Warm Fuzzies

Blogger's Choice Awards

2007-04-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody! I am very excited to say that Warm Fuzzies as been nomiated by the Blogger's Choice Awards for the category of "Hottest Mommy Blogger." I feel like I am on American Idol, but please, please cast your vote if you like Warm Fuzzies, or please vote, even if it is just out of pure pity!!! LOL

Thank you!
Sherry B
Founder of Warm Fuzzies

Disaster at Petland

2007-04-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days, my 6 year old daughter is absolutely ADDICTED to Petland! We went there at the beginning of the week to see a puppy that my sister was interested in, a Chihuaha cross Daschund. Well, thus began my weekly Petland visits. One of the brilliant employees at Petland decided to show Court how to hold the Cockatiel. She begged, and begged, long after the employee had disappeared, "Mommy, let me hold the bird again, come on, I know how!" Let's face it...I didn't want to tell her that I knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about birds, let alone how to handle one. So, I began being Sherry, the Bird Lady. I picked it up, let her take it off my finger, pet it. Feeling pretty confident, we walked around the store, all the while thinking, I can handle these vermin! Yup, I rule! Anyhow, that feeling didn't last longer then about 30 seconds. Next, she begged me to hold the guinnea pig. I said flat out "no way." Strolling over to the hamster pen, I said with confidence "but I can pick up the hamster." I chose the most docile, sleeping hamster (master that I am!). It stayed sleeping in my hand as my daughter said her ooohs and aaahhhs. Just then, the thing took a flying leap right out of my hands and flipped onto the floor and started to run! I ran after the thing yelling until I caught it, and flipped it back into it's cage, and then with real poise started looking around to make sure nobody had seen me almost kill one of the animals! My daughter was shaken up, but then we both started laughing hysterically. I said, "Courtnay, I don't think mommy is very good at holding these animals." She said, "it's o.k...I think you're right!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-10-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Guesses About My Wordless Wednesday

I will post thirteen guesses as to what the heck my WW is as the guesses come in. Once I get thirteen guesses, I will post the answer.

Note: To post a comment, press the teeny tiny ladybug at the end of this teeny tiny TT. Thank you a teeny tiny bunch!

1. I'm going to guess insulation. Wall insulation, water leaking in on the plywood flooring? TV in there, too? -Chaotic Mom

2. Is it a beehive? Seriously, we had something verrry similar to this on our sun porch, and the nasty thing contained thousands of bees. Ewwwwww. - Jill

3.. Grandma's wig with an brain drainage....? -Mrs. Lifecruiser

4. Hmmm . . . it looks like some kind of experiment gone wrong that is leaking (fluffing) out of the plastict baggie. Like some chemical reaction to the plastic baggie that poofed up like cotten candy. - Michelle

5.I feel like I'm at a baby shower or bridal shower trying to identify the objects on a tray after it's been taken away;-) Is it a plastic bag sitting between a tv and a bouy....in an attic (looks like some kind of pressed board) also see a bowling ball pin and some baby things....is this the inside of a van or camper? I'm not sure....something created by a little person? Thanks for stopping by. Guess I better read your TT;-) -Lynn

There were only 5 takers, so I will reveal the answer. This was the source of great frustration for the whole family all summer. It made it next near to impossible to sit in our back yard without running around swinging and swatting. We tried spraying, and exterminating all summer to no avail. We just had our first snowfall, and was finally able to safely enter our shed.

This is a huge wasp nest that was inside of the shed in our backyard. It's the most incredible thing I have ever seen. These wasps built about a 7 story wasp condominium over the summer, and the most amazing thing was the nest is actually camouflaged to look like the patio umbrella it is built on.

A big thank you to all that gave a guess!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-10-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

GUESS WHAT THIS IS...I WILL POST THE FIRST 13 ANSWERS TOMMOROW FOR THURSDAY THIRTEEN, ALONG WITH THE CORRECT ANSWER.
TO POST, PRESS THE TEENY TINY LADY BUG AT THE END OF THIS POST.

I'm Back!

2006-10-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

My sincere apologies for not having posted for awhile. It's been quite chaotic the past month and a half, and it is finally beginning to slow down.

We have had to place my grandmother into a nursing home. No small feat. She has lived in the same apartment for the past 30 years, and did not want to leave. She has Glucoma and Macular Degeneration and woke up to find herself completely blind. We have quite a small family, and between dealing with my grandmother, Art being away for three weeks, Courtnay starting Kindergarten, Taylor starting preschool and my mom moving it has been a trying month.

But I'm back! Yaaaahhhhhh!

I began Weight Watchers last week...again. Despite eating a huge Thanksgiving Dinner, Cheesecake, Brownies, and Pumpkin Pie, I still managed to lose 3.5 lbs! The thing I have the most trouble with is drinking 8 glasses of water a day. I've been trying to drink my water with slices of lemon to give it more flavor, but it's still tough. I've also had to go through a detox...hello, my name is Sherry, and I'm a Pepsi Addict! I had to go from drinking 6 cans of Pepsi a day, to switching to one can of diet Pepsi per day. Yikes! I couldn't believe the headaches I have had all week. Who would have known?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-09-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

KINDERGARTEN DAYS

Courtnay's first days of kindergarten... turns out the transition has been way tougher on baby sister Taylor! She's having a tough time without big sis, and big sis is having a tough time trying to take the spotlight. All in all, it's been a very exciting time for us all!

Note: To post comment click on teeny tiny ladybug icon at bottom of post.

Thursday Thirteen

2006-08-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Signs You Need a Break from the Kids!(To Comment, press the teeny, tiny lady bug at the bottom of the post)

1. At mealtimes, you are cutting your husbands meat into bite size pieces.

2. When you style your hair in the morning, you wear pink butterfly clips in your hair that match your daughters.

3. Even when the kids aren't in the car, you still play their Barney CD.

4. When you go to the bathroom, instead of reaching for the toilet paper, you reach for the wipes!

5. After you've gone to the bathroom, you give yourself a sticker on the "potty chart."

6. When you have company over for dinner, you "blow" on your guests dinner to make sure it isn't too hot.

7. You buy pajama's with "feet."

8. You start talking "baby talk" to whoever you're talking to on the phone.

9. You are starting to really really like their cartoons, and have each one incorporated into your "tv" tuning scedule.

10. Your favorite snack is "fruit to go" bars.

11. The most interesting gossip you have when you get together with the girls happens to be that your neighbor doesn't have their child enrolled in dance class-blasphemy!

12. You pack fruit roll ups and peanut butter sandwiches in your hubby's lunch.

13. Your favorite past time lately is running through the sprinkler!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

The most popular novelty item at Folklorama this year! The "Fat Bastard" hat at the Scottish Pavillion! Imagine grown men (and women) intoxicated running around yelling "get in my belly!" wearing this hat. Quite flippin' funny! My favorite phrase wearing this hat, (not that I did this wink wink-was "if it's not Scottish it's crrraaaaaapppppp")

Thursday Thirteen

2006-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Fort Nelson

For the past two weeks, my husband and I have been deep in thought about

relocating. He has been offered a management position in Fort Nelson, BC!

It is a fantastic opportunity, but I have lived in Winnipeg and the thought of relocating

has me really really stressed! It's why I've been a little negligent with my blog recently.

I have family and friends here that I have known my whole life, but I know I have to think

of our family first.

Here are 13 good reasons why we should relocate to Fort Nelson:

1. Low Unemployment Rate

2. Small Town Atmosphere (Population of 4000)

3.Located in the Northern Rockies.

4. Full Northern Living Allowance from Revenue Canada.

5. Quality Education. Also my little ones are at an age (3 & 5) where it is the perfect time to go.

6. Quality Health Services. (They have a hospital, and medical clinics)

7. Quality Recreation (Lots to do! Rec Centre, Library, WhiteWater Rafting, Hiking, Movie Theatre, Liard Hot Springs, Horse Back Riding in the mountains, great fishing)

8. Year Around Outdoor Activity. The weather is so mild all year round, you can enjoy the outside all year, instead of just 4 months like Winnipeg.

