Me, Myself and I

Ya, Renee tagged me..or so she "claims!"

2009-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

So, here it is..rules and all..

Here are the rules:*Go to the photos folder on your computer.*Go to the seventh folder of photos.*Go to the seventh photo.*Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.*Invite seven friends to join.

I must admit, I think I'm happy with my 7th album, 7th photo! It's Brent, in the Kit car..at Castle Fun park..hehe Kinda looks like he's struggling to get out, doesn't it?

Well, I know the rules say to tag 7 people but I'm not sure if I know many people who blog too much anymore. I'll say, Leanne, Shari, Jeannine and Megan..I think they're the ones that update the most! Happy posting!

Krista needs...

2009-02-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

So I stole this from Renee's blog, cuz she's given me grief for not blogging in ages!! So, I figured this would be a great way to get back into the game! It's a little game she played called "Renee needs.." and well, as you can see, I decided to use my own name! hehe Object of the game is to google your name with needs behind it and see what you get. And then list 10 of 'em! Or more if they're REALLY funny! So, let's see what kind of interesting things I need, thanks to google!

Krista needs her friends to be patient and understanding (so far so good, hey?)
Krista needs the support of a family (of course I do!)
Krista needs someone to rely on (hmmmm)
Krista needs a Halloween costume (naw..my mullet will do just fine..)
Krista needs a job (no, I do not! but a better paying one would be welcome!)
Krista needs to unwind (oh, you better believe it!)
Krista needs to have an approved, active home study (well..I hope not!)
Krista needs all that Lee has taught her to keep Sugar's trust (who's Sugar?)
Krista needs some prompting to take smaller bites of food and to slow down (lol Okay...)
Krista needs to have more vampire sex (Are you KIDDING me?? NOOO!)

Tag You're it!

2008-11-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize I am seriously over due with an update and this is a lame way to fill the gap, but I have just been SO busy! So, I promise I will update soon! But for now..I was tagged by Elizabeth, but her blog is private so I won't bother listing it!

Now for my unspectacular list of 6 things about myself......

1) I watch the news everyday, actually a few times a day! I have a need to keep up with what's going on in the world. Sometimes it's crap, like the crap I'm watching right now about a video of baby's being encouraged to beat on each other (by the dad!) and that's the kind of stuff I hate to see.
2) I have a very sarcastic sense of humor. I know, shocking, right?
3) Every time I see the commercial for the Wall-E DVD, I get sad. Why? Because my nephew, Riley, does the perfect Wall-E impression so when I hear the commercial, I always think that it's Riley but it isn't and I miss the kids so bad!
4) My class 4 license is up for renewal in January, and I'm hoping I won't be one of those random people selected for a mandatory physical. Who has time for that crap? Plus, it's costs $120.
5) My parents are doing a complete overhaul of their house. I'm secretly worried that I will never get used to the house once it's completed. I realize that my last holiday out there was the last one in the home that I once knew. I like being able to go back to visit and stay in the home I used to live in.
6) I will be staying with my sister and brother in law for my Christmas holidays this year. That will be weird. I'm used to being at mom and dad's but since the reno is going on, there is no room for me in their temp home! So, I will awaken to the pitter patter of little feet every morning..(which isn't THAT bad..)

I tag Charmaine, Renee, Lyndsay, Leanne, Cara and Megan!

Here are the rules for this tag....
Rules:
1). Link the person that tagged you.
2).Mention the rules on your own blog.
3). List 6 unspectacular things about you.
4).Taggify 6 other bloggers

One Plunge = 2 Bum Feet!

2008-09-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year again! The midnight "Widow Dip"! It has become tradition, now that we've done it 2 years in a row, to honor Dave, Karen's late husband who died tragically 2 years ago today. As Karen puts it, "What man wouldn't want to be remember by a bunch of naked women freezing their tushes off in the water??" We had 2 newbies on board this year, and found that the dock seemed smaller..hehe. So, below, we have the photo of the dunkees..from left to right, me (duh), Heather, Chelsea, Karen and Alanna. After a lovely photo shoot, we thought, how fun would it be to get a photo of us all standing with our backs to the camera while in the water? So, the 4 girls all lined up and waited for me while I set up the camera and tripod and set the timer. Once I pushed the shutter, I realized I had about 10 seconds to get to the group, so what did I do? I jumped off the dock. That's fast right? Well, since it was dark, and since I ignored the 1 warning I heard about not jumping in there, I had no idea it was so shallow. Only about 2 1/2 feet of water. So ya, I landed, hard, on both heels into the rocks. Lucky for the sub-zero temperatures, it was like instant ice packs on my feet. Anyhow, my brilliant plan back fired cuz now I have a photo of 4 ladies shoulder to shoulder, and then me, in the bottom corner, crunched up and holding my feet. Where did that make me end up? Well..scroll down...
Yep, the emergency room. A kazillion xrays on both feet later, I got the news that I DID NOT break either foot, but I did badly bruise both heels, and found out I had a bone spur in the left heel, which makes everything all the more painful. The nice doctor gave me some Advil, wrapped up my foot, told me to keep it elevated and said "You're gonna need crutches, but sorry we don't have any here". So, they sent me out the same way I came, attempting to walk on 2 very painful feet. I had to rent crutches the following day, but am still having to hobble. I walk on my tippie toes, with the majority of my weight on my right toes..but this awkward hobble (even with the crutches) causes major muscles cramps in both calves! So, needless to say, I can't stand for very long, and driving a stick sucks right now. Especially last night, when I had to drive 5km/hour through a construction zone in bumper to bumper traffic (at 10:45pm!) to get to work. I try not to use my clutch too much, but that was ridiculous! Yes, I will be taking the back roads to work from now on! And work, well that's just a whole new adventure, having to transfer the clients and stand at the counter to cook..nope, not working to well! At least they have an extra wheel chair if I need it!

All in all, we made some memories, bonded like naked women do (very carefully, hehe) and shared many laughs. Until next September...WE LOVE YA DAVE!!

Danger Zone?

2008-08-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

This upcoming weekend is the Abbotsford Air Show..a HUGE event where people travel all around to come and see! Abbotsford since $1, 000,000 into the event and it's quite something. I happen to live close to the airport and get to "enjoy" the airshow from the moment that the planes start arriving. Not exactly prime sleeping conditions for a night shifter like me! Today was the day when a whole bunch of them decided it'd be a great day for practicing, and after realizing that it was pointless to try and sleep anymore, I grabbed my camera and hung out on my balcony for the fly bys! I sure was hoping to catch a glimpse of Maverick and Goose, but I don't think they were on the planes! ;-) They did, however, fly close enough for me to actually SEE the pilots! Insane! Anyhow, hope you enjoy the photos..a small fraction of what I actually took! I think these are my best! Almost all of them are the USAF (United States Air Force) with the last one being some vintage planes in formation. Too bad I'm busy all weekend, I'm not sure I'll actually get another chance like this.

Brigade Days

2008-08-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of paddling from Abbotsford to Fort Langley (approx. 20+km) this past Sunday for a re-enactment of the fur traders arriving in the Fort for BC's 150th birthday, along with 3 of my fellow dragon boat team mates, Carrie, Corinne and Christelle. (good thing my name is spelled with a K!) What a great experience! We paddled for 4 hours in the gorgeous sun on the murky Fraser River. Here are a few photos from that day:

A view of the Mission Bridge with a couple of the voyageur canoes we paddled in.

Getting ready to go!
A view from behind our boat of most of the voyageurs
Me! Our lunch break at Crescent Island..we didn't stay long, since every mosquito in the world seemed to make their home there! Our boat is the one to my left, with the otter pelt under the green flag. We stopped at the harbour airport just outside of Fort Langley to get into our costumes..Carrie was trying to find the "right" hat, and found road kill instead! Corinne thought it was hilarious! (as did I!)
Leaving the airport in full costume!

From left to right, Joel (Christelle's husband), Carrie in lead stroke, and Christelle. Matching red "Where's Waldo" hats!

Me! I chose a head band..after all it was about 30 degrees out! Who wants to wear a wool hat?

The "Gov'nah" in his boatGetting into formation as we approach the beachI bought this photo from the newspaper, it made the "archives" section! hehe Well, we thought it was great! We approached to hundreds of onlookers and paparazzi!The "Gov'nah" making his way off the boatSome more of the costumes
Us! From left, Corinne, Carrie, me and Christelle posing in front of the map. Some paddlers actually paddled the voyageurs all the way from Fort St. James, BC (10 day trip) and camped their whole way down. Dedication! No showers, no toilets..NO WAY! Sir Simon Fraser and I!

Harlow family makes International News!

2008-07-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Nicole heard something interesting on the news the other day, and decided to give it a closer listen...little did she know, it was a story about a cousin of ours from Indiana! He's a pastor in Kokomo, IN, who used a motorcycle in his sermon for a prop...but his sermon didn't exactly start off as planned! Read the story here for a good laugh! And yes..we really are related..

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8717453&nav=menu188_2

Really LONG overdue!

2008-07-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

So sorry about the very long pause between updates! My life has been crazy busy! I just got home last week from a 2 1/2 holiday in Devon, and as you can imagine, I came home with plenty of photos! I got there just in time for Kennedy's 1st birthday, on June 28. She sure loved her cake!

And Grammama brought her a tiara to go with her cake! She kept it on for quite sometime!

Grammama poses with her 3 great grandchildren! 4 generations!We spent tonnes of time out at Tammy and Dallas' farm south west of Calmar. We ALWAYS come back with funny stories and photos! Here, Nicole tackled one of Dallas' prized grain bins. That's as high as she would go!
Poor Riley did a face plant into a mud puddle! And being the caring and concerned Auntie that I am, I turned and ran for my camera first, Riley second! Playing in the canola fields...Riley too!One of my favorite photos of Kennedy. So precious! Kennedy and I posing in front of the field..she was more interested in the dog!My hottie sister! I swear, Nicole should be a model! She's disgustingly photogenic! Forget this nurse business! Go pose for photos for a living!
This photo just HAD to be included! Nice timing, hey? I was taking a nice shot of Nicole, and just as I clicked, our stinker nephew Ben whipped a koosh ball at her head..it was so perfect! Again..my hottie sister!July 9 would have been James' 7 birthday, so I went out to the cemetery for a quick visit. Jen, Stephen and kids went out later and brought James a cupcake and sang happy birthday, a yearly tradition.I had to get a shot of this..since our beloved Patti is buried just behind James..she's watching over him for us!
Of course, Menna and I get together and cameras are constantly going!I wish we had a stick with a bag tied on the end..cuz I coulda taken a great shot of Menna looking like a hobo!Looking over the city. Always have to have a night shot!One of my favorite pics! Ben does the splits on the trampoline!Our cutie pie Riley! The kids and I.Nic and the kidletsNic and the boys (since Kennedy got tired of posing!) My mommy and daddy!

Sturgeon Fishing!

2008-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to try my hand at sturgeon fishing on Saturday..and what a rush! I went with my friend Carrie and her friend Rob (who's a pro! That helps!)

Here's Carrie starting the day off with a good breakfast!

Shortly after we dropped our lines, we got our first bite! Carrie was the first to try and wrestle it in!
It was heavy! Rob gave it a try too!I kept busy making faces!My turn! Yes, it really was that heavy!Measuring the sturgeon! 5 foot 7 inches! WOAH!
Carrie trying to keep the tail from spanking her! Yep, she's squealing too!Much better! My turn! It took a little bit of convincing by Rob to stick my hand in it's mouth!2 thumbs up!Sturgeon number 2!This one was smaller..looks about 3 feet or so! It was hot! 33 C! So, how does one cool off? Hits the nearest watering hole! In our case, it was the muddy Fraser River!And what stayed dry with the head dip, got wet when using a bowl!My turn! Shorter hair and more of a chicken meant that the head dip wasn't as successful!
Put your legs into it!
I gave up and went straight to the bowl method!
It was a great day! Can't wait to do it again!

Weekend in Victoria

2008-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a friend from Edmonton who was in Victoria for the week. I went out for the weekend and had a blast, despite the weekend starting off like a bad 3 Stooges film! After I worked a night shift, I drove to the ferry terminal, and waited for the 9am ferry. As the cars started to go, I went to start my car and was met with a terrible sound..er er er..Ahh! My battery was dead! (Lesson learned: do not sit and listen to your radio with out your car running..being kind to the environment gets you punished!) So, I pound on my steering wheel a few times, try again, hear the same sound, start running to cars around me asking for cables and came up short. I had to sit there and direct cars around my car and think about what to do. So, I sprint to the ticket booth in the pouring rain(which was not close, by the way) and have them call someone to boost me. I get the jump, and make it on the ferry with 5 min. to spare. But, with driving so little of a distance to get on the ferry, I was confident I would run into the same problem. And you guessed it, it happened! So, I had to direct the cars around me again (how humiliating!) and wait to get jumped again! Finally, I had a running car, and was on my way to meet up Ximena at the hotel! I tell you, the weekend vastly improved from there!

We drove up to Duncan on the Sat. to meet my grandparents for lunch and Menna became an instant member of the family!

Menna also made a friend with our friendly neighbourhood violinist!
We had lunch at a cute little pub!

On the Malahat highway..we decided to be tourists and make a bad left turn into the pullout..Good thing Menna's blind..she missed out on seeing any imminent danger..hehe
Menna has an album in progress, and as she writes her songs, she gets inspiration for photos! And, as her personal photographer, I followed direction! Here, she played her newly purchased kazoo on the street and held out her hat. We were just pretending, of course!
I asked this nice woman if she would pretend to drop money in her hat for a photo.
Go figure, she put in a REAL toonie! hehe

Menna then joined this fellow for an impromptu concert.

I love this photo of Menna..so natural! She's always laughing!

