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So we leave in 2 days! Wow! I can't believe it! When I opened my eyes this morning, I smiled and thought 'wow, in a few days I will be waking up in Arusha!'
I have always hated our winters..Grr..HATE it! Too much snow and too much cold! But since we are going in the hottest months of the year in Tanzania, maybe I'll appreciate the cold more? And the snow? We'll see! lol
Will try to write often when I'm there!
See ya!
I have always hated our winters..Grr..HATE it! Too much snow and too much cold! But since we are going in the hottest months of the year in Tanzania, maybe I'll appreciate the cold more? And the snow? We'll see! lol
Will try to write often when I'm there!
See ya!
Ok! so here are the before and after pictures!!
Pretty good, eh? I DO have a good reason for not doing it, I was sick! lol...
I REALLY want to do all this before I leave next week though. I'll keep you posted..
Pretty good, eh? I DO have a good reason for not doing it, I was sick! lol...
I REALLY want to do all this before I leave next week though. I'll keep you posted..
The work I have in store for the weekend! Clearing out the *hot spots* as Fly Lady calls them. ''A hot spot is an area, when left unattended will gradually take over'' and boy do I have a few of those!!! I vacuum, wash, scrub, etc.....But when it comes to those little piles of just *stuff*, I just seem to postpone, and postpone again. But no matter how much cleaning I can do, it just never looks as neat as it should be!
THIS is what happens when I put off clearing out those hot spots. Although this one is behind closed doors, it would still be nice if it had a little order in there, I would surely have more space for those other items scattered all over the house (that you'll see in the next few pictures) that need a home!
The kitchen counter...Urgh
And this...This one discourages me. Many times I have started this one..*Sigh*
The living room table..It was SUCH a COOL idea to have cubes underneath the table! NOT!!! It IS practical to shove everything in there when you need space on top, but besides that, it doesn't help the living room to look very neat. This is the table where I have found interesting things in. I have found popcorn, candy wrappers, my kids’ socks , underwear, tinsel, a shoe, headless army men, a piece of a broken fez, melted chocolate, etc..
The other bookshelf. It's supposed to have 2 doors but my baby broke one of them the first day we got the furniture (that was about 3-4 years ago, yes, I know, we're quick about fixing things) but that's beside the point. I am staring at it right now. I have decorations of course, but here some of the things I see from here. Visine, a pocket knife, chargeable flashlight, lipsyl, tape, swimming lessons report card, marbles, beef jerky, etc..
Last but not least, the *lost and found basket* as my daughter calls it.
It has nail polish, Valentine's day decorations, VHS taps of Caillou that is waaaay too young for my kids now, a sweater made for a teddy bear, and more tucked underneath.. Where do I put all that stuff?? I need to find a home for them!
This is my mission for the weekend, to clear them all!! I do mean ALL!!
I'll be posting Monday morning the before and after pics! Wish me luck!
See ya!
THIS is what happens when I put off clearing out those hot spots. Although this one is behind closed doors, it would still be nice if it had a little order in there, I would surely have more space for those other items scattered all over the house (that you'll see in the next few pictures) that need a home!
The kitchen counter...Urgh
And this...This one discourages me. Many times I have started this one..*Sigh*
The living room table..It was SUCH a COOL idea to have cubes underneath the table! NOT!!! It IS practical to shove everything in there when you need space on top, but besides that, it doesn't help the living room to look very neat. This is the table where I have found interesting things in. I have found popcorn, candy wrappers, my kids’ socks , underwear, tinsel, a shoe, headless army men, a piece of a broken fez, melted chocolate, etc..
The other bookshelf. It's supposed to have 2 doors but my baby broke one of them the first day we got the furniture (that was about 3-4 years ago, yes, I know, we're quick about fixing things) but that's beside the point. I am staring at it right now. I have decorations of course, but here some of the things I see from here. Visine, a pocket knife, chargeable flashlight, lipsyl, tape, swimming lessons report card, marbles, beef jerky, etc..