9. Great Salmon Fishing! There is a lake right at the town.

10. Good schools and preschools.

11. I would finally be just a car ride away from the ocean! Right now, we are smack dab in the middle of North America.

12. Northern Tax Deduction at income tax time.

13. My husband's salary would triple, or even more. He would get a percentage of what his branch makes each year, and with the oil rigs out there, it would be very sweet!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-08-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

My not so wordless wednesday is about Daphne and Velma...my 2 daughters are obsessed with role playing and pretending they are Daph and Velma! Of course, Taylor, the youngest gets to be Velma, the smart one!LOL!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-08-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about FOLKLORAMA

Right now in the 'Peg, it's Folklorama time! For those unfamiliar with Folklorama, it's a yearly event here in Winnipeg, featuring 40 plus cultural pavilions. There are local, national and international performers at each pavilion, as well as food and drink from all different cultures to try. Most people purchase a "passport" at the beginning of Folklorama, and visit all of the different countries. I must say, you are pretty full after a Folklorama evening! I've also been known to do a little to much Oommpappa'ing through the event! Shhhhh......A friend from Edmonton, Alberta will be in next week, and a few of us girls are going to paint Folklorama red next week. Some of the best pavilions I've visited in the past are the Carribean Pavilion, the German Pavilion, the Greek Pavilion and the Scottish and Irish Pavilion. Here are 13 of the Pavilions I hope to visit, and a description of each:

1. Carribean Pavilion-Come sail with us through the islands of the Caribbean. While you sway to the rhythm of the steel pan drums, watch the magic of Lolita, limbo dancer from Barbados, as she moves to
the hot sounds of the calypso beats. Sip rum punch, piña cola or our finest beers and tantalize your taste buds with our rotis, fish cakes, jerk chicken, flying fish from Barbados, or our curried chicken or beef. For those who prefer a milder drink, you can enjoy a ginger beer, mauby or sorrel. And cool down with a refreshing ice cream.

2. Brasilian Pavilion-Celebrate the regeneration of Brasil at their first ever pavilion. Expect to be awed by captivating performances of capoeira and samba dance from local groups and guest artists from Toronto, Montreal and San Francisco. You will be amazed by the grace and intricacy of capoeira, an art form that brings together dance, music, acrobatics, and martial arts. Try Guarana soda for the first time, or refresh yourself with imported Brahma beer. Don’t miss out on a dessert of brigadeiros.

3. German Pavilion-Learn how to yodel German-style, taste some schnapps, and polka along with the dancers to the melodies of the German Society Brass Band and Choir. Enjoy a hearty meal of rouladen, spätzle, sauerkraut and schnitzel. Wash it all down with any of our German imported beers: Warsteiner, Holsten or Dab! No need to leave early. Stop in at the Oktoberfest beer tent to enjoy our live band. And if you have the munchies, then have a bratwurst, pretzel, or try one of our wonderful tortes (cakes).

4. Greek Pavilion-Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Greek culture and enjoy the energetic performance of the Kefi Dancers. Savour a traditional meal of souvlaki, mousaka, gyros and spanakopita and remember to save room for some sweet and tasty baklava. And nothing will have you saying “Opa!” faster than a shot of our smooth Ouzo. Try some of our imported beers, red and white wines or take sip of our traditional punch called Zorba’s Kiss!

5. India Pavilion-Come experience the rich culture, exhilarating dances and warm hospitality of the India Pavilion. A trip to the India Pavilion would not be complete without sampling some of their scrumptious food. Try the tandoori (barbecued) or curried chicken, chabati, rotis, rice pullau, and samosas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with authentic Indian desserts.

6. Celtic Ireland Pavilion-Once again the Celtic Ireland Pavilion is your ticket to world class entertainment! Visit the magical castle-like setting and be mesmerized by this electrifying light and sound show which features over 60 dancers from the Brady Academy of Irish Dance. Special guest artist from Chicago, Kathleen Keane, will captivate you with her fiery fiddling and soulful singing. Master of Ceremonies, Will Millar of the Irish Rovers fame, returns to delight audiences young and old with his Irish humour and famous Unicorn song. While enjoying the show treat yourself to some Shepherd’s Pie or sausage and chips, and top it off with a glass of Guinness.

7. Chile Lindo Pavilion-Feel the energy of the Chilean culture as the Chile Lindo Dance Group performs traditional dances from all over Chile including the powerful Devil Dance, as well as exotic dances from the beautiful Easter Island. Be sure to sample the many delicious menu items such as beef and cheese empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and a traditional dessert, torta mil hojas (caramel layers cake). A trip to Chile would not be complete without sampling some imported beverages like Pisco sour, Borgoña (strawberries and red wine) or Ponche (peaches and white wine). Fiesta time - stay with us on Friday and Saturday for our late night parties and move to the Latin rhythms with our live band.

8. Africa Pavilion- Treat your taste buds to a morsel of plantain, spicy samosas or give our featured dinner, an ‘African Plate’ of chicken and rice a try. Satisfy your thirst with a glass of African Punch, or imported Castle or Tusker beers.

9. Pavilion of Scotland-Lively, fun and spirited best describe a night at the Pavilion of Scotland. Your tour of Scotland offers non-stop entertainment featuring Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg, the Flying Haggis Showband, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Manitoba Highland Dancers Association, along with many guest artists. Satisfy your appetite by trying one of our delicious meat pies, or scotch eggs. A trip to Scotland would not be complete without sampling of the finest Scotch available at the Scotch Glen.

10. Pearl of the Orient Phillipine Pavilion-Magdaragat celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! From traditional dances with bamboo poles to Filipino hip hop – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Arrive early so you have time to savour tasty dishes like chicken adobo (chicken stew), pansit noodles and scrumptious pork barbeque. Finish your meal off with a unique and yummy tapioca drink called sago at gulaman. Show off your vocal talents at the outdoor karaoke bar while the kids gather to learn the game ‘sungka’ and how to make ‘parol’ (Christmas lanterns).

11. Scandinavian Pavilion-Your journey will take you on a fun-filled tour of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Before the show, head upstairs to the cultural display area where the kids can colour and play with toys while you learn how chain mail is made. Each night the Scandia Fun Folk Dancers and the Scandia Youth Folk Dancers will entertain you through song and dance. While enjoying the show savour some traditional foods: hot roast pork dinner, shrimp sandwiches, and desserts like vinarterta (Icelandic layer cake with fruit filling) and lefse (dessert wraps).

12. Belgian Pavilion-Belgian is the country of beers, and this year our theme is all about beer! With more than a dozen types of Belgian beer to choose from you won’t know where to begin. Whether you are looking for a strong beer like Chimay, a rose beer like Witterkerke, or a sweet cherry beer like Bellevue Kriek, we have a beer for every taste. Hungry? Why not have a bowl of beer stew with your beer. For dessert you could have Fruli, a delicious strawberry beer.

13. Korean Pavilion-The Chang Won University Dancing Troupe, travelling all the way from Korea, will amaze you with their skillful dances and colourful costumes. Local group, Tae Ryong Park will present a fun and educational demonstration of their Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido skills. Take a moment to divulge in the variety of Korean dishes like bulgoki (marinated beef with sesame oil), mandu (dumplings with ground beef and bean sprouts) and japche (noodles with beef, spinach, mushrooms, red peppers.) Finish off your meal with a flavoursome glass of rice wine known as soju.

Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pictures of a tornado that touched down in Manitoba at Gull Lake on the weekend. It killed one woman, and critically injured another. Close family friends have cottages at Gull, and the tornado stopped short of their cottage.

Hospitals, and Coconuts

2006-08-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

I first want to begin by thanking you all for the well wishes for my sister-in-law Shauna. We had a great time on our trip, and Shauna although quite thin, was in very good spirits and seemed to be feeling a little better. The beaches were beautiful, and we had a fabulous time. Our digital camera is missing, so I had to take a disposable. I haven't gotten the pics back yet, but when I do, I will post them.

When we returned from our fabulous trip however, I began having really severe chest pains. I have been having them off and on for the past two weeks, but they were quite bad so I decided to go to my family doc to see what the problem could be. He suggested I go to the hospital right away for a cardiogram.

With my anxiety level quite high, I decided to follow his advice for a change and go. When it comes to the old ticker, I don't like fooling around. So off I went. When I arrived, I was taken in right away which gave me another shocker...usually there is about an 8 hour wait, our medical system being what it is.

They brought me into a room with two other elderly gentlemen apparantly there for the same reason as I. By this time, I was feeling a little silly being there. I am 35, and in pretty good health. I have severe anxiety and panic attacks which I figured was causing the chest pain. When I was brought into the room, the man beside me was burping, hacking and spitting into the basin. I thought, great, this guy is dying and sick, what am I doing here???

