tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128780922024-03-05T08:25:48.000-05:00A Wish For Wings That WorkRandom bits of my chaotic thought process, neatly packaged for mass consumptionShelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-18826163775838772992013-02-13T23:53:00.002-05:002013-02-13T23:53:34.737-05:00Changing DirectionsWithout doubt, I have proven that I completely suck at blogging. When I started this, I thought it would be a great venue for me to offload some of the never-ending chatter between my ears. Instead I opted for the 'make yourself completely insane by never letting anything out' option. I've had some fun with the insane, catch-22 loops I've dragged myself into, but I think it's time to get off the merry-go-round.<br />
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In the past few months, I have really re-discovered one of my very earliest passions, which is books. Don't get me wrong, I never gave up reading, but now that my job has become a little more predictable and my daughter has become a lot more self sufficient, I find I am once again able to really enjoy books.
Courtesy of social media, I am now able to find more suggestions, more new releases, more reading club suggestions and some truly articulate (and FUNNY) writers. Inspired by all of this literature, I've decided I really want to get back to writing more regularly and what better topics than books I'm reading and loving? Obviously I don't love everything I read (who could really) but I'm very excited about reading new things and challenging myself to blog honestly about it all.<br />
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For the half a dozen people who check in here annually to ensure I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, I hope you'll continue to enjoy my writing and will keep coming back. I've got the best of intentions this time around to keep at this. I may need you to kick my butt periodically to keep me on track, so feel free to swing away at will.
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-25456941474386039422012-01-23T22:50:00.002-05:002012-01-23T23:38:01.884-05:00Who I amI am a daughter, a sister, a wife (and ex-wife), a mother, a cousin, a colleague, a friend and many other titles I can't even begin to remember now. Some days it's hard to remember just who I am at any given moment.<br /><br />They say having kids changes you. I think that's the understatement of the millenium. I can go for days on 4 hours of sleep, meals that are never hot (and rarely warm) and caffeine. I learned to put someone else's needs before my own and to put some of my dreams on hold while nurtured this little life into someone more self sustaining.<br /><br />I always swore that even after I had the kid that I wouldn't become one of those people who can only talk about parenting and kids. What I didn't realize was just how all encompassing being a parent would be. <br /><br />Oh sure, I still like to try and stay on top of current events and relish the idea of spending hours over dessert and drinks discussing politics and global warming and the latest celebrity gossip. Something changed along the way though - everything I used to believe and used to enjoy has now been coloured by becoming a parent. Without even realizing it, I've changed - evolved even. Whether I like it or not, I now have more in common with other parents than I do with my old life. It's not a bad thing, but it certainly is different than what I thought it would be.<br /><br />My newest and most important title is Mom. It's been a complete surprise from the day I found out we were going from 2 to 3, but it's the best title I never knew I wanted.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-17812406878229532702011-12-02T15:26:00.002-05:002011-12-02T15:42:49.569-05:00Dear SantaDear Santa,<br /><br />I have been an exceptionally average girl this year. I didn't cure cancer or win the Nobel Peace prize. I didn't end world hunger or stop global warming or even keep my house particularly clean.<br /><br />I didn't kill any of my co-workers or customers (not even the snarky ones who really needed a good smack to the head), didn't choke the life out of my husband when he was being a total git and even refrained from locking our daughter in her room for 365 days straight in the hopes of not butting heads with her.<br /><br />What I did do was get up and go to work every day, raise a now 5 year old girl (no easy feat, let me tell you) and tried my darndest to be the best me I could be.<br /><br />So this year Santa, I'm not going to ask for much - after all, I didn't really earn it (see opening paragraph). What I could really use is:<br /><br />1. Patience. Lots and lots of patience. If you could double what I have now, I'd still be deficient, but perhaps a little less likely to lose my cool over things like missing mittens and socks and food on my living room floor for the cat to clean up. Last year I asked for patience or an untraceable hand gun. I think I'm improving, don't you?<br /><br />2. World Peace. I know this is one a number of people have asked for over the years and I think it's time we re-visit it, don't you? How much nicer would it be if we didn't have to think about all our brothers and sisters who are serving and protecting at great personal risk? How much better would it be if we could pick up a newspaper and read about how people are helping each other, instead of shooting or starving.