Having fun with the "statue" ladyCherry blossoms, me, Menna, and our paper stick figure Deb! She couldn't really be there for the weekend, so we pretended she was!Leg grounds at night.

The fountain in front of the Leg. buildingBuds!

Shenanigan's are my specialty!

2008-04-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

I do like April Fool's! It's the day I look forward to the most all year! I usually plan for it for about 6 months prior to the actual event, but this year I was a bit more spontaneous! And as a result, I was able to pranks at least 40 of my friends! hehe I'm SO excited! Here are a list of my pranks, along with the results:

I emailed my entire dragon boat team and told them that I was quitting the team to move to Alberta for a great job opportunity. I started getting replies almost immediately! I almost felt guilty for doing it, since they were writing me such wonderful things about how much they would miss me, but I remembered how fun it was so the guilt passed. Until poor Alanna..she had received the message at 8:30am, and I was asleep until 3:30pm, so she spent all day texting, calling, emailing..she was so upset! When I broke the news to her, she was actually crying with relief! Okay..so maybe I felt a bit guilty after that..but not enough to stop me from laughing!
I changed my relationship status on facebook to "in a relationship" and received at least 30 messages from friends wanting the "scoop"!
At work, I left a fake poop on a plate in the cupboard, taped the fridge shut, left a note for the manager telling him that the stove caught fire the night before, and rigged the shower to spray the face of the staff who went to turn it on..hehe And I got a call at 7:45am by that staff member telling me that she was NOT impressed that she was now soaking wet! hahah Still not feeling too guilty..
I called a friend to tell her that I had given my 2 weeks notice at work because I accepted a position elsewhere. She was SO excited for me! Until I told her it was in Ft.St. John..and then she got all quiet and kept saying "I'm TRYING to be happy for you" And then I told her that it was a joke and boy was she ticked! hahahaha (Oh, Karen..you are SO fun to tease!)

Yes, today is the day when lying is acceptable, and admitting to it is even funnier!

Like the good ol' days..

2008-04-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

My brother in law came out for a couple of days for work, so we made the most of it and did some of the things we both love! Fish and Chips at Pajo's in Steveston, walking on the beach, people watching, checking out little shops, frozen yogurt, candy shops..it was a great way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon!

This little guy was one of the many that we kept fed..

One of the swans that we saw down on the pier..it was HUGE!
Stephen taking photos of one of the swans

The pair.

One of the shrimp boats set up to sell us fresh shell fish..mmm

Lots of kites out at Gary's Point! There were 2 really big ones! And this guy hopped up on his sled on wheels and rode the wind all the way across the field and back again!Down on the beachThis photo really catches my eye for some reason..
Smashing rocks!

My apologies..

2008-03-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I've updated my blog, but I've been really busy lately! And when I'm not busy, I'm too busy being lazy to do it! It's been a few weeks of trying to get back into dragon boating, on top of the normal busy-ness. Today was our 2nd Sat. on the water and my first time paddling, since I was steering last week. And I have to admit, the muscles in my back are a teensy bit sore! As are my legs and abs! But, it's a good hurt. It's really great to be back out on the water. The quiet of the lake, combined with the methodical plunk and dripping of 20 paddles in unison, is therapeutic! And it's also very addictive! Today, it was really hard to concentrate on my lead paddlers, as overhead, flew at least a dozen bald eagles. 1 sat perched on the usual spot, watching us as we paddled past. It sure was nice to be out again, with the lake, the trees, the mountains, the eagles, the quiet and serenity. Almost makes me feel sorry for poor Karen..who's decided to join a team out at False Creek. She gets to deal with traffic jams, pay parking, red tide, polluted water, noise and having to avoid hitting the aqua-taxi! I think I got it pretty good! Paddles up, Karen!!! (But, uh, don't let the water drip on your skin..direct contact isn't healthy...) ;-)

It took a few weeks..but I finally caught 1! Actually..2!

2008-02-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

I've been out enjoying the gorgeous weather (+15ish) and sunshine, lately, so I thought I'd share some of what I've been up to!

These crosses stand for babies killed by abortions..apparently it's almost 2000 babies a week! They put these crosses up every year and I think it's an amazing protest. Sad, but amazing. There's one in Abbotsford, but this one was taken in Lynden, Washington.

The full moon a couple of days before the eclipse. Shortly after I took this, I got a flat tire! I was out looking for Bald Eagles, and not only did I not find the eagles, but a pot hole cost me $220 for a new tire!The eclipse..a little dark, but we had cloud cover!

As the eclipse was just ending..

A Canada Goose in flight (it was trying to get away from me..haha)Still going..A duckie..who knows what kind!

Another duck!I had to phone a friend and make her flip through her bird watching novel to figure out what this was! An American Coot! Isn't it strange looking??Another ducky!

Love the colors..Mallard flying away!Again, flying away!

Another ducky, just relaxing in the water.And I finally found those darn Bald Eagles! 2 of them! And they were at Mill Lake, just down the road from my place..and I had spent 2 weeks driving all over God's green earth searching for them! Sheesh!Another one!
Here he is again!This is the 2nd one...every time they left the tree, they were chased down by seagulls.I waited about 15 min. with my camera to my face for the eagle to fly away for the "money shot"!And I got it!Taking a bath..And another bather!

Birdie Birdie, in the sky..

2008-02-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

..dropped a turdy in my eye..I'm no baby, I won't cry! I'm just glad that cows don't fly! Okay..so I HAD to use the poem..it moved me! Last week I went on the hunt for trumpeter swans, and found many different types of birds that caught my camera and me by surprise! I put them on my blog so Gramma and Grampa Petrie could enjoy..so, G and G..I hope you love them!

As you know, I have always had an obsession with blue herons, thanks to the grandparents! My goal in life is to get the most amazing photo of a heron so I can enlarge the photo and frame it for them. One day, Gramma..one day! I saw this fellow hiding down by the canal near a park when I was driving. I think sometimes, I have my dad's eyes..he sees everything!

Dad says this is a Cormerant. I have never seen one before, but the yellow on the black caught my attention. So beautiful!

Here's what the heron did to me for an hour..I'd catch up to it, and it would fly away..I walked up and down that darn canal for an hour trying to get "the shot"! Oh well. I think the birds are smarter than me!
The last photo before the heron took off for good.Dad thinks that these are wood ducks. It's the reflection that caught my attention.Another reflection shot.
Here are those Cormerants again. Reflections make the most amazing photos even more amazing..Some trumpeter swans make their presence known. I hopped in my car and followed the "honks" and found a few hanging out with some mallards. As I opened my car door, they all started to fly, so I quickly took a few photos while still sitting in my car! I had to get this view!

Found some more interesting birds..and majestic as well! I do love bald eagles, and see them all the time, especially when I'm dragon boating. Always wishing I had my camera. This time I did.
Some more trumpeters coming in as the sun starts to set.I thought this was a hawk, but luckily, my very smart dad pointed out that it's actually a Golden Eagle..wow! There was actually 2 of them..one was right above my head, the other was this one, just across the pond.A little blurry, but I still like it! Must be another one of those Cormerants!The bald eagle with the sunset in the background. Nice way to end my adventure!

Top Five..

2008-02-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

This looked ike something fun, so I thought I'd give it a whirl!

5 things you cannot live without for under $10 each:

1. Gum
2. Chapstick
3. Toilet paper
4. CDR's
5. 3.9 cent a min. long distance

5 of your favorite movies:

1. Ready to Rumble
2. The Ringer
3. Princess Bride
4. Steel Magnolias
5. The Rundown

5 + 5 = 10 baby names that you love (using names you love, but aren't planning on using)

Girls: Hannah, Abby, Emma, Kenzie, Bertha (uh..okay..maybe I was just stumped for a 5th..hehe)
Boys: Grayson, Jack, Logan, Brody, Frank (again..stumped..and I even googled a baby names site! lol)

5 songs you could listen to over and over:

1. Everything by Michael Buble
2. Wake up Call by Maroon 5
3. What if his People Prayed by Casting Crowns
4. Fix you by Cold Play
5. Ticks by Brad Paisley

5 People who have influenced your life in a positive way:

1. My mom
2. Myron and Grace
3. Karen
4. Tammy
5. My sisters

5 items that stay in your purse at all times:

1. Chapstick
2. Cell phone
3. Debit card
4. Passport
5. Gum

5 moments you knew everything had changed forever:

1. Following James' casket to the graveyard
2. Putting the last item in my car before moving to another province
3. Getting the phone call from Shannon..
4. Hitting puberty..hehe
5. Finding out the hardway who your real friends are

5 Obsessions you have right now:

1. Photography
2. My niece and nephews
3. Dragon boating
4. Facebook
5. Reality tv

5 places you would really like to go to:

1. Australia
2. Scotland
3. Greece
4. Fiji
5. Tahiti

Choose your own adventure!

2008-02-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

We made it to Stanely Park's 3rd Beach just as the sun was setting, and rushed down to the water for the view.

Of course we had to goof off too! I totally love this photo..and there was no editing to it! All fluke!

Josh shows us his stuff.

Stephen, future cheerleader!

Matt, hair model extraordinaire!Pretending to be "tourists"

The Lost LagoonDowntown Vancouver with the Lost Lagoon in the foreground.One of the swans that came over for a snack..
Too bad that the "snack" was a $20 bill that Stephen held tightly onto!Some more attempts and getting the swan to try and eat the bill..City scape with the swan in the foreground

Taking advantage of the sun..

2008-01-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sunday's weather was +11 and gorgeous! So, I packed up the camera equipment and tripod, picked up Karen (my photog. assistant who worked for pop) and took in the sites of Ft. Langley!

We walked across the bridge from Ft. Langley to the campground on Brea Island (where you catch the Albion Ferry to Maple Ridge) and got a few shots off. This photo was taken from the bridge.

On the campground side, Karen decided to be my model on the canon
She had a little fun too..
Golden Ears as seen from across the river in Ft. LangleyMore mountain shots
I loved the look of this reflection More shots of Golden Ears
And again!Lots of Canada Geese were in the area (hundreds actually!) We must be where they fly south to! lol I thought it looked really neat with some of them all in a row with the reflection.

Home for the holidays..

2008-01-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

I spent Riley's b'day and New Years in Devon this year, and had 10 days of photo ops! Hope you enjoy a VERY small snippet of my time!

Riley liked to wear Gramama's reading glasses..so cute!

Uncle Chad is like a walking wrestling mat..the boys LOVE it! And of course, Caleb and Mykah have fond memories of when they got to wrestle with Chad too..they sure miss him!
This is Riley's preview of his birthday cake..I think he liked it! It had construction equipment and roads..right up his alley! Riley got a time out on the "naughty step" so Gramama went and shared his punishment..hehe
Grammy dropped Uncle Chad's 2L of pop! What a mess!Kennedy looking as adorable as ever! I think that she's waving to her Great Aunts Wendy and Susie! We missed you!

Riley swept the sidewalk for his mommy and daddy.

Snow angels!Bad Auntie Krista encouraged the snow angels..with no snow pants..heheThe final results!

Being silly..Uncle Chad and the boys dancing to "It's Magic" by Pilot (from the Herbie soundtrack) I think they know all the words too!Me and the boys

Auntie Nicole with Sesame, Ben, Riley and KennedyMe and the kidsKennedy tried yams for the first time..and she LOVED them!

Time was also spent out at Tammy and Dallas' farm outside of Calmar. While Tammy dug into the laundry, and Dallas was emptying out a grain bin, Carson and I went outside for a bit!Dallas doing what he does best! That auger was REALLY loud!Dallas' grain bins..I think they are his new pride and joy..and I thought it made for a cool photo!
The farm at night..reminds me of the nativity scene or something.Looking east into the night sky.

Oh Christmas Tree(s)!

2007-12-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I went to the Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver with my friend Carrie, and her friend Crystal. We schlepped our camera gear and tripods and took picture upon picture! And of course, we giggled and joked..cuz it wouldn't be a night out with Carried unless it involved side splitting, pee-dribbling, gut wrenching laughter! Hope you enjoy just a few of the photos I took that nite!

Some of the flower lights.
I love the reflection of the red lights on the lagoon.

During the Christmas light show.

Me!The fountain-ish thingy..

I like this reflection too!Gingerbread house!Me, Carrie and Crystal in front of Gingie's house..

Bein' silly!Holly bush.Carrie buying chestnuts roasted on an open fire..really! Oh..they taste nasty by the way!

Us girls, 2 gnomes..and Santa! And some little girl that wouldn't get out of our picture!
In the "flower" archwayMe again!More lights by the lagoon3 psycho elves..the craziest being the one on the left!In Santa's sleigh..

Kids are still saying the darndest things..

2007-12-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

So, after a request for more, I shall post some more of what the boys have to say..honestly, they're 2 of the funniest people I know! Wonder if Kennedy is going to be as hilarious!

Quotes from Riley:

Riley and Ben were invited to a birthday party and Riley thought that they were going without their mom. When Nicole asked what their mom was going to do he said "mommy is going to China on a slow boat"

Riley's pants were on backwards after he went to the bathroom. Jen pulled them down to help him turn them around and he said he would do it himself. He then turned his body around in a circle pulled up his pants and wore them backwards for the rest of the day. (if only life could be so simple..hehe)

"Mommy my penis in bend." Jen said " Your penis is bent?!" Riley said "yah, I need to cut it off." Jen asked, "What will you do with no penis" He said " I will take Ben's."

Grammy: "your funny Riley"
Riley: "I'm funny AND cute"

Riley was jumping on Jen and Stephen's bed and Jen told him that if he did it one more time that she would kick him out of their room. He started to cry and said "you can't do that, it would hurt me!"