The nurse came in, and I was given a cardiogram, and had the old blood pressure tested, and was asked a series of questions about the pain etc. All the while, this poor guy beside me was asking about pain killers. With only a curtain separating us, it was tough not to listen in....

The nurse left, and I was all by myself listening to this guy beside me. I'm usually not so nosy, but with nothing to do but kill time, I couldn't help but listen.

The nurse asked him about his pain. It didn't sound good to me, he had severe chest pain in his chest that felt like severe heartburn and his left side was tingling. He was burping, and well, grossing me out, but I was engrossed in what he was saying. He was taking zantac, and different antacids. All the while I was feeling silly for being there when this guy was having a real heart attack, I was sure!!!

When the nurse asked him what he thought may be causing the pain, he said he wasn't sure, but thought he may have an idea. Apparantly at 1:00 AM the night before, he ate a whole coconut. Who eats a whole coconut at 1:00 in the morning? And how could the nurse keep a straight face? I let out a little giggle, and quickly put my hand over my mouth. The nurse said to him "Well, that could definitely have caused the heartburn and chest pain. A coconut is very high in fat content, and can be hard to digest." Suddenly, I didn't feel so silly being there anymore. As it was, I was stressing because I had a few beers the night before, and was hoping and praying they weren't going to ask me if I had consumed any alcohol. I don't smoke, but that guy took the cake!

It turned out I was having a severe panic attack, and the muscles surrounding my heart are inflammed and swollen. Apparantly that is where I hold my stress when I am having a panic attack. I was given some anxiety medication, and of course was told to walk about 1/2 hour-1 hour per day to relieve any stress I may have. I will never forget the damn coconut though...I know I would never be cut out for the medical profession...I can't keep a straight enough face!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Going on Holidays

1. I'm writing this meme early, because I will be going to Gimli, Manitoba for a short holiday to visit Art's brother and his wife.

2. Art's brother's wife Shauna has cervical cancer, and has about a 50/50 shot right now. She's lost so much weight, and it's taking it's toll on the family.

3. Art and I have never been away together anywhere on a holiday in 6 years together alone, or with the family.

4. I am deathly allergic to cats, and Art's brother has several, so we will be tenting it in their backyard (bummer).

5. However, Gimli has beautiful beaches, and a boardwalk, so we will be able to bring the kids to the beach in the daytime.

6. Art's brother is a fisherman, and wants to take us on the fishing boat. Should be really interesting. I always wondered what it would be like on a real fishin' boat.

7. Art's brother makes the best pickerel. It's always fresh catch, so I'm really looking forward to that.

8. The Icelandic festival will be on while we're visiting. Should be alot of fun. There 's a parade, and lots of activities for the kids to do.

9. I am saying a silent prayer that our car makes it there. As it is, our air conditioner is on the blink.

10. My children have never slept in a tent before. I hope they will. Let's face it...I am really not looking forward to sleeping in a tent, but hey, it may turn out just fine.

11. I sure hope I will sleep in the tent. I can't stand tenting...I am not real outdoorsy.

12. How will I survive two days without my computer? They don't have one in Gimli...

13. Here's to hoping it doesn't rain!!! We'll see you in two days, sooner if the tent doesn't work out!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

For an explanation of my WW, see the blog entry below.

Manitoba Spirited Energy

2006-08-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Since June of this year, there has been alot of buzz in the Province about Manitoba's new Spirited Energy Slogan Campaign. The Province has spent an embarrassing amount of money to change Manitoba's image. We have been Friendly Manitoba for as long as I can remember. What is wrong with being Friendly? Spirited Energy sounds like we are a bunch of drunk people (we do have alot of drunks, so this may not be such a stretch. LOL). I personally think the people of Manitoba should have been given a few different options to chose a fitting new slogan, and a vote should have been held. Apparantly a naming consultant arrived at Spirited Energy, for the low fee of $600,000, and it has created alot of criticism and ridicule from the masses.

Tom Brodbeck of the Winnipeg Sun took it upon himself on July 13 to invite Manitobans to create a better slogan. Manitobans stepped up to the plate as usual, and submitted some very promising slogans that create a positive visual of our Province. We are very proud to be Manitoban, and are very loyal to our Province which is one thing I think most can agree upon...we have alot of heart.

Some of the suggestions were:

Manitoba - Heart of the Continent
Manitoba - The Jewel of the North
Manitoba - Prairie Paradise
Manitoba - Explore your Dreams
Manitoba - The Centre of it All

It cost alot less then the $600,000 that was paid to the naming consultant to come up with the spirited energy slogan. It was free! I would have chosen Manitoba-Heart of the Prairies.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

2006-07-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Ever since my little baby bird Taylor was born, she was a handful. Having had Reflux and Colic when she was born, we've had sleep issues from the very beginning. By sleep issues, I mean lack of sleep. I'm sure many of you moms can relate, but I have not had a full night slumber in six years.

About 6 months ago, Taylor had the flu really bad, with severe vomiting. I made the mistake of bringing her into bed with me, and Dad slept in the living room on old faithful. Of course, once this began, it has not stopped. Poor Dad has been sleeping on old faithful ever since, but in the meantime another development took place. Courtnay started whining to sleep with Mom and Taylor too. She gave me the old "if Taylor can sleep in Mom's bed, then so can I." How can you argue with that? So Momma Birds nest got alot fuller. And poor Pappa Bird seemed to be out of the nest, lost on the ground.

Sure, the sleep was great...if one of the girls woke in the night, there I was right at their side, not having to even step one foot out of bed. Any issues were resolved quickly and painlessly. And, I had the benefit of cuddling with my babes...there is no better feeling in the world. Falling asleep with my babies has been the best feeling in the world, safe by your side.

A few weeks ago, Papa Bird decided it was time for the birdies to leave the nest. I reluctantly agreed, the feet in the face, and lack of space in the nest was starting to get to me a little. We decided it would be a great idea if the two baby birds shared a room, with both single beds in one room so they would be together. Courtnay and Taylor were so excited! The thought of them having their own room together made them ecstatic.

Inside, Mama Bird was withering. Although I was excited at the prospect of snuggling with Papa Bird again, I felt an empty space inside. I was excited for the girls, and always knew it was not a good scenario having them in the nest, but I have come to realize that I enjoyed them sleeping in the nest possibly more then they did.

The transition went off without a hitch. Both Birdies have their own nests, and their own space. I now read them a story before bed, tuck them in and say good night with a kiss.

And Papa Bird is back in our nest. All is well in Birdie land, except for one thing...I am missing having my babies sleeping in the nest something awful! I have been having trouble falling asleep, and feel so empty inside. How can this be? Now I have a sleeping issue. It seems I cannot get a restful sleep without my birdies with me. I know how unfair that is to Papa Bird, but I am finding I can't help myself.

I love Papa Bird more than life itself. But I have to admit, he is not the best "sleeping" partner. He snores like a bear, scratches his feet on the sheets, and "gurgles" because he is a smoker. Last night, we had burgers for supper. I love onions as much as the next person, but he seems to put half an onion on every burger.

One can only imagine how painful it was to sleep in the nest last night, with the stench, the gurgling and the scratching. I am finding myself missing the sweet smelling cherubs that I am used to sleeping with.

I hope one day Papa Bird will decide Onions are really not required on hamburgers, hotdogs, or on Pork Chops. I also hope he will find his way to the Patch...but I don't know if that will happen. He's been smoking since he was 13, and enjoys it a little too much. Besides, I knew he smoked when I met him, however I did not know about the onions...

Life is grand, I only hope one day, one day....I will have a full night of sleep!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-07-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Taylor

1. Taylor is my youngest daughter... she was born on May 27, 2003

2. When Taylor was born, she was premature. My water broke at 34 weeks, and labor didn't start naturally after a day. The hospital was going to send me home with an outreach program where a nurse was going to come to my home each day. I made the biggest stink the hospital has ever seen, and they decided to keep me at the hospital after all. In fact, it was two weeks before labor started. I had to lay in bed for 2 weeks with my water broken wondering if every movement, ache or pain was the beginning of labor.

3. When labor did start after 2 weeks of anticipation, I had severe back labor. She came so fast, there was no time for an epidural, or drugs of any kind. It was short, but I truly wanted to die!

