I know, its 9am I should be hard at work. But you just don't know how long a thought might stick around...so I'll make it quick.
I discovered a couple of drinks while I was gone and I thought I'd share...
The first one happened when we had a house full of people. I thought it would be fun to have a "Float Bar". I had vanilla ice cream and all sorts of pop (soda for my American friends). And Ashley had a stroke of genius! The Rum and Coke Float was born. It is the official ice cream summer time drink of the Caswell house.
The other I discovered all on my own. Remember Coke Black? I do miss it so... Just mix Coke with Kahlua and presto! I'm having that this afternoon.
So there you go...a little "mixology" in the morning.
Oh another great drink is lemonade with Blueberry Vodka...boy I wish it was patio season!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Riding a Bike
Well I made it! I didn't even feel the urge to nap, which quite frankly was a miracle. I can't tell you how many times I curled up for a nap during my sabbatical.
And what did I come back to? 1292 emails. I thought it might be more, so I was happy at the number. I was able to rip through them and have that inbox looking good by the end of the day. I found that my brain was quick and sharp. I told my husband that I felt like a computer that had been defragged.
So ya, it is was just like riding a bike. I hit the ground running and it was great. I'm happy to be back.
And what did I come back to? 1292 emails. I thought it might be more, so I was happy at the number. I was able to rip through them and have that inbox looking good by the end of the day. I found that my brain was quick and sharp. I told my husband that I felt like a computer that had been defragged.
So ya, it is was just like riding a bike. I hit the ground running and it was great. I'm happy to be back.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Work Eve
Well it isn't quite as exciting as Christmas Eve, but here I am on the eve of going back to work. Hard to believe 7 weeks have gone by already.
I cleaned up my office and I am making an attempt to revive my plants that didn't get watered during my absence (despite my office being used). I have new art work for my walls and I put candy in my dish that is Easter themed.
I took a look at the forecast for the weather this week and it absolutely stinks! I hope all of my iQfriends going to Florida appreciate the weather they have because we have the potential for 30 cm of snow in the next 2 days. That's a little disappointing. I thought Spring was arriving. Maybe they could use me at CTIA after all? The kids could fend for themselves right?
So what did I learn during my sabbatical? I didn't learn much, but I did find my way to a few truths and peaceful places. There was no great "a-ha" moment, but a steady affirmation that I'm where I want to be and need to be right now. So mission accomplished.
The next step is to bring that mind set to work and strive to keep my head clear and in a positive place as I go forward.
I cleaned up my office and I am making an attempt to revive my plants that didn't get watered during my absence (despite my office being used). I have new art work for my walls and I put candy in my dish that is Easter themed.
I took a look at the forecast for the weather this week and it absolutely stinks! I hope all of my iQfriends going to Florida appreciate the weather they have because we have the potential for 30 cm of snow in the next 2 days. That's a little disappointing. I thought Spring was arriving. Maybe they could use me at CTIA after all? The kids could fend for themselves right?
So what did I learn during my sabbatical? I didn't learn much, but I did find my way to a few truths and peaceful places. There was no great "a-ha" moment, but a steady affirmation that I'm where I want to be and need to be right now. So mission accomplished.
The next step is to bring that mind set to work and strive to keep my head clear and in a positive place as I go forward.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Betty Draper...Round 2
All right...we're gonna try this again. I'm starting the day with coffee, then Tequila Sunrises baby...by lunch I should be into my first bottle of wine.
This will be a more difficult Betty Draper attempt and perhaps more realistic as Liv is home for the day (5 day weekend). And I realized that Gabrielle might be bringing home her report card...that is usually cause to start drinking...not celebratory. So here's to hoping the wine takes the edge off that blow. Perhaps I'll be giddy because she's gotten her act together. It's hard to say. A mom can dream.
So sleep tight and prepare for a drunk tweet or two.
This will be a more difficult Betty Draper attempt and perhaps more realistic as Liv is home for the day (5 day weekend). And I realized that Gabrielle might be bringing home her report card...that is usually cause to start drinking...not celebratory. So here's to hoping the wine takes the edge off that blow. Perhaps I'll be giddy because she's gotten her act together. It's hard to say. A mom can dream.
