Jones Off Course

engaged!

2011-10-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

amazing excitement.

chris and i went to hawaii for vacation and the greatest surprise in the world happened.
sitting on the lanai, enjoying the beauty of the ocean, admiring the palm trees, watching the surfers, drinking my coke and she hands me a card.

we have always given each other cards. for special occasions and not. just because. sometimes we read cards to each other in the store. just for fun.

i opened the card. then i realized it was personal. it was just for me. it was the story of us. how we grew up on opposite ends of the country and one day we joined our hearts together.

and then the question.

she asked me to marry her and

i said YES!

yes to the rest of my life as us.

2011-06-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

And we're back! What a great week! We spent a week in Kelowna and had a lot of fun. There are so many wineries to pick from so we chose 3 of our faves to go and have a tour or tasting. Interesting process to watch. Met lots of nice people who were doing the same thing.

Boat cruise on the lake with live jazz one night. The weather was perfect. Music was great and the food was excellent.

After we left Kelowna we drove through OK Falls and onto Osoyoos. Stayed at a wonderful place right across the street from the lake. The Canucks game was on so we watched that and cheered our team to victory!

It's back to work now but it sure was nice to have a week off.

2011-06-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

It's time for a break. The past few months have been such a blur of travelling back and forth to Abby, back and forth to work full time, back on night shift and not seeing each other Monday to Friday, we need a break.

So, thanks to the generosity of my friend Christine we are heading to Kelowna to use her time share for the week. Pray for nice weather. Time to relax, renew, refresh and just hang out with each other, doing what we do best.

Aloha!

No, not Hawaii (for now) but the Okanagan. But the picture was taken in Hawaii at one of my fave hang-outs, Moose's.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day has always been special with BB and I as I was born on Mother's Day. Every so many years my birthday falls on MD but we always have had a special celebration because of it. Chris's birthday is May 4 so since she's been around we have made it a 3 way celebration.

Chris and BB have been friends from the start. I've started reading some of BB's journals and I found the entry for the first time she met Chris. It said "met Chris today, she is very nice, fits nicely in our family". And that's a compliment! Chris has always treated my mom with a great deal of love and respect and over these past couple of months without my mom knowing it, Chris has given me a great deal of emotional support. She's taken time off work to be with us as BB transitioned to the Facility, spent countless hours in the hospital visiting her and has been to visit her when I haven't been able to.

I am thankful for a Godly, loving mom that I have known all of these years. She raised me in the love of the Lord and learning how to do things "proper" BB has a wonderful sense of humour and even now as her mind is quickly fading away her humour is constant making nurses laugh.

This is a different Mother's Day for sure, the first one with a mother present in body but not in mind.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you very much.

2011-05-05T23:25:00.001-07:00

Life just seems to be moving so fast these days. I can't keep up. BB had another fall and now has a giant goose egg on the back of her head. She isn't sleeping at night so they've put her in a private room hoping that the quietness will give her some peace. She's very restless and has a hard time making sentences make sense at all. They've diagnosed her with Alzheimers so she's getting medication for that.

I'm now looking at putting her on a list to get to a facility closer to my home. She has always wanted to stay in Abbotsford where she has lived the past 27 years because she loves it there and has a wide social network. But now she doesn't seem to know any of her friends or recognize that they have visited.

Now it's time to let go of her apartment and close that chapter of her life. Very sad.
I'm not sure what the next step should be. Oh Lord, give me wisdom.

2011-05-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Becky came for an unexpected visit this weekend. What a joy this little dog is. Her presence lights up a room. When we were visiting my mom in the Hospital a couple of weeks ago Becky was with us. We pushed BB's w/c to the lobby/seating area and little bb did her very best to bring cheer and life to a frail old lady.

2 very special BB's. One in a Care Facility looking out the window wondering when the Lord will take her home. And one little bb bringing life and light to the darkness with her sweet spirit and gentle nature.

God has put some really special people in my life and I am thankful for friends who send me encouraging notes, phone calls, visits just to say they love me. Chris is amazing and I am forever thankful for her strong support.

Loving all of you.

2011-04-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
My life is worth the living
Just because He lives.

2011-04-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

BB went into a full time extended health facility yesterday. it was one of the hardest days of my life. Leaving her behind to find her way in her new place without any familiarity. She's so confused. A shadow of her former self.

I signed the papers today with the powers that be and went home and had a good cry.

Not a great day. Bless BB Lord. Give her strength for this new path to follow. She belongs to You. You alone are her Rock and Shield.

Lost in Translation

2011-04-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got an email from a cousin in Holland asking about my mom's health. I had to laugh. I had written a cousin from the other side of the family to let my dad's side know what was up with BB. The only contact I have there is with my aunt who doesn't speak any English. My cousin was nice enough to write her a note.

My aunt was of course wanting more information so knowing her son speaks some English, got him to write me.

What I received was..."we hear it is difficult for Tante B who has fallen. Also she is now mentally retarded."

Not quite what I was thinking.......yesterday Chris went on her own to visit her. BB told her all about the orchards she was planting. Gotta love her. I appreciate Chris visiting her though and spending time with her.

2011-04-09T07:11:00.001-07:00

BB is becoming a shadow of her former self. She's losing her mental capabilities as well as her physical. Her memory is quickly fading and she's asking questions that she well knows the answer to.

Yesterday we were sitting in the lobby of the hospital talking about Hawaii and how she likes to sit in the lobby of the hotel where we stay and all of a sudden she says ' how come John hasn't come to visit me?' I just looked at her and said, "really Mom? do you remember what happened to John?" then she started to cry as she remembered he passed away.

She has a very good team of social workers, OT, PT, Dr.s and Health Care Liasons. We are praying for the very best spot to open up for her.

BB, be at peace. God has it all under control.

2011-04-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

BB has now moved to Acute Care for Elderly, the ACE ward. She has a private room and more nursing care. She will stay there until there is room for her in rehab somewhere else.

She is more confused and anxious about why she's there than anything else. I have been to the hospital every day and getting a little weary. Next week I will have to taper my visits down to every other day because the following week I am going back to work on a graduated basis.

So much life happening around here right now. Lord, give us strength.

2011-03-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

BB is in hospital after suffering a fall last week. She has a fractured pelvis (in 2 places) so we are at a loss right now as to what will happen next. The only thing we know for sure is that she cannot live alone any longer.

Life has changed for her. No more independance. I pray that this time of her life will be less painful for her than she imagined. She has always dreaded this day. The day when she could no longer get up and get herself a cup of coffee.

BB you fought a good fight, the battle isn't over yet and the victory isn't yours. Not yet.

2011-03-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

BB is staying with a friend who provides care in her home for seniors. I don't know how long she will be there - it may turn into long term, we'll have to assess the situation later. I am waiting to talk to the Health Care Nurse for an official assessment to see what resources are available to her.

Chris has been amazing and I appreciate her support so much. I know she doesn't always agree with decisions being made concerning my mom but she stands by me and loves me through it all. I am very thankful for her.

So much confusion for the old girl. She couldn't get her phone to work on Monday, couldn't get anyone on the phone, very mixed up and very tired of being confused. She's just tired of everything.

One of her favorite songs is an old gospel hymn " I know not what the future holds but I know who holds the future". So true in this time of her life.

Be at peace BB, God's got it all under control.

BB

2011-03-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

For the past little while I have noticed a change in my mom, BB. She often gets confused and mixed up about the little things in life, never mind the bigger things. She's depressed and getting quite withdrawn, preferring to live in her own little world.

Then I noticed her prescription for her thyroid pills hadn't been filled and I thought they should have. She has been on thyroid rx since I was young. No other meds, just thyroid. So I asked her about them. And the answer I got wasn't very positive so I took things in my own hands and got her prescription filled.