<br /><br />3. Time. I know this one might be a little outside the realm of possibility (especially compared to the first 2) but I'm still a little hopeful. I don't have enough time every day to work and clean house and learn to be a gourmet cook and be a perfect parent and partner and keep up with Grey's Anatomy. I figure a couple more hours each day will go a LONG way to shortening that list of to-do's.<br /><br />4. Love. I have lots of this in my house, but I think we need to get more of it out there for others to enjoy. Plus, with the loss this year of a few family members, it means that we all have to love a bit more and without those extra hours in the day, I'm not really sure when I'll fit all that in (hint, hint)<br /><br />So that's it Santa, just a couple of things I'd like to see a little more of this year. I'll be sure to leave some store-bought cookies and pre-cut carrots out for you and the reindeer - just like always.<br /><br />I'll save my wishes for my pre-baby body and bank account increases for the Easter Bunny - I hear he's not nearly as busy as you are.....<br /><br />Love,<br />ShelleyShelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-6247556563332271212010-02-23T15:44:00.002-05:002010-02-23T15:57:30.374-05:00Where does the time go?It's officially official. The not-so-little little one has now been enrolled for school starting in September. How can that be? After all, I'm absolutely not one iota older than I was when I had her, so how can she be starting school already? Where does the time go?<br /><br />Wasn't it just yesterday that she came home, all 5 lbs 6 oz of her, skin and bones and looking like a little bird every time she opened her mouth? Didn't we just purchase this house with the idea that she would one day need a backyard to run around in? When did 'one day' become today?<br /><br />Like every other transition, I'm sure she'll deal with it better than her father or I will. She will wander in, stand off to the side and just watch for 5 minutes to get the lay of the land and then she'll be off - checking out the other kids, investigating the cool toys and art supplies we don't have at home, with nary a glance back. <br /><br />She's a magnificent creature, this girl of ours. She's a walking, talking, bonefide miracle, reminding me every day to slow down and check things out, to find joy in little things and to not take everything so seriously. I honestly can't remember life without her (well, except for the ability to sleep late on weekends and walk around without stepping one of a million toys, but I'm digressing here) She has been a complete and total blessing.<br /><br />I hope the teachers at her new school know what they're getting into when she arrives. More importantly, I hope they recognize just how amazing we already know she is. I wish them luck and bottomless patience for the never ending 'but why does it do that' questions. Perhaps as a welcome to school gift I should get them an encyclopedia set.......or ear plugs.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-35302764364564904702009-12-21T23:11:00.002-05:002009-12-21T23:23:52.010-05:00Catching upAnd here we are, a year later and no updates. <br /><br />There are a million reasons I could use for this: blogging was never my full time thing, don't have lots of readers who clamour for my every thought, work takes up too much time - you name it, I've probably used it as an excuse to not write, to not stay in touch, to try and shake off any semblance of responsibility I might have felt towards posting with any regularity.<br /><br />Truth is, this generally a great way for me to get things off my chest. Things that ping around in the cavernous space called my brain and need to be set down to paper in order to make room for other things.<br /><br />Lately, I've been thinking about family and frieds. How my social and familial groups seem to expand and contract like water in winter. <br /><br />There's the immediate family, who are always good for a bit of stress and a bit of friendly bitching. There are the extended family, who always bring in a different viewpoint and some lovely drama to boot. <br /><br />There's the work family, both current and previous, and then there's the friends who've become family. Lately, these have been some of the most important facets. <br /><br />I've had the incredible pleasure of meeting some of the most wonderful people in the universe during my travels. Not all of them are with us any more and that's a damned shame. Having others around who remember those who are gone is remarkably theraputic. Memories really are best when shared and the sudden outpouring of comments from all corners of the world when my facebook status reflects a painful time is an incredible reminder that love really is returned tenfold when it's given away.<br /><br />For those of you who check back periodically, thank you for everything we've shared: 5 minutes, 5 days or 5 years. It all matters and I love you for it.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-2638247014452539822008-12-14T08:14:00.003-05:002008-12-14T08:16:45.548-05:00Only time for a quick note....But I think this is really important. Plus, it's really important to a friend of mine, so of course I want to help out.