Joy Joy Joy!!!!

Two posts in 1 day!  I must be going crazy!!!!

Anyway, the xray clinic just called to confirm my appointment tomorrow at 2pm!!!!
I also then asked if their techs will determine the sex of the baby.  And she assured me that as long as I am between 18-20 weeks (I AM!!) and the baby will allow it that they will tell us!
I then asked her if all the techs do, that I heard through the horrible mean people ruining lives grapevine that some techs do not believe this is necessary and could not disclose it to us.
She then assured me, after giggling, that as far as she knows, all the techs there do tell you if you want to know!
Finally, the world is at peace!

I Don't Have Immunity!!!

This pregnancy has brought me many things, and taught me many things.
One thing I have been given over and over, is illness.  The ALL DAY sickness has passed, and, and I get mini flus and colds over and over.  Friday just after noon the latest one started.  I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm, waking up late the next morning, all without food, so needless to say I was very weak, and the heat wafting through the house didn't help at all either!!! Alan was full of energy though, and got so much done around the house it was unreal!  He was like a machine.  I did manage to shower though and go to a bday party for a 2 year old, and then I just layed in my chair and watched crap TV all day!  Same for Sunday as well, other than the trip to Home Depot, Thyme, and Canadian Tire.

To make matters even worse, I was on edge all weekend, loosing valuable sleep over my ultrasound tomorrow!  I am so scared that I am going to have some mean old bitch who won't tell me the sex of the baby.  I know how things go down at the last place I went, but this is a different clinic this time, and I don't know what to expect.  I know that last time they allowed Alan in with me, and went through everything in detail.  She even let me pee part way through the ultrasound, which if you have ever been pregnant and forced to hold over 1 Litre of liquid in your bladder before, while laying on your back wth pressure applied to your tummy you can appreciate my praise when I was told to go for a pee and then come back!  Why wouldn't I come back though, I was in a freakin hospital gown!!!!!

It seems as though I have no control over what I feel either.  It is so pathetic really.  Why can I not just put my mind at rest and think of something else.  Even this morning, when Kobe came on the bed with me, he was so cute and so snuggled in with me, that normally I would wake Alan up to show him, but even Kobe can't lift my spirits on this one.  I wish I had more control over my mind and my emotions.

But ya, back to the original topic.  I hate being sick.  It is basically just me in the office this week, so I have to be here all day every day (except my appointment tomorrow).  My cough is so bad that this morning on the way to work I coughed so hard that I puked all over my seat and some of it even got on my leg.  EWWWWWW!!!

And, on another note, I think I am suffocating my boobs.  I finally broke down yesterday and bought new bras.  My nipples were always hanging out of the ones I had, and enough was enough.  I went to Thyme, as I had previously gone everywhere else and had no luck.
Well, I ended up buying 2, and they are so annoying.  It was okay in the store OF COURSE, but as I am wearing it today, it is so tight, the straps are so thick, the undwire is digging in between my boobs, and I just want to rip it off immediately.  What I want to find, are the bras I currently have and LOVE, just a size larger, but I can't find them anymore.

If anyone has any remedies or advice on how to treat a cold and cough while in my "condition", please do let me know!

Baby Bond Is On The Way!!!

I am offically telling everyone now that Alan and I are expecting!!  I should also add that Lewis and Kobe are as well, but they just don't know yet.  We keep prepping them, but they will realize soon enough.  We are still keeping Lewis out of the spare room, as we still want to maintain the only hair free zone in the house!  Not only are Alan and I expecting, but so are Zoe and Zane (Alan's sister) and Christine and Todd (my sister).  They are both a few weeks behind me.  Both sets grandparents are going to have a busy fall thats for sure!!!

Our official due date is November 19, 2010.  I can't believe I am already half way done my pregnancy.  These last months have gone by so quickly yet so slowly at the same time. 

It is hard to imagine a little baby in our house.  We have so much to do for preparations still.  We need to clean out the den, move the guest room into the den, and then the guest room where it is currently will become the BABIES ROOM!!!  OMG!!!!

I guess I will start from the beginning......This journey for us started over a year ago, and finally a positive result on the pregnancy test.  After being motionless for seconds and in shock, I automatically assumed I must have done something wrong, afterall, I had had so many negative results, that I couldn't believe we had a positive one.  On my lunch break one day (March 17, 2010) I decided to pop out of the office for my remainig 15 minutes, buy a test, and go for a pee.  Well, we all know how impatient I am, so I walked into any old office building that had them for sale, then went up a few floors, found a bathroom and did the test.  I immediately called a couple friends, but couldn't even really speak cause I was still motionless and in shock.  (Emailing pictures is what I resulted to in the end)   I NEVER thought this was going to happen, it seemed like such a long "trying" period, and our next option was for fertility testing.  I had already been awaiting my appointment with a specialist. 

