Here You Go Travis!

LOL! How sad that Mel's bf is the one that kicks my butt to finally post :)
I've been meaning to for a while, but I guess when people actually point it out, it's harder to ignore how long it's been!

Anyhoo.. Happy Holidays! I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Mine was kind of mellow this year. I went overboard with gifts because this is the first year I could really afford to go nuts. Although I used to go nuts, I just paid for it for the next 2 years! LOL! I hope everyone enjoyed their gifts, that everyone got their cards, and yes, I know there are a few of you who don't have your gifts yet, but they will be coming! LOL!

Our Christmas started a bit early this year. On the 16th Jehn and I made caramel corn and mocha mix to give out to some people. It was a lot of fun... then I came home, got changed, and went back there for a nice get together with Jess, her friend, Steph and Jehn. It was nice! Then the next night Ry and I got together with his sis, her bf Chris, her daughter Claire (who is 2 and SOOOOOOO cute!), Ry's mom and step dad, and his dad who got to town from Scotland the day before. It was nice... we did our gift exchange and had a lovely meal with chocolate fondue *drools* And just so you know, it was calorie free because dipping Fruit into the chocolate negates all the possible calories of the chocolate! :P
Then I had a couple days off, and went back to work.... graveyards BLECH!
Work was going alright, and then the second morning I was driving home and Ry called me to tell me he had been up all night SUPER sick, puking, whole nine yards. So when I got home I took care of him for a bit and went to sleep on the couch. However, I did bitch him out a bit b/c he insisted he wasn't sick, that it was just stress, I told him no matter what, if you are puking you're too weak to work, and that he should at least sleep in a bit before going to work. Well the dumbass tried to go to work at the normal time and almost passed out in the shower! HAH! Should have listened to me! LOL! Anyhoo.. as the day progressed I felt worse, but I thought it was just because of the crappy sleep I had had, but at about 3pm I realized.. NO! I was super sick too! So I called in sick and Ry was THANKFULLY feeling better by then, went to get me some gravol etc, he drugged me and I passed out.
Anyhoo... I went to work the next night, had the 23rd off, and worked a double on the 24th... didn't get off until 7am Christmas morning.
Ry and I powered through all our gifts then, and we were SPOILED!
We got lots of great stuff for the house, Ry bought me a beautiful while gold bracelet with a diamond heart on it, a new Samsung phone, and a great fuzzy robe (pink to match my new phone)
Then we had a nap, went over to his grandparents for a bit of a visit, then came home and went to sleep... then work again :S Oh well, that was my day 7. I came home, napped for a couple hours, then I got up and made pumpkin pies, then prepared dinner for Ry's family. It turned out really well, and his nana came over (with his dad, poppa, sister, claire and chris) and it was the FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS his nana came over!!!! (eventhough we live just down the road.. nothing against us, she just doesn't venture out much). It was great to see her outside of the house, and everyone had a great visit. Sure it wasn't "Christmas" but it was close enough and we were all together. However, next year I am REALLY hoping that we can go to Kamloops so I can see my family. This was my 3rd year away from home :S

I enjoyed my days off by going shopping (got a pair of GAP jeans for $13.99!!!!!), went to Costco with Jehn, then back the next night with Ry to buy our MINI DEEP FREEZE!!! Finally :D It's so great... now I just have to buy some stuff to fill it! LOL! Right now it just has some bread and fruit in it. Heheheh.... then Ry and I went to "The Pursuit of Happyness" with his dad and uncle. It was SO good! Very heartwarming eventhough the ultimate goal seemed like it was for Chris to be "rich"... it's an incredible story about beating the odds, and the incredible bond b/w father and son.. very moving.
Then yesterday I treated myself to a facial, after I did some work for Ry at his office :D

Now I'm back at work... but I got booked off for the Stat on the 1st and Ry and I are going to our neighbours for dinner. It will be nice to have the day off in the 7... somehow 6 days of work doesn't seem quite so daunting.
It's been really nice over the holidays... Ry and I have been able to spend a lot of time together. I hope it continues on into the new year, because this has definately been some of the best times we've had lately :D

Since this will probably be my last post of the New Year...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
All the best in 2007... I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing all of your adventures in the new year.

Take care all :D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEL!

Hope you're hangover got better :)
BTW my cousin's boy is now named... *drumroll* Ethan! So cute!

I am so stuffed b/c Elizabeth just made me such a good dinner and I got to play settlers with her and Justin.. and Munchkin... which I wasn't so good at b/c Hunter was helping me :)

It was so good to see them! Them and the snow.. makes me feel peaceful and Christmas-sy :)

In Kamloops.. if you didn't guess yet, and it's been good so far.. been able to spend tons of time with my grams which is nice..

Fill y'all in later.. now I'm going to chillax :D

Congrats!