<br /><br />http://www.secondharvest.ca/index.php<br /><br />Second Harvest in Toronto is looking for help in the community to try and get turkeys to those in need. Please take the time to donate money or visit one of the store locations and buy a turkey. <br /><br />Everyone deserves a nice Christmas meal and now more than ever we really do need to help those who need it.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-62236296355905661772008-11-20T11:17:00.003-05:002010-02-23T15:59:08.764-05:00Border CrossingsTime to break out the old passport and silently swear under my breath about the hassles of packing (no liquids!?!), airport parking, flight delays (come on Delta, try a little harder to get your people in on time) and border guards. While I mostly love my job, there are times when I am expected to travel for it. I have no problem with showing up at a customer site and working my magic and making the customers believe I'm completely brilliant and amazing. What I really hate is the grief I inevitably get while trying to cross the border. I understand the need to protect the country and those who are employed within it's borders (especially now in these times of economic uncertainty) but I don't understand why it's so hard to believe that I might be travelling south simply to do my job and then get the heck out again. Believe me when I say I have no inclination to stay south of the border once I'm there - I love my American friends and even the weather that some of the states enjoy - but I'm not interested in picking up my life and moving hundreds or thousands of miles away from my family, friends and everything else I love about this country. I like socialized medicine, multi-cultural harmony and multiple political groups vying for my vote.<br />If I'm really lucky this time, maybe I'll get a border guard who recognizes that I'm not a terrorist, nor someone who's looking to mooch off the system. Someone who recognizes that I'm just trying to do my job to the best of my ability and that sometimes that job involves visiting our American customers. <br />Of course, if my bosses could just get their ducks in a row and figure out a way to get me a visa or other work papers to help eliminate this frustration, that would be even better. 8 months later they're still "working on it" :)<br />Could be worse I suppose. I could be unemployed and bitching about how I have nowhere to go, instead of whining about how I have to travel. Need to remember to always look on the bright side, right?Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-7060481478332234672008-10-09T11:04:00.003-04:002008-10-09T11:20:33.240-04:00Bells will ringWas at a wedding recently. I'd almost forgotten how much fun those things are -especially when they're not your own. It was a wonderful celebration of love and I'm really glad we went.<br /><br />Got to thinking about what marriage is and why it matters. I'm always impressed when two people decide to make that kind of commitment to each other. I like the optimism that seems to ooze from every pore of the happy couple. The thought that this is forever, that nothing will come between them and that there will always be someone right next to you.<br /><br />Weddings alway bring out the romantic side of me. I know firsthand just how much work is involved in keeping a relationship going. Believe me, no one wants to hear about how you resolved the socks on the floor or the no, I changed the baby last time, it's your turn now issues. That's not fun, it's not pretty, it's just life. A wedding is like the antithesis of that. It's pretty, light, fun, filled with lots of declarations of acceptance and love. <br /><br />I love the idea of wearing someone's ring again. Making a public statement of my commitment and telling everyone that not only do I love, but that I am loved. Amazing what a simple band can do.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-4286066181785638582008-07-31T10:35:00.003-04:002008-07-31T12:09:59.515-04:00Powerful wordsis this your life jackie brown?<br />poorly educated and forced to live<br />on the poor side of town<br />is this your daughter jackie brown?<br />this pretty little girl<br />in the worn out clothes<br />that have been hand me down<br />is this your wife jackie brown?<br />sad blue eyes<br />walking on eggshells so that you don't see her frown<br />is this your family jackie brown?<br /><br />dream of vacationing on a mountain stream<br />and giving the world more than it gave you<br />what ugly truths, freedom brings<br />and it hasn't been very kind to you<br />is this your life jackie brown?<br /><br />is this your meal jackie brown?<br />barely enough<br />i've seen people throw more than this out<br />is this your home jackie brown?<br />this three room shack<br />with no running water<br />and the bathroom out back<br />is this your grave jackie brown?<br />this little piece of limestone <br />that says another desperate man<br />took himself out<br />is this your dream jackie brown?<br /><br />going nowhere and nowhere fast<br />we shame ourselves to watch people like this live<br />but who gives a damn about jackie brown?