New Year and I'm Back!

Wow - good thing I don't get paid for this gig!! 

It has been a long while, the last few months have been craaazy!  Home for a visit for 1 1/2 months, back home to the Wells at the beginning of December, Christmas party after Christmas party, trying to get ready for Christmas, hoping/praying/pleading for gifts to arrive in the mail before Christmas (because the only stores we have here only sell $14 milk and $20 Cheeze Whiz).  Whew!  It is now January, and now that Christmas and the visit from the parents is all over, I can take a deep breath and promptly ignore how thick the dust in on my shelves.

Ahem.

Anyhow, I was reading a couple of blogs lately and saw that they did a 2010 questionnaire instead of a yearly recap.  Sounds good to me!  So, thank you Tami at 29 and Holding and Jen at The Tale of Two Coins.  I hope when I read this after I'm done, my year sounds at least a little exciting!!

1. What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

I'd never been to the Bahamas, and we went there in March, so I guess that would count!


2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolution, and will you make more next year?

I don't make resolutions, because I don't have the discipline to keep them.  At all.  I try everyday to be just a little bit better than yesterday, more patient, kinder, etc.  It doesn't always work, and depending on how badly the kids are fighting, I may lose my daily resolve by 10 am!  But, at least I'm still trying everyday - that's what counts to me.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but I have a friend that is pregnant now, and I'm waiting for a phone call from my sister any day now to tell me she is too.  (Maybe not, but I can dream, right?)
4. Did anyone close to you die?

My uncle, who is also my Godfather, died in June.


5. What countries did you visit?

We went to the Bahamas in March, and to Vegas in November.  My passport was well used this year!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

I am always trying for more patience.  I am a self admitted type A personality, so on the rare occasion, patience is hard to find.  I guess I would like to have better parenting skills this year.  Our kids are growing so fast, and they are such awesome people, all I want in this life is to do right by them.

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The kids' birthdays are always important to me, as I never thought I'd be able to celebrate the birthday of one of your kids like everyone else was able to do.  Those two days are really important to me every year.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I would have to say not going insane in a place 2000 miles from home, where you can't drive out, you can only fly out, staying home with the kids 24/7/365.  No really, my biggest achievement this year would be being able to save a whack of money up here.  One of the reasons we moved here was to give ourselves a really big financial boost, enabling us to pay for some of the kids' educations and our retirements.  We're getting a good start here.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don't know if I've had any colossal failures this year (at least I hope not!!), but I think as a parent, I'm always worried about if I'm doing the right thing with the kids.  I know I've done a lot wrong, but hopefully I've done a lot right, too!


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing major, thank goodness, but a week before we left for Vegas in November, both hubs and I got sick.  And we spent the week sick in Vegas.  But, I'd rather be sick in Vegas than at home!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The best thing I bought would be our PVR.  Oh.  My.  God.  I don't know how I lived without it.  Seriously.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Well, that's a tough one.  I could get all political (but really, when it comes to politics, whose behaviour ever really merits celebration?), but I'm going to have to say my hubby's.  He is also type A, so don't get me wrong, he's no angel, but he has been so patient with me this year, he just really loves me so much, even when I can't stand myself!  Yes, I can get cranky at times!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled or depressed?

Hmmmm......I am going to have to go with certain *ahem* politicians.  I just don't get how some people can be so shortsighted, and so married to party politics that they can't even see what is best for people.  And, I'm not even American! 

14. Where did most of your money go this year?

Into savings and the stock market.


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I was really excited to go on our trips - it was nice to have a break away from the kids, but inevitably, we started missing them the first day!  ha!

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Anything by Katy Perry, Adam Lambert or Hedley.


17. Compared to this time last year are you a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, about the same + or - a few lbs. (probably +!) and richer - but far from rich!  ha!

18. What do you wish you had done more of?
I wish I would have taken up a new hobby - I've been thinking of getting a sewing machine, but I part of my marriage contract was that I don't sew and I don't iron, so we'll see where that one goes!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Ummmm, eat?  No, really, probably stress over things that really I shouldn't stress about.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

We started the day with the four of us opening gifts and cleaning up until about 1 o'clock, then preparing all afternoon for hubby's coworkers and their families to come over for Christmas supper.  (Up here, everyone is away from their families, so everyone kind of hangs out together for the holidays - kind of like our own little northern family!)


21. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Nope, just stayed in love.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I love the Biggest Loser and Dexter.  Kind of hitting both ends of the spectrum, huh?!


23. Do you hate someone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't think I can say I hate anyone, but of course opinions change about people. 


24. What was the best book you read?

I am just starting a couple of books now, I don't remember any one book standing out this year, hopefully these new books will be good!  (Pinheads and Patriots and the Bush book).


25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I didn't discover any new favorite band or singer, but I'm pleasantly surprised at Gwyneth Paltrow.  She can really sing!  Loooooooved her on Glee!!


26. What did you want and get?

To go on vacation!


27. What did you want and not get?

Nothing I can think of.  I'm the person, who, when someone says "what do you want for your birthday or Christmas"  I always reply "nothing - I don't need anything!"

28. What was your favorite film of the year?
I loved Avatar (not sure if I saw it this year or last), and I really liked the new Shrek movie.

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I was in the Bahamas for my birthday, we sat around and vegged around the pool. 


30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More money, right?

31. How would you describe you personal fashion concept in 2010?

HA!!!  StayathomeMommychic?  AKA - lululemons, hats, sweaters.  Veeeery classy!


32. What kept you sane?

My TV, my PVR, my computer - wait - didn't you mean sane from my kids?  Okay, I think my kids keep my laughing enough to keep most of my sanity!


33. What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Again, I heart Gwyneth, but I also love Sandy Bullock.  That douche of an ex is such a crap bag.  Seriously, I'd kick his ass for her.  Anyway, back to family friendly programming.....

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

There were a few, and hopefully as a non-American I can have an opinion about some of these! ;)  I just don't get the immigration thing.  I mean, if they're there, and not legally, they get deported.  So what's the problem?  As far as I'm concerned, I wouldn't be opposed to being questioned for no reason, even if I wasn't doing anything wrong.  Really, the authorities should be able to request documentation proving they are there legally at any time, for no reason at all.  If I were American, I'd be cheering that on.  Political rant over.
35. Who did you miss?

After just having spent the last 2 of the last 3 months in close quarters with both of our families, no one.  HA!  Just kidding.  I would say, though, that I miss my sister the most right now.


36. Who was the best new person you met?

I don't think I met anyone this year that I became really close with, but I would have to say in the last couple of years, there is a gal up here that I have become pretty close with.


37. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2010.

I'm not getting any younger, yelling only makes it worse, my kids are full of awesomeness, I am more valuable than I realize.


38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Cause baby you're a firework, come on show 'em what you're worth" Katy Perry "Firework"

Happy New Year!!!

And What About My Week...

I've taken a little time off of this challenge because we have just gone the 2000km home.  And, day 26 gives me a chance to tell you about our busy, busy week!!

So, we live in the Northwest Territories, Canada, but are originally from Saskatchewan, Canada.  Where??? you say?  Well, my hometown is about 2 hours north of the Canada/U.S. border at Montana.  So, I have been busy packing myself and our 2 kids to fly home for a month and a half.  Hubby has to stay and work for another 2 weeks, but because he's going to be out of town for most of the 2 weeks, we figured we'd go early.

Anyway, my week consisted of packing, cleaning the house, and trying not to forget anything.  I spent a few days cleaning the house pretty good, and am just hoping that with the hubster being there by himself in and out for a couple of weeks, it stays that way!  We took the first flight to Yellowknife, then another flight to Edmonton, and finally the last flight to Regina.  Travelling with a 2 and a 4 year old is trying, but thank goodness we can get there all in one day. 

We arrived at about 10 at night, and are now settling in, and getting ready to take the kids to a Wiggles concert.  I'm almost ashamed to say I'm probably more excited than the kids, but only because I can't wait to see their faces at the concert.  Should be a good time.

