what way to turn. I have tons of paths that I could take with my business..it is growing so rapidly right now which is such a dream come true for me. But the lingering thought is always in the back of my mind... if a baby comes I can't be tied up too much with my work. So I wait(happily)...I won't do anything more with the business at this point just in case. So I will have the flexibility that I do now.

Yes, I think that is it for me right now....I am not used to not taking the next step. I have continuously moved to the next thing my whole life...never stopping to smell the roses. I always have the next move in my head...one more step forward. I DO think that this "waiting period" is a good lesson for me...I can't control this...I just have to wait!

So I think I have it...my NEW YEARS RESOLUTION is going to be.....try to just take the days as they come...be thankful for the here and now! Stop worrying so much about what the future may hold..because no one ever knows...we will just keep praying and hoping for our dreams to come true, when they are supposed too...here I go again with that damn cliche "things will happen when they are supposed too"!! I just need to stop saying it...and start believing it!!

have a great Tuesday everyone...
michelle

The True Meaning of Christmas!

I have had many wonderful Christmas's in my past 34 years but this one will be forever etched in my heart as one of the best...

I feel like this Christmas we got back to the basics....we enjoyed each other and really remembered what this season is all about.

My season got off to an early start this year when I was stormed stayed at my brothers for the night before Christmas Eve...His girlfriend Amanda was there, who I really really like, great girl and so good for my brother...they just seem really happy together...anyways that was the start of the festive season for me....way too much fun on the first night..yikes I do believe my brother and I had 1 too many glasses of wine that night..I was feeling a bit rough the next morning before work..lol but I have to say, we did solve some major world issues that night...


So I finished up work Christmas Eve day and headed home to finish up some appetizers and last minute prep work for Christmas Day. We did the usual Christmas Eve routine...service at my Mom's church, family Christmas at Mom and Dad's which is always so fun...too much wine and way too much food! Christmas Morning we headed back home and started to prepare for our company!


What a fun day....I don't even know what to say really...it was just the perfect Christmas Day...most of our family surrounding us, having so much fun together...seriously it just was so awesome for me to see...everyone having so much fun together...we ate great food, had great chats..played some games ....it felt like, some really corny Christmas Movie that we all get sick of watching...but guess what when it happens to you...you just love it, I wish it could happen more often...

Boxing Day morning we all got up(my family stayed overnight) and got ready to head to Hamilton to see my Grandmother...I know my Mom and Dad thought that she looked really good on Boxing Day but boy to me she sure doesn't look like herself...it made me realize how lucky I was and am to have had my Grandmothers alive and healthy well into my 30's. I can see that it is time for her to go...I know that sounds harsh to many of you, but this is her wish and honestly she isn't having much fun right now...sometimes it just doesn't seem fair...


After we left my Grandmother we all decided to stop for some lunch before we headed for home...now I am not sure if you have noticed but 5 people here have now spent about 3 days together...wowzers...that is a ton of togetherness....I know my Mom was in heaven all this family time...my Dad seemed pretty calm considering he wasn't in his own house relaxing, Terry was just like he always is, just going with the flow....and my brother Jon...what a trooper..I know he could have found about a million other things he would rather be doing for those 3 days, but he hung in there.
I think he was very happy to drop us all off at our vehicles and drove away at record speed by himself....it was defiantly time for some space!!! lol

So all and all this had to be one of the best Christmas's I have ever had...we really didn't do the gift thing this year...so it truly was an old fashioned Christmas, one where you enjoyed each other...the most important people in your life!

m

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Well it is here, Christmas Eve...I have a few more hours of work and then back to London to start the festivities...

I just wanted to share a poem that a good friend gave me in a Christmas card this year....

YESTERDAY---TODAY and TOMORROW

there are 2 days in every week about which we should not worry, 2 days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

one of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.

all the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. we cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. yesterday is gone.

the other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible adversities, its performance. tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds- but it will rise. until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

this leaves only one day- TODAY. any person can fight the battles of just one day. it is only when you and I add the burdens of those 2 awful eternities- yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.

it is not the experience of today that drives us mad- it is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.....

I thought this was a beautiful message for us all to remember...
have a wonderful Christmas Eve...
m

stranded.....

I can't believe it...I am stuck in London today!

It is Monday but seeing that this is such a short week I decided that I would work today. Well as I went to sleep last night I thought to myself what if I don't get in tomorrow....I was getting myself all worked up and there just wasn't anything I could do about it at that point.
So I set the alarm for 5:30 and hoped for the best.

At about 4am I awoke and looked out the window and yes it was snowing but I thought it would be fine...the roads surely aren't closed so I will get up there....I layed back down and must have fallen asleep...awoke again to the news at 5:30...perfect I thought they said yes it was snowing but nothing too bad and there were no traffic concerns to speak of. I jumped out of bed and headed down for my workout came back up around 6:15 and thought I would check the situation out before I jumped into the shower.........WELL was I surprised.......number 4 was closed from Arva all the way up to the North Pole I think....lol

UGGGGhhhh not good...I was freaking out....driving Terry crazy...with all my swearing and moaning and groaning about not being able to get to work...trying to think of all my alternatives...I could take the second....I will wait it out until it clears up....I will call all my first people...well it turns out that I didn't actually do any of those things.......

Rita went into work early(thank goodness for her) and made my first few phone calls of the day..telling my clients that I may be in later but maybe not...I would work next Monday to make up for it or they could see another stylist so they would be done by Christmas.....

So I headed out around 10:15 to go to Exeter...someone had called to tell my the roads were back open...so I immediately headed out..........only to be stopped by the police at Arva...I'm not sure why, I think they had this sneaky suspicion that I was a lunatic Hair Dresser from Exciter that NEEDED to get to work....the women were counting on me...Christmas was going to be looking pretty ugly in Huron County if I didn't get up there.......well that did not matter to them (sorry ladies) they turned me around and kindly reminded me that I would be charged and would have NO insurance if I crossed that barricade....

hmmpph I thought well come on, it must be opening soon if the website says 4 is open...so I thought I would go to the grocery store for a bit and then head back and see if there were any changes...........NOPE NO CHANGE....the same police man was still even there shaking his head at me as I sheepishly turned my white Escape around and headed back for the big city....hmmpphhh

Through all of this I was thinking Michelle you are crazy it isn't worth it...no one's hair is worth you risking your life....yes I truly must have been thinking this or I would have been on a side road headed for town....lol But honestly as my Mom and Brother said you can get up there to get every one's hair done today or you could not get up there ever again....and that would really suck....:) point well taken...it just isn't worth it...