<br />just another lazy man who couldn't take what was his<br /><br />one hell of a life jackie brown<br />forever more jackie brown<br />well amen and amen jackie brown<br /><br />Many thanks to John Mellencamp for writing so powerfully that it gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I never really considered myself a "political" person (although I do admit to having a suitcase full of opinions on just about everything under the sun) but this song really does make me think. Makes me wonder if maybe I could be doing more for my fellow man. I hate seeing people suffer, especially children. We are so lucky to have a healthy girl and to be able to provide for her. She'll never likely know the pain of going hungry or the fear of wondering where she'll sleep at night. I just hope we can raise her to be aware of the world around her and to ensure that she wants to leave this world a little better than she found it. I know I sure do.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-61492075611864539342008-07-23T11:21:00.002-04:002008-07-23T11:54:28.351-04:00Full CircleI had dinner with a long time friend on the weekend (and by long time, I mean 30 years now) and was speaking with another "older" friend earlier this week and it got me to wondering about where I am now and how I got here.<br /><br />Growing up in a small town, I was a pretty stereotypical nerd. I was smart, wore glasses and had the social skills of an overly enthusiastic dog. I just wanted people to like me and to recognize that I was cool or special or SOMETHING. Like a lot of young people, I was awkward and uncomfortable in my own skin.<br /><br />By the time I was ready to enter high school, I was determined to be someone else. A better, cooler, less gawky version of myself. The me I could see in my mind's eye, not the doofus from earlier years. It was easier, I thought, to make the change then, since I wouldn't be constantly surrounded by the people I'd grown up with to that point. The high school was fed by ALL the public schools in town, so I could make new friends, be someone else and NO ONE would know any different.<br /><br />As with most of the best laid plans, this grand scheme only sort of worked. I re-acquainted myself with some old friends from earlier public school years and was accepted as a larger part of their group. We had a lot of fun in that group - going to theme parks, cottage weekends, parties etc. I felt like part of a group, an accepted member. Things were good. <br /><br />As I can see now, looking back, being a part of that group made me feel good, but it seriously stymied my forming other friendships in the school. Oh sure, I met a bunch of other people and they were fun and interesting, but I never really opened up to them or became tight friends with them since I already had my own group. <br /><br />Since most of the gang were older, they all graduated and moved on before I did. Things changed, as they always do. We drifted. Some friendships were finally revealed to be the toxic wastelands that they really were. Some people dropped off the face of the earth, never to be heard from again. <br /><br />By the time I was ready for university, I was done with the small town and ready to re-invent myself, yet again. This time I would get it right. I would be someone else entirely. Someone who didn't make mistakes with boys or treat people badly. Someone who wouldn't let others dictate the course of my life or try and manipulate me into being or doing something that wasn't really me. I swore that nothing would bring me back to that little town or that old me.<br /><br />Fast forward a number of years: I've got great friends from my short stint in university, a friendship with my ex-husband and his family, a new relationship and a child of my own. I live in another small-ish town, but I did manage stay true to my never-going-home creedo.<br /><br />It's amazing how much clearer things become with time, distance and maturity. I realize now that I really didn't have to leave to become someone else and that the memories of my youth really did create the me that I am now. Sure, if I could go back in time to visit a younger version of me, there are TONS of life lessons that I'd be sure to impart. If I could do that, however, I really doubt I'd be sitting here now, writing this.<br /><br />What I have learned, however, is this. I didn't have to leave everyone and everything from that small town behind. I can and have re-kindled old friendships and they are rich and satisfying in ways that I never believed they could be. While you may not ever really be able to go home, I think, sometimes, you can bring bits of home to you. And that is truly a great thing.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-19102979472811126672008-07-17T16:41:00.002-04:002008-07-17T16:54:26.893-04:00So.......what's new???Where to even begin?<br /><br />Things in this corner of the universe have been pretty much status quo for the past little while. Get up, feed kid, take kid to daycare, come home, work for a while, pick kid up, eat dinner, bathe kid, read books about bears who are capable of space travel, put kid to bed, try and catch up on: email, friends, family, pile of books beside the bed, latest magazines, crosswords and sudokos and see what my better half has been doing. Pretty standard life I guess. Doesn't sound really very exciting when you lay it all out like that though, does it?