Ben Quotes:

They were sitting in the car waiting for Stephen to come back from the store and Ben said to himself " lets see if I can count to ten in ten seconds. He counted to ten and said "I win, I was faster!"

When Jen told Ben that she and Uncle Chad used to make jumps for their cars he looked at her strangely and said "Did you use to be a boy?!"

Thought you might like to see the boys at their best..starting with Ri's cookie decorating techniques..

Ben modelling his mommy's pj pants
Getting stuck in a stack of tires..Ben was playing nicely by himself and was fine until Riley decided to join him and wedge the 2 of them in! I'm so glad my sister grabs the camera before she rescues her kids! hehe
Compliments of daddy..marker moustaches..
For two..
Riley used a whole roll of tp to wipe his tushy..and then clogged the toilet! Of course this freaked him out (anything out of the ordinary is a disaster for him!) and Jen grabbed the camera! Poor mommy dry heaved her way thru the unclogging process..one sheet at a time! hehe
He could be on Veggie Tales! I think one of them only had one boot too..

Here's Kennedy! Our little sweetie pie! I can't wait until I start getting quotes from her!

All photo credit goes to my talented little sister, Jennifer! Plus, she's the one that got me the quotes! Thanks, Jen-i-fart!

Disney on Ice

2007-11-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday evening, I took the P.I.T. (Princess in Training) to go see "Princess Wishes" Disney on Ice in Vancouver. It's been a tradition to go every year for the last 4, and I have always taken her brother, Caleb, for his birthday. Last year, I took both of them, and this year was Mykah only..cuz Caleb didn't think dressing up as a princess and going to see a bunch of skating princesses was all that appealing! We sat about half way up, but lucky for my zoom lens, I was able to get some pretty awesome pics! Keep in mind..I used NO flash! Not bad, hey?

On the way there, Miss Mykah fell asleep..the whole drive!

But she pepped up once I got some cotton candy into her! Oh, and the overpriced, light up tiara helped too! Mykah wore a floor length gown for the occasion!
Showing off her royal smile!
I tried on the tiara, but for some reason it didn't fit!With the cotton candy..came a second crown..Cinderella makes her grand entrance before the show actually started..They were on the ice about 2 minutes. Nice little teaser. Then the announcer said "3 minutes till show time" After 5 passed, Mykah, the smartie pants, said "It's been longer than 3 minutes!"
Aladdin was the first on the ice

Jasmine was soon to follow

The 7 dwarfs were adorable!

Belle showing her flexibilityThe can can line with LuminiereCheck out the pirates on the platform..

They made this other pirate FLY!ArielAriel getting in trouble from King TritonAriel and FlounderIntermission photo shoot! I wore the chintzy crownMore royal poses..Ariel's flexible too!
The flame blowing dragon (Mykah's favorite part)Sleeping beauty and Prince PhillipSome royal extras..Cinderella and Prince CharmingMore of the same..Tinkerbell rounds out the finale..Mykah after the show posing in front of the sidewalk lined trees all lit upAnd then 10 min. before we got home..she crashed!

Football fun...

2007-11-25T20:50:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, I got up early to go watch Conner play his semi-final game for provincials. They played Kelowna..and the winner got to move onto the finals, to be played next week at BC Place! I was standing on the sidelines and was asked about 5 times what newspaper I was shooting for..hehe Apparently a person who has a camera with a very long lens looks like a pro! Here are a few of my favorites:

Had to put this one in..Falcons mean business! Conner's team is the black ones..

Conner getting ready to tackle..
Conner and his mouth guard...he proudly announces that his mouth guard is the largest out of all of his buddies!
The boys take a knee when there's an injury on the field. After most of the plays, the Falcon's opponents usually had 1 or 2 kids that had to be carted off the field..some crying! lol Yes, the Falcon's are tanks..
Running the ball

Pass before the sack

These kids mean business!Yep..business!Conner during half time
Conner tackling..with the face of the determination!Check out Conner..he ended up on the bottom of the dog pile! LOL I can only imagine what's going thru his head right now! heheLining up for the playDetermined to get to the end zoneConner (76) calls a time out!Jumping for joy! Falcons win 34-0..and advance to provincial finals at BC Place next week! Go Falcons!

Chicks with Sticks...

2007-11-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I ventured out to Maple Ridge to watch a friend from dragon boating play hockey. I ended up taking the ferry from Fort Langley because I ended up going on hwy 1 instead of going thru Mission! That's fine with me, though, because I like the ferry! It's fast and free! What more could you ask for! So, here's my little story..and it starts out with getting on the ferry! I was 3rd in line, so I got a nice view..

I had a lovely breakfast of dinosaurs, and while I was waiting for the ferry to load, I decided to make them my models on my dash before I ate 'em!

My destination..no, not Golden Ears (the mountains in the background), but Maple Ridge, at the foot of the mountains.
Coming into the dock.I just had to take this picture of this lady as we were docking..a dragon boater from Maple Ridge walked on to paddle in Ft. Langley. I had to put the pic up because Karen (ahem) was SUPPOSED to be paddling, probably with her, but she chose to sleep in instead! HAHA

Here's the game! Meet Michelle..number 77..she's good! She plays on 3 different teams, but today she played with "Fox's Fury"

Nice form, Michelle!Face off..Fox's Fury wins it..you can see the puck getting ready to head back to the D.Even though this pic is a bit blurry (lighting conditions weren't exactly prime) I had to put this up anyhow..cuz this lil' lady went down hard! All for the love of the game..lol

Tryin' to sink the puck.Love this shot..lol Number 33 runs into this poor opponent and totally flattens her.."Wasn't me!" Guess who ended up getting the penalty? Not 33! LOL

Number 18 takes it thru center ice into the other zone..Michelle's in the blue socks.Getting ready for a face off. Michelle, you look intimidating!GOAL!!!
DOH! No goal..lol Puck went in..but after the whistle!Fox's Fury won 2-0 and after a lovely lunch with the team, I got back on the ferry and went home! I was one of the last to get on, so my view wasn't as nice..Yep, this was the view I got on my way home!Too bad I was too flustered when I got to Ft. Langley to take more photos..I ended up in the middle of a parade! All of the sudden I saw guys with muskets and saw horse drawn carriages clopping down the street..kind of a little surprise for me!

2007-11-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

For Karen's 28th b'day..we congregated at Science World! Once a month, they have an "adult" mixer. I use the term adult loosely..although they require ID's to get in, it would be a stretch to say that we come close to acting like adults when let loose in Science World after hours..

While I waited for Karen to get there, I decided to play around with my camera, as usual! The scenery was definitely something that peeked my attention!

You can see BC Place in the background..this is where the Stampeders are regularly embarrassed! (Put that in for you, Myron!)

The ball.. Sky train zooming by..Once we got into Science World, Karen and I attempted some wheel chair racing..I won!We then moved on to the "hair raising experience" Karen didn't listen to the guy doing the demo and got shocked before she got off..hahaAnd if my hair wasn't loaded down with gel..imagine what would have happened!Moving on to the toilet area..Karen decided to concentrate..Mr. Froggy was giving free rides! Notice Karen's b'day hat..28 candles stuffed into a cardboard circle hat.My turn!Apparently we must have thought that the beaver was lucky and we needed to kiss it..In the beaver damIt took two of us, but we managed to pull the hippo up!I love these things!Ahh..the magic floating head screen! I was supposed to be a spore..
And here's the magic explained..green poncho + green screen + video camera = floating head!
Karen's b'day hat lit for the occasion!
Girl's got wind!

Boys ON their Toys!

2007-11-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, between computer problems and a busy schedule, I haven't updated my blog in a few weeks and I've been getting flack for it! Sorry! So, I thought I'd put up some pictures I took this summer of some friends gettin' dirty! Albert and Randy bought themselves matching dirt bikes and carved out a track in the back of Albert's property..they spent the summer perfecting wheelies and jumps and then had me come and catch it on the camera! I think they needed proof..;-)

Here, Albert shows us his stuff..on the driveway...I liked the puddle part!

First set of jumps..great height..but wait for it..
This is where he landed! LOL Randy's turn!
Notice the look in Albert's eyes..I think he momentarily panicked..hahaHere goes Randy again! These "boys" worked up quite the sweat in the humid, July heat!After we played around in the bush, Albert decided to put on a show in the raspberry fields! Look ma, no feet!

And of course, he had to prove that size doesn't matter..lol

A Nice Little Surprise..

2007-10-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

So I'm in Chilliwack today for some photography purposes and when I'm done, I figure, either go grocery shopping or make it easy and grab some Wendy's on the way home. I choose the latter. As I'm waiting in line in the drive thru, I'm enjoying the sunset and notice out my window this gigantic pie in the sky! And then I remembered..tonite's full moon is the largest and brightest of all of the full moons this year! Lucky I had my tripod and camera equiptment! So, I impatiently wait to get out of the line and speed down Luckakuk Rd to find a nice spot..which I did! Must have been a good spot, another car stopped and a man came out with his camera too! Well..check out the size of our moon over the mountains..

A Weekend of Color

2007-10-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Tammy, Carson and Tammy's mom drove out to Hope for 5 days..Tammy came to my place for a few days, and Carson stayed with his Auntie Mary, Uncle Roy and his Gramma...a nice little holiday for his mommy! We convinced Mary and Gramma P. to bring Carson to the Apple Barn in Abbotsford for the afternoon and we had a blast!

Caleb, Mykah, Michelle and Jess met us there and I got some great photos of them too!! Such a handsome little turd!
Ms. Princess...caught her looking sweet and innocent for only a couple of pictures..after that, it was like pulling teeth! Not normal behaviour for this usually very hammy child!
Amongst the many pumpkins! I'm sure he would have stayed there all day if we let him!
Our little monkey man!

Save a horse, ride a pumpkin

Nice little family shot!I love this pic! So cute!Couldn't resist..

Caught him off guard for this perfectly posed, yet completely unposed photo!Wow..a shot where he wasn't performing! Impressive!Skagit Valley/Silver Lake..fall colors..

Yay for the tripod! We deserved this pic after tromping thru bush and wading thru a teeny creek to find this spot!Now..how about a close up!Hmm..what do ya say about that?

Othello Tunnels in Hope..very cool!So very dark...You can look thru and see the next tunnel and it's exit here..I was standing at the end of tunnel one when I took this and you can see all the way to tunnel 5!

Posing (yes, posing!) on the bridgeStill smiling? She must be getting paid!More tunnel action

Travelling into the great unknown..That's how far up we were!My turn!
Walk way thru to the tunnelTammy can climb! She really can!Last shot..2 hotties..yes we are!

Cranberry Festival

2007-10-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Despite a constant sprinkle or drizzle of rain, and cool, crisp weather, we headed out to Fort Langley for the Cranberry Festival to race the voyageur canoes. I thought it would kinda be like dragon boating, but boy was I wrong! Here's what I noticed: DB-20paddlers, drummer, steers person versus Voyager-10 paddlers, one of which also steers with a regular paddle, making it very hard to turn..and this race required much turning! DB-straight 500m race versus Voyageur-2 races at 1000m, 1 race at 2000m...all of which required doing laps around buoys in a certain order. Last race included gathering pumpkins, balancing cran. juice and tromping thru water..lol Here's another big difference: DB-boat on boat contact is frowned upon in the least, and can easily get you a time penalty or even DQ'd depending on the severity of the collision versus Voyageurs-if you ain't rubbin'..you ain't racin'! In other words, major collisions are all apart of the race when you're trying to squeeze several voyageurs around 1 buoy. Yep, one crazy day! You can see what the voyageurs look like in the picture below..they're tied up to the dragon boat. I believe that this is the only picture I took out of the ones I posted. All other credit goes to Ryan Kononoff..and a special thanks to him for coming out and spending 4 hours hanging out and taking photos because I asked him to! You rock, Ryan!

Team photo..half Water Warriors, half Pirates = the Pirate Warriors
Start of the first race..we're in the lead! But...
...we hit the first turn and EVERY single boat hit us! Ya, that's us in the middle of it all! You can see my grey hat, yellow shirt, black arms and red pfd. After getting stuck behind them all, we never did get it back and lost the race! lol

Me and my cut forehead..nope, not from racing..that would be a work injury. Yes, unloading the dishwasher can be near fatal...hehe

Just me!

I have no idea why Chels is giggling at the front..somebody said something funny I s'pose!In the lead in our 2nd race! We won that one by a long shot! This is what it looks like going around the corner..Chelsea at the front drawing (pulling water to the boat at a 90 degree angle) and my at the back on the opposite side doing the same. And now my lats and hip flexors are paying for it..ouch!And there's the draw stroke at a closer angle! Ya, I didn't realize I hung out the boat that far! Cool!

Gettin' wet coming across the finish! Poor Adrian..he's the fellow in front of me. He's never dragon boated or paddled or raced..and he came out because we were short a paddler. I can't believe how exhausted and sore we were after racing these extra long races..we trained for 500m races since March and were hurting...poor Adrian..no training and then this! I was impressed he survived!And again..somebody must have said something funny..cuz we're all smiling or laughing! But..we don't remember why..Lining the pumpkins up on the bridge. After the race starts, they toss them off into the water and 10 boats fight for position to get a pumpkin into the boat and continue racing. In our race, we got out quick and clean, but there were 3 boats left behind that crashed and then one crashed into one of the pillars under the bridge..hehe It was a pretty loud bang!

Here we go! All headed for the same pumpkin, I'm sure!Picking up pumpkins and heading for the race course!After the LONG lap past the bridge, we came back to the start, went around a buoy and went to the beach where Chelsea had to jump out, and use her paddle to balance a cup of "cranberry juice" (which turned out to be Fraser River water with red food coloring..hehe) all the way to the lady with the bag of cranberries, take the berries and head back to the boat!

