Kicking Stones

Falling for Sunday

2011-09-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I must discuss how much I love Fall television. Greys Anatomy, Hawaii Five-O, Desperate Housewives, Sister Wives, and Criminal Minds! Its no wonder I gain so much weight in the winter. I'm not a huge TV fan. I hate commercials so I PVR everything. But I digress.

Fall brings other things too.

Hell, everyday brings other things too.

I have no idea where I'm going with this post so I'm just gonna end it.

La vie est Belle.... I think.

For the LOVE of Jesus

2011-08-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not religious. AT ALL. Don't ask me why I use Jesus and God in my daily slander.

But seriously, for the love of Jesus can the good lord just give me a god damn break? Ok...chances are, if there is a God, He won't be giving me a break after using THE names in vain 5 times in one paragraph.

Here's the gist:

Brake lights are out completely. Its not the fuse and it ain't the bulbs. Considering I've had electrical problems once before with the brake light wiring, chances are its going to be the same thing. I got that repaired in 2008 when the car was still under warranty. Guess who's warranty expired 20,000 km ago? Oh right, mine.
I've got thoughts on my mind that have been keeping me sleepless at night. Effing FAIL. I've woken up the last three nights in a row somewhere between 1 and 145 am.
Gotta take GMA to the cancer surgeon/specialist tomorrow at VGH. I'm trying very hard to prepare myself in case we get really bad news but I'm also trying to think as positive as possible. This no sleeping BS sure isn't helping. Please pray to whatever thing you pray to and help us out a little. I can assure you, no matter who I pray to, no matter how many stupid stars I wish upon, shit just doesn't seem to fly my way. So you try. Merci beaucoup, mon ami.

Work seems to be going really well for me for the most part anyway. Lets hope I don't jinx that. I love my job and I love my partners. Sometimes I feel like its the only thing I've got going for me.

Normally I try to be positive Patty but I'm feelin' a little negative Nelly. Not really believin' La vie est Belle this evening.....but really, I know its true.

Somewhere, somehow life is fricken beautiful.

Bloggin' The Shit Outta Life

2011-08-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Woah...! Today was just...uh....YIKE!

I had to be at my Grandma's for 1pm because they were having some sort of community craft fair/bbq and being that I'm the best granddaughter in the world, I wanted to support GMA. Just kidding....I'm not the best, I could be way better than I am.

So, I get there at 12:30 and I notice this lady come out, get her dog out of a hot car and take him for a 5 minute stroll. She then puts the dog back in the car and goes inside. I figured, okay, she's probably just gone in to get someone and doesn't want to take the dog in. I was 110% convinced that she would be back out in a matter of 5 minutes or less because really, who leaves their dog in the car in 25 degree weather?? Oh, apparently she does.

I waited for about 10 minutes and upon no return, I decided to walk through the building to look for said lady, so that I could give her a piece of my mind without having to call the SPCA. Without any luck I returned outside where the poor dog had gotten so hot that he climbed into the backseat and was panting away on the floor. Dogs are smart. Heat rises. But really, why should this poor little creature have to endure this excruciating heat?

Finally, after discussing with 2 other people via phone and text, I decided I was going to call the SPCA because 25 minutes had passed and the owner was clearly unaware of what she was doing to her dog. Finally after 30 minutes, she emerged with her husband or her brother, I'm not sure, and was carrying a bunch of stuff. I asked her, "Is that your car and your dog?". In a smart ass attitude she replied with the obvious where I then proceeded to inform her that she shouldn't leave her dog in the car in this heat and that I was just about to call the SPCA. The guy yelled at me from a distance and told me to fuck off, stating that he personally had just walked him 5 minutes ago. Being that he just told me to fuck off, I was PISSED. I looked at him and told him that he was full of shit because I too, had been sweltering in the bloody heat for the last 30 minutes waiting for HER to come back out for the dog. I started to walk back into my Grandma's place when the woman walked up to me from the parking lot, grabbed my arm as hard as she could, and said to me..."I just lost my mother so fuck off." Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I felt a tinge of guilt when she said that. Then I realized my arm was hurting. The guilt vanished. I told her that I was very sorry for her loss but she's going to lose her dog too if she continues to leave him in the car whether it be to the SPCA or to DEATH. Then I promptly told her that I don't hit people, especially seniors like herself, but if she didn't let go of my arm immediately, there's a first time for everything. When I say she was a senior, I'm talking like maybe 65, if that. She let go and as soon as she did I walked away but for those of you who know me, I always get the last word and I think she got the message.

