Christmas Candles

In keeping with my Christmas theme I took a photo of my new centerpiece. I love candlelight, there is something so incredibly romantic and mystifying about it. I will keep my candles burning Christmas day, this year I lit them just for my photo... there was nobody to be romantic with here when they were lit! : (

Santa, my baby and me

Today I went to the Festival of Trees with my daughter and her friend. I have never been to this festival and it was quite the sight to see. There were so many beautifully decorated trees with many different themes. There was even an upside-down tree, odd but it did put some ideas in my head.

There were many events for children, decorating delicious gingerbread men cookies (which were delicious), and seeing Santa to name a few. I convinced my daughter to get a photo with Santa and I loved it! Mind you any time I get to spend with my beautiful daughter I really enjoy, even if there is a funny looking guy in a red suit between us!

Sad Santa

Today Cheryl and I went out to get some of our Christmas shopping done. We were went to various places and this poor Santa at Millwoods Towne Centre was looking pretty glum. It was rather cute when Cheryl said loud enough for Santa to hear "Hi Santa" and she waved at him. This brought a huge smile to his face and seemed to brighten up his moment in time. Cheryl can be so sweet and cute sometimes, I had fun spending my Saturday with her today.

I am ending my day with most of my shopping done and I even have two Cherry Nut loaves in the oven. It's been a productive, fun filled day.

Midnight Madness

Tonight I wondered down to Zellers to see what they all had on sale during their Midnight Madness. There were some pretty good deals, nothing overly exciting. I was rather surprised at how quiet the store was and pleased that they were not crazy busy. I wondered into the tree section of the store and I spotted this tree here... I think that it just might fit in the small space I have to work with.

I got excited and knew that I wanted this tree. As it turned out this tree in the photo was the only one like it left in the store. Me being me I talked them into selling me this tree, naturally less 30%. Then there was the matter of finding a box for this tree, they guys had no luck in the storeroom so I said that if I could find a tote large enough that I'd buy a tote. They found me one and I talked them into 30% off that as well so here it is, my new tree, and the bonus is a box that won't tear after a few years!

Now I have to take a trip out to the farm to pick up my decorations. I'm going to have a tree after all this year and I LOVE it!

I Finally Did It!

Today after class I went down to my appointment at "strange city" and now I have my tattoo. This is something which I have wanted to do for a very long time, and it feels wicked to know that it is now done. I chose to put it on my left leg maybe because I am left handed?? I don't know but I do know I"m tired and happy right now!

It did hurt a bit, nothing I couldn't handle though, and the guy who did this tattoo for me was fast. I'm glad that he was, after about an hour and a half I was getting so tired. I was very happy when he told me he was done!

I have been asked "why a turtle?", in response to that here is a part my response to this...although I do have a few reasons here is one of them:

Turtles remind us that the way through heaven is through the earth. In Mother Earth is all that we need. She will care for us, protect us, and nurture us, as long as we do the same for her. For that to happen, we must slow down and heighten our sensibilities. We must see the connection to all things. Just as the turtle cannot separate itself from its shell, neither can we separate ourselves from what we do on earth.

I also love that the turtle symbolizes longevity in the Chinese culture. After my near brush with death in 2005, which was caused from alcoholism, it is a positive reminder to me that to take the first drink is to die or to not take that first drink can potentially lead to a very long life for me. We all have choices in life, I choose not to consume alcohol today.

I Have a Dream

Today after class we had some of the faculty from the University of Calgary come in to offer us some information on entrance to their institution for a BSW (Bachelors of Social Work) degree. I learned that it is extremely competitive to get into their extension program here in Edmonton, only 25 - 30 students will be accepted.

I am going to apply for this program, I want a degree and I'm going after it. I want my dream of obtaining a degree to become my reality. I will remain optimistic, or try to, and if this is meant to be for me it will happen. I do have other options but what the heck, I say go for it!

New Moon

Tonight I went to see another movie, this time with my niece. I felt that she deserved a little something special after viewing her report card. Her marks have significantly improved and I am immensely proud of her.

When the movie Twilight came out I went with my niece to see that movie, I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but surprisingly enough I did. Now how could I miss the sequel? It was equally as good, if you're into the whole Edward and Bella scene I suppose.

Two movies within three days, this has to be a record for me... now back to my essay writing, enough time well wasted!

H1N1 Vaccination

Today after much consideration and a visit to my doctor it was determined that I should get my H1N1 vaccination. I was on the north side of the city and found out that the shot is given at Westmount mall and is now given to all Canadians over the age of 6 months old.

The center where I received my shot opened only today. They were prepared for a lot of people. There were at least 50 tables set up, not all were open due to the fact that not enough people were showing up. Nurses were on hand and the set up was unbelievable, they were so organized. From start to finish, including a 15 minute wait time after the shot, it took only about 25 minutes. Now they are prepared for what our government promised, unless they run out of vaccination.

Other than a sore shoulder and tiredness I feel alright. Now I have to find a place that gives the regular flu shot but I'm thinking that I'll wait a few days, one sore shoulder at a time is enough for me!

The Blues Sisters

What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, my oldest and youngest sister, my nephew and myself all went to see the movie "A Christmas Carol." This movie is in 3D and it's the first 3D movie I have ever been to.

The funniest part of the movie is when my sister Julie gasped at something flying at her. I got a good chuckle out of her, she did this a few times and I'm not too sure if she even realized that she was doing this, which made it funnier yet!

After our movie the four of us went out to a fantastic dinner. Once our dinner was finished, my youngest sister and my nephew went home and I toured over to Julie's. She showed me a few very helpful tips on using my new camera so now I hope that I'm not too intimidated by it. I ordered some photography books tonight and I sure hope that they are in before my Christmas holiday. I just might have some reading for pleasure time over the holidays and then I can begin to play with my new toy!

Thanks for the wonderful afternoon Jewel, Cat, and Stewie!

West Edmonton Mall

Today I helped cater a job for 750 people, roughly 500 children and 250 adults. The company had rented Galaxy Land at West Edmonton Mall , we served up hot dogs, numerous plates of fruit, baked goodies, chips, and beverages.

I think that this is a wonderful way for this company to have their children's Christmas Party. A gift is soon forgotten about while the memory of three hours in Galaxy Land will be etched into the children's memories for years to come.