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