After somehow managing to walk the few blocks back to my building, I walked in, and went into a co-workers office and put her hand on my chest to let her feel my heart beat.  I still laugh as some errors are coming up that were made that day!  I really can't be held accountable for whatever I did those last few hours of that day.

I had planned on how to tell Alan months previous to this, when I thought I may have been pregnant, but after getting bloodwork done to confirm it, I got home, and SUPRISE....not pregnant!!!!  I decided that I didn't like that idea anymore, as it wasn't my current feelings, so in my daze of emotions that day, I came up with this idea (see picture).  Let me tell you...there is still a dent on my kitchen floor from where I stood forever staring out the window so I could see Alan's reaction as he parked the truck after work.  As he got out of the truck, I sent Kobe outside for his greeting, then waited to see what Alan said.  He then asked me if I was serious.  Do I seem that evil that I would do this as a joke!  He said when he called to say he was on his way home, he knew something was up, he could hear it in my voice.  We then cut the balloons off, and let them go in the air for good luck.  (That, and and we can't have them in the house as the cat will go mental!)  I was really happy with the way I told/showed Alan the news, and he used to always comment to me when I parked in the "Expectant Mothers Parking Only" spots at the mall....they have the great spots so close to the doors!  This was a good play on my old trick anyway! 

March 17 seems like so long ago, as so much has happened since then.  Both my body and memory are long gone.  Gone also, is the morning sickness.  I never thought this would pass.  I was on Diclectin for a few weeks, and occasionally I still dry heave, but after a few minutes this passes.  I no longer vomit at the sight of bread, but now suffer with a sore tummy at night because popscicles always seem like a good idea at the time!!!

Below are some pictures!!!

9 Weeks!!! (Looking, but not feeling the same as I was 9 weeks previously!!!)

Our little Babers at the 11 week genetic testing ultrasound appointment!  This is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Alan was suprised to see that it wasn't all just "mush"

13 Weeks (Definately starting to show!)

The following were all taken in England a couple weeks ago when I was 17 weeks.

This is the news that I have been waiting so long to tell everyone!!!!!  Congratualtions to Alan and I!!!!

Another month bites the dust!

Well, it has been forever again since I last posted a blog entry. 
Things are continuing on as normal.  Alan and I are coping well with the changes life has brought us recently.  We are strong and excited people and look forward to our new life together!

On another note, we are busy starting to get ready for England.  We leave in a few days, and haven't yet done anything.  Well, this isn't true.  We have got the suitcases we have selected and thrown them on the bed in the spare room.  I was staring at them yesterday, but they weren't filling themselves, perhaps we chose the wring cases or something?
We do have out passports out though, our UK money, Rail Passes and a few other things.  I think that we have bought everything we need to buy, and have written down all the items we figure we will forget to pack. The trip is coming in days, I can't believe it.  We booked it so long ago, and haven't thought too much about it since.  The part I am really dreading is the 3 hour drive to Calgary and then of course the 7 hour flight on what I have read is not a comfortable airline.  I guess when you fly at a very low cost on a discounted charter airline, this can be expected.  Damn, maybe we should have spent the extra couple thousand dollars....ya right!!
I will also have to pack so much food, as I think we only get 1 meal, and I hear it is horrible.  Can I take a carry on bag full of food?  I have bought 2 new books for the trip though, I hope those 2 will last me, I have a feeling they won't.

The other thing I am dreading is not being with Bitey for so many days.  Whatever will he do without his Mum and Dad.  Will he think we have abandon him?  I hope he has a good time. He is friends with the other dog he is staying with, and has stayed with this family before, so I hope all goes well.  I just can't imagine no pup hugs and kisses for 10 days!!!  Omg, I am tearing up just thinking about it. 

Christine, Todd and Josh have come and gone.  That went well and no one was killed,  I think Todd was very surprised by this.  One thing I did realize yet again, is that Christine and I are SO different.  Our personalities are very different, yet all worked out okay.  I think we will also have very different parenting styles.  To each their own I guess.  They seemed to enjoy themselves, and the activities they participated in.  Mall, Waterpark, Zoo, etc.  I was very sick though.  It may have been food poisoning, but I am not sure, as it left this horrible wet sounding cough.  And everytime I cough I get this crazy pain in my back, and it is so annoying!

