Excitement mounts

I am becoming so excited its beyond words... I have 2 days left to work, followed by a stat holiday which means I get Friday off. It wont be a restful day it will be crazy busy getting the house ready for the following day

Saturday marks the start of my 2 week vacation, its also the day that Chris, Lindsay and Koli arrive from Bolton, UK its there first visit to Canada, first long-haul flight and our first reunion since we emigrated 2 yrs ago.

I completed the itinerary but cant post it on here because Lindsay would see it but its going to be a lot of driving, sight seeing, eating, drinking, laughter and moments to cherish, i really am about to burst with excitement

busy busy bee

WOW today was so busy at work, needy patients, too much to get done with too little time, the team pulled together as usual and i think by the time i was leaving it had settled down. It really bothers me that it can get so acute and my co-workers miss breaks because we step up to the mark and always put the patients first, but I'm conscious of the fact we all need to look after ourselves to be able to sustain the crazy times. I'm so grateful to the team on the shop floor, as the PCC i really do try to help out where i can. being forever mindful that my own jobs in the new role are mounting, but there is that inbuilt thing in me that feels the patients come first and paperwork etc has to take a back seat.

I was fit for nothing when i got home so i was so happy when hubby said, here babes put your feet up, dinner is almost ready ... i did as i was told :)

My back is so painful this morning :(

Im blaming carrying them conifers yesterday, i didnt realise they were so heavy, what with the digging and planting too im in alot of pain today.

Moaning over - hubby has gone shopping to the 'man store' aka home depot, to see if they still have the bargain vanity unit for my ensuite washroom, i do hope they have i caNt wait to give it an overhaul before we get visitors. its the excuse i needed to clean my bedroom, its a pig sty!

lots to get done with so little time left, but not to worry THE SUN IS SHINING :)

green fingers

I'm going to one of my fav places this morning - Devan Nurseries near Mt Lehman, they have the cheapest items for any kind of garden, the hanging baskets are the best.

I need lots of bedding plants !
6 Heather plants or maybe some 'Box' instead to break it up at the front of the house.
2 hanging baskets are also required

the thing is i go with a list, ignore the list and then buy the wrong things, note to self 'stick to the list'

they have a cute petting zoo, popular with the little kids (and big kids when i take my mother) with bunnies, goats, phesants etc. they should have a coffee shop but i havent seen one, shame

Worries

I'm worried our visitors aren't coming, they have had constant problems with waiting for there house to be ready and now it wont be until weds, they are suppose to board the plane Saturday. With no confirmation that my BFF has received her passport I'm anxiously awaiting news that all is going to plan. After all my mum has new items to send over and I'm hoping they will bring some of them, selfish yes ! but items are items and they wont detract from the more pressing issue that after two years waiting my hubby gets to see his brother and sister-in-law and youngest niece and i cant wait for the reunion.

Day Off

Had a call from co-worker today after dealing with the necessities the conversation turned to Canada Day, well i didn't realise it is next Friday !

Which means as its a stat holiday I get the day off !!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT

It just happens to be the day before my relatives arrive for there 2 week vacation, which also means i will be spending the day cleaning the house !

brain dead part 2

Alas more training this time PSLS management, after a 40 minute drive to Langley followed by a two hour training session on managing reported incidents and another 40 minute drive to work my day flew by so quickly, i was brain dead. Had a meeting with my manager, numerous issues to address but nothing that cant be resolved.

Finally got the new fridge, lockers, plaque moved and paint touched up, one day the unit will be some what cosier.

Not a bad day, it could have been worse!

Womens Lib

The Eurythmics sang it well .......

Now, there was a time,
when they used to say,
that behind ev'ry great man,
there had to be a great woman.
But oh, in these times of change,
you know that it's no longer true.
So we're comin' out of the kitchen,
'cause there's something we forgot to say to you.
We say, Sisters are doin' it for themselves

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."

John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902).

Blonde??

