*happy thoughts*

When someone tells me that I need to breath more at work.

When I have to play calming music on a repeat loop, you know you've annoyed me.

Warm fuzzies

Have two people in the course of a week tell me that I just made the rest of their week, and that talking to me makes them smile.

I'm not against you, I'm just not really here for you either

I'm so far behind, I'll never die.

Sometimes I believe one of the things I'm supposed to do in this life, is simply to make things easier for other people. Often times its not hard to do, I learned a lot about this in Girl Guides. Making things easier for someone can be as easy as rearranging your already full arms so that you have a free hand to grab that one extra thing they haven't figured out how to carry.... to as difficult listening whether you agree with their point of view or not, or being there for them when you'd rather be anywhere else.

Now I know that my mother has a much more Darwinistic approach to this, if it does not directly benefit you then why bother? I have found however that these small gestures have come back tenfold when I least expected it.

In the spirit of this I'd just like to say, if there is someone that I'm here for be it spending time or listening to them, and it's giving you an aneurysm then too damn bad. I say this only because I don't know it all, and I'm doing the best I can with what I have to work with, and if you don't like it well get over it. I know that every argument goes both ways, and that you aren't necessarily right or wrong. That generally there are offences committed on both sides. But I'm really not here to make your life worse, but as far as I can tell I'm making theirs a little bit better, and that's really all I'm going for.

Texting and emails

K w/a K: hihowsitgoingigotanewphonewhereisthespacebaronthisthing

me: haha that's awesome I'm so proud of you for sending a text message! Um probably the bottom left or right for the space...

K w/a K (2 pager): this is great I found it its so much easier to text on this than my old phone I love it

K w/a K: Just waiting for pizza my kids are driving me nuts I'm going to punch them in the toque

later in the week emailing back and forth...

K w/a K: I am starting to cry I am laughing so hard……….. god bless you and your corrupted mind!

me: Hey what are you doing for lunch? And what is your home number I only have your cell... Unless you are trying to limit how much I can actaully harass you ;)

K w/a K: And since I have gotten my new phone and lost my texting virginity, I thought I may be harassing you-you’d get a texting restraining order……………………LOL

me: My favorite text so far is theonewithoutanyspacesinit! *chuckles*

K w/a K: Wellinmydefenseididnotknowwherthefuckingspacebarthingywas………..lol

Everyone needs one good screw...

But in this case the screw isn't loose... it's missing

She's graduated, convocated and we can officially call her Dr.

These past four days I have been honoured to share with a friend of mine who just completed the gruelling four years of a Medical Degree.

There was a breakfast, with much congratulations to the grads, and then the actual ceremony which was very well done. The speakers were all excellent, and I was almost chagrined at how nice it was until I remembered that this degree was four years *on top* of an existing degree (in most cases).

There was a BBQ with her incredibly cute cousin who repeated everything he heard - I must apologize to his mother, as although I was on my best behaviour I'm sure he picked up a few things he wouldn't otherwise... like picking up blocks with his toes *evil grin*

There was a grad banquet which was amazing, the catering staff did a wonderful job and the meals were beautiful! I have pictures of the salad and dessert, I almost didn't want to eat them. *Almost*

There were the requisite number of speeches and congratulatory remarks, and thanks. Of all the people who went through the motions though there were two who stood out. The first had a very heart felt speech that was so incredibly true it was beautiful. It may have been the disclaimer that the remaining speech would be from bulleted points because every time she'd tried to write it she'd been unable to finish, or the humour that showed through in the strength of her voice even as it threatened to crack. But her speech in particular struck a chord with my view from the outside of medical school and the effort that goes into it, and the support required from so many sources to get through it.

The other speaker, well she was more or less hosting the entire evening and I think that her simple thank you to the people who supported the grads said it the best. "There are almost 600 people here at this banquet tonight... and yet there are only 125 grads." She thanked all the people who had supported the graduates they were celebrating tonight. But I think that she said it so simply, like look around you... 5 out of 6 people at your table helped a grad in some way get to where they are today. I would like to say though, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your four days of ensuing celebration, and I'm honoured that you tolerate my uneducated questions long enough to answer them and reeducate me in things that are as obvious as breathing and eating to you now. I hope that our friendship remains this way forever.