I do apologize to everyone but that is the great thing about having stylist's working with me that I trust.....everyone that needs to can be accommodated and if they can wait a mere 7 more days I will take care of them....and you know what everyone understood.!!

All that worrying for nothing....sorry Terry...thanks for being patient with me and no we don't have to move to Exciter anymore....lol
stay safe today everyone
m

the "non festive" gift...

Today I was surprised by the most thoughtful package!

In the middle of my very busy Sat at work, I noticed Megan head to the back room with a very pink gift bag.....hmmm I thought, I wonder what that is all about?? So the curiosity was killing me, I quickly finished up my color and hightailed it back there to find out who this mystery bag was from.

Well I was totally overcome with emotion....my closest girlfriend had done this. A "care package" if you will for Terry and I just to help cheer us up. She wrote the most thoughtful card, with such caring supportive words in it. Letting us know that she and her husband are here for us if we ever need anything but most of all that they understand. We have all had a few very difficult years, but we will pull through..:)

This was such a nice, caring thing to do. My girlfriend actually walked into the shop a few minutes after I read the card. At that moment I had just put the card away, seeing that my eyes were filling up just reading it..there was no way I was digging into the pink tissue filled wonderland that sat before me..I did need to continue my work day with some sense of composure!!! I said to her....thankyou..that was so nice and thoughtful....."what" she said "you have already read it...ahhhhh you were supposed to wait until you got home"...lol come on girl you know me better than that.......there can not be a package in my vicinity and me not know who it is from...lol

I am truly, so blessed to be surrounded by the people that I am everyday....I am overwhelmed sometimes by people's kindness and the support that I have in my life. The words that my friend wrote to us...I will look back at many times I am sure.....and they will bring much comfort to me, when I am having "one of those days"!!! :)

I don't know how often you tune into this blog Jill, but you are such a great friend....we have been through.. oh man so much together....from the most trivial to the most heart wrenching moments...but one thing I know for sure is, I can always count on your support and friendship....

Today's "non festive" gift as you called it, will be the best of the season for me....this to me is what Christmas is about this year........the thoughtful gestures, the celebration of all the wonderful people in my life...not how many or how big a present one receives...I believe that it was time I learned this lesson...to be thankful and to celebrate the people you love!!

Again Jill.....you are the best...oh and the bag of candy was a real nice surprise too...lol you sure do know what will cheer me up!!! lol
michelle

I beat it!!

I feel like I have already been up for hours and it is only 9am....I woke up this morning at about 4:45 and peeked out the blinds to see if this storm that was supposed to brew all night actually materialized...well I let out a huge sigh of relief and felt a bit of disgust for the people that kept talking about this HUGE storm that was coming yesterday...making me feel like I should stay in Exeter overnight..etc...will somewhere in the midst of all of those thoughts...I decided to go and check the radar........

WOW I was blown away at the mass of the storm I was seeing that was at that point just about to hit Sarnia....ahhh I need to get to work was my only concern at that point. I wasn't sure how fast this thing was moving...so I thought well I will just start my whole morning routine early..so I headed down to the basement and exercised, came up 45 mins later and checked it again...now it was just hitting the south London border...yikes I better hurry up...so I jumped in the shower and got ready in record time..I was out of the house by 6:15 heading to work...

At about Lucan I had a thought, What am I doing..."normal" people would have just gone back to bed and had a nice little cozy snow day....hmmmm

Well I made it to Exeter and had a nice chat with my Dad and brother...discussing the storm..we introduced my Dad to a "new" website...the Radar...lol...ahh he was amazed "well this looks like a pretty big one, oh it doesn't look like it will last long though".....I then heard him say to my Mom on the phone who must have asked whats it like there...."oh well there is a bit of snow in the air".....hello you could hardly even see out the window....haha....always thinking positive..

So after spending the morning with my Dad it was confirmed in my mind, this is why I get up early and make it to work as opposed to staying in bed and having a snow day...because that is just what you do...that is what he has taught us to do....

As expected on of my stylist is not coming to work today...so it is just NUTS in here...people who are stuck in town want there hair done people that have appts and live outside of town are cancelling but still want to get in before Christmas....so I think I made the right decision...even though a cozy snow day would be nice sometimes....I feel really good that I BEAT the storm....:)

stay safe everyone...and don't drive!!!! lol
michelle

It's a Marshmallow World.....

About 6 years ago I was watching a Barefoot Contessa episode and Ina was making her homemade marshmallows..I was intrigued and had to try it for myself! Well it is now something I make every year...they are so good. I thought I would share the recipe with all of you. I sometimes use coconut like this recipe calls for or I just use icing sugar...to coat the batter in. This year I think I might do a mixture of cocoa powder and icing sugar...
Try whatever you like....you will never buy Marshmallows again...

Ingredients
7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1 recipe Homemade Marshmallow batter, recipe follows
Confectioners' sugar
Directions
Sprinkle half the toasted coconut in an 8 by 12-inch nonmetal pan. Pour in the marshmallow batter and smooth the top of the mixture with damp hands. Sprinkle on the remaining toasted coconut. Allow to dry uncovered at room temperature overnight.
Remove the marshmallows from the pan and cut into squares. Roll the sides of each piece carefully in confectioners' sugar. Store uncovered at room temperature.

Homemade Marshmallows
3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.
Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

ENJOY

m

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

OUR favorite treat...black licorice cigars...we sure look like naturals here???? :)

So today is my Dad's birthday....and their won't be any pity party for him just because he is another year older...he has the best attitude about getting older. Just a heads up if you are in his company and decide to get melodramatic about how old you are turning...well my Dad will very quickly put you in your place by saying...."Well what is your alternative? You can either get one year older or not be here at all"...he just tells it like it is, not many have much to say after that comment...:)

I know this is going to sound a bit repetitive, because it was my Mom's birthday a couple of weeks ago.....but yep you guessed it....I too have the GREATEST Dad in the whole wide world...you just couldn't get any better than him....

This guy would help anyone out in a pinch...there are times that I hear about some of the things he has done for people over the years and it just baffles my mind....it is crazy really. I can see why he continues to have staff that have been with him for 25+ years...he is just a very understanding guy.

We all have been so lucky to have a father that does everything for his family. If I ever need anything he is there...always there with a helping hand...or just a listening ear. Whatever we need at the time...he just does it, no matter how busy he is or stressed out with his business...we come first!