Wow.. today is such a big day!
It's Liz's birthday... Happy Thursday ;) If you're not sure what that is feel free to ask!
And... my cousin Tracey had a baby boy at 4:30 this morning! YAY! I'm not sure how big, or what his name is, but when I find out I will let you know!
Wahooooooooooo!

And a delayed congrats on your wedding to Keith and Chrissy! They went to freakin Cuba to get married! I was supposed to go.. doh! Next time someone gets married on an island.. I'm SO THERE! :) Love you guys!

Let it Snow Let it Snow

So I haven't updated much lately, and I don't really feel like updating right this moment... but maybe later I will write more. I've been keeping busy and doing a lot of things, so I have to sit and think about what I'm going to write.
This weekend was the CRAZIEST snow storm! We have around 2 feet of snow in our back yard. I walked through to dig out a patch for Nalla to play with and it was up to my knees!
So anyhoo, Nalla played in it, got swallowed as she jumped in the snow off the path (it was literally over her head!)!! So we have this AWESOME pic of her jumping over a drift to get inside! Also I'll post a pic of the snow on our hedges... it's a bit blurry b/c our screen was frozen shut and I couldn't open it!
More to come... and pics from Maui when I steal them from Ry.

Our backyard before it snowed EVEN more!


Stylish Nalla in her puffy vest :)


And the BEST freakin action shot EVER! SUPER NALLA!!!!

Heheh... Can't wait for the next POTC!

Behind every truly great pirate, there is an even greater Voodoo priestess, and that would be you. You are the keeper of secrets so dark, so terrible, that they can only be warded off with a jar of dirt. Your home is full of curiosities, oddities, treasures, and mystical objects, and those who have good dealings with you can count themselves among the fortunate, as long as they know just what it is they're getting into. For your patrons, mortality is only a temporary obstacle. Dead, undead...it's all the same to you, as long as your customers can meet your demands for payment.

Which Pirates of The Caribbean Character Are You?
Find out at Shiver My Timber-- A Pirate RPG

So much to say, so little motivation to say it! LOL!

So I will put this..
just in case anyone wondered what I did for Hallowe'en ;)
You went trick or treating as BrainySmurf.
GeorgeWBush gave you TheSugarBowl.
ASquare gave you StrawberryPez.
CounselorTroi gave you AMagicEightBall.
LongJohnSilver gave you ACaramelApple.
You had a snazzy time until Rover burned down the church.

What's Your Trick-or-Treat Haul?
Shiver My Timber--A Pirate RPG

*FYI I actally worked that night.. but how fun would this haul have been? ;)

Holy 2 Years Just Flies...

Well, yesterday was our 2 year anniversary. We didn't do anything b/c I worked 3-11pm and we're celebrating next week. Well I told Ry that I didn't want to give gifts till we go away, but I came home to the most amazing roses in this gorgeous vase arrangement. He called the florist, who was there doing stuff for a funeral, and they stayed re-opened late for him (after he got off work)!!! What a guy! They are this gorgeous terra cotta color *ry's description* and just so beautiful! I wasn't expecting anything so it was really nice.
Then today I am having coffee in the AM with my friend Inder, and I get a phone call... "Jen come home! I've pinched a nerve in my back and can't move!!" OMG! So luckily I was just down the hill, I rush home, and Ry's sprawled on the bed. He was towelling off after his shower and something just pinched I guess.. so I help him into the car, which was OH so painful for him, take him to his chiro, who proceeds to tell him there is nothing really he can do for something as severe as Ry's back. So Ry's been bed-ridden all day and I booked off work to take care of him. Ugh.. I feel so awful for him! It's horrible seeing someone you love in so much pain.. I can't imagine how I will cope when we're older! I almost cried a couple times today b/c there was nothing I could really do other than give him his ice and some ibuprofen...
*sigh*
I hope he feels better soon!!
But just a note to Mel.. OMG! I could not be a nurse! You're a saint!! LOL!
Off to help my patient..

Happy Gobble Gobble Day!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving :)
This weekend was nice, I have been off since last Tuesday morning at 7am! It's been awesome! I got so much done... cleaned the house, did my grocery shopping, got to spend time with Ry... my mom and step dad came for a visit... had coffee with my gf from Reitmans I haven't seen in FOREVER... just did tons!
Mom came with me and Ry to Tara's (his sister) house for thanksgiving dinner Saturday. It was really fun, and she got to meet his mom and such... it wasn't too bad. *phew*
LOL!
Anyhoo.. I have to do some ironing for work, have a shower, go to the gym perhaps, maybe not in this order :P then to work!
Hope you all have a great day, enjoy the week. I hope it's as beautiful everywhere else as it is here, gorgeous, clear, crisp, and sunny!
Love you! :)

Do you ever wonder what went wrong?