Hope you are all well, I will try to update again while I am in the UK!!!!

At some point...soon

At some point...soon, I will do another blog post, I promise.
I really don't have much to tell, or the stuff I do have to tell, I do not yet have the correct wording!
I promise though, at some point...soon, I will update you all on my "exciting" life!
If you are constantly checking back, and getting annoyed that I still haven't posted, I am sorry, and I do truly understand your frustration with my complete inconsideration for other peoples timings in regards to what to do on company time, while on mat leave, while cooking a baby, watching the clock, etc.!!!!

Happy Spring Everyone!

These Pups Are Taking My Breath Away

For the last week or so we have been taking care of my friend Michelles Puppy.  Roxy is a 6 month old Rotweiller/Mastiff Cross.
She is a very good dog, but very different from what we are used to.  Roxy is so much larger than Kobe.  Kobe jumps up a lot when he says hello, but he only reaches our knees.  When Roxy jumps up she can reach our faces and can knock me over.  She also LOVES to kiss, ALOT.  Which is funny cause when we were choosing out breed of dog, I wanted a non kisser, non shedder, and the list goes on.  Because Roxy is a pup she is still fairly clumsy and doesn't know that she can't step on us or push us around.  Roxy lives with a 7 and 3 year old, and probably plays like this all the time, we however, aren't used to it.  So, lots of adjusting for us. 
She is a sweetie though, who is full of love and loves affection.
We had a rough go a the dog park and Roxy stayed by my side the whole time, she basically just jumped on me non stop.  It was very frustrating.  I didn't want to yell at her, or knee her down as we were illegal visitors at the SPCA fenced dog park.  You need a membership to attend.  I went though because I was with a friend who is a member and we needed the fenced area for Roxy.
Her and Kobe play for hours though.  It is crazy to watch and VERY exhausting.  It is the same game over and over.  Roxy bites Kobe's neck, and at the same time, Kobe bites Roxy's leg.  It is very cute though how well they play together!  (Pictures below)

On another note, I had diagnosed myself a couple months ago as having Asthma.  It seemed like everytime I was outside walking the dog or whatever, the cold air really hurt my lungs.  I was short of breath to the point where I couldn't catch my breath very well and was gasping for air.  I would then cough for a at least a solid hour after stopping my "exercise".
Yesterday was the last straw, I took the dogs for a quick 15 minute walk and barely made it home.  I was very scared and didn't know if I would actually make it home and survive.  Once I got home, and was able to breath enough to talk, I called my doctor and got in right away.  I told him I thought maybe it was Asthma, so he listened to my lungs from the front and back and says "okay, lets go and get you an inhaler"  This will be a temporary fix until I get in to see the specialist to be properly diagnosed. I look forward to a proper diagnoses and to be prescribed the proper medication for my particular issues. 
But....I have been using the inhaler since last night as recommended, and tonight after work, I walked the dogs and could breathe.  After 20 minutes of walking I was still alive, so we went for a nice big walk!  It is so great to be able to walk or do anything, and be able to breath and not feel like dying afterwards either!!!!! 

And people say that I shouldn't self diagnose.  I do this all the time, and I am always correct!!

As mentioned, below are some pics of the pups!!!! 

I'm such a tease!!!

As you can tell, my blog title is a tease....I have few adventures! The ones I do have might not be worth posting on the Internet!!!
I've been quite busy the last few weeks!  Last weekend was very busy, buy it was a great weekend, and the weather was beautiful.  Kobe had a play date, and not only did he play with another puppy, but he played with 2 boys who are 3 and 7 years old!  He is getting much better around kids now!

This weekend will be very busy, and I will be concentrating on things that I have been neglecting for so long.

Here is my list of To-Do's for the weekend.
1.  Dog Park - both days!
2.  Laundry...all of it, even the 2 baskets of misc. items that I no longer wear, or simply cannot purge.
3.  All the cleaning...all rooms....from top to bottom.
4.  Go through 4 chapters in my course...oh god, I am falling asleep already just thinking about it!!!
5.  Clean up the yard...which means spread the snow around so it melts quicker, and clean poo, although, I will prob leave this for Alan!
6.  Watch hours of Home Reno Shows!!!
7.  Not tell Alan the Boat Show is on, as he will only be reminded that he planned this weekend to go and get our boat from storage.  I don't think the roads will be accessible yet though!
8.  Re-arrange the livingroom????? (With limited space...I need a designer,!!!)