That was Wednesday. Yesterday as we were just heading out the door for breakfast I got a panicky phone call from the lady who picks my mom up for church. She was at my mom's door and the neighbour let her in when she didn't respond to the loud pounding on the door. Only to find my mom laying in bed not wanting to wake up. So not like BB, who has always been a morning person.

After awhile we were able to get her up and moving around. I gave her a nice hot shower and washed her hair and put her back into some clean night clothes. Chris changed the sheets on her bed and we made her some dinner.

So confused, so mixed up, doesn't know where she is sometimes. And it's just so hard seeing her like this, knowing this is the end of her life.

Love you BB.

2011-03-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

"May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us."

Yippee!

2011-02-24T11:22:00.001-08:00

Scored 90% on my Travel Services Module.............signed up for Tour Operations starting next week.

Onward and upward!

2011-02-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

and another travel and tourism module done! i just wrote my final exam for Travel Products and Administration. it wasn't too bad. i didn't come home with the sick feeling in my stomach like i did last time.

i gave my power point presentation on saturday. it was a 3 island eco-tour of hawaii. it went well, i had fun doing it and scored 100%! yeah me!

life is humming along..........spent valentine's day with chris's parents here for the weekend. but the visit went well and no blood was shed. no lives lost. no feelings hurt. all good. progress. baby steps.

still going to physio but skipped the pool this week, had to fit some time in for studying. saw my mom and got her meals organized.

now its time to get caught up on some serious pvr'ing.

peace out.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T19:23:00.001-08:00

Through the years..................

the year it began.............2003

first trip together............holland.....2004

fun summer cruise..........2007?

....mexico..2009

thanksgiving....2010

"Love me without fear
Trust me without questioning
Need me without demanding
Want me without restrictions
Accept me without change
Desire me without inhibitions
For a love so free. . .
Will never fly away.
~ Dick Sutphen, writer

Happy Valentine's Day to the one I love.

143

Identity Theft

2011-02-13T13:25:00.001-08:00

2011-02-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

and the good news is..........I went to see the orthopedic specialist on Monday and because of the progress I've made since I saw him the end of November, I don't need surgery!

really relieved about this......the physiotherapist i have been seeing since the end of november has made a huge difference as well as being in the pool 2x a week for more exercise......move those muscles!

the focus now is on strengthening and stretching but my arm is moving more all the time and less pain as i stretch it further and further.

what a relief! i am off work for another couple of months but very thankful for the benefits that arrive every other week.

it feels like forever since i've driven a bus but i'm finally able to close a car door from inside and roll down a window, a huge leap for me! not sure if i can pull open the hood of a big bus but it's comin'.

in the meantime, i am really enjoying going to school and learning all about the travel and tourism industry. i present my final project on saturday on guess where?
hawaii of course. i just do what i know.

laters..............

Lethal Luau

2011-01-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Finally! We went to a Murder Mystery! Something we've wanted to do forever. Perfect theme for us.........Lethal Luau. I was Suzy Curl, fashion model/surfer deeply concerned about the environment and Chris was Gil Agin, our happy go lucky skipper who did everything the Captain wanted her to do. So much fun!

2011-01-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Recently I started the world of continuing education. A world very strange to me as the most challenging course I have taken since graduating from College many years ago has been cooking. And a Ms Fix-It class. Nothing challenging to the brain and certainly nothing requiring homework.

Since November I have started working on becoming certified as a Travel Consultant. My current Module is Travel Products and Administration. I finished the Tourism Professional course with a mark of 94%. I'm enjoying the challenge of studying and working on projects.

So much fun exploring the world of travel and if there's one thing we like to do it's travel!

From Benson

2011-01-23T12:05:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling much better thank you. Although I really didn't enjoy my visit to the hospital the nurses told my mom I was gentle and quiet. I am back to my old self of playing hockey in the kitchen with bottle caps, chasing my brother down the hall, cuddling up with Mommy C and chasing the monsters away from the front door.

Benson

2011-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little boy Benson had (what we think) a seizure last night. He was curled up in bed with Chris and I was in the office when all of a sudden I heard her yelling my name. I went running into the bedroom and saw him all curled up and rigid. He was completely out of it. I have witnessed many people seizures and after effects so what I saw with Benson made me think this was a seizure.

Chris went into the kitchen to find a phone to call an emergency vet and I held Benson. He began moving his head and looking around and licking his lips. As I held him he began moving again and wanting to get off the bed.

He walked around looking quite lost for about half an hour and not acting like himself. Finally we all went back to bed and he curled up between us and went to sleep.

This morning he seems like his old self, quiet and gentle little Ben. He's a tender hearted cat and easily scared.

Pets are wonderful additions to our home and it's hard to watch any one of them suffer. Say a prayer for Benson today ok? Thanks.

New Years 2011

2011-01-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

We had a fabulous time at the Oregon Coast. Although I have been there many many times I have never been in the middle of winter. It was sunny and clear and the coast was as amazing to see in the winter as it is in the summer. We may have had to dress a little warmer but it was worth it. There were still lots of people walking and riding their bikes, walking their dogs and children, sight seeing and enjoying time together.

We stayed in a little condo on the beach and it was comfortable and warm. What a relaxing time.

Every morning I opened the blinds to see the sun shining brightly on the water. Waves crashing onto the shore. At night we saw the most spectacular sunsets as the glow of the bright orange sun lingered on the horizon.

We celebrated 7 years together and talked about our future as we shared new goals and dreams together. It's good to go away and just spend time with each other without outside distractions.

As the door to the closet opens wider and wider in my world I am thinking of just bursting it wide open on FB. I am pretty sure of the reaction of some of my former Bible College/Church friends from Hawaii and expect that many of them will unfriend me. Some may write to me to preach and tell me to turn from my wicked ways. There may be those who will accept me as the friend they've always known and loved and who cares about my sexuality? I don't care about theirs.....but that's a whole other story.

Here's to 2011..........a new year. Living life out loud.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

We're off to Oregon for a few days to watch the waves crash along the coast, walk the promenade, celebrate 7 years together and ring in the new year!

Here's to 2011 being a great year for all of us.

Christmas at our house 2010

2010-12-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

It was a quiet peaceful Christmas around here with both of us being sick and not wanting to leave the house. Becky is visiting which is always nice because then at least one of us (me) is forced to get dressed and take her out. The cats are happy to have us around as we gave up our plans to go away and leave them all alone (oh the tragedy) at Christmas.

We have a lot to be thankful for as we reflect on our peaceful home with lots of food and drink, our pets, our loving relationship, our friends and our family. Life is good.

As we approach a new year I pray blessings and peace on your home and all those that dwell inside.

2010-12-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

1. What do you add to your coffee?
nothing, don't mess with my coffee.

2. What are you reading now?
blogs, email, facebook, i like to keep it simple.

3. Do you own a gun?
nope.

4. Are you registered to vote?
of course.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
yes I do.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I like the ones that the vendors at Home Depot sell cuz they're big and plump.

7. Favorite Christmas Song?
Oh Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee.

9. Can you do push ups?
can YOU do push ups?

10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend?
Norman/Paula

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelery?
I'm not sure I have a fave, certain pieces are special because of the person they're related to.

12. Favorite hobby?
Scrapbooking.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you?
Sometimes. I have clients that tell me they love me and want to marry me. Then they lick the windows on my bus.

14. Do you have ADD?
Sometimes but I try to overcome it with my OCD

15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I am full of self doubt.

16. What’s your Middle name?
Joan

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
I hope Chris is feeling better.
I wish my back felt better.
I'm going to make home made cookies for dinner.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday.
bottle of wine
turkey dinner in a restaurant
gas for my car

19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink.
Coffee
Diet Coke
Water

20. Current worry right now?
that my shoulder/arm won't heal enough for me to work at my job again.

21. What side do you dress to?
Ummm, what kind of question is this? I put my left foot in my sock first. Left foot in my pants, my shoes...so maybe that's the answer?