The cup o' juice

Getting back into the boatTrying to get the boat off the sand to keep racing (did I mention that this race was 2km long??)Still trying to power the boat off and get away from the other boats.I love this photo..LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! You can see me and Chels. at the front and the back doing the draw while everyone else paddles forward. We do this so we can pivot the boat around the turns. It's really hard on the body, cuz you're at a funky angle! But, I really love this photo cuz it just looks so cool!

After the turn and back towards the bridge to the finish line.Under the bridge, about 100m to go..After the finish, this is the traffic jam to get off the boats..we're the third in line, if you can see!
Me and Michelle..so photogenic!Chelsea and her pumpkin and Cranberries that she earned!On the bridge and gettin' ready to go warm up in the car! Oh..and ya, that IS a train behind us..there were SO many of them!

The Urge Strikes Again..

2007-09-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

After speeding across Abbotsford to try and get high enough to get some shots of the sunset, and missing it by minutes, I decided that I would not go home empty-memory-carded! So, I called up a fellow photog. buff (Pam!), picked her up in Mission and we started on the hunt for some great photos! We started out by going back under the bridge that I was at last week, but too chicken to really go far all by myself! So, we ventured a little further under the bridge this time. Funny how having another person with you, and going at 8pm instead of 2am, makes things alot less creepy!

This shot is of a train coming across the flats towards the bridge to get into Mission. I thought it would look neat if I left my shutter open..

I'm surprised this photo worked out..the shutter was open at least 20 seconds..and the horse barely moved!
Here's the same bridge from last week, but this time we were almost under it. I like this perspective better! One more while we're at it!Here's the same farm that had the horse, but from a different angle. The moon started to make it's presence known and things got really gorgeous from here on out!After we left from under the bridge, we just started driving! Took Hwy 7 thru Mission and towards Deroche. I decided to make a pit stop on a dyke close to where my dad high grounded his boat a few years ago (long story..quite humourous now!). I believe it's the Nicomen Slough or something. Anyhow, it was gorgeous, so I pulled over. Pam looked to her right and refused to get out on account there was a large corn field on her side of the car. She said she gets freaked out by the corn fields because of a horror movie she saw..and I stopped her explanation and said if I heard it, I too would not be getting out of the car, so I went out on my own! About 5 seconds later, I heard this high pitched screech go from the passenger side of my car and lasted until it was next to me..it was Pam! hehe She had freaked herself out sitting in the car and had to come stand next to me! Turns out, it was some horror movie about aliens coming out of the corn fields..hahaHere is Harrison River near Harrison Mills/Kilby. It's not the clearest picture, but our cameras had troubles focusing. Pam again got freaked out here because she was reminded that we were in Sasquatch country..literally! There are signs everywhere..Anyhow, she kept hearing "large animals" swimming and splashing in the river, so I looked around and remembered I had fished there a few years ago with my dad..and it's the same time of year..the Salmon run! We heard salmon after salmon jumping in the water! Oh, how I wish I had a rod and reel!Lake Errock..this is the spot that Pam wouldn't go to..she waited in my car..cuz I snuck down the driveway of an empty looking house and went to their beach front for this shot..Only problem was, I kept hearing branches cracking and leaves falling. And if you know me well, you know that even playing hide and go seek makes my bladder fill and I get all excited and have to pee REALLY bad! So, on my own, by a lake, surrounded by trees, strange noises..I set up my tripod, started the camera, took 5 steps back, took the fastest pee I ever took, snapped off 2 more pictures and ran back to the car!Another gorgeous shot of Lake Errock
Ah..the last shot of the nite. It might be Agassiz, or Rosedale. I'm not sure. It's on the highway in between Kilby and Agassiz and I pulled over and ran over to the side of the road for this shot. It's not the best, but it was the best of the 2 I took. Problem was, this stupid dog kept barking and barking and it was annoying me..not to mention the loud rustling I heard coming from about 15 feet from my car..again, I was in Sasquatch country! I ran quite quickly back to my car after this shot! And then peeled out of there! Ya, by the way, I'm not the person you want to watch a scary movie with..nope, don't do it. You'll regret it.

Inspirations come at the oddest times..

2007-09-23T02:49:00.000-07:00

I suppose it helps that I'm a night owl..cuz when I get the urge to go out and take photos, it usually comes at the oddest times. Tonite, I was compelled to leave my home at nearly 1am to go out and see what I could get! Glad I listened to my urges..hehe

This one is taken from up in Highland Park, a mountainside view of Abbotsford and Mission. The view used to be so much better before a bunch of rich snobs decided to develop it into a neighbourhood!

I then ventured down to Matsqui Village and made a pit stop. The brightness of the moon caught my eye and I knew there was a little slough/creek under the bridge. Glad I checked it out!
Another perspective.. After I left the village, I ventured down to the Matsqui Park, under the Abby/Mission Bridge. As I parked my car at the "do not enter" gate and hoofed it in with my camera and tripod, I started to get a bit (okay alot) nervous! I mean..honestly..how stupid am I to go into a park that closes at 8pm and is probably riddled with nasty homeless people? Well, like I said, when I get the urge to get a photo, it's hard to resist! I just hoped that if I stepped on someone sleeping, that they'd have a shopping cart to slow them down when they were chasing me!

But, ignoring my fears were worth it, hey? SO pretty! Oh, this is on the Abbotsford side of the Fraser River, looking towards Mission.

Same place, but looking at the train bridge instead. As I was walking away (cuz I had TOTALLY creeped myself out at this point..every horror movie I'd ever seen or tried to ignore ran thru my brain...)I noticed a train coming, so I reset up my tripod and waited..can you see it moving on the bridge?

Kelowna Regatta

2007-09-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

The Water Warriors went to Kelowna for our final regatta of the year and placed 4th in the top women's division. Pretty good, despite treacherous paddling conditions! Saturday's races went well, but Sunday was insane. 2 foot swells and a hard wind made for a 2 hour delay plus the race officials cutting the 500m course to 250m, starting us at the halfway markers and racing us towards the start line, to avoid a head wind. It helped..but it was still nasty! They sent the women out in that weather, and then promptly cancelled the mixed division finals because it was too dangerous! Typical! Women and children first, I suppose!

Notice Shelly's form (our coach sitting in the drummer's seat..or is it sitting??) She's what gets us to that finish line that sometimes feels like it's 2 miles away.
This was taken on an awkward angle, and it looks like we placed 1st, but we actually came in 2nd in this heat. Lost by 1 second. BUT..our time was 2:18...VERY fast! Doing out cheer, while breathless!Shelly showing us her approval.
Ahh..a tradition started 2 years ago..by me of course! We pick one poor sucker and wait all weekend for them to use the out house, and then wait outside with a paddle archway "honor guard" and surprise them! The plan was to nail Alanna, but by Sunday afternoon, we still hadn't caught her, so when we saw Marion go in, we scrapped the Alanna idea and went for Marion!
And then Alanna returned from where ever she was and announced she had to pee..hehe Luckily, she missed Marion's honor guard, so we quickly grabbed our paddles and ran to the johnny on the spots and waited..and waited..and waited..(cuz she was "thinking") and then..she came out! Yep..she screamed her head off! TOO FUNNY!And like the good sport she is..she walked the cat walk like a pro!Final race on Sunday..you can notice a nice big wave taking shape under Shelly at the front of the boat. We were no where near dry when we were done! But..we were still happy with our finish!
Notice how happy we are? Despite the wet...heheI wear a hat so I don't look like the other ladies in this picture..hehe Kidding! It keeps the hair outta my eyes..and everyone elses views!
Our Sat. nite "surprise for Shelly Purple Party"! Dollar store finds and tickle trunk scraps made for some VERY interesting outfits!Lara's daughter, Sasha, fed the ducks my pizza crusts and they became fast friends. This one played tug of war with Sasha! And they left a nice present on the grass..And I picked it up! GROSS! My purple outfit..and yes, those are my home made pasties! heheSharon always has the best outfits and wigs! I think she's the real life Marge Simpson..When it got dark enough..I put on my glow in the dark ears..

A few of the crazies we saw that nite...

Here's Shelly wearing some of her purple gifts she received..including the bra! The funniest part was watching her try and squeeze into those goggles, though!

Me and Chels..2 more weirdos on the team! Lovin' the pig tails!

Night shots in Kelowna

2007-09-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

After our "Purple Party" on Sat. nite, I took my tripod and camera out to the dock behind the hotel and snapped a few pics. These are a few of my favorites.
Next door is Manteo's, which bought the Lakeshore Inn..where our team stays during the Kelowna Regatta. This will be the last year for the hotel, as Manteo's is expanding and the Lakeshore is being demolished. :-(
I love this one! The water looks so smooth!

Dinner at Granville Island

2007-09-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

Lucky me, I got treated to a dinner by Menna out at Granville Island! She came to Vancouver for a visit with her parents while I was in Kelowna for dragon boating, and I was able to see her for only a few hours the night before she flew home..but we made sure to have a traditional Krista and Menna photo shoot! Good thing I had my tripod!

Can you find me? I was playing peek a boo!
Menna posing..I made her stand perfectly still so I didn't have to use a flash..would you believe it was actually almost dark?? This is me trying to climb a pole..I failed..
Love my night shots!Posing in front of the Granville Island Hotel before I have to leave

After I left, I was driving around trying to find the exit and ended up at Bridges Restaurant..and even thought I had to get on the road so I wouldn't be late for work..I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get these shots!

So pretty!

Photo Rights

2007-09-11T21:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry to have to mention this, but I feel I need to protect my photos! Please notice the request above the "About Me" section regarding using my photos without permission. I feel I must stress that I am the rightful owner and don't like my work being taken without my knowledge. Thanks!

Playin' with sand

2007-09-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

After taking some family pictures at Harrison Lake, I popped into the Sand Castle Competition at the beach. Teams come from around the world to play with our sand, and the results were amazing. The teams that are currently in the building stages had one weekend to complete their sculptures. The completed ones were done on previous weekends. The competition goes until the beg. of October, so you can imagine how amazing the the sand trail around the lagoon looks!

I was just setting up this picture to get a shot of these fellows from Japan working on the details of their sculpture when the lunch break air horn went of just prior to me hitting the shutter! So, I have no idea how they didn't fall off the top of that thing, cuz I sure jumped a mile! You'd think they'd use a better method of alerting all of the builders..after all, they're working on very fragile canvases!

The magic begins. Who would have thought that they used big ol' boxes to build their castles! I thought it was buckets and shovels!
This poor lady from France had the worst job! As she was moving around the muck in these forms, her team mates were tossing mud and water up into the form she was standing in..creating a mud bath every 5 seconds or so!
Another one of the mud slingers Washing off for the lunch break. Each team has their own "watering trough"
A few of the castles that were built. I think this one was done by a team from Norway or Finland

The sleeping wolf
Not sure what this is..but the detail caught my eye.
How do they make sand DO that?? This one was called "Connect the Dots" and I have NO idea why

I took this one for my brother..hehe Yep..a mining sculpture!
This may have been from the US team I liked this teeny little paper airplaneThe airplane was with this sculpture..in comparison to where this lady (actually supposed to be a girl, but she was naked, and I don't promote child porn, so it's a lady to me lol) is sitting, it would be at the bottom left of the picture.

I really liked the lily pads and how these figures reminded me of the Willow Tree figurines

I sure liked this one..it was the back side of the one with the figurine looking ladies. Simple, yet interesting!

Action shots..

2007-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

I spent the majority of my weekend in Cloverdale taking pictures of a friend's ball team in a tournament. Women's slo-pitch at a fastball caliber! Had some exciting moments, and I was thrilled to catch some of them on film! I do love my action photography!

MJ tossing the ball right into the boobs of the opposing team's runner..instead of tagging her with it!

The call was out, but check out the muscles rippling in her thigh! Dyan scooting from 2nd to 3rdChicken may be teeny, but her bat packs a punch and she easily hits the ball over the heads of the fielders! Even if they're playing her deep! She had a home run this weekend too!Dyan tossin' the ball to MJ at 2nd to get an out.Gotta love the down and dirty photos! Oh..and she was safe..Comin' into 2..just before the ball gets there!Rounding 3rd
Dyan using all 9 feet of her to get the ball...okay, maybe 5'9" or something..haha

Love the sequence shots! Poor Chicken, she was called out, but in the picture, you can see that her hand hit the bag before the glove tagged her head. And it cost them the game!She fully commits to her slides!

7 ladies and a baby

2007-09-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

Mom, Jen, Nicole and Kennedy flew down on Wednesday, last week, so that we could spend an all girls long weekend in Vancouver. They shacked up at my place for a couple of days, getting in some Target therapy, and visiting, while I finished off a week of night shifts and dragon boat practices before we went to Richmond for 3 nights. As a matter of fact..Jen and Nicole gave dragon boating a whirl! And the did a great job! Must be in the genes..Anyhow, here are a few pictures of our weekend:

Kennedy's first dip in BC waters..and she really liked it!
Kennedy's teeny toes squished in between her mama's feet
Jen and Nicole on the dragon boat..no turning back now, girls!

And here we go! They picked it up pretty fast!
Mom stayed on shore with Kennedy, so she did some "dry land" paddling instead!One of our many activities of the weekend was spending some time out at Spanish Banks in Vancouver. Of course, we had to do some photo shoots! Some random Asian fella took this one for us..4 generations..and no, the matching outfits were NOT planned! LOL
Grandma and her daughters..it's official..craziness runs in the family..the HARLOW family!3 sisters
Kennedy and Auntie Krista...and no I didn't do my hair lopsided..it was a bit windy!Mommy and Kennedy enjoying the sun, fun and beach!