4. When Taylor was born, she came out kicking and screaming, and didn't stop. She was in the nursery for premature babies for the first 3 weeks of her life. Every time I showed up, the nurse would say "Oh, you're the mom with the screaming baby."

5. Taylor had Acid Reflux for the first year of her life. It was so severe, she almost had to have a feeding tube inserted into her stomach, as she would stop breathing every time she had episodes. She was taking Maxeran and Ranitidine the first year of her life in maximum doses.

6. Taylor's big sister Courtnay loved Taylor sooooo much! She always tried to help mom feed her, and change her diaper. Taylor loves her big sister unconditionally, and to this day, they share a room by choice, because they are so close.

7. Taylor has always been very strong minded. Since the day she was born, Taylor does what Taylor wants, and there is no stopping her when she has an idea embedded in her mind. She would go on the potty at 14 months just like big sister, and spoke her first word very early. It's almost like Taylor came out of the womb running, wanting to do everything just like big sister... she would get very frustrated as a baby if she couldn't stand, or run and follow Courtnay everywhere.

8. Taylor is a very active girl. There is no stone unturned when she is on the scene! At the grocery store, Taylor has broken jars of spaghetti sauce, jars of coffee and has knocked over whole displays. She is like an octopus and must touch everything. Trust me, there is no stopping her!

9. Taylor is a real card. She comes out with the funniest things at the most inappropriate times. For instance, last week we were at a camp for the week called "Rock and Read." Of course, Taylor could not focus or sit through any of the activities or songs (except for snack time). She always feels a need to check out every new bathroom wherever we go. As people were singing, Taylor was jumping up and down yelling "I have to go poo mommy, I have to go poooooooo." We would go to the bathroom, where she would play with the sink and the handdryer. We would return to the group, sing for a little, and say the same thing repeatedly. This went on and on until snack time.

10. Taylor loves running around the house naked after every bath. I am really hoping that this changes by the time she is a teenager! She runs around yelling "I'm a nudy, I'm a nudy!" (pronounced nooodddyyyy)

11. As brazen as Taylor is, she is really a chicken underneath it all. She is afraid of loud noises, and thunderstorms. Mom can never be very far away from her when there is a train passing, or a motorcycle zooming by.

12. Taylor still has her blankie that she is attached to that she had since she was a newborn. The funny thing about blankie, is that it is in about 6 different pieces. She knows each and every single piece like the back of her hand. If one piece is missing, there needs to be a search party sent out looking for baby blankie. (that's the smallest piece, and the one that goes missing the most)

13. Taylor is my baby girl, and always will be. Even when she is 20!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-07-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MeMeMeMe......

2006-07-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

A Big Thanks to the Patent Princess for this Meme!

1. How old do you wish you were? I don't mind being 35...you are as old as you feel, and I always feel like a kid!

2. Where were you when 9/11 happened? I was at home on Maternity Leave and watched it on the news as it all happened in complete shock. I worked for Air Canada at the time, and was quite thankful to be on Maternity Leave. It was a feeling I will never forget as long as I live.

3. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? I press the money return button repeatedly, even though I know it's not gonna give me anything back. I then try rocking the machine, but this usually doesn't work either. I then walk away disappointed.

4. Do you consider yourself kind? Who doesn't?

5. If you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be? I have one large one on my lower back, and one on my butt cheek. I have been thinking of getting one on my ankle or shoulder lately of the gemini sign, or some Aborinal Art.

6. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? I would try to learn Greek. Always sounds so beautiful.

7. Do you know your neighbors? Too well.

8. What do you consider a vacation? Someplace hot with a Corona in hand!

9. Do you follow your horoscope? Always.

10. Would you move for the person you loved? Definitely.

11. Are you touchy feely? I wouldn't say so.

12. Do you believe that opposites attract? Yes, every partner I have had is completely the opposite of me. I could never live with another me!

13. Dream job? A Writer that actually makes money.

14. Favorite channels? Much Music, A & E, and TBS

15. Favorite place to go on a weekend? Out with my gals having a few bevvies.

16. Showers or bath? Showers.....

17. Do you paint your nails? Yes.

18. Do you trust people easily? Yes, sometimes too easily.

19. What are your phobias? Ghosts, the dark, bridges, being stuck in an elevator.

20. Do you want kids? I have 2, and am definitely finished.

21. Do you keep a handwritten journal? Yes.

22. Where would you rather be right now? Relaxing someplace hot on holidays with my family.

23. What makes you feel warm and safe? Snuggling with my babies and watching them sleep.

24. Heavy or light sleep? Light sleeper

25. Are you paranoid? Who, what, where, when and how WHY?????? TELL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26. Are you impatient? I have the patience of a saint.

27. Who can you relate to? These days, I can pretty much relate with Rosanne Barr.

28. How do you feel about interracial couples? Love knows no color.

29. Have you been burned by love? Every time except for this relationship (biting my nails!)

30. What’s your life motto? Try all things once, and the good things twice...do unto others as you would have done, and what goes around will come around.

31. What’s your main ringtone on your mobile? It is Bad Boys...the theme song from "Cops"

32. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping

33. Who was your last text message from? MTS saying they had a special on text messaging.

34. Whose bed did you sleep in last night? ummmm....mine

35. What color shirt are you wearing? Wearing my mouse P.J's

36. Most recent movie you watched? Superman the original movie with Christopher Reeves. Love that one.

37. Name five things you have on you at all times. My cell phone, keys, purse, makeup, hairspray and pick

38. What color are your bed sheets? Mustard yellow, and swirly goldy east indian thing happening.

39. How much cash do you have on you right now? Some loose change.

40. What is your favorite part of the chicken? The White Meat.

41. What is your favorite town/city? Banff, Alberta Canada.

42. I can’t wait till…I apply to NSI...I am writing a television pilot. Can't wait to see if it's accepted!

43. What did you have for dinner last night? Chicken Burgers, Caesar Salad and the kids also had smiley's.(I stole a few)

44. How tall are you barefoot? 5′ 3″

45. Have you ever smoked crack? Never.

46. Do you own a gun? Husband does...he hunts.

47. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee or OJ.

48. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? Make them laugh (with you, not at you)

49. Do you have A.D.D? Never been tested, but my daughter has ADHD

50. What time did you wake up today? At 6:30 AM

51. What is your favorite candy? Fun Dip

52. Current worry? Trying not to get burnt out at work.

53. Current hate? Having to work 40 hours each weekend, but it's paying the bills, and I am able to be at home full time through the week with my little ones and not pay for daycare. Still hate it though.

54. Favorite place to be? Right now blogging...it's a great escape from reality!

55. Where would you like to travel? I would love to take a trip to Africa one day. That is my dream vacation.

56. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years? Hopefully writing television scripts, and entertaining the masses.

57. Last thing you ate? I admit it...a Big Mac, Large Fries and a Caramilk McFlurry! The frosty got veto'd.

58. What songs do you sing in the shower? Ain't no mountain high enough....kidding! I don't

59. Last person that made you laugh? Art

60. Worst injury you ever had? Having to get stitches when I was 18 after the bar one night. Somebody kicked a beer bottle, and it broke and sliced open my foot. Had to get about 12 stitches. (4 inside, 8 on the outside)

61. Does someone have a crush on you? I'm thinking my supervisor at work.

Thursday Thirteen

2006-07-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things About Me, Sherry

1. I have a husband named Arthur Glover Cowan the Second.

2. If I had had a son, there would have not been an Arthur Glover Cowan the Third...I would never punish my child that way.

3. I have a Daughter who is 5 years old named Courtnay Elizabeth

4. I have a Daughter who is 3 years old named Taylor Norma-Marie

5. I have an English Major with a Bachelor Degree in English. I also have a Bachelor Degree in Social Work

6. I graduated on the Social Work Dean's Honor List, but have never put my degree to work for me.

7. I once sat beside a lady on the bus that was dead. She had gone around the route 3 times before the bus driver noticed that she was not actually sleeping. Because of this episode, I always check to make sure the person that I sit beside on the bus is in fact alive.

8. I have psychic abilities and read tarot cards.

9. I am not very domesticated. I do not like housework, nor am I very good at it. I have never used an iron before, and my poor husband receives complaints about his wrinkled uniform.

10. I created a website called Curve's and More. It was created for Plus Sized Women like myself that are young at heart and don't want to wear polyestor or dress like my 80 year old grandmother.

