Dear Gramps

I am  sure that you are gearing up for a better Christmas celebration than I could even imagine with Grandma, Jesus and the heavenly choir. Does the Christmas banquet include thin bread? I hope so!!

Over here the Christmas preparations have begun as well. And I have to say I missed you a little extra this year. You see, this year is the first year that I have ventured into the world of real Christmas trees. Jimmy and I went out to the lot and I tried to pick the perfect tree. (p.s. you are right - they sure are getting expensive!). And I hope you think I did!!

As we were putting the tree up, I was instantly taken back to the farm years. Coming home from school or getting up on a Saturday, piling into the vehicle of choice and heading across the gravel roads. There was always a tinge of excitement in my belly because I was going to see Grandpa.

At some point, the comment would be made that Grandpa had his Christmas tree. You could feel the excitement grow. We would pull into the drive, fly out of the car with doors slamming and head over to the house. You were often watching for us, weren't you? It was a rare occasion you didn't meet us at the door with a smile in your eyes questioning to see how we all were.

You were so proud to show off your tree, we could barely get our boots and coats off before we were slip sliding through the living room. I am positive our 'skating' drove you bananas as you thought about how long it took you to polish your floors but you rarely said a peep. Instead Trev and I would slide our way around to the corner where your tree stood. The scent was intoxicating and the lights would be shining brightly.

We would wander over and when we were old enough reverently touch it. There were all the ornaments: little egg carton ones that either auntie Cindy or auntie Elaine had made many years ago where their little fingers were still short and stubby. The lights with the pretty light covers that sparkled and glistened. I am sure Grandma remembers those! The ornaments you had collected along the years - beaded candy canes and snowflakes; namesake sleighs; a little wooden soldier; ornaments from town businesses and the glass bulbs from years ago.

The conversation always started with how beautiful the tree was and how it smelled so good. In the middle years it usually parlayed into how expensive they were getting (although you didn't seem to say that as much once you moved into Regina) and then went to talk of other things. By that point the conversation level seemed to fade as I would gaze at the tree, checking to see if the grandchildren's candy canes had made their way onto it yet and if there were any stray presents under it.

That day would often end with cookies at the table. Fudgeo or vanilla cream were my favorites! Trevor and Kim don't keep the cookie drawer any more. But I certainly haven't forgotten it.

How I wish Gramps that I could invite you over to check out my tree. That we could discuss the crazy prices and the clean up from all the needles. How I long for one of your famous bear hugs and you to ask me why I am so tall! To tell you about my adventures and find out about yours.

One day gramps we will have Christmas again. Missing you until then!!!

Love
Juliane

Holiday Cheer

Snuggles and distractions

Thank goodness for iPads when you are hanging with little ones who miss their moms. Not only does it keep the tears at bay, keeps them from crawling to the door where they last saw them leave from but it also distracts them enough that you can sneak in some snuggles!!!

A few things to try out

On today's list... Curry butternut squash soup.

Tomorrow... A little homemade ricotta perhaps.

I sure do miss being able to cook homemade meals when I'm travelling.

Best birthday wishes I have received so far

This sweet little text came from one of Jimmy's and now my good friends. Even Uncle Leon's humor should find this one funny Aunty Elaine!

Darn auto correct on the IPhone!

To clarify the birthday post

Sorry Aunty Elaine not working for Starbucks - merely doing my work at a Starbucks - you know lounging in the chairs sipping coffee and working like a good little dot com girl does!

It's time

For the birthday week to begin.... So very excited.

I have some work and my annual physical to get through first - haha but once that is done... Look out weekend!

And in preparation for turning another year older, God gave me a plethora of encouraging compliments from strangers this week:

- my eyes are amazing
- my personality is beautiful
- I am looking fantastic for my age (yes that one has started. Can't dwell on the flip side as that would be depressing)
- my favorite: my accent is so lovely that they could listen to me talk all day (I'm sure some of you would beg to differ)

Okay so it's off to work at a Starbucks by my doc in Calgary! And once that is over Jimmy has a surprise for me...So good to be home!!

There is nothing better than a fireplace, hot bevie, blanket and a good movie on that first cold winter night. Just wishing Jimmy was home rather than playing hockey!

