I've chosen to tackle Jeremy Hiebert's top ten list suggestion. I chose his as my starting point, because I've contemplated what these reasons are many times over. I think I have my list memorized.
Top Ten Reasons to Choose to Live in Southern Manitoba
10. A hot cup of tea on a cold, blustery winter evening, stuck inside the house, with Christmas lights reflecting off the sparkling snow
9. Wereniki, Schmondt, and the like
8. Sunsets
7. Sunflower, Flax and Canola fields in bloom
6. Fall colours
5. Canoiing on the Morris River
4. Low property tax
3. Cost of living
2. Friendly neighbours, waving at every car that passes you on the road...
1. And the number one reason to choose to live in Southern Manitoba... FAMILY
Top Ten Reasons to Choose to Live in Southern Manitoba
10. A hot cup of tea on a cold, blustery winter evening, stuck inside the house, with Christmas lights reflecting off the sparkling snow
9. Wereniki, Schmondt, and the like
8. Sunsets
7. Sunflower, Flax and Canola fields in bloom
6. Fall colours
5. Canoiing on the Morris River
4. Low property tax
3. Cost of living
2. Friendly neighbours, waving at every car that passes you on the road...
1. And the number one reason to choose to live in Southern Manitoba... FAMILY
Here is Rosenort by satellite view again. This time I've marked the location of the school. Jason, I'm not sure where Jer's old farm would be - I never knew him back then! I'd have to check with Ryan.
If you haven't already found GoogleEarth and searched out your house on it - GO NOW! It's sooooooo cool! Here you can see our place as it is seen by satellite.
I love getting things organized - especially with files and things on my computer. I just organized my "Favourites" links. I even changed the icons for certain links. Cool, hey?
So I've noticed that the new Blog-fad is to do some kind of top ten list. For example: Ten Things I Love to eat, or My Top Ten Favourite Songs, or Ten Things I'm Afraid Of.
What kind of top ten list would you like to read about me?
What kind of top ten list would you like to read about me?
To Date Or Not To Date - That Is The Question
Okay, without making this scenario too specific - imagine a friend of yours has been separated from their spouse for over a year. He/She is still fairly young, and still has hopes of remarrying and having a family in the future. Eager to move on in life, and with 'possibilities' lining up at the door - your friend asks you for your opinion on whether or not he/she should start dating again - before the divorce is official. Should one wait for an official divorce before getting out into the dating world? A marriage is so much more than a document - is a divorce simply a document, that should be disregarded as a reason to date or not?
I'd like to hear your opinion, should a person start dating before the divorce is final?
Okay, without making this scenario too specific - imagine a friend of yours has been separated from their spouse for over a year. He/She is still fairly young, and still has hopes of remarrying and having a family in the future. Eager to move on in life, and with 'possibilities' lining up at the door - your friend asks you for your opinion on whether or not he/she should start dating again - before the divorce is official. Should one wait for an official divorce before getting out into the dating world? A marriage is so much more than a document - is a divorce simply a document, that should be disregarded as a reason to date or not?
I'd like to hear your opinion, should a person start dating before the divorce is final?
My artist moms with their booth at the Forks. (My mom, Wendy, on the left, my mother-in-law, Jeanne, on the right).
I don't often post pics of my bro, or write about him - but here he is! I liked this picture of him (it's 'Ang style'), so I thought I'd post it. Matt is currently in his 4th year at U of M, studying Business Management and Marketing. I'm very proud of him - and I should probably tell him that more often.
Its that colourful time of year again! Its been so beautiful the last few days, with the trees turning colour and losing their leaves. Today (when I took the picture) it was a gorgeous, warm 22+.
After taking this picture and seeing it on-screen, I wished I had moved the ugly drain pipe!
Love the colours of these plants.
DJ sporting her new collar from Ryan.
I'm excited about my new winter jacket on order from Sears (mine will be black). It's a goose down jacket, which should keep me toasty and warm this winter.
I Like Big Boys and I Cannot Lie...
... I just love them BIG! I don't know why, but something about a man with big, broad shoulders, and big strong arms just drives me nuts. I honestly don't find myself attracted to slim men. Not that I don't think a slim guy doesn't look nice - I just don't find them, ahem, attractive in that way. You know? Brad Pitt is good looking and all, but I need more meat! As far as body types go, I'd sooner go after a celebrity like Philip Seymour Hoffman.