11. I used to work in an office with one of Canada's Most Wanted. He had a desk right beside mine, and purchased a new identity from the Black Market. He murdered his wife, and was on the run. He was very polite, quiet, and loved to listen to Beatles music. He also helped me through a very rough time when my dad was diagnosed with Cancer. Who would have thought...a sympathetic murderer!

12. I spent the Millenium in Acapulco, Mexico...best New Year's I have ever had!

13. My biggest moment of shame was in Grade 9. I stole a box of condoms from Supervalu, and proceeded to blow them all up outside of the store like they were balloons (I knew they were not balloons!) I thankfully did not get caught!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-07-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Baking A Birthday Surprise for Dad!

Is Mom Ready for Kindergarten?

2006-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten...it felt like it was so far away. I just delivered a premature baby girl...6 lbs, 5 ounces. She was premature, in good health but needed to stay in the T1 nursery for a month before she came home from the hospital. Her lungs weren't fully developed, she had reflux, and regular bratties (she would stop breathing for periods of time and required oxygen). Being a first time mother, I was a wreck. I felt overwhelmed, exhausted from spending 16 hours a day at the hospital, but couldn't see myself being anyplace else. I pumped my breastmilk till my boobs felt like they were going to fall off, and she was tube fed for the first 3 weeks. I fell asleep, and the next day, she turned 5 and had a sister. That's how fast the time has gone.

When Courtnay was 2, I went through the same ordeal with Taylor. She was premature as well, and we went through a rerun of the same episode we had with Courtnay. By that time, we knew Courtnay had some developmental issues, but she was excited with the prospect of having a baby sister. By the time Courtnay was 4, she had been seeing a speech pathologist on a regular basis, and an occupational therapist. She had been given an ADHD diagnosis. I've been fortunate enough to be at home with her full time to work with her on a daily basis, and she has been moving along splendidly. And then the day has been drawing nearer...kindergarten.

Courtnay is excited, she's thrilled about the prospect of meeting new friends, having a teacher and attending school half a day a week. I am once again a wreck! Don't get me wrong, I am excited for her as well, but have to admit I am terrified! My little baby is leaving our safe nest! I'm not going to be behind the wheel of her progress and learning. How will she fair without me being right along beside her? Or better yet, how will I fair without having her right along beside me?

When I told her "Courtnay, mommy is going to be so sad when you start kindergarten. What is mommy going to do without you?"

She replied, very grownup like "Don't worry mommy, things will be fine. You'll be o.k." Yikes! I'll be o.k? It's worst than I thought...my 5 year old can now console her mother!

Where did that slobbery baby go that I carted around in her stroller while I shopped? Where did the time go?

I just don't know. One thing I do know, is that there will be many tears on my face the first day of kindergarten. What am I going to be like at graduation? I shudder to think.

A Whale of a Tale

2006-07-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Whale

If you read the front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab trapsand lines.

She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a linetugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands(outside the Golden Gate) and contacted an environmental group for help.

Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her...A very dangerous proposition.

One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually set her free.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed gently around-she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

Too Cool!!!

World Trade Center Conspiracy Theory Video

2006-07-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

This video is a little long, but so interesting and definitely worth watching. I'm a huge conspiracy theory buff, and have always had questions about what really happened on the fateful day of 09/11 (911, strange date wasn't it?)

This has left me with much to ponder, and more questions than answers.

911 loose change 2nd edition

Strangely, it has been removed from the original Google's video list. I found another, and have posted it. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Here is the original Loose Change website. I find it very interesting.

http://www.loosechange911.com/

Thursday Thirteen

2006-07-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Thirteen of My Favorite Places to Shop Online

I have to admit, sigh, I have a problem. I am COMPLETELY addicted to shopping online! Last Christmas, I did all my shopping online, and I mean all. Even stocking stuffers. I love being excited about packages arriving in the mail, and being pleasantly surprised when they arrive at the door. Here are a few of my faves.

1. Ikea

2. Igigi

3. Musician's Friend

4. Delia's

5. Ebay

6. Size Appeal

7. Melaleuca

8. Vista Print

9. Toys R Us

10. Used Winnipeg

11. Torrid

12. Hot Topic

13. Fashion Bug

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-07-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

A Courtnay and Taylor Creation...a cardboard box kept them busy for 3 days!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-07-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Thirteen Songs to Blast in Your Car During Summer

1. "One Love" Bob Marley

2. "Cotton Eyed Jo" Rednexx

3. "Beautiful Day" U2

4. "Shiny Happy People" REM

5. "You're a Superstar" Love Inc.

6. "Groove is in the Heart" Dee Lite

7. "In the Summertime" Shaggy

8. "No Woman No Cry" Bob Marley

9. "Summer Lovin" John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

10."Bomboleo" Gypsy Kings

11. "When the Night Feels my Song" Bedouin Soundclash

12. "One Week" The Barenaked Ladies

13. "Jessie's Girl" Rick Springfield

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Courtnay and Taylor 2006

2006-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Courtnay and Taylor, My Two Little Angels

Courtnay and Taylor 2006-Part 1 Click to Begin Montage

2006-07-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

A GREAT ENDING TO MY 35TH BIRTHDAY

Count Your Blessings

2006-07-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

"I have found that if you love life,
life will love you back." Arthur Rubinstein

I have recently unwittingly returned back to the work force part time. I am a Social Worker by trade, and the opportunity arose for me to work with young teenaged girls who have exhausted all of their options. Many have exhausted foster home placements, youth centers, group homes...let's face it-they have no more options. Many girls have been in over 50 foster home placements during the duration of their short lives and yes...they are angry.

I have been working with the same young lady for the past 2 months, and have started to build a rapport with her. She has been in care since a very young age. Her mother passed away, and her father became a chronic alcoholic. The family is from the reserve, and all 9 brothers and sisters have been in care most of their short lives.

Last evening, we stayed home and she was more talkative than usual. I think she was high, but I can't prove it. She asked me the question "what kind of a life do I have?" I responded by asking her what type of a life she thought she had (I know, I know, close the text book). She said she didn't know and wanted to know what I thought. She surprised me by saying she thought she was spoiled living in hotels month in, month out and not in school or working. I had never seen it from that perspective before. She said it's really no life for a person. She really feels lonely, with no parents or family.

Although my heart was breaking, because I know how tough things have been for her, I proceeded by telling her how lucky she actually is. I told her when life throws you a curve, you have to stop and count your blessings. No matter who you are, some people have it better, but there are also many that are not as fortunate.

I told her, Let's Count Your Blessings:

Not many teenagers have maid service everyday to clean your room.

Not many teenagers have caregivers around the clock providing care to keep you safe, healthy and off of the streets.

A clean place to sleep.

A clean safe place to stay.

A chef on site to cook healthy, nutritious meals made to order any time you feel hungry.

You are not starving.

Your laundry is done for you each week.

You have a telephone, television and plenty of movies at your disposal whenever you want.

Your doctors and dental appointments are all made for you on a regular basis, and people escort and drive you to all of your appointments.

You have regular outings scheduled for you, and a free membership pass to the YMCA.

You have your health. Many people do not.

You have your religion and your culture. She is of Aboriginal descent, and still has strong ties to her community.

It's funny how much is taken for granted, unless you stop every once in awhile to smell the roses. Life really is what you make of it-no matter who you are. I really want to thank that young lady for giving me a fresh perspective on the whole matter, and for giving lots of food for thought.

Happy Birthday Canada!!!

2006-07-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Sherry's Pick for 20 Great Canadians
(In no particular order)
1. John Candy 11. Dancing Gabe
2 . Michael J. Fox 12. David Milgard's Mom
3. The Tragically Hip 13. Margaret Atwood
4. Jacques Cartier 14. Our Lady Peace
5. Louis Riel 15. Barenaked Ladies
6. Pierre Elliot Trudeau 16. Dan Akroyd
7. Tim Horton 17. Jim Carry
8. Patrick Roy 18. Pamela Lee Anderson
9. Rocket Richard 19. Hugh MacLennan
10.Terry Fox 20. Hal from Power 97

Happy 139th Birthday Canada...
Dene Moore, Canadian PressPublished: Friday, June 30, 2006
Article tools

VANCOUVER -- Where would the world be without green garbage bags, zippers and ginger ale?
Canadians have made some wonderful, weird and sometimes dubious contributions to humankind.
Were it not for Canadians, the world would be devoid of paint rollers, snowmobiles and five-pin bowling.
There would be no electric organ, green ink or multiplex movie theatres.