Last but not least, the *lost and found basket* as my daughter calls it.
It has nail polish, Valentine's day decorations, VHS taps of Caillou that is waaaay too young for my kids now, a sweater made for a teddy bear, and more tucked underneath.. Where do I put all that stuff?? I need to find a home for them!
This is my mission for the weekend, to clear them all!! I do mean ALL!!
I'll be posting Monday morning the before and after pics! Wish me luck!
See ya!
My girl wanted to help me make supper tonight, what a sweetheart.
First she shaped the meatloaf to surprise her daddy..
Now comes the vegetable juice...
I have no clue why she is soaked!
She seems quite pleased with herself.. I don't blame her either!
Now comes the hard part..Making chili...
First we need tomato sauce...
Tomato paste...wow, talk about serious stuff!
Next step: measuring the spices...Oh boy...
Boy do I chuckle when I look at these pictures. She is priceless!
She made the meatloaf AND the chili! I am so proud of you Princess! Can't wait for you to cook ALL of our meals! ;)
First she shaped the meatloaf to surprise her daddy..
Now comes the vegetable juice...
I have no clue why she is soaked!
She seems quite pleased with herself.. I don't blame her either!
Now comes the hard part..Making chili...
First we need tomato sauce...
Tomato paste...wow, talk about serious stuff!
Next step: measuring the spices...Oh boy...
Boy do I chuckle when I look at these pictures. She is priceless!
She made the meatloaf AND the chili! I am so proud of you Princess! Can't wait for you to cook ALL of our meals! ;)
Yesterday was my baby's birthday. He turned 8. Not so much a baby anymore. I want to cry when he holds my hand because I know this time might be the last time he grabs my hand in public...
What my boy is looking at in the picture above is my favourite new toy pictured below
See that helicopter in the middle of the picture in between my BFF and the tv? Neat toy! I know what I want for Christmas now!
I think he liked his presents, I HOPE he did!
Note : the clothes in the backround were placed there on purpose to make it LOOK like I'm messy, 'cause if I didn't do that, I'd feel bad showing off my spotlessness like that. I don't want to make others feel uncomfortable you know..
I had to do the same thing with the bookshelf.
Again, this cake is me, totally organized woman that I am, not finding the candles so I had to improvise.. See that smile on his face? Or he's laughing at my candles or he's just plain happy that he has a cake and that we're all singing Happy Birthday! I think it's him being happy, I THINK.
The 2 men in my life playing withmy Monkey's helicopter. He got other remote control toys too, but this one was, to me, the best one ever.
I love my boy with all my heart. Ree once wrote in her blog that she doesn't think she'll ever let her baby go to college...I SO hear her!
P.S. I couldn't not put up a picture of my princess, she's my sweet older baby that has a heart of gold.
Did I ever mention that I am a lucky woman?
What my boy is looking at in the picture above is my favourite new toy pictured below
See that helicopter in the middle of the picture in between my BFF and the tv? Neat toy! I know what I want for Christmas now!
I think he liked his presents, I HOPE he did!
Note : the clothes in the backround were placed there on purpose to make it LOOK like I'm messy, 'cause if I didn't do that, I'd feel bad showing off my spotlessness like that. I don't want to make others feel uncomfortable you know..
I had to do the same thing with the bookshelf.
Again, this cake is me, totally organized woman that I am, not finding the candles so I had to improvise.. See that smile on his face? Or he's laughing at my candles or he's just plain happy that he has a cake and that we're all singing Happy Birthday! I think it's him being happy, I THINK.
The 2 men in my life playing with
I love my boy with all my heart. Ree once wrote in her blog that she doesn't think she'll ever let her baby go to college...I SO hear her!
P.S. I couldn't not put up a picture of my princess, she's my sweet older baby that has a heart of gold.
Did I ever mention that I am a lucky woman?