In my opinion, my husband Ryan meets this criteria to a 'T'. He's perfect for me. I still can't get over how lucky I am to have such a HOT husband! It never ceases to amaze me how good it feels to be swept up into those huge, warm arms. Mmmmmmmmm... but in keeping this blog to a G rating, I'll stop there. Just had to share.
... I just love them BIG! I don't know why, but something about a man with big, broad shoulders, and big strong arms just drives me nuts. I honestly don't find myself attracted to slim men. Not that I don't think a slim guy doesn't look nice - I just don't find them, ahem, attractive in that way. You know? Brad Pitt is good looking and all, but I need more meat! As far as body types go, I'd sooner go after a celebrity like Philip Seymour Hoffman.
In my opinion, my husband Ryan meets this criteria to a 'T'. He's perfect for me. I still can't get over how lucky I am to have such a HOT husband! It never ceases to amaze me how good it feels to be swept up into those huge, warm arms. Mmmmmmmmm... but in keeping this blog to a G rating, I'll stop there. Just had to share.
Can you keep a secret? I'm just asking, because what I'm about to tell you is sort of embarassing. But admitting you have a problem is one step in the right direction, right?
I am a Cyber Schizophrenic.
Lately I've been... here's the embarassing part... using various screen names on my posts depending on the type of post I leave.
The Personas:
Myself - here I use my own name, and link to my blog. The posts I leave as Myself are usually jovial and encouraging posts. I always use Myself on friends' and families' blogs.
The Politic - here I usually use the screen name Politcal Girl (just to sound official), or something of the like. I don't know a lot about politics, but when someone gets all 'governmental' on their blog, I'll usually say something about it. Generally, my comments are not very supportive in this arena. I usually don't link these ones to my site.
The Aggressor - here I usually post anonymously, because I am cowardly, and fear the repercussions I'd receive on my own blog if I linked it. The Aggressor comes out on a lot of issues, and usually expresses a view that is not accepted by the majority of the public. Generally, when the Aggressor leaves a post, it starts something - negative. And that's where my Cyber Schizophrenia gets weird...
The Peace Maker - here I usually post as Myself or as another made-up screen name, like "Ashley Rose". Something nice, and calming. This persona will come out when the posts get heated after The Agressor has been in action. The Peace Maker will usually say something that is in support of both parties, and in a sense makes me feel less guilty about making someone angry. Yes, at times I post in opposition of my own previous posting on the same blog. In a word, nutcase.
So, I'm thinking this is probably not a great idea, and I should probably stop really soon. What is worse than standing up for what you believe, and not even having the guts to show your name? I think that admitting my problem here has helped me to realize that it needs to stop. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know my progress.
I am a Cyber Schizophrenic.
Lately I've been... here's the embarassing part... using various screen names on my posts depending on the type of post I leave.
The Personas:
Myself - here I use my own name, and link to my blog. The posts I leave as Myself are usually jovial and encouraging posts. I always use Myself on friends' and families' blogs.
The Politic - here I usually use the screen name Politcal Girl (just to sound official), or something of the like. I don't know a lot about politics, but when someone gets all 'governmental' on their blog, I'll usually say something about it. Generally, my comments are not very supportive in this arena. I usually don't link these ones to my site.
The Aggressor - here I usually post anonymously, because I am cowardly, and fear the repercussions I'd receive on my own blog if I linked it. The Aggressor comes out on a lot of issues, and usually expresses a view that is not accepted by the majority of the public. Generally, when the Aggressor leaves a post, it starts something - negative. And that's where my Cyber Schizophrenia gets weird...
The Peace Maker - here I usually post as Myself or as another made-up screen name, like "Ashley Rose". Something nice, and calming. This persona will come out when the posts get heated after The Agressor has been in action. The Peace Maker will usually say something that is in support of both parties, and in a sense makes me feel less guilty about making someone angry. Yes, at times I post in opposition of my own previous posting on the same blog. In a word, nutcase.
So, I'm thinking this is probably not a great idea, and I should probably stop really soon. What is worse than standing up for what you believe, and not even having the guts to show your name? I think that admitting my problem here has helped me to realize that it needs to stop. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know my progress.