So sleep tight and prepare for a drunk tweet or two.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Love of a Dog
Growing up, I was a cat person. I didn't get to have many pets, but I loved cats. When I was about 3 I had a stray cat named Suki (siamese), but she went as she came. At the farm, I fancied myself as a bit of a "Cat Whisperer". I was able to track down new born kittens and even had one of the cats who let me handle her kittens right after she had them. At about 11 we got Tippy from the farm. We loved that cat (my sisters and I). He was pretty bad in the house. He'd jump on the cupboard and steal food. Dad have enough and back to the farm he went. In highschool we got Max from the SPCA. He was an awesome cat. Since Clayton and I moved in together, we've had 4 cats, Magic (ya, after Magic Johnson...and he was the best cat ever), Patches, Xena, and Uno.
Just over 10 years ago, I got my first dog. He was a little Pomeranian Poodle cross named Winston. He was the same size as a cat. He was the cutest dog...always looked like a pup. I found that having a dog was much different than a cat. As much as I thought that my cats loved me and sat with me, a dog does so about 10 times more. When Winston's health declined rapidly last year, I went into a bit of a tale spin. Losing that dog was harder than I had ever imagined it would be. That little fur ball had become a companion. He came to softball games, he walked with me and he slept with me when Clayton was out of town.
We waited for a couple of months before getting a new dog. I searched high and low and found a dog that I thought would fit our family. Hugo is a Bulldog Lab cross. He's about 75 lbs and all muscle. I can't even tell you how much I adore this dog. He's a bad dog in many respects. Despite having all sorts of chew toys, he gnaws on most everything he can find...batting gloves, aquarium syphon, underwear, hangers, dog beds, PS3 Move controller, cables, hair brushes, toilet brush, chair legs, flower pots, solar lamps, straw broom, basketballs, baseball, golf ball, and I'm sure I've forgotten some. He's an expensive dog. He doesn't have good manners yet. But as I sit here and type, he is beside me destroying a tennis ball and slobbering on my leg and my heart is full.
Loving a dog is different than loving a cat and one isn't necessarily better than the other. The love of a dog is different than the love of a cat, and for me it's even better. This dog can fill me with hope which sounds crazy I know. He's just a big, adorable, squeezable dog and he loves with everything wag of his tail.
I love my dog.
Just over 10 years ago, I got my first dog. He was a little Pomeranian Poodle cross named Winston. He was the same size as a cat. He was the cutest dog...always looked like a pup. I found that having a dog was much different than a cat. As much as I thought that my cats loved me and sat with me, a dog does so about 10 times more. When Winston's health declined rapidly last year, I went into a bit of a tale spin. Losing that dog was harder than I had ever imagined it would be. That little fur ball had become a companion. He came to softball games, he walked with me and he slept with me when Clayton was out of town.
We waited for a couple of months before getting a new dog. I searched high and low and found a dog that I thought would fit our family. Hugo is a Bulldog Lab cross. He's about 75 lbs and all muscle. I can't even tell you how much I adore this dog. He's a bad dog in many respects. Despite having all sorts of chew toys, he gnaws on most everything he can find...batting gloves, aquarium syphon, underwear, hangers, dog beds, PS3 Move controller, cables, hair brushes, toilet brush, chair legs, flower pots, solar lamps, straw broom, basketballs, baseball, golf ball, and I'm sure I've forgotten some. He's an expensive dog. He doesn't have good manners yet. But as I sit here and type, he is beside me destroying a tennis ball and slobbering on my leg and my heart is full.
Loving a dog is different than loving a cat and one isn't necessarily better than the other. The love of a dog is different than the love of a cat, and for me it's even better. This dog can fill me with hope which sounds crazy I know. He's just a big, adorable, squeezable dog and he loves with everything wag of his tail.
I love my dog.
Monday, March 14, 2011
GSN and my dad
Ya, I know, I've already blogged today.
Since I'm doing laundry I thought I'd leave the TV on to keep me company. I flipped it to the Game Show Network. Boy there were a lot of game shows back in the 80's. I've seen a little Card Sharks and $25,000 Pyramid.