I was pretty furious when I went in to see Grandma and so I told her the story.

Ashley: Yeah! Can you believe that Grandma? I kind of feel bad a little bit because she lost her mom and I totally sympathize but she really shouldn't have left her dog in the car for so long in this horrid heat.
Grandma: You should have asked her if she left her mother in the sun too!!
Ashley: Grandma! Thats not nice! *Secretly LOLs at Grandma's wit*

Oh god, I love my grandma!

Oh Gaga!

2011-08-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

I'm having a "WTF" moment. I think I have a minor problem.... I'm starting to enjoy the music of Lady Gaga...

Ok so she might be a nut job but really, she's an artist and she does have a good set of lungs. I heard her new single "You and I" on the radio today and found myself bobbing my head along to the tune. Sure, the guy in the car next to me sitting at the red light on Pitt River Road thought I was an effing weirdo but so what! She ain't no Johnny Reid though... :P

So sing it with me.....

"Sit back down where you belong,
In the corner of my bar with your high heels on.
Sit back down on the couch where we
Made love for the first time and you said to me..

Something, Something about this place,
Something bout lonely nights, and my lipstick on your face.
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy,
Yeah, something about, baby you, and I."

Le Sigh......

La vie est Belle

Beautiful Things

2011-08-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful day. La bella vida. La vie est Belle. You name it....beautiful.

There are so many things I want to say but not enough words in my brain to do it.

I'm fried. Deep fried as a matter of a fact.

I do my very best to find the positive in everything. My VERY best. Somethings are just not positive. Plain and simple. This post is going to be negative, positive, crazy, stupid but most of all heartfelt.

I love my grandma. She is my whole world. Positive. Recently, her CT scans came back and the spot on her lung is 1cm x 1cm so she needs to see her previous cancer surgeon. He's a specialist and has done wonders for her before so I have faith. The doctor's believe its a secondary cancer but cannot find a primary source. So how does that work anyway?? Is it possible that her original bout of Lung Cancer never actually left her body. What about the Breast Cancer she had? Is that the primary source?? How about the cigarettes that I've been giving her that she begs me for? Am I responsible for this?? Ultimately, is it my fault that this is happening to her? Just by giving her the one thing that makes her smile? Originally we were told that there were two spots, now there is one? I have so many questions and not enough answers. I need answers. I'm an answers kinda girl. But I digress...

Is it wrong of me to want good things to fall apart so better things can fall together? Negative. VERY negative. I hate it when people get in my way, especially when they don't even know they are in my way. I'm a different person, what can I say? I've done things I thought I wouldn't do. Couldn't do. I've climbed hills, mountains, even rock faces it seems but I never seem to carry the confidence that "its okay". We all make choices that we have to live with and I love the choices that I've made. Most of them anyway. Some I would make all over again. Some not. Regardless, I live with no regrets. Life is too short for regrets. I believe that you should be happy with everything that life brings your way. Everything is beautiful. I can find the beauty in everything and if you try, so can you. I'm a beautiful person...at least on the inside. I can be beautiful on the outside too if I want to be. You're a beautiful person too. Don't settle. Please don't settle. You deserve beautiful things.

Speaking of beautiful things...I'll have a tall 2 pump white mocha americano please. Swirl it.

Whats life without a little shake up??

La vie est Belle.....always.

Wanna Jump Inside Your Love

2011-08-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Boy I think about it every night and day.

I'm addicted!