<br /><br />I think everyone goes through phases like this. The whole, wondering where things are going, asking if you're doing what you were meant to with your life, questioning "is this really all there is?" My life, as a whole, is actually pretty good. I'm gainfully employed, my family is healthy (not accounting for the odd bouts of crazy, but that's pretty standard) we have food and shelter which we can afford and generally speaking, really bad things haven't happened to any of us. Still, there is a very little part of me that pipes up on occasion and reminds me that I had always thought that my life would be more, well, interesting. Shouldn't I be famous by now? Won a Nobel prize for something? Found a cure for cancer at the very least? <br /><br />Bah. Don't mind me. I'm just wallowing in a pit of boredom currently. No doubt there will be another family health scare or several more inches of water in my basement to amuse me in the very near future. Pretty sad that the only thing I have to whine about is how good my life is. We should all be so lucky.<br /><br />Next week my mom will be here visiting. Can't wait to see what sort of adventures we have. Trips to the mall? Outings to the park? Maybe even <gasp> a night out with my hubby?? Stay tuned!Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-76859700434517877232008-05-06T11:25:00.003-04:002008-12-11T04:44:53.445-05:00Dreaming of a nap..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6NtoYblApvCbtlpq3k0xhXS6YIoHqUIJdYomitoI5p8wZfIpm6pp0rLHy59pzBCSpUbWuKuLdQQ-g_BdhpNc_N5rKxWNJ7hLsM1o0zUGa3kT3EZabqAeHaAfcHo31g52-2eF/s1600-h/IMGP1698.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197295671284268322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6NtoYblApvCbtlpq3k0xhXS6YIoHqUIJdYomitoI5p8wZfIpm6pp0rLHy59pzBCSpUbWuKuLdQQ-g_BdhpNc_N5rKxWNJ7hLsM1o0zUGa3kT3EZabqAeHaAfcHo31g52-2eF/s200/IMGP1698.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Apparently teething and a full night's sleep are two things that don't really go well together. The under four foot set had us up for the better part of the evening for no real apparent reason. Best guess we've got is that there are new teeth in the works (possibly the eye teeth, but really, who knows)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I remember in the first few weeks of her life how exhausted I was from being up every 3-4 hours. This is worse. Instead of getting up and eating and going back to sleep, she's up and wanting to be held for hours at a time. Someone please tell me that this gets better at some point!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All I can say is it's a darned good thing that she's cute, otherwise her father and I would be putting her in a box at the curb with a sign that says "Free to a good home". According to my mother in law, she'd be willing to sweeten the deal by adding her 90 pound, 5 year old "puppy". With a combination like that, I'm sure I'd only have to pay someone $50 dollars to take them both away....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-35513835454546868482008-04-11T08:07:00.003-04:002008-04-11T08:15:32.775-04:00Green with envyIt's bright and early on this gray and dreary morning and while I'm supposed to be working already, I thought I'd take a moment to add a post to my blog (for the 3 people who actually want to know what I've been up to)<br /><br />Mostly, I've been stewing in a creative funk regarding this silly posting page. I know, I know, it's supposed to be a random thoughts, free association, long winded spiel on nothing in particular and everything in general. I can't help it. I always want my posts to be snappy, witty and catchy. I suspect I'm failing on everyone of those levels, but I still like to try. Of course, what I'm doing in the meantime is checking out other people's blogs and turning green with envy about the apparent ease with which they make a post come to life. I read some of my friend's blogs and I can just about hear them talking to me and I'm laughing as I imagine their nuances and facial expressions. I'm also reading other people's blogs (people I'm never going to meet) and marveling at their mastery of the English language and the clever way they write - darn it I want to be perceived as intelligent and suave. I want to be one of the cool kids!<br /><br />Instead, my dear readers, what you get is this. Your basic bundle of neurosis and self doubt. I only hope that on occasion you chuckle - if not with me, then at least at me.<br /><br />Check out some of the blog links I have on my page. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a new favorite.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-34128050055679946282008-03-11T21:55:00.002-04:002008-03-11T22:10:51.734-04:00No comics were harmed in the making of this blog postIt's 15 degrees here and sunny (at least, it was earlier today) and that's a welcome respite from the multiple centimetres of snow that I left on Sunday.<br /><br />My new job is working out really well. The people are super amazing (just like the people I just left) and the work is challenging and interesting. The only problem I can see at this point is that I'm working 11+ hours every day while on site. I'm sure I'll be back into a more manageable 8-9 hour days when I get home.<br /><br />Contrary to popular belief, I don't make it a habit to go around threatening my friends' lives. Of course, I'm willing to sacrifice myself and my reputation at the alter of comedy, but only for very important people.