Instead, I will be dreaming of a warm vacation . . .

Coming Home

So excited to be coming home this week. Last weekend felt so short by losing Friday and this weekend won't be much better as I need to fly out on Sunday. Oh well - we are quickly approaching my birthday of which one of my birthday presents is staying home the week following. Yay for American Thanksgiving!

And on the agenda this weekend??

A little dinner club for a Peruvian dining experience: apparently their rotisserie chicken is amazing as it uses herbs that are only grown in Peru!

A little sleep in! YAY.

A little hockey. I have to go and see these shiny new digs that Jim's been wearing . . .

A little laundry - there always seems to be a little laundry.

A little Christmas shopping. Going to get a jump on it this year, I am!

A little visit with Julie. It has been too long since I have connected with her. I do miss her so :(

A little house keeping. Poor Jimmy has been doing a lot of house keeping. The least I can do is a little . . .

A little planning for Jimmy, Mom and Dad's trip to Texas. (We just might turn dad into a traveller after all . . . )

A little grocery shopping. Craving some berries. Craving little soup and grilled cheese sandwich. Craving a fresh crispy apple.

A little exercise. Need to get back into winter elliptical mode. Need to spend some time doing Yoga.

A little tv watching. Worked just a little bit harder this week.

A little birthday week planning. I do have a spa voucher to use after all - maybe a facial and a massage? And a little hair appt before Christmas. Coffee with a birthday twin. The special birthday dinner. An evening out with friends? Hmmmm - maybe a bit more than a little birthday week planning!

A whole lot of catching up with my hubby. Missing him extra this week. Looking forward to a whole week at home with him - yes I am!

EEP

Well, this football pool stuff is kinda fun . . .

Looky here - we have a week 9 winner . . .

And it just so happens to be a Farrell . . .

Can you believe it? Two years running I won a week! So very exciting.

Friday Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

I spent Halloween in Houston. I had dinner on a lovely little patio, enjoying the 20 degree warmth watching the ghouls and goblins run around the square as a local artist entertained us on his guitar.

Jimmy handed out the candy at home warding off the -11 frigid air trying to make a dent in our HUGE pile of candy we had stocked up on. I was so worried we would run out, be known as the worst house on the block and submit ourselves to a year of tortuous treatment.

--- 2 ---

My favorite Halloween candy (candy - not chocolate) would be either mini nerds or whoppers. Whoppers are kind of chocolate but I don't really think of them as such. I love nerds. Blueberry/Raspberry is my favorite color combo. I like eating a few of both colors at the same time. Mmmmm nerds!

--- 3 ---

Speaking of nerds, I am afraid that I might be a bit of a nerd. I am down in Houston because we have our company meeting here this week. A company meeting that will include 200 consultants. I think that consultants are kind of nerdy - in the best way - but nerdy none the least. In fact - what is more chatty than a teachers conference? A consulting conference! Cause not only do we like to talk; we all have an opinion on EVERYTHING and most of us think we are right 90% of that time. And why are we nerdy? Not because we have fantastic grammar (as apparently we do not) but because the things we most like to talk about don't tend to be sports. Unless we have stats on our sports teams. Then we love to talk about sports. Oh and it is indices not indexes . . .

--- 4 ---

I never really considered myself to be brutal with grammar. I will say though kids - stay in school - and don't stop reading. My vocabulary, spelling and grammar have all declined since I don't get a chance to read as much.

Regardless - some of my colleagues have a pet peeve when it comes to grammar and I am sure I strike all their sensitive chords:

Further vs Farther
Couple questions vs couple of questions
Indexes vs Indices
Formulae vs Formulas

Ugh - I just keep telling them it's my Canadian accent. I think they are starting to see through that though.

--- 5 ---

So speaking of reading - I have suddenly found myself with at least 3 hours a week there I can't do much else other than read. It is that time I spend sitting on the plane waiting. Waiting for it to load. Waiting for it to take off. Waiting for it to land. Or planes shall I say. And so I have committed to myself that I will use that time to read more. Right now I am reading Memoirs of MidWives. And thanks to mom I have a whole list of other books to read.  As a result, I think I should renew my Calgary library card. In fact, I will do just that when I am home next!