22. Favorite place to be?
Home, with the ones I love

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
I don't remember.

24. Where would you like to go?
somewhere warm

25. Name three people who will see today.
Chris
Diana
cashier at the grocery store

Cool questions. Play along. It was fun.

2010-12-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

2010-12-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Chris was playing guitar and she sang me the cutest little song of all..."Baby, you're my love, the love of my life. Someday, I'm gonna make you, make you my wife. In 5 more years! we'll drink some beers! Baby, you're ..........." ya, it ended there. funny no?

In the past few months we've heard of more and more ss couples getting 'engaged' after only meeting each other a few times. Don'tcha think you need to know someone "just a leetle beet better than that?"

As Andre Crouch would say.........'through it all.......through it all.....i've learned to trust in Jesus, i've learned to trust in God.'

6 years

2010-12-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

it's been 6 years already since God called my brother John home. i still miss him. his big voice, his big heart, his love of all things vw and his huge love for his family. he raised 3 really great kids who live on to tell stories about him that reflect their love and respect for him.

Christmas Dinner 2010

2010-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

12 Days of Christmas Hawaiian Style

2010-12-07T15:17:00.001-08:00

(The 12 Days of Christmas local style)
- by Eaton B. Magoon Jr., Edward Kenny, Gordon N. Phelps

Numbah One day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
One mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Two day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Tree day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Foah day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Five day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Five beeg fat peeg... foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Seex day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg (that make TEN!),
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Seven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eight day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg (that make TWENNY!), foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Nine day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin',
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah let, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Ten day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Ten can of beer, nine pound of poi, eight ukuklele, seven shrimp a-swimmin'
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg,
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eleven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eleven missionary, ten can of beer, nine pound of poi,
Eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

(Numbah Twelve day of Christmas the bes', and the bes' stuff always come las'...)

Numbah Twelve day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Twelve TELEVISION, eleven missionary, ten can of beer,
Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin',
Seex hula lesson, FORTY steenkin' peeg,
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree!

Music and lyrics published by Hawaiian Recording and Publishing Company, Inc., and copyrighted in 1959.

Lovin' the Fall

2010-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

I love the fall on a sunny day when you can almost see your breath.

Went for a walk last week in the crisp fall air.

I love it when the rain stops long enough to get in the car and drive down to the lake and snap some shots.

It's been a few years since I was at this lake despite it not being very far away from where we live.

Change of Career

2010-11-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Chris and I have been chatting about a new career for me that would require less physical work than driving a bus and assisting clients in wheelchairs. As much as I love driving the DART I have injured myself quite severely and feel like I should look at other job possibilities.

So what is it that I/we love to do? Travel! We love travelling, near, far, anywhere in between. So with that in mind I have started on a 2 year program of getting my CITC certification. It's what you need 'in the biz'.

I look forward to the next 2 years of (part time) schooling and seeing where God will lead us in this new endeavor.

Stop the Spam

2010-11-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

Just so you know.......do not bother to send me spam to publish on my blog. I write this blog for myself as a journal of my life. Your spam does not belong so cut. it. out.

There, I said it. I mean it. Stop it.

2010-11-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Kit the Tool Man

2010-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

It's been 7 years since Kit went home to be with Jesus. Memories of him still flood my mind sometimes when I'm driving. I can't pass a road crew wearing bright orange vests without remembering Kit having to be reminded to take it off before going to bed. Measuring tapes? He had 14 when he died. Tool belt? At least 3. Work boots? one very worn pair, one semi worn, one just getting broken in and a brand new pair in his closet.

Kit had to be kept busy or things would 'disappear' somehow only to mysteriously reappear in his room upon inspection. Then he would vehemently deny knowing anything about the items or how they got there. It was always a big mystery.

When he'd visit my house and I'd have to use the washroom I'd let him play my guitar. That way I knew as long as he making noise his hands were busy.

The thing I miss the most about Kit is the way he prayed. If you were the recipient of his prayers you really knew you were prayed for. He would demand God for His attention because a friend of his was in need.

I miss you Bud. You were the best.

2010-11-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Chris and I went to Kamloops for the weekend to 'mend fences' with my brother and his wife. Because of some misunderstanding and past hurt feelings we haven't visited each other in several years.

The first time they met Chris was when my brother John passed away and hardly a good time to a) tell him I'm gay and b) introduce him to my significant other.

Years went by and we hardly spoke and then it became nothing at all.

Then in August I got an email and that started things rolling in the right direction. Emails passed back and forth and Chris and I made plans to go and see them.

It was a great visit. The feeling of awkwardness disappeared and we were back to just hanging out and laughing. My brother and I have always laughed a lot together and teased each other and bantered back and forth. Chris kept saying 'you're so much alike'. I had forgotten how much alike we really are.

Today my mom called and asked 'so what's new?' and I told her we went to Kamloops. Things got quiet. My brother and mother never speak and basically I've laid down the ground rules.

You 2 talk to each other and leave me out of it. I am NOT getting in the middle. I will have a relationship with you (Mom) and I will have one with you (Ralph).

And that's the way it is.....families.

My Nephew Ricky

2010-10-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, is he not the most adorable? I met him for the first time this weekend when Chris and I went to visit my brother and sister-in-law. He was a rescue dog, left for 16 hours at a time in a laundry room because his people got 'too busy' for him. Can you imagine?

2010-10-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Going to the hospital today for a procedure on my shoulder. Not liking this. First I was told 'it's not a big deal' and then when they called to tell my appt time they said 'make sure you bring a driver, you won't be able to drive home'.

2010-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my mom and went to visit my step-father Paul in the care facility where he lives. He lives on the island and we don't so it's a very long day. It takes about 4 hours to get there and after we're there for about 10 minutes he looks at us and says 'well I won't keep you girls'.

Paul had a good day and was bright and alert. He knew my mom's name and kissed her when she walked in the door. His face lights up when she comes within viewing distance and it's sweet to see.

They've been married for 12 years and enjoyed many years together before the dementia hit.

Paul is a retired Pastor/Evangelist/Missionary and speaks Spanish as his first language. He told me years ago when he goes to bed at night he still recites Spanish scripture as he tries to go to sleep.

Yesterday I asked him what he was doing tomorrow and he said he thought he might have to preach. I asked him what Scripture? and then the Spanish flows out...without hesitation. It's beautiful to hear speak so easily in the language he loves.

We never know what lies ahead for those we love or when the Lord will take us home but I know when Paul gets to heaven he's sure to hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant."

Never Disappointed

2010-10-19T07:12:00.001-07:00

I am always amazed at how beautiful the coastline is........had a fabulous couple of days away. Walked along the beach, soaked in the sights of kites flying, sand castles and kids, dogs running on the beach and most of all, a deep inner sense of God's love for me.

Hittin the Road

2010-10-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to take a road trip for awhile. We go away a lot on weekends but nowhere very far so lately I've been wanting to just get in my car and drive. For years I went to Oregon by myself and stayed in Seaside and visited my old college roommate in Springfield.

It's time to go again........so I'm off!

2010-10-10T16:10:00.001-07:00

A good time was had by all. We joined Diana and Shelley for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for the great meal! That was one giant bird.........it could hardly fit in the oven.

Shelley's daughter and 3 friends from College were there and we enjoyed chatting with them - nice fun kids eating dinner with 4 crazy women. Good for them. We laughed, we ate, we drank and made merry. The kids went off to the big city and we sat and drank and laughed some more.

Good times. Kinda had a little bit of headache this morning..........whoops. Went back to bed and slept it off. All gone now and I've lived to tell about it and post pics on FB.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

For so many reasons I am thankful.

I am able to live in freedom with my partner in a beautiful country that allows us many opportunities.

I love our home. Not because it's fancy, because it's not, but for its peacefulness and the feeling of sanctuary that I get when I open the door.