<br /><br />Beyond that, there's not too much to tell right now. Unless of course you count the news that 21 people were laid off from my last company. Very not cool. I only hope that things work out for the best for all of them. <br /><br />All I need now is a couple hours of sleep and a Leafs win. Which do you think is more likely to end up in the success pile?Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-75723628603607964672008-03-04T12:33:00.003-05:002008-03-04T12:58:15.164-05:00Will the ringing ever stop?It's a bright and cold Tuesday noon as I type this, while waiting for my primary machine to grind its way into life. All of the hard work of chipping away at the ice yesterday has finally paid off - instead of a wading pool in the basement, we now have a skating rink in the driveway. Is summer ever going to get here?<br />Was out in Hamilton last night (I know, I know, not exactly party central) to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. I honestly think that Copps is a MUCH better venue for rock and roll than the ACC. It's a little smaller and the energy from the crowd was amazing. 2.5 hours of listening to Bruce and the boys give it everything they've got was a fantastic way to spend the evening. Of course, it didn't hurt that we were actually able to get out of the house without the 30" dictator.....<br />Today I'm wandering around the house, humming "She's the One" and "Thunder Road" and wondering how I became such a Boss fan. I suspect Pat's been sending me subliminal messages for the past 5 years. I'm also wondering when my hearing will return to normal. If my ears are still ringing 12 hours + later, I guess that means that I'm getting old.<br /><br />Small aside to Darcy and TVA - you guys are just perfect the way you are. Don't ever change.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-5640960939994611072008-02-21T14:23:00.003-05:002008-02-21T14:38:35.880-05:00If sorry seems to be the hardest word, then goodbye is secondThe countdown has begun. Tomorrow will be the last time I board the Greyhound for the trek into the big city. There are so many things I will miss about leaving this job: the people, the neighbourhood, the joy of human interaction every day, the lively debates about reality television and the food (actually, the food is a very close second to the people for things I'll miss)<br /><br />It's only been 4 months since I returned to the daily grind of office work and while I enjoy the interaction and the new challenges offered, the commute to and from the office is putting a rather serious dent into my "new" life.<br /><br />I've made such good friends here and it was with a very heavy heart that I came to the conclusion that leaving was really the right thing to do. While the rest of my life will likely align itself in a more orderly fashion, I will truly miss the jokes and laughter over the wall of my cube, the morning bagels, the good news sharing about mutual friends/former colleagues.<br /><br />No one ever said change was easy, but sometimes it's necessary. To my dear friends, I say not goodbye but, until next time. It has been an honour and a pleasure to have shared the past 3 years with you all.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-59842377047022843022008-02-14T16:35:00.002-05:002008-02-14T16:45:01.081-05:00Infamy is an awful lot of workApparently, getting in on the ground floor of new podcast is the best way to get your name mentioned on the internet. My dear friend Todd and his wonderful producer Darcy managed to sneak my name in on this week's podcast yet again. What this of course means for me now is that I need to find new and exciting ways to get them to mention me in future episodes. I'm hooked on the euphoric high of hearing my name on the airwaves. Do you think there's a 12 step program for this?<br /><br />Of course, it would be better in general if there were more listeners for Todd and Darcy. These boys need feedback people! It's not easy being funny at 7 in the morning every week without ideas for new material. So listen often (heck, subscribe even. It's free!) and feedback with abandon. You too may experience the euphoric rush of hearing your name on the internet. How can you possibly top that?Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-39837719871928733662008-02-11T06:58:00.000-05:002008-02-11T07:07:15.803-05:00Who really needs sleep when there's cable?As some of you may be aware, we have a little person in our house now. No, we didn't take in a midget roommate. Instead, we opted for the "create your own carbon copy" version. Our daughter is a whopping 15 months old already and has been an incredible adventure to date. <br /><br />As with all adventures, there are good and bad bits. There are the times when you're so glad you have a camera handy to record the stuff you'll probably never see again and there are times when you wish that you could just hit the reset button and try again. Since we've started day care, I'm leaning towards the latter.