Aside from everything I plan on doing, the task of completing might be slim.  Alan has the weekend off and Monday and Tuesday as well so maybe I will leave some stuff for him.  Although, I am sure we could leave it for another week.  At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter if the house has been vaccumed or the dishes done.  (Oh and you know how I hate doing dishes...well, I still do, but I think that I hate loading and unloading the dishwasher even more!  I really want to move the microwave elsewhere, so I have some more counter space where I want it!)

We also have a dinner date with friends on Saturday.  We haven't seem them since before Christmas, so it will be great to chat and have some girly drinks as we normally do with them!!!!

BUT....I seriously MUST do some chapters for my course this weekend, and the coming week.  I am a "little" behind though, so that is discouraging!!!  I hate catch-up!  I do look forward to sitting outside and studying though!  I am starting my summer before spring has even sprung!!!

Have a good weekend y'all!!

Wii decided against it!!!

Well, we took the Wii back.  Actually, I took it back.  Alan seemed to be making me a list of things to do today, one of which included taking the Wii back.  We didn't like it, and we didn't use it.  So, why have it if you don't use it right?

Wednesday night, Alan got home.  He was away maybe 6 days or so.  He had worked on the dishwasher the following day.  He finished it off, then we leveled out the fridge and stove.  Fun times!!!!  And if I have to ask the shape and not name of a screwdriver again, I am going to freakout!  All tasks were completed in typical R&A Bond fashion.  We have learned over the years, that we can work very well together.  We see things differently, which means all bases are covered!!! haha

This weekend has been very productive so far.  I got off work early yesterday around 11 maybe?  When I got to work, I started sneezing, eyes leaking, and just feeling blah.  I took a Reactine. During our Friday mtg, I sat at my desk not at the table, and half listened while I used hundreds of kleenex's.  Pat and Michelle started popping vitamins like mad, and staring at me with disgust.  Pat then kept telling me that I was using the kleenex from my nose and wiping my eye.  I had no idea!!!  Sick!  So, then I said that if she wants to send me home that she is more than welcome.  She said after the mtg to go. So, after the mtg, I simply just shut down my computer, and walked out.  During the mtg I was copying and opening mail and stuff and listened. 

I got home, and started some laundry.  Then that ended up being 6 loads.  Mine, Alan's, Towels and bedding!  My head still felt it was going to explode and snot was everywhere.  I had a tea and read for a bit, then went to the dog park.  It was such a beautiful sunny day, and it felt great to be out.  When I got home, I did more laundry, and then napped with Kobe on the couch. 
Alan comes home, we eat, watch TV, get DQ and go to sleep. 
Alan was up some ridiculous time, like 5am.  All I remember is him kissing me bye and telling me Kobe was out already so I could sleep in, and Kobe was back in bed with his Mum!!!
I was up early, and started more laundry. I had to go to take the Wii back at Northgate, then the south side for animal food, then back north to the New Save-On for people food.  I did the groceries, alone.  I hate doing groceries, but at the same time, there is the hope of homecooked meals!!! And here i sit.  I am going to finish this up, then head to the Dog Park.  It isn't an overly nice day out, but it is +3'C.  I must be out there.  And I am feeling good.  a little stuffy, but good, and I haven't taken anything.

I then plan to make supper.  I am not sure what though.  Alan called, and said that he may have to go out of town today.  He hasn't come home for clothes, so perhaps someone else went.  Yay!!!  I have a recipie for Beef Strognaff that I want to try out.  I also want Taco Ground Beef Nachos.  They were really good last time we made them.  I love using the new "range" and oven!!!  So, we will have to make something!  And I have prep time too, which I never seem to have on week days!
Have a great weekend guys!!!

I happen to have a pic of Nachos from the last time we made them!!!! (This was in the old oven though!)

The Appliances Have Arrived!