This trip with my brother is getting closer and closer now! 66 days! At the beginning, the thought of going that far and for so long (17 days) without my gang really stressed me..Now, although I know I will miss them a LOT, I will be so busy that I won't have time to dwell on it!
Friday and Saturday - Arusha @ Ujamaa Hostel
Sunday to Wednesday - Safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Wednesday and Thursday - Moshi @ the YMCA
Friday to Monday - Dar Es Salaam @ the YMCA (will be taking a day trip to Bagamoyo)
Monday night - Stone Town, Zanzibar @ the Jambo Guest House
Tuesday and Wednesday - Kendwa, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation)
Last but not least
Thursday and Friday - Jambiani, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation also)
This is our itinerary!
Friday and Saturday - Arusha @ Ujamaa Hostel
Sunday to Wednesday - Safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Wednesday and Thursday - Moshi @ the YMCA
Friday to Monday - Dar Es Salaam @ the YMCA (will be taking a day trip to Bagamoyo)
Monday night - Stone Town, Zanzibar @ the Jambo Guest House
Tuesday and Wednesday - Kendwa, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation)
Last but not least
Thursday and Friday - Jambiani, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation also)
CAN'T WAIT!!!!!
Wow! Talk about a long time since I posted! I had writers' block! I still kind of do but at least I can post some pictures of my favourite people taken the past month or so!
I guess I'll have to buy my girl another bathing suit, it seems like that green is all we'll be seeing during the summer!
I guess I'll have to buy my girl another bathing suit, it seems like that green is all we'll be seeing during the summer!
Last night I finished Breaking Dawn.
When people first started talking about the Twilight series, I thought to myself : Urgh, a vampire story. I do NOT like fantasy! I don't like witches and wizards, werewolves nor vampires! But after becoming a heeuuge Harry Potter fan, I figured I had to give Bella, Edward and Jacob a chance. I'm sure glad I did!
I found that book one didnt' have much going on in it but for some reason I could not put it down!
New Moon I LOVED.
Eclipse, well, I haven't read yet (I know, I know, but I reserved 3 and 4 at the library and 4 came in before 3 and I just couldn't help myself!) I still can't wait to read it though!
Breaking Dawn was, well, different I guess. I agree with plenty of people saying that it felt like fan-fiction. After reading tons of reviews, I realized that I'm not the only one who thought ''WT-? Renesmee? That's a name a 5 year old would choose for their favourite doll''.
Anyway, all in all, I really enjoyed reading this story. Anyone have another series for me to read? I LOVE series.
When people first started talking about the Twilight series, I thought to myself : Urgh, a vampire story. I do NOT like fantasy! I don't like witches and wizards, werewolves nor vampires! But after becoming a heeuuge Harry Potter fan, I figured I had to give Bella, Edward and Jacob a chance. I'm sure glad I did!
I found that book one didnt' have much going on in it but for some reason I could not put it down!
New Moon I LOVED.
Eclipse, well, I haven't read yet (I know, I know, but I reserved 3 and 4 at the library and 4 came in before 3 and I just couldn't help myself!) I still can't wait to read it though!
Breaking Dawn was, well, different I guess. I agree with plenty of people saying that it felt like fan-fiction. After reading tons of reviews, I realized that I'm not the only one who thought ''WT-? Renesmee? That's a name a 5 year old would choose for their favourite doll''.
Anyway, all in all, I really enjoyed reading this story. Anyone have another series for me to read? I LOVE series.
- Mood:
calm
My 2 favourite guys are exactly the same; Weird, quirky and wonderul creatures.
What's with making faces anyway? They KNOW I'll just keep on pestering them until I get the perfect pic!
This one is just plain creepy, thank GOODNESS I know this man, or I would stay away from him!
I clicked this one below before my man got too far ahead in his crooked eyes pose
But then they finally gave in
I think they kind of like each other...
What's with making faces anyway? They KNOW I'll just keep on pestering them until I get the perfect pic!