I have a job that I enjoy. Working with people with disabilities, seniors, is always rewarding for me. Although I am still on WCB I look forward to returning to that job.

I'm thankful for job benefits while I am off work.

I'm thankful for my mom who at 84 just keeps on goin' and goin'. Life sometimes gets her down but she picks herself up and gets moving.

We have enough food in our cupboard. When the cupboards are bare it isn't because we can't afford food, it's because we're too lazy to go shopping.

We have 2 adorable cats that entertain us on a daily basis. Mine more than Chris's (cuz he's crazy) but I love both of them.

Most of all, I'm thankful for a God who created me to be all that I am, loves me unconditionally and never lets me out of the palm of His hand.

Gynecological Visit

2010-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

A middle-aged woman seemed sheepish as she visited her gynecologist.

"Come now," coaxed the doctor, "you've been seeing me for years. There's nothing you can't tell me."

"This one's kind of strange," the woman said.

"Let me be the judge of that," the doctor replied.

"Well," she said, "yesterday I went to the bathroom in the morning and heard a plink-plink-plink in the toilet. When I looked down, the water was full of pennies."

"I see," commented the doctor calmly.

"That afternoon, I went to the bathroom again and, plink-plink-plink, there were nickels in the bowl," the woman continued.

"That night," she went on, "I went again, and plink-plink-plink, there were dimes. This morning, there were quarters!"

"You've got to tell me what's wrong with me!" she implored. "I'm scared out of my wits!"

The gynecologist put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "There, there, it's nothing to be scared about," he said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Ready for this?)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(I'm warning you.....)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Still not too late.....)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're simply going through the change!"

2010-10-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

this is my great nephew Easton - he's already a vw fan.........you gotta love it. since his grandpa was 'all things vw' it has to run in the family.

2010-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Off to Whistler for the weekend with Chris and family.

2010-09-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

heading south this weekend...........2 nights! love Seattle!

Becky Boo and I are hanging out while the crazy ones go to see a football game. We aren't the football watching types. BB is great company. When her mom bought her this football jersey she turned around and glared at her. She's more the princess type.

She doesn't hold a grudge long and she does love her Moms (and her aunty j). She'll have her pram for riding around in which is great because then I can take her shopping.

We're going to see Jennifer Knapp on Sunday evening while we're in Seattle. Looking forward to it!

2010-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

always a good time...........our annual girls weekend with BB. there were probably at least 23 weddings going on in the little town judging by the blur or white gowns going back and forth on the promenade.........through the lobby of the hotel.......around the gardens of the resort...so much fun to watch and dream...........

we bought bathing suits and BB bought a quilted jacket.... i don't know if that reflects where we are in our lives but there you go....

bright and sunny saturday with a clear night after a very big dinner at our fave restaurant for a star-lit walk on the promenade.....good times.

Chris and I enjoyed the hot mineral pools and watching people from around the world join together in a collective 'ahhhhhhhh' when they enter the warm healing springs.

2010-09-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

one of our very favorite places to go............Harrison Hot Springs. love it there.

heading there this weekend with Bad Betty. always a good time. seeya next week.

S'mores

2010-09-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to our little trailer in the woods, what a blessing that place is! It's looking more and more like us as we finish little projects in and out of the trailer and property.

Our friend D came down on Saturday and spent the night. She had been longing for s'mores the last time she visited and we had a camp fire. We talked about how much fun it would be to cook some up and left it at that.

In the meantime I was walking through a giant box store looking for something completely unrelated (canning jars) and guess what I found? A S'mores kit! How cool is that!

We told D we had a surprise for her next visit and wouldn't let her know any more details. Isn't it great how a little gift like that can bring so much laughter and good times?

It started to rain as we were getting ready to light the fire and being the girls that we are we didn't want to sit out in the rain. yuck. So we did the next best thing and brought the fire closer to the trailer. It helps when the fire pit is portable.

Can you see the palm trees? Aren't they the best? No idea who picked this thing out of the catalogue.......LOL.

It was a fun night and a great memory for good friends.

And that was all she wrote.

2010-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun weekend and have just returned home in time for Chris to get to bed on time and for me to sort laundry and get caught up on FB updates. I've downloaded a bunch of pictures but I think I'll just say this for now...........this salad is the best.

It's in Seattle at a Mexican Cantina that I've discovered on one of our frequent trips to Seattle and I love it. I am the world's slowest salad eater so I can never order one when I'm out with friends (or partners) (or partner's friends) so I savour the time I go to Seattle and order this salad just for me. It takes me 45 minutes to eat it because there's so much to it. And I have a lime margarita to wash it all down. Oh ya, it's good. It's very, very good.

And that was all she wrote.

I Did it!!!!!!

2010-09-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

lots of prayers, lots meditation and medication, bigger machine, nicer tech and the knowledge that Chris was just outside the door within screaming distance.......made it all worthwhile.

off to try this again............

2010-09-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

2010-09-08T14:07:00.001-07:00

My buddy WD had a friend call and invite me to his 63rd birthday party. WD can't talk so other people have to speak for him. He can't walk so someone has to push him around in his wheelchair. He can't see so others have to describe stuff for him and guide him in the right direction. WD has no teeth so his food has to be pureed for him. He shakes a lot because he has cerebral palsy. He grunts a lot because it's his only method of communication. WD is my friend. He holds my hand and kisses my fingers and I tell him I love him. He smiles when he hears my voice. WD fills my heart with joy when I see him.

When WD goes to church he leans on the shoulder next to him and relaxes as hears the Word of God preached and the songs of Jesus sang to him. He responds to the Holy Spirit and reaches for the hand of the one sitting close by.

WD, 63 years ago they gave you up to an institution that didn't care for you very well. 20 years ago a new group home opened and it began a whole new life for you. You began to have adventures. People grew to love you and all of your shenanigans. You grew to love people around you who cared for you.

Happy 63rd Birthday WD! You are the best. I love you.

2010-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Years ago my parents bought a RV in Washington a couple of hours from the border. They loved their place and owned it for 24 years. About 4 miles away from the Campground was a small town that had several churches. Population was about 700 but it had a Presbyterian, Community, Lutheran, and a Catholic church. None of the churches had a big attendance but they all managed to keep their church doors open and my parents enjoyed worshipping at the different churches.

Then along came an Assemblies of God minister full of vision and big dreams for the small town. Meetings started up in the elementary school and my parents started attending church there. My dad passed away a few years after the church began but my mom kept going there while she was south at her trailer.

The church grew in numbers as well as the Pastor's family. The population of the town stayed about the same. It's still a very small town but with a very big heart.

Every year my mom would arrive in the spring and leave in the fall and was a regular part of the Assembly of God and the Pastor would announce "it must be Spring, Betty's back."

It's now almost 25 years since the Pentecostals came to town. They have the biggest church and the largest church population. They moved into their own facility, remodelled it and did all of the renovations themselves and paid it off!

Pastor Bruce and Charlotte now have 5 children and yesterday celebrated the first wedding in their family. We were invited to join in the celebration so we did. It was a simple, old-fashioned kind of wedding but a real spirit of love and joy in the air.

2010-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sending happy thoughts out to our little Becky Boo this week as she goes for surgery on her right leg. Becky is our sweet little girl and it's hard to watch her walk in pain. She is loved by many people and she returns that love back over and over.

She's getting used to riding in her new Princess Pram. After the surgery she won't be able to walk for awhile so she'll be cruising around town in the pram. Her Mommy C would like to 'pimp her ride' but I'm not sure how that's going to happen. It's a pretty cool ride as it is.

We wheeled her around Fort langley on Saturday and guess what? She wasn't the only one in a pram! But she did have the coolest one.

Here's to you Becky Boo! We love you!

2010-08-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the thoughts in my head get bored and go for a stroll through my mouth. This is not always good.