There was the ensuing celebration, with much dancing and her fiance finally getting me back for the time he didn't remember paying for the cab ride home... yes, I paid for the cab ride, no I have no idea how he even had my wallet in the first place... I'm glad I have friends who make sure I get home safely though or as it was once pointed out by a friend of mine I would totally be woken up in a ditch somewhere by a stray cow.

During the course of the last four days, it was also noted in passing conversation that 70% of what I say is incorrect or never happened that way. Which I must admit caught me a little off guard and I was quite taken aback by, until I realized the context in which it is entirely true. Often times, when repeating a story where the person it happened to, or the location in which it happened had no significance to me when I heard it, it is no sooner heard than disregarded and forgotten. Henceforth anytime that I relate the story it is most definitely missing what some would consider to be key pieces of information. I have decided that I'm okay with this, and will proceed to relate non relevant information like this in the future.

It all began in Rome

My Aunt, having just got out of the shower was interrupted one morning by a knock on the door, knowing it was someone trying to redirect her religious beliefs, she swung open the door wearing only a towel and a smile and said in her best peaches and cream voice

"I'm really sorry we're busy having an orgy right now and it's my turn with the hot oil"

On priorities and packing

This kills me every time.

I would much rather spend an evening that someone happens to have available to spend with me, than do just about anything else. Even if I have things that I have to get done. Especially when they make me rhubarb squares with whip cream *drooling*

Hence the reason I will be packing my carry-on for a weekend in Edmonton after work today in the two hours before I leave for my flight. It's okay though, with the number of things you can't take and the decreasing size restrictions, I'm sure you will soon only be allowed to take what you are wearing and a credit card.

Haha unless they come out with nude airlines "Bring yourself and your credit card, we'll take care of the rest", it would certainly make security much quicker... and then they could move all cargo so the seats should be wayyy cheaper!

So true to my Dad's travelling advice, pack what you think you will need and take a credit card. You should be able to buy anything that you need/have forgotten when you get there.

I believe

... that we are connected.

Scientifically or not, nothing else accounts for the racing heart and funny feeling that confirms you're right before you actually know you are, or the sweaty palms because you're so sure but what if you're wrong? and how could you possibly know anyways!?!

It's the same thing happening at different times with a recurring theme. I was just thinking of you and then you texted me... or the "No way!" I was just thinking of YOU and how crazy it would be if you were here, and then thought nah... but here you are.

Or the time that I called, got a click like you picked up and hung up on me (whatever!)... redialed, got a busy signal, and then promptly hung up and my phone rang and it was you calling. Weird. What was even weirder, was that I was calling to see if you wanted Timmy's and you were calling to beg me to pick you some up.

Or the time that you were supposed to be in Kelowna around the same time, but don't have a cell phone and I got a funny feeling when I drove by... walked into a store and there you were, like we were in a small town and it was the only place you could have been.

Or the time I phoned and nobody knew where you were, so I phoned your cell and the first thing you said was "How did you know I needed to talk to you?" and the only answer I had "I just thought of you" fell miles short of the feeling I had when I thought that for some reason I needed to call... nothing tangible... just that I should.

Or the time that you walked in the door and said "Hey!" and we made eye contact and I knew without a hint of doubt that we were going to have so much fun that summer.

I believe there are people who we get along with, share common interests and values with, and there are people who we connect with... as though they are a kindred spirit we lost on some previous adventure, someone who we didn't realize was missing until we found them again. Somewhat like a bad case of amnesia that isn't cured until that moment when we meet again.

When that happens its like a door opens to an entirely new canvas yet to be painted, that can only be done together. Somehow that person gives you new motivation, shares skills with you or encourages you to look at yourself in a new light. Each of these meetings blend together into "you".

While I'll never be the person I thought I wanted to be when I was little, I can't take full responsibility for the person that I have become. Although I made choices about who I hung out with, and the characteristics I like, I've had seemingly little control over the traits and mannerisms I've picked up. So when people jokingly say I turned out okay, I'd like to say it's thanks to the people around me ;o)

Even if I do grow up one day...

I still want my handwriting to remind me of a friend's when I least expect it. Even if it makes me miss them more.