This one is just plain creepy, thank GOODNESS I know this man, or I would stay away from him!
I clicked this one below before my man got too far ahead in his crooked eyes pose
But then they finally gave in
I think they kind of like each other...
My daughter is the sweetest, smartest and funniest princess, ever!
The word "Royal" comes from the Middle English and was taken from the Old French but was derived from the Latin word "regalis" meaning "king".
Yep, the crown fits alright. That's my girl!
Not getting what you want can be pretty upsetting..
But she gets over it fast..
Man I love her!
We have our disagreements (title & rank) every now and then (daily), but she is the best daughter in the world and I wouldn't dream of having it any other way!
Monkey had his diving lessons today and...well, WOW! They were practicing on swinging the arms properly for their future front flips! Not only did he do THAT right, but he flipped like a champion! I am so impressed! I wanted to yell ''That's my son!!''
My daughter wasn't too keen on the idea of taking diving lessons when I first signed Monkey up (although she LOVES the pool). But now that's all she wants, she can't wait to start her lessons in the fall! I don't blame her! Even I want to take some now!
Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera with me so I have no pictures of today, but I will make sure I take good ones next week!
The feeling it gives me to see him build so much confidence in so little time is pretty amazing. Pride is not a strong enough word to describe it either.
My daughter wasn't too keen on the idea of taking diving lessons when I first signed Monkey up (although she LOVES the pool). But now that's all she wants, she can't wait to start her lessons in the fall! I don't blame her! Even I want to take some now!
Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera with me so I have no pictures of today, but I will make sure I take good ones next week!
The feeling it gives me to see him build so much confidence in so little time is pretty amazing. Pride is not a strong enough word to describe it either.
I just love these photos. This is a typical day around here. My life would be so empty without this...
I guess it can get pretty exausting doing cartwheels..
Sheesh, I'm getting exausted just looking at the pictures!
These are my absolute favourite pics..
Love my babies!
I took more pictures of Monkey at his diving lessons today, so I should be putting some up soon!
Later!
I guess it can get pretty exausting doing cartwheels..
Sheesh, I'm getting exausted just looking at the pictures!
These are my absolute favourite pics..
Love my babies!
I took more pictures of Monkey at his diving lessons today, so I should be putting some up soon!
Later!
Cameras...I used to like cameras, now I LOVE them! I've had a few in my life but until yesterday, I never thought I would fall in love with one. I wanted an SLR but didn't want to spend too much either. So 2 days ago, we bought this 2 year old model Olympus E-410. Nice camera, but only had a 4X zoom! I didn't think it would bother me much but when I got kicked out of the hockey net where my son was playing, I realised that I was getting too close to the action without even getting a good closeup, it really wasn't that great for me after all. So we changed for a *non* SLR, a Canon Powershot SX10 IS..WOW, the pictures I took!
It has manual settings too so I can play around with it if I feel like using my brain, or just go on automatic when I get lazy! When I finished the photo shoot, my eyes were stuck in that *wink* position and my hands were sooo soo stiff, I felt like I was about 80! . Did I tell you I LOVE my camera? lol
Here are some pics of my family I took yesterday with my new Canon baby..
My crazy kids...Monkey and Princess
The love of my life, getting home from work..
Man, he's sexy..
My other babies, Shep..
And Maple..
I wonder if I'll take another 350 pictures today like I did yesterday! (I am not exagerating either)
One last picture...My front garden! Spring is finally springing!
It has manual settings too so I can play around with it if I feel like using my brain, or just go on automatic when I get lazy! When I finished the photo shoot, my eyes were stuck in that *wink* position and my hands were sooo soo stiff, I felt like I was about 80! . Did I tell you I LOVE my camera? lol
Here are some pics of my family I took yesterday with my new Canon baby..
My crazy kids...Monkey and Princess
The love of my life, getting home from work..
Man, he's sexy..
My other babies, Shep..
And Maple..
