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9月29日

Birthday Party Fun

Ok, now that I got all that negative crap out, I can move on to Birthday Party Fun. This year, since my mom moved to a new house without a pool, we did not have the huge birthday party.

Instead, we opted for two small parties, one for each kid. Daniel's party was first. We had homemade pizza, and I baked the cake. Matt got to decorate his brother's cake. We used an army theme. It was great. Dan had two of his friends sleep over. In the morning, we had pancakes. The boys had tons of fun just hanging out, watching tv, playing video games, eating junk food.

At Matt's party, he had 2 friends over, but only one could sleep over. We had my famous Pasta Bake. It's basically rigatoni with meatballs, sauce and lots of cheese. Dan got to decorate Matt's cake, which was a Pirate theme.

It was really nice having a small inexpensive party for a change. SO, here are the pictures from that.

Stay tuned for details about the next BIG PIG OUT > > > >

THANKSGIVING!

And that's the view from here.

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9月28日

Disappointments-Installment 2

Ok, going back to the summer, the 2nd disappointment had to do with the whole graduation committee thing that I signed up for at the kid's school. I had wanted to be a hero for my kid and make sure that he would be treated like everyone else, and have the opportunity to travel across a stage to get his diploma. I had attended as many of the meetings as I could, but, in the end it was a huge disappointment for me.

At one of the meetings that I did attend, the committee decided to accept the donation of a professionally decorated cake, made by Dan's grandmother. (Value of about $70), and as well, they accepted the donation of a quilt (handmade) to be auctioned off. The money to be raised would have been used for decorations, supplies and food.

Well, I missed a few meetings because of the weather. (Some meetings were held in the winter) and a missed a few because of other scheduling problems. But, I did go to one of the end meetings, when I discovered much to my extreme disappointment that things had changed, plans have been made etc. etc.

Now, I'm not a die-hard, by the rules kind of person, but, I do know how to conduct a committee/meeting in a professional manner. Decisions were made at someone's house after a dinner party. Minutes of the meetings were never published so that all parents could read them. (NB. please note, I was not the only parent that was upset about things) We were told that "we see people on the street, we should ask our friends or call) Now that works, if you are "IN" the clique. If you are an outsider, like myself, no one gives you the time of day. (editors note: with the exception of a slight few, and SNOWBALL is at the top of my list) Cake-no longer needed, ramp for wheelchairs, not physically safe so not required, quilt for auction, no longer need to raise money.

SO, the night I wrote the blog, "WOW" June 12, was the night that I came home from that meeting. One of the other parents was really irate, and it was kinda funny because the chairperson was like, "oh, I'm really disappointed in the number of parents involved. No one could come to the meetings, but, then everyone complains about the decisions made." The funny part was that I found some in the group to be unwelcome, cliquey, snobby, pretentious. (Don't believe in DIY -Do It Yourself. It's buy buy buy money money money) I left knowing what the words, "Desperate Housewives" really meant. I left fuming mad that day, but, now I've come to humming that old song from the 60's, Harper Valley PTA.

I want to tell you all a story 'bout a Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well her daughter came home one afternoon and didn't even stop to play
She said, "Mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley P.T.A."
The note said, "Mrs. Johnson, you're wearing your dresses way too high
It's reported you've been drinking and a-runnin' 'round with men and going wild
And we don't believe you ought to be bringing up your little girl this way"
It was signed by the secretary, Harper Valley P.T.A.
Well, it happened that the P.T.A. was gonna meet that very afternoon
They were sure surprised when Mrs. Johnson wore her mini-skirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard, I still recall the words she had to say
She said, "I'd like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley P.T.A."
Well, there's Bobby Taylor sittin' there and seven times he's asked me for a date
Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lot of ice whenever he's away
And Mr. Baker, can you tell us why your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn't widow Jones be told to keep her window shades all pulled completely down?
Well, Mr. Harper couldn't be here 'cause he stayed too long at Kelly's Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson's breath, you'll find she's had a little nip of gin
Then you have the nerve to tell me you think that as a mother I'm not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place and you're all Harper Valley hypocrites
No I wouldn't put you on because it really did, it happened just this way
The day my Mama socked it to the Harper Valley P.T.A.
The day my Mama socked it to the Harper Valley P.T.A.

History of the Song

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• "Harper Valley PTA" is a country music song written by Tom T. Hall. It was a major hit single for country songstress Jeannie C. Riley in 1968, and crossed over to the pop charts as well, eventually selling over six million copies as a single.
The song tells the story of a junior high student who is sent home with a note to her single mother from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the school decrying her scandalous behavior by small-town standards. The mother decides to speak to a meeting of the PTA where she addresses various episodes of misbehavior on the part of several of its members, concluding, "This is just a little Peyton Place / And you're all Harper Valley hypocrites."
In an interview, Hall admitted his inspiration for the song was passing by the Harpeth Valley Elementary School in Bellevue, Tennessee, not far from his then-home in Franklin. He liked the sound of the name and decided to write a song using a similar place name.
The song was later the inspiration for a 1978 motion picture and a 1981 television series, both starring Barbara Eden, playing the heroine of the song, Stella Johnson.