Sometimes I wonder; why was our friendship so easy for you to forget?
I think back to what happened and think that cannot possibly be the reason we do not talk anymore. I apologized, not for everything, but for what I felt I needed to, and tried to explain things I thought were simple misunderstandings. I realized you were hurt and felt badly for that, but it was not something I had done intentionally. Reflecting, I believe there had to have been something more, something bigger, that you did not tell me about, which stops you from talking to me. If so why did you not tell me?? You have forgiven others for much more painful and intentional things that they have done to you. You have forgiven them more than once, sometimes too many times to count. You have forgiven things they have purposefully said to hurt you, you forgave, because that is who you are. You are a wonderful, caring, and forgiving person who values her friends. Yet, you cannot seem to forgive me, why?
Is it because I did not want to see you hurt in a relationship that seemed to be forever hurting you? Maybe, but I thought we had gone beyond that and gotten past it, and I tried to understand, and just support you. No, I wasn’t sitting there with my pompoms but listened to you, and wanted you to be happy, and I thought you and I both understood that.
I really don’t think that’s what it was… but maybe I am wrong.
Maybe I am completely off by thinking that there had to have been something bigger for you to have given up so easily… maybe you thought I gave up? I never gave up, I just did not want to apologize for things that I did not think I had to. I tried to make you understand where I was coming from, is that why? I didn’t say, “I’m sorry, you’re right, I am a horrible person, I did horrible things, and it’s all my fault, please forgive me.” Is that what you wanted to hear? Is that why?
After that I did not say anything more, I did not fight to try and talk to you, because I thought we would move beyond it. I thought you would talk to me when you were ready. I did not know that whatever happened hurt you so deeply… but maybe not.
Maybe it was something more, and you felt I wasn’t the kind of friend you wanted anymore. Maybe you did not value the friendship we had anymore. Things had changed, yes, I was busy, we didn’t see each other as much, but we were trying… at least, that’s what I thought? I know I had changed, but I was never trying to leave you behind, I was just trying to reach my goals. I wanted to be a better person, and experience new things, different things, and I was hoping you would be there with me as you had in the past.
I have no idea what really happened, because it just does not make sense to me.
I don’t know if you felt that I used you, or that I had been treating you like shit, or maybe you just don’t care that I’m not in your life now?
I honestly don’t know, because I have never once wanted to hurt you. I know you were friends with other people for longer before you forgave them for all the crap they put you through… maybe that’s part of why it’s so hard for you to forgive me. It is not like we were friends forever, but for some reason I never thought that mattered. From day one I felt like our friendship was different. I thought we could talk about everything, that we would be walking around when we were older, looking so great, giggling about the other older ladies that had made the mistake of dying their hair blue. We would be friends for years to come, that’s what I thought. Despite what you may have thought, what you may think, I don’t give a shit about what you have or don’t have. I have no idea if that is what is you think, and I can’t imagine how you would ever come to think that. I thought you knew that I loved you, your family, and that I loved you for who you are not for what you have... but I guess not.

One day maybe you will tell me what happened, maybe you won’t, maybe you don’t even give it a second though. You were my friend, you did so much for me, and I tried to do the same for you. I tried to be there for you, but I guess you think I wasn’t.

I guess I never thought either of us would give up so easily on our friendship, because it meant the world to me, and I thought it meant the same to you. Maybe I was wrong.

Finally it works!

This is our beautiful angel little Claire bear! She was sooooo sleepy after being in another wedding! LOL! She turned 2 in July..



And this is Shona's gorgeous, squishy chub monster Quinn... he's 3 months old!

I love Autumn and I LOVE days off!