I had such an awesome day today! It was perfect! Spent allllllll day hanging out on the Kaleden beach, steps away from my mom's front door. Chris and I hung out with my sister-in-law and nieces playing in the water, suntanning and just having some amazing downtime. I got some good sun too. Gettin' hotter by the minute! Got some stupid tan lines but hey, you won't be catchin' me in anything but a tank top...lol. Tomorrow, I'm looking so forward to heading down the river channel and soaking up a few more rays.

Hard to believe my vacay is over in 3 days but another note, I'm excited to be back to work on Monday. Sometimes, I just really love my job. =)

La vie est Belle!

First World Pains

2011-08-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

It was our second wedding anniversary yesterday. As Johnny Reid says... "Mountains move, rivers run, shadows fall with the setting sun. Thunder rolls and lightning strikes, the darkness covers, and swallows up the light.... and time flies."

We spent a majority of the afternoon down in Point Grey at the beach. Chris tells me we were at Locarno Beach but I thought it was Jericho....whatev. Same difference. It was nice just to lay in the sun, close my eyes, and forget the world for a minute and a half. The only thing that sucked is that I couldn't smoke. First of all, Chris doesn't like when I smoke in front of him and secondly, the City of Vancouver has placed a ban on smoking in parks and beaches. Speaking of smokes....I'm extremely smokeful at the moment. Anyway, we ended up driving through UBC while doing the whole touristy thing. There are some wicked houses and shit along SW Marine Drive. I dreamed a dream....

I asked Chris to stop at Grandma's house on the way home because I love seeing her and I know that she loves seeing us too. We took her outside and we went for a walk in the park across the street from her place and we just talked. We shot the shit. I tell her my secrets and she forgets them in 10 minutes so its a great relationship actually LOL. But seriously, it's so extremely nice to have her in my life. I might not be the greatest person in the world, actually, I'm pretty horrible person at times but you know what? Any ounce of goodness that I have in my soul is all because of my Grandma. I owe her my life, I owe her everything.

J'adore ma grand-mère!!!!

La vie est Belle.

Strings

2011-08-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

There they go! Life broke first outside the gate.....ahead by a length ......round the clubhouse turn.... Pity's behind on the inside rail closing in on Life down the back stretch.....Fate gaining speed at a half a length.....round the final turn they go....approaching the wire....Fate takes the lead.

As I sit here and write this, I've got a lot of sensations running through my mind. Forgive me because this blog post will be slightly emotional and slightly misplaced.

Have you ever just sat and wondered for a moment in time where you could possibly find complete euphoria? I found it and sadly I had to say goodbye. Well, not goodbye yet, but it won't ever be the same.

I won't tell you where this place is, instead I'll describe it. Imagine warmth. Imagine peace. Imagine butterflies. Imagine your favorite song. Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the wee hours of the morning. Imagine all those wonderful things that heighten your senses and shallow your breathing. Imagine that....gone in a heartbeat.

Seriously, if you knew what I was talking about you'd be astonished, possibly disgusted. But then again, if you experienced what I experienced you just might understand. The strings attached to the puppet have snapped and the puppet is lifeless. I'm attached to the feeling of beauty. I don't want it to go away. Its almost like a secret love affair. Or maybe it is.... minus the love.

I never thought it would hurt. I thought it would just be there until I didn't need it anymore. I'll continue to go until the doors close but I'm pretty sure they're closing soon if not now. It was a beautiful place where I made memories that will never go away. I learned lessons and I taught lessons or so I'd like to think. I learned that its OK to be just who you are without any judgments or repercussions because the people are just like you and they don't even know it. It really is a beautiful place to be. I don't regret spending my money and I don't regret sharing my thoughts. I don't regret laughing hysterically and I don't regret screaming with passion.

What can I say....?

It was a long shot but Fate wins the Race.

La vie est Belle....

The Last Goodbye

2011-08-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

We were almost beautiful
A broken piece of art put on display
But we were never possible
Another perfect moment thrown away

I know somebody out there will love you
They'll be the forever we never were
Cause we were everything that's right at the wrong time.

-David Cookd

Just so you know....

We could be beautiful.

La vie est Belle

Consequence

2011-08-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to wonder if things really do happen for a reason.