Ok, so back to the graduation. All during the planning of this event, I didn't even know if we would even be going. We did not have our van on the road, and we don't have any extra money in our budget. So, I was so disappointed about everything. BUT, a few concerned people got together and we were able to go because someone fit the bill to transport the boys. It was great for those people to help us out. Thanks, we really appreciated that.

********

BUT, by the time we got there, I was really pissed off again. They all knew that Matt was coming and he would be in a wheelchair. I had thought that they had a special spot for us picked out. I was wrong and that really upset me. (WHY on God's earth do I ever think that ALL people should treat us specially???) Once we were seated, everything was fine. (or So I thought)

There were like 70 kids graduating. The girls won more awards then the boys. I had no expectation that Dan would win anything. Some of the kids graduating were from the "Active Learning" class. These children have mental and physical challenges. All of these children received an award, a recognition made up by their teacher. Two special kids, Dan & Ben did not get anything. It was a HUGE disappointment to both of them. So, not only could they not cross the stage to get their diplomas, but they were left out of the "SPECIAL" category. Dan said this, "I work just as hard as everybody else does", and he burst into tears. (WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!)

Technorati Tags: Class of 2007 ! SUPERSTARS!

Some recognition for Dan would have been really nice. After all, he did have several huge challenges in public school. He broke his first leg in grade 3, stopped walking, got his first wheelchair, got his 2nd wheelchair, fell out of his wheelchair breaking his leg, getting his new wheelchair that reclines and breaking his leg #3 same leg again, getting stuck in the mud.

Now there were several moms who did express their concern about how I was feeling, and really wanted to express that they worked really hard to make the decorations/atmosphere great for the party afterward. And they were very successful in making an old stinky gymnasium into a Classic French Bistro by the Eiffel Tower. I refuse to use the words, and I quote, "A NIGHT IN PARIS" And in the end, although I have learned a few lessons: don't get involved, continue to be the person on the outside looking in -it's not worth disappointment, the event was very nice for Daniel. Included with this blog are some pictures of my handsome guys.

Now that Dan is in high school, I feel like I need to wear a t-shirt, "I know, I look too young to have a kid in high school" LOL

So, to any of you blogger buddies out there that still read . . . . . .

. . . . . . that's the view from here

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9月25日

Disappointment re: VAN

Back a few months ago in June, I wrote a blog about being really disappointed about something, but, I didn't say what it was.

SO, I thought I would finish that blog. I wrote it when I was really upset about a wheelchair van for our boys.

I had spent hours and hours putting together 28 pages of different applications to help fund a new van. I had to do an application for each of the boys. We had a van on hold for us that we were gonna get for a steal. It had only 32,000 km and was a 2006 GMC for $20,000. Our community had raised $10,000 for us. In order to get a new wheelchair lift and chair straps we were apply to Easter Seals to pay for that at a cost of $6,000. And the cost to convert the van to hold two wheelchairs was an additional $15,000. The March of Dimes was to cover the cost of raising the roof, installing the chair straps. And we had applied to President's Choice Children's Charity for the rest of the $10,000 and taxes for the van, about $16,000.

Well, the end result of ALL that work was that everyone said yes they could help us, except for President's Choice because we had gotten some money for the van we got now, but only under Daniel's name. I thought they would have given us money under Matthew's name. They didn't exactly say no. They said they could not help us until 5 years had past since they helped us last, and that would be in May 2008.

So, in the meantime, we got the Optimists club to fix our old van at a cost of $1,500, and to change it over to fit both of the boys wheelchair. The change over will take place mid-October. So, we will have family transportation for the winter, then we will get the new van and sell the old van. At the time, I was really disappointed that we would not get a new van. We have not been out as a family anywhere in so long. Anyway, we have no money at all for anything extra AT ALL right now and my other half has been looking for a night shift job for a while because we can't make ends meet.

The END.

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9月20日

Walk A Mile in My Shoes

This is a very interesting event that took place near where I live.

THE CITY: A (disabled) man with a message

Ian Gillespie
Sun Media

September 14, 2007

SEPT. 15: I put the question to Bill Hiltz: "What do most people do when they see you?"

IAN GILLESPIE

PURPOSE: Bill Hiltz, left, gets a hug from his caregiver Joyce Balaz. Hiltz, who deals with the special challenges of cerebral palsy every day, is inviting the public to Walk a Mile in His Shoe, a special fundraising walk where participants will experience how a simple walk in the park can be challenging when facing special barriers. It's being held Sept. 15 in Victoria Park from noon until 2 p.m. (SUSAN BRADNAM/Sun Media)

In response, Hiltz moves his half-clenched right hand over the letters and symbols arranged in a plastic-covered notebook on the table in front of him. It's a ponderous process for Hiltz, whose body is bent by cerebral palsy.

Largely deaf and blind, the 29-year-old Hiltz relies on his communication board -- and the help of his main caregiver, Joyce Balaz -- to convey his thoughts.

Slowly, his hand lands on a sequence of five letters: S . . . T . . . A . . . R . . . E.