I wonder if I'll take another 350 pictures today like I did yesterday! (I am not exagerating either)
One last picture...My front garden! Spring is finally springing!
Hi!
Today was such a fun day! My baby started his diving lessons today! First, when he saw all the people in and around that 50m pool, he was quite overwhelmed and wanted to just go back home, forget the diving and never set foot there again! But once we got to the end of the pool, we sat and waited for his coach to call out his name. By that time I think he was already starting to ignore whatever else was going on. His first jump was from the 3' board. Once his feet left that board and touched the water, he was hooked, addicted, and in looooove with diving. They then moved over to side of the pool to practice jumping the right way..My boy was listening to every single word his coach was saying. In almost no time, they were already up on the 10' board! Wow! No time for fear!!! Of course he was nervous while getting to the edge, but when he got there, he just focused on the instructions given to him then jumped in like a Champion!! When he climbed out of the pool, his face was glowing!
I am sooo proud of him and can't wait for next week's lesson!
Have to go now, getting ready to go see a high school play of Mamma Mia with my girl!!! It's our "girls' night out" tonight! Hope you all have a nice Saturday evening!
Pat
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Lately, there have been so many things going on I don't even know where to start...
Every time I want to post something, I freeze! So maybe by writing what is on my mind tonight, I will find it easier in the days to come...
What is on my mind now? (Not in any particular order)
A) Waiting for my ultrasound to check for cysts (had a ovarian cancer blood test done, all good, yay!)
B) My dad is going through chemo for his second surgery for lung cancer...hope he gets stronger fast! (he's my hero right up there with my son and Superman!! Go Dad!)
C) My son will be going for ECG and Echos next week (he is lookin' good though! that's a positive!) it's follow-up to his other surgeries..
D) Got a new car and LOOOOOVING it!!!!
E) Getting ready for Africa!!!! Need to get my vaccines done. I will start soon! Ghana, here I come!
F) Want to kick some guy's ass in Portugal for breaking my BFF's heart...
Be back tomorrow in a better mood! lol
'Later!
Every time I want to post something, I freeze! So maybe by writing what is on my mind tonight, I will find it easier in the days to come...
What is on my mind now? (Not in any particular order)
A) Waiting for my ultrasound to check for cysts (had a ovarian cancer blood test done, all good, yay!)
B) My dad is going through chemo for his second surgery for lung cancer...hope he gets stronger fast! (he's my hero right up there with my son and Superman!! Go Dad!)
C) My son will be going for ECG and Echos next week (he is lookin' good though! that's a positive!) it's follow-up to his other surgeries..
D) Got a new car and LOOOOOVING it!!!!
E) Getting ready for Africa!!!! Need to get my vaccines done. I will start soon! Ghana, here I come!
F) Want to kick some guy's ass in Portugal for breaking my BFF's heart...
Be back tomorrow in a better mood! lol
'Later!
You know how every time you wash clothes you end up with socks that have lost their match somewhere in between the washing and folding?
What about tupperware covers???? I don't get it! I really just don't get it...Is there a lid magnet somewhere in there? Every single time I do a load of dishes, it ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS comes up short of a lid...Is it just me??
What about tupperware covers???? I don't get it! I really just don't get it...Is there a lid magnet somewhere in there? Every single time I do a load of dishes, it ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS comes up short of a lid...Is it just me??
Kids can say the nicest things...
Last night, while keeping an eye on Monkey in the shower, making sure he gets all clean and shiny, I was telling him (AGAIN) to make sure he kept the rubber mat IN the tub (not thrown on the floor beside the tub) and to NOT climb on the side either!..So that got us talking about the operation I got when I was almost 10...I fell off my bike and ended up in the hospital with a fractured skull, internal hemhorrage, and a blood clot...So we talked about that and the fact that I had been lucky to be alive still (since it took 2 DAYS for the hospital to do a scan! : that part I didnt talk about though, that's for another time)
Now this was NOT a depressing conversation by the way, we were discussing how important it is to do whatever you can to prevent getting hurt.
