my life as I know it

remember me??

2008-06-20T22:15:00.002-07:00

Hello....my name is Christie.....and I am a blogger wanna be.

Every day I sit at my computer telling myself that I should write something on this blogging site I have created for myself. And yet everyday it sits here empty.
Have you ever thought that you didn't have anything interesting to write? Or ever worried about who might read your page - therefore you can't be as honest and forthcoming as you'd like? Well that is me....or should I say the old me?

I have come to the realization that life is just too short. I have recently realized that this thing called life - it just goes on - and that a good chunk of what happens throughout it is completely out of my control. So why do I worry and stress about things that don't matter or that I have absolutly no power to change? So silly!

I do have some pretty great things to share.....so I need to start doing it! And I will not worry about who reads this blog as this is for me - not anyone else - and I can only hope that anyone who reads this will realize that.

So start looking forward to regular life updates - I have so much to say and am looking forward to making new friends who may share the same interests or who are going through the same experiences.

Chat soon..........

macaroni head

2007-10-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Nicknames.....

Nicknames are something that have always existed in my life. From the time that I was a little girl up until now most people that I know do not call me by my given name - but rather some chosen nickname that I have been given. Some that I can recall throughout my life are as follows:

These ones are oldies and are no longer used!!

Theadore - hmm - not sure where this one came from by my sister's opposite was Mathilda.....

Little Creep - again - not sure - but don't think that I was that terrible. Again this one had an opposite, my dad was the Big Creep

Bucky - this was a nickname in volleyball due to my huge head of hair!!!

Then there are the ones that are newer or have stuck with me since toddler years!

Cookie - well this is the most common one. It came from my lovely big sister as a youngster who couldn't pronouce my name properly -hence she called me "cookie" (she was a bit tubby then). My entire family calls me this, including my bro-in-law, who calls me nothing else. There are also a few family friends whom this name has stuck with. I can recall one instance when we were all in the Dominican for my sister's wedding. It was obviously family and a few close friends there. Well, my parents good friends came and brought along another couple with them who we had not met. About 5 or so days into the trip, one of them asked who the heck this "cookie" person was. It was kind of funny - but for the rest of the time there they also called me that!!! The funny thing is that I usually don't respond to that name unless my family is around....

Baby - this is a pet name that my boyfriend and I refer to each other. I seriously can even remember the last time I called him by his actual name...

Abby - thanks to the invention of text messaging - or in this case blackberry messenger (which is the same as MSN) fast typing can cause new names to form. Whilst typing me a very quick message - this is what baby turned into. It was funny to bug him on just who the heck this "abby" was. It is now our little joke - he calls me abby quite a lot now!

Tee Tee - This may just be my very favorite nickname. It is the name that my nephew Kaelen has called me ever since he could talk. It was much easier than saying Auntie Christie and I have to say much more endearing! I hope that my niece will pick up on it too!! I hope that this one sticks forever.

Which brings me to.....

Macaroni Head - yes, this is my newest official nickname so presented to me by Kaelen. He calls me often just to yell these to words into my ear - thinking it is quite funny. But at the same time it puts fear into him - the fear that I will call him a "macaroni head" first. So sweet really that I can't complain. One of my favorite calls to receive during the week!

I know, I know - you are all wishing that this fantastic name could be bestowed upon you - but sorry to say that it is already taken.....

If this isn't love - I don't know what is!!!! Does my head really look like pasta??????

wordless wednesday

2007-09-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

does my ass look fat????

This is in a little Arizona town where the wild burrows come out of the hills and you feed them carrots on the street. They were so cute!!

wordless wednesday

2007-09-19T21:54:00.001-07:00

Good sister moments......

getting to know me

2007-09-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Okay my dear sister....I guess this one is for you seeing as you have called me on my lazy blogging!!!!

The dreaded rules......
Post these rules before you give the facts. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.) When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post and then choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don't' forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

E = Eager : Whether it be eager to learn or eager to please that about sums me up. I am the first to volunteer for any project. I am the first to volunteer to help a friend. I am your regular eager beaver!!! I love to help - and so always jump in with both feet.

R = Respected : Or Respectful. I believe that having and earning respect is a very important thing. If you don't have respect - you don't have anything. I know that I am a well respected person - I have a good reputation of being honest, loyal and trustworthy (why aren't any of those letters in my middle name???). I am so respectful of others and their feelings and beliefs. I believe that being or having respect means being open to others ideas and beliefs. Respect is something that is never just given - it is earned.