I'd have to say my favourite game show from when I was a kid was called Match Game. Right now, "Match Game '74" is on. It's a simple show that is pretty funny. The panel of celebrities is pissed, but as a kid, I just thought they were funny. Gene Raeburn the host states a simple phrase with a blank. The celebs write something down on a little card and the player (there are two) writes down something and they try to match...thus the name match game. There are phrases like...when the old hockey referee retired from the game he couldn't make a speech because he had a "blank" in his throat. If you haven't seen it you should.
Now this might give you an insight into my odd station in life, but I'll share any way. Let me start by saying that my dad's awesome, but as most dad's of his generation he had some trouble expression his emotions to his three girls. So it came out in different ways. One was teasing...ya, that's where I get that mean streak :). He watched Match Game as well. There were phrases based on characters the show had created. One of those characters was "Dumb Dora". It would do a little something like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXPRtEFjZaA
So long story short, he used to call me Dora. Ah the trips down memory lane :)
One more quick note about my dad...when I was a swimmer, when on the blocks, you get some hoots and cheers from your team. Me? I'd get that and then just before the gun goes I would here from the other end of the pool, "Give 'er shit Rhonda!" That's my dad!
Since I'm doing laundry I thought I'd leave the TV on to keep me company. I flipped it to the Game Show Network. Boy there were a lot of game shows back in the 80's. I've seen a little Card Sharks and $25,000 Pyramid.
I'd have to say my favourite game show from when I was a kid was called Match Game. Right now, "Match Game '74" is on. It's a simple show that is pretty funny. The panel of celebrities is pissed, but as a kid, I just thought they were funny. Gene Raeburn the host states a simple phrase with a blank. The celebs write something down on a little card and the player (there are two) writes down something and they try to match...thus the name match game. There are phrases like...when the old hockey referee retired from the game he couldn't make a speech because he had a "blank" in his throat. If you haven't seen it you should.
Now this might give you an insight into my odd station in life, but I'll share any way. Let me start by saying that my dad's awesome, but as most dad's of his generation he had some trouble expression his emotions to his three girls. So it came out in different ways. One was teasing...ya, that's where I get that mean streak :). He watched Match Game as well. There were phrases based on characters the show had created. One of those characters was "Dumb Dora". It would do a little something like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXPRtEFjZaA
So long story short, he used to call me Dora. Ah the trips down memory lane :)
One more quick note about my dad...when I was a swimmer, when on the blocks, you get some hoots and cheers from your team. Me? I'd get that and then just before the gun goes I would here from the other end of the pool, "Give 'er shit Rhonda!" That's my dad!
Down the home stretch
Well, for me it is hard to believe that I'm on my last week. I think I'm almost ready to get out of here...being the house. My animals are going stir crazy. Uno our Tom Cat is dying to go outside, but hates the cold. This morning he is running hard around the house...which causes the dog to chase him...which causes furniture to tumble! Good times.
Over my time I truly have found that the grass isn't greener on the other side. I didn't do a lot of what I thought I was going to do during this time, but I am coming out the other side happier and stronger. And when it comes right down to it, I couldn't ask for anything more.
I plan on coming into the office on Friday to clean my office and hang some new artwork. I want a fresh start. It will also allow me to visit with people I haven't seen in months. Then on Monday, I hit the ground running.
I aniticpate doing a lot of laundry this week and walking the dog. The warmer weather (woohoo) makes me want to wash jackets and blankets, so I will. I guess I have a few bananas to bake with. And of course, Betty Draper day part II will hopefully take place.
Over my time I truly have found that the grass isn't greener on the other side. I didn't do a lot of what I thought I was going to do during this time, but I am coming out the other side happier and stronger. And when it comes right down to it, I couldn't ask for anything more.
I plan on coming into the office on Friday to clean my office and hang some new artwork. I want a fresh start. It will also allow me to visit with people I haven't seen in months. Then on Monday, I hit the ground running.
I aniticpate doing a lot of laundry this week and walking the dog. The warmer weather (woohoo) makes me want to wash jackets and blankets, so I will. I guess I have a few bananas to bake with. And of course, Betty Draper day part II will hopefully take place.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Happy
There are many definitions of happy. And there are many things that can make you happy. Despite not feeling very well, I'm really happy today.