And yes, the recipe for Nanaimo bars comes from the British Columbian town of the same name.

Without Canada, time as we know it would end. Sir Sanford Fleming, a Scottish immigrant to the New World, devised the world's 24-zone standard time system.

"Canadians aren't boring in the least," says Will Ferguson, award-winning author of Canadian History for Dummies and Why I Hate Canadians.

Politically, the country has staked its claim in the "radical middle," he says, but don't let that fool you.
Canadians are diverse, eclectic and eccentric, he says. And pragmatic. Rather than wither in the winter cold, Canadians pulled the toques down over their ears and invented snowmobiles, the electric car heater and the snowblower.

Thank Canada for toboggans.

Canada comes from the native words meaning big village -- much better than Efisga, Tuponia or Colonia.
Those names were proposed for the motherland during debates on Confederation.

It is arguably the most ethnically diverse country in the world.
Canada has the highest population of Icelanders outside Iceland and the most Italians outside Italy.
"It's such a culturally diverse and interesting country that has geography and history and people that come from every corner of the globe," says Heritage Minister Sheila Copps. "That's what makes it really unique."
Unique is one way to put it.

Each month in each province there is at least one report of a UFO.

Of all the road accidents that occur in Canada, 0.3 per cent involve a moose. And a Calgary tour company offers a course in igloo building.

Maybe such madness is what makes comedian Rick Mercer feel so lucky to be Canadian.
"I just always feel . . . that we won the Lotto and anyone who was born in Canada or has come to Canada, you won the Lotto," says Rick Mercer, star of CBC's hit comedies Made in Canada and This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
"You know, Canadians don't take themselves that seriously, and quite often we're self-deprecating and that's a character trait I admire greatly in an individual and so I admire it in a nation," says Mercer.

Canadians may not take themselves seriously, but they do some seriously strange stuff.

Canada holds the world record for the highest stunt freefall for a 1,100 foot plunge from the CN Tower.

The world's oldest snowboarder hits the slopes in Canada. Wong Yui Hoi, of British Columbia, took up the sport at 75 according to the folks at Guiness.

Canadian Jack McKenzie, 77, is the oldest person to ski to the north pole.

Those months spent with scant daylight hiding from frostbite may go a long way to explain some other Canadian, uh, accomplishments.

Canada boasts the longest gum wrapper chain in the world - 10,387 metres- according to the Guiness book of world records, and the most push-ups in an hour - 3,416.

Canadians hold the record for pogo-stick jumping and the largest hug. They baked the world's largest cherry pie, made the world's largest block of cheese and hold the world kissing title for the most couples smooching simultaneously.

Maybe it's not cabin fever, but brain freeze. A 7-Eleven store in Winnipeg sells more Slurpees per capita than anywhere else in the world. Yahhhhhh!!!!! Winnipeg Rocks!!!!!!!!

Canadians eat more Kraft dinner and Albertans more Jello. Details were not available on the favoured flavour. Kraft Dinner Rocks!!!!!!

Canadians have such an imagination they try to take credit for basketball and the telephone, says Ferguson.
"They'll claim the telephone as a Canadian invention. Alexander Graham Bell was born in Scotland, educated in Scotland and most of his research took place in Boston . . . but that doesn't matter because he lived in Canada," Ferguson says.

Yet Canada claims basketball because James Naismith was born in Canada, although he came up with the sport while living in the U.S.

But there's no denying that Toronto's Joe Shuster was co-creator of that greatest of American heroes, Superman.

And who else but the first nation of hockey could have invented Plexiglas, the goalie mask or the referee whistle?

Since beer is practically a sport unto itself in Canada, Vancouver's Steve Pasjack came up with those built-in, tuck-away handles for beer cases in 1957. Yaaaaaaaa Steve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And women can blame Canada. Montreal's Canadelle company invented the push-up bra in 1964 and Dennis Colonello invented the abdominizer in 1984.

Our greatest achievement?

"I think Canada's greatest achievement is Canada, just the existence of this country, this wildly diverse, huge, rich, quirky, wonderful country," Ferguson says.

© Canadian Press 2006

The Gazette and the Dominion Institute present the 2006 Canada Day quiz. So sit back, pour yourself a cool Canadian beverage, and enjoy.You can always click here for the answers.
Land and landscape