"Lay still"

2010-08-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Because I have a work related injury it's important that I get treated as soon as possible. No one has any doubt that I really did what they say I did - tore my rotator cuff. That's the bad news. The good news is that surgery is very effective and probably the best source of recovery....sooo they scheduled me for an MRI.

And they asked a couple of million questions.........any sheet metal in my past, any heavy duty welding, any foreign parts inserted in my body anywhere.......and oh by the way are you claustrophobic?

I'm wanting to have the exam done so I put on my big girl voice and say, 'well maybe just a little bit but I should be ok'.

so.........we get nice and comfy and strapped down on this machine.....

yea, that's when the problem started.........

I couldn't do it. Every time the technician got it all ready to go.......she told me to lay still and quit breathing so heavy.........noise, noise, noise, I'm holding it as long as I can...but you know? being 2" away from the ceiling just didn't bring me any comfort. Strapped down on every side? Same thing.

Every test was a fail. Finally after just about an hour she gave up, pulled me out and told me to get my Dr. to prescribe some ativan next time......get so doped up you won't be able to drive yourself and we'll try again.

Here's what I found on the internet:

MRI Disadvantages

Although MRI scans are ideal for diagnosing and evaluating a number of conditions, they do have drawbacks. For example:

* There are many people who cannot safely be scanned with MRI (for example, because they have pacemakers), and also people who are too big to be scanned.

* There are many claustrophobic people in the world, and being in an MRI machine can be a very disconcerting experience for them.

* The machine makes a tremendous amount of noise during a scan. The noise sounds like a continual, rapid hammering. Patients are given earplugs or stereo headphones to muffle the noise (in most MRI centers you can even bring your own cassette or CD to listen to). The noise is due to the rising electrical current in the wires of the gradient magnets being opposed by the main magnetic field. The stronger the main field, the louder the gradient noise.

* MRI scans require patients to hold very still for extended periods of time. MRI exams can range in length from 20 minutes to 90 minutes or more. Even very slight movement of the part being scanned can cause very distorted images that will have to be repeated.

* Orthopedic hardware (screws, plates, artificial joints) in the area of a scan can cause severe artifacts (distortions) on the images. The hardware causes a significant alteration in the main magnetic field. Remember, a uniform field is critical to good imaging.

* MRI systems are very, very expensive to purchase, and therefore the exams are also very expensive.

The almost limitless benefits of MRI for most patients far outweigh the few drawbacks.

My advice? Don't try this at home.

2010-08-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

you gotta love it. my friend uncle barb and i FINALLY got together to exchange Christmas/birthday prezzies..............here we are enjoying a summer day. but first to the story.....

How bad can a server be? It's a sunny day, great place to hang out, good food, good drinks and all he has to say when we order is ' it's not that good here'. later on when we ordered another drink he said "it's not that big" so can i have it in a bigger glass? good grief, who hired this guy?

You know, when it takes as long as it did for barbarino and i to get together i would appreciate a little bit more enthusiasm. no really, i would.

so we totally would have asked mr. no personality to take a pic but i'm afraid of what his answer would have been....'no, i don't take ugly pictures' or 'the other people i take pics of are way better looking' so off with his head! who cares! we'll take our own pictures damn it!

oops, i did it again!

2010-07-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

and it hurts.............a lot

so there I was minding my own business on Tuesday morning. I pulled up in front of a client's brand spankin' new apartment building, lowered the step, put my foot on the ground and BAM! i went down...............nothing to brace my fall so I fell with all my weight (ahem) on my left shoulder and crumpled up in a ball afterwards.

I had the very best of clients, someone who spoke English as a first language (Not always the case in my job) and someone who was able to call for help immediately (had their wits about them).

I got a ride in an ambulance! And i got gas! The kind you suck in and it makes you happy and makes you forget about the excruciating pain you're in! And it makes you talk funny! Like you've been sucking helium balloons!

Chris met me at the Trauma unit and was able to be with me in and out of the x-ray dept, the trauma unit, the waiting, the more waiting, the, 'i can't believe i did this' waiting, she ate my lunch while waiting................

Finally the diagnosis:

I have a torn rotator cuff.

And it hurts.

A lot.

Lots of ice. Morphine. tylenol 3.

More ice. More drugs. it's all good in the hood.

But it hurts.

Did i say a lot?

cuz i meant it.

2010-07-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

There's nothing sweeter than a little home away from home. We are enjoying our little trailer in the woods. Quiet, peaceful, happy times. This past weekend we took BB along and she loved it.

For 24 years my parents owned their own little place in the woods, my mom sold it when she married Paul in '98. I know she's missed having it. Going to our little place brings back a lot of happy memories for her and I'm glad we're able to share it.

2010-06-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I needed to fuel up the bus before starting my shift. We fuel up at the card lock at the end of the road. It isn't a regular gas station but there is a regular gas pump for cars if you use your credit card. Otherwise it's just buses and trucks and a lot of semi's.

I was the only person there fueling up, it's quiet there in the morning. Along came a SUV and the driver pulls in behind me and tries to go sideways so he can get as close as he can to the pump behind me. Duh. He gets out of his vehicle and says "You can move up?" I say, "no, I'm in the middle of getting fuel".

Once again, "you can move a little? I can't reach the pump"

I say, "No, I'm in the middle of fueling, go the other side". I point to the whole empty side. He says, "My gas tank is on my side" Me? "Turn your car around".

So he harumphs and gets in his car, backs it up and then pulls in facing the same direction on the other side of the pump. Rocket Scientist he's not.

He jumps out, point to his gas tank on his side of the car and points to the gas pump like I'm stupid and says "See? it's on the wrong side!"

I'm still pumping by the way, it's a bus, it takes awhile.

He gets in his car and drives off. He couldn't figure out how to pull his car around so that his tank was on the right side.

Made me laugh all day.

2010-06-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

I think it's important that we share as a couple, don't you agree? So I shared. And guess what? Chris got my cold! Yeah! No, not really but it is an exact duplicate so far. Here's hoping she doesn't get the eye infection with the nasty goop oozing from the eyeballs.

sick and tired

2010-06-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

sick, i haven't felt this sick in years. all stuffed up, coughin, spittin, you name it, i have it. slept this morning for 2 hours. not hungry. so not like me this sick business. and the worst of it? no voice, and i have so much to say! and it's really important! no, really it is!

ok, back to bed.

Family Dinner

2010-05-29T22:43:00.001-07:00

2010-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

2010-05-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

I always miss Chris when she's away.........it's so quiet around here with just me and 'the boys'. I love the 2 little furry creatures and all, don't get me wrong.

I miss Chris's words of support when I've had a bad day or sympathetic ear when I complain about the lousy dispatching which seems to get worse as the days go by, but don't get me started on that............grrrrrrrrrr.

I miss her wise words of counsel when we talk about family stuff.

I miss her laughing at silly things.

I miss her big smile coming in the door at the end of a very long day.

Yup, she's a keeper.

2010-05-16T08:48:00.001-07:00

The short bus just pulled up. Yup, your ride's here! Whew! Glad I was able to go to Refresher Training yesterday. Apparently my motto of "Get in, shut up, hold on" isn't going to cut it anymore.

Be Careful Out There

2010-05-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was in Timmy's yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to pass gas. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my gas with the beat of the music.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my coffee,and noticed that everybody was staring at me....

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

And Then Came California..........

2010-05-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

After I got home from Hawaii I unpacked the suitcase, drove BB back home (where she still is after a week and a half getting 'caught up'), picked up Chris, headed to Bellingham to sign title documents for our new place in the U.S.A., back to Canada for dinner, got the news that our friend D was in hospital, sorted that all out, home again, up early to do laundry and re-pack, pick Chris up from work and away we went! To California! I know!