So let us see... I think I will try and throw together a real live post! Here goes!!!
I just got through working 7 graveyards. Wow, that was the funnest thing I have EVER done! And when I say funnest, think, fun as in poking out my own eyes with a plastic spoon fun! Meh, what can I say... it's a job, it's closer to what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, and it's allowed me to start a real savings plan for the future... so that makes me happy :)
I still really want to get into policing, but there are SO many things to consider now. Do I really want to take 6 months out of living and go through more training? Sure... but where? And how will that affect my relationship with Rylan? I'm sure we would make it work, but what if we have kids? If I have kids I can't imagine leaving them behind... so no matter what, I know that if I am going to change my career I most definately have to do it in the next year or so. Oh well... I still have time! No kids yet, just my furry ones and Ry ;)
Speaking of Ry, things are going amazingly! We went ring shopping the other day!!! *beams* I am sooooooo happy! It's not going to happen tomorrow or anything... but maybe the end of the year, beginning of next... really it COULD be tomorrow and I would be surprised. Either way, whenever it does happen I will be super surprised, super happy, and of course, super in love :D
We went to Spence Diamonds and the woman who helped us was awesome. Ry actually picked out the ring that I fell in love with! *cheers for Ry* I'm not sure how much, and I don't know if he bought it then (he says he didn't.. b/c that would be kind of weird), or when he's going to buy it.... but it's picked... I almost cried in the bathroom I was so overwhelmed! LOL! I'm silly, but I'm sure that's not too shocking since I actually am quite the cry baby when it comes to stuff like that :)
I can't wait to call everyone and tell them about my wonderful news when it happens!
So far no plans or anything. It won't be for a couple of years, just for all you curious folk ;) Probably late 2008, 2009 or something. I dunno.. we'll work that all out after! We have TONS of time :) Just thought I would share that news with you all!
Got to see my friend Chrissy yesterday. I haven't seen her in FOREVER! We kept trying to meet up and our schedules didn't match.. it was crazy! We finally got together for lunch and hung out at her new place for a bit. It was so nice to see her! Now I have a few more people to meet up with that I haven't seen in ages... can't wait for that! It's so hard working shift work and trying to meet up with people. When they think we can hook up, my schedule changes, and we have to try and find a NEW time to meet! Bah! Oh well!! I am going for coffee with Liane today which will be great! I don't think I've seen her since the beginning of the year! Time sure has been flying by! Another aspect of 7 day work weeks.. by the time you've worked 2 boards it's almost the end of the month!
OH! We're going to get a puppy :) In May next year the LG rep's hoping to have more pups (since she has a boy and a girl she breeds) so we've reserved one! We could probably find one sooner, but we know her dogs and we LOVE them! They a really cute, super friendly, and have GREAT personalities... we're hoping for a black boy who will be named... Buster! :D
Let's see.. what else.. treated myself to a facial the other day.... it was great! The esthitician was SO good! She started explaining my skin right from the minute she walked in, and the whole thing was almost 2 hours! It was great, except at the end I was getting a bit anxious to leave! LOL! I can only handle so much relaxation.
The weather has been so amazing! Sunny, blue skies, crisp fall air... I love this time of year! The leaves changing colour, flowers still blooming, squirrels running around hoarding their peanuts and barrying them in my yard! LOL! Sorry, Nalla is barking at them as they are running through our yard right now!
Hmmm...
What else.. ooh! My mom is coming to town this weekend.
I'm looking forward to it, but it's unfortunately become somewhat drama filled.. but when isn't my family full of drama?? LOL! At least, I think she's still coming... she's not feeling well (stupid cold that's going around)... so we'll have to see how she's feeling in the next couple of days. Tara (Ry's sister) is having a big dinner on Saturday! Can't wait! I get to see my gorgeous niece and her cuz (Tara's bfs Sister's son) Quin! Too cute! I will try and post pics if Blogger is feeling cooperative later.. since it is NOT right now! I am making pumpkin pie... although I have to say I'm going to be lazing and I BOUGHT my crusts... ooh! Such a rebel :P
I love my new job.. it lets me read and read and read... HAHAHAH!
I finally read Confessions of a Shopaholic, that my cousin Trista leant me... now I bought the others off ebay! For SUCH a great price! I got the bigger books, that are regularly $16.95 each, for less than $8 each after shipping! YAY! And they're in almost mint condition! It's so awesome... gotta love ebay! I know Mel will second that ;)
I should get up and get ready for my day... I've been sitting here, enjoying the sun outside, updating some stuff, chilling with my pug.. :) It's great to have days off...
I just want to say hi to everyone.. and that I'm thinking of you! Hope everyone is doing well!
Have a great turkey day!

He Works in Mysterious Ways

My thoughts and prayers go out to you Carrie and Mark.

They lost their boy Caleb after a difficult birth... he was just shy of 24 weeks.

He's with you always, watching you, and knowing how much you loved him, and how much you always will.

May God be with you and bring you closer together during this difficult period.

*hugs*

Wow.. so I haven't really been on here in a while.. and honestly this is not going to be some big update.. I'm on my last night of graveyards tonight (out of 7 in a row) and I'm pretty bagged today!
Just wanted to post this link here... http://www.canadianmums.ca This is a really cool site that Ry's sister and her friend created. It's a bunch of links to sites that are geared to Canadiam moms, and they have a bunch of forums.. http://www.canadianmums.ca/forum/index.php that are SOOO great! I'm not a mom, but I joined (you have to to be able to read the forums)... and I LOVE it! Yes, there is a lot of chat about kids, and pregnancy... but there is a lot of chatting about everyday life and such. And let me tell you.. it's great to see all the pics of the beautiful babies and such :) It's nice to have such a great bunch of ladies to talk to... so I would HIGHLY recommend you join if you're a mom, expecting, trying to conceive, or just want some cool ladies to talk to :)

And I promise.. I will post more in the next few days :)