Happy 2 year Anniversary babe! I love you!
Our new kitty, Djibril Cisse (DJ), watches her namesake play soccer on TV with Ryan.
Another game of Risk broke out this weekend. I think it was a three-hour-long game.
The Erhardt's work off supper in a rousing game of family gathering volleyball.
Seth set up his McDick's drive-thru next to the volleyball game. It was quite cute!
My friend Tracy reminded me today that the Morris MCC Relief Sale is coming up on September 17th. Funds go to various World-wide relief organizations. Check out the website for more info - or for MCC Relief Sales in your area.
I've decided today that I would admit something embarassing about myself.
I laugh at my own jokes. Yes, I do. I don't do it often in front of others, but with this whole blog thing going on, I find myself laughing out loud at things I post. I kind of think that I am quite humourous sometimes. Not all of the time, but sometimes. I think I occasionally get witty, and it's funny. So there, I said it.
I laugh at my own jokes. Yes, I do. I don't do it often in front of others, but with this whole blog thing going on, I find myself laughing out loud at things I post. I kind of think that I am quite humourous sometimes. Not all of the time, but sometimes. I think I occasionally get witty, and it's funny. So there, I said it.
Spoiled
Can anyone tell me if this is at all what it's like to be a parent?
I was on my way home from work on Tuesday when I found an adorable kitty on the highway. Being rush hour, I figured I'd better save her. I picked her up and took her home.
Ryan and I already have one cat. "Puss" is about four years old, and he's a big kitty. Last time we weighed him he was nearing the 20lb mark. He is very attached to us, and has an attitude as big as he is. I knew the new kitty, Little Puss, wouldn't go over well, but she was soooooo cute!
Puss handled it pretty well. Lucky for Little Puss, she is small, and she is female - so Puss doesn't feel quite as protective of his territory as he might with a large, male cat. Little Puss tried to play with Puss, but Puss just ignored her. It was quite funny to watch her attack his tail!
Anyway, I thought it would be so nice to have two cats. However, it didn't take long until I realized that this new little kitty has a very different personality than our older cat. Little Puss meows - A LOT. She thinks she needs to eat every second, and particularly when we are eating. When she does finally settle down to eat, she won't eat out of her own bowl - she has to eat out of Puss' bowl. And Puss is not thrilled about that.
Little Puss plays a lot, and it's cute, but it would be nice if she'd go curl up and sleep for awhile. I don't have time to follow her around the house trying to avoid destruction. Puss sleeps almost all day, plays for a while in the evening, and then goes out all night.
Little Puss is somewhat destructive. She has already attacked some curtains, pulls on the rug on the stairs, and has tried to climb Ryan's leg... BARE leg. I'm used to my calm, collected cat just meandering through the house without a peep. He's more interested in finding a place to nap than he is about the curtains.
Anyway, Little Puss may have found a new home today - and I'll be sort of sad to see her go. She is very cuddly and adorable, and in her defense, she uses the litter box.
Can anyone tell me if this is at all what it's like to be a parent?
I was on my way home from work on Tuesday when I found an adorable kitty on the highway. Being rush hour, I figured I'd better save her. I picked her up and took her home.
Ryan and I already have one cat. "Puss" is about four years old, and he's a big kitty. Last time we weighed him he was nearing the 20lb mark. He is very attached to us, and has an attitude as big as he is. I knew the new kitty, Little Puss, wouldn't go over well, but she was soooooo cute!
Puss handled it pretty well. Lucky for Little Puss, she is small, and she is female - so Puss doesn't feel quite as protective of his territory as he might with a large, male cat. Little Puss tried to play with Puss, but Puss just ignored her. It was quite funny to watch her attack his tail!
Anyway, I thought it would be so nice to have two cats. However, it didn't take long until I realized that this new little kitty has a very different personality than our older cat. Little Puss meows - A LOT. She thinks she needs to eat every second, and particularly when we are eating. When she does finally settle down to eat, she won't eat out of her own bowl - she has to eat out of Puss' bowl. And Puss is not thrilled about that.