For several years we've been invited to take part in T.E.N. (The Evangelical Network) and this was our first time. It was really worth the travel and effort to get there. We both enjoyed it so much. Met lots of great people and had a sense that we're not the only ones out there - who love God and love each other kinda people.

Lots of good music, Thursday night was like a Gaither Homecoming of Gay People, I think he should come and record a video of that - be a big seller for sure! Southern Gospel by the Gays. Yup, they were there and did they ever sing. Wow.

Friday we went shopping cuz that's what we do. We shared the shopping van with Kenny Bishop (of the Southern Singing Bishops) and laughed when he talked about heaven (in the van). His view? When y'all get to heaven and start walkin' those streets of gold I'm gonna be swimmin' in chocolate! Yup, love me some Kenny. The boys took off for the make-up store when we got there so Chris boldly proclaimed, 'we're going to go look at tools'. That's my girl.

Friday night Kenny gave a concert so of course we bought his CD, he's such a cutie pie, sweet too.

Saturday I visited with my friend Linda who drove up from San Diego to have lunch with me, good times. I saw her last fall when we went to San Diego and got caught up on 25 years so it's funny that here we are having lunch again 6 months later and still have so much to talk about. She didn't ask a lot about the conference I was at, even when the guy in the dress walked by, all 6'8" of him, where DOES he buy his shoes? He wore high heels the whole weekend. Anyways.........

Jay Bakker spoke on Saturday night and he seemed a little scattered and disjointed but he was suffering from jet lag and so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. His heart shone through what he shared though and I appreciated his kind spirit.

Sunday morning was the best. Sharon Hollis of Indiana, what a powerhouse! It's been years since I have seen a woman, man, anybody under that kind of annointing. Wonderful speaker, gifted, funny, had us rolling in the aisles and praising God at the same time.

Our flight left after lunch and we were glad to get home and sleep in our own bed late Sunday night.

Chris celebrated her birthday yesterday (May the Fourth be with her) so we had dinner out at a fave spot.

Back to DART'n..........peace out cub scout.

Hawaii with BB

2010-04-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Hawaii......again. Great weather, perfect in fact. Cooler at night, nice sunny warm days with a little sprinkle of rain here and there. Saw our friends.......always good.

Changes ahead for my dear friend Mrs. A. She's put her condo on the market and is moving into an Assisted Living place so the next time I'm on the island I will visit her in her new home. In the meantime she's still screaming around town in the Taurus making men quake in their boots (or flip flops) when they see her coming. A force to be reckoned with but a dear soul and one who loves me and has always been so generous with me.

My friend Becky who never changes even though life has its ups and downs. She continues to always be upbeat, caring and a lot of fun. Becky lives in the building next door to her mom and dad and looks after them on a daily basis. She amazes me with her strength in the middle of life's storms.

Friends of ours, Dana and Carol who have blended their families and have 4 amazing kids that I adore. Lots of love and happiness in the household and a real thrill to meet Dana's mom for the first time. I think our two moms became best friends the moment they met.

I love Hawaii for so many reasons and I never fail to see the beauty. I love palm trees. The sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. Sitting by the pool of the hotel meeting people who live less than 30 miles from my home that I've never met before. Going to the giant flea market and meeting people from Florida, all 4 had been to Vancouver and loved it. I love the sounds of Hawaiian guitar and the sweet sounds of serenaders by the hotel.

My Favorite Blog

2010-04-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we did something spontaneous and drove to Seattle to meet the Pioneer Woman in person. I've been reading her blog for the past few years and love it. It's always entertaining and often educational.

PW is a crazy kinda person, lots of personality and full of life. She also is a wonderful cook and photographer. Last year she wrote her own cookbook full of recipes that she illustrated herself.

I bought a copy of her cookbook to give to my friend for Christmas. But because she always has a lame excuse as to why she's too busy to get together she has yet to receive her cookbook. BUT because I am such a great friend I put all bitterness aside and brought her book with me, it's just been gathering dust on my bookshelf anyways and had it signed by PW so that whenever my friend DOES have time to see me she will get her own personally autographed cookbook by PW. Maybe when she reads this (cuz I know she reads my blog) she'll reconsider some of those lame excuses. Ahem.

We got to the bookstore at 1:00 just to get a ticket to come back at 5:00. It was really well-organized. You picked up a ticket for each book you wanted signed and it had a letter on it. When they called out your letter you got in line then and only then giving you lots of time to look around, have something to eat, etc.

When PW walked in she was accompanied by her oldest daughter and her mother-in-law. Her daughter is as tall as me but a lot sweeter. She was happy to roam around the store and talk to people. She wore the coolest boots so she showed them to us when I asked her to. Very accommodating, like I said, she's sweet.

So NOW I'm off to pick up my mom and head to Hawaii tomorrow!...

2010-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

This was my boyfriend when I lived in Hawaii, I spent many hours chasing him around the island in his Ferrari, watching him play beach volleyball at Ft. DeRussy, or looking for him at his restaurant. I don't know what he's up to now but I'm gonna find out!

This is my other boyfriend in Hawaii. I look forward to seeing him again too while he's not chasing bounties and putting away the bad guys. Chris isn't coming on this trip so I won't have to share him this time.

Actually, this is more what it will look like........aloha! BB and I are off to Hawaii for a week of sun, fun and seeing friends.

2010-04-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's just about a done deal! Our offer was accepted on a little bitty piece of property with trailer and deck and a cute little shed all in pristine condition.

Just across the border and not so far from home. We're looking forward to having a place to chill.

2010-04-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

There's a familiar theme around our house...........we used to have our whole bathroom done in this theme.........big girls at the beach. Now we see it in the funniest places.

We spent the weekend on Vancouver Island in Sidney at a beautiful resort on the water. It was a rocky ride over on the ferry, I've never seen dishes go flying quite like that before and we were more than happy to get to safe docking.

We spent a whole afternoon exploring Sidney. It's a beautiful little place and although it seems like a small town there was a large variety of places to eat, book stores selling new and used books, several gift stores, home accessories, flower shops, etc. Nice people everywhere we went.

We ate lunch at a little Swiss bistro and the people next to us were quite chatty when we sat down and looked at the menu. After we ate our lunch (yum) somehow we struck up a conversation with them and heard their life story. Very interesting. They had endured so much illness, cancer, heart attacks and on and on, broken back, and just at the time they were better their daughter had her bowel burst and they stayed to take care of their granddaughter. Amazing what people have to go through. But the over riding message the lady said over and over was 'I'm at peace with God, I'm not afraid to die.'

The greatest message of Easter is that Jesus rose from the dead. Because of that hope we can go on living without fear.

We are so blessed. We live in a beautiful province and are able to enjoy it in freedom.

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Happy Easter!

The Problem with Deforestation

2010-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

2010-03-18T20:46:00.001-07:00

The best part about having the Paralympics in our city is the opportunity to drive groups to events. Tuesday I drove a group from a day program,full of enthusiasm and excitement to see a sledge hockey game between the USA and Japan.

They offered us free tickets to join them so we got into see most of the game. Amazing to see the speed and skill played on ice. Very impressive.

Its been a wonderful experience to have the Olympics and Paralympics in our city. I am very proud of all that has been accomplished by our athletes and the response by spectators. A once in a lifetime experience for sure.

2010-03-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Stopped by my fave coffee place this morning to get a java to go. Rolled up the rim to win and I did! $100 gift card. Made my day, put a skip in my step and a whistle in my walk!

2010-03-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Olympic fever that hit Vancouver is still alive and well. In fact, it's awesome. I've never seen such patriotism in my life. Lots of red mittens still being worn, toques (yes that's what they're called) and Canada scarves.

Impromptu singing of "Oh Canada". My fave?

Driving a bus of 12 'mentally challenged' adults home from their day program and listening to their deafening version of our national anthem. You gotta love it. Nothing else mattered to them than singing with gusto. All the little hissy fits on the bus, 'who gets to sit beside who today', 'i don't like you anymore but tomorrow i may just be back in love with you' dilemmas gone.