Stare. Balaz repeats the word and asks Hiltz if that's the word he wants to use.

Hiltz's head slowly drops onto another plastic-covered sheet displaying the words "Yes" and "No."

Yes.

Hiltz seems drained by the process. So I decide to make my next question answerable by a simple "yes" or "no" response: "Do you like it when people stare?"

Hiltz's hand hits the space between "Yes" and "No."

Maybe?

Even Balaz seems unsure what Hiltz means. So she asks him to explain his answer.

Again, the process is painfully slow. But with some persistent prodding from Balaz, Hiltz points out his answer: "It lets people see you act normal around him."

Balaz is puzzled. Then she understands: Hiltz is trying to say he doesn't mind when people stare at him in public, because then they see Balaz acting normal with him.

Balaz laughs. She wasn't expecting that.

But Hiltz's answer, in many ways, encapsulates the message he wants to convey with his fundraiser Sept. 15. First, we routinely underestimate people with disabilities and are often surprised by what they can achieve.

And second, disabled people such as Hiltz wish the able-bodied population would see them, first and foremost, as people.

"The thing about Bill is that he's not angry about his lot in life," says Balaz, who has cared for Hiltz in her home for about 11 years. "He really thinks he's got a purpose."

To publicize that purpose, Hiltz and Balaz have organized a walkathon. The fundraiser, which starts at noon Sept. 15 in Victoria Park, is called Walk A Mile In My Shoe. (Proceeds from the walkathon will go to Reach for the Rainbow, a registered Ontario charity that provides recreational opportunities to disabled children and young adults.)

In a bid to help people understand what it's like to be disabled, participants will be randomly assigned a "disability" during the one-mile trek. To simulate vision impairment, for example, participants will be asked to wear blackened safety goggles that permit only partial visibility. Others may be asked to wear ear plugs, or sit in a wheelchair or have their knees bound together -- all in an attempt to approximate a specific disability.

"We want to give people an idea of what it's like (to have a disability), because then they might just be a little more accepting when they see this in the community," says Balaz, who met Hiltz when she worked as his educational assistant at a high school in Flesherton. "If people can experience it, perhaps change will come faster."

Balaz acknowledges there have been great strides in accommodating the needs of the disabled. But she says there's still a way to go, particularly in terms of attitudes.

"I think it's fear of the unknown," says Balaz. "Many (disabled people) have been secluded and segregated and people haven't had to interact with the disabled, so they're ill at ease."

As part of his efforts to lobby for change, Hiltz has prepared submissions, presented briefs and attended forums with various agencies, including the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

And Sept. 15, he plans to be at the head of the line of walkers.

"He believes he's got something to teach people and that is that we're all here, we're all together and we've got to live together," says Balaz. "So he does his best to make sure people get to know him."

--- --- ---

IF YOU GO

The Walk a Mile in My Shoe fundraiser takes place Sept. 15 at Victoria Park from noon to 2 p.m.; registration begins at 10:15 a.m. For details, visit www.inmyshoe.ca (see link).

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9月16日

Will It Work?

Ok, so, I've just downloaded this "Windows Live Writer", and I really hope it works. I have really missed out on blogging ever since I have not been able to find the time, and to get my computer to work properly. After we switched from MSN Sympatico to Rogers because of the cost, I was unable to upload any photos!

I asked for help from MSN, but what a joke. They sent me a list of 14 different things I had to do. It was very technical and very hard to understand. I think I did everything right, and it still didn't work. SO, I am going to try to insert a photo below:

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The Real Canadian Superstore

OK, most people I know really like shopping at the Real Canadian Superstore.

Ok, but, really what's Canadian about it?

Strawberries from Mexico in winter is fine, but, do we really need to eat them when the local ones are ready?

They don't sell very much local produce, and that bugs me! I can't even purchase Ontario grown peanuts in their bulk section, they come from Virgina.

AND, now for their clothing section. First, their sizes are very small. There prices are cheap, because they are cheap clothing. (Nothing there that Clinton and Stacey would approve of) There is not one item that is made in Canada, not a single thing, and nothing made in USA. It all comes from China, or Bangledish? I can't even spell where they come from! Oh, and need I remind you that China is a comunist country with repressed basic human rights. (Pray you aren't a girl born in China!)

So, does Lablaws have any right to claim the name, the Real Canadian" Superstore. Being Canadian means a lot more then selling Maple Syrup and Backbacon.

And that's the view from here!

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6月12日

WOW

I have not updated my blog in months! I have been busy accomplishing NOTHING.

I have just recently experienced a bunch of minor disappointments. Singularly, they are easy to handle, but, cumulatively, it gets me down. I have a difficult life, and no matter what I do, that will never change.

People really don't care much in the end. That is what I have learned. It is very rare to find a few people who care enought to attempt to understand.

At this time, I will not go in to details about why I am upset. But, as usual, things around my life are difficult. Work is actually quite fine. It's just every project I have gotten myself into has turned out not to be what I expected. So, in other words, I am feeling the depression brought on by lots of smaller disappointments, and small battles that I have fought and ones that I am yet to fight.