My Dad and I have always been super close, a lot of people tell me that I am much like my father..the way I think in a business sense and just how we go about things. Now I guess some people might have there own thoughts on this, but as far I am concerned I take it as a HUGE compliment..I love it when people say "oh that sounds like something your Dad would say" or "your drive reminds me of your fathers". For me, there couldn't be a better role model!

Dad has taught me how to be a hard worker, to take risks...he has always said to us, if you have a dream or an idea... figure it out.... figure out how you can make it happen. He is always there to guide us...not do it for us(haha nope that would be too easy, it would be nice but too easy) he leads us in the right direction and helps us figure things out so we can accomplish our dreams...

I know that my business and my life in general would not be where it was without my parents support....I know I don't tell him enough, how much everything he has done for me means to me....I know that I have done my fair share of driving him crazy....van roofs collapsing...white lies about being in London when I am supposed to be babysitting my little brother...expensive events that included literally a ton of cream coloured roses, dresses and linens......but honestly Dad, I hope I haven't caused you TOO much trouble..:)

Dad, I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate everything you do!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY......
Michelle

good times...

We had such a fun weekend...Sat night we went out to Moxie's with Jeff and Jill...and then had a visit back at our place..
We don't get out with them enough...we always have such a good time.

Sunday night we had a few couples over for dinner. We did a potluck, which I haven't done ever I don't think...it was so great. I was actually at a loss on Sunday because I hardly had to do any prep work...wow that was a change. I am usually running around driving Terry absolutely mad because of my "anal tendencies"...
So we did a Chinese theme....Terry and I did thinly sliced marinated beef tenderloin on our sizzling stone.........ahhh it was so good...I think we will be using this thing a ton...we also had fresh spring rolls, chow mien chicken..an oriental salad and some spicy shrimp and rice..so much food...and to top it all off I ended the evening with a to die for toblerone chocolate fondue...with my homemade marshmallows, fresh fruit and fortune cookies....(just to keep with the theme)haha
It was a great night with friends....

I have been running around today getting everything that I possibly can ahead of time for Christmas....I think I will have to go out to a 24 hour grocery store on Christmas Eve morning, really really early..I start work that day at 8am and that will be the last time that I will have to get the rest of my groceries for the Christmas festivities....ahh busy 10 days ahead...:)
We are off to the London Club tonight for the PAG Christmas party...oh and I almost forgot the highlight of my day..Rita colored my hair today....what color do you think I have now????? :)
I might post pics later..........

Happy Monday...
m

I need some tips.....

I am just heading to bed and I remembered that I hadn't blogged in a few days....

It has been crazy busy at work...I told Terry in an email today that it was actually almost uncomfortable how busy it was in the shop today. I really like to have a certain atmosphere in my salon..which is relaxed, calm..quiet...well today it was so busy...and loud and just not exactly how I like it. Now I know it is Christmas and I should be thrilled that it is soooo busy..but I am just afraid that my clients will get a bit ticked off. Hopefully they will understand that it is just a really crazy time of year and the next appt that they have will be back to normal....

We have such a fun weekend planned...tomorrow night we are going downtown for dinner with Jill and Jeff..so fun we haven't been out with them for so long... and then Sunday night we have a few couples coming over for a Chinese/Japanese potluck dinner....an idea Julie had after we came home from our AWESOME dinners in Vegas...Terry and I are trying to recreate a dish "the rock" that we had there.......really thinly sliced pieces of beef tenderloin marinated...brought to the table uncooked and you take it and cook it on this sizzling stone that is at the table... I found the sizzling stone a Stocks last week...can't wait to try this........and if all else fails and all the food is just horrible...pizza is really close by!
Then on Monday we have Terry's PAG Christmas Party at the London Club...great food there last year so it should be a repeat this year....oh and the hi light of my Monday I have to confess is getting my hair coloured and cut...... can't wait!

So a new development that has happened this week, Terry and I are going to hold family Christmas on Christmas Day....kind of a surprise but I think in the end it is going to be the best for me this year......I get to be in my own home and my WHOLE family will be around...My parents and brother will be here and Terry's Mom and Dad and grandparents....we are just so lucky that everyone gets along so well that we can combine things so easily...
I do have a bunch of unexpected things to get done for that now though.....oh well I love to be busy!!!

I am thinking about making a few "sweets" for Christmas now that I am having some company....I just can't decide what to make...........so I am asking all of you..........now come on I see that there are a ton of hits on this site everyday.....so now I want some feedback...send me your all time fav. Christmas cookie or candy recipe..........help a girl out here....:)

okay off to bed..big day tomorrow...winter wedding first thing...
m

they have the spirit!!!

My sister in-law sent me this great video yesterday...if you have a minute check it out..it's great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

m

you're expecting...right???

WHEN will people learn...I don't know about any of you, but I have NEVER asked that question...it's a no brainer isn't it????..Why would you ever ask another women that! If you are not absolutely POSITIVE that she is POSITIVE. I will never ever understand why people ask that question...

Here I was, getting really tired of the "so have we heard anything about a baby yet" question! Honestly after today that question is music to my ears, compared to the dreaded you're expecting question...

I really couldn't believe it....there I am with my scissors in hand, ready to take my first snip...(around the EARS I might add) and then I heard it, almost like it was in slow motion I heard her say...in this super annoying perky voice "so...ummm....you're expecting...RIGHT?!!?"
For one second I was caught off guard..but then I immediately said "HA...
NO...nope not expecting...
So you can just imagine how the rest went...blonde inappropriate lady feels really really bad, blames it on small town gossip....really tired, annoyed hairstylist exclaim's "well you can tell whoever told you that little rumor that I won't ever be expecting, so he/she can put an end to that little rumor"...
I know what some of you are thinking, that I was very rude here with that reply.... I honestly did soften very quickly after that comment. I quickly explained our situation, how we are in the waiting period of the adoption process. Of course she felt awkward etc....blah blah it was all good by the time she left..she even, by some miracle ended up with a great new stylish do...:)

Really though I ask you all, why... why would you ever say that to ANYONE...I don't just think that because of what we are going through, just in general....you must never ask a women who may or may not be expecting....if they are...let them tell you. Guess what if they haven't told you themselves well then at this point in time, it is NONE or your business...so save yourself the embarrassment..DON'T ASK!!!!

haha thanks for letting me rant....:)
oh by the way Dad if you are reading this....I'm sorry but I have disrupted your Christmas Day...you're coming to our house for dinner and a sleepover...contain your excitement Dad. I can see your face now...I promise I will have all the "mix en's" for your Martini!!!!
m :)

how lucky...am I!!