--- 6 ---

I have also decided that as light weight and convenient as e-readers are, I do not think they are for me. For a couple of reasons - I am such a tactile individual and I love the feeling of a book. The art of curling a soft cover around as I snuggle into bed. Flipping the page. Visually seeing how much further on the page, the chapter, the book. Smelling the fresh ink or the mustiness of those gems you find in a second hand store! Not to mention that you can't enjoy your e-reader when you are sitting on the plane waiting.

--- 7 ---

I would also like to start keeping a journal again. I miss it! Not that I have anything interesting to write about but I am sure I can find something to blabber on about. I thing creativity for me is a bit like a muscle. If you don't keep it working, it shrivels up and becomes weak! The more you 'exercise' your creativity, the stronger it seems to get. I haven't spent a lot of time exercising that creativity and I need to change that.

 

Starting - with a journal.

 

(see I do have an opinion on everything . . . oh dear)



October

When we were in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago, I was catching up on my blog reading. One of the blogs challenged us to memorize a poem. Jimmy found this little gem and so the Tim and Jim Farrell's would like to dedicate it to all of you...

October
BY ROBERT FROST
O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

A hallowed eve...

This year for Halloween, Jimmy and I thought we should try to partake a little bit more. And what better way to do that then carve a pumpkin. Mercies I know now why the most popular pattern is a jac-o-lantern with triangle eyes.

And then Jimmy changed the ball game and brought out power tools! We were super stars after that!

Those trick - or - treaters better be impressed! Sure do wish our little Berkan ghosts and goblins lived a little closer to pop in!!

Happy Endings

We were watching one of our shows this morning. It was following a little guy who was playing in his first baseball game. He was up to bat, the game was close and last time he had batted he had failed miserably...

Jimmy looked at me and asked if I thought the little guy was gonna get a hit. I answered that I sure hope so!

You can't always write the happy endings in life. Too many situations result in sadness and heart ache. Too often the little guy doesn't get the winning hit. We hear of so many tragedies. Too much death. Too many instances of bullying. Too many diseases and natural disasters. Too much famine and abuse. So when I have an opportunity to watch a little TV I desperately wish for those happy endings!

Stories have been an escape for our entire existence as humans. One of most effective ways to teach a lesson, remember something important or entertain. An opportunity to spin a tale that tells of heroes and success.

And so I was so glad the writers chose to give us that happy ending. To spin this tale into something positive. To bring some joy. The little guy hit the ball and ended up with an in field home run winning the game.

Cause today, today I didn't want to watch a story that resembled real life. Today I wanted to know that when we get a chance to write our own ending we write a happy ending!

Home at Last

I just walked in the door and I am home. The suitcase needs unpacking, the groceries need to be bought. I have chores and errands. Laundry - oh yes laundry. Work is open on my lap. But for this moment right now - none of that matters. I am home!!

I didn't miss my blooming fall daisies. Trees are still clinging to their yellow leaves. The fire place is running and the couch is so very comfy.

And most of all - I am home!

Remembering and Fall Colors

This week found Jimmy and I back in Nova Scotia for a quick trip. Although it was a hard week as we had the honor to pay our last respects to Popo, it was great to be home with family and friends.

What a beautiful time of year the Lord chose to reunite Popo and Nanny. The trees are turning and the colors are spectacular. The fall breezes bring with them the last of summer's warmth. The salty waves are cool to the touch but do not yet feel of winter's ice. The sun glistens off the fluffy cattails and the air is scented with harvest and fresh split wood. The fire crackles to take off the morning chill and one finds themselves craving hearty foods of warmth and spices.

We laughed, we cried, we remembered old and learned something new. We wandered the yard and explored the trails. We waded in the sea and searched for treasures. We planned our tomorrows and were thankful for our past. We had family dinners and enjoyed good friends. We had the wheel once and had it again. We discovered places new to me and familiar to others.

Rest dear little Popo, we shall miss you. I am so very glad I got to know you for a while.

Fantastic morning at the zoo

The butterflies were my favorite today!