Little Puss plays a lot, and it's cute, but it would be nice if she'd go curl up and sleep for awhile. I don't have time to follow her around the house trying to avoid destruction. Puss sleeps almost all day, plays for a while in the evening, and then goes out all night.
Little Puss is somewhat destructive. She has already attacked some curtains, pulls on the rug on the stairs, and has tried to climb Ryan's leg... BARE leg. I'm used to my calm, collected cat just meandering through the house without a peep. He's more interested in finding a place to nap than he is about the curtains.
Anyway, Little Puss may have found a new home today - and I'll be sort of sad to see her go. She is very cuddly and adorable, and in her defense, she uses the litter box.
"THE ONE"
"The one" is the guy you had all your firsts with. You know, first french kiss, first... everything, "the one". "The one" is usually the guy who taught you things you never thought you'd want to know - but then you find out that you DO want to know, and you kinda like it too. "The one" is also usually the first person to cheat on you, the first person to hurt you, and the first to break your heart.
"The one" came into my place of work today. I am never prepared for run-ins with "the one". My heart started to pound hard... or maybe that was just my coffee in action. It isn't the kind of heart pounding you get when you are around someone you like - it's the kind you get when you are around someone you DON'T WANT TO TALK TO!
He sat in the waiting area of the office, and I could see him through the glass walls of the entrance. "Can he see me? Does he want to see me? Oh man, how do I look today? I've gained weight. So has he. Suck it in Heather, try to look at ease." He looks just as uncomfortable. But he is about to meet with my dad.
My dad is my boss, and "the one" and my dad have never got along. "The one" met my dad often - when he'd bring me home at ungodly hours of the morning. Usually these visits were brief and uncomfortable, at the least. Usually these visits were kept short because our hair would be in a mess, shirts untucked, and odours barely masked. Possibly, our cheeks would be a little too flushed. Ah, "the one". "The one" makes your parents crazy - and I don't blame them now that I look back.
"The one" entered my dad's office. I peered across my half-wall cubicle, and saw the uneasy handshake and shift onto the chair. My dad is the calmest person I know. He looks fine. He smiles, talks as though this is the first time he's ever met this guy. For all I know, he's long forgotten him. I should do the same.
The meeting goes smoothly. I don't know what I expected. Dad wasn't going to say, "So, remember the day that you *insert any adjective here* with my daughter?". He just kept it to business.
"The one" leaves the office and glances in my direction. I divert my eyes. I'm suddenly VERY busy, and I have to type madly and click away at my mouse like there was no tomorrow.
He leaves. Hallelujah. Next time I will be more prepared. But no one is ever prepared for a run-in with "the one".
"The one" is the guy you had all your firsts with. You know, first french kiss, first... everything, "the one". "The one" is usually the guy who taught you things you never thought you'd want to know - but then you find out that you DO want to know, and you kinda like it too. "The one" is also usually the first person to cheat on you, the first person to hurt you, and the first to break your heart.
"The one" came into my place of work today. I am never prepared for run-ins with "the one". My heart started to pound hard... or maybe that was just my coffee in action. It isn't the kind of heart pounding you get when you are around someone you like - it's the kind you get when you are around someone you DON'T WANT TO TALK TO!
He sat in the waiting area of the office, and I could see him through the glass walls of the entrance. "Can he see me? Does he want to see me? Oh man, how do I look today? I've gained weight. So has he. Suck it in Heather, try to look at ease." He looks just as uncomfortable. But he is about to meet with my dad.
My dad is my boss, and "the one" and my dad have never got along. "The one" met my dad often - when he'd bring me home at ungodly hours of the morning. Usually these visits were brief and uncomfortable, at the least. Usually these visits were kept short because our hair would be in a mess, shirts untucked, and odours barely masked. Possibly, our cheeks would be a little too flushed. Ah, "the one". "The one" makes your parents crazy - and I don't blame them now that I look back.
"The one" entered my dad's office. I peered across my half-wall cubicle, and saw the uneasy handshake and shift onto the chair. My dad is the calmest person I know. He looks fine. He smiles, talks as though this is the first time he's ever met this guy. For all I know, he's long forgotten him. I should do the same.
The meeting goes smoothly. I don't know what I expected. Dad wasn't going to say, "So, remember the day that you *insert any adjective here* with my daughter?". He just kept it to business.