Tonight was so much fun, I went out for dinner with my girlfriends! We just went downtown to a little Thai place..the resto was a bit sketch but the food was so good..but the best part was being out with these girls!!!

These 3 girls have been just the greatest friends to me for so long. We always have a great time together. Most of all though, we are always there for each other. I was reminising with them tonight, about when I called them to tell them that I had decided to leave(Steve).. within minutes these 3 were at my doorstep, and did not leave for I swear 2 weeks...lol. We played more boardgames and consummed I can't even imagine how many bags of chips that month....:)
I don't know what I would have done without them at that time in my life. They were the 3 that kept me going(besides of course my awesome family), they were the ones to pick me up again and got me back on track. We had so much fun, shed lots of tears together...and were just there for each other....


Well now it seems we have all grown up...one is expecting twins in a few months, another a baby in the spring...wow girls...when you think about it we have been through a ton of stuff together...and I for one couldn't have got through it without any of you!!!

Here's to all of you....
m :)

who has the SPIRIT??

So I have just arrived home from a morning of Shopping..now this isn't really different than most of my Monday mornings....I usually do all my running around on Mondays...Beauticians, groceries, maybe a bit of scrap shopping...liquor store..Winners...you get the drift here right...

Well I am just wondering does anyone work right now...man was it busy out there today..I guess with the upcoming season and all, everyone is out getting there shopping done.

So this got me to thinking as I started out and had to actually search for empty parking space at my normal joints...hmmm I think I'm feeling just a twinge of the Christmas Spirit here....could this be...so I quickly tuned into Q97.5 hoping for a really catcy Christmas tune and found my parking space...

So I went about my business with a new holiday spring in my step...only to be knocked down a few notches when I entered the mall....man what is wrong with people these days..obviously they are not feeling as giddy as I was about the day..no one was smiling, I had a women practically knock me down in the baking aisle for the last bag of sugar...Okay lady you can have it...wow...and then to top it all off as I was pulling out of my parking spot this man that I honestly DID NOT see when I went to back out started honking the horn so loudly at me and then gave me the finger....hmmm well that was a really nice "Christmasy" thing to do wasn't it!!!

So come on people...there are tons of folks out there having a bad day...believe me everyone has there problems right now....so just smile and be kind to each other...trust me you are going to feel much better after you give a girl a smile or a wave instead of raising your blood pressure about 50 notches over a parking lot...

After I recovered from the parking lot incident I drove away to the song "A Marshmallow World"...and decided that this was how I was going to approach this season..with kindness...I am going to smile and enjoy each and every day of it!!

Happy Monday
m :)

this is going to be a long "season"....

So I am a bit disappointed this morning....this damn weather is driving me totally crazy already. I really hate it when the weather interrupts my plans....whether it is my plan on getting to work everyday or a social event it just sucks...:)

I can't believe it is only Dec 8th and we have already had a TON of bad weather...I have already had a sleepover at my brothers because of the weather...this is nuts, I have only had 2 all together in the past 2 years...this is not good...Jon I hope you still have my bed ready..lol

Today we had a great day planned with my family to celebrate my Mom and Dad's B-day's.....well unfortunately roads are closed and it just isn't safe for anyone to be out..when they really don't need to be....all of us have to drive in this shit everyday so why would we chance it on the weekends...(:

So we will reschedule for Jan...and I guess I will get ready for another "football sunday"...I've got my picks in and ready to win....lol I know some of you are reading this and finding it hard to believe but it is true...I have become very versed in my football knowledge since I have met my husband...and I kid you not I am ROCKIN the facebook pro football picks!!! :)

happy sunday everyone!
m

My DAD!

I'm finally getting these pics up of my Dad and his pride and joy....his old fuel truck!!

It is so awesome seeing my Dad so into something besides his work...for as long as I can remember my Dad has never really had anything that he really loves, besides his family and his work..which he has put every ounce of himself into for his whole life.... But honestly the man needed something else beside that....and this truck and his 82 or 83 chevy step-side pick-up are it...you should see him light up when he talks about them, it is so cute...
I have to say though....even though he LOVES his truck I do find it really amusing that Dad and his friend Larry T go into the local parades....hahahaha I don't know it just isn't something I ever thought I would witness...and I actually had to leave my client on Sat just so I could actually see it for my own eyes...and yep it was him in the flesh driving that truck waving to the crowd, with a big white snowman(Larry) handing out christmas treats right along beside him...it was great...

Thought I would share a few pics....loved it Dad...
love
m

are we officially a joke?!?!?!?!

So today was just one of those days....exhausting...yes I know this is our busiest time of year...but man...9 hours on my feet without sitting for one millisecond is just too much for this old girl...not to mention that there wasn't any food entering my system since 7 this morning....YIKES....this is what December is all about!!

The conversation this week in the salon has certainly been about our Canadian Government...and I use that term very lightly...lol

I would never say that I know very much about Canadian Politics..honestly I think I am far more versed in American Politics actually...does anyone remember the night Bush won against Al Gore..I stayed up all night to watch...I think I secretly had a crush on Al Gore or something I just couldn't resist I needed to know how that ended...I am pretty sure I was up until 4am....

Anyways everyone this week is talking about it...it is so funny really. The first thing they teach you in "beauty school" is, don't talk about politics or religion...these are very touchy subjects...you can lose clients over such topics...so plead the 5th or act like an airhead....whatever, just don't have an opinion...
I have tried to follow this rule when I am with my clients...I just listen maybe make a joke...but never get into anything deep.

What I have learned this week is that most people are disgusted with the current situation...I have heard such things as... I doubt I will ever vote Liberal again for many many years, or I don't love Harper but he is the lesser of three evils I think.... and of course Bob Rae has always wanted to be in power and he will do anything to get there...and much much more....
Well I do have my opinion and I too, am disgusted by this situation....but I think I will keep my thoughts to myself for a change. Take my cue from my old "beauty school teachers" keep all opinions to yourself ladies..if you learn anything from us this year remember this!!!:)

All I can say is..........we live in Canada right?? We voted 6 weeks ago right??? So why do these men think they can come in and change everything, without ASKING US the Canadian People??? What is going on....why would anyone listen to thier boss or why would students listen to thier principles or teachers at school...... why would they if this is how the "supposed" leaders of our country are going to behave??.... in my opinion, all of this is just wrong...

I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens next....
m

crafty....

Just a few cards....

TFL
m

a special lady....