Getting things in order

I have to admit that I haven't been the best at getting our affairs in order post marriage. Anyone who has gone through this knows exactly what I mean. Name changes, beneficiaries and such. But this weekend we finally accomplished one of the most important....

The secret signal...

The signal that can be used for a variety of things:

- we gotta go cuz another girl just showed up wearing the exact same outfit as the one I'm trying to pull off
- this person has the worst breath ever so please rescue me
- uh oh I called in sick today to hit up the beach but there is my boss at the same beach


But it is also crucial in the blind recognition. It took a while to convince Jimmy that it could add any value to his life but I think I have him convinced. What if he is kidnapped and an impostor is trying to gain his trust and pretend they are me? Or what if the power is off one night when I get home late and we need to confirm I'm not an intruder. Or what if their is some other disaster that requires a meeting spot and secret acknowledgement.

No worries though - we have one established now. Phew so glad that is done.

Catching up

Whew a busy couple of weeks. But I am finally at home, catching up on shows and looking forward to a delightfully quiet weekend.

Toronto was absolutely fantastic and the Madonna concert was certainly a once in a life time experience! Julie and I had so much fun relaxing, lots and lots of chatting, some eating, a fair amount of walking and plenty of people watching. We lounged on the beach, we updated our fall wardrobes, we bought some shoes (one of the things I love about Julie is the fact that shoes are always purchased) and handbags - a beautiful satchel style one that I cannot wait to use - and had a couple of coffees. Oh how I loved every minute of that weekend!!!!!

After a 7 hour layover at my house in Calgary - Jimmy was whisking me back to the airport to head down to Fort Worth again.

And now here I am - after a week of spreadsheets and data validation, of demos and bad hotel meals - home I am. YAYE!!!

But all was not lost this week - I did squeeze in a visit with my dear friends down south and a chance to meet their new little one - the precious guy that he is!!!!!

Looking forward to lots of fun this weekend. Will be sure to fill you all in :)

Lost luggage

I was told at the counter that United never loses luggage, they only temporarily misplace it. Either way my huge honking packed with goodies for Canonsburg and Toronto suitcase is not with me tonight.

I learned on one of my first trips the value in packing a change of clothes in your carry on. Depending on the trip that may mean a swimsuit or a change of undies and new shirt. Today it meant an office appropriate outfit.

Unfortunately I didn't think to include the change in undies! Really??!! That's the most important part. And even more unfortunately I packed a white skirt... My undies not so white! Ugh!!

Oh well I am sure I can salvage the situation. And next time, pack a little bit smarter. On the bright side, I remembered to take my make up in the carry on... I may be stinky but at least I will be batting lashes with mascara...

--- 1 ---

I have spent this week working from home and it has been delightful! I am sure I am not going to get to everything on my to do list but I certainly crossed off a few items. I have so enjoyed waking up at home, catching up with dear dear friends and being domesticated. Ha sounds funny saying that but you know - cleaning the bathroom, emptying the dishwasher, cutting veggies, planning meals, shopping at costco - the things that I used to not love doing on a weekly basis I have kind of missed! Don't get me wrong though - it isn't something I want back on a weekly basis - I am not crazy!

--- 2 ---

One of the things I find a bit hard with travel is the lack of personal contact. As you well know, I am a huge extrovert and so spending 4 days without that personal connection gets old real quick. Although this project is better in that I am working on a team I still spend my evenings to myself. I could never last on a deserted island. So this week, being able to lunch with friends as I did today or spending the evenings with Jimmy has been so refreshing on the soul.

--- 3 ---

Something that I have been loving with travel has been with the project location. I love Fort Worth/Dallas area. It has delightful friends from previous projects that I need to make a priority to see more, summer isn't over yet there as it is still boasting 34 degrees  and they have fantastic mexican food - I mean the most delicious mexican food. I have had to make a pact with myself that I can only have one guilty pleasure dinner a week - cuz really - who can resist enchiladas.