I = Introvert : If I had to write this about 20 or so years ago - I'd have extrovert beside my E. I was the kid you could lose as I talked to anyone and everyone. I was so outgoing - the kid who loved everyone!! Not sure when it happened - but I definately turned into somewhat of a wallflower. Until you get to know me that is......hee hee. I am the type of person who sits back, takes it all in, don't like to stand out in a room full of strangers. But like I said - once I get to know you - you might wish I stayed this way.....

N = Nice : Oh yes - nice I am. Some would say too nice. My niceness sometimes gets me taken advantage of. I am nice to everyone - not one for much confrontation that is for sure. But as I get older, I have learned that I can still be nice and not have to be a door mat! I believe that a smile and a kind word can go a very long way!

There is it. Thank goodness I have a short middle name - will be thanking my mom for that later tonight! Seeing as I don't know many people in the blogging world - I really have no one to tag! My sister and Breanne are pretty much it - and they have done this already. Geez - guess I will have to make me some more friends!!!!

wordless wednesday

2007-06-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Big thanks to my sister who created this day - thought I'd join in the fun!

My momma and I :)

four year meme

2007-06-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Okay - so my sister tagged me for this - so figured that I would participate. Partly so she won't bug me about it and partly because she is one of a very few people who actually read this!!!

Four new things that I have learned or experienced in the last four years:

1. Becoming a Tee Tee - twice. For those of you who don't know what the hell that is....it means Auntie - at least it does to my nephew. If becoming a parent is half as wonderful as becoming an aunt - man, I can't wait!! I have the most wonderful and amazing nephew and the most beautiful and precious niece. I remember being so worried that I could never love Masyn like I do Kaelen - but man was I wrong! There is so much love to share I think I even have room to become a Tee Tee for a 3rd time! But I guess that isn't up to me!
2. I am brave. I never thought I had it in myself to do something alone. Taking this new job in Vancouver - leaving all those I love so dearly behind - knowing really nobody here at all - is something I never ever thought I could ever do! But look at me now! Sure, I do get lonely, but so far - no regrets. As I sit here typing this, looking out my window into the night, I still feel nothing but excitement.
3. 30's are the new 20's. I can not believe how much I love being in my 30's!! I am enjoying it so much it is unreal. I can't say that I really loved my 20's at all. I think I was still trying to find myself - and still am to some extent. But I guess I feel so much better about who I am and where I am going. I am having so much fun right now - and feel so happy that I have lots of my 30's left to experience. WOW! Can it get any better?? I guess that would be 40.......
4. I got thin!! One of my greatest accomplishments not only in the last 4 years, but of my life! I took control of my out of control problem and got me some skinny. Overall, from the beginning, I lost just over 60 lbs. I went from a size 18 to a size 10. I can't say that I am completely satisfied with where I am at - but getting much better at loving myself and my body - just the way it is! I can say that I am almost there - and can't wait to get there!

Four things that I want to try and do in the next 4 years:

1. Love myself to death! Although I have come such a long ways when it comes to my self esteem - I still feel that I have a ways to go. For some reason, I have always suffered from a lack of it - and am excited when I find pieces of it just lying around. This is something that I really want to work on so in 4 years time the person that I love most in this world is ME!!
2. Start a family? Yes, it is still a question - not a definate statement. I think that I want to have children, but there is still a small part of me that is not so sure that I could make that ultimate sacrifice. But if I DO decide to go down that road, I sure hope it will be within the next 4 years.
3. Be a better friend. There are certain things that you should never let slide in your lifetime and being a fabulous friend is one of those things. I have to admit that I can be a very lazy communicater (um, can you tell from how often I blog??). Now that I have moved away - I need to boost that effort ten fold. I want to call more, write more, listen better and visit well! Even if all my friends are busy with their lives too - I want to make sure that I put in the best effort as I possibly can! I don't want to miss a thing.
4. Make friends with Gym. Yes, it is spelled right. Nope, it is not a person. It is exactly what it is - the gym (I hear these 2 words in a low menacing voice!!). I am so not a gym person. People who know me well will agree that I detest this place. I hate going here more than an enema. But I want to love it. I want to be one of those people that can't live without it. I want to get myself healthy and make this place a staple in my life. Right now it is like forcing a child to eat beans. I have to force myself to go, telling myself that one day I will love this place! It is my new mantra....I love the gym. I love the gym. I love the gym. NOT.

Now is the time when I am supposed to tag four people. Well......um......I don't know 4 blogging people.....only 2 and my sister already tagged me! So I will tag the one remaining blogging person that I know!

So Breanne - your turn!!!!

weekend to end breast cancer

2007-05-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is my attempt at a plug for my cause!! I am doing the Weekend to End Breast Cancer 60km walk at the end of July in Calgary for the 2nd year in a row! It was an amazing experience - one that I am hoping to do again!