Well, the day finally came!
The appliances were delivered on Thursday evening, and the old ones sold and picked up!
It was a very hectic night, with only 1 trip to Home Depot and no diasters.  The delivery guys were rude but we fought back.  They couldn't fit in the alley as their truck was too long to make the turn, they then said that id the neighbout didn't move their car on the road then they couldn't deliver it.  We have a little cut out from the sidewalk to the street, and we are the only house on the block that has this.  Perhaps there used to be a cross walk there or it was wheelchair access.  He then, came in the house, and didn't even consider taking off his shoes.  The then told me that I had to take the door off because "it was easier for them."  I instructed them that it isn't my job to make their job easier, and that I was not removing my front door.  They can go through the gate and use the patio doors as those doors are larger, and the extra 10 steps would actually make the entire process easier.  After this, I freaked out to Alan and told him to deal with them, and that they had to use the patio door, and that was final. They were very rough, and didn't work well together.  Here is what I don't understand though, they proceeded to bring in the new appliances without taking out the old ones.  Alan and I looked at eachother, both realizing that they were doing it all wrong, so he suggested it might be wise to remove the old stuff first!  They agreed.  After petting Lewis for a few minutes, and asking me questions, they finally got to work.  Alan still wants to inspect the patio, as they were fairly rough.  Hopefully they didn't scratch or chip it.

The old fridge had an ice maker, and we couldn't turn off the water, so Alan had to run out and grab a special thing for the tank.  All solved.  And thank god, because Alan left for work, so there would have been a hose running through the kitchen for days with water constantly running!  But, again, all sovled!!!!  Yay!

Here is a picture of me cleaning the old stove before we sold it. It was a lot of work, but worth it in the end.  When the man was looking at them to purchase, he commented on how clean they were!!!  Here of course it is filthy, but this was the very beginning!

And.....here are the new ones!                                     

   

                      

    

But here is the kicker. The dishwasher isn't yet hooked up as Alan had to go out of town with no notice, and the stove and fridge still need to be leveled off. If I open the fridge, and leave it open it smashes into the wall, potentially damaging it, so we must get that done ASAP!!! The fridge sticks out a little further than I had hoped, but I am happy with it, it really isn't as hideous as I thought it would be!  Alan was a little dissapointed that the stove looked so different.  The one we saw at the store was black with stainless on it, and it looked really really nice.  With all white, I think it takes away some of the effect.  We wish we would have gotton the other one with the outside light and the 2 plugs.  Since the plugs were something we really wanted, but in the end decided we could live without.

I used the oven last night to make a giant plate of nachos for myself, and I think it was on the wrong setting. There are a million different settings, so I need to maybe read the manual!

Alan loves that he doesn't need to bend down anymore to get things out of the fridge. I like that so much stuff can be stored in the door.

And, below is the most recent picture of Kobe and myself! I love how he is leaning forward!!! Like as if he really wants to make sure that he is in the picture!!! I think he was actually trying to escape my grip though!

Applying Cash for Appliances!!!

Tonight was a very nerve wracking night, I am still in shock.
We bought all new kitchen appliances tonight......Fridge, Stove and Dishwasher.  (Damn, I just bought a new bottle of dish soap!!)

Since the day we moved into this house, I have wanted new appliances.  Our current ones use so much electricity, the fridge moans, the dishwasher is currectly broken due to a water leak I found in the basement one day, but, the stove is in perfect working condition.  The current ones we have are by a manufacturer called "Concept II".  We never seen this elsewhere, and no one else has either.  We figure it a dollar store brand!  hahaha.  I think the salesperson asked if it was Asian made....isn't everything????

We went to Sears to look, but I think we both knew that we would buy....why change who we are!!!

The chap in the store was great! He knew a lot, and worked with us, and what we wanted.  As soon as he opened the bottom freezer, I knew I hated the drawer, I want the side opening style.  And he didn't try to persuade us into anything we didn't want.  We also had very detailed measurments.  I do not want to get a new counter, well, I do, of course I do, but we aren't going to.  The fridge is built into the wall, and this is one of my favourite features of the house. (Although, I have many)  One thing I will not do is change the width of the wall opening, I will only negotiate the height.  They had free delivery, but you had to pay for it ($60) , then after you received the items, you had to fill out forms, mail them in, and then wait for the money back.  I asked him to take off $60 of the purchase, so that we didn't have to do the paperwork, we get the money upfont this way (or free delivery).  Although.....I just had a thought.....I could still send it in anyway.......