Long Weekend

Okay.. well let's see.. I worked graveyards last week and then bombed up to Kamloops Friday morning.. had a nap after chatting with my mom and paul and then went for coffee to my grams' house.
That was really nice.. my cousin Trista and her kids were there, my cuz Ryan, then my Auntie Mamie popped by for a bit, and before I left my Auntie Jackie came home so I got to see her. I was there for about 5 hours!
While we were talking my little cousin chloe who is 5 says to her mom Trista .. "I don't clean my room because I'm lazy!"
HAHAH! At least she's honest!
Then after that I went for dinner with Ryan and Doug... met Ry's gf Amanda who I met a few years back and is a sweetie... and got to spend some much needed time with my newly biker-ish cousin! HAH! So weird to see him all tattooed up and riding a Harley!
After a quick dinner I went over to my buddy Paul's house and we went to meet Dustin for coffee. It was good to see them both...even if Dustin's head was all holey! Hehehehe.
Saturday mom and I went to Tristas, did some shopping, went to the casino with Paul, won $$$, went for lunch, then I went over to Liz and Justin's.
It was so awesome.. I got there a bit early and got TONS AND TONS of Hunter huggles! It was so great, he would hug my neck, cuddle in, and then squeeze! It was so amazing! I love cuddle babies :D Then J and L made an amazing dinner, along with the contributions from their friends (gotta love potluck) but Liz's lasagna was AMAZING! The BEST I've had in.. well FOREVER! :D
Then we had a great round of quip it.. "Correct-yo-teeth"!!! HAHAH! oh man.. it's incredible what some people come up with ;)
Then we played Suburbia.. booyah our team won! Even though I was the non-teaching link I sure came up with some good answers.. HAH! Foo-foo berry and green apple indeed!
After everyone left Wendy, Justin, Liz and I got to play Settlers.. OH MAN! What a WICKED game! I love love love it!!! I need to convert my man into a games man :D
I got home a bit late, but it was so worth it.. love you guys!
Then Sunday was a day spent shopping for mom's house... I surprised her with all the goodies I picked up.. we de-cluttered her living room a bit... I felt like I was on some reality realty show and was staging her house :P She loved all of it! Then grams and Auntie Jackie came over for dinner and we had a lovely visit and great food again.
The rest of the night was just spent relaxing, visiting with mom and Paul, and reading.
I left early Monday morning and made it home by 10.. no traffic at all! Gotta love leaving early.
All in all it was a really great visit.. so much better than the last stress filled visit I had. It was great to see all my family.. I miss them and wish I could see them more! If only I had a jet and more $$$ for gas and toll! *don't we all!*
The last few days have been just relaxing.. today Ry was finally off as well so we did a TON of running around and crud. I went to Old Navy and spent a bit of $... good thing I only go there every 2 years or so :D
Anyhoo.. now I'm just wasting time before bed... so.. toodles!

Cutest Baby and Pug EVER!!!

So lastnight Ry's old roomie came over to visit.. and brought his gorgeous baby Mya. (which is good b/c we told him he can't come over without her ;))
Anyhoo.. she was fascinated with Nalla, and started to shake and giggle when Nalla licked her, or me!
Here are some pics of the happy girl! (she's about 5 months now).... At first she didn't seem to sure...



Then she thought.. HEY! This is soooo fun :)







And as a bonus some pictures of our fat little sausage.. I mean Pug! Hehehe.. she's gotten so porky.. but she's too cute :D

FINALLY PICTURES!!!

I can't believe it finally worked!!!!
So this is the crazy mutant plant that Ry bought for me... So cool!!
What a sweet guy :)



This is a close up of the stem that is me and Ry joined together.. Hehehe!!



This is a pic of our bookshelves..


And here is our super deal sideboard that we got for the dining room of our kitchen!!

*I LOVE the vase we bought too... and the flower we got from Michaels (I picked it out :P) Ry didn't like it but when we got it home we both LOVED it!

And this is a bigger pic of the dining room...

*yes there is some crap off to the right.. it's our BBQ because our house is being pressure washed! HAH! Good thing I haven't wanted to BBQ :D

I know the quality isn't that great because I took the pics at night and the lighting kind of sucked.. but whatever! I am going to get some more pics posted at a later date of the rest of the house.. since I realized I haven't posted any!!!

Where do I start?!?!

So things have been going really well. I've been working a ton.. managed to get a couple of OT shifts last block so that was good. But it kind of sucks because I haven't seen Ry a whole lot since he's been super busy at work and such... I see him for a minute here and there.
The other day I stopped by his work and wrote a couple things down on a list that he needed to pick up for work for him.. and as a goof I added "Flowers for Jen Jen because you love her" (yes he calls me that :P) Anyhoo he freakin actually bought me flowers! It was so awesome! And they were so cool! He's all.. look at them.. really look at them.
And finally I saw it!
It's freakin crazy! The two in the middle are joined.. they grew together.. and you know what he says? The two are us.. together, and the other two on the side are Nalla and Cara :) How sweet!