If you are interested in sponsoring me for my walk - check out my webpage - http://www.endcancer.ca/site/TR?px=1254230&pg=personal&fr_id=1190

This weekend had such an impact on me last year – that I registered again for this year to do it all over again. Sounds weird, but I can’t wait for the blisters, sore feet, and aching body – just to relive this experience all over again. This is where I am hoping you can play a part to help me do it! I will gladly donate my time and body – but I can’t get to this weekend without the support of you! They said that we were all like superheroes for doing this walk – personally I think that all of you who donate are the heroes. I would never be able to have this life altering experience without you!
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation is simply this - an awesome life changing adventure. During one amazing weekend, July 27-29, 2007, thousands of women and men will unite in Calgary to walk 60 kilometers in a bold display of courage and commitment. It’s a weekend of hope, as we honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it. This extraordinary weekend is about finding the hero in yourself and discovering strength you never knew you had. The money you donate will benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation, a leader in the fight against breast cancer. One in every nine Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Maybe someone in your life has been affected. It could be your mother, sister, wife, daughter, son, or a friend. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is your chance to go the distance in the fight against this disease; it’s your chance to be a hero for someone you love or someone you may never even meet.
You may be wondering why I am doing this. Well, it has been something I have wanted to do for a very long time, but finally have gotten up the courage to take that important first step and signed up! 1 out of every 9 women is affected by this terrible disease - I want to help so I don't hear of another friend or loved one who has to struggle through this.

This was the great support I had from my sister, nephew and mom!!

My friend Kyre and I before the walk started! Kyre and I at the end of 60km - still smiling!!

Look at all the people who particiapted!!

giddy up!!

2007-05-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a National Sales Conference in Arizona - yes - it was tough -but someone had to go!!! Let me tell you - it was amazing! I have never been and it was a wonderful time. Not many people can say that about a sales conference - but this was more of a reward time for us instead of business. We had so much free time and minimal meetings! And the weather was so so HOT! I loved it!

We took a day trip to Sedona - what a beautful area!

Here are some photos of my fabulous trip!!!

Such a good time!!

Wish I was still there!!!! We stayed at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - I highly recommend if you want somewhere very nice to go!

what a view!!

2007-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

I just could not keep my swanky new place all to myself! Had to share some photos with you all so you could see what I get to see on a daily basis!!!!

You can see Grouse Mountain when you look over the balcony (unfortunately not in this photo)

This is looking out the main big windows!

Another look at the big window!

I won't totally bore you with a million photos! Just a few so you get the idea!

Doesn't it look grand??

planes, trains and sirens

2007-05-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

When you have your first relaxing weekend at your new home, you learn a few things. This is what I have learned:

1. These wonderful windows that I have in my house are not so wonderful in the morning. Although they are extrordinary at night - they are extremely bright in the morning! Gone are the days of sleeping in as I believe that 5:00am is my new wake up time. It feels like a spotlight shining right in your face!!!!!
(that being said - the morning sun on the deck is a lovely place to enjoy a coffee - may has well - I am awake!!!)
2. I have come to realize that the water planes must take off and land somewhere near my house. A few times I felt like opening the windows to let them through!
3. It has also come to my attention that not only is there a major hospital but a mere 10 blocks away - but also the local police and fire stations as well. I was astute at figuring this one out as the 10th or so siren went screaming down the road yesterday.
4. The train yard is not as far away as I thought. The friendly "toot, toot" of the train is prevelent at least twice a day.
5. The phrase "What goes up, must come down" is very true. I learned this lesson in my eagerness to get out and enjoy the sun yesterday. I enthusiastically started walking to my new bank - which is only a mere 13 blocks away - straight UPHILL. And I don't mean a small hill - we are talking some pretty major inclines here. I thought getting up it was my victory - no so - coming down is no cakewalk either! I watched as some youngster screamed down the hill on a skateboard - which had me envisioning myself upon it - going straight into the water as I'd be unable to stop.
6. Houses are not cheap in North Vancouver. I learned this simply by walking out my door. My neighbour across the hall in 1005 is selling their unit - for a mere $564,000. I almost choked on my gum.
7. Fresh food is in abundance! Long gone are the days of buying crap produce in the grocery store - as I have at least 4 fresh veggie markets within 2 blocks of my new abode.
8. Did I mention how I love the view???? FANTASTIC!! This alone makes all of the above so worthwhile!!!!!