My hubby came home the other day and as usual i asked him how his days was, 'it was busy' after a while he said

I want a Blond!

my reply was, I'm a ginger, always have been and i don't suit blond

hubby says 'i was referring to the dogs'

you see we have two Labrador dogs, a black and a chocolate, hubby wants to get a golden lab then we can complete the set, something we have always wanted to do.

I must admit after the initial shock at his statement i roared laughing. How the heck am i suppose to walk 3 dogs? Fortunately for me the by-laws don't allow a 3rd dog...phew !

11 Days

Im getting more and more excited its 11 days to the arrival of our family, their first long-haul flight, first trip to Canada and its been 2 yrs in the waiting! We are the best of friends, with so many happy memories from years gone bye.

There are so many places we want to take them, my brother-in-law has a passion for photography, he's already completed a year at college, so coming here will give him lots of things to get 'snappy' about. We have a few surprises in store but just to have time with them and relax, catch up and laugh like the good old days is going to be so amazing.

This all means IM ON VACATION IN 11 DAYS TIME !!!!! WOOOO HOOOO

An Ode To Fathers

JUST A FEW REASONS WHY FATHERS RULE:

• They know how to fire up the grill
• You can always count on them to kill the spider
• They gave the best piggy back/shoulder rides as a kid
• He’s way easier to coerce into letting you eat icecream than Mom is.
• He was the only one willing to teach you how to drive and risk his life.
• You can count on him to share a beer with you.
• He’s willing to spend hours teaching you how to throw the football correctly.
• He’ll pay for lunch.

This morning i spent my time doing chores! hate the chores theyre so boring but necessary, they usually involve laundry, cleaning, the dish washer and my morning involved all three, i feel im forever cleaning up after other peoples mess!

Hubby painted both the bedrooms today in super fast time, one of them went from pink to a caramel colour, the other from an aqua to a fern green, both look way better than they did.
I told my hubby there were chores i wanted done before our visitors arrive on july 2nd, he rose to the challenge and i would say a third of them are done.

I got to play with the power washer today and after bleaching the upstairs deck i got to power wash it and i did a good job.

I even managed to make a fathers day card, tom was surprised i had such talents, i just giggled.

The afternoon was spent eating chicken tikka masala and naan bread, going through all my photos and then watched a movie - 8 mile with Eminem - hubbys choice not mine.

A happy fathers day all round i would say :)

Family Wall

Today I decided it had been long enough for my new photo frames to sit in the office propped against the wall, it was time to hang them in the hallway by our living room. I wanted a 'Family Wall' so all the frames are family focussed, such as son, sisters, diva (daughter) etc. Now I just have to decided which photos will go in them and get them printed in 4" x 6".

There is space to add to it if I please and thanks to hubby who helped me measure out the spaces, I think it turned out okay?

Father's Day

This is my dad on his wedding day, he was 19yrs old, the bride being 21. As you can see he loved the rock n roll era. Happy Father's Day dad, so wish you was here for me to share it with you. love you more than you know and miss you terribly.

weird

had the weirdest day at work, Dr was in hilarious mood as were the staff, everything was going fine till that dirty word came out AUDIT blah blah blah. Head down and get on with it. The day was tolerable by having CRN PH working on the floor instead of his usual role, started rounds with toasted cinnamon loaf. Ended the day playing detective, taking praise and thanks and drinking tea, oh and I finished on time. Got home to hubby making chicken fajita for dinner, the laundry was done and sloppy kisses from the dogs.

So its an early night for us all as we have a busy weekend filled with various chores before our visitors arrive in 2 weeks.

night all oxoxo

Its good to talk

For the first time in 12 years I had a heart to heart with Tom, all be it he was given one side of 'the story' he can take from the conversation what he likes. I know many of you reading this wont know what I'm referring to but I'm pleased we had a meaningful talk and was told things that until now have remained a secret to protect him. I'm so privileged to have such an understanding step-son, I'm so proud of him, more than words can ever express and i know how lucky we are that he stayed focused, to turn out how he has done.