In fact, I'm pretty much overjoyed! Why? It's many things really. I finally made the cinnamon buns and they were crazy good. I ate too many and enjoyed every bite. The sun is out and it feels good...it helps that we are above zero for sure. Hugo snuggled up with me today and had some quiet time. Olivia has been playing really well at ringette and both girls are kicking ass at their softball evaluations. I couldn't be more proud! And Gabs is driving herself from school today...how cool is that?
My time so far has allowed me to come back down and find love, peace, and serenity. I couldn't want anything more.
In fact, I'm pretty much overjoyed! Why? It's many things really. I finally made the cinnamon buns and they were crazy good. I ate too many and enjoyed every bite. The sun is out and it feels good...it helps that we are above zero for sure. Hugo snuggled up with me today and had some quiet time. Olivia has been playing really well at ringette and both girls are kicking ass at their softball evaluations. I couldn't be more proud! And Gabs is driving herself from school today...how cool is that?
My time so far has allowed me to come back down and find love, peace, and serenity. I couldn't want anything more.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Only 2 weeks left...
Hard to believe that I only have 2 weeks left. They will be filled with softball and ringette...which is very exciting!
I've thought that I haven't changed much in the past 15 years. But sitting here evaluating things, I've changed a lot. I used to watch a bunch of soap operas. I literally could tell you what was going on in about 5 different series. I thought that today I'd check out a soap opera. There is nothing wrong with a soap opera, but oh my, they aren't for me anymore. I was so bored I went and started laundry. So I have changed...
But you know that they say that the more things change the more they stay the same...somethings so stay the same and just get worse.
I remember as a kid, my mom had made a organizational holder made out of plastic that went in our one hall closet. It held all sorts of things including house hold scissors. Now if those scissors were not there when she wanted them, the lady would lose her mind! Can you guess my next sentence? Ya, that's me now! I have 3 things that I hate when people use and don't put back: tweezers, nail clippers, and kitchen scissors. I thought that perhaps I would find all said items during my time off and put them back where they belong. And for the most part I've done well, but the nail clippers are nowhere to be found (which means that they will turn up in a daughter's room). And my poor kitchen scissors that belong in the knife block were left out by my crafty daughter and chewed by the dog.
So I suppose I'm nice and balanced :)
I've been convinced to try my Betty Draper day again. It was suggested that I start the day with Bailey's in my coffee. I explained to my friends that I wanted to start drinking the wine at 10 am, but thought that might be frowned upon. My husband is going to pick out some wines and I'll try it again...
I've thought that I haven't changed much in the past 15 years. But sitting here evaluating things, I've changed a lot. I used to watch a bunch of soap operas. I literally could tell you what was going on in about 5 different series. I thought that today I'd check out a soap opera. There is nothing wrong with a soap opera, but oh my, they aren't for me anymore. I was so bored I went and started laundry. So I have changed...
But you know that they say that the more things change the more they stay the same...somethings so stay the same and just get worse.
I remember as a kid, my mom had made a organizational holder made out of plastic that went in our one hall closet. It held all sorts of things including house hold scissors. Now if those scissors were not there when she wanted them, the lady would lose her mind! Can you guess my next sentence? Ya, that's me now! I have 3 things that I hate when people use and don't put back: tweezers, nail clippers, and kitchen scissors. I thought that perhaps I would find all said items during my time off and put them back where they belong. And for the most part I've done well, but the nail clippers are nowhere to be found (which means that they will turn up in a daughter's room). And my poor kitchen scissors that belong in the knife block were left out by my crafty daughter and chewed by the dog.
So I suppose I'm nice and balanced :)
I've been convinced to try my Betty Draper day again. It was suggested that I start the day with Bailey's in my coffee. I explained to my friends that I wanted to start drinking the wine at 10 am, but thought that might be frowned upon. My husband is going to pick out some wines and I'll try it again...
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mind has been blown
I've never mentioned it before but I obsessively look at my blog stats. I just can't help it!
This morning I'm laying her with my iPad with something in my left eye (not sure what's in there but my eye is very irritated and I can't remedy it) and I check out my stats to see how the last blog went. The little map shows Canada as dark green and the USA as a light green since that's where my iQfriends are. Today however I see another green area...China!