Just been thinking a bit about my Grandma this morning, she passed away this year...I think all this new found Christmas Spirit I have this week has got me to reminiscing...lol
She was a great lady and will be missed this season and always...

this is just something I made at the time of her passing, I thought I would share!

TFL
m

GRANDMA SHOES.......

So the day I have dreaded for years has finally arrived....I had to buy my first pair of GRANDMA SHOES........oh man I just can't believe it!

I can still remember the day many years ago shopping with my Grandma Moore for shoes...looking at her with utter disgust when she told me those were the shoes she was actually going to purchase....WHAT I said in my not so tactful voice "those are really ugly Grandma they are totally Grandma shoes"!!! She still laughs about that every time I see her, yes Michelle someday you will wear Grandma Shoes too!!

Well I guess that is what you get after 16 years of wearing "fashionable" shoes to work and standing on your feet for 12 hours a day....I can't believe this day has come so soon. I was sure I had a few more years left in me to wear those gorgeous Nine West Heels and Aldo Wedges...come on...don't let me down already!

Now I have to tell you this year has been a difficult one for my lower half, many of you already know that I CAN NOT stand my legs I think they are the ugliest things I have ever laid eyes on...even after hours of squats and lunges these babies just never look any better...so you can imagine my horror one day last summer when I was doing a butt check in a new skirt and I discovered my first VARICOSE VEIN...what???? Now why, why would you ever give the girl with the already ugly legs Varicose Veins....who knows but now I have to get those things dealt with this Jan...that should be fun.....
A few months later I was looking in the mirror while cutting some one's hair and noticed...hmmm my foot just doesn't look right in this pair of shoes...it looks like it is on a lean or something..so I check another pair at home, nope same thing...well people that little lean is called a FALLEN ARCH...yep great just great...so I think alright this is it I have to stop wearing 19 dollar shoes from Joe Fresh and get a real pair of shoes....(for work at least!!!!!)
So I grabbed a pair of "Clark's Structure" there new "fashionable" line is what the lady told me and I thought I would be off to the races....quite honestly I wasn't that thrilled with these shoes..to me they looked so ugly but I wore them anyways for the sake of my feet, my job and my clients....hahaha

Well apparently this was not enough........for today I woke up to the WORST pain in my right foot....Terry thought maybe I had turf toe(some sort of football injury) nope I don't think so...a client suggested maybe the gout...what???? It isn't red or swollen so it isn't that either...(thank goodness is that not something men that eat too much red meat and drink too much beer get)???? Ladies and Gents...I have finally given my feet more than they can handle and have pulled the muscles in the top of my foot......boo this sucks and it serves me right...here it is the busiest month of my year and I have a sore foot?????
So off to Weurth's I go this morning, I was, I'm sure the biggest sale of the day possibly the week....and I bought my first pair of official Grandma Shoes and a new pair of cross trainers for cardio(the runners are great by the way).......YUCK these Nato black clogs are hideous... and the sweet women tried to make me think they were fashionable she said "Michelle it could be worse...what would you think about getting a pair black runners for work...they would match your dress code"??????

So there you have it folks....please DO NOT look down..my feet are no longer stylish...no longer dressed in the hottest colors of the season...but man are they comfortable!!!

HAPPY TUES,
m

Christmas..at the Pfile's 08.....:)

So as promised a few pics of what I was up to yesterday. Just a little Christmas idea I had...fun to do, and I think it even got me more into the "season". I also posted a few of our Christmas Decorations....:)

hmmm....maybe it is starting to feel a big like Christmas....

enjoy..and TFL!

Monday is here again!

Wow I just can't believe how fast Monday comes each week!Not to mention that it is Dec 1st....wow where does the time go.


Our weekend was great, went out for dinner on Sat. night for Terry's birthday, went shopping with a friend yesterday, had a nice dinner at home and yes I think we need a drumroll here.....I did put up a few and I mean a few Christmas Decorations!!! lol It actually feels good to have a few around. If anything it cheers the place up a bit!!

Our calender is really filling up for this month...last week at this time I don't think we had anything going on and now all our weekends are booked until the big day. Lots of dinners with friends and family which will be so much fun. I always think it is so funny that everyone wants to squeeze everything in before Christmas and then we all sit and watch the snowfall in Jan and Feb!!
I am pleasantly surprised that I am not dissapointed that we are not having our annual Christmas party...I have been having this party for years..I think probably since I was 23 or 4... and usually it is the highlight of the season for me. This year I just don't feel up to it, I am looking so much more forward to having more intimate personal dinners and visit's with people...hmmm is this a sign of getting OLD?????????? lol

Not much going on for me today....I have a very few Christmas gifts to get so I might try to get some of that done and I have just started a Christmas Scrapping Project that I am right in the middle of and having a hard time leaving my table downstairs...but alas I must get my work done before I continue!!!

I will post pics later today hopefully!
m

had to share....

Just something I wanted to share...A very small portion of my Mom's sermon this Sunday, when my Mom was away last week she asked me if it was okay to use some of my blog entries in a sermon she was going to do soon....not only do I think it is kind of cool that I am part of her sermon.. but I really did learn something from it....


SERMON
Isaiah 64:1-9
“The Advent of Hope: Seeing God’s Face
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 30, 2008 YEAR B
A good many of you have met my daughter Michelle and her husband Terry. Michelle and I are very close and talk to each other on the phone at least once a day…sometimes more. Well one morning just before we left on holidays Michelle mentions to me she doesn’t know what is wrong because she just can’t get into the Christmas spirit. Now this is very unusual for Michelle for normally right about the middle of November she gets busy decorating her house with beautiful decorations making their living space look like it should be in Better Homes. Then she gets out her good books and begins planning the food that she will serve at what has become an annual Christmas party for their friends.
A few days later as she was shopping at Micheal’s …the great craft store many of us like to visit whenever we are in London she wrote the following in an e-mail when we were away “So I walk in and I start hearing the Christmas music.......as I told you …[before]
I am not really feeling the season like usual so the tunes kind of annoyed me......but I was in stamp paradise (one of Michelle’s hobbies is scrapbooking) so I wasn't paying too much attention to the modern rendition of "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire"....and then I saw it, … all the coolest kids Christmas Crafts????????? Well I don't know why....but that was it, I stood there and thought to myself...this is what I want to be doing I want to be doing Christmas Crafts with our kids...I'm done with making my Christmas Tree look like it is out of a magazine and I don't want to have a fancy adult party with the perfect
hors d’oeuvres, I just want to make homemade tacky ornaments that don't match and don't have a theme with our kids?????So there I am standing in the middle of the display with tears starting to well up…I guess this is what they meant when they said you are going to have some bad days in the "waiting period"?????!!!!”
This year has been a difficult year for Michelle and Terry. As I have mentioned to a few of you they found out this past spring after many tests that they are unable to have children of their own. So after a lot of soul searching they decided to proceed with all the necessary paperwork, interviews and workshops as all the details of their lives were examined to become adoptive parents. And so now they wait…hoping that this might be the day they will get the phone call from the social worker that they have been chosen …and a special little one will now be theirs to love. But for now these are dark days …difficult days …as they wait and hope.
They have entered a season of Advent in their lives…hoping for the coming or arrival of something especially momentous and awaited…longing to see their chosen child’s tiny face.