Jen and Nicole skip "gaily" to the oceanDipping toes in the Pacific
So happy to be on holidays, in Vancouver, at the beach and with good company, that they couldn't contain their excitement!Nicole heard these ice cream trucks the whole time we were there..and then, after our dinner, she heard them in the distance (about 30 seconds before anyone else..like a moth to a flame..) and went running to the road to wait for her ice cream man to come to her. Except he kept driving..
And driving..but Nicole's screams eventually stopped the truck and she got her ice cream..

She was thrilled until she opened the package only to discover that her ice cream was crushed..poor Nicole. She never did like the broken foods...they always had to be perfect! But..she's a big girl now, so she ate it. But I'm sure it would have tasted better if it wasn't all squished.

Breakin' rules and gettin' pics!

2007-08-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Working on my photography portfolio, I ventured to the Westminster Abbey in Mission. Here are a few of the shots I got...

I really like this one..maybe it's the clouds, or the angle..not sure! But, it really stands out to me!

I love pictures where the sun peeks around corners! Here's where the rule breaking came in..the sign outside of the monastery said if you were wearing shorts you were absolutly NOT allowed in..but I just HAD to have some shots of the inside!
It's just so interesting in there! One thing I did notice..their big ol' pond of Holy Water had run dry..heheSome stained glass windowsMy friend's barn with stars seen slightly in the background (look ma! no flash!)

A bit of a weird angle..but it really excites me! I love this shot!
Gotta look closely..but you can see the big dipper in there!

Playin' with my Camera!

2007-08-23T18:31:00.001-07:00

I've been out on the town with my camera a bit lately, so I thought I'd stick up some of my recent shots!

I took this shot out at Cultus Lake..I was there to take pictures of a friend's first kayak lesson..an at the same time, provide pictures to update the kayak school's website. The lady who owns/operates the school also happens to be our coach for the dragon boating team..so she does for us and we do for her! :-) The sun was peeking over the mountain and made for a really cool sillouette shot.

Had to include the infamous "wet exit" photo..this would be the ONLY one that Alanna did on purpose..lol Next to her is Ky, one of the kayak instructors.

On Monday, I went out to Ft. Langley to take some pictures of my friend Karen's dragon boat team. Although I haven't put up pics of the d.b. team, I did take them! I thought I'd let Karen put up the pics on HER blog! Anyhow, I met these lovely ladies while I was walking up and down the river waiting for the team to paddle back. One was knitting and the other was picking blackberries. I sat with them for a few minutes, showed them a few pictures that I had taken, found out they were watching for the same team as me (family on the boat) and then said goodbye. As I looked behind me, I saw these 2 lovely ladies sitting in front of such a pretty view and had to take a photo!
While I was waiting on the bridge (and looking like a jumper, I think!) for the team to paddle down, I was enjoying the scenery. I really liked this little church. Too bad the sun wasn't a little nicer for the picture! Not only were there dragon boats on the Fraser, but there were English Longboats. I always wanted to try one of those things! But, it was very majestic seeing this boat slice thru the calm water, with a nice reflection to boot!

Down by the berry fields near my place, there's a little white picket fence that has a TONNE of gorgeous flowers growing around it. So, last Friday, I brought my camera to work with me and then went straight there when I was done to catch the flowers in the morning light.

I've never really seen sunflowers with such a red color to them!
Don't know what this flower is, but I thought it was pretty!
Another red sunflower. Now..you've officially been with me on a few of my travels! Even if it is from a distance!

Happy Birthday Dave!

2007-08-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Seems like yesterday that I got the call...but really, it'll have been a full year on Sept. 30. Today is Dave's birthday, so to honor his memory, Karen (his wife) and I spent dinner at a sushi restaurant..cuz that's where Dave would have wanted to go! Nope..no sushi for me..I had some tempura and teriyaki chicken..mmm Afterwards, Karen and I ventured to Ft. Langley to join her dragon boat team for some brews at the local pub. Okay, so I had a coke. Whatever! We still raised the glasses and toasted Dave, cuz on Sept. 3o/06...the world lost a great guy! I'm so happy that the accident didn't take Karen from us as well...Happy birthday buddy! Missing ya extra lots today!

Hillbilly Rock!

2007-08-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

We raced at Cultus Lake yesterday and came out victorious! 1st place out of all of the teams racing! AND..we were the only team to come in under 2:30 for all 3 races! Woohoo! It was a theme regatta..so we were supposed to dress up like country girls...we actually just looked like rednecks..

I'd make a good redneck wife..

Val decided that the fake icky teeth looked better upside down..like bottom dentures!
Alanna and I are currently looking to get into modelling..
Here we are waiting for our first race..and yes..I paddled in a SKIRT! Well..with shorts underneath..but still! Denim is slippery on the seats!Coming up to the finish line..Shelly ALWAYS looks this flat when she's screaming at us..lolTeam photo after our second race.Just after we got on the boat..waiting to push off before our final race.What a good looking team are we..Victory chant after our last race! Winners!Warriors take all!I think we look happy..kinda..Karen and I with our "bling"! No, not medals..but key chains that look like medals! lolHad to put these pics in..there were 2 bald eagles swoopin' around lookin' for fish while I was getting ready to watch a race..

You shoulda heard the people on this boat..they got a bit excited when they thought the eagle was after them!

Going in for an unsuccessful catchPsychin' out the fish..just a fly by!

The Legend of "Squatter's Landing"

2007-07-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is the story of the Drew's gang with a tag-a-long..ME! An adventurous day of scouting and playing!

The day started off with us putting in the boat at Island 22..which is straight north of Chilliwack, on the Fraser River. We took the boat down the Fraser, which connected to the Harrison River, and followed that to Harrison Lake. We searched high and low for a good spot to put some chairs out and start a camp fire, for what Alanna calls "Camp Fire Therapy"

Here's Nicole..she helped look for the right spot too.

Our trusty driver, Wes! And here is the little gem that we discovered! A neat little cove at the far north end of Long Island..an island in the middle of Harrison Lake that is about 8 miles long. Apparently, we were about 40km up the lake..but it was gorgeous!
The view of the secret spot from the boat. Alanna and Nicole guarded it while we went tubing!

Here are our guards! Nicole and Alanna! Speed + choppy water = FUN! Nice hair Mitchel!Chris' hair was equally as pretty! Too bad we weren't able to shake either of them off!
I entertained everyone with a special synchronized swimming routine!
Toe point!
Wes was the chef..he makes good wieners! What the girls do while we wait for the boys to stop playing with guns..Sittin' on the tree trunk We named the place "Squatter's Landing" for very specific purposes..some of which has everything to do with the picture below..hehe
End of a long day..poor Nicole..we tuckered her right out!

Harrison Regatta

2007-07-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

We paddled out at Harrison Lake on Sat. for a full day of races..yep, we had 4 races! It was supposed to be raining all day, but luckily the rain didn't start until around 4-4:30..2-2 1/2 hours after our last race! Well..if our last race was on time, that is! Unfortunatly, the day was running more than 3 hours behind, so we didn't get off the water until about 5:30 ish. It was a long day, but we ended up coming in 1st in the Women's Competitive 'B' Division! Yay!

This picture was in the Chilliwack Progress this week..the only picture they used when they wrote about the regatta! Cool huh? I suppose that seeing as how the Water Warriors were the first Fraser Valley Dragon Boat team, that we're a bit special!

One of our cool racing pics.
Yep...that's me..I'm smilin'! That is a PRE RACE face..hehe
Our coach had the opportunity to drum for the MS team "Off Balance". It was so cool and inspiring to watch! They had a special boat set up for them, as most of the paddlers have MS, and have adaptive paddles or seats. It took about an hour to get them on the boat (some were in wheel chairs), and to figure out what race was their's. Shelly asked them what got them going hard, what they like to hear, and they all said "UNDER 3!" When Shelly asked them what that meant, they said that all they wanted was to come in under 3 minutes! Now, they aren't the fastest team by far, and are just thrilled to make it across the finish line, but how exciting to hear that Shelly got them across the line in 2:54! Here they are in their race!

Holidays!

2007-07-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here are just a teeny sampling of pictures I took (or my sister took) while I spent 2 weeks in Devon. Enjoy!

A smiling Kennedy and Auntie Krista. If you missed the announcement, Kennedy Grace came on June 28 at 3:04am weighing 6lbs 8oz, 19 1/4 inches long.

Caleb posing in front of the neighbours teepee.
Riley..aka "Blue Eyes"
Caleb with his new costume Kennedy fits in the palm of daddy's hand. Can't wait till the day when she has daddy in the palm of HER hand!

Popsicles always taste better when eaten in the nude!
Bursting water balloons.
Mommy and Kennedy

Auntie Nicole and Kennedy
Me and Kennedy
I had the honor of being the photographer at Matt and Nicole's wedding while on holidays. Makes me feel old..I used to babysit Matt, and now he's married!

We did all the photography in mom and dad's backyard. The wedding party was a hoot..they were willing to do anything! Riley playing on the quad at the farm

Riley has an obsession with steering wheels..he sees 'em from a mile away and HAS to play with them! Here he is with his daddy in the tractor at the farm.
Caleb and Ben in the back of Dallas' pick up on the way to go see the cows.The 2 Calebs playin' on the bales that Caleb calls "marshmallows" at the dairy farm.

Ben making friends with the cows.

The kids waiting for the fireworks while sitting on the tractor. Tammy using her son to hide her face..the bum!
On the way home we stopped at Moose Lake near Mt. Robson. Caleb attempted to reach the stump.

He made it and then promptly fell in
Like a drowned rat! So, we decided to get his trunks on and play for awhile
Here's the beautiful scenery and Caleb Caleb pretending to be his Uncle Mike

Love this sillouette!

Fun in the Fort

2007-06-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Before I leave on holidays, I have many many things to do. One of those things was to get Karen her brand new, all the way from Target (if ya say it right..it rhymes..lol) water bottles for dragon boating. It was a great excuse to enjoy dinner on the patio at "Wendel's book shop" in Ft. Langley, followed by a walk, gelato and another walk!

I took a picture of the store name for my Aunt...Wendell! So, Auntie Wendy, Karen says "Tell your aunt we had dinner there to honor her!"

My pose..shoulda had my yummy, freshly brewed iced tea in the pic.Karen and her glass of wine that cost almost as much as her salad!Since the birds that kept coming on our table to nibble on our crumbs would fly away everytime I pulled out the camera, I took a picture of the other 2 sexy birds at the table! Stopped at the famous Ft. Langely Town Hall with our gelatos. After, we saw some dragon boaters doing some "survivor training", so we went over with our fully bellies and gelatos and chatted it up with them while they worked their tails off!
Karen's dreaming of Alpaca farming..

Ball time!

2007-06-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go out to Chilliwack on Sat. morning to take pictures at my friend's son's final baseball game of the year. I took about 300 pictures, as rather than just taking pictures of Bennett, I took shots of the whole team! I got some great ones, so I thought I'd just share a few!

This is Ben at first base! He's a poser!

Ben played in 3 positions, 1st, left field and back catcher. He's very versatile!
Not sure who this is, but he's one of Ben's team mates. I just like the photo! Another picture of "not Ben"
This one IS Ben.After they won their game (first in the league!), they had a skills competition. They had base running, fastest pitch and farthest hit. Ben won farthest hit out of all of the kids (by a LONG shot!) but this is of him giving the throw one a whirl. I believe he had a speed of about 44 km/h. The winner had 50 km/h.

Belly time!

2007-06-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go out to Harrison Lake on Saturday and take some pregnancy photos of a friend. I've been lucky to document her recent big events..engagement photos, wedding photos and now pregnancy photos! Next step, will be baby! She's a natural in front of the camera, making my job REALLY easy! Thanks for a great evening, Zoe and Jason!

It must be me..

2007-06-17T17:32:00.001-07:00

In a matter of 5 days..these two gals changed their entire summer! I'm starting to think that the common denominator is me!

Here's Mykah and her teeny cast and teeny crutches that her daddy made for her.
And here's Mykah showing us WHO broke her leg! lol At least she'll have leverage later on in life!
And here's the gross one! Surgery, rods, hardware..ya, this break is a doozy!
And this is Michelle stuck in her hospital bed, with her morphine "fun" button and oxygen. Could life be any better?

We go crazy before we make it to Timmy's..

2007-06-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

I brought my camera to practice again tonite, cuz one of my gals needed her portrait taken before practice. Good excuse to get silly after. I think my photog. obsession has rubbed off on my car pool buddy, Chels.

I am clearly disturbed.

That's better..more "normal" For some reason, whenever I pass the Jenny or Pam mobile, I have the need to "sneak" up on them and get really really close. My passenger had a hard time taking the picture. For some reason, she couldn't stop laughing.And Brit was following us in the Highlander (because we HAVE to stop at Timmy's after every practice) and couldn't figure out why we were driving so close to the Jenny-mobile...until she saw the camera flash, that is. She's still laughing..

Once upon a garage sale...

2007-06-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

After getting to sleep at 3am and waking up at 6am to be in Surrey for 7:30am, Karen and I documented our garage sale fun!

Here is Karen pricing her goods!