So, we chose some great appliances, at great prices.  I had a budget of $2000, we spent $2572.  That being said, I hadn't researched the prices to a great extent prior to going, I just hoped it would less than $2000.  We got some features in all 3 that we hadn't thought of before, and we also lost a few.  The stove doesn't have any plugs on it.  We really wanted to have plugs, as our kitchen is seriously lacking.  However, Alan has promised me that when we do the new backsplash (very soon, research is in the works),  that he will install new electrical outlets, which is necessary anyway.  The dishwasher was the most difficult to choose, we have massive plates (which may reflect the size of my ass!!!), and I brought up a very valid point that I would rather spend $50 on new plates than a machine that costs $200 more.  The logical thing to do I'm sure!  The stove is also the glass top, I much prefer the coils.  I like the look of the glass top, but not the practicality of it.  Alan was for the glass top, but the stove is great, MUCH more modern than any stove/oven I have used before.

This is why I am having second thoughts though.....we paid cash and not credit!!!  I know, another logical thing to do.  For large purchases, we often use a credit card, and pay if off in increments, or use the store card and recevie no interest because we start paying double the monthly amount right away. 

I loved seeing this money in our savings every month.  I like to have a certain amount of money in that account, and now the balance has dropped by $2500.
These doubts started as I was swiping my debit card, I even asked if we could get full money back if we cancelled the order before it was delivered.  He assured me we could.  So, Alan and I talked about it as I crammed my face with poutine while reading the giant receipt.  All in all, it was a great choice to make, as we would have sooner than later, AND we own it!!!!  Paid cash, it doesn't get better than that!!! 

Now that the shock has worn off, I am so excited for my new appliances, and I hope they are everything I have ever wanted in appliances!!!  They are being delivered a week from today!!!

Sadly however, Alan will not be getting his new toolbox as soon as he had hoped!!!

Wii got our asses kicked tonight!

So, I decided that I do not really like the WiiFit, and almost took the entire console back.  But, I was too lazy to even do that, and in the end I decided maybe the game just wasn\t for me.  We went to Best Buy tonight, as we needed another controller so we could play Tennis, and so I wouldn't get mechanic on my nice white controller!!! 

We looked at games, and I saw the Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 Workout Game.  It was $19.99, so I decided to get it.  When the cashier rang it up, it came to $50.00.  I told her I thought it was $19.99, so off we went.  She then noticed that where they were on the shelf, the tag there was for 2009.  She walked to customer service, told them the story, and said that she had to honour it.  The ENTIRE time I was quiet, I didn't open my mouth ONCE. 
The Game is GREAT!  I love it.  It totally kicked my ass, and was fun as well, considering that I hate to work out. 
I am already so sore, I dread waking up tomorrow, as I know I will be so sore! 

DETAILS OF THE GAME
The game is divided into several sections (this is my memory, as Alan is currently participating in the 100m dash...his game choice, and i can't view it.)

There are 18 exercises in total.  You can do these individually or in a circuit.  Jillian has 2 pre set circuits, and upper body and lower body routines.  You can also create your own circuits, 2 styles, plus an upper and lower, based around all 18 of the exercises.  You can also choose your level of difficulty or how many reps to do.  For some exercises you use the remote, and others the balance board.  You will hear a "bing" noise every time it is correct (remote where it should be, or weight where it should be) and a "buzz" noise when incorrect, including wrong footing, so that you are equal on each side.
I love how the "buzz" is not loud or scary, it just right, a quick notification really.
I really like the routine I created.

The little booklet in the case is good too,  It shows a pic of each exercise and the health benefits to each, as well as the correct way to do it so that the board or remote pick up on it.

You can also choose your music, 20 options I think, although all just music, no lyrics, and many "metal" type ones.  I feel like I am on speed right now from it, that and I am wheezing...this is how out of shape I am!

There are several landscapes to choose as well. 

Of course, you can also do everything randomly.

I also liked that unlike the WiiFit you don't have to run on the balance board.  It can be very hard to balance on such a small board, without falling off and breaking your ankle. 
Also, remember mlast post I complained that it mangled my hands, and made them itchy, (we have a generic board, not the actual Wii one, well, I used a hand towel to put on it, and it worked just fine, so I can do the pushups now without having a hand full of little dents or itches.

One thing that I didn't like about the WiiFit was that it was really slow, and I was constantly pushing buttons, listening to her blah blah blah, reading the screen, just too slow to actually keep me motivated.
On this JM game though, you only press "A" once after your single excersise, which can last as long as you like.  That gives you a few quick seconds to attach the wrist strap, get down on the ground, or move the balance board!

I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to use common exercises to work out.  There also seems to be a fair amount of cardo worked in, as you are not using weights.  Some exercises make you go faster than others, and this is where the heart rate increases and the cardio kicks in.

A great game, and I got it at a great price!!!!  Had they made me pay the $50.00 I wouldn't have bought it. 