I do love my new place - and I can't wait to learn more new things about the neighbourhood next weekend!!!!

my first dinner

2007-05-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it took just over a week, but I had my first dinner guest over tonight. That is besides my mom who was wonderful enough to come and visit me the 2nd day that I was here!!! A girl from my new office came over tonight. We went for a nice walk around the neighbourhood and then had a great dinner back here. It was nice to have someone over - as I really don't know anyone in Vancouver besides my cousin and one other friend in the Surrey area. The only other people that I knew when coming here were the people that worked in BC and in the BC office. We had a great time tonight - talking about work stuff (which ALWAYS happens when you get together with other work people) and getting to know each other better. I see a great friendship in our future - she is a wonderful person - and I can't wait to do this again!!

It is strange - as it still feels like I am only on vacation. I wonder when this will actually kick in that this is all real and that I do not live in Calgary any more???

all settled in

2007-05-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, all settled in now. Here I am in the big city - Vancouver. Well, North Vanocuver really. It is a surreal feeling. It doesn't really feel like I am here permanently - more like that I am just here on a vacation or something. I wonder when it will hit me that this is permanent!
I started my new job yesterday. It's been a lot of information in a short period of time - but I think once I get into things all will be good!
I have to say that I LOVE my new place. It's all windows with a fantastic view. I am only 2 blocks from the water. And 2 blocks from the Lonsdale Quay, the great little marketplace and the sea bus over to downtown. All in all, it is a fantastic area.
The whole moving thing has been so tiring. I can't wait to get caught up on some sleep this weekend. It will be the first 2 days in a very long time that I have absolutly nothing to do unless I want to!!!! I am actually going for a walk with a co-worker on Friday night along the sea wall and then having a nice dinner back at my place. Other than that it will be much needed R&R!

Now that I am here - far away from all that I love dearly - I will be a regular poster - as it will serve as a great form of communication to all those that I left behind to begin my new adventure. Thanks to all of them for the unwaivering support - I could have never made this huge leap without them!

MS? Still the Question!!

2007-02-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

So - I went to my appointment at the MS clinic just over a week ago. And I am unable to give any more insight than last time I posted on this subject! I met with a nurse there - and she didn't know anything about my file or history - she was just there to give me information. So I now know exactly what MS is (basically it is an overactive immune system that makes your body attack itself. Your immune system attacks your Central Nervous System - making basic motor function and things a bit tougher), what MS relapses are, what to look for, what to avoid, and what my options are should I actually develop the disease.
All in all it was extremely informative. I (on the advice of my sister) have now started a journal to mark down any possible symptoms, how long they last, what may have triggered them and such. This way, it will be easier to track the progression of the illness. I should point out again that I have not been diagnosed with MS - but figure it is better to be ahead of the game instead of trying to play catch up!
So my next appointment is in the middle of March - this with my neurologist. So hopefully I will learn much more about what is going on with this body of mine then!!! Until then, I will take my vitamin D3, avoid echinachia and cold FX, and try to take care of myself as best as I can!!

21 Years

2007-02-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

Today marks the day that my father passed away. 21 years ago to this day. It is so strange to think that it has been so long. My life has changed so much since I was that small 11 year old girl - I guess that is expected! We all have to grow up sometime!
I find myself reflective today. I ask myself questions. Like - How different would I be had he still been alive? Would he be proud of me now?
I can only hope that he would be so very proud of my life now and the choices I have made. I truly believe that he is watching over me - and I feel his presence almost every day. It is so strange - it is so hard to imagine what life would be like with him in it. I am so used to being without him it is almost surreal to imagine him here. Our family has been the 3 of us for as long as I can remember (well - bigger now of course with Paul and Kaelen and soon to be another little one added). It sometimes make me sad that it is so hard to remember him, but I have to remind myself that I only knew him for 11 years. And those were the best 11 years of my life!!

So on this day - I remember you Dad. Thanks for always being there, for the encouragement, for the fun. Thanks for making me the active person I am today, for being so involved in introducing me to new sports. Thanks for being the "Big Creep" and for letting me be your "Little Creep". Thanks to you, my memories of childhood are so wonderful. I look back at that time not with tears in my eyes because you are gone, but with a smile on my face for what you gave me while you were here.
I love you.

A Thinking Meme

2007-01-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

So, my sister, Allie, tagged me for this. So I will be a good sport and do it! I have to say though - it does look as though it requires more thinking than my brain may allow this morning!!!

1. If you had to choose one vice in exclusion of all others, what would it be?
Hmmm......not really sure if I have any vices. None that stand out in my mind anyways. What is something that I can't live without? Oh - now I know. My nails. Get them done every month - love them - want them - need them!!!

2. If you could change one specific thing about the world, what would it be?
Wow - if only I had the power. I would have to say the ignorance and intolerance that some people have towards things that they do not understand. Be it religion, homosexuality, war, race or whatever.