And today we enter that season in our church year…hoping for the coming or arrival of something momentous and awaited…the time when we long to see…God’s face...
that we will come to realize will be found, in the dark recesses of a stable when we look into the eyes of humble, helpless child.But before we can see this joyous sight we must go through some dark days.........

...this is just the first section of this particular sermon....this is just one of the many awesome, enlightening sermons of my Mom's....

Thanks Mom I really enjoyed this sermon, but most of all it truly gave me comfort when I read it!
love
m

AWAKE again at 2AM??????

So it is 2:30am and I am awake again....man I really wish I could sleep through the night. It seems once I get up usually to use the washroom...my damn brain turns on and I just can't get it to stop.....

There has been so much on my mind lately....my work right now is crazy.
There are two major parts of my job....one of course is my clients and the artistic side of my profession which I absolutely love. That is my passion I just love to make people feel good. The other side of my job is the challenge of running a business and managing people. As I have said before I do find this the hardest part of my career.
Now that my staff has grown to the point that it has, I am dealing with so many different things everyday. Now I realize that my "company" is so small in the grand scheme of things...my goodness this must sound crazy to some of you. But the reality is I am a Hairstylist, that is what I am trained and love to do....I just happen to own a salon and with that comes all these other aspects of my job now. I do love the challenge...I was bored when I had a salon with only myself there. But I must say at this time I am having to really pray and ask for assistance for some of the decisions I have been asked to make.

I have also been thinking a lot lately about my extended family and the trials that we are going through as a family right now. My Grandmother passed away this spring and I do believe she was the glue that held our family together.....yes even when she was alive the glue lost it's tenacity at times but over time it always came back together.
I am afraid with her not around, we may not weather this storm. I know in every family there are issues that come up, but for some reason in my extended family they just never stop. I have been really thinking about this this week and wondering why is that? Is it that the foundation that my parent grew up in not as strong as it should have been, is it because one of there parents is very confrontational and that trait has been passed down to their offspring? It really makes me wonder and feel sad that flesh and blood can get this far apart....and hurt each other so deeply.
This particular situation that is happening thank goodness doesn't involve my immediate family directly...but it is amazing how easily we can all be drawn in. So tonight as I sit here at now 3am with this consuming my thoughts, how could I maybe make this better....I just don't know???

So it is now 8am, I did finally get back to sleep...I am now at work ready for a crazy Sat....the X-Mas parade is happening today so downtown will be a bustling place....oh boy bring on the Christmas Spirit people and bring me lots....lol
Terry and I are really looking forward to a nice dinner out tonight to celebrate his birthday..something we didn't get done on the actual day....I can't wait...

Happy Sat Everyone
m

scrappin project....

Just thought I would share some pics of a project I did a bit ago.....I was thinking of a really nice, personal gift that I could give to a friend who was having a baby...this is what I came up with!

TFL

michelle

So today my parents are coming home from their vacation in St Maarten. I don't know why, but for me this was a really longggggg 10 days...

I guess it just doesn't matter how old I get, I still need and miss them when they are gone. I know some people will be reading this and thinking I am off my rocker...come on I am 34 years old and happily married to the greatest guy....why would you need your parents, get a grip...right, I can hear some of you now!! lol

I have been thinking about this a ton lately. I am so lucky to have a family that is very close, I can always count on them. I hear so many people talk about there families and it is so negative, there are so many issues. Even in my own extended family for years there have always been issues going on amongst one member or another....so sad really. Why is it...why can't we all just coincide with each other peacefully and just remember how fortunate we are to have each other?
I know for me this vacation has been hard. There has been so much going on with me these last few weeks....besides talking to Terry of course, who is so awesome and patient with me...I do really miss talking to my Mom and Dad...they just always put things in perspective for me. So I am really looking forward to tomorrow morning when everyone is home safe and sound and we can get back to normal!!

So I have a tall order for them...get your daughter out of her funk....I am just not myself and it is really driving me crazy. I can always put on a great front at work...that is my job, to be up, happy all the time, when I'm at work life is great couldn't be better....but man when I get my butt in my truck for my drive home...the wheels start turning and it is all downhill from there....ahhhhh

When I reread this post I feel like I want to kick my own ass.....I have sooo much to be thankful for...but I guess I need to stop feeling so guilty, as Jill said this is my time to deal...I just haven't let myself do that yet...after everything we dealt with this year(and I won't bore you with all the little details)I think it is time I stopped burying it all in the back of my mind.
I think this has been a good lesson for me actually, I have never understood why some people just don't get as excited about the Christmas Season, as I usually do...now I get it. I can see why this time of year is actually the hardest time for many, many people.

Well that is it for today.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

So tomorrow is my Mom's birthday...my parents will be flying back from St Maarten tomorrow so I don't know if I will be able to catch her in person on her special day!! Poor people flying home on the busiest day in the sky in the US!! I wonder how my Dad's patience level is going to be by the time they reach Canadian soil!!!

Anyways I wanted to dedicate this post to my MOM.....who is the absolute best Mom anyone could ask for. I might be biased, but truly people my Mom is the greatest....I'm sorry about your luck, but this lady is it!! :)

Well were do I start...my Mom is the most supportive, caring, patient, understanding person I know. If I ever need anything whether it is someone to listen to my trials and tribulations of everyday life or I, all of a sudden don't have a receptionist for a day..she is always there, no questions asked...she comes to my rescue.... always!

As I get older I realize how important my relationship with my Mom is, besides being my Mother she is my closest female friend. I can talk to her about anything...and I always know she will give me an honest answer,be super supportive and just listen, if that is what I need at the time.
It is interesting in my line of work to hear other women talk about there Mother....gosh I just can't believe some stories I hear. I feel so sad for people that don't have a close relationship with there Mom's. I think they are missing one of the best things in life!