--- 4 ---

Next week I head to Pittsburgh and then Toronto. Pittsburgh for work to the Cannonsburg office. It will be great to meet all the lovely people down there. I haven't had the pleasure yet and meeting the people you work closely with makes such a huge difference. Toronto is a girls trip that I have had planned with Julie for quite a while. We have Madonna tickets!!! so excited - not necessarily that I am a huge Madonna fan cause I am certainly not. But more because she is a icon and guaranteed to put on a pretty incredible production. But even more than that - I am soooo excited to spend time with Julie! It is going to be incredible and is long overdue. I love that girl to pieces and cannot wait to hang out with her just us - no wedding planning - no spouses (not that we don't love you boys) but just us.

--- 5 ---

Jimmy and I watched The Vow this past weekend. What a beautiful movie (even more so knowing it was inspired by a true story). Jimmy and I chatted a little about what that could look like for us (I won't ruin it here in case you haven't seen it yet. For those who have - you know what I am talking about) and if we thought that you find your way back to yourself. Certainly an interesting thought - and one that leaves me thanking the Lord that we don't have to work through that right now.

--- 6 ---

It is supposed to warm up here this weekend. If it does, a topless ride in Zinny to the mountains is definitely happening on Saturday. Just letting you all know. It - is - happening!

--- 7 ---

I would like to add some books to my reading list. Any ideas? Something that won't scare me too much at night but something that is not super fluffy either. Let me know if you do - I'm starting to feel a touch illiterate. Maybe I will even renew my library membership. Yes - I think I will.

Weekend of Family Fun and Frolic

I am dreadfully behind on some fun little pics for the blog. These are some that mom has been asking for and they definitely represent one of my most favorite weekends from the summer.

My side of the family met in Cypress Hills for a weekend get away. We planned the meals and packed games. Ensured our swim suits were handy and we had plenty of snacks. We stopped for pastrys and planned our ice cream walks. And alas had a weekend full of giggles, full bellies, splashes, exploring, picking berries, fire works, mini golf, bbq'ing and coffee.

He loves me....

I don't need to play that silly game to know he loves me...

But my bedside table has welcomed me with fresh roses from our backyard since I started my new job with the weekly travel...

Just in case I was still wondering...

5 more minutes

There is this little song by Meaghan Smith called 5 More Minutes that I absolutely love. It's all about summer memories and begging mom and dad for 5 more minutes to play.

That reflects how I feel tonight on this long weekend that ushers in September with fall breezes. Please summer... 5 more minutes. I'm not ready for bed yet. I haven't got my golf game ready to attempt to play. We haven't played tennis nor gone for a bike ride. The river hasn't been floated and we only camped once. Zinny hasn't whisked us on a topless cruise into the mountains nor have I finished the box of iced coffees we bought for the keurig. Our local park hasn't been explored and we haven't had a picnic. I'm just not ready yet. Please... Just 5 more minutes??!!

Long weekend

It is the Long Weekend and I am quite excited. Not sure what we will do as far as big events but I do know there is some visiting in my future. A couple new jobs to toast. A new baby to meet.

We have new recipes to try and gift cards to use. Birthday presents to mail, bathrooms to clean, flowers to weed and wedding cards to buy.

Now that may seem like too much for a long weekend but the beauty of this long weekend is it kicks off a glorious week at home! That is 10 glorious nights with my own pillow; a closet filled with clothes, plenty of shoe choices and a different bracelet just because I can. It means meeting friends for lunch and eating veggies I wash and cut myself. Maybe even a Costco run...

My soapbox as of late

At the risk of sounding hard or not an animal lover... How has our culture shifted to value the life of an animal more than a human?

My Facebook news feed and other news stories are flooded with requests and stories for helping rescue dogs. Many, if not all, asking for someone to give of their time and money.

But what about the children who don't get enough to eat right here in our own country? What about the elderly whose pensions don't allow for them to stock their cupboards with the right nutritious foods? I haven't received any of those in my fb newsfeed.

I appreciate the stories are heart wrenching over how people think they can treat animals. I would adopt half the puppies, if I could, to save them from their current life.

Yet again aren't the lives of fellow mankind: a sister, a son, an innocent little one, more deserving of our fundraising effort, time and compassion?

Can you really tell a perfectionist from their closet

I have this French real estate show on the background while I am working and I caught a snippet of conversation when they were in the master closet. Both the host and guide commented on what a perfectionist the owner is as identified through his color coded closet.