1. How many provinces and territories are there in Canada?
2. Name the Canadian territory that was created on April 1, 1999.
3. Name the five Great Lakes.
4. Name the largest of the five Great Lakes.
5. What three oceans border Canada?
6. Which river is Canada's longest?
a) The Mackenzie
b) The St. Lawrence
c) The Red
d) The Fraser
7. Which province in Canada is the smallest in land size?
8. Which province has the largest land size?
9. In which province can you find a provincial park famous for its deposits of dinosaur bones?
Politics and politicians
10. In 1864, colonial representatives first met in P.E.I. to discuss the idea of a federal union of all the British North American provinces. What is the name of this famous meeting?
11. Name the original provinces that joined in Confederation.
12. Name the Scottish immigrant, skilled lawyer and father of Confederation who became Canada's first prime minister.
13. Which Canadian prime minister sought the advice of his dead mother and dog?
14. What was the name that the prime minister in question No. 13 gave to all of his dogs?
15. Which of the following provincial politicians could be called "the last father of Confederation" ?
a) Lucien Bouchard
b) Mike Harris
c) Joey Smallwood
d) Tommy Douglas
16. When did the Quiet Revolution occur in Quebec?
a) 1920s
b) 1960s
c) 1830s
d) 1759
17. Who was the conservative Quebec premier whose hard-line government was a major cause of the the Quiet Revolution?
Citizenship and Government
18. Who is Canada's head of state?
19. The government of Canada is best described as:
a) A representative republic
b) A co-operative association
c) Constitutional monarchy
d) People's Democracy
20. In which year was the Canadian constitution patriated?
21. What part of the constitution legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians?
22. Name the constitutional clause that allows the federal or provincial governments to override certain parts of the constitutional document mentioned in question No. 17.
23. Which of the following slogans is best associated with Canada's constitution?
a) Liberty, equality, fraternity
b) Peace, order and good government
c) Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
24. Name three requirements that a person must meet in order to vote in a federal election.
People and places
25. Which of the following is associated with the first permanent European settlement in what became Canada?
a) Henry Hudson
b) Jacques Cartier
c) Samuel de Champlain
d) Christopher Columbus
26. Name the city that sprung from this first settlement, which will be celebrating its 400th
anniversary in 2008.
27. What agricultural community, founded by the Earl of Selkirk in 1812, became the first permanent European colony in the Canadian West?
28. The Canadian north was transformed in the late 1890s when about 100,000 prospectors poured into the Yukon hoping to "strike it rich." What name was given to this colourful period in Canadian history?
29. What famous schooner, commemorated on the 10 cent coin, was built in Nova Scotia in 1921?
Industry and Finance
30. Owing to a shortage of coins in New France in the 17th century, settlers used which non-traditional form of currency?
a) Birch Bark
b) Playing Cards
c) Croissants
d) Muskets
31. The Hudson's Bay Company is the world's oldest chartered trading company, having been in business for 336 years. What product gave this company its start?
32. Name the vast stretch of land where the Hudson's Bay Company had a trading monopoly.
33. What was the French name given to the rugged woodsmen who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company?
34. What product, made of dried meat and berries, was sold to fur traders for their long voyages into and out of the Canadian interior and became a competitive industry in Canada's West.
35. What automobile company attempted to establish a luxury car production plant in New Brunswick in the 1970s only to abandon the project in bankruptcy with fewer than 3,000 cars ever produced?
a) Ford
b) DeLorean
c) Massey Ferguson
d) Bricklin
36. When was the last time that $1 Canadian was equal to $1 American?
a) 1937
b) 1957
c) 1977
d) 1997
Women
37. In what decade of the 20th century were Canadian women first given the right to vote in federal elections?
38. In 1929, the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council overturned the Supreme Court of Canada and determined that women could hold office as senators. What was the name of this landmark decision?
39. What major historical event brought more than 1 million women into the Canadian work force?
a) Prohibition
b) Expo 67
c) Second World War
d) Auto Pact
40. In 1992, Roberta Bondar became the first Canadian woman:
a) To play in the National Hockey League
b) To be launched into outer space
c) To win an Oscar for best actress
d) To become president of General Motors of Canada
Arts and Culture
41. What is Canada's national anthem?
42. What are the first two lines of the anthem?
43. Who composed our national anthem?
a) Sir John A. Macdonald
b) Calixa Lavalee
c) Robert Charlebois
d) Gordon Lightfoot
44. Which of the following artists are Canadian?
a) Emily Carr
b) Andy Warhol
c) Tom Thomson
d) Jean-Paul Riopelle
e) Norman Rockwell
45. Which of the artists from questions No. 44 inspired the formation of the Canadian art collective the Group of Seven?
Canada-U.S. Relations
46. Name one of the wars in which Canada was invaded by the United States.
47. What group fled the United States to settle in Canada after the American Revolution?
48. What was the name of the route used by fleeing American slaves to get to Canada?
49. Which American war sped the move toward Confederation?
50. Name the Irish-independence movement whose raids were also an important factor in the move toward Confederation.
International Affairs
51. After the First World War, Canada helped found the League of Nations. What similar body did Canadians help create in the aftermath of the Second World War?
52. Since 1949, Canada, the U.S. and the democracies of Western Europe have belonged to a transatlantic military alliance. What is the name of this multilateral organization?
53. Canada was instrumental in drafting the famous United Nations declaration that sets forth the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons. What is its name?
54. Canadian prime ministers culminating with Brian Mulroney led international opposition to what South African government policy?
55. Recently, Canada played a role in the establishment of what international body for investigating genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes?
56. Which prominent Canadian Supreme Court judge was involved in the international body mentioned in question No. 55?
War and Remembrance
57. Why was Nov. 11 was chosen as Remembrance Day.
58. Every Nov. 11, Canadians commemorate the service and sacrifice of the nation's veterans. What is the common symbol of Canadian remembrance?
59. In the First World War, a massive ammunition explosion in a Canadian city killed 1,600, injured 9,000 and left thousands more homeless. Where did this occur?
60. Which of the following was Canada's most famous victory in the First World War that consisted of the capture of a key ridge on the Western Front?
a) Battle of Vichy
b) Battle of Vimy Ridge
c) Battle of Ortona
61. Capt. John McCrae served as a medical officer in the First World War and wrote what is considered to be Canada's most famous war poem. What is it called?
62. The country's worst epidemic, spread by troops returning from service overseas during the Great War, killed 50,000 Canadians. What disease was responsible for the greatest health crisis in Canadian history?
63. Name the Canadian commander at Vimy who later became Canada's 12th Governor General.
64. In 1942, almost 1,000 Canadians lost their lives in a tragic assault on a French seaside town. Name that town.
65. From 1950 to 1953, more than 25,000 Canadian service men and women took part in the Cold War's first major armed conflict. What was the name of this war?
66. To resolve the 1956 Suez Crisis, Lester B. Pearson proposed the creation of a new type of United Nations mandated military force. Used in conflict zones ever since, what are these forces usually called?
Controversy and Scandal
67. What is the name given to the forcible resettlement by the British government of many of the original French colonists of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island?
68. Name the U.S. state where many of the deportees mentioned in question No. 67 ended up.
69. Name the extinct people who once inhabited Newfoundland.
70. After more than a decade of construction and a string of political scandals, what great Canadian engineering feat was completed in 1885 with the hammering of the Last Spike?
71. Which ethnic group had to pay a head tax to gain entrance into Canada?
72. In which year was the head tax mentioned in question No. 71 repealed?
73. National referendums are nothing new in Canada. In 1942, a national plebiscite sparked a fierce debate over military service and national unity. What was this plebiscite about?
74. What was William Lyon Mackenzie King's famous saying about the issue under debate during the 1942 national plebiscite?
75. During the Second World War, thousands of Canadians were forcibly evacuated from the West Coast of Canada because of their ethnic origin. Who were these Canadians?Click here for the answers to the quiz.
Want more? Visit www.dominion.ca and try the online version of the quiz. Answer all 20 of the randomly selected questions correctly to win a free ring tone from Puretracks.com

Coming out of the Blinkies Closet

2006-06-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

I admit it...finally. I am a Blinkie O'holic, if there is such a thing! I cannot stop searching for and collecting Blinkies. It has become an obsession. I really do believe that the Blinkies you collect have alot to say about a person, and can really describe a persons likes, dislikes, personality, sense of humor, hobbies. I have compiled a collection of my faves. I like so many of them, I couldn't possibly post them all into my sidebar, so I decided to add my little collection in a post. I have collected so many Blinkies, I will add a link and give credit to the creator of the Blinkie as I post. Here goes in no particular order:

Pinky Blinkies

Flicks and Skits...

Intensity Blinkies

Jo's Blinkie Obsession

2006-06-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Summer in Winnipeg, MB Canada!

1. We go to the "Lake" every weekend.

2. We go "patio-ing." Every restaurant or lounge we visit, we HAVE to sit out on the patio.

3. We drink LOTS of 7-11 Slurpees.

4. We swat millions of mosquitoes.

5. We walk along the river and hang out at the Forks.

6. We go for gelati down Corydon Avenue.

7. We get confused at Confusion Corner.

8. We have to buy shades in May, to block the white light emanating from everybodies white bodies from being covered up all winter. :0

9. We go to Cruise Night every Sunday down Portage Avenue.

10. We drink more slurpees.

11. When it's winter we complain about the cold, when it's summer, we complain about the heat and the mosquitoes.

12. We go to the Red River Exhibition and eat "those little donuts."

13. We go to Folklorama and enjoy the cultures from around the world.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I Shot the Sheriff.....

2006-06-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

After a week of sheer torture, I am proud to say I have conquered Spy Sheriff which is a very nasty virus that snuck it's slimey way into my computer! I had never heard of Spy Sheriff, but it is actually an anti-spyware software that acts like a trojan horse. SpySheriff hijacks the desktop, changes the wallpaper to a warning message to lure the user into using the antispyware software [which fixes nothing]. It wormed it's sneaky way into my computer, and tricked me true trojan style into clicking on a message that appeared above my task bar saying that my computer is in danger, and to protect my computer I should run the windows desktop antispyware program. Needless to say, I clicked, and everything went black.

I have no idea how this thing wormed it's way into my computer, but in my investigation of how to get rid of the pest, I discovered something very disturbing. There is an actual website called www.spysheriff.com (don't click on it) where you can download the vermin. This is what the description says:

(Not True) SpySheriff an award-winning spyware removal tool will help you fighting all kinds of spyware & adware including key loggers, trojan horses, password thieves & on. With new & unique protection module once cleaned your machine will not get infected ever again.

I am very hostile about this particular bug, because it is super hard to get rid of. What worked for me was downloading "Ad Aware SE Personal." Word to the wise, do the scan in safe mode. You can access safe mode by starting your computer and repeatedly pressing F8. Make sure it is in Safe Mode @ Networking. First do a full system check, then run an ADS scan, and select C: Drive. Worked like a charm, but took me a week to figure out. Hope that is the last I see of that virus...it is NASTY!

2006-06-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2006-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY JUNE 21, 2006

National Aboriginal Day

On June 21, 2006 history was made, as the Federal Government of Canada declared June 21 National Aboriginal Day. It marked the first time in Canada's history to Nationally celebrate the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. The date June 21, previously known as Earth Day marked by the Summer Solstice, also rich in symbolism seemed a very fitting day to celebrate Aboriginal Culture. The celebration in Winnipeg took place at the Historical Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine River meet, also known as an ancient sacred Aboriginal Burial Ground. As we celebrated, I could almost hear the spirits of the past rejoicing, their spirits being released from the hardships suffered.

I am of Metis descent, which is a mixture of French Canadian and Aboriginal Canadian. It is so important for me to educate my children about their rich heritage and the important role Aboriginal Peoples have played in Canada's history...and also the hardships they have suffered, and how they are rising above.

The day was filled with activities, face painting, and entertainment. When we first arrived, we were entered the festival grounds where the main celebration was taking place. There was music, booths erected with handmade jewelery, dreamcatchers, drums, moccasins, and bear skins.