3. Name the cartoon character that you identify with the most.
Ha-ha - too funny. I don't know too many cartoons that are on now-a-days! I am an old school cartoon girl! I am not too sure which character that I identify with - Bugs Bunny? Slightly sarcastic and quick on my feet.
I know who I'd like to be for sure - Smurfette - the lone girl amungnst all those boys!!

4. If you could live one day in your life over again, which would it be?
I would have to agree with my sister on this one. Not one. Although there are some days that I would love to change - I wouldn't as it has made me the person that I am today. And as weird as it sounds - if I did pick a day - I would pick a very happy one, instead of going back to change a bad one.

5. If you could go back in history and spend a day with one person, who would it be?
This one is easy for me. Although there are many profound people in history that would be so interesting to spend the day with and speak to - I have someone much better in mind. My dad. I would love to spend the day with him. Being the age I am and the things that I have experienced - I would love to have a conversation with him now - as an adult. See what he thinks of my life and the person that I have become. What a great day that would be!

6. What is the one thing that you lost, sold or threw away that you wish you had back?
I wish I had something of my dads. We gave away all of his things after he died - and being so young when it happened - I didn't think to hold on to anything. Sure I have photos and my memories - but I was more thinking along the lines of one of his hockey jerseys or something like that.

7. What is your one most important contribution to this world?
Besides my being alive (ha-ha) - I am not too sure. I have not done anything majorly significant as of yet in my life. My open mind and generous heart are the only things that I have at this point. I volunteer at the Calgary Humane Society - bringing them food, blankets and what not for the animals. I have helped with the cleaning of cages by playing with the animals when their cage is being cleaned. My boyfriend is much more involved than I am - but I help out when I can. I cannot at this time think of anything major I have done that would affect the world!!

8. What is your one hidden talent that nearly no one knows about?
Speed walking. I could win an Olympic Gold medal - if they had one for this sort of thing. Man am I fast!!! I look like a moron doing it - which is why nearly no one knows that I can!!!

9. What is your most cherished possesion?
I actually have 4. How lucky am I??? There is the photo collague that my mom made my sister and I with pictures of us with my dad. There is this old patchwork quilt that my mom made me when I was little. I have a doll that my grandma made me when I was born. And I have a framed needle point cloth of the lords prayer that my mom did.

10. What one person influenced you life the most when growing up?
This one is easy. My sister. With her being 2 years older - I looked up to her and idolized her. I wanted to be just like her. Much to her dislike - I was her little mini-me. If we went out to eat - I had to have what she was having. I tried to dress like her. I followed her around like a lost puppy. Safe to say - she disliked me for quite some time!!!
My sister is a very strong person. Without her in my life to give me advise or beat me up (until I got bigger!!) - I would never have become the person that I am today. She was my only loyal friend that I had when growing up. She stuck up for me - and didn't let anyone push me around. She was and still is my best friend - I would be completely lost without her.

11. What word describes you better than any other?
Loyal

Okay! Finally done! That is it! I have no one to tag at this point - so it ends here!!

MS or not MS? That is the question.

2007-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

That is definately the question!! After about 2 years of MRI's, random unpleasant symptoms, visits to the neurologist - I have now been referred to the MS clinic. But I still am unsure if I actually HAVE this illness. I am sure that after my first visit, I will have some answers to this question - at least I hope so.
I feel kind of stupid. I left my last appointment with my neurologist confused. Why didn't I ask more questions? I went alone, and guess I just didn' t really know what to ask. My MRI scan of my brain came back OK - nothing major of any concern - he even said he wasn't concerned at all at anything he saw on it. Well, for the first time, they did an MRI on my neck. I have always had trouble with my neck - it is always sore and I have this cronic knot on the right side that never seems to go away. My doctor said that they were concerned about what they found on my neck. What appeared to be a large lesion on the right side. When I feel that "knot" that I've always thought it was - I now realize that it is very hard - and probably not a knot at all.
So now off to the clinic I go - hoping to get some clarity about what is going on with my body! I now know not to dismiss the seemingly insignificant things that happen to me - like my right arm going numb or extreme tiredness - because these are symptoms of MS. Sure - I can find other reasons for them happening - but what if I am wrong?
My first appointment is on January 26 and I will not be going alone! My sister is coming with me to help sort it all out. My boyfriend and I sometimes joke and call her the "internet doctor" because she does so much research on the internet about things. She gets very informed -sometimes too informed -about things. But despite the sometimes joking about it - I will be very glad to have said doctor with me in 2 weeks - because I can guarentee she will be much more informed than I will be!!