<br /><br />Apparently it's pretty normal for a child to become rather ill, many, MANY times once they have been exposed to other children in a day care setting. I can handle this. I was expecting colds, flus and possibly the odd bout of pink eye. What I wasn't expecting was pneumonia in the first 3 weeks and 4 ear infections in the first 3 months. Currently, we've got so many doctors for JP that her day calander is beginning to look like that of a local hospital! She's been on antibiotics almost constantly since she started. Dear Lord, does this ever stop? Was I supposed to become a stay at home mom? Is this a not so subtle hint that I'm on the wrong path?<br /><br />The one thing helping to keep me sane through all of this is television. I always feel better after watching late night infomercials or re-runs of talk shows that involve circus contortionists and their love affairs with ponies. Compared to all of that, my problems are small and I'm practically verging on normal!Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-73413802590489349842008-02-08T07:47:00.000-05:002008-02-08T07:56:52.522-05:00Hey it's TVA - I'm practically famous!My dear friend Todd Van Allen is a comic whom I happen to adore (I also think he's very funny which is apparently a good thing for comics). I try and catch his show whenever I can steal away from the house for a couple of hours (now that I've moved of course, this is much harder than it used to be)<br /><br />For those of you who would like to sample some of Todd's amazing wit, feel free to check him out at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.heyitstva.com/">www.heyitstva.com</a><br /><br />He's got a fabulous podcast going, which incorporates a bit of schtick with his producer and his weekly on air banter with bob.fm in the thousand islands region. <br /><br />Since I'm such a fan, I've of course subscribed to the podcast and decided to let them know that I was listening by providing them with feedback. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished, so this week's broadcast includes a reference to me (by NAME no less!) and uses my suggestion for a top 10 list.<br /><br />Being the drama queen that I am (minus the stage or soap box to perform on) I am shamelessly plugging my 3 seconds of (non) fame here on my (not so popular) blog. Head over to the website, take a listen, enjoy the laughs and remember this: pot makes everything seem much funnier.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-36922959853375296752008-01-08T15:12:00.000-05:002008-01-08T15:26:23.921-05:00Happy 2008 everyone!Someone much wiser than I once said that if you do what you love, the money will follow. Now, I can't really argue with that logic (how can you honestly?) but as someone who sometimes needs to pee on the electric fence, just to prove that it does hurt, it's rather hard to fathom that someone would pay me enormous sums to, say, complete jigsaw or crossword puzzles daily. Far be it for me to argue with the will of the universe though. Things always seem to work themselves out, even if they don't make much sense at the time.<br /><br />Currently, I'm trying to juggle the whole work/family balance and all I've really managed to do is tip the scales rather unfavourably in the direction of work. Too much commuting time has left me frustrated and stressed out. Needless to say, this isn't exactly contributing to a whole lot of harmony in the house right now.<br /><br />Couple that with some rather surprising health scares in the past week and what you've got here is a pretty stressed out little puppy. Perhaps if I drank more it would help?<br /><br />On the other hand, I'm gainfully employed (as is my wonderful significant other) and our little one is mostly healthy (darned colds!). We've got family around and food on the table. Is there anything more to ask for?<br /><br />Given that the positives are currently outweighing the negatives, it's safe to say that 2008 is starting out fairly well. Now, all I have to do is find those winning lottery numbers before the draw tomorrow night......Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-72205978923012711172007-09-21T18:27:00.001-04:002007-09-21T18:30:17.256-04:001 year laterI guess it hasn't been quite 1 year since I last posted here, but it's awfully darn close (364 days to be exact)<br />In case anyone was wondering, we had the baby. Our little girl, Jacquelyn Paige arrived 3.5 weeks early and has been an endless source of amusement and sleeplessness since.<br />What have we been up to since? Well, raising the little girl has been remarkably time consuming. We also bought a house and moved an hour away from where we were staying. Now, I feel like a retro 50's housewife from Monday to Friday. Never let it be said that parenthood doesn't change you.<br />Just thought I should update this, at least once in a while. With any luck, there will be more very soon.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-1158957682220710582006-09-22T16:27:00.000-04:002006-09-22T16:41:22.333-04:0011 weeks and counting...everyone PANICSo there's a crib now, although it's missing a mattress and needs to be assembled. I suppose we needed to start somewhere. Next stop, getting the excess furniture out of what will eventually be the baby's room.<br /><br />Junior is getting big right on schedule and has decided that kicking mom is it's current favorite activity.<br /><br />Work is, well, work. Lots of extra hours, trying to get things done before the "blessed event" occurs. You'd think I'd have LESS to do now that I can't travel any more.