The view from here is that it does not matter what you do in certain situations. Some things you can not change. Some things you can.

God help me to find the wisdom . . .

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3月19日

I've Eaten Everything!

Well, my weekend has been spent celebrating my birthday with FOOD. I know, BOOZE would have been much better! It all started Friday night at the all you can eat Chinese Buffet, followed by Pizza & Wings Saturday for dinner, and Sunday, I finished up with a huge Roast Turkey, all the fixings, and for dessert Raspberry Pie with Vanilla Ice-cream.
So, as you can tell, we do alot of large meals. Food is fun for us since we can't do much with two boys in wheelchairs in the winter, and with no wheelchair van to boot!
We hope to go out for more walks in the summer with our dog, who, incidentally is 10 lbs overweight!
I got a gift card for a clothing store for my birthday gift. I will hold on to it for several months. IF I am determined, I should be able to purchase a smaller size!

I am trying to drink more water and walk 20-30 minutes per day at lunch. Lunch is typically boring for me. If I go out at lunch I usually end up spending money, and I am trying to save money!!!

In other news, we no longer have the 2nd dog that was GIVEN to us by a lady at work. Well, if I've learned anything, it's don't buy a car or take a dog from someone you know. THe old owners would not leave us alone. She was always bugging me about the dog and visiting it. So we told them they couldn't see him and they got mad at us, so, we asked them if they wanted him back and they said yes. So after having the dog for 1 month and 2 days, and properly training it, Lucky went back home to NO RULES, TABLE FOOD, bordum. We were happy that he has gone home. Now we won't be bugged to death by the previous owners, Lucky was a very high maintenance dog, and we were told he was a yellow labradore, but in fact, he was a Labradoodle, crossed with a POODLE! We really wanted a pure bred like Charlie.

SO, some people think we should send the old family a standard kennel boarding and training fee, plus the $24.99 I spent on a baby gate, and $30 to replace the carpet that the dog chewed up! But, I'm TOO nice. What do you think?

That's the view from here. . . . .

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2月13日

Finally The Long Awaited UPDATE !

Blog Update!

Finally! I have decided to update you on my life! It has been such a busy year so far. But, I will update you on the comings & goings since my return to the workforce.

On August 20^th, I returned to my job full-time after a two year absence. I must admit that I do miss my casual “nap in the afternoons” non-working life. When you work full-time, you really are tied down, and no longer “fancy-free”!

My life is now structured again. Leave the house by 8:00 am, return by 5:15, dinner, American Idol at 8! BUT, I have added one important activity –exercise! Along with our house being done up nice, we also got a membership to the YMCA. So, every Wednesday I have been going to deep water Aqua-fitness, and I love it. I am starting to tone up and lose some pounds! There is also a gym, but, I’m not really into the gym. It’s boring! I like to be around other people.

I really do miss reading about my cyber friends, so I hope to spend some quality time doing that this weekend. Christmas was a rush as usual. We had some major financial difficulties to deal with. The problems we had did not get cleared up until January 19^th! We have now successfully re-newed our mortgage & consolidated 95% of our bills. AND, we redid our life insurance with a policy that will have us storing money away for the future. Next we have to do our wills (that sucks).

My oldest son was home from school early in December and did not go back until recently. He had an unfortunate incident at school where in he got stuck in the mud with his wheelchair and was thrown forward. (His arms & upper body went forward violently towards his feet, like he was being bent in half) He really hurt his back and hip muscles, but the real damage was done to his self-esteem, in that he had post-traumatic stress syndrome and extreme anxiety due to his past injuries. He was so terrified that he broke another bone that he, even to this day, has difficulty performing regular stuff like transferring from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to commode. We have finally got some help for him with his anxiety, he is seeing a psychomotrist. (Someone almost like a psychiatrist)

At Christmas, we had some unexpected guests, my in-laws from out west. My sister-in-law and her on again off again boyfriend were having their usual troubles. She left him for a week, and went back to him at Christmas. Then, they moved back here to Ontario about an hour from where we live, and they still are having problems. But, I think they got the message that we have enough to deal with and that we don’t want to be involved in all their spats. IF you want to be together, then be together. If you don’t want to put up with the drinking, fighting, yelling and screaming while raising two very small children, then grow up and leave. There is not anything that anyone can do for this couple. They need to do it on their own.

From Thanksgiving until just last week, we have had my father with us. He moved here from Beautiful British Columbia in his Motor Home. (we aren’t allowed to call it an RV or a “Trailer”) His brother drove my Dad’s van for him. So, we have had his huge motorhome in our driveway, then our Wheelchair van, then our new car we got, a Ford Escort Station Wagon we bought in November. My Dad’s Van sat in the front of our house for sale, and he bought our old car from us. So, needless to say, our property looked like a car lot! It was nice to have time to spend with my father since we had not lived together since I was about 3. He ate about ½ of his meals with us. He is retired, but, quickly found a job as a delivery driver. He was getting tired of that, and was lucky enough to find a job as a travelling salesman selling “Vita Mixers”. Vita Mixers are these heavy duty blenders for making all-natural fruit & veggie smoothies. They sell for about $600! He will be doing demonstrations of them all across Canada at Lifestyle shows, big fairs, like the CNE, and at all of the CostCo’s. He is in Ottawa this week, and then off West to Grand Prairie & Calgery Alberta!. We won’t see him until the spring.

