Monday, December 27, 2010

Musings on Music

So being on holidays has definitely had some decent perks. I have managed to sleep quite a bit, imcluding naps yesterday afternoon and sleeping in until nearly 11:30 this morning! But besides that I just had some time to explore my musical interests. Most recently my love of the Beatles.

Now I've always been a fan of the Beatles but I downloaded the entire box set today, and as I sit here listening to all the songs I love and some I've never even heard before I'm struck by how much I truly adore much of the music that came out of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. It was just such a different time. In any case, since I have nothing better to do I thought I would share the lyrics to one of my all time favourite Beatles songs.

Blackbird

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life you were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

I just listen to this song and I fall in love with the Beatles all over again. The list of songs I love by them is long and it's been very interesting sitting here and simply enjoying the music.

Anyways, must be off.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

So this is Christmas...

And we have done not much! It's been blissful!

Except for today of course which involved Brad and I getting up at 5:30 to drive in to Red Deer to do some Boxing Day shopping. Let me tell you we got some great deals and none of the stores we went in to were really busy or packed. I got a new laptop, Brad got a nice surroundsound system, and between the two of us we got a few other things.

Overall though the holidays have been rather jolly so far. We came down to Three Hills on Christmas Eve Day and went straight over to Uncle Phil's for dinner and some family time. It was crazy fun and we played this amazing game called "Catch Phrase". Christmas Day saw us sleeping in more than we normally do when we celebrate with the Cottell side of the board. But we opened all our presents and were satisfied just before noon. Shortly thereafter we went over and spent Christmas night dinner with the Mackenzies. Brad attempted to teach me a little Rook and I may just play it again. It's got lots of confusing rules though.

I got several items I had been wanting for a while. Mainly I got IKEA gift cards (which may go toward the purchase of the matching dresser to our bedroom set) and some books. The most special of these being "Always Looking Up" which is the latest by Michael J. Fox who is my hero. I also got a very special gift from my amazing husband. He got me my very own Kitchen Aid! I just about fell off my chair. I had told him I wanted one when we were shopping a while back and I promised that if he got it for me I would make him cookies. So last night I mixed up a batch of Sugar cookies and I can't wait to play with the machine some more and create all sorts of wonderful goodies and meals!

I'd like to send a huge hug to all my family I couldn't be with over the holidays. It's been tough being away this year but we've still had a wonderful holiday.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year everyone. I love you!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Escape into the night, everybody run now break into another time...

I suppose I should start with an update of general life. My last post was about problems with my co-worker. I must admit that things on that front are going not too bad. She just returned from a three week holiday in India and I have to admit that I was ready for her to come back. It's nothing like someone going away for you to really appreciate what they do.

It's not to say all the problems are gone but, I've learned there are worse co-workers! The one I was with was hired November 1st and fired by November 22nd! Who texts when they are supposed to be working with children?! SERIOUSLY!? Anyways, all in all I am glad she's back and I am going to try really hard to work things out with her so we can be a team. Not only for the two of us but for the children that we care for everyday.

Brad is doing well. He's been off for a while. Some poor grades in one of his classes meant he had to withdraw from the class as well as his six week field placement. Needless to say it was a very heavy blow. We've had time to adjust and he has now registered to re-take the class and his field placement in next semester. This means pushing all his other classes into next year, but we knew that this was a possibility when we moved to Edmonton. This means, however, that for the last few weeks he's been at home. This has given us a chance to bring his brother up and for him to make some money which is really nice, especially with the holidays coming.

Which brings me to my next topic. Christmas! I can't begin to explain how ecstatic I am that the holiday season is just around the corner. And it's not even that I am looking forward to presents and food or anything else. I am looking forward to SLEEPING! I don't know what it is but the last couple months have brought many difficulties having a decent nights sleep. I've also been warding off (feebly) a terrible cold/flu. I've been nauseous everyday, and before anyone goes down THAT road... I'm NOT pregnant! And yes, I've checked! Needless to say, sleep is a very exciting prospect. Also, I'm going to have a complete work-up done with my family doctor which is lovely.

We had Christmas with dad this past weekend... it was usual. I was very impressed with dad though. He has given both Amy and I money towards our trip next spring which I thought was very nice. It was a fairly generous amount too.... oh wait I forgot to tell everyone...

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYWORLD IN MAY!!!! Yep, it's actually booked. We are going to Florida for 10 glorious day at the beginning of May. I finally get to fulfill my dream of meeting the princesses. Plus we get to spend a few days at Universal Studios and I am PSYCHED for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! (Yes I know I'm a geek!)

Well all, I must fly. I've been trying to get my butt in gear and do a few activities each week that get my lazy duff off the couch. Tonight's adventure is once again lane swim. I've really rediscovered my love of swimming in the last couple weeks and it helps that I have a free membership to the Y! I'm hoping to get my weight down and tone up before our trip so I don't shudder when I think about wearing a bathing suit.

Love to all that I won't see over the holidays. I miss you guys.