And this is the loot. Too bad it was raining. But at least we stole the canopy from next door. That helped!
Karen's plastic margarita glasses! She sold them for 2 bucks! The worst part of being in Surrey..the chicken processing plant. ICK! They were burning carcasses and it smelled so bad we were gagging.
So, I put my peppermint gum under my nose..kinda like the Vic's under the nose for the coroners? Ya, I know..gum doesn't work. And it fell onto the ground right after the picture.So, I tried my sleeve. Sorta helped.. We used our lovely teeth and smiles to attract customers. Karen has bling.
I tried to convince people to spend money on Karen's stuff so I could afford a dental visit. Aren't we just a good looking couple. Shuddering at the thought of our offspring. To keep from getting bored, we played UNO. I can shuffle.
Karen used the pick up 4 card on me several times that day. As you can see, I didn't have any mean cards. And this is why she has a mischievous grin on her face.
After a few rounds of UNO, Karen decided to go check out the goods at the other tables. This is her walking away.
I was lonely..all by myself..waiting..waiting..wondering what she would buy.. She bought an A and W mug! Wow..a dollar well spent! I bought 4 baseballs and a bat for 2 bucks!
There were alot of weirdos "shopping" in the area (remember..we were in Surrey) This guy is one of the druggies that came digging thru the stuff. He and his 2 friends spent $200 on junk..and then realized that they still had to get it home. He used his mini bike to take home a bag with his brand new shoes. And looked like an idiot while he was doing it. I also thought that the New Kids on the Block came to town..looks like Danny! "Oh oh oh oh oh..Oh oh oh oh! The right stuff"

This is the "gangsta" dude zooming past our table on his mini bike. It kept stalling and he'd have to try and start it while he was still coasting.There goes our "New Kid" on his bike!

Once upon a picnic..

2007-06-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we went down to Matsqui park for a picnic. I brought jelly filled donuts as a treat. Mykah found them.

Caleb was like a monkey..he did tricks for treats..I gave him a donut after this.

The sugar went straight to his head, so he crawled into a tire and hung upside down, making faces.
Mykah stood on top of the tire showing off how tall she was. She hung out there for awhile.
And then she got stuck. Hehe..I had to pick her up and take her off. This is what she looked like while she was calling for help.Her mom was too busy playing Volleyball to help, but that's okay. That's what I'm here for! It was a really HOT day, and Michelle worked up quite a sweat. See?? I mean Smell??
Caleb worked up a sweat playing soccer. I suppose when it's 32 in the shade..you tend to drip..
Caleb decided to try and get in on the v-ball game. Bad idea..his mom took him out going for the ball..can you say "BALL HOG" hehe
So, Caleb regrouped with another succulent pastry. After, we went to the swings. For some reason, Carter thought that having his nuts squashed was funny.
And Caleb showed off his missing teeth. Like a bad car accident..
After that last surprise picture..I'd need a beer too!

Leanne made me do it! lol

2007-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Using one word only:

Yourself: fun
Your Partner: who?
Your Hair: bedhead
Your Mother: blonde
Your Father: surprising
Your Favorite Item: camera
Your Dream Last Night: weird
Your Favorite Drink: freckledlemonade
Your Dream Car: truck
Dream Home: paid4
The Room You Are In: livingroom
Where You Want to be in Ten Years: happy
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: Marianne
You’re Not: rested
One of Your Wish List Items: telephotolens
The Last Thing You Did: slept
You Are Wearing: pajamas
Your Favorite Weather: this
Last Thing You Ate: supper
Your Life: busy
Your Mood: sleepy
Your Best Friend: awesome
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: paddling
Your Car: red
What Are You Doing At The Moment: this
Relationship Status: single
What Is On Your TV: Spiketv
What Is The Weather Like: hot
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: yesterday
OK now to tag five others: Jeannine, Cara, Laurie, Estelle, Lyndsay

Once upon a time..

2007-05-30T02:35:00.001-07:00

Here's a little story that begins with a major amount of sleep deprivation, an odd sense of humor and a camera...

One day, on the way to Dragon boat practice, Krista saw a car who tried to get around all the traffic and cut in line in the fast lane. He got boxed in and Krista reacted:

Her chauffeur, Chelsea, likes to wear big Tom Cruise sunglasses.
On the way to the lake, they noticed a scary sight behind them! Luckily, there were slow people in front of them, so they were going the speed limit. (for once)
Once at the lake, Krista headed down to unlock the boat and steering oar. Once on the boat, Krista managed to steer and take pictures at the same time. The other paddlers even posed!
But the funnest part was taking self portraits! At this moment, Krista was steering during a start, and her cell phone was ringing in her pocket (Jeannine!)
But, she managed to stay in the boat, despite the large number of speed boats creating large waves.
After practice, Krista felt a need to practice her statue skills.
Her chauffeur decided to take the night off and go to a movie, so Krista had to catch a ride with 3 other crazy girls from her team.On the way home, the other girls had to pee really bad, so they abandoned Krista and she had to sit in the car all by herself.She was so sad and lonely.But then she had a thought...Maybe they'll come back! So, Krista watched for them..And then realized that she would no longer be alone in the car and would in fact make it home that night!

The End!

Another regatta

2007-05-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

We paddled at False Creek today..ick The water is SO nasty! I got a face full of water (yes, my mouth was open..I was yelling) and my lips were numb for half an hour! It's that nasty! That polluted and THAT much like being in a toilet! lol We ended up placing 1st in our heat, at the end of the day. We placed 3rd and 4th in order to get there in the other 2 heats, but they put us up against internationally ranked teams at the beginning. We dressed up like "Women in Black" for the occasion..as it's a theme regatta! We also won 2nd place for our costumes..ya, that got us 2 cases of beer..woohoo..lol Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Not Quite the Holiday I planned..but still alot of FUN!

2007-05-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Okay..here's a few of the pics I took this week..only a taste, and only a quick post, cuz I'm sitting at the wrong gate, I have to pee, an my laptop battery is wearing out! So..when this stinking plane gets here..and I get home..and I get settled, I'll post more! Enjoy!

Carson sitting on the deck rails (yes, his mommy is clutching on to him!) and making googly eyes down to me.
This kid appears to love adrenalin..no thanks to his daddy!!!

2007-05-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dallas takes Ben for a ride.. And Riley get's a turn too..except he was saying "no no no!" Good thing I didn't take a picture of his face..lol

Not Quite the Holiday I planned..but still alot of FUN!

2007-05-20T18:11:00.001-07:00

Riley and Auntie right before leaving for the airport. We had a fun Sunday lunch with Tammy, Dallas and Carson! Ben and his equally silly Auntie, all wet from breaking the slip and slide and jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath.
Riley's version of "running thru the sprinkler"

On Holidays...

2007-05-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

So..not only do I not have time to post anything..but all of my pictures are on my laptop, which isn't hooked up to the internet! So, when I get home, I will post something interesting! In the mean time, I have surprised my sister, nephews and mom by my arrival, been eaten alive by mosquitos, kept score at my friends ball game while also holding on to her VERY wiggly 10 month old, broke my nephews slip and slide (Ben helped..hehe), jumped on a trampoline with my nephew (with a sprinkler of course) babysat the boys, slept in, stayed out late..having a good ol' time! Today, Jen gets the pregnancy pics she wanted so badly! And I get to watch Ben play soccer! Hope all of you are having a great week also!

Interview me!

2007-05-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

If you want to participate:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me”, or words to that effect.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions, but I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You have to include this explanation, and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

This is from Cara and Randy's blog and here are the questions (with my answers!) that Randy emailed me:

1.You love to travel and take pictures, where is the one place you would love to go(and why) and what pictures would you want to capture while there? I would LOVE to go all over the world! But, I guess, one place I would love to go, while focusing on my photography, would be Africa. (never had to think about this before, so it's news to me too!) I would want to capture the Victoria Falls, any and all African animals, Mt. Kilimanjaro and all of the little African children in their villages.
2.A perfect day for me would be when....(finish the sentence). I get to love on and spoil my nephews. I love spending time with them, watching them, listening to them, and photographing them. I'll take all I can get!
3.What is a character trait that others say annoy them, but you love. Gee..make me think why don't you! Um..I can think of some that annoy ME..but, I suppose I love sarcasm! Being able to go back and forth with someone in a full on sarcasm war is FUN!
4.If you could go back in time to visit any historical event or person who/what would that be and why? Historical person..does that include Anna Nicole Smith? hehe Just kidding! I think I would like to go back and try to hook up with my Great Grandpa Jock Petrie. He may not be Abraham Lincoln, but he made history in Ft. William, Scotland! He set records while running the Ben Nevis and there are stories recorded about him and his brute strength (pulling a milk truck out of a ditch by himself, riding a shovel down a pipe in a mountain and burning his bum) in the history books. I would just love to see these adventures that he had, and find out more about my ancestors.
5.If there was one thing you would want people to know about you and could tell them, what would it be? I would have to say..I'M NOT CRAZY! HONEST! lol

Score!

2007-05-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

So I spent several hours hiking up and down the Tamahi River on Sunday taking pictures of some kayakers that I know. This is Kay-Uwe and he's an instructor for the kayak school that my dragon boat coach owns and operates. I sent this pic on to my photog. instructor and he said that this shot is a future contest winner! So, I thought I'd share it! Now..to find the right contest..

Saturday's Adventure

2007-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

This heron let me get really close while he was "stalking" fish. It was the coolest thing ever! Wasn't sure if my photos would be blurry or not..the adrenalin was going an I had a bit of the shakes! lol Or maybe cuz I was squatting in the water for too long..

A bunch of kids in the Burrard Inlet doing donuts in their boat (or their daddy's..). Thought the wake made a cool pattern in the ocean.
Me at work.

Penny for your thoughts?? CAN'T AFFORD IT!!

2007-05-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ya, here's my beef for the year:

I paid $1.27.9 for gas this morning. It's gotten to the point where I have to keep my back to the meter because it's too painful! Honestly! I DO NOT turn around until I hear the click! Now, not only are we being gouged at the pump (even as the price of oil drops consistently), but I have been putting more litres in my car than it actually holds. Me thinks there is a rat amidst! We got double gouging going on! Last week, I put 51L in my car. It holds 45L. Hmm..problem?

Teacher Asst. are being laid off, due to budget cut backs.

My line of work, Care Support in Group Homes, good luck getting a raise there! We're underpaid and overworked and yet the government can't seem to find the money to help us out.

And why am I complaining of all these things??

Because those morons we call politicians have decided that they deserve a raise! Wow..can't find the money to help out the people that barely make ends meet, but somehow find the money to give themselves a 29% pay hike. 52% if you're the Premier. Severance packages if you're not re-elected. Reinstating pensions. Well, people, I say we all quit our jobs and get in to politics. Then what are they gonna say?? No teachers, no nurses, no care workers..we all decided to get in to politics so we can give ourselves some sweet raises whenever we want! But they give themselves these raises so that they can upgrade their cars from Lexus's to Mercedes, sell their 4000 sq. ft. house and get an 8000 sq. ft. house, not have to care about gas prices (after all, we pay their gas allowance), take 10 holidays a year instead of 5, and hire private tutors for their kids when the schools close due to budget cuts. If they had to live on normal salaries, didn't have gas, food, travel and living allowances and had to worry about making ends meet, I think there would be a heck of alot more decisions made to benefit the "poor" (normal) people! AKA...US! I hate politics..why do I even bother complaining???

Memories..

2007-05-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Don't send a message, leave a comment on here. Next, re-post this in your own blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. Repost as "memories."...

Fun with the family!

2007-04-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

Owen, Auntie Wendy, Mom and Auntie Susie..what a bunch of weirdos! How are we even related???
Me and Nic in my car..and SHE took the pic! Nice one, sis!
My mother's sexy face..really..hehe

2007-04-30T03:12:00.000-07:00

A lovely family shot of our impromptu reunion and playground time! Yay for tripods! Now we can ALL be in the picture!
Who dunnit?? (Mom did..hehe)
Me and Nick in Whiterock
I like this pic of Nicole..she looks mischevious! lol

2007-04-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

Aren't tulip fields amazing?? I love the colors and I couldn't resist taking the pics! This field is near Yarrow and I pass it all the time on the way to practice.
Nicole's first trip to Cultus Lake was a hit! She fell in love (and you wonder why I stay here..hehe) and decided the next family holiday was going to be here! And she wanted to go for a swim then too! lol But, she wasn't as brave as the kid we watched jumping off the little bridge over and over..haha
A blue heron at the reserve near Yarrow. Nicole makes a great photog. assistant! I say, we must go into business together! But..we'll have to stop the dropping of expensive things! In a 24 hour period, between Nic and I, we dropped my zoom lens (only a chip on the edge), my filter (no scratches), and my new flash (only a few scratches)! I tell ya, don't let us hold any ming vases anytime soon! lol

Sisters..

2007-04-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Aww..sisters! They go together like mayonnaise and peanut butter, like old people and driving, like sport socks and flip flops..or if you're lucky like me..like razors and hairy armpits! Yes, we compliment each other..if one has a need, the other has a cure (like shaving those darn pits..)! My sisters and I didn't get along too well when we were younger, but just as my mom had hoped (prayed, begged, wished, dreamt..) we're the best of friends today! We're each other's cheerleaders, protectors and support and I'm sure my mom's relieved that there's no more hair pulling, yelling, blaming, poking, crying..well, you name it, we did it!

And why am I so mushy?? Cuz my baby sister just flew in today! Mind you, she DID go straight to Seattle to spend the week with her friend while I work..but she WILL be coming back to play on Friday and I'm sure we'll have a tonne of fun! So, here's to sisters! Like fine wine, they get better with age! Usually..hehe

Rain and Hot Chocolate..