My husband is now a stay-at-home husband & father. He doesn’t really like it, as it does get boring for him. But, someone needs to be home to take care of the boys before & after school, on sick days, on days when there is no school. And, someone needs to take care of our pets. We have just acquired a new puppie to go with our Yellow Labradore, Charlie. Charlie is five years old, and a very lovable, obeident dog. A friend at work had to give away their dog because no one was looking after him. So, we got Lucky on Saturday. He is adorable 14 month old Labradoodle, cross between a Lab & a Poodle. He is about 75% Lab and 25% Poodle. The poodle part makes him bark more then a 100% Lab. The kids really like him, and the two dogs get along well. There is plenty of room to roam on the acre we own. We are going to make a kennel for them for the summer time.

February & March will be very busy months. My mom is moving so we will be helping her to paint and redecorate her house, and then, of course helping her to move all of their stuff. She is moving close to us, only 1 mile away. However, I am really going to miss her old house. It had a pool and the new house does not.

So, that is all for now! I have really, really, really missed you all. I will be spending the next week reading your blogs and updating myself with your lives. Take Care,

LuvLee

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12月5日

More . . . In Due Time!

Hi everyone!

I hope all is well! As you can see, I have finally found some time to update my site. I will be adding a nice big blog by the weekend, so, check back then!

LUVLEE

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9月19日

It's Still BROKEN!

Well hello all!

Just a quick little note to say that I miss you all, and that my computer is still sick!

I hope you are all well, and I hope to do some serious blogwalking soon!

Not much is new around here, I am enjoying the job, and the work on the house. I still have to post more pictures! (DOn't worry folks, I'll get to it soon)

Dan & Matt are having a really excellent year so far at school. They both have male teachers and new E.A.'s, and Matt's attitude has done an amazing 360 degree turn! (We are very happy about that)

Any way, Happy Days to all who visit,

THE SUNSET VERANDA!

LUVLEESUNSHINE

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8月31日

How are you all????

Hello Everyone!

I guess you have been all wondering where I have wondered to!

Well, I 've been right here all along, but, things are going tickity-boo, except that our computer has an extreamly nasty virus on it and that is why I have been away for so long!

I don't have the money to fix it right now. I am also back to work full-time now, and soooooon, the kids will be back in school.

SO, to all my friends, I miss you and can't wait to catch up on your lives!

Take Care,

LuvLeeSunshine:)

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8月14日

Just for Fun?

1. What time did you get up this morning?

6:58am -2 minutes before the alarm clock went off

2. Diamonds or pearls?

Both

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

I think it was Wallace & Grommet about 1 1/2 years ago

4. What are your favorite TV Shows?
CSI Miami, Hell's Kitchen, Desperate Housewives, Crossing Jordan, Invasion

5. What did you have for breakfast?

Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with cream cheese while driving

6. What is your middle name?

   Why it's MARIE, of course!!!!!!!!!

7. What is your favorite food?

   chocolate

8. What foods do you dislike?

    okra, eggplant, tofu, wild game

9. What is your favorite Potato chip?

    Regular Lays or BBQ Pringles

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment?

    Michael McDonald, and Blue Rodeo both Greatest Hits albums

11. What kind of car do you drive?

    A huge pain in the ass of an old piece of shit 1995 Ford Contour that has problems with the ignition, and driver's door will not open and also another old piece of shit 1993 FOrd useless wheelchair van.

12. What is your favorite sandwich?

         The Tim Horton's turkey bacon club!!!!!!!!!

13. What characteristics do you despise?

    Impatience, people that are in bad moods and take it out on you (I don't know what characteristic that is!) People who get pissed off at you because they don't want to do their jobs!!

14. Favorite item of clothing?

   That's easy: my overalls

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation?

    Hawaii or Jamaica

16. What color is your bathroom?

    Unfinished drywall really isn't a colour, is it?

17. Favorite brand of clothing?

     Cotton Jenny

18. Where would you want to retire to?

    I don't know, too far away!  But, Ron and I always thought a little north to the port of Goderich.

19. Favorite time of day?

   Don't think I have one, but, driving to work is nice in the mornings, but only if the music on the radio is good. And, I like Sunset, hence, my blog site, Sunset Veranda.

20. Where were you born?

    Barrie, Ontario

21. Favorite sport to watch?

     I like to watch diving, swimming, car racing, and any wheelchair sport.

22. Who do you least expect to send this back?

    I don't know, maybe Pepper.

23. Person you expect to send it back first
    My sister.

24. What type of detergent do you use?
     The brand that Price Chopper's sell, called, Xtra. It's cheap ($2.95 and it works)


25. Coke or Pepsi?

    Used to be Coke, but now it's Pepsi .