I love that guy :D
Anyhoo.. because we havent' seen each other much we decided to take some days off together (I had 4 off and booked one extra). So we spent most of our days just hanging out, doing stuff around the house and such. Saturday we went to IKEA and bought the much needed book shelves for the office (FINALLY!!! we finally finished the room!!!!) While we were there we picked up a couple of other things and decided to browse the As-Is section.. because who doesn't!!! And we see this gorgeous side board for the kitchen.. it's the same black brown as our mirror that we got there.. and it's reg. $290 on for $149 because one of the drawers sticks. Well I notice a SMALL scratch.. and we got it for $125!!!
Isn't that awesome!!

Anyhoo.. then today Ry's friend Johnny came up from Washington. Ry has known him for a long time but he goes to school down there and they havent' seen each other in AGES. Well he came up and I FINALLY got to meet him. So we went for lunch at this restaurant on Granville Island.. soooooo nice out today! Sat right by the water.. it was gorgeous!!! Then we went out to Capilano Suspension Bridge.. unfortunately we didn't have our freakin camera.. but wow! It was great! Ry doesn't like heights we found out.. but we did the whole treetops and such.. and of course bought some fudge!!! :D Can't leave without fudge! Then we went to the Cleveland Damn and then we went up to Grouse! It was so awesome I hadn't been out there before and we caught the lumberjack show and then this bird show.. it had some hawks, a falcon, and an owl... it was soooo awesome! Then we had a quick bite over looking the city! It was beautiful and such a wonderful evening!! OOH! I forgot.. we also saw the grizzly. It was so sad to see them enclosed, but it was so majestic being so close to one! then we saw the Timberwolves.. I really don't think they should be held there :S
Aside from that.. it was a gorgeous evening and I had a great time! It was good for Ry to see his buddy again, we got along well and well... it was just a great end to a wonderful bunch of days off!

**blogger is not letting my load pics.. so I will try again later**

Well... where do I start?!?

Well first off, I thought I would finally post a pic of my beautiful little baby cousin Mara! She's soooo cute!



So there you go! As I get more pics I will post more :D

Life has been treating me pretty well. I'm all done my on the job training and I'm working for a living now! I've heard I'm pretty well liked so far *knock on wood* so YAY! I was invited to go out for Day 7 Beers (every day 7 people on a crew go out).. but I got switched half way through my block of 7 days to graveyard shift.. so I didn't go. It's nice to be invited though! Sara and her crew went out that evening and she texted me and asked me to come.. but I was already sound asleep :D

I'm enjoying my job. I don't have too much interaction with the inmates so it's not too bad. Plus I'm not the newest anymore! Hehehe.. we had 5 people from the latest grads come to Kent so they're the newbies! ;)
It's not that easy getting used to the 7 days on though... but I'm sure it will be a lot easier when I'm not switching shifts in the middle of those 7 days. It was sure tough last week working 6:45am-3:00pm then having to come back at 10:30pm-7:00am! I was lucky though because my buddy that I gradded with was also on graveyards so I carpooled with him and another guy. It was nice to not have to drive!

Ry and I hadn't gotten a chance to see each other much but we spent the night hanging out on Friday and then Saturday when he got off work we had BBQ then went to see Pirates... FINALLY! It was SOOOOOOOO good! I laughed a lot and I can't WAIT for the next one! I'm not too happy with one bit that happened at the end.. but we'll see what happens I suppose. It was kind of annoying because we were told there was an extra scene so we waited through ALL the credits.. which took FOREVER.. and it was a brief 5 second clip! But whatever, it was nice a cool, and just a nice time for Ry and I to be together. The theatre was packed still, but we got some really awesome seats and enjoyed just spending time together :)

What else... we went to Ry's nieces 2nd Birthday..it was fun. She is just the cutest! I WANT BABIES!!!! But not for a while.. hehehe..
I think Ry and I might got somewhere nice and hot next year.. like Thailand! I'll try and bank my vacation from this year.. go to Toronto to Kelly and Allison's wedding, then later in the year... THAILAND! Or somewhere.. I want beaches and heat :D

This weekend was our wind up ball tournament.. it was good! We lost our first game, so yesterday we played at 9:20, 10:50, 12:30, and 2:40!!!! It was nuts! We lost our last game (the final) by one run in our second extra inning! It kind of sucked.. but it was soooooooooo HOT! All I wanted to do was get home and have a shower! We won cool backpacks, and we also won those fold out double chairs with the table in the middle for winning our division! WOOOHOOOO! It was a lot of fun and I'm glad that I ended up on this team!

My family is good.. hoping to get a chance to go up to Kamloops for a day or two in August or September. We'll see how it works out... I'll let you know just in case I can meet up with anyone for coffee or something!

I know I probably have more to say, but I think that will have to do for now! Because this is pretty much my last day off and I have a stinkin lot of stuff to do like vacuuming, dusting.. all that good stuff :D

URGHHH!!!!