2007-04-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hmm..peeked your interest with my title, did I? I mean, most of you KNOW that chocolate wouldn't be something I would take the time to write about, especially because I hate the stuff. Well, would you believe that my day yesterday included some? Got ya really on the edge of your seat now, don't I? Let me tell you the story of my Friday..which actually started on Thursday! Thurs. evening, after I had a dragon boat practice, I worked a night shift. Normal, right? I got off at 6:30am so I could get a half hour start on my trip to Surrey to stand in line for the passport office. I was a little worried that I wouldn't know which building was the right one, but confident I'd find it! Well, I certainly had no problems finding it! Turned onto the street and all I saw was HUNDREDS of umbrellas lined up around the block! Oh, my heart dropped! That was one heck of a line up! I actually thought about just driving right by and doing it later, but my common sense reminded me that I'm flying international in a month and couldn't procrastinate any longer. **sigh** Time to find a parking space. So, I parked underground and had to take an elevator up to get to the line up. So, as I'm riding in the elevator, I read a sign (I'm a very good reader!) and it says to get to the passport office, get in the next elevator and go to the 9th floor. Hey, that's pretty easy..and besides, I bet there's no line INSIDE! So, I try and sneak up to the 9th floor, but you need a security card to swipe in the elevator to make it go, so says the kind strangers, and then they told me I could go up only AFTER I stood in line first! lol Oh well, I tried! So, my little hike to the back of the line began. I actually saw someone I know about 50 people ahead of where I was standing, but she didn't invite me to cut in line! Nice person, huh?? Anyhow, it's 7:20am, already windy and pouring (good thing my car came with an umbrella!) and I'm trying to figure out my umbrella. Yes, trying to figure it out! I've never bought one, and therefore rarely used one! Oh, and when I was finally able to close the darn thing, it took me another 5 min. to figure out how to do that! So, there I am surrounded by a bunch of strangers, and I walk to the back and ask the person who's right in front of me "Is this the line up for the Canucks tickets??" Well, he started laughing and I made friends with him and the 3 or 4 other poor souls in the same situation as I. I was quickly shivering and soaked, but was in a better place than other people around me with no umbrella and wearing only jeans and jean jackets. The wind was brutal, and I had to use the umbrella side ways to keep the rain off the top half of my body. We ended up being in line outside for 7 hours straight before we advanced to the 1 1/2 hour line up inside the office. Luckily, because of my sparkling personality..hehe..I became fast friends with some people well enough to trust each other enough to hold spots in line so we could go inside, use the bathroom, warm up (loved the hand dryers..ahh..) get something to eat or something warm to drink. What does all of this have to do with Chocolate, you might ask? First time I went inside, I needed something hot to drink, but didn't want to have tea or coffee because they make me pee every 5-10 min. Not something I wanted to do to myself standing in a line up for an entire day. So, the only other thing I could get that would not have that affect on me, would be to drink something I don't like. Yup, you guessed it. Hot Chocolate. And first gulp burned my tongue off, so I didn't really have to taste it all that much as I finished it! It was still icky though. And my tongue still hurts. So, never again! Anyhow, I am happy to say that by 4pm yesterday, I was walking out of the passport office with my ticket saying I could pick it up in 2 weeks! Now..off to home to eat and then to Chilliwack for a dragon boat team meeting..ya, I was up for about 32 hours straight..and I'm sure the meeting went poorly, thanks to my frame of mind. But, also thanks to my frame of mind, I don't remember much of it! HA! Oh did I mention I woke up this afternoon (after 13 hours..ahh..) with the muscles in my right fore arm all seized up thanks to gripping an umbrella all day..oi! Obviously, my body's not used to it!

Reality Check

2007-04-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

When you're posting a blog, do you ever wonder what people will think while they're reading it? I do! I mean, for example, when I post some pictures, I think..oohh..I'll get lots of feedback on this one! And when it's just a dorky "yackety yak" I think..eh, they'll wait to comment for a better one. I'm always proved wrong! Kind of a bit of a blow to the ego, I suppose, when you stick up some cool pics of something new to your photography learning and don't get any comments! lol Oh well, I suppose it's a good thing I sent out an email with those pics and then some to my friends and family..at least I know they like them! hehe I promise my next entry will be comment worthy! And if my little sister Nicole would just get a google account, she can stop stalking my blog and start participating! (Luv ya sis! **wink**) hehe

Taking advantage of the weather..

2007-04-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day, had the camera, met a friend and hit the Blue Heron Reserve to try and get an amazing shot of a blue heron. I got some so so ones of them, and some really awesome shots of the Canada Geese! It's funny..I always have a plan when I'm going out to take photos of certain things..and I never seem to get what I had planned to! I always get something different, and usually better! I should learn..stop trying to plan ahead! Be a spontaneous photographer!

Oh..the weather's so terrible here!!!

2007-04-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Or maybe it's not!!! 23 degrees baby! Yep! 20 yesterday, 20 tomorrow, feels like summer, feels like holidays! Only reason I put what I did in the title was so that all my Alberta readers would keep reading..hehe Cuz I know it's alot colder and snowier there!!! It'll come friends..it'll come! In the mean time, enjoy your Easters! Hmm..could be a problem for us this year, what with the heat melting all the choc. bunnies and such..(good thing I don't eat the stuff! HA!) (Oh..no I didn't take those pictures..I stole them..hehe BUT..in a month, I will have ones JUST like those on my own camera..brag brag..)

I missed my Favorite "Holiday"..sniff

2007-04-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, April Fool's is something I look forward to and plan for starting 364 days before it happens! And this year..I FORGOT! I was planning on duct taping my neighbour's door shut..and I forgot. I was reminded by someone that it was April Fool's while I was on my way to our Dragon Boat fundraiser at 9:30am. Oh well, I still had time to do little pranks right? So, by 9:45am, I was in the arena, waiting for the garden show to start when we hear the announcer say "If you're parked in the north parking lot, you need to move your car, because the helicopter will be taking off and the gravel will sand blast your car." You need to understand that he'd been announcing for ppl to move their cars all weekend..but from the SOUTH lot. So, Chelsea and I (who both love their cars) freak and take off to the parking lot. We get out and there was no chopper, so the both of us, plus 2 parking lot attendants stood there for 5 min. trying to figure out what the heck was going on when it hit me..the guy got us..it was an April Fool's joke! Argh! Fell for it hook line and sinker! But, the day wasn't a TOTAL bust for me, we got the guy in the booth next to us to drink coffee filled with salt..hehe You shoulda seen his face! Plus, he spit that coffee right back into the cup..hehe Anyhow, this will be the last year that I get taken for a ride that big!!!

I've been published!

2007-03-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Nothing overly exciting, as it's just a Camper's Village magazine, but MY picture's on the cover! lol Mine is the one on the bottom of the 2 boys (Caleb and Ben) fishing on the dock. I took it last year at the Shuswap Lake..so cute! Also, a pic I took of 2 grizzlies on Grouse Mtn. last fall made the cut on the inside of the mag...in the "Bear Safety Tips" area. If you click on this and scroll to the bottom, you can see it! http://www.campers-village.com/assets/dwnldcat/07catwebpdf/07OutAccess.pdf Anyhow, just needed to share my news..even though I emailed it to almost everyone I know already! hehe Hey..at least it gave me something interesting to blog about..hehe

One day changes it all..

2007-03-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today's my dad's birthday! And this one day, has now changed everything! He's reached an age that comes with certain privileges, and also set backs..Yep, he's 55! There a special vitamins just for the 55+, he can retire (ya, when's that gonna happen?? hehe), he can LEGALLY get the senior's discount (although it's been offered to him since he was in his thirties..lol), there's special life insurance commercials JUST for him, he's getting closer to those "driver's medicals", and he's now clumped into those warnings on roller coasters for "seniors, pregnant women and those with heart conditions". So, happy birthday, dad! And enjoy the ride to your sixties, Grandpa!

Eye on the prize(s)!

2007-03-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

As my season has begun, I now look forward to medals, medals and more medals! Soon, the paperwork, emails, phone calls, decision making of being captain will slow down and I'll get to enjoy just "pounding some water"! So, to inspire myself, I thought I'd post a few of my favorite pics from last season! This one is from Harrison, where we won gold, despite 43 degree heat! Our boat is #4...the one with the coach hanging out over the drum! And that's tame compared to other races! In Nanaimo, she actually had to have us brace the boat so she could pick herself off the floor of the boat! Her legs were on the drum, but from her hips down, she was on the floor of the boat! Talk about a motivation factor! And her lungs aren't too bad either, lol!

Here we are with our medals from Harrison. We won a gold in the platinum women's division! Top of the heap for all the ladies teams! It was a roasting day, 4 races and 10 hours out at the lake...I was happy to get in the pool at a friends after, where I just laid for about 1/2 hour floating..I couldn't move! This is what I get excited about every spring?? Apparently so!

Follow your nose??

2007-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Okay..ever have one of those experiences when you walk into a small, enclosed space, and you're met with some very unpleasant odors?? So, ya, that happened to me twice yesterday! First, at 7am, going into the bank machine, I walk in as another lady leaves and choked my whole time in it. I mean, couldn't she have held her fart until after she was in the great outdoors! Gross! I don't need to smell you! And then, when I was in the elevator at my plact, it reeked like skunk! It was so vile, I tried to breathe through my shirt, but it didn't help one bit!! Yuck! Don't you hate it when you're trapped in stink, and there's no escaping?? Mind you, I DO have friend's who do that to me on purpose..

Inaugural Paddle

2007-03-04T00:35:00.000-08:00

Well..it may have been a tad nippy, but Cultus couldn't have bee more perfect. Not even a ripple. The ripples in the first picture were actually created by us walking on the dock. That's how amazing it was. No snow, no rain, a slight breeze. I smartly brought my camera to capture the ladies bringing the boat over from the other side of the lake. About 5 or 6 of our team joined in with Spirit Abreast, the breast cancer survivor team, to help paddle the boat over. Timing isn't all that great in this shot, but..the reflection was so gorgeous that I had to post it! Next Saturday is actually our first official practice, as this was just a time to have new people come out and give the sport a try along side some of us veterans! Paddling ended with hot chocolate and snacks! And of course a team meeting! Looking like it's going to be a really great season! Let's see how "Captain Krista" can handle the year..lol

A touch of white..

2007-03-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

Enjoy it while it lasts..it's melting fast! That's what I say now..hehe wonder what'll happen tomorrow..And by enjoy, I mean you Alberta people who are rubbing it in my nose! And I will enjoy the sunshine soon..I hope!

2007-03-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ya, it's not the prettiest picture in the world..but I have an excuse! I was driving! lol And no..i didn't take my eyes off the road..well..for too long! I just rolled down my window, stuck my camera out and hoped for the best. Anyhow, if you look closely you can see a palm tree covered in snow near the middle of the picture..hehe..you'd think I was living in Cali or something!

What's happened to my Oilers??

2007-03-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am and always will be a huge Oiler's fan..today..I mourn the loss of any chance of us making it to the playoffs ever again! What were they thinking?? Hello..Ryan Smyth held the team together! He was the heart and soul! Man..the Oiler's are gonna be kicking themselves when playoff time rolls around and they're sitting in their golf carts and listening to the games on the radio...lol Yet, I still have this unrealistic hope that the cup will return home..yes I said home..that's where Lord Stanley belongs..in good ol' Edmonton! And ya know..this reminds me of the time when my shoulder injuries and surgeries all paid off! I used to go to physio therapy at the Glen Sather Clinic in Edmonton and I was lucky to be there at the same time as Ryan Smyth. We were seperated only by a thin curtain..but I had my nose pressed up agains that thing as close as I could, trying to peek..cuz he was in his skivvies! lol Too bad the only view I got was of his profile..

And here's another soul to mourn..the retiring of the number 11 jersey..I remember the days! I have been a die hard Messier fan since as long as I can remember! When all the kids were collecting Gretzky hockey cards..I was collecting The Moose! For my 16th b'day..I got his hockey jersey. I used to wallpaper my bedroom walls with newspaper clippings of him and the Oilers. Not one spot went un-Messier-ed! So, it's official..he's retired..my man! And I have it on good authority that one of my good friend's hubby got all teary eyed at the ceremony..but I'll protect his identity, for fear of retaliation! Wish I coulda seen it..oh ya, and the ceremony too..hehe

Did I move to Edmonton and forget or something???

2007-02-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ya, I wake up, it's sunny..I'm msning with Michelle 45 min. later and she comments on the weird weather..I look out the window and KABAM! We got near white out! SNOW! IN FEBRUARY?? HERE?? Unheard of! This is NOT FAIR!!! Where's the sun?? And did I mentin that in 3 days, I start dragon boating??? ARGH!!! Somebody rescue me!!

Lunch with the ladies..

2007-02-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Went out to lunch with the crazy Aunt's and Gramma, plus one on Saturday! My friend Karen came along and got to meet the side of the family that made me the way I am! lol We went to Tappendales in Steveston and enjoyed some good food and good desserts! And of course, when you're around the Harlow ladies..you burn all the calories off by laughing!

Just to whet your appetite..

2007-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

Let's face it..we're all tired of winter. I was tired of it before it began, but that's another story! The last 2 days that I've woken up, it's been sunny! And I'm ready for Mr. Sun to stick around! Even if it does mean that our hottest summer on record will come earlier..thank goodness for air conditioning! Anyhow, I thought I'd put pic's on here that make you think about enjoying your summer! Enjoy!

2am thought..

2007-02-18T01:52:00.000-08:00

You know you need to shave your legs when..

~ you get really cold and your hairs stand up enough to billow out your pants
~ when it's windy, you feel like your legs are weeping willow tree trunks, and then realize that it's not tree branches brushing your legs, but your own hair
~ you need to adjust the direction of your hair after putting on tube socks
~ they've left the spikey stage and has entered the soft stage
~ you dream about needing to french braid your leg hairs in order to fit in your jeans
~ stray leg hairs get caught poking out of your pants
~ you can twirl them in your fingers

Phew..good thing I'm not married!

It can only get better..