You know, that ridiculously overused phrase that drives people nuts!?!

I'm not sure whats going on in this brain of mine but I don't think that I like it. Or maybe I do like it and that's the problem.

I'm so incredibly afraid of whats next but I'm dying to know if I have the power to change it.

La Vie est Belle.....as always.

Monday Beautiful Monday

2011-08-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I am sitting outside on the patio at work on my lunch break.

Despite the hellish weekend, with grandma having another mini-stroke, this week has started off quite beautifully.

We went to the track on Saturday to bet the ponies, I ended up winning $80 unexpectedly but grandma unfortunately had a mini-stroke. It was scary to say the least. We ended up having to call the ambulance after seeing the first aid attendant but Burnaby General took real good care of her and shes now at home resting.

I'm kinda excited because my vacay is in t-minus 4 days but on the other hand I'm probably gonna do nothing. Its not really in the funds these days to go anywhere and I'm totally fine with that because I create the lifestyle I live. Lets just say that I've got caviar taste on a tuna fish budget....

Can I just add that the sound of Johnny Reid in the arms of beautiful Monday morning is truly a wonderful thing...?

La Vie est Belle

Oh My Tai!

2011-07-30T10:55:00.001-07:00

I love Friday. Its always nice when I get a real true Friday night, ya know? Last night I decided to go for a drink with some peeps at Boston Pizza near my Starbucks at Station Square. Now I was a good girl, I swear! As soon as I had a beverage or three I made sure not to go back into my store. Just to be on the safe side. You know what I'm saying? Anyway, I had such a good time that I couldn't safely drive myself home so Chris had to come get me. Sorry sweetheart! I wasnt drunk but I had a saweet little buzz goin on! Oh how could I forget...? Try seeing your ex boyfriend (it didn't end very well) for the first time in 4 years...and introducing him to your husband for the first time. Awkward!

Now to enjoy the weekend!

La Vie est Belle!

Lets Get Passionate!

2011-07-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Somebody once said to me, not too long ago actually, "You need to find a passion."

Okay, let's be real here. I can't remember if that was the exact phrase but it was pretty damn close. While I tend to agree with this certain somebody, I also tend to make excuses for myself. Like, come on, as if I have time to find a fricken hobby!! I work 45+ hours a week, full time granddaughter to a needy grandmother (whom I love more than life itself and we all know that), and I'm a wife with a dog. Then all of a sudden....voila! My grandma's nasty little phrase came to mind.

"Ashley, you're a social media whore."

Yes.... my grandma said that. Isn't she bloody awesome?

The passionate answer: BLOGGING.

Sure my life is as boring a monkey taking a piss, but whatever, I used to be passionate about this - why can't I be passionate again?

Meet Kicking Stones. Kicking Stones was born in March of 2009 after reading a bunch of interesting blogs that made me go "ooh....aaahh.". I decided that I wanted to try and make write a book about my life. Yeah, ok, so that didn't work out but hey whatever, I got a fancy looking blog outta the deal - which by the way I created most of the attributes to this layout - myself. The person in the header is actually me! Kicking Stones is a Johnny Reid song, yes I'm aware. Read the intro to find out why I chose it as my title and don't worry about it. Johnny himself is okay with it - he's read my blog and we talked about it briefly while I **cough** groped him one fine evening during a meet and greet. **cough** Oh sidetracked....sorry.

My blog has taken me to angry places, sad, happy, mad and outrageous places. It captured my most amazing moments and provided me a place to speak my mind. Once I quit Home Depot and changed careers, I slowly started to cut back on the blogging in fear of retaliation or retribution from my aquaintances and readers.

Looking back, that was dumb.

I feel like I can do this again. I'm motivated, driven and ready to seize the day - one blog post at a time. Now, I'm a good girl. I don't post anything I shouldn't about work or the like but be prepared for what I can and will say about everyday life.

Lets get passionate baby!

La Vie est Belle!

(I truly believe that you should give credit where credit is due. Thank you for reigniting my mind and my creative senses. You know who you are.)