Priceless.

Weekend Away

2010-03-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

Chris and I snuck out of town early Sat morning and headed for the west coast of Vancouver Island. I've only been there once before and it was many many years ago. it's beautiful. Long Beach lives up to its name. The ocean is so vast, big high waves and surfers were in their glory.

One thing we love to do is people watch and people listen. Sat night we went to a place that was recommended by the front desk at the cottage where we were staying.

Real conversation:

We were sitting at a table by the window and I had my back to the front counter. It wasn't a formal restaurant so you could either eat in or take out. A woman came in by herself and the owner/cook/server asked if he could help her.

"I don't have much time, how long would it take to get a piece of fish and chips to go?"

"not long, I'll get it ready for you."

"No, that's too long. How long for a curry bowl?"

"About 6 minutes. Would you like one to go?"

"No, that's too long. Maybe I'll have fish. Why do you charge $14 for fish and chips to go?"

"Because that's the price. Would you like some to go?"

"No, well maybe. Maybe I'll have a burger. How long would that take?" "Why do you have a fish laying on its side that looks like it belongs in a museum?" "Your city hall is really run down, you should do something about it. We're having a whale exhibit next weekend, can I use your fish for a demonstration? It's for the children. You should let me use your fish." and so on and so on..............

Finally she ordered something and in the meantime she kept the guy from cooking her meal to go and we laughed hysterically behind her back. Way too funny.

We were the only seated guests so when we went up to pay at the register I asked him, "Can I borrow your Captain's bell? Why is your Captains' bell just sitting there doing nothing?"

He laughed and said, "Wow, crazy lady, too much pot"

2010-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

Just booked our next trip to Hawaii.........thought you'd all want to know.

April 19 - 26........can't wait.........coconut shrimp, blue hawaiians, BB drinking her white wine no matter how appealing the special drinks look, staying in the same place............good times! Friends are all waiting, making plans......look out Hawaii.......here we come!

Loving the Olympics

2010-02-17T23:59:00.000-08:00

So much has been said about the Olympics....how much it all costs, blah, blah, blah and on it goes. But I have to say the Olympics are a pretty exciting time to be in Vancouver. There's so much going on!

Today I drove a group of people from Langley to BC Place to watch the medal ceremony and go to different Olympic events around. They had a blast. Who wouldn't?

I picked up a client visiting from Germany from the Richmond Oval, home of the skating events. She was ecstatic about the Olympics and her experience in Canada.

Then on to a group of 4 from West Vancouver who had just gone to hockey game and loved it.

Back to the group I left earlier this afternoon and drove them all to their meeting place a little tired but very happy.

Such a great day. People were everywhere. Lots of people smiling, enjoying themselves and living in the moment of having a world event in their city.

Go Canada!

And That Was All She Wrote..........

2010-02-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

10 Years Ago:

Alone
Lived in Surrey
Hated my job
Drove a '90 Toyota Tercel
Had just come home from a trip to Hawaii with my brother John

1 Year Ago:

Happy in love
Lived in Surrey
Love my job
Driving a '08 Pontiac G5
Just came home from Mexico

Yesterday:

Missing Chris
Living in Pitt Meadows
Love my job
Still driving the Pontiac
Booked my time off for Hawaii

Tomorrow:

Chris will be home!
Off for the weekend - Valentine's Day!
Watching the 2010 Olympics in my hometown!
Doing laundry that never ends.
Enjoying time with the one I love.

5 snacks I enjoy:

chips and salsa,
zuccini sticks at the spot,
chicken fingers and dip,
7 layer dip with nachos,
carrot sticks and dip

5 Things I Would Do With $1,000,000:

Give a bunch to JF, a ministry to people with disabilities,
pay the bills,
buy my mom anything she wanted,
take Chris to Europe,
get married

5 Locations I Would Like To Run Away To:

Hawaii,
California,
Holland,
Australia,
Spain

5 Bad Habits I Have:

scratching til I bleed,
drooling in my sleep,
can't think of any more

5 Things I Love Doing:

scrapbooking,
taking pictures,
going to hawaii,
going on road trips,
buying clothes that fit

5 Things I Most Likely Will Never Wear:

strapless evening gown,
tube top,
belly button piercing,
nose ring,
high heels

5 Movies I Like:

Jazz Singer,
Steel Magnolias,
Beautiful Life,
Bucket List,
The Joy Luck Club

5 Famous People I Would Like To Meet:

Maya Angelou,
Ellen De Generes,
Judge Judy
Joni Eareckson
Sandra Bullock

5 Biggest Joys At The Moment:

Chris,
Benson and Bailey,
drinking my first cup of coffee for the day,
planning my next trip,
going to see my mom

5 Favorite Toys:

Camera,
computer,
ipod,
pvr,
cell phone

This Morning's Events

2010-02-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

2010-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the Memorial Service of my co-worker Jeff C. He was a couple of years older than me, nice guy, married 27 years with 2 great kids. He took good care of himself, exercised, did yoga every morning. He was a philosopher and lover of books. He wrote Haiku and won Haiku writing contests.

There was a great turn-out of people supporting the family, both family and friends. I counted at least 25 co-workers there. The Pastor asked us all to raise our hands, I was proud that so many people took time out of their schedules to attend.

Jeff got sick very quickly. He was diagnosed with a rare heart disease in Sept and it made him weak and incompacitated and hospitalized. Not the way he wanted to spend the end of his life.

So much of our lives is spent working, doing, fulfilling our duties we forget to take time to live.

Live well, laugh often, love much is a phrase we have in different parts of our home. I look at it every morning in my bathroom. Life's too short to be unhappy I always say.

Here's to you Jeff. Go in peace.

2009 Submarine Races

2010-01-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

2010-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

and so the bickering continues..........as I've said all along nobody wins in a strike. The strike continues to divide people after we've gone back to work.

For 10 weeks we stood out in the rain and wind and cold and endured big promises from the Union, 'hang in there' 'we're all in this together' 'the employer is the enemy' and so on.

In the end the Union caved to the company's demands because they could no longer fight them. So what. The contract was a fair one and I was happy to vote for it. I was one of 42% that voted yes but 52% voted no so we were at a standstill.

They brought in Canada's best chief negotiator in labour, I was impressed. Way to go Vince. Vince looked at the contract and said, 'it's a good one, not much more I can do here' and to appease the people who wanted more money for driving he added a nickel an hour to our wages. Yup, a nickel.

And THEN he said, we're going to charge the company to give the Union a bonus of $400,000 to be distributed amongst the members.

But he didn't specify which members. The drivers understood it was the for them because we didn't get the wages being asked for. Then the office workers who make more money than the drivers wanted a piece of the pie. And I don't blame them. As a driver I made an extra $150/week driving an essential service shift.

So now, instead of deciding what to do with the money, we're voting on Super Bowl Sunday 'do we give the money to everyone who picketed or not'. What kind of lame vote is THAT? Of course we do! But, gee, wouldn't it be nice if those of us who were out there the whole 10 weeks got a little bit more than the ones who showed up the first week, said 'nope, not for me, I'm getting another job' and we never saw them again?

There's my rant for today. Grow up. Put your big girl panties on and grow up.

New Airport Security Rules

2010-01-23T09:22:00.001-08:00

Anniversary Time

2010-01-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

We don't usually make a public announcement so it's not like anyone knows to go out and buy us a card but every year Chris and I do something special for our Anniversary.

Anniversary of what you ask? Good question, you can make up your own answer in your own mind and then.......keep it to yourself. Understood? Good.

So this year on our anniversary we went for a 2 day getaway to the island to a fancy schmancy spa and resort place. Bee-yoo-tee-full!

It was fabulous, our own little log cabin with big girl soaker tub which opened doors to the living room! How cool is that! Except we didn't use it because we were across the street at the big ole Grotto Spa.