2007-02-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been one of those weekends! Actually, it started on Wednesday, when I called and cancelled my debit card because I thought I lost it. I was literally hanging up the phone when it fell out of my wallet! ARGH! I called them right back, but it was of course too late and I would have to wait a week and a half for a new one. My life line..my baby..what would I do without it? Anyhow, things didn't start tumbling downhill until Friday, when I was on my way to a meeting. Dark street, rush hour, and I'm distracted by a woman standing on the side of the road next to a car parked in the right hand driving lane. I keep my eyes on her and the car, in case she was going to jump out and jay walk. Next thing I know, I hear a BANG, a woman screaming and a car honking..and a dog yelping!! I nailed a doggy! And right in front of it's owner.. *sniff* I pulled over and waited for traffic to clear so I could go back and see if the dog was okay and to apologize to the owner (who should have had the dog on a leash in the first place AND had one of her 3 friends stop traffic so she could get the dog rather than standing there waiting for it to come back to the sidewalk..but that's besides the point) A car pulled up and told me it wasn't my fault and the dog looked okay but I should go back and check. I told her that's just what I was going to do. But by the time I got there, the dog had taken off and everyone was scattered. So I left. Thought that was the end of my bad weekend? Just wait..there's more..After I left the meeting with my leftover cherry cheesecakes (little muffin sized) on a plate on my front seat, I thought all was well. Then some loser cut me off and I had to slam on my brakes..resulting in one of em landing IN my purse and on upside down on the floor mat! What a mess! So, I figure I better call it a night and stay in my safety net of a house. I couldn't fall asleep until after 5:30am but I had my alarm set for 9:45am, so I could meet my Aunts and Gramma in Richmond for my very belated birthday lunch. My alarm goes off, I wake up, look at the clock and it said 12:35!!! WHAT?? I have NO idea how it did that, because I set it specifically at 9:45! Well..I was now a half hour late for lunch and more than an hour's drive away!!! How frustrating! So, we've postponed it until next week. At least we'll get to celebrate Auntie Wendy's "unbirthday" as well. (Leap Year baby!) And that is my weekend in a nut shell..and it's only half over!! However, there was a couple good things that came out of the bad.
~Not having to into Richmond meant I could get a temp. debit card (phew, I only had $10 in my wallet..hehe)
~Nailing that fluffy dog meant I now have one clean patch on my car..all I gotta do is wash the rest to match!

Jim Carrey Was a Kid Once Too!

2007-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

I always wondered what Jim Carrey's mom thought about him when he was 2. Did she right down things he said? Did he get out of punishments because his mom was laughing too hard? Well, I don't know what she did, but our future comedian's mom has been doing just that! Riley is so funny, that he'll make you laugh so hard you're crying..without even trying! The other day, at their care group, all of the kids went to sleep except for Riley and a friend's 1 year old girl. So, they went with it. During the prayer, Riley had his eyes scrunched shut and his hands over them and was nice and quiet. All of the sudden, he loudly says to his little friend "Chloe! Close your eyes!" That was it for the prayer! All of the adults were doubling over in laughter and were unable to continue until about 5 min. later. What a goon! Anyhow, just thought I'd share some of Riley's happenings over the last couple of days..How does my sister do it??

1. He asked his mom to cut off his foot so he could put on a Mr. Potato Head foot instead

2. He picked his nose and carefully placed the "prize" in a toy car

3. He washed out a cloth in the toilet, and kindly wrung out the water on the floor

4. When "using" the potty, he took Jen's blistex (Ri calls it "soap on lips) and put it on his diddley!

5. Decided that he'd use the Penaten and put it all over his lips

Hearing of the last two..I'm wondering..will he now think that gloves go on feet and shoes go on hands?? I'm starting to sense a pattern..

I do know one thing..there is a certain downfall to living in the most beautiful place around..I miss my nephews dearly, but am thankful for the updates! Even just hearing about their comments and actions light up my day! And I have come to know that my little sister is one of the coolest, most attentive, loving and amazing mom's I know! (Hmm..should I have saved this for Mother's Day?)

For all of you who have a Valentine's Date..

2007-02-13T02:44:00.000-08:00

I dedicate this song to you..so turn up your volume! You can see the video on the side bar below my slide show. I, on the otherhand, am one of those reliable friends who you can call up at the last minute to watch your kids while you spend a romantic Valentine's Day together! This year, it'll be me, Mykah, Caleb and some kids movies! Maybe I'll even make a cherry cheesecake to share with them..lol Happy Valentine's Day!

Free Food?!?!

2007-02-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a "White Spot Connoisseur". I even once had an argument with a waitress in Leduc, Ab after I asked for a side of Triple-O sauce and she brought me a container of mayo. She tried to convince me that what she gave me was in fact Triple-O. I protested, telling her that in fact, real Triple-O is sweet red relish mixed with mayo. I tried to explain that she was arguing with the wrong person. I told her I may as well had been born in a White Spot. Nat Bailey would be turning in his grave if he saw what was given to me! You see, I was born in Vancouver, as was my mom and her mom. My dad moved there when he was 4 and we have always loved White Spot. When we moved to Alberta in 1977, one of the things we missed the most, besides the weather and the ocean, were Legendary's with extra Triple-O. And for my mom, it was the Grills and Greens. Once, I remember my Aunt flying in for a visit and she had brought with her bags of food from White Spot! It was cold, but who cared? A quick nuke, and it was almost as good as ever! Whenever we came out for a visit, we'd be sure that the first and last place we saw was..you guessed it..the White Spot! And this leads me into my little adventure on Saturday night! I met some friends at the W.S. for dinner and for the first time ever, I decided to order something other than the burger! I ordered a chicken teryaki rice bowl and was quite excited about my choice. When I got it, it looked so yummy! I dug in and soon discovered that the rice was the same consistency as lumpy mashed potatoes..BLECH! Nothing more than gooey clumps of overcooked rice..ICK! So, my friend smarted suggested I eat up all the chicken before I ask for new rice. I did and asked the waitress for new rice and she was also grossed out by the rice. A few min. later she came back and said that all the rice would turn out the same, as all of the rice is made in a rice cooker. I told her it was a bad investment..hehe. So, she asked if I wanted noodles instead, but I didn't, so I asked for the chicken and veggies. I suppose I was now getting a stir fry. She said a rush would be put on it. Maybe 5 min. later, I had my new meal in front of me. I stabbed a piece of the chicken with my fork and quickly stuffed it in my mouth, to play catch up with Michelle (she was almost done HER dinner!) That's when I knew the dinner saga was just starting. It was not only cold, but frozen on the inside! I don't think Jess really believed me that it was that cold, till he put his finger in it and felt the chill! The waitress did the same and took the plate. Next thing I new, the manager was there and said "I hear you've had some problems with your meal" I laughed and told her "Ya, twice!" She said that the meal was on them and they would make another plate. She asked if I wanted something different, but I said no and waited. At this point, I was feeling a little full. As you know, the longer you take to eat, the quicker you fill up! So, I finally get my food and as I'm trying it out, Jess asks if it's warmer. Boy, was it! I nearly burnt my gums off! lol After finishing about 1/3 of my food..I was done. Couldn't fit anymore in! I realized after, that I had more refills on my food than I did my drink, but I still had to pay for my coke! Oh well! But, I learned a valuable lesson that night..stick to what you know! Forget the fancy stuff, just order a dang burger!!!

Wish could I be..

2007-02-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've decided that I don't deal with enough bodily fluids..so I've moved on..lol *sigh* My new dream job..hehe

Back down to 54% stupid! I'm getting smarter..

2007-02-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

[x] I have walked into a glass/screen door.
[x] I have tripped on my shoelace and fallen.
[x] I have choked on my own spit
[ ] I've seen the Matrix a bunch of times and still don't get it.
[ ] I type only with my pointer fingers.
[x] I have caught something on fire
[x] I've told a cop to get lost.
[x] I have attempted to sip out of a straw but it accidentally went into my nose, rather than my mouth.
[x] I have thought of something funny, and laughed out loud and people looked at me weird.
[x] I've caught myself drooling
[ ] I've "accidentally" caused an explosion
[x] If someone says the word "toot", I can't help but laugh.
[ ] I've been into a "Do Not Enter" one way road plenty of times.
[x] Sometimes I just...stop thinking and zone out.
[ ] It is POSSIBLE to lick your elbow.
[ ] I just tried to lick my elbow.
[ ] People often shake their heads and walk away from me.
[ ] People often tell me to use my "inside voice"
[x] Gum has fallen out of my mouth while talking.
[x] I use my fingers to do simple math sometimes
[x] I've jumped off a moving vehicle
[ ] I've eaten a bug for $5 or less
[ ] I'm taking this test when I should be doing somethingmore important.
[ ] I repost chain letters because I'm scared of what they threaten will happen if I don't.
[x] I've removed my pants when I was with friends.
[ ] I've ran around naked when I was with friends
[x] I've searched all over the place for something, and then realized it was in my hand the whole time.
[ ] I "accidentally break" a lot of things.
[ ] My friends know not to use big words on me.
[x] I put my head to the side when I'm confused.
[x] Sometimes I start telling a story and suddenly forget what I'm talking about.
[x] I've fallen off of my chair before.
[ ] When I'm laying in bed, I sometimes stare at the ceiling and try to find pictures and words in the texture.

I tag Renee, Jeannine and Lyndsay!

Copy and paste into your new post, take out my x's and put your own in. Add up your x's and times by 3 to get your "stupid percentage"

ABC's

2007-02-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Renee..so here I go!

A= Available - Of course I am! In more ways than one..lol
B= Best Friend - Have a few..Tammy, Michelle, Marianne, Jaime..
C= Cake or pie - Banana Cream Pie and Angel Food Cake
D= Drink of choice - China White, Strawberry Smoothies, Green Tea Iced Tea
E= Essential item you use everyday - bed, toilet, car
F= Favorite color - Blue
G= Gummy bears or worms - I like the worms..you can play "lick, flick and stick" hehe
H= Hometown -Devon, Alberta
I= Indulgences - DVD's, things to spoil my nephews with
J= January or February - Neither, but if I need to pick, I suppose January..for my b'day
K= Kids and Names - No kids..so no names..lol
L= Life is incomplete without - friends and family
M= Marriage date - Who knows!! Whenever Brad Paisley's free..lol
N= Number of siblings - 3...4 if you count by brother in law
O= Oranges or apples - apples (but I do love christmas oranges)
P= Phobias or Fears - spiders, mice, rats, heights
Q= Favorite Quote - Used to be "If life gives you lemons, trade them for rocks and find an enemy" but I'm starting to lean towards "Love is like diarreah, I can't hold it in!"
R= Reason to smile - I got a new neice or nephew coming to spoil!
S= Season - Summer
T= Tag 3 or 4 people - Doug (haha!), Laurie, Jeannine and Estelle
U= Unknown fact about me - after my 2 lists of five..I don't know if there's any left! Hmm..I hate mushrooms..not for what they taste like, but because they're gross looking!
V= Vegetable you don't like - And that would be same as last..mushrooms!
W= Worst habit - cutting my toenails in the livingroom (hard to find em in the carpet! hehe)
X= X-rays - shoulder (maybe 30 times), both ankles(3-4 times each), 1 finger, both hands, both arms at least a dozen times, neck, jaw, knee, back..I must be sterile by now!
Y= Your favorite food - ginger beef, teryaki chicken, lasagne
Z= Zodiac Sign - Aquarius

What's in a name??

2007-01-31T03:33:00.000-08:00

Saw this in one of Renee's archives..and I couldn't resist doing my self! So..here it goes! And I expect all of you who read this and also have a blog..to do it too! Consider it a "tag"!

1. YOUR PORN STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name): Joey King

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your Mum's side, your favourite candy): Leslie Wine Gum

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first Initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name): K-Lei

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Tiger

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Leigh Vancouver

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.): Petkrhadev

7. TERRORIST NAME: (first name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards) Astirk Wolrah

8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Blue China White

Me, Myself and I

Ya, Renee tagged me..or so she "claims!"

Krista needs...

Tag You're it!

One Plunge = 2 Bum Feet!

Danger Zone?

Brigade Days

Harlow family makes International News!

Really LONG overdue!

Sturgeon Fishing!

Weekend in Victoria

Shenanigan's are my specialty!

Like the good ol' days..

My apologies..

It took a few weeks..but I finally caught 1! Actually..2!

Birdie Birdie, in the sky..

Top Five..

Choose your own adventure!

Taking advantage of the sun..

Home for the holidays..

Oh Christmas Tree(s)!

Kids are still saying the darndest things..

Disney on Ice

Football fun...

Chicks with Sticks...

Boys ON their Toys!

A Nice Little Surprise..

A Weekend of Color

Cranberry Festival

The Urge Strikes Again..

Inspirations come at the oddest times..

Kelowna Regatta

Night shots in Kelowna

Dinner at Granville Island

Photo Rights

Playin' with sand

Action shots..

7 ladies and a baby

Breakin' rules and gettin' pics!

Playin' with my Camera!

Happy Birthday Dave!

Hillbilly Rock!

The Legend of "Squatter's Landing"

Harrison Regatta

Holidays!

Fun in the Fort

Ball time!

Belly time!

It must be me..

We go crazy before we make it to Timmy's..

Once upon a garage sale...

Once upon a picnic..

Leanne made me do it! lol

Once upon a time..

Another regatta

Not Quite the Holiday I planned..but still alot of FUN!

Not Quite the Holiday I planned..but still alot of FUN!

On Holidays...

Interview me!

Score!

Saturday's Adventure

Penny for your thoughts?? CAN'T AFFORD IT!!

Memories..

Fun with the family!

Sisters..

Rain and Hot Chocolate..

Reality Check

Taking advantage of the weather..

Oh..the weather's so terrible here!!!

I missed my Favorite "Holiday"..**sniff**

I've been published!

One day changes it all..

Eye on the prize(s)!

Follow your nose??

Inaugural Paddle

A touch of white..

What's happened to my Oilers??

Did I move to Edmonton and forget or something???

Lunch with the ladies..

Just to whet your appetite..

I missed my Favorite "Holiday"..sniff