To Wii or not to Wii

It's well known fact that I am NOT a fan of video games, or athletics of ANY kind!
Just thinking of any physical activity, and I am instantly bored.

As a child I didn't play video games, except a Game Boy which was short lived, and played only to "dual" in Tetris!!!!
It kills that now as an adult, when we go to someones house, and they suggest we play Wii.  Depending on where we are, I will go for a nap, pour another drink and sit down, or make a slight scene to show that I am not a fan!
I also don't like spending money on electronics or things which everyone has.  For years, I had to  listen to Alan and Cory play hockey for a few hours, then watch hockey for a few hours, and then again play for a few hours!!  I hated video games even more because of this.

I've gained...read this....20lbs since I moved out west here to AB.  Where 20lbs on my body is, I am not sure!  (I am not big by any means,  however, my clothes don't fit as they once did, and I am not happy with my current weight).  Let me also point out, that about a year after moving here, I was underweight.  I would go to the gym, and lay on the benches and chat with a friend...until I was asked not to do this anymore.  We would weigh ourselves and giggle that we weighed 108lbs!!
In the fall of 2008, I joined a bootcamp, and was in great shape!!!  It came with MANY challenges, however, even though I am a person who gives up, and simply cannot be bothered, but, from my Week 1 fitness test to Week 6, the results were astounding!  I DID IT!!!!  I was at a great weight, and the giggly bits were gone!!!!

Time passes, and I'm now the biggest I have ever been!!!!  Alan and I have a JOKE that I cannot get to 130, otherwise I am out.  I called him a couple weeks ago to tell him I was packing, cause I only had a pound or so left!!!  We joked, but I knew that I had to do something!

Back to the Wii.  I liked the WiiFit commercials, and decided I wanted one, but especially after seeing Just Dance Wii game played on Ellen! 

I have been playing everyday for the last 3 days, and today, I can barely walk.  I got out of bed this morning, and my right leg especially seemed significantly shorter, bent, and was very painful.   There are a couple things I don't like about WiiFit, it is very slow, always pushing buttons on the remote to go again or to switch activities or to stop all the words and talking! 
AND.........this is what I hate the most....the instructions are so detailed.  How to stand, how to hold the remote, attach the wrist strap etc, move people and furniture.  But....the one thing it doesn't tell you is to WEAR RUNNING SHOES!!!!  That's why I am in pain today.  (It seems so obvious, but I was in my livingroom!!!)  My weight wasn't evenly distrubuted.  Also, I don't believe that it is accurate....of course it can't be 100%, I hate that it is in cm and kg.  I also don't agree with the balance they say is best.  Again though, I think that goes back to the accuracy!!!


But, all in all, I am very happy with it!  It has only caused 1 minor domestic, and it is actually fun  to do. I am good at The Ski Jumping, and Tennis, so tonight Alan and I will play together, with our his and hers remotes!!!  Of course, this is only a motivator to help me work out, or to excersize at all. Clearly it works, today on the way home, I actually THOUGHT of going for a run!!!!

Skinny People Only Please!!!

Well, wasn't I suprised when someone else fed me a very high dose of my own medicine...they stated their opinion....outloud.....
I was waiting to get into the elevator at the office building I work in.  Finally the doors opened, and there was a cart full of chairs, along with the 2 men manning the cart, there was also another woman.  The men told me to come in, even though I was going to wait for the next car.  We arrived on the main floor, and then one gentleman instructed myself and the woman to go ahead. (I love men like this), I then walked off, and another woman I know from the building was waiting to go on the elevator, I then laughed to her, and said "Skinny People Only."  I didn't offend the person I said it to, she saw the joke fit the situation, as she saw me turn sideways and squeeze me way out between the doors and cart of chairs. (She too was skinny)  However, the woman behind me (also skinny), sighed and said "How rude you young people are."  First off, it was a simple comment which shouldn't have been offensive, and the hilarity was obvious, plus I didn't say it directly to her, but to the woman walking on, who I know. 
I found it ironic that I often find myself making comments about "the youth of today."   And someone had the nerve to categorize me as one of these disrepectful youths. 
I still have no idea how I had offended her.  Perhaps she, like myself, just likes to comment on random things.  Or perhaps she simply hates the youth of today, and their comments.
I even thought after that I should chase her down and ask her why it bothered her, and also to ask why she thinks I am a youth of today...I'm in my late twenties for crying out loud.  Why bother chasing her, it's irrelevant anyway.  (I will watch for her again though, in the elevator, perhaps I've met my match!!!)
If I find myself in a similar situation will I make a similar comment to the one I made today...why yes, of course I will!!!

