Happy Birthday Bob!

Years ago when I interned for the Canadian government, the MP (member of parlament) I worked for had a leap year birthday. So, since it is really his birthday this year, I wanted to send him some well wishes!

The New Venture

Today I started a new role in my office. Basically I'm still doing the same thing, but from an electronic standpoint. I don't have to answer the Q anymore, but I am just as busy with leads that come over the internet. I'm excited about the new change! Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday Madison!

Happy Birthday to Gary's niece Madison!

Happy Birthday Bobbie & Nikki

I have two cousins that share the same birthday - one from each side of my family and years apart from each other. Isn't that funny! I wish you both all the best!

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Well, we came home today. Yesterday was spent at Animal Kingdom. I think we were still suffering from our wild ventures the night before, because we didn't stay out long. The mid afternoon was spent lounging around and getting ready to venture back into the cold.

Flying back was nice, but a little turbulent at times. So much so that the captain made the flight attendants sit down too. Descending in all we could see is white -- a big difference from flying into Florida.

The rest of today was spent unpacking and staying out of the cold.

Before I forget . . . congratulations to my cousin Marc . . . he proposed to his Girlfriend!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! We spent the day going to Epcot. Every time I go, I think of my friend Ray and his quest to have a drink in every country. I hope to go again with you my friend, and try to be a part of your quest. Although we need another driver!

After our ventures at Epcot, we took the tram over to Magic Kingdom to participate in the Princess and Pirate Party. A jolly good time, but also a late night. We were beat after finding different treasures throughout the park -- in addition to riding various rides along the way!

"Yo ho yo ho a Pirate's life for me!"

Happy Birthday Norm!

Happy Birthday to a dear friend of Gary's (and mine) -- Norm! Cheers to a great 2008!

Rock & Roll

Wednesday we hit Disney's Hollywood Studios (the park formerly known as Disney/MGM). Elijah made great strides today and rode Aerosmith's Rock n Rollercoaster! It was a proud moment. His first words after getting off were: "that was a sweet ride." Gary would have been proud!

Universal Again!

Monday and Tuesday we did Islands of Adventure and Universal. The thing I noticed was the short lines -- 5 minutes for Spiderman? Wow! The new buzz onsite is the new Simpson's ride that is supposed to be opening this spring. In case you were wondering, it has replaced Back to the Future (say it isn't so). The ride is blocked off so you can't see anything. However, they did get the store up and running - it is called the "Quick-E-Mart." We ventured in and made a few purchases.

At first I though the lack of people could be the time of year, but perhaps it was the convention going on - it pretty much sold out the city and drove rates up high enough to scare off some tourists. At least that is what some of my work friends that now live/work in Orlando told me. All I know is that it was nice.

That's the way I like it!

After suffering through -19 degree wind chill at the "race", we came home to finish preparations to venture to Orlando! We didn't fly out until evening, so we didn't accomplish much that night. I can tell you that it was a very nice change in weather. 50-60's in the evening, 70-80's during the day. Very nice!

Did I mention that I ended up renting an Escape Hybrid? It was all that was left due to a convention in town -- plus it was only $15 more than an economy car!

Cardboard Classic

On this blistery Sunday morning we ventured out to Alpine Ski Lodge to participate in the 14th Annual Cardboard Classic. Gary's Dad built a lovely cardboard sled known as the "Arctic Rat." What is amazing is that he went down the hill with Elijah (did I mention he is 70+). Also they took 10th place out of 113 cars! Nice!

It was fun, but it was cold! Thank goodness for hand and foot warmers!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, it has been so busy at work lately that I not only came in on a scheduled day off and worked a full day, but I also put in 4 hours on Saturday. I finally got to a semi-respectable place and I know it will be completely undermined by the fact that I am on vacation for a week! Oh well . . .

Happy Birthday Lois!

Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law, Lois! Best wishes for a great year!

Another Crazy Week

It was another busy week at work, which ended with a snowy commute today. Thank God I have cool bosses because it took me 1 hour, 40 minutes to get to work instead of the usual 30-40 minutes.

Not much else is going on. Elijah enjoyed a snow day. My Dad is recovering well. I have some loved ones that could use some prayers.

Have a nice weekend.

Happy Birthday Herbie!

Happy Birthday to my Uncle Herbie.

I hope you had a great day and I wish you all the happiness in the world!

Another month almost gone

It's hard to believe that in less than a week it will be February. Where does the time go anymore? It's been busy at work, so that certainly helps pass the time, but that fast?

On another note, my father is doing amazingly well. I am so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers you extended. He goes to the doctor this week for post surgery follow up, so keep your fingers crossed that all continues to go well.

I have a dear friend that received an amazing job offer. I'm so happy for you and I wish you nothing but the best. I would have enjoyed working with you, but that doesn't mean it won't happen another time! All the best my friend.

I found out today that family member had some bad news. I won't get into the particulars out of love and respect, but please say a prayer for someone in need of love and support during a difficult time.

Have a nice weekend.

Wow

While I was at work, I received a "CNN Breaking News" alert. It said that Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment. I have to admit that I started gasping in disbelief. Now let me clarify that I did not rush out to see all of his movies, but I liked him the ones I did see. I was more in shock with his age: 28 and the fact that he has a toddler: 2. For not knowing the guy, I felt like I was kicked in the gut because I know what his family is going through and I know how sad it is for his daughter. Death of someone before their time is tragic, it's sad. My heart goes out to his family and all of those families that have had to say goodbye to their loved ones too soon.

MLK

I have to share my son's view of MLK Day. Last week I picked him up from school and on the way home he asked me if I knew who's birthday was on Monday. He then went on to say that it was "a man that went to jail for standing up for another person and all he wanted was for things to be fair and he had a dream, and someone shot him. Why did someone shoot him?" I was very touched but also very unprepared for a deep conversation like this. What a little man.

Happy Birthday LeeLee!

Happy birthday to my Aunt LeeLee. That's the nickname she got when I was little and I never let it go . . . Anyway, I hope your day is great and best wishes for a great year! Love you!

Another Update

My dad got out the hospital on Wednesday. I think he is glad to be home, but now he really has to follow is release instructions and start moving around. It doesn't help that is is so &%$# cold out! Elijah and I went out and spent Saturday with him. He gets tired and can't stay in one spot for too long. He's being a cautious eater -- I'm not sure if he's too sensitive or is afraid of eating the wrong thing. I also found out that he hasn't been doing his breathing exercises that are supposed to help him not get pneumonia. He got into trouble for that! Thanks for keeping him in your prayers.