I always love when people come into my salon and have run into my Mom at some point in there lives, whether it was a wedding or a funeral that they have heard her speak at, or a connection through my Dad's business....everyone loves my MOM...I hear it all the time how kind and caring she is. I feel so lucky when I get to say "yep that's my MOM, she is the best isn't she"!!!

So I know that there are times that I probably just drive my Mom crazy...when I am impatient during our early morning phone calls, when I try to solve problems instead of just listening to what is going on in her life...because that is all she really wants, when I religiously lost 1 of her earrings when I would borrow them,(or did I just take them from you jewelery box)?? lol
Oh there are so many more things I can think of here.....:)
For all of this I am sorry....they tell me this is what being a Mom is all about....you crazy women, you still love us with all your heart anyways...all that little stuff just doesn't matter... you would do anything for you kids...and MOM you have always done just that! For that I say THANK-YOU!!!

I hope you have a super BIRTHDAY....you are the BEST!!
Love
M

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

So when I started this blog, I truly felt that I needed a place where I could express my feelings and thoughts about what was going on in my life at this time. As in everyone's lives I have a ton going on....work, extended family issues, adoption and I really needed a place where I could vent and express how I was feeling. As I have said before for some reason getting this stuff down on paper just didn't work for me, even buying fancy journals and beautiful pens and pencils to write with didn't entice me??!!! :)

Well today unfortunately my blog has hurt someone...this was truly not intentional. To be totally honest it never dawned on me that anyone other than the people that I had given this address to, would want to read about my daily ramblings. But that was not the case today.

Please understand if you are reading this blog and I am just going to assume you know me, because why would anyone that I don't know read this...but obviously that is okay or I would make this private(which initially I was going to do). What I want everyone to understand is....this blog is about me not anyone else. This is about my journey. I have a VERY sarcastic sense of humor so you may not find things funny that I do, or I might have things written that you interpret very differently than I have meant them to be! That is the thing about feelings they can mean different things to different people, but they are mine and this is where I write about them...

I can't apologize for what has been said on my blog, this is my space where I write what is happening inside of me. All I can hope for is the relationship I have with this particular person will become stronger and grow from this. I have said it before everything does happen for a reason.

So now I am sitting here wondering how many people are reading this blog. Who is reading, that I don't know about??? hmmmm speak up people...give me some comments, as far as I can see my Mom reads this everyday always leaving me the best comments...love you mom... and I think maybe my husband has read it once??? lol I guess I might never know...all I can say is ENJOY....

m

K-CAR!!!

So yesterday Terry and I went out for breakfast with his parents, We went to Cora's, a client of mine told me about it and it was really great. Breaky isn't my first choice of meals to eat out...greasy spoon does nothing for me...but this was great. Great healthy choices!!!

After that we decided to go and visit Terry's grandma in Parkwood. She is just recovering from a fall she had a few months ago. Now this "fall" started with a broken hip and broken knee and then turned out to be 2 massive heart attacks in the hospital!!! This women is AMAZING!!! Talk about the will to live....she isn't going anywhere for a long time if I had to guess!!!

Kay is truly the funniest lady I have ever met. Although she and her husband can be super embarrassing(like yesterday I happened to say I needed to us the washroom but would wait until we went down to the mainfloor, nope she would have none of that, she just rings the nurse and tells them to take me to a washroom on this floor...oh my Kay this isn't a hotel you are in it is a hospital) even though things like that happen a lot...I really do enjoy talking to her, especially the more I get to know her.

Let me just paint the picture here for you.....this women has jewels like you wouldn't believe the goddier the better...she has a real fur coat that is a mosaic of bright colors no kidding people, we are talking fuchsia, purple, blue, and orange, all 2x2 squares of different colors.... a full length fur?????? Come on...she is eccentric to say the least!!

Now if anyone knows my Grandma's you can understand my shock when I first met this women...she swears, she drinks, she still try's to wear high-heels!!! :)

Yesterday Kay was reminiscing with me about the war days...she was telling me that she was in a group that would sing for the soldiers...she had this twinkle in her eyes when she was talking about it...I knew there was going to be a story here...she leaned over and said "I got a lot of attention back then you know...the other girls were jealous of me they would say Kay those men don't like you for your singing they like you for you LEGS....:)
You should have seen the smile and giggle that she let out after that, too funny....boy would I have loved to see that women in action!!!!

The last thing that Kay said to us yesterday was....any news on a baby??? We of course replied no nothing yet.....she leaned in and said "well look at me...I made it and everyone was pretty sure that I wouldn't so there will be a baby....soon...lets just think positive"!!! Well Kay having you on my side I think it just might...if there is anyone that can make things happen it is you!!!

happy monday everyone!
m
just a note for my little bro...thanks for listening....I am sure you weren't expecting that when you called...:)

Looking back...to look ahead....

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS!!!

01. The truth really DOES set you free.
02. Good girlfriends are a must in life.
03. Faith is one of the most important parts of religion.
04. It is okay to bask in the things that make you happy.
05. My " family" makes me blissful.
06. Standing up for what is right is more important than being liked.
07. I am always going to love food, it will never be easy, but I can do it!
08. Your view of the world is a reflection of what you are inside.
09. I love quiet.
10. I am stronger than I thought I could be.

In the past 10 years I have learned so many "life lessons" some have been easy... some very hard! One thing I know for sure is that the best things in life are worth waiting for!

This has been the year that I took a stand, the year I found amazing female friendships, the year I surrounded myself with uplifting and amazing people, the year I found myself, the year I said goodbye to old demons and unhealthy relationships, the year I spoke my truth, the year I found PEACE in my life.
And next year is going to be even better!

So I was looking at my facebook profile page and I came across a list I had written when I first joined facebook....I always find it interesting to look back and see what I was thinking at a certain point in my life....unfortunately I am not a good journal keeper so that isn't always possible!!! lol (hence the beginning of the blogging)!!!

happy sunday
m

Girls night out.....

So last night as I said I went to a function at one of my clients homes. I went with a colleague of mine. Now I have known this lady for many years now. We have chatted on and off about having families and what we wanted to do with our lives!! lol

She and I are the same age, and interestingly enough we have had similar stories when it comes to "reproducing".... well to make a long story short, it's just not gonna happen naturally!! lol

A few months ago we met for a meeting and I asked her if her and her husband had ever considered adoption? She said yes actually we are adopting privately! We are just finishing up our profile our home study is done...etc..etc... Well I couldn't believe my ears we were at the exact some point as they were in the adoption process. Now at the time we chatted for a few hours about our experiences with social workers and making the profile etc. The whole time that day we were talking I was having this really nagging negative feeling from her...I can't really explain it...just that I knew I wasn't that comfortable.