26. Are you a morning person or night owl?

    morning

27. Any pets?

           Yes! 1 dog named Charlie, 1 cat named Bageara and 6 pond fish named 3 Orange named Harley, Marley, Barley and 2 white ones named Boris and Morris and one white and orange one called M.C. (which stands for Marble Cheese, 'cause that's what he looks like, but, I really like to call him Murmel Murmel after the children's book by Robert Munich)

28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everybody?
I started back to work on July 24 at 4 hours a day with a gradual 1 hour/week increase, and will be full time on Aug 20. It's going better then what I had expected. (but not that exciting)

29. What did you want to be when you were little?

A Veterinarian

30. Favorite Candy Bar?

Mars bar

31. Coffee or tea?

    both depending on the mood/time of day

32. What is your best childhood memory?

    not sure, but, I do remember great all-girl sleepovers and chasing boys

33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life?

    Babysitter, lifeguard/swim instructor, Factory worker, Sales person, receptionist, accounts rec/payables, data entry, medical file clerk and now Information Services Representative (girl Friday!)

34. Red or Black

both

35. Nicknames?
My preferred nickname:

Lee (don't ever call me "lease" 'cause I'm not for rent unless your really cute and have a lot of money to spend on me!)

My other nicknames: Lyza-Jane, Hollywood (don't know why)Leeesssaaaa, and Momma-loser (a joke, it's my redneck name, IF I WAS A REDNECK)

My Childhood nicknames: Ears Milos, Daddy Long Legs, Long-Haired Lumpy Giggler

37. Eye color?

    shit brindle brown

38. Ever been to Africa?

    No

39. Ever been toilet papered?

    No

40. Love someone so much it made you cry?

    I guess

41. Been in a car accident?

    not really, but I've been hit by behind 'cause the guy behind me was reading the newspaper at a red light and tapped the gas

42. Croutons or bacon bits?

     both

43. Favorite day of the week?

    None

44. Favorite restaurant?

    The Keg

45. Favorite ice cream?

    Chocolate Dip at DQ

47. Disney or Warner Brothers?

    Disney

48. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Wendy's

49. What color is your bedroom carpet?

beige (and it's BRAND NEW !!!!)

50. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

    Once, But, I knew I wasn't going to get it, but, they made me try it anyway. I couldn't f***ing parallel park!

51. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail?

    Ron

52. Which store would you choose to max out your credit

    Don't have credit cards

53. What do you do most often when you are bored?

    Usually lay down and think about shit, then usually fall asleep

54. Who are you most curious about their responses to this
questionnaire?

    Don't know

55. Last person you went to dinner with?

I guess it would have been Ron

56. Ford or Chevy?

    Ford

57. What is your favorite photograph?

    When Dan met his brother Matt for the first time. I took the photo myself from my hospital bed.

58. What person have you learned the most about life from?

    Not sure, but, I guess my Mom

59. How many tattoos do you have?

    None yet, not sure what to get, maybe my Pieces sign

60. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Chicken

61 How many people are you sending this Email to?

'bout 10, and I'll post it on my blog site at www.youngclan.spaces.live.com

62. Time you finished this e-mail?

9:50 pm

63. What is your favorite color?

Orange

64. Were you named after anyone?

Not really, but, I've heard my sister named me after a kid in her kindergarten class.

65. Do you wish on stars?

    Yes, and I've had some of my wishes come true.

66. When did you last cry?

    Oh, a little last week, upset about more Canadian Soldiers dying.

67. Do you like your handwriting?

    yes

68. What is your birth date?

    March 16 26th, 1969

69. If you were another person, would you be

friends with you?

no, I'm not very interesting

70. Do you have a journal?

    yes

71. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

    Yeah, you got a problem with that?

72. Would you bungee jump?

    Maybe for lots of money, but, I think I'd hurt my back even more

73. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

NEVER

74. Red or pink?

    Pink

75. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

    Eyes, Forearms, legs. (actually, I checked out a guy today walking in the parking lot, had really sexy hard calves, but, he lost out, 'cause he was wearing FLIP-FLOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

76. Favorite Drink?

    Red Grapefruit Juice, Ice Cold

77. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings

78. Summer or winter?

summer

79. Hugs or kisses?

hugs

I'm adding this one K? 79 is a strange one to end at!

80. Favourite Reality TV show?

I really liked American Idol this year, but, Canadian Idol sucked BIG TIME!!! The Martha Stewart one wasn't too bad either.

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8月12日

Pictures

Hello. I finally got the pictures of the boys meeting their idol, Joe Thorton at their birthday party. And also pictures of us at the birthday party doing our Drum Circle. It was a lot of fun.

Today, I scared the boys real bad! I went shopping and came home with an unforgivable item:

SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

YUP, it's getting on to be that time again! So sad too bad.

I am slowly getting used to this new format. I am still having trouble getting into a few sites though. Part of the problem was that I kept getting some damn pop-ups! I think I finally got rid of them.

So, not much new is on this end. The job is going very well. Better then what I expected actually, and things at home are pretty good, although there was some bit of a rough patch with some people around here being in a really bad mood, but, good things are going on around here, still! So, enjoy the new pics I will be posting today!