I still want to feel small when I look up at a night sky full of stars.

I still want bubbles to look beautiful, and amazingly delicate even if I know how they do it.

I still want to be that person that someone else needs, to act goofy with.

I still want to be prepared, and have in my purse or my pocket whatever is needed for the occasion.

I still want to be surrounded by people I love.

I don't think I'm quite ready to grow up yet.

From the lips of the four year old...

After repeatedly being told to use "Nona" eyes instead of "boy" eyes, the following conversation occured one day out at the cabin.

4 year old: "Nona, can I borrow your Nona eyes?"

Nona: "Of course, what are looking for?"

4 year old: "Well if I was looking for my bike... Where would I start?"

Home is where my cell phone is

Two ball games followed by a massive 7 person wrestling match in the dark in the back yard later... which I'm sure the neighbours thought we were having a big wild monkey orgy followed by two more ball games...

Well... I'm bruised, I'm scraped, some of my muscles are sore and some of them are downright stiff but I had a great weekend.

But, I learned that sometimes stiff muscles are what remind us we're still alive in a way that sitting at your desk with your feet up on your computer tower just can't.

This weekend reminded me that there is such a thing as too fast, and that looking up at a blanket of stars with friends not only reminds you how small and insignificant you are, but how lucky you are that somehow they found you.

It also reminded me that I love nothing more than saying "Wanna see what *I* did this weekend" followed by showing off scrapes and bruises... because in a way it's the proof that I actually did something.

I also learned that offering a hand to a friend, is no guarantee they will take it, but neither does it mean they have refused your help. I think it is best said by Epicurus "It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confident knowledge that they will help us."

It seemed like a good idea at the time

My legs do NOT think that it is a good idea to bike home from work (uphill most of the way) the day *after* an hour and a half evening ride. They pretty much hate me right now. If they could talk they would be swearing like truckers in a bar brawl.

About toilet seats

I have learned that all the exercises we did in Senior girls basketball really did set me up for the real world... those muscles have been honed into enough shape that I can still 9 years later hover over a toilet seat and pee.

Now before you go and get all upset that I'm peeing on the seat, don't you worry... I lift the seat when I hover, because truly there is nothing worse than someone who hovers so they don't have to touch the seat and then leaving their own wet mark there for the next person ;o)

How to cram 5 days into 2

First hang out with Chelsey.

So I just had the best weekend evar! Got to see a couple of friends on their way through town with their new daughter who is about a month shy of 1 and just started walking this weekend. So cool! Had a great visit over Chinese takeout with them so she could motor around after being stuck in her car seat. They also got some really cute pictures of her playing with the dandylion puffballs outside!

Picked up Chelsey at 7:10 in the am from Kelowna airport. Even though I was early so was the flight. I looked up from texting her back, to her coming down the gangplank. After that we headed down to Summerland, ate scones with *lots* fruit in them, actually I should rephrase that to" We ate fruit with some scone cooked in between it.

We then did a huge walk with her mom including stalking the house with the really cool train setup in the front yard... drove into Penticton went shopping for bathing suits. Which as usual invovled trying on a little bit of everything. I hate bathing suit shopping, but we finally found ones we liked. We finally decided that we could probably buy two of the same and then trade bottoms. Maybe next year.

After that grabbed Starbucks, hit up a Pharmacy for some reading material (aka butt builder and mountain biking) and sunscreen. And then headed over to the beach for what seemed like the entire afternoon. We dipped our toes in long enough to cool down. Literally just our toes, the water was beyond fricken' freezing Mr. Bigglesworth!

On the way home picked up a couple snack type foods and some Gatorade to rehydrate me from our fun filled day in the sun. Before dinner I installed a wireless router and configured it while Chelsey helped out her mom. While dinner was cooking we popped over to the movie store and picked up Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events". Got home in time for dinner on the back porch. Mmmmm it was so yummy! It was some form of curried tofu, rice and broccoli and cauliflour.

After dinner we did the dishes/kitchen cleanup while her mom did some evening things in the back yard. Back to the wireless internet where we looked up places to take her moms old computer for recycling... then onto the movie, popcorn and bed.