Fast Forward a few weeks and we meet again....as soon as she could talk to me she started on me about the adoption....have you heard anything, have you talked to your social worker, did you know this and that....ahhhh she was driving me crazy. She went on to tell me that she had a "baby's room" all ready and had even bought some clothes??? WHAT??? At that point I knew that we were very different people we were handling this situation very differently. She was actually making me feel guilty for not doing and acting the same way as her......

So last night I had hoped that we would maybe briefly talk about it and then move on....nope WRONG....that is not what happened.....For 2.5 hours I talked about adoption...by the time I got home last night..I was so frustrated...There were times that she was crying and times that she was so angry I thought she was going to throw a fit....hah my little breakdown I had last week......well that was nothing compared to this girl....

She has this ability to say things to me that make me feel very inferior...she told me that there profile had already been presented to a birth mother..they were not chosen mind you...but she immediately followed that remark with so have you guys been presented yet??? My stomach just dropped...I have no idea if we have been presented yet and quite frankly we don't want to know. Somehow I think knowing that you are not chosen would feel a little bit like not being picked for the grade 8 volleyball team....and I don't really want to go through that again!!! lol

So on my way home from the party, I just kept thinking. I know that everything in life happens for a reason. Life just has a way of working out, and I know when the time is right it is going to work out for us too!!!!

the beginning of my RANT!!

So I am just going to warn you all that this time of year I start to get a bit cranky about the weather!
I just had my 3rd SHITTY drive of the season...and I'm not sure if you all are aware but it is only NOV 20th.....yep that's right...this is going to be a fun season..

Now I just had a friend email saying oh isn't this great snow days are a coming.....yes it would be just fantastic if I didn't own my own business and it actually makes a big difference to my bank account if I am at work or not....ahhhhh

For some reason there is this thought process that has been inbred in me that if the roads aren't closed you can get there...(thanks Dad)....I actually feel like I have really accomplished something when I drive through a snowstorm to get to work. I don't know, it is like bragging rights or something...well this has got to stop! It is a crazy way to think....lives are lost on our roads every winter season..and I don't want to be one of them.

I passed 3 cars in the ditch this morning.....for half of my time on the road which by the way was 50 mins.....I couldn't see a foot ahead of me....and then I arrive at my destination and voila SUN is shining you would think it was the middle of summer....come on????

This is the time of year that I start blaming my husband for things that really have nothing to do with him...all of a sudden it is his fault that I live in London, it is his fault that I have to drive in snowstorms at night...lol poor Terry, I take it all out on him.

Before the snow started to fall this winter I thought to myself, what is the fuss about, winter is only a couple months long...why do we all get soooo wound up about it ......well now I remember this damn stuff takes years off my life every time.

m:)

The....Dreaded....Economy!!

hmmm this seems like a pretty "big"subject for me to get into here doesn't it!! Well I have been thinking about it a lot..... obviously who hasn't!!! It is the first thing I hear about in the morning and often it is the last thing I read about at night!

So, I was on my way to work this morning and this whole economy thing came to my mind. I wondered to myself, how this was going to change things. If the US government doesn't bail the auto companies out what is really going to happen in this world???? Kind of a scary thought isn't it???

Then I started to think...maybe it is time.......we are all so spoiled...my generation has never seen tough times. We really don't know what it is like to work really, really hard and your pay back is.....well that's simple, you are just happy to be able to pay your bills. You're not even interested in anything more than keeping your family warm and feed...you had no idea what it is like to buy whatever you want.
I thought it was very interesting that the US Congress asked the CEO's that where there, (asking for 25 billion dollars) if they had flown coach that day.....nope not one of them....they all had flown in on there private jets....
Now don't get me wrong... I know that these men have gone to school for years and they work very, very hard.....but COME ON....thousands of people are losing their jobs and you are asking for an obscene amount of money, and you are still flying in your private jets?????????????

So this really got me thinking...I think that this time in our lives will bring tons of changes...for the better I think..I hope that life will get back to the way it was when I was a little girl....there will be fewer divorces, why do I think that...well quite honestly I don't think people will be happier...couples will still have huge challenges but they just won't be able to afford a divorce.......I don't think we will be able to just buy whatever we want whenever we want...the budget will be a household word(YUCK):).....we will not travel as much...we will start doing potlucks again...when everyone brings a casserole to share and a mickey of vodka... oh and my all time favorite that I learned from my Grandma Moore saving tin-foil......okay hopefully I'm getting a little carried away here!!!!:)

I do think though.....this is going to be tough, but in many ways I think it will get everyone back on the right track in life...every one's life had gotten to be a bit much a bit too materialistic, don't you think? We or at least I think we all need to start remembering what is truly important in life..family, friends...the people not all the stuff we can have!

happy wed
m

our first Arvid!

Okay here it is after years and years of worldwide searching.....Terry's first piece of "art"!! lol

It is really cool actually this is number 231 out of only 300 paintings....it came with really official looking paperwork and everything!!! haha

have a good day everyone!

m

another day.... another dollar!!!

Well today has been fairly uneventful...work is crazy...the Christmas season is fast approaching. I am completely booked now until after the new year??? So now I am just trying to decide how many Mondays I feel like working in December...aghhh I really HATE working Mondays...it just makes it all a bit too much...working 13-14 hours a day and then adding a Monday to the mix...eeekkk...but knowing me I probably will add one or two...I just can't seem to say NO to my clients! I feel like they have all been so good to me.....

So Terry is one happy happy guy right now........his painting arrived...very cool. It looks so good in our living room..the colors are perfect. It is so great to see Terry so excited about something....he doesn't really ever have anything that he really really wants...unlike his lovely wife that everyday can think of something new that she needs...haha anyways it is so fun to see him "lovin" something....

I have a crazy week....I really don't like to do anything on "school nights" and this week I have something going on Thurs night and Fri night.....man I am going to be tired..lol yes, I do need a life!!! :) So I am soooo pumped about Thurs night...one of my clients that lives here in London has invited me Aveda rep to a gala at her house, she is having 60 different women from various walks of life there to network and a brand new wine is going to be launched at that night..apparently her husband is best friends with some big wine guy??? Anyways it should be so fun...I think I'm mostly excited to see her house...it sounds so awesome...so that should be a great night!

Thought I would share a few cards that I made yesterday...trying to get some Christmas cards done....:)
happy tues...
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