"The one" leaves the office and glances in my direction. I divert my eyes. I'm suddenly VERY busy, and I have to type madly and click away at my mouse like there was no tomorrow.
He leaves. Hallelujah. Next time I will be more prepared. But no one is ever prepared for a run-in with "the one".
This sweet little gal showed up at our place yesterday. She is so cuddly, and purrs really loudly! Our cat seems to be tolerating her, and she stuck around through the night. I put posters up in town, but if no one claims her, we might have a new addition to the family! Ryan has already claimed naming rights. Don't you love her milk-mustache?
Holidays
You are going to notice an obvious theme in my holiday pictures - KIDS! My last week of holidays has been packed full of all of the kids I love most. It all began with Gina's 2nd birthday party at A'maze in Corn. We had a great time there with her and Billy, as well as David & Alicia's girls Tess, Meg and Fay. Steve and Ang arrived later that afternoon, and Ryan was finally able to lay eyes on his new nephew. We couldn't get enough of Thomas and Emily during the week. I was so glad I didn't have to work! We did all kinds of playing together, and even got to go on a bike ride in a borrowed bike trailer. The weather was pretty beautiful most of the week, and Emily got to go swimming in grandma and grandpa's pool. It was also a tremendous joy to spend time with Steve and Ang. I wish I could have my sister-in-law around all of the time. She makes me laugh so hard, and seems to understand me completely. She is definately one of my best friends, and it was so awesome to have her near. We went on a midnight walk, ate Indian food, shopped, talked and best of all - had many great laughs as we shared our love for her beautiful kids. I really could go on and on, but this would just get long and boring after awhile. At Fair Hills we were able to put in many hours of fun that included our god-daughter Gina, and Billy who is just 3 weeks old. Ryan hogged Billy a lot of the time, so I spent much of my time exploring the resort with Gina and answering her many questions, like "what culla is it?" (what colour is it), and "where did dat chipmunk go Auntie Header - is he hiding?".
All good things must come to an end however, and I'm now back at work. Thankfully the good times can live on in memories!
You are going to notice an obvious theme in my holiday pictures - KIDS! My last week of holidays has been packed full of all of the kids I love most. It all began with Gina's 2nd birthday party at A'maze in Corn. We had a great time there with her and Billy, as well as David & Alicia's girls Tess, Meg and Fay. Steve and Ang arrived later that afternoon, and Ryan was finally able to lay eyes on his new nephew. We couldn't get enough of Thomas and Emily during the week. I was so glad I didn't have to work! We did all kinds of playing together, and even got to go on a bike ride in a borrowed bike trailer. The weather was pretty beautiful most of the week, and Emily got to go swimming in grandma and grandpa's pool. It was also a tremendous joy to spend time with Steve and Ang. I wish I could have my sister-in-law around all of the time. She makes me laugh so hard, and seems to understand me completely. She is definately one of my best friends, and it was so awesome to have her near. We went on a midnight walk, ate Indian food, shopped, talked and best of all - had many great laughs as we shared our love for her beautiful kids. I really could go on and on, but this would just get long and boring after awhile. At Fair Hills we were able to put in many hours of fun that included our god-daughter Gina, and Billy who is just 3 weeks old. Ryan hogged Billy a lot of the time, so I spent much of my time exploring the resort with Gina and answering her many questions, like "what culla is it?" (what colour is it), and "where did dat chipmunk go Auntie Header - is he hiding?".
All good things must come to an end however, and I'm now back at work. Thankfully the good times can live on in memories!
Gina turns 2!
Eating chips with a fork.
Baby Billy fast asleep.
Uncle Ryan FINALLY gets to see his nephew!
Tommy Blue Eyes.
Emmy's frogs.
Bike ridin
Jeanne, Ang & I enjoyed a girl's night out at the Ivory Restaurant where we gorged ourselves at a delicious Indian food buffet. Here Ang samples various sauces.
Good eats.
Thomas & Grandpa.
Emily & Hayley ride the "Happy Bus".
Goldilocks.
Gina on her pony.
The feeding station.
Jer & Steve "shpitzere".
Tom & I.
Our cabin at Fair Hills - No. 21
Tom & Uncle.
The whole fam.