Paws and Tails!

Anyone who knows me is well aware how much Kobe and Lewis mean to me!

Le Chat - Lewis, Male, Born July 2004, Part Main-Coon, 24 lbs
Le Chien - Kobe, Male, Born December 2008, Schnauzer/Poodle, 25 lbs

Read their stories below!


LEWIS
Alan didn't want a cat, especially since he had always had dogs, and cats were "not masculin" so it was always a disagreement when discussing getting a cat.  Alan always delayed it, by saying things like "When we get back from summer holidays, we will discuss it", "after we move" etc. etc.  But I looked in the Buy and Sell, and basically said we were getting one, and we were doing it tonight...it was a 7 month debate afterall.  So, we bought Lewis for $20, in the country somewhere off a child!  Naming him took some time, as I chose a crap name, Rigby...and he just sort of evolved into Lewis.  He also goes by LewisKittyOne, LewisOne, L'il, and Sweetheart.  When he was a kitten he loved to climb the 6' tall speakers and attack us when we were sleeping.  We spent several nights with our entire bodies under the blankets, not talking, moving, or even breathing...that soon ended, and Lewis found his spot on my pillow wrapped around my head!  Lewis moved with us into the house and was very nervous, he hid in the basement behind the TV for the entire day.  Then when I woke up in the middle of the night he was on my pillow!!!  He is a very perceptive young man, he can sense my emotions, especially sadness.  He proved this on the day Alan left for Afghanistan.  He is now a massive sized cat who tolerates Kobe as much as he can.  They fight/play all the time, but Lewis can definately hold his own!  Alan and Lewis have a very special bond, and they even have their own language, and way of playing!  Lewis's favourite hang out spots are on his perch, on the counters, table and chairs, and likes to hang out in the bathroom, he LOVES the bathroom!!

KOBE
Oh Kobe where do I start....The way we came about getting Kobe is a long story.  We second guessed ourselves with another dog, but we ended up with Kobe, who was secretly our "first pick".  I am not one of these people who must only "adopt" dogs.  We chose Kobe, and we bought him from a Breeder, not the SPCA, or such organizations.  We found Kobe's name through a website.  He also goes by Ko-buddy, Ko-pup, Ko-Lew, Pup, Biteee, Koi-biteee, Koi-buddy, and Buddy-of-Koi, which Alan thinks is his CanAsian name!!!  He is so playful, and was so easy to train.  He is well travelled, and has met all of our families and friends.  He was potty trained by a bell within a week, and has not destroyed anything serious in our home, or anyone elses.  He can sit, stay, shake a paw, lie down, etc.  He also knows so many commands, some of which is even follows.  For the first 4 months or so, he never barked or made too much noise.  One day this all changed...drastically.  He LOVES to bark excessively at anyone who dares to walk past our house.  One of our biggest challenges with Kobe is to groom him.  This is always a very stressful experience, and it usually ends as soon as the attacking begins.  He loves nothing more than to be with us.  We are constantly being shadowed and loved by him.  He also sleeps in our bed with us.  Walks and trips to the dog park please him to no end!  He has several favourite toys, but his most loved item, is his bone.  My favouite part of the day is to wake Kobe up in the morning, and then when I greet him after work!!!!  Kobe is my first dog ever.  He is so special to us both, and he helped me to fully know that I do want kids in my life. 

Below are some of my favourite photos!!

It's been a while...

Well, it has been almost 4 months since I last had a blog entry, in fact, so long since that I had to go to Joelene's blog (which is amazing) to find my address, and then I had to reset my password as I couldn't remember it!!

I guess, I will just do a quick update since I was last on here.  lots has happened, friends have visited me here in Edmonton, my sister got married, my best friend had a beautiful baby girl, Kobe turned 1, Christmas, beginning of 2010, etc. etc.

Christine's Wedding was beautiful, and it was so wonderful that I was there, and was able to see Christine, what may have been the happiest I have seen her in a long time.  She was the centre of attention, and she definately deserved it!

I've been working at Martello for almost 8 months now, and I really enjoy it.  Like any job it has its challenges, and learning curves, but I also really like the industry.

I have decided to get my RPA Designation.  I think we will see how quickly the next 3 years fly by.  The last 10 years have slipped right past me, I expect the next few to be even quicker!!!

Wish me luck!!!