Action Packed Plett Life

Welcome to a day in the lives of our little Plett family...


I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas! We certainly did. It was really nice to spend this Christmas at home, with our family and friends. Of course, we are much looking forward to the trip to Hawaii, and getting to see Steve, Ang, Emily and Tom. Hooray!

Ryan and I actually went out on Boxing Day to shop. We felt it was almost something we had to do, seeing as we were actually at home to do it! We left for the city at 7:00 a.m., with I think was quite a reasonable time to leave in a long run. We had a successful trip - and bought ourselves a bedroom suite for Christmas! The price was right, we both liked it, and it was pretty much perfect. This means that the "baby room" will finally get cleared out, and I'll be able to start working on getting it ready for Baby Plett.

Ryan will be bringing his laptop to Hawaii this year, where I believe we have free in-room internet hookup. So, I may even be able to post from Hawaii - if we have a rainy day, or a boring afternoon where I've burnt myself to a crisp. Trust me, it doesn't take much for me! Anyway, until then, happy New Year!


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider? Hot Chocolate - with marshmellows & Bailey's
2. Turkey or Ham? Turkey with lots of gravy
3. Do you get a Fake or Real Cut-It-Yourself Christmas tree? Fake
4. Decorations on the outside of your house? Yup!
5. Snowball fights or sledding? Sledding - right across the road we have the community sledding hill, and a big huge light from the Feed Mill lights up the hill at night. Last night there were at least 20 kids out there, because it was about -2 and no wind.
6. Do you like hanging around the fireplace because it's warm? I adore fireplaces!
7. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping? Absolutely not. I'd prefer not to go into a mall in December.
8. Favorite Christmas song? "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" by Amy Grant, or Boney M's "Feliz Navidad".
9. How do you feel about Christmas movies? Um, they're okay.
10. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? Anytime before December.
11. Stockings before or after presents? Definately before presents.
12. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them? I'd definately watch them through the front window.
13. Do people come to your house or do you go to theres? We go to other's places usually.
14. Do you read the Christmas Story? Yes.
15. What do you do after presents and dinner? Sit and chat, read the Christmas story, listen to music, eat goodies.
16. What is your favorite holiday smell? Cinnamon
17. Ice skating or walking around the mall? Skating - if I had to pick.
18. Favorite Christmas memory? Every Christmas has been special for me in one way or another, this Christmas will be special because we have a new little gift to celebrate.
19. Ever been kissed under mistletoe? Yes!
20. When did you stop believing in Santa? I was never taught to believe in Santa.
21. Name all the reindeers that drive Santa's sled? (no cheating) Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Prancer, Vixon...
22. What is the best part about Christmas? The celebration of the birth of our Saviour.

Have you ever wondered from how far and wide your bloggers were from? I definately have a curiousity. If you read this, would you do me the honour of putting in a comment saying where you are posting from? That would be so cool.

What a great, and busy, weekend. It started out Friday afternoon, as Ryan graciously drove me into the city in less-than-ideal weather conditions to do a little bit of shopping. The roads were pretty slick, and he hadn't gone into work in the morning because of the weather. After shopping, he dropped me off at Pasta La Vista where I met up with a bunch of old high school friends for supper - Terrilee, Sher, Erik, Keith. Unfortunately we were missing Calvin, who wasn't able to make it. In the meantime, Ryan went to McDick's for supper and headed over to the theatre to see a movie. It is always nice to get together with that old group of friends. We really don't live far away from each other, in fact, Terrilee, Erik and I see each other fairly regularly. But, every now and then we pull the old group together for a night out, and it's always great to catch up.
On Saturday we headed out to the city just after lunch to pick up my brother and my grandma, and headed out to St. Andrews for the Smith/Erhardt gathering. It was a nice and relaxing evening, with a delicious supper of smoked turkey, meatballs and perogies. The guys played some poker, and eventually some Christmas carolling broke out in the living room. Baby Plett got his/her first Christmas present! A teething ring from Great Uncle Brent and Great Auntie Karen.
Sunday morning was church, and then a nice long afternoon of napping before heading out to the Plett gathering. It was so great to see so many people there - including Myron, Tracey and Elijah from B.C. Supper was incredible, turkey, mashed potatoes, veggies, fruit salad, buns, stuffing and gravy. The kids had an awesome time together, although they missed having Gina, Billy, Emily and Thomas there to join them. After heading home, Myron stopped in and he and Ryan sat up late to chat.


On Saturday we had the Erhardt/Smith gathering at my Uncle and Aunt's new home in St. Andrews. After dinner Christmas carols were brought out, and a pretty decent singing session broke out. Thanks to Uncle Jeff's 9 year old wine, I think even some of the high notes were reached.


Uncle Matty accompanies the carollers.


Ryan chills.


On Sunday was the Plett gathering, where there were at least three prego Plett women present. Margaret is a couple of months ahead of me - but I think I have her beat.