I was especially moved when we entered a tent where we were invited to make a lantern. Each lantern that was created would be released into the river after a ceremony being held by the river later that evening. A tea light would be placed into each lantern, and would symbolise the suffering and hardship endured by aboriginal students that were placed into residential schools. For three generations, aboriginal children were taken from the reserves and placed into the residential school system. They did not speak english, and experienced abuse and brutality while in the system. I know this to be so, as my father lived in a small French Canadian farming town, where french was the only language he spoke. When he was 13 years old, the English came into his community and the schools and imposed a law whereby English was to be the only language spoken, written and learned in the school system. The teachers and students used to have to hide their French text books whenever the truant officer would sneak around investigating whether the Schools were following the rules. They would quickly hide the French, and take out the English books whenever he would arrive. This happened in the 1960's...not so long ago. Making the lantern touched me deeply. I made one signifying the changing seasons. I wanted it to be symbolic of change, and renewal of life which occurs throughout the year. My two daughters made lanterns rich with feathers and red paint. They did a wonderful albeit messy job. The lanterns and the tealight were released into the water as a sign of releasing the spirits who had endured such hardships. This was very much the highlight of the day for me.

For my two girls, they enjoyed having their faces painted, and eating the many treats from the Sugar Express at the Forks. As you can imagine, they were running amok all hepped up on sugar. However, a great time was had by all, and the day ended with a Pow Wow and fireworks. The catch phrase "Je me souviens" summed up the day for me!

2006-06-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

The Warm Fuzzy Tale

2006-06-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Warm Fuzzy Tale
The Original Warm Fuzzy TaleBy Claude Steiner

Once upon a time, a long time ago there lived two very happy people called Tim and Maggi with their two children, John and Lucy. To understand how happy they were you have to understand how things were in those days. You see, in those happy days everyone was given, at birth, a small soft Fuzzy Bag. Anytime a person reached into this bag he was able to pull out a Warm Fuzzy.Warm Fuzzies were very much in demand because whenever somebody was given a Warm Fuzzy it made him feel warm and fuzzy all over. People who didn't get Warm Fuzzies regularly were in danger of developing a sickness in their backs which caused them to shrivel up and die.In those days it was very easy to get Warm Fuzzies. Anytime that somebody felt like it, he might walk up to you and say, "I'd like to have a Warm Fuzzy." You would then reach into your bag and pull out a Fuzzy the size of a little girl's hand.As soon as the Fuzzy saw the light of day it would smile and blossom into a large shaggy Warm Fuzzy. You then would lay it on the person's shoulder or head or lap and it would snuggle up and melt right against their skin and make them feel good all over.People were always asking each other for Warm Fuzzies, and since they were always given freely, getting enough of them was never a problem.There were always plenty to go around, and as a consequence everyone was happy and felt warm and fuzzy most of the time.One day a bad witch became angry because everyone was so happy and no one was buying potions and salves.The witch was very clever and devised a very wicked plan.One beautiful morning the witch crept up to Tim while Maggi was playing with their daughter and whispered in his ear, "See here, Tim, look at all the Fuzzies that Maggi is giving to Lucy. You know, if she keeps it up, eventually she is going to run out and then there won't be any left for you."Tim was astonished. He turned to the witch and said, "Do you mean to tell me that there isn't a Warm Fuzzy in our bag every time we reach into it?" And the witch said, "No, absolutely not, and once you run out, that's it. You don't have any more." With this, the witch flew away, laughing and cackling.Tim took this to heart and began to notice every time Maggi gave up a Warm Fuzzy to somebody else. Eventually he got very worried and upset because he liked Maggi's Warm Fuzzies very much and did not want to give them up. He certainly did not think it was right for Maggi to be spending all her Warm Fuzzies on the children and on other people.He began to complain every time he saw Maggi giving a Warm Fuzzy to somebody else, and because Maggi liked him very much, she stopped giving Warm Fuzzies to other people as often and reserved them for him.The children watched this and soon began to get the idea that it was wrong to give up Warm Fuzzies any time you were asked or felt like it.They too became very careful. They would watch their parents closely, and whenever they felt that one of their parents was giving too many Fuzzies to others, they also began to object. They began to feel worried whenever they gave away too many Warm Fuzzies.Even though they found a Warm Fuzzy every time they reached into their bag, they reached in less and less and became more and more stingy. Soon people began to notice the lack of Warm Fuzzies, and they began to feel less warm and less fuzzy. They began to shrivel up, and, occasionally, people would die from lack of Warm Fuzzies.More and more people went to the witch to buy potions and salves even though they didn't seem to work.Well, the situation was getting very serious indeed. The bad witch didn't really want the people to die (since dead people couldn't buy salves and potions) so a new plan was devised.Everyone was given a bag that was very similar to the Fuzzy Bag except that this one was cold while the Fuzzy Bag was warm. Inside of the witch's bag were Cold Pricklies. These Cold Pricklies did not make people feel warm and fuzzy, but made them feel cold and prickly instead.But they did prevent people's bag's from shriveling up. So, from then on, every time somebody said, "I want a Warm Fuzzy," people who were worried about depleting their supply would say, "I can't give you a Warm Fuzzy, but would you like a Cold Prickly?"Sometimes, two people would walk up to each other, thinking they could get a Warm Fuzzy, but one or the other of them would change his mind and they would wind up giving each other Cold Pricklies. So while very few people were dying, a lot of people were still unhappy and feeling very Cold and Prickly.The situation got very complicated. Warm Fuzzies, which used to be thought of as free as air, became extremely valuable. This caused people to do all sorts of things in order to obtain them.Before the witch had appeared, people used to gather in groups of three or four or five, never caring too much who was giving Warm Fuzzies to whom. After the coming of the witch, people began to pair off to reserve all their Warm Fuzzies for each other exclusively. People who forgot themselves and gave a Fuzzy to someone else would feel guilty because they knew that their partner would probably resent the loss. People who could not find a generous partner had to buy their Fuzzies and they worked long hours to earn the money.Another thing which happened was that some people would take Cold Pricklies.....which were limitless and freely available..... coat them white and fluffy, and pass them on as Warm Fuzzies.These counterfeit Warm Fuzzies were really Plastic Fuzzies, and they caused additional difficulties. For instance, two people would get together and freely exchange Plastic Fuzzies, which presumably should have made them feel good, but they came away feeling bad instead. Since they thought they had been exchanging Warm Fuzzies, people grew very confused about this, never realizing that their cold, prickly feelings were really the result of the fact that they had been given a lot of Plastic Fuzzies.So the situation was very, very dismal, and it all started because of the coming of the witch who made people believe that some day, when least expected, they might reach into their Warm Fuzzy Bag and find no more.Not long ago, a lovely, strong woman with big hips and a happy smile came to this unhappy land. She seemed not to have heard about the witch and was not worried about running out of Warm Fuzzies. She gave them out freely, even when not asked. People called her the Hip Woman and some disapproved of her because she was giving the children the idea that they should not worry about running out of Warm Fuzzies.The children liked her very much because they felt good around her. They, too, began to give out Warm Fuzzies whenever they felt like it.The grownups became concerned and decided to pass a law to protect the children from using up their supplies of Warm Fuzzies. The law made it a criminal offense to give out Warm Fuzzies in a reckless manner, without a license.Many children, however, seemed not to know or care, and in spite of the law they continued to give each other Warm Fuzzies whenever they felt like it and always when asked.Because there were many many children...almost as many as grownups...it began to look as if maybe the children would have their way.As of now it is hard to say what will happen. Will the forces of law and order stop the children? Are the grownups going to join with the Hip Woman and the children in taking a chance that there will always be as many Warm Fuzzies as needed?Will Tim and Maggi, recalling the days when they were so happy and when Warm Fuzzies were unlimited, begin to give away Warm Fuzzies freely again?The struggle spread all over the land and is probably going on right where you live. If you want to, and I hope you do, you can join by freely giving and asking for Warm Fuzzies and by being as loving and healthy as you can.

2006-06-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome Everybody!

This is Sherry Berard, founder of Curves and More. I'm very excited to start posting at Warm Fuzzies! A Warm Fuzzy either a story, compliment, or memory that warms the heart. At Curves and More, it is my goal is to have that warm fuzzy feeling after visiting. This blog was created for the plus sized woman. For myself, there is nothing better than sharing inspiring stories, and create a community of strong independent women. I can't wait to start sharing and meeting others with the same interests in mind.

Cheers!
Sherry Berard,
Founder of Curves and More