So when we got to the part that I had been lucky, he just said to me *I'm glad you didn't die mommy, I would be sad...I like you a lot as my mommy*..
It melted my heart..and broke it too...That is the nicest thing he could have said to me! I wanted to cry. What a sweetheart...It came from the heart, which is why it made me feel happy but sad at the same time..
What a kid!
Last night, while keeping an eye on Monkey in the shower, making sure he gets all clean and shiny, I was telling him (AGAIN) to make sure he kept the rubber mat IN the tub (not thrown on the floor beside the tub) and to NOT climb on the side either!..So that got us talking about the operation I got when I was almost 10...I fell off my bike and ended up in the hospital with a fractured skull, internal hemhorrage, and a blood clot...So we talked about that and the fact that I had been lucky to be alive still (since it took 2 DAYS for the hospital to do a scan! : that part I didnt talk about though, that's for another time)
Now this was NOT a depressing conversation by the way, we were discussing how important it is to do whatever you can to prevent getting hurt.
So when we got to the part that I had been lucky, he just said to me *I'm glad you didn't die mommy, I would be sad...I like you a lot as my mommy*..
It melted my heart..and broke it too...That is the nicest thing he could have said to me! I wanted to cry. What a sweetheart...It came from the heart, which is why it made me feel happy but sad at the same time..
What a kid!
Okay, so here is a better question...If you had one place to go on vacation, ONE, where would it be and why? Snow? Skiing? Beach? Mountains?
After many hours of changing things around, I finally changed my theme and with that, I was able to add stuff to the sidebar...Guess I should have tried that sooner! lol
AFRICA!!!
I am so excited to go to Africa next winter! I know it's far ahead, but it takes moula AND planning! I am going with my brother to volunteer for 2 weeks! My first pick is Tanzania, then Kenya and Ghana. From what I read in travelers' blogs, is that Ghana is the best place for your first trip to Africa. What do you think?
We would like to volunteer or in an orphanage, building or farming, etc. More general I guess..Teaching isn't our forte. Of course, we will be travelling on a budget so looking for a place that charges less that 1k is pretty challenging. I found only 2 hostels that actually find a place for you once you get there..That is Hostel Hoff and Ujamaa Hostel (Which I have already contacted, and both in Arusha, Tanzania). I am looking for some in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar that do the same. I have found an agency (or organization) that has reasonable prices; Art in Tanzania. I will email them for more info.
Well, off to do some cleaning, grocery shopping, refereeing, etc..
Later!
Before I go, I have a question for you : Which country in Africa would you visit first? And why?
AFRICA!!!
I am so excited to go to Africa next winter! I know it's far ahead, but it takes moula AND planning! I am going with my brother to volunteer for 2 weeks! My first pick is Tanzania, then Kenya and Ghana. From what I read in travelers' blogs, is that Ghana is the best place for your first trip to Africa. What do you think?
We would like to volunteer or in an orphanage, building or farming, etc. More general I guess..Teaching isn't our forte. Of course, we will be travelling on a budget so looking for a place that charges less that 1k is pretty challenging. I found only 2 hostels that actually find a place for you once you get there..That is Hostel Hoff and Ujamaa Hostel (Which I have already contacted, and both in Arusha, Tanzania). I am looking for some in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar that do the same. I have found an agency (or organization) that has reasonable prices; Art in Tanzania. I will email them for more info.
Well, off to do some cleaning, grocery shopping, refereeing, etc..
Later!
Before I go, I have a question for you : Which country in Africa would you visit first? And why?
- Mood:
hungry
I am sooo frustrated right now, I want to add FEEDJIT to my blog..It says to copy the link then add it to the sidebar...Sidebar??? I have been trying to get in there but I haven't made it yet...If anyone reading this knows what I am doing wrong, PLEASE tell me how..I am reading FAQs and such but it just isn't working...