<br /><br />Spamalot was the absolute BEST show ever. Monty Python is the absolute apex of humour and fun. Life would be much better if everyone just watched John Cleese silly walk once in a while. How can anyone possibly be in a bad mood with humour like that around?Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-1155857360369760852006-08-17T19:18:00.000-04:002006-08-17T19:29:20.830-04:00Back to the ole grindstoneIt's official. The last "adults only" vacation is now merely a memory. We spent 7 glorious days in Mexico (about 35 km from Playa Del Carmen) eating, drinking and generally being merry while the stress of every day life slipped away.<br /><br />I can't even begin to express how nice it was to get away and to not think about work or anything else. I got in some snorkelling (apparently I need a little more practice), sunbathing, reading (2 books and 2 crosswords done!) shopping and sightseeing. Could you ask for anything else on a vacation?<br /><br />Ok, well, a drink would have been nice. But aside from that....<br /><br />Saw some of the reef that lives just off the coast at the resort and swam with the fishies who call that area home. In fact, some of the coolest fish (yellow ones with black stripes) apparently mistook me for some coral or other wildlife and kept running into me. Can't wait to tell the baby that it was "kissed" by fish at 23 weeks.....<br /><br />Of course, all good things must come to an end and on Sunday we made the long trek home. Luckily, I didn't have to fly back to Vegas immediately. Of course, the trade off is that I'm working 10-12 hours per day to catch up and complete the work that needs to be done before we start our training classes next week.<br /><br />With any luck, this busy-ness will soon slow down and I can start worrying about a few other things, closer to home. Like "what sort of car seat should we buy?" And, "will we be reported to childrens services if we opt to let the kid sleep in a sock drawer for the first 6 months of it's life?"<br /><br />Stay tuned. Spamalot tickets are in my hot little hands for next week and I can hardly wait. How anyone managed before Monty Python existed is beyond me.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-1154544822525347932006-08-02T14:42:00.000-04:002006-08-02T14:53:42.546-04:00What happens in Vegas.......is usually workWelcome to the sardine can.<br /><br />I'm currently ensconced in a cube at the MGM Corporate offices, with 2 of my (now) closest, dearest colleagues. Luckily, we all like each other enough to manage to share without the loss of life or tempers.<br /><br />The weather has been good this week (at least, better than home where it's hitting 45+ Celsius) so I can't complain much about that either. <br /><br />Got to love this city. It's the only place where you can see the uber-rich (or at least, those who want to protray themselves as such) and the blue collar working class playing in the same gardens. There are shows, lights, food, booze, women, men and just about anything else you can possibly imagine - all within walking distance. What's not to love?<br /><br />I got the opportunity to visit a suite in the Wynn hotel last night (don't go getting any crazy ideas I was only there as a spectator) and WOW is all I can say. Talk about beautiful. I had no idea the other half lived like that. Must remember to win the lottery in the next few weeks....<br /><br />It's certainly been a while since I posted here last. I don't really have any good explanation except that I'm lazy. Period. Of course, it could have something to do with the fact that I'm five months pregnant now and have been obsessing about that for a few months.....<br /><br />Life is certainly changing. Perhaps I'll remember to make a few notes about it while it's still fresh in my mind....<br /><br />Stay tuned.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12878092.post-1117572614602063622005-05-31T16:43:00.000-04:002005-05-31T16:51:08.163-04:00Death in the familyIt's happened again.<br /><br />Death.<br /><br />While I understand logically that it happens to all of us and is a part of the natural order of things, it still sucks huge.<br /><br />Especially when someone you love suffers because of it.<br /><br />I've lived through the deaths of friends, co-workers, grandparents and other assorted relatives, but it still manages to catch me off guard. There really is no way to prepare for it or to be ready when it finally happens.<br /><br />So today I'm hugging everyone a little longer, telling everyone I know that I love them and reminding myself that I should do this every day. Not just when the bad stuff happens.<br /><br />Elisa, wherever you are (and if I have anything to say about it, you're in a much better place) you are missed. Not just by me (who knew you mostly in passing) but by the many, many people who loved you while you were here and will continue to do so now that you're gone.<br /><br />You brought laughter and love into the lives of those you came in contact with. You've left a hole that no other will ever be able to fill. You left far too early, with too much left to do.<br /><br />I only hope I can be strong enough to support the one you left behind who matters most to me.<br /><br />Mental note to self: love deeply and often. Don't forget to mention it always.<br /><br />Life really is too short.Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935336734615096971noreply@blogger.com0