I HATE ALLERGIES!!!!!!


And now I'm going to be sleeping so I can get up early for work... yeeehaww!

Holy Hot Batman!!!

How's it going everyone?
Guess what??
My cousin Brent is a Daddy! His wife Monica gave birth to their daughter Meira *I'm not sure of the spelling yet* This morning. She was a month early and has a bit of fluid on her lungs so they haven't got to hold her yet.. she's in baby ICU. The nurses say she'll be fine.. and I'm sure she will..but if you could keep her in your prayers. Apparently she's darker like Brent, with Dark hair that is SUPER DOOPER curly! I can't wait to see that little angel!
I am totally loving this hot weather! I haven't had a lot of time to enjoy it.. yesterday was Sara's wedding.. we were outside for a bit, so that was nice.. but the rest of the night was spent in the hall. I have to say she looked beautiful and the flower girl and ring bearer? TOO cute!

And of course the happy couple.. Sara and Ian :)

The wedding was nice, the hall looked beautiful, Sara looked great.. we all had a good time all in all.

Today was soooooooooo gorgeous! I knew it would be hot so I occupied my time being around water.
I took both cars to get washed, did some work for Ry at his office, had lunch with him, then I came home to play with my Pug.
Last year we bought her this pool.. and she didn't really like it. She would jump in for half a second, and jump right out. We thought for sure she would love it b/c she loves to jump in the bathtub. Well.. I dug out the pool today.. and I couldn't keep her out of it!
She was running around, jumping in and out of it, putting her head under the water to get her toys... Nalla has it figured out!! It was so much fun.. here are some pics!




This is Nalla looking a little rough after splashing around...


And this is sweet Nalla beat after running around so much!!


Tonight Ry and I went to the Keg for dinner.. it was really nice. All in all it's been a great weekend.. got to see my friends, spend some quality time with Rylan and my girls! *although Cara kitten was sleeping and sunbathing for most of it!*

Hope everyone has a great week! Back to work tomorrow!!!

Well.. it's official!

I am a Correctional Officer with the Correctional Service of Canada.
I have photos to prove it!!!!


This is me and my friend Anna:

And this is me signing my certificate with the Acting Warden:



*too bad I had bad hair! LOL!

I can't wait to find out where I'm going!

Thursday I finally find out where I'm going.. today we were talking to a guy from Pacific.. he was in the class before us. I'd really like to go there, but I think that I'm going to be sent to Matsqui.. We'll see I guess.

I got my Diploma from UCFV in the mail today!

Yeehaww!

It's comin' together folks!

Today was fun.. we made up scenarios in class that we had to respond to.. I got to be an officer on a gun walk with an AR 15 .223! It was pretty sweet. Great learning tool let me tell you! I also go OC Sprayed in the eyes.. luckily it was only inert ;)

Holy Moly Batman!

Did you know that in just over 2 days (aka Thursday Afternoon) I will be an actual, fully sworn in, Corrections officer for the Correction Services of Canada!
A real live CX working a FEDERAL job.. making REAL money with REAL benefits.. doing something that I have been dreaming of (in one way or another) for a loooong time!

I'm so excited, nervous, and just plain STOKED!


YAY! I will post pics after my grad friday!
I got my hair done this weekend.. it looks so not rooty and gray like it was :P
Plus I got some much needed gardening done.. although I had KILLER allergies all day partially because of that! Grrr! Crazy yesterday being all gorgeous, then hail/rain/thunder/lightning, then sunny again!

Gotta love BC!

Miss you all!

WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!

I PASSED!!!

I am so happy! Thanks for all your well wishes :)

And happy belated birthday to little man Hunter! What a kid.. I can't get enough of that cute little guy! Can't wait to see him again!

And... Congrats to Tara (Ry's sister) and Chris.. they're having a baby!

Nap time now!

AHHHH!!!

10 weeks has just FLOWN by!
I have my Part A Exam tomorrow.. aka if I don't pass.. I'm done!
Wish me luck please!

I'll let you know my results tomorrow folks!

Animal House

Well.. apparently the creatures of our neighbourhood enjoy my garden! This morning we were watching the news and Cara started towards the sliding door, with Nalla barking behind her. Sure enough there is our friendly squirrel hopping along the fences between our yards. This is not so unusual because one of our neighbours has a feeder for the little guys and they must run along our fence to get to her house. What was unusual is when he was hopping along with his newly acquired nut, he took a detour.. into my garden! The crafty little guy then began to dig a hole in which he could place his nut! While it was cute.. the hole just happened to be under one of my plants!!!! He didn't keep up too long because Nalla was getting pretty excited and startled him off. No worries though, he went back to our neighbour's to get another nut and carried it off somewhere beyond my garden.
He was really cute.. it's fun to watch the critters go about their routines.. I love where we live... I couldn't imagine living in a concrete jungle!
We are definately blessed :)

Funny.. this used to be my nickname!!!