I assume that someone accidentally clicked on my blog, but I like the stat. I then look at the map more carefully and notice that I have had hits from Morroco, United Arab Emerates, and Vietnam. Now if you believe that they are just some bot out there trolling the Internet, keep it to yourself...let me enjoy the idea of some half a world away reading my random thoughts.
This week on Twitter I picked up two more followers because of my tweets about #iqmetrixknittingclub. Wonders never cease!!
This morning I'm laying her with my iPad with something in my left eye (not sure what's in there but my eye is very irritated and I can't remedy it) and I check out my stats to see how the last blog went. The little map shows Canada as dark green and the USA as a light green since that's where my iQfriends are. Today however I see another green area...China!
I assume that someone accidentally clicked on my blog, but I like the stat. I then look at the map more carefully and notice that I have had hits from Morroco, United Arab Emerates, and Vietnam. Now if you believe that they are just some bot out there trolling the Internet, keep it to yourself...let me enjoy the idea of some half a world away reading my random thoughts.
This week on Twitter I picked up two more followers because of my tweets about #iqmetrixknittingclub. Wonders never cease!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Great idea...
So I had the best idea for my blog when I was trying to wake up this morning. And for the life of me I can't remember what it was about! It was awesome and funny. Now I've got nothing!
The kids are home from school today. We're all still in our pajamas watching movies on Netflix. I managed to get a cake into the oven. It smells awesome! But that's it. No idea for a blog.
Have a great weekend and I'll see most of you in a couple of weeks!
The kids are home from school today. We're all still in our pajamas watching movies on Netflix. I managed to get a cake into the oven. It smells awesome! But that's it. No idea for a blog.
Have a great weekend and I'll see most of you in a couple of weeks!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dirty...
Being around the house for over four weeks, I've noticed that the house is really really dirty. I notice the marks on the walls, the dust on the base boards, and dust on light fixtures. Ewwwww!!!
So I started to spring clean. I had thoughts of getting 2 floors done in a day. Unfortunately I knew SingStar had an update out today. So naturally I went and took a look (and bought a few things). Three and a half hours later and one sore throat, I again thought about cleaning. But you know, I was hungry. So I had a little lunch.
Finally in the early afternoon I stopped thinking about cleaning and got down to it. Man oh mighty! Dirty dirty dirty.
So the cleaning adventure will continue as I only got one floor of the house done. On the positive side the upstairs bathroom is looking fan-frickin-tastic.
So I started to spring clean. I had thoughts of getting 2 floors done in a day. Unfortunately I knew SingStar had an update out today. So naturally I went and took a look (and bought a few things). Three and a half hours later and one sore throat, I again thought about cleaning. But you know, I was hungry. So I had a little lunch.
Finally in the early afternoon I stopped thinking about cleaning and got down to it. Man oh mighty! Dirty dirty dirty.
So the cleaning adventure will continue as I only got one floor of the house done. On the positive side the upstairs bathroom is looking fan-frickin-tastic.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
PITA
PITA is a term that we use with Olivia when she plays ringette. She plays defense and encourage her to get in there and shake it up. We tell her to be a Pain In The Ass (PITA). I think it is a phrase that will catch on
Well I have to say that Mother Nature is being a major PITA these days. I haven't really complained about the cold to this point. I live in Saskatchewan and I like winter...I expect the cold and it isn't a big deal. But I think I've had enough. It hasn't been this cold at the beginning of March in over 90 years.
I will have to think warm thoughts and put my focus elsewhere. I won't focus on the fact that I have to go out of the house today...I'm thinking palm trees and sand between my toes.
Spring has to be around the corner...right?
Well I have to say that Mother Nature is being a major PITA these days. I haven't really complained about the cold to this point. I live in Saskatchewan and I like winter...I expect the cold and it isn't a big deal. But I think I've had enough. It hasn't been this cold at the beginning of March in over 90 years.
I will have to think warm thoughts and put my focus elsewhere. I won't focus on the fact that I have to go out of the house today...I'm thinking palm trees and sand between my toes.
Spring has to be around the corner...right?
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