Love you always !

disappointment

Well the Stanley Cup didn't return home to Canada the Boston Bruins won, they deserved it and defended very well in my opinion so good luck for next year!

There was someone happy at work, that was our pharmacist, he took great pleasure in turning up at the desk with make-shift trophy in hand, the smile on his face (gloat) was huge, but it was all in good fun see below !

Its such a shame that the minority of trouble makers (fans) made a complete spectacle of themselves and rioted in down town Vancouver, looting, fighting, etc etc, it was embarrassing and even made the news back in the UK, i was disgusted.

I often see my friends blogs with proverbs on them, so i did a little searching and this one made me smile

I hope it makes you smile too


A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."

- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Is regretting posting about LORD STANLEY!

For those following the Canucks and the Bruins will know by now that within 20 minutes we were losing 0-4, this is completely unacceptable. Did i get too excited too soon? YA THINK !

ohhh hang on its now 4-1, a slight glimmer of hope

come on Canucks ya can do it !!!!!!!!!!!

Hormonal Dogs

I have two labrador bitches who for the past 7 days have been on heat!

They are funny but quite annoying at the same time, the chocolate lab sulks, nests, moans, and is super protective of HER 'things' its quite funny to see her like that, she usually nests under my bed, her squeeky toys and worn socks are usually piled high.

The black lab is totally different, she behaves like a male dog ..if you know what i mean, i have to remind her she cant make babies, she goes off her food, she sleeps alot and is sooooo clingy with me its irritating

So yesterday husband decided to 'switch it up' and suggested we get a golden lab as well, thats fine i said but i cant walk 3 dogs at the same time! although it would be cute to have 1 of each colour, something we have wanted to do for a while, but i didnt say no, maybe after all the visitors have been this year.

So watch this space !

3 weeks

Our family arrive on july 2nd for a twoe week vacation, im so looking forward to seeing them, taking the whole 2 weeks off work for our vacation and showing them some of the delights of BC is going to be fab, were so ready for a vacation but something tells me it aint gonna be too relaxing!

Here are a few of the things planned:

• Vancouver marina and stanley park- with a picnic
• Mt Baker
• 2 night stop over in whistler
• Boating/fishing at the lakes
• Hiking
• BBQ's with nice wine and good music

If anyone has any suggestion for things to do/see feel free to let me know.

My BF aka sister-in-law hasnt got her new passport yet!!!! yeah she usually leaves things to the last minute but has alot on her mind right now with moving house and having the joys of 3 kids to organise, but i know she will be organised enough to ensure she is on that plane! Just dont forget my English goodies :)

Here's to family reunions

good day

Today is a good day because:

• Dr B bought starbucks
• It was an achieving day at the office
• A few surprises were had- lots to get organised to go in the right direction
• Lots of giggles were had
• Finished work on time
• Came home to dinner made by the hubby
• The Canucks play... here's hoping for a win
• The sun decided to shine :)

HAPPY DAY !

Two years!!!!!

Well it's two years today since we packed everything we own and sent it to Canada, boarded the plane at Manchester with the dogs and tortoises in cargo and a suitcase each. We came for my nursing job and it's been a tough two years with many ups and downs but we made it. Still not permanent residents yet but we believe good things come to those who wait. I cannot thank my hubby, family and friends for their support in our journey xxxx

Porch Refurb

As usual I couldn't have a lie in this morning so after doing the usual chores of washing and laundry, I decided to give the front porch a much needed refurb....

Before

I bleached the ceiling, siding, gutters and floor and then it was off to do a spot of shopping....the result was this :

After

I love the new chairs, Tom bought them as a house warming present from his first wage.... thanks Tom I look forward to sitting on the porch in the morning with a coffee.

The finishing touches were a pair of hanging baskets, I just love the burgundy viola's.