There we enjoyed swimming in the mineral pool with a cool refreshing shower at the same time. Swimming around the rocks and taking a dip in the really hot pool, then going back in the cooler pool. So refreshing!

The best part was eating tapas in our robes.......only spa attire allowed at the tapa bar and only accessible from the spa. Yes, just us being served in our spa attire. Very cool. And the prawns and scallops? To die for. If I ever have to list the menu for my last supper on earth it would be at the top. OMG. OK, I sound like a teenager here but really, it doesn't get any better.

We enjoyed a trip to the beach, watched a wedding party being photographed (boy did that chick in the strapless gown look cold) and a really nice relaxing weekend.

Airline Announcements

2010-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

United Flight Attendant announced, 'People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!

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On landing, the stewardess said, 'Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have. '

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'There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane'

*************************************

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a 'Thanks for flying our airline.' He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane.

She said, 'Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?'

'Why, no, Ma'am,' said the pilot. 'What is it?'

The little old lady said, 'Did we land, or were we shot down?'

***************************************

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: 'Whoa, big fella, WHOA!'

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After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, 'Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because sure as hell everything has shifted after a landing like that.'

*************************************

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: 'We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal.'

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Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo,Texas on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!'

***********************************

'Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments.'

***********************************

'As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses......except for that gentleman over there.'

******************************************

Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City. The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, 'That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt.'

****************************************

After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal..'

****************************************

Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: 'We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways.'

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Heard on a Southwest Airline flight - 'Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em.'

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A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, 'Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOD!' Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!'! !

A passenger in Coach yelled, 'That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!'

2010-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my mom and I went to see my step-father Paul on Vancouver Island. It's a long trek over there from Abbotsford, takes about 5 hours each way between driving and sitting on the ferry. My mom gets very stressed out from it and it's an emotional time for her.

Paul was very confused as to who we were. He knew our faces but couldn't place our names. He smiled when my mom came in the room and stood up and hugged her. But he didn't know her name. He hugged me and said it was good to see me in his usual loving way but no clue as to who I was.

Conversation is difficult between him telling us about his 'new job' with the Govt Health Dept (?) and the young couple that comes and visits him every day with their baby (Picture of his granddaughter on the dresser). He doesn't seem to think anyone else comes although I know his daughter and son come regularly.

I wonder sometimes why God keeps people around. My Opa thought God forgot about him when he got to be 98 years old and still alive. Paul is 86 and his body lives on without his mind. I can never figure these things out and when I get to heaven I'm going to ask what it's all about anyways. Why does God take home people who have their whole life ahead of them?

Paul is a wonderful kind, loving man who adores my Mom and has treated her like a Queen. He's been generous to me loving me like a daughter. He loved my brother John and wept when we lost him. He doesn't know my other brother and wife because they're never around.

I grieve for the loss of Paul whenever we visit. It's saying goodbye in bits and pieces as we watch his mind fail and body grow weak. He's a shadow of his former self. I look forward to the day when God takes him home and gives him a new body.
Here's to you Mr. Paul, hope 2010 is good to you and God blesses you and gives you His peace.

Strike's Over, Back to Work!!!

2010-01-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

and with that news we all shout Hallelujah! Back to picking up the peeps in the short bus! Yippee! Honk for the Handy's!

Happy New Years!

2010-01-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

As in our usual tradition of 'we're too tired to stay up so late' we called it a night at 10:30. I worked an essential services run yesterday so came home at 7. We enjoyed appies and wine, then a movie about young love (ah, young love) and hit the sheets. I'd say 'hit the hay' but we all know I don't do country.

Chris and I talked last night about our life together and how blessed we are. Who knew 7 years ago that we would be here today? In this place, at this time? No one but our Heavenly Father who designed the whole thing in the first place.

We have a wonderful life together, we bring out the best in each other, and are very much alike in some things and different in others and aren't we glad about that. Chris is my rock and I very much appreciate all that she does for me. She supports my decisions and although her opinion may be different than mine, she still stands by me and helps me through it.

I'm Chris's biggest fan. She needs to be challenged (on account of those big brains of hers) and I encourage her to go for it. She's not one to grow complacent and just accept life in a box. That's me.

Here's to 2010. May it be the best year ever!

Oh, and the strike is over, can we all shout Hallelujah! 10 Weeks! Over!

2009-12-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

There's a website I like to go to written by Anita C-H. She writes extremely well and often after I read something of hers I think, I wish I could've written that, it's exactly what I'd like to say. Here's part of her New Year's wishes and although I didn't write it, it expresses my heart.

While some of us have navigated through this past year with relative ease fueled on by occasions of great joy and celebration, for others it was a brutal year; the personal losses too many to add up and the suffering too great to measure. 2009 has been as gentle as a lamb for some of us and as tough as a lion for others.

But whether you’re sadly waving farewell to 2009 or welcoming 2010 in with a sigh of relief and a swipe across your forehead, here we are. Still standing. Standing together with one another and surrounded in the mercy, compassion, and consolation of God, the One who knows us best and loves us most. However hard this year was for you, you made it. You have arrived at the end of a really rough year in your life and because you’re still here, that in and of itself is a monumental victory; a joyous celebration of your courage and resilience, and of God’s faithfulness to hold you through the darkest nights and the most torrential storms. God was faithful and so were you.

I pray that if 2009 was a year of loss and sorrow for you that 2010 would be a year of restoration and joy. I pray good things for you. I pray moments of delight and laughter for you. I pray truly good people surround you. I pray peace. I pray love. I pray that you find healing, wholeness, comfort, companionship, or whatever it is that is your deepest longing and need. I pray all this believing that God is not only able to perform a good work within you but that God desires and will settle for nothing less for you. These will be the prayers spoken on my lips and carried in my heart as 2009 turns into our yesterday and 2010 becomes our today. I look forward to the coming year, to see what God will do in us and through us, and that we would be open to saying yes to God’s call, wherever it might lead.

You are loved and beloved.
By God who gave you life.
By Christ who redeemed your life.
By the Spirit that wooed you in the beginning and that will carry you through to the end.

Know this one thing, treasure it in your heart, and it will keep you through whatever lies ahead.

You Know I Love JJ

2009-12-30T21:53:00.001-08:00

but in other news.............the wheels of the bus are soon gonna go round and round!

So I Took a Personality Test

2009-12-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

You are observant, cooperative, informative, and attentive. You are greatly concerned with the security of others and you often find assisting the downtrodden or people with disabilities to be satisfying.

You also find personal fulfillment in ensuring the safety of others and may be attracted to jobs that enable you to do this as a medical practitioner or insurance agent. You are also quite skilled at executing routines and this enables you to be skillful in jobs that require conservation skills such as a curator or police officer.

You are thorough, frugal and you abhor the squandering of material resources. You are comfortable working alone and you are often uncomfortable being in positions of authority. When you are in positions of authority, you often try to do everything yourself. You have a very strong work ethic and this can lead you to be overworked.

The least hedonistic of the role variants, you are willing to complete jobs other role variants manage to avoid, especially if it enables you to help those in need. You often talk about daily life and every day concerns; however, you are not as sociable as other role variants.

You tend to be talkative only among a close circle of friends. Your shyness with strangers can make you seem to be cold even though you are often warm and sympathetic. You are often undervalued as your commitment to security and your economies are often taken for granted. You value traditional ways of doing things and are not interested in experimentation or speculation. You deeply value family history, heirlooms and property as well as cultural norms and traditions.

You firmly believe in the stability offered by credentials, titles, offices, birth and other forms of traditional authority. You dislike situations where the rules are constantly changing. Famous Protectors include George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Stewart, and Mother Teresa.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm I think they got me. Couldn't have said it better myself. Words in bold are highlighted by me........because, well, they say it best.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T17:27:00.000-08:00