LuvLee

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8月6日

True or False

Hello: I copied this from a fellow blogger: http://bbsbabydoll.spaces.live.com/

True or False

1. I am a morning person: TRUE

2. I am a cuddler: TRUE-BUT ONLY WITH MY FAMILY

3. I am an only child: FALSE (But I felt like one, my siblings were both out of the house by the time I was 13.)

4. I am currently in my p.j.'s: FALSE (I'm in my bathing suit & shorts)

5. I am left handed: FALSE

6. I am shy at first around the opposite sex gender: FALSE

7. I bite my nails: FALSE

8. I don't like anyone: FALSE

9. I enjoy jazz music: FALSE

10. I have a car: TRUE

11. I have a cell phone: FALSE (But, I would like to get one soon)

12. I have a hidden talent: TRUE

13. I have a pet: TRUE (dog, Charlie, Cat Bageria, 6 pond goldfish: Harly, Marly, Barly, Boris & Morris and MC which stands for Marble Cheese, but, I like to call him Murmle Murmle.

14. I have been to another country: TRUE

15. I have been to a different continent: FALSE

16. I have been told that I am smart: TRUE

17. I have had a broken bone: FALSE

18. I have bathed someone: TRUE -do it all the time for the boys

19. I have changed a diaper: TRUE (I have changed many)

20. I have changed a lot over the past year: TRUE

21. I have done something illegal: TRUE (Accidently walked out of a store with a roll of tape)

22. I have friends who have never seen my natural hair colour: False

23. I have had minor/major surgery: True

24. I have killed another person: False, but, I know of a few people I would like obliterated

25. I have had my hair cut within the last week: Sort of true, I feel like cutting my own hair

26. I have had the cops called on me: TRUE

27. I have kissed someone I knew I shouldn't: FALSE

28. I have mood swings: True-doesn't everybody?

29. I have no idea what I want for the rest of my life: False

30. I have rejected someone before: True

31. I have seen The Lord of The Rings trilogy: False

32. I have seen the T.V. show The OC: False

33. I have watched Sex in the City: True, used to love it, now I hate it; it's lame; Desperate Housewives is cool.

34. I like Shakespeare: True

35. I like the taste of blood: False (who wrote this shit!)

36. I love to cook: True and bake

37. I like to sing: True, very true, just wish I had some talent

38. I love Michael Jackson: False, fucking werido

39. I love sleeping: True

40. I love to play computer games: true

41. I love to shop: True

42. I miss someone right now: True

43. I own 100 CD's or more: false

44. I own and use a library card: True

45. I practise a religion that is not considered mainstream: False

46. I read books for pleasure in my spare time: True

47. I strongly dislike math: True

48. I was born in a country other than Canada: False

49. I will try almost anything once: False

50. I work at a job that I enjoy: It's better now that I have a nicer boss

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8月4日

Working Girl & Mr. Mom

Well hello everyone!

I hope all is well. Here we have been enduring days of heatwave followed by days of rain & thunder/lightening storms. Today was a regular weather day, Thank God!

I have been working at my old job since July 24. I have just completed 2 weeks of working only 4 hours a day. Next week, I will work 5 hours a day, and will be up to 35 hours per week on August 20th. I have a new manager, and, so far so good. She actually is a human being! I have had good conversations with her already. Like she said that she wants to have a good relationship with her employees, but, she doesn't want to be our best friends. And that's good because the last boss got way too friendly with a few of the staff. The good news is that the shit isn't hitting the fan. If there is a problem, we just talk about it without any insults, or putdowns. So, I am enjoying being back to the old grind.

But, while I am at work, THE MAN is now taking care of business at home. This means the cooking, cleaning up, laundry and caring for the boys. SO, in this blog and all future blogs, my husband, THE MAN will now be referred to as MR. MOM. (I'm sure he'll really appreciate his new name!)

The house is beautiful. We are still not unpacked and have a lot of old attic stuff to go through. THat is our objective of this weekend. It won't be too hot to work!

The only other thing I want to say is directed to the Prime Minister of Canada,

SEND OUR TROOPS HOME !

(Alive, that is)

Today, I am sad. The country is in mourning again. We have been in Afganastan since 2002. What has been accomplished? It is now time to let the UN step in and slap on martial law, and let them try to stop the slaughter. There is nothing that our Canadian troops can do. We are obviously under-maned and overpowered by war machines. Who said it is our job to settle this country's disputes? And, at what costs? There needs to be a better way, and I don't see that anyone is proposing anything to stop what is going on.

I have to do some more research on this topic. I don't know, but, are other countries that are supporting Afganistan loosing soilders on a daily basis? We need to retreat. This is not our war.

And that's the view from here.

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7月27日

UPDATE

Hello Everyone!