Hope you like the make-over

Kae

Lord Stanley

Lordy Lordy, I learnt today from my friend wikipedia that the Stanley Cup is so named after Lord Stanley of Preston, Lancashire, England ! How ironic that im a Lancashire lass from Bolton in the UK who has started to take an interest in the hockey this year, well ive been told 'you are a Canuck' .

what a fine English Gentleman lord Stanley was dont you think?

curtisy of wilkipedia

and here is a pic of the original stanley cup made from Silver, in Sheffield in the UK

So tonight was game night and YES..WE WON !!! shriekkkkk

3-2 to the Canucks

R.E.S.U.L.T

Educated

I survived the study day.....with coffee, coffee and more coffee. It was good to have a refresher on HPC, communication and symptom management, i came away feeling positive about my skills and knowledge, but it was a long day. I have much of the same in a few weeks and all of this is because i have to do it for a job that's temporary, but I will do what i have to do because you just never know where it may lead you or whats around the corner.

I have a study day tomorrow the focus is palliative care, I know its important to keep upto date but im not looking forward to sitting in a classroom for 8 hrs. Id rather be doing more fun things. But alas i will put my big girl pants on and suck it up.

Thats if i ever get to sleep and wake up refreshed..... heres hoping so


kae

Heat

Well its been one of those weeks!

The heat prevents me from thinking straight, im not old enough for the menopause but my god ive been having temp fluctuations, its not fun.

The heat with tempers flaring in the canucks game was for all to see, i know we are a sporting nation but its not cool to behave like that.

Its been a week since my dogs both came on heat, i keep promising myself NEVER AGAIN.... but then i look how adorable they are and i cant bring myself to get them 'done'.

My husband has issues with heat ... he had the heating cranked up tonight while im melting .. now its too hot to sleep. ENUF SAID!

night world x

the most fun!

It was my hubbys birthday yesterday, we went white water rafting ! We were fed breakfast at Chilliwack River Rafting which is on Chilliwack Lake Road, BC. The staff were nice and welcoming.

so after the pancakes and coffee the fun began trying to get into our wet suits- ive not laughed that hard in a long time, the clothing we were given hadnt dried from the previous day and had a distinct smell of sweat mixed with mold :(  ohh the joys. We boarded the yellow bus with a few other people and the drive was a long one to the river bank to launch

The safety drill was not fun it proved the dangers ahead and then it was off we go lets see who can fall before getting in the raft, disappointingly no one did he he he.

I cannot begin to explain the fun we had - I laughed the whole 14 kilometers and i had a korean child behind me who cried all the way down and almost got hypothermia !!!

Hubby listening to the safety drill

Before we set off

 

On Entry

We did a second run through the area which was the worst, the korean family didnt come with us, I sat at the back to give the guys more room and OMG I had to hang on for dear life! I nearly came out the back of the raft.

On Exit

We survived... high 5 team !

Are all three of us sore this morning?

YOU BET WE ARE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a day

Work was as interesting as ever, what with the comings and goings on the unit, the staffing changed so much I became dizzy keeping track, but my co-workers (RK, DG, MD, PH, K) were awesome and Dr B you was so entertaining we are so happy to have you but please can things settle quickly.

Enuf said

k

June it is :)

Well we have entered the 6th month of 2011 ALREADY! whilst im pleased about this for many reasons I just cant help wondering where January to the end of May have gone?

Like my fellow bloggers, June seems to be popular, it signifies new growth and a sense of warmth and happiness to me, the summer blooms are starting to grow in my garden, there is that humid storm like presence in the air and people seem to have shook of the winter blues.

Its my hubby's birthday this saturday, we have a few things planned for the weekend. Then its fathers day in Canada and the UK and then at the end of june its my brother-in-laws birthday. June also means its 4 weeks till our family arrives for vacation and i cant wait.

Till then my life remains hectic, exhausting, but fun at the same time.

OHHHH YEAH and its the time for the Canucks to bring home the Stanley Cup !!!