Faye, Meg and Tess play with Lexi.


Hayley just hanging around.


Our "cool" new overhang. It's so forboding, but we just don't have the heart to knock it down.


Cool snow formations on the window sill. I was glad I caught this pic - a few seconds later and the wind blew this snow right off!


Our friends Fiona & Ivan have been travelling in Australia for the last month or so. They sent some pics this weekend - and I just loved this one. I think it suits Fiona's Australian-born personality.


I forgot about this one shot I took on the weekend. We thought this round of Jenga should be documented. Note the one piece balancing the entire tower at the bottom.


This is one of Ryan's latest purchases.


Puss disguising himself as a pile of messy clothes.

Well, I'd better stick to my word and keep this site updated. With all the excitement of the new baby, I usually have more to post about pregnancy these days than anything else. But, I'd like to keep the baby issue somewhat separate (as much as possible) from Plett Life.

What have we been up to lately? Well, last weekend was awesome. On Friday evening we had buffet Chinese for supper with Brent, Terrilee and Emery (it's almost becoming a tradition). On Saturday we vegged out most of the morning, while doing a little clean up here and there. I actually took time to sit down with a cup of hot tea by the Christmas tree and read a chapter of "The Purpose Driven Life". I don't know that I had read much of it since last winter! In the late afternoon our friends Rick & Lori came down for supper - sweet & sour meatballs with rice. After dinner we cracked a bottle of wine (okay, they cracked open the wine) and a few rounds of Jenga were played, followed by some Texas Hold 'Em. They stayed the night, and we enjoyed a simple Sunday breakfast with them before they hit the road, and we headed off for church. The afternoon and evening followed the relaxed theme for the weekend, with my brother Matt joining for the Finale of Survivor in the evening.

This week the Finale of two of my fave shows were on. Survivor and The Amazing Race both capped off this week, and I was not disappointed. On Survivor, I was (at the end) cheering whole-heartedly for Danni who ended up winning the million. On The Amazing Race I was a little more torn, but the people I DIDN'T want to win didn't. Now Ryan and I are both looking forward to the start of our fave winter series - 24.

The weekend coming up will also be busy for us. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, where we will likely get to hear the heartbeat of our little miracle. On Saturday we are off to my uncle and aunt's new home near Selkirk for a family gathering. Ooh, I better not forget to bring veggies and dip. On Sunday is the Plett gathering at Ryan's uncle and aunt's place - just walking distance from our place. I'm really looking forward to a weekend packed with family and friends! Not to mention that I just love Christmas gatherings - mostly because of all the great food! Just kidding.

Sorry that this post contains no photos. I've been neglecting the camera a little this week. I promise some photos from the weekend though. Maybe I'll get Ryan to snap a few at the doctor tomorrow too.

Hello everyone! Guess what? I've been keeping a secret blog for the last couple of months. I'm ready to share it with you now, so just click here. Enjoy! And don't worry, I'll still be keeping up with Action Packed too.

Plett here.
I would like to say that as an environmentalist, I do not support bloggers or the blogging industry. As with most failed martyrs, personal needs and modern convenience have defeated ideals once held. Due to the speed at which my particular rat race is taking place, secret glances at this blog has become the most reliable way of remaining informed as to the happenings of my own life. If too many days pass without an update, I fear a surprise is likely on the way, and a month of surprises (none pleasant) with the new business is starting to make me hear voices and have facial tics and type run-on sentences. Asking for a blog update was simply an act of self-preservation.
plett.
Note: At this pace, the next Plett-authored entry will take place in May or June of 2006.

Ryan sent me an MSN message today saying that I needed to update our blog. I guess I've just been too busy at work to have anything come to mind to post. He said "Just post anything - about the cats - or a recipe - or something!"

Well, here goes... here is one of new fave recipes. Plus it does freeze really well.










Perfect Zesty Chicken Tortilla Bake

Get two meals in one with this favourite saucy chicken dish - make it tonight and freeze half for next week.

Ingredients

1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing or MIRACLE WHIP CALORIE-WISE Dressing

1/2 cup flour

3 cups milk

1 pkg. (200 g) KRAFT Tex Mex Shredded Cheese, divided

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

16 flour tortillas (6-inch)

Directions
1
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Mix dressing and flour in medium saucepan with wire whisk until well blended. Gradually add milk, stirring until well blended. Cook and stir on medium heat until sauce comes to boil and thickens. Stir in half of the cheese. Reserve 1 cup of the prepared sauce.
2
ADD chicken, salsa and parsley to remaining sauce; stir until well blended. Spoon 1/3 cup of the sauce mixture onto centre of each tortilla; roll up. Place 8 of the roll-ups, seam sides down, in each of two (11x8-inch) baking dishes; top evenly with reserved sauce and remaining cheese.
3
BAKE 35 min.