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around. You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you. How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

NEW CAR!

Ugh.. feeling so drained and poopy this week... guess that's what happens when you feel not so hot then go into arrest and control. It's kind of nice b/c it was a short week, the days go quickly during arrest and control, and OMG! it's FRIDAY!
You know what is even cooler though? WE GOT A NEW CAR!!! It's a 2006 Accura RSX... it's HAWT!!! And yes.. it's a 2 door manual.. no worries though.. we still have the family CRV ;) No ring for Jen for a while.. I'll just be wearing my key chain for a bit.. Hehhee..
Anyhoo.. this is our new baby!

My Girls!!!

So we have been looking at cars... UGH! Such a hassle!! I feel so drained, and Ry feels even more drained than I do! We're quite the pair!
It's a toss up.. do we just get a 99/2000 Civic Coup/Sedan/Hatchback or do we spring for the new Civic?? There isn't THAT much difference in price.. so we'll see.
Anyhoo.. when I uploaded the froggy/kitty pictures there were a bunch of Nalla/Cara pics on the memory card.. so here you go!
I love my girls and I love my Ry soooooooo much :) (however all the pics we ever take are of Nalla and Cara.. but I'll try and find one of Ry ;))

*Side-note: I was trying to post captions for the photos but it wouldn't align properly.. so you'll be seeing Cara giving Nalla kisses, the Pudgy Puggy, Gymnast Cara-Kitten, Cuddle-Pug, My Girls, and the love of my life Ry :)

Cara's Adventure with Froggy

As promised.. here are the pics!
This is Cara-kitty and her friend Froggy.. soooo fun :) We have this super cute video of when he was hopping away, he kind of hopped into our fence.. regrouped and slid through. It was a fun way to start the morning. I think Cara was a bit bummed that she didn't get to chase the froggy *hehehehe*

What a rainy day!

Well today is one of the first days off TOGETHER that Ry and I have had in a loooooooooong time!
It's been pretty slow.. but it's nice. Our fun for this afternoon?? WEll so far it's been this...
I went to get a coffee and Ry was looking online for cars (because we are sooooooo sick of sharing one vehicle).. and all of a sudden Cara started chirping and jumped on top of her little pagoda thing to try and see out the blinds. She was really meowing so he decided to see what the fuss was about.. and there is a big froggy in our garden! He was sitting on the retaining wall for a while, now he's exploring the dirt! It's so cool!
Oooh! Froggy just hopped away :( But we got it on video!! I'll post pics in a bit!

Hidee-Ho!

Hola!!!

So things are good.. busy as always.. almost at the end of week 6!!! Holy crud batman! I can't believe how quickly this time has flown by. It will be nice to be settled and working and get a routine going... it will be tough at first since I haven't really done shift work like this before.. but at least I will be able to get into a routine and have my "real" life begin. I feel so growed up :) I passed my self defense section today.. WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO! I got 174/180... not too tough but ya.. I was pretty stoked because I had some problems to start with. Now we have 2 days of class, then back to arrest and control and baton.. ooh! I can't wait til handcuffs and batons ;)

Other than that, it's been freaking beautiful here! I LOOOOVE this weather! Wish I had the energy to enjoy it! hehehe.. but lastnight we had ball.. OMG! So warm.. we played with an auto out because we were short a person and we still won 17-7! I really like my ball team. They are late 20s early 30s for the most part, super fun, and have made me feel nothing but welcome from my first game!!!!

Anyhoo.. I really have to get a move on.. I'm beat and I have a ton of homework so it's time for a cat nap!

Talk at you guys soon!!!

Happy Mother's Day..
I miss you mom :)


On a side note.. I passed my part b assesment for Corrections.. so it's all pretty much down hill from here.. just a ton of studying for my final exam. Then I quit my job today!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOO!!! No more retail! It was kind of anti-climactic.. there was hardly anyone working.. it was busy.. there was no one there to say goodbye really.. but it was a relief. Now I have time to study, time to spend with Ry.. it will be great :)

Anyhoo.. now I have to study and watch the final of Survivor. EeEeeeeeEEEEE!

OOOHHH!!!! I can shoot a gun now!

So as of today I am qualified to shoot a Smith and Wesson Model 10 38 Special Revolver!!! WAHHOOOOO!
See example pic 1:



As of Monday I'm hoping to be (I mean I will be ;)) qualified to shoot a 9mm Carbine AR 15. IT IS SOOOO AWESOME!! It's like a real live ERT gun! (aka SWAT in the US and on TV).
See example pic 2:



I feel so growed up! And it is a really awesome feeling being out there.. very humbling! Just so you all know, that's where I've been and where I will be for the next while (on the Range and super intense training).. so don't think I've forgotten about you!

:)