This is my second time making this entry! The first one disappeared and I was so mad that I didn't feel like re-writing it. (And, of course, I don't remember what wonderful words I had written)

So, I thought that I would pick up where I left off on July 21. We left my mom's to go to our house and see what they got done in a week to the inside of the house. We were still "wowed" about the outside, but, when we stepped inside, we were blown away. The living/dinning room had been repainted because they had to add some drywall to cover around the pipes they put up into the attic for heat. They got us a new couch, dinning table and chairs, me a rocking chair, a new end table. They painted the kitchen. They did all the ceilings with really nice stucco. Now, onto the boy's room. It is in the theme of "Surfing-Hang 10". Each wall is painted a different colour: red, orange, green and blue. There is new artwork of surfboards on the walls, 3 box shelves on the wall, and new bedding, and window treatments custom made to order. Then our old bedroom has been converted to a "game room". It is painted the same green as in the bedroom. The same window treatments are in this room. There is a new futon in this room, and a ceiling fan. The boys' rooms look fabulous, and they really like the colours and theme.

Then, we got to look at our room in the attic. It has gone from disaster area to oasis in three weeks! It has been framed in to fix the structural issues, then, the electrical, and heating completed, then insulated and drywalled. Then framed (trim) and painted on Tuesday. Wednesday, the electrical was finished and today the carpet guys are here. It is a beautiful space. We are so happy about it!

The house has also been installed with an intercom system. We just have to turn it on at night and when the boys need us, all they have to do is call out instead of hitting a button. It will be really great!

Anyway, I will have pictures to show you later. I didn't take any, but others have some I can post here.

Bye

7月24日

Is He Ever Tall!

Well, the birthday party is almost over! And, what a day it was. We work up to rain that lasted through until around 6:00, and then it cleared right up.

The light rain did not stop the guests from swimming. Dan and Matt did not swim. They played games in the front room, when all of a sudden, one of the Dad's came back to the party, but, through the back yard gate, and he had a friend with him!

They came in, with the friend dipping his head down to fit through the door and handed Dan an autographed photo of . . . JOE THORNTON ! (#19 star hockey player from St Thomas now playing for San Jose Sharks)

He said that he was "Just popping in to say Happy Birthday!". Dan was in total shock, as were the rest of us! It was so wonderful that such a huge hockey star would take the time to come and do that. It was very special. Joe and Dan and the same grade one teacher at our school. Dan has always wanted to meet him. And, also, at the house, someone had gotten the boys

two of Joe's jerseys autographed as well.

Then, after a swim, our entertainment came. We had a drum circle run by Jack Barnes of Drumantics. Check him out at www.drumantics.com. He is wonderful. He brings all the drums, teaches you, sings great! It was a lot of fun, but, Matthew, NOR his father wanted to partake!!!! But, I drummed for the whole thing, and Grandma D danced and danced. The woman can dance to anything! At anyrate, it was a lot of fun and Grandma D made a huge drum cake. I'll have pictures later as Grandpa A took the pictures, and he has to email them to me.

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7月21日

Home Coming

Hello everyone!

I am just waiting the 3.5 hours until I will be back at my renovated home. I have heard rumours that I have all new furniture, including a new tv! I am really feeling overwhelmed today. How am I ever going to thank everyone?

The Flake sent me some pictures of the ladies that came and helped clean up everything in the kitchen and pantry that got covered in plaster dust. It was so very wonderful to see my new friends from church, and other mothers from the school helping of all people ME! It feels really great to call those ladies friends, and it feels even better knowing that they really do care about me and my family. Thank you all so much. I really appreciate it.

Today is going to be a very emotional day, and I'm not so certain that I'm gonna be ready for it. So far, I have held up my "public face" extreamly well with the outside work. But, when I think of all of the very very long hours everyone has put into our house in a few short weeks, it is overwhelming! I thank every single one of you that has given up time away from your own work/business or clients, and time away from your own spouses and families.

You have given us more then just pretty flowers, paint, and furniture. This home makeover means so much more to our family. You have given us a new outlook on life. We struggled with this house on our own, and when the community got wind of it, you were all here for us, no questions asked. The stress that Ron and I have been under while trying to provide the boys with all of their many needs is over. We now have a beautiful home in which to kick back and relax and really focus all of our energies on Daniel and Matthew.

This home makeover has brought renewed hope for the future, faith in humanity and a stronger belief in a higher power. Now, I really do believe "good things come to good people", I believe in the kindness of strangers" and finally I believe that "God will provide".

But, one unanswered question remains, "How do we ever say, "Thank-you"? Ron and I have both decided that "One good turn deserves another", and will gladly join in on any future projects aimed at helping our wonderful community.

In closing, I quote,

Ettiene De Grellet

I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

And, that's the view from here.

7月18日

New Pictures

Hello! I finally got the new pictures of the outside of the house added! They are in the "Our House Album". We are still at my mom's house, and can't go home until Sunday. (Hopefully) There are many volunteers at our hosue everyday helping out. I feel so blessed and so happy these days. So, I now refer to our house as "THE RESORT", or "The House that Love built"! The outside is SO beautiful and so professionally finished! Thank you, Thank you to all involved, especially when you have had to endure the HEAT this week. The irony in all of this, especially in this website's name, "SUNSET VERANDA", is that if truth be known, up until last week, I didn't have a Sunset Veranda. I actually only had a Sunrise Veranda. But, now that these wonderful people have given us this beautiful outdoor space, I now really, truly and honestly DO have a Sunset Veranda! And, that's the view from here!