One Effort, Two Meals! Allow second casserole to cool. Double wrap tightly in foil or resealable airtight large plastic freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat It When reheating frozen casseroles, it is best to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. If reheating frozen, bake in 350°F oven allowing almost double the original baking time.


Got the Christmas tree up this weekend, complete with presents!

*First*
First job: Working at Rose Lane Teahouse as a waitress/dishwasher
First screen name: eternal_13
First funeral: I think maybe it was my great grandma's
First pet: We've had so many - the first one I have clear memories of was our cat Tom
First piercing: My ears, in grade 4
First tattoo: None yet!
First credit card: I believe it was Mastercard
First kiss: Jonathon Eidse, in grade 3
First enemy: Not even worth talking about it.

*Last*
Last car ride: Back to work after lunch.
Last kiss: Saying good-bye to my hubby this morning.
Last movie watched: "North Country" with Charlize Theron at the Cheaps.
Last beverage drank: Water.
Last food consumed: Potato & cheddar perogies with mushroom sauce.
Last phone call: My mom.
Last time showered: This morning.
Last CD played: Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business

*Now*
Single or taken: Happily taken
Gender: Female
Birthday: June 26
Sign: Cancer
Siblings: one younger brother, Matt
Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Blue/green
Shoe size: 6.5 - 7
Height: 5' 3"
Wearing: Khaki pants, black turtleneck sweater, black down vest, and black angora socks.
Drinking: Water.
Thinking about: What to make for supper.

I forgot to mention one other highlight, and also a very emotional moment, from yesterday evening in my earlier post.

Dr. Charles Olweny gave a speech of thanks to the Award recipients last night. Now working in Winnipeg, Dr. Olweny originally came from Africa, and still has family there. He spoke of how the HIV/AIDS epidemic had affected him personally, from the death of his brother, and the death of his sister from AIDS. It was a moving speech, and I don't think many in the crowd truly had a dry eye when he finished, boldly stating in his African language and then in English "God bless Africa!".

The stats alone are devastating. Every 14 seconds someone in Africa dies of HIV/AIDS. It's estimated that 26.6 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in Africa right now, 6,300 of which die every day, representing the greatest medical emergency the world has ever seen.

Today just happens to be World AIDS Day.

Last night Ryan and I were blessed to accompany Frank and Jeanne to the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation 2005 International Award Gala Dinner. Their generousity through the years has given us the opportunity to meet some amazing, and inspiring individuals - and yesterday evening was no exception.

The evening began as we were chauffered from the Winnipeg Convention Center by van/limousine to Government House located at the Legislative Buildings. We were greeted by doormen, and escorted to what I think was the largest hall closet I've ever seen! I want a closet like that. Upon entering the home, our names were taken, and called out by a Sentry to the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Mr. Harvard. We then greeted him and his wife, both of whom were very personable. We enjoyed a lovely reception there, with drinks, and some of the best crackers and spread I've ever had! Aunt Dawn and I kept making other people go and get us more so that we didn't look like gluttons. They also had some amazing hors d'ouerves, and some mini spinach quiche that were delicious.

From there we were chauffered back to the Convention Center, where we were greeted by a small group of picketers. Dinner began at 7:00 - with an African theme. We started with a fabulous bread basket, followed by an amazing Butter Squash Soup. The entree was a lovely plate of yams, veggies and beef medallions in two different sauces. Yum! Dessert was tropical fruit cheesecake - that had this really cool sugary design on it.

Why this big gala dinner? The 2005 International Award was presented to three men who have been outstanding in the field of HIV/AIDS research and care in Africa. I was completely inspired. Hearing the stories of these men, and their work, I was in awe. Never mind actually getting to meet them, and the many important people that came to honour them! They have helped to save the lives of literally thousands of men, women and children all over Africa, but primarily working in Kenya and Uganda. It was one of those evenings that make you wish you could do more, but on the other hand, I wanted to say "thank you" to these men. I wanted to say, "Thank you for doing for the world what many of us cannot do, but would wish to do". I was able to meet many intriguing people last night. Some of these were the honoured Award winners, Dr. Frank Plummer, Dr. Allan Ronald, and Mr. Stephen Lewis. I was almost brought to tears by Mr. Lewis' speech. As an Amabassador for the UN, and a UN appointed Envoy for HIV/AIDS Research, he has an amazing way with words, and was so brilliant. Among many others that I was able to meet last night were Mayor Sam Katz of Winnipeg, an Ambassador for the Queen, Mr. Tim Sale, and an Ambassador for the Prime Minister. What a night!


Ah, my King - how can I be of service?


Decked out for a night on the town.


All of us looking perdy.


This one is blurry because I didn't use the flash, but I like the lighting. From left to right: my father-in-law Frank, Uncle Paul, Aunt Dawn, and my mother-in-law Jeanne, posed on the Government House stairwell.


The dining rooms at Government House. Hey - they stole our colours!



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