Now I will have you know that it may be true that perfectionists have color coded closets but certainly not true that color coded closets indicate a perfectionist. I will let you in on a little secret; my closet is organized using the following rules:

Casual on one side of the closet and Dress on the other.

Then each of those sections are organized into:
Shirts
Sleeve length
Color
Pants
Skirts

And I most certainly am not a perfectionist! I guarantee it! Just quirky. Aren't we all??

Why are good byes so hard sometimes?!

What a terrific weekend but oh how I wished it was longer than two blissful days...

It was the most lovely of days: gorgeous weather, delicious Mexican, a little cowboying and swimming. Checking out this and that and sharing my new reality with Jimmy!

Alas cannot wait for the next four sleeps to zoom by!

The perfect night

My handsome hubby, a light breeze on a warm night, a patio, cheese enchiladas and sunset fajitas

Happy Birthday

It's my ma's birthday today

Happy happy day :) Luv u mom!

En route

Home.....

Mmmmmm

My very first Texas BBQ. Almost as good as Trev's! Although the decor is something Kim can only long for.

First camping trip of 2012

Spent the most delightful weekend with some fabulous friends out in the breathtaking mountains with absolutely perfect weather. On Saturday afternoon, I was wishing I could press pause Saturday afternoon for another hour or two. On the way home we popped in to check out Takakkaw Falls - they are stunning and so incredibly powerful!

Richard

So I brought a friend to Fort Worth with me this time. He's a rather new friend and in fact this is the first time that we have travelled together. We went through the usual awkwardness of new friends: what's your name, where are you from questions; do you prefer to be warm or cold; are you cranky when you feel like your drained. But alas set off on our adventure.

Landed at the airport and together we navigated our way to the office. The first day was great - he got me pointed in the right direction back to the hotel and sat silently as I navigated myself to the office the following morning.

Then the stress hit - running slightly late we needed to head to Grapevine to meet up with my great friends. Off we headed  and unfortunately  took a few wrong turns. Alas we got turned around and headed out on the interstate.

Suddenly it was like a switch flipped - keep left and bare left were ordered at me. Please tell me what is the difference! Richard started telling me to take the highway or did that mean the high way? And yards? I don't know how far 800 yards is - oops - guess it wasn't my first turn. And when I thought our relationship couldn't deteriorate any further . . . we hit construction! Construction that closed off an exit. UGH!!!

I made it to the restaurant - finally - but the mood in the car was 'icey' and remained that way all the way home!

Surely Richard would be better today - there are no highways involved and the mall was only supposed to be a few minutes away.

Harumpf - well it appears that Richard holds grudges. That would have been helpful to know earlier - what google maps said was 10 minutes from the office took me over 45 minutes with at least three times that i had to pull off the road. After the second one - I was done. I had warned Richard if he did that one more time he would be walking home. Well of course I wouldn't make him walk home but I certainly did banish him to the back seat in silence. I turned to the solace of my long time friend! It doesn't matter how much I need to pay for this luxury - I phone google maps it will be. Finally - there it was hidden behind thick trees so you couldn't see all the lovely shops from the road. Mercies.

I will say though - Richard did get me back to my room in 5 minutes - kinda makes you wonder even more about the 45 now doesn't it.

Happy Birthday Canada

We had a great Canada Day out and about Calgary and in the business of my last few weeks I haven't shared it with you.

We lounged about. We packed some snacks. We watched some soccer and enjoyed some sun. We checked out some food trucks and listened to some music. We walked about to see what we could see. We enjoyed a bbq and had many laughs.

We love our nephews to pieces and are so proud of them! Following find a few recent pics from when I went home and was able to cheer them on at soccerfest.

Each of them have their own little personalities and habits! And thankfully - still think I am cool. (Jimmy and I are dreading the day when that changes - hopefully we still have a few years yet!)

Joshua

My oldest nephew has so much natural ability - he is too fun to watch. I love the couple action shots I was able to capture!

Rhyder

Rhyder is too darn adorable. He's quite funny but all business when on the field. I love the look of concentration he gets!