Hopefully I can finish this challenge within the next few days, being on holidays keeps me off the computer, but I will be on every now and again. 

Cheers!

Day 24 and 25

Dontchya just love how I'm doing this 2 days at a time every few days.  I'm getting this done, just kind of my way, right?!

Day 24 is where I live.  I live in a very remote, very tiny town in the very north of Canada.  The town is called Norman Wells, and it is pretty isolated.  There are no roads out in the summer, and only ice roads in the winter.  If you catch a show called "Ice Pilots NWT" you will see our town quite a bit, as they fly food and supplies to us several times a week.  We moved up here for my husband's work (he is with the RCMP) and have been here for a little over a year.  Having lived in the same city or very close to both of our families for our whole lives, this was a big move.  Especially with a 3 year old and a 1 year old.  We do miss home, but we're finding that being away from everything is also nice, we have a lot more time for our own little family, and life up here is very laid back.  I love living in the north, and can see why "they" say once people move north, a lot of times, they never move back home.

Here are some pics of where I live, it's quite beautiful!

The barge that brings food and supplies via the Mackenzie River in the summer

Up in the foothills overlooking our town and the other mountain range on the other side of the river.

Fog over one of the lakes that float planes use.

So, that is the town I live in and on to day 25....

my day in detail.  Hmmmm, as I said before, it's pretty laid back here, and the weekend days are our family days, as hubby works weekend nights.  So, today we got up around 8, watched a little tv, and had breakfast.  It was really cold and windy out, so playing in the yard was pretty much out.  We played some games, colored some pictures and basically just hung out in our jammies all morning.  I made lunch, put some laundry away and settled in to watch some tv - our PVR is my very best friend these days!  At 3, our beloved Saskatchewan Roughrider football team played.  If you're a Rider fan, you know that the world gets put on hold for a few hours during their games - unfortunately they lost today, so that was kind of a bummer.  I made pizza buns for supper and sent hubby off to work.  After giving the kids their baths and hanging out with them for a bit, they had their snack, and off to bed for them.  I did some cleaning up and am now writing this post, while watching my Saturday night Sex and The City marathon. 

I know, I know, it's riveting stuff, isn't it?  I do miss living in a place that has more going on, but at the same time, I love not having to have a schedule, and pretty much do what we want.  I keep telling myself that once the kids are old enough to be involved in 27 things when they are older, I'm really going to miss these days. 

Oh, and I took my turkey out to thaw for Monday - Happy Thanksgiving my fellow Canadians!!

Gobble Gobble!

Day 22 and 23

These two days call for a website and a youtube video.  Could I just cheat and use youtube as my website? No? Okay, here is another great website:

http://www.wikipedia.org/

I know what you're thinking, everybody knows about that site.  The reason I'm posting that site is I have a big beef about my wiki addiction.  I will admit I go to wiki everytime I want to know something about anything (mostly who died today - so the morbid side of me, and mostly about a tv show or movie I'm watching).  Anyway, I jump to this site for the written in stone, God's honest truth about absolutely factual information about everything in the world.  I had heard the rumors about information being false on this site, and I refused to believe that my "go-to" had flaws. 

That is until Jack Nicholson died.

Or so it said.

As I was viewing the obits one morning on wiki, I was shocked to see Jack Nicholson was dead.  The actor, not the golfer.  (Hubby always gets them mixed up).  A few minutes later, his name was taken off of the dead list, apparently giving him a second chance on this earth. 

Apparently, anyone can go on wikipedia and enter information about anyone or anything.  It is only taken off if it's discovered to be false.  So, information on pages that are widely visited are probably pretty acurate, as I would think false info would be reported by the readers.  However, if I wanted to know something about, let's say, the long-horned beetle, the information could very well be wrong and no one would know (or, let's face it, even care).  I still have a love for this site, and while everyone mocks it, I still use it with a little more than a grain of salt.

And now for a youtube video:

This is the best video I've seen in a long time, it was between this and a dancing dog, and hopefully you haven't seen this because I think it's freakin' hilarious!  Maybe you should get your substance of choice out first, because I can't figure out if I have a really stupid, twisted sense of humor, but both my hubby and I laughed so hard at this:



So, there you have it, hopefully that was your laugh for the weekend!

Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian people!

This is making me hungry!!

Well, these two days (20 and 21!) really tie into each other.  Cooking and baking are hobbies of mine, I love doing them on a cold, house bound day, and Lord knows there are enough of those up here!  These two days are asking for a hobby and a recipe.  Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Buckets O' Bacon Potato Soup - Mamabear Style

Cook 2 - 3 lbs of diced bacon (really depends on how much you love bacon, and how much soup you want to make!) - drain most of the fat
Saute 2 chopped onions in remaining bacon fat
Add diced potatoes, usually 10 or so, depending on how much soup you want and how thick you want it.  Cover with water and cook until potatoes are tender but still firm (not mushy!!)  Heat 2 cans of cream of chicken soup in microwave on low until creamy.  Blend with the soup, add salt to taste.  Heat soup (don't boil). 
***Top with shredded cheddar cheese when serving***

This is the best cold day, comfort food I can think of - it's sooooo good, and reminds me of my Mom's cooking - she is the original soup nazi!!

Another really quick recipe I have is for the easiest appetizer ever - maraschino cherries wrapped with bacon.  It's just like it sounds - wrap a cherry with 1/2 piece of bacon, spear with toothpick, lay on cookie sheets and cook until bacon is crispy.  I know, I know, the first time I heard of this, I though - GROSS!!  But once I tried them, I couldn't stop!  Seriously, you must try these!

I'd love to hear if any of you try these recipes - let me know how they work for you!

Cheers!

Day 18 and 19

Day 18 and 19 are my wedding, and a talent of mine.

Well, first off, our wedding.  It was September 28, 1996 (we just celebrated our 14th anniversary!) and it was one of those big weddings where we just couldn't pare down the guest list.  There was never any question it wasn't going to be a "small" wedding, and it's not like we had 500 people or anything but I think there was 275ish invited.  Anyway, it was a great day!  I had my sister as  my maid of honor, and 2 best friends and my sister in law stand up for me.  Hubby had 2 friends and his brother in law and my brother stand up for him.  I was thinking the other day about what time the wedding took place, and for the life of me I can't remember.  Isn't that awful?!  After the ceremony, we went for pictures.  I can remember having to smile so much that my mouth hurt by the time we were done and I was getting a little bitchy.  Not good, but really, the photographer was veeeeery thorough.

The reception was a sit down dinner for about 200.  The food was awesome and the program afterward was great too.  We had a live band, and everyone had a great time.  We were one of the last ones to leave (I've never understood the bride and groom leaving at, like, 10 o'clock - we wanted to stay and party with all of our guests!)  I have no pictures to post because all of our old pictures are in storage while we live up north (and I'm pretty sure no one had a digital camera there!). 

Day 19 - a talent I have.  Well, I like to think I'm pretty good cook.  I think my talent with cooking is being able to create great dishes without using recipes.  I hate using recipes, and I like to just browse my pantry to see what might go good together.  When I get in the mood to cook or bake, I love searching the internet for ideas, and then off I go to make something from the ideas I get.  Sometimes I combine 2 or 3 different recipes, and most of the time it works out great!

Cheers!

Day 16 and 17!

Bear with me as I play a little catch up!  I'm on to days 16 and 17 - a song that makes me cry and a favorite piece of art, sculpture, etc.

Alrighty then....a song that  makes me cry is Letter To Me by Brad Paisley.  I'm not sure why it makes me cry, but I love getting all sentimental about growing up, the good, the bad, the things I wish I could take back - all of it.  Here is the video - if you haven't heard this song, have a listen!




Now, hmmmmm, a favorite piece of art would be.....

Naw, just kidding!! Seriously, here is a great piece of artwork that I really like:

"The Scream" by Edvard Munch.  I don't know what it is about this painting, I get a mini shock every time I see it.  Every.  Single.  Time.  Weird, right?  It's kind of like why people watch horror movies.  You don't really want to get scared, but you kind of do.  That's what this painting does for me.

Cheers!