I remember thinking and then asking out loud "Did I really pick you up just this morning? ARE YOU SURE?!?" I think we are stuck in a time warp and this day is never going to end, and I'm TOTALLY okay with that!

But that day did end, so it was up the next morning, and while the scones were cooking we trucked over to the coffee shop. Then we walked all the way around Summerland again, but out the other way through orchard fields. We ran into a friend of her moms with a beautiful Golden Lab (part 'triever part lab) and chatted for a bit. We also grabbed a couple things to transplant into her moms garden and climbed a twirly tree along the way.

After that walk Chelsey and I headed into town, stopped at the recycling store and then headed over to Freedom cycle in town. They have the funniest shirt, it is a picture of a stick man riding a bike with the quote "Put the fun between your legs" We waited about a half hour trying things on etc. and then rented bikes for a half day and biked up the Kettle Valley Railroad trail.

It is an old railway bed that has been turned into a recreational trail. It was a slight incline that felt like an uphill slog by the time we turned around. All in all it felt like we biked at least 14km total... it was probably more like 10km, but the view along the trail was beautiful! You are basically looking out over the lake across to Summerland. Stopping for a lunch of fresh strawberries was the bestest!

At about 2:20 we turned around and booked 'er back into town, returned our bikes jumped into the car and drove down to Okanagan Falls to get ice cream from Tickleberries. Mmmm soooo good after a big ride, I had chocolate chip mint and root beer float. My friend had black licorice... and I can't remember. The licorice made it look like she had really hot lip liner on though, oh baby! We then washed that down with a hotdog and some kettle corn which is also sooooooo good :o)

Headed back up to her mom's, dropped her off and I carried on to Vernon for a Cub meeting... dirty and sweaty and tired, but completely rejuvenated.

It sure seems like sometimes the things you do in your day off make it feel like you took more than just a day off, and by the time you're done you feel like you've had the week off that you needed. Good friends are good for the soul. You don't always know what you need but somehow they do.

Salty, everything smells salty

All I can smell is the ocean... my hands smell like the ocean, my office smells like the ocean, the hallway smells like the ocean. Hmm maybe it's all in my nostrils.

I hope this isn't one of the early warning signs like smelling burnt toast before a stroke.

If this is what happens to grounded sailors I totally understand going back to sea, all I can think about is the ocean and sailing right now.

Sure is putting a crimp in my working style. Ha right.

On friendship

Friends are those rare people who can take everything you haven't said, and condense it into a single sentence that captures what you've been trying to say perfectly.

On missing the ball in slopitch

"Just swear lots. It'll make you feel better" ~Sam

Who thought this would be a good idea?!?!

Forgetting that it was the long weekend and that we were starting work on a Tuesday rather than a Monday, someone thought it would be a good idea to bike to work. Yes that someone was me. As usual the mostly downhill bike to work was a great. The ride home kinda sucked though.

As the day progressed the weather went from chilly and clear too uuber windy with sprinkles and the forecast of pouring rain and lightning storms. So there I am biking home, head down one pedal at a time, one of my clip-in thingees stopped working so I only had one foot clipped in, it's raining and windy and just generally gross.

Just ahead of me a car pulls out onto the main road and honks. I'm thinking WTF? I don't know anyone out here, and I don't recognize your car... I do the wave... and he pulls over into the middle of the street, rolls down his window and points out that down the road behind me there is a medium sized black bear! Well I'll be damned, I probably biked right past him as usual, neither of us paying any attention to the other ;o)

I'm gonna kick you in the *junk*!

Today I got an email of the seemingly attempting to be helpful variety. Of course it was from someone who has no idea what the fuck is going on, or why it's broken in the first place.

It's like you buy a bicycle... and when you get it shipped to your house you open it up, and the front wheel is bent and there are spokes missing.

And then your neighbour who is an expert on everything, you know the guy who has never done anything you're trying but knows someone who did it hanging upside down from a helicopter at 5000 feet during an approaching hurricane. Well he comes over and says yeah you should talk to this expert about "how" to put on the front wheel.

Well guess what asshole I don't need help putting the wheel on, hypothetically I know how to do that... I need a wheel that isn't friggin' broken in the first place, then we'll talk about putting the goddamned thing on!