Google +

2011-07-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

I'm really liking Google Chrome and I was lucky enough to get an invite for Google+.

Google+ is like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr all in one.

Google is taking over the world.

I'm Back

2011-06-26T09:58:00.001-07:00

I feel like I may be back from my blogging hiatus. I've got lots to share and my mind is overflowing.

Exciting.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Days Go By

2011-03-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Its been over a month since I last blogged....

Weird. I can't even begin to tell you why because I simply don't know.

Hmm, what to talk about?

Johnny Reid unfollowed me on twitter. He's still my favorite but I won't lie and say it didn't sting a little cause it did. It didn't even help that he unfollowed everyone. I wish he would just tell us why and then maybe I'd quit feeling so blue. Hahahahaha. I'm just kidding. I'm not that obsessed.

What else to talk about?

Hmm.

Hopefully something exciting happens soon and I can blog about it.

My life needs a thrill or three apparently.

Tweet This

2011-02-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Exciting news for the JReid crew all around! Our boy is becoming US of A FAMOUS real fast!!! He's got concert dates scheduled for Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, as well as a few dates in Eastern Canada. He's got Heart and Soul airing all over PBS stations America Wide. The only thing thats missing is a date or two in Western Canada. We're starting to go through withdrawal over here in Colombie Britannique! What else has he got goin on? Oh YAH, lets talk about Juno nominations. Johnny is scoopin up the noms with a whopping 4 which just happens to be the same amount of nominations that our humble friend Justin Bieber got. Lets talk about the MOST anticipated Juno Award shall we? FANS CHOICE. The nominees you ask? Beibs, Drake, Hedley, some dude, I think his name is Michael Buble bahaha, and of course our main man, Johnny Reid. Even if he doesn't win, which there is no doubt in my mind that he is the REAL winner, just being nominated in this category wiith all this people means that he is 100% pure talent.

How can you support our Scotland steal and Canada's best kept secret? www.johnnyreid.com Join the Tartan Army, stat! Vote for Johnny Reid for FANS choice at the Junos! http://junoawards.ca/juno-fan-choice-award/ Tune into CMT this weekend to check out his new vid "Hands of A Working Man". FOLLOW him on twitter (@johnnyreid). Follow me on twitter (MrsMacLean_TA) ? Okay so that's not really supporting Johnny but I love new followers LOL.

Just trust me. It will all be worth your while.

Yours Truly,
A Blue Collared, Soul Lovin', JReid supportin'...............Ashley

Tea Time

2011-02-04T19:52:00.001-08:00

Currently, I am hanging out with grandma while she plays bingo at her care home. Does it make me selfish that 1 of the reasons I want to have kids is so that I will have visitors when I get old. I mean, I want to have kids because I want nothing more in this world than to be a mother and I can't imagine not having mini MacLean's running around. But come on, let's face it : getting old sucks. I see all these people in here who have no visitors and never get out and then there are the people who have kids that just don't care. These people are so lonely an nd it breaks my friggin heart! Then you have my grandma who gets her kids and grandkids visiting every single day.

So I've decided to learn from my grandma. Raise your kids well, keep a happy family and old age won't be all that bad.

Thank you grandma for all the wonderful lessons you've taught me in my 25 years. Love you more than ever.

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The Girl With the Hood

2011-01-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

You wear sunblock to prevent getting a burn from the sun right? So tell me, what in God's name do you wear to prevent getting burned from life? Okay, I admit it. That was kind of cheesy.

I've just got all sorts of craziness going on right now and I'm trying to figure things out. I'm trying to figure out how to be a better person in general, how to make life easier and how to live life to the fullest.

People think I'm the Big Bad Wolf but if they would only stop and see for one split second....

...I'm actually Little Red Riding Hood. I don't pretend to be somebody I'm not. I'm blunt, honest and to the point.

'Oh! but, what a terrible big mouth you have!' 'All the better to eat you with!'
And scarcely had the wolf said this, than with one bound he was out of bed and swallowed up Red Riding Hood. When the wolf had appeased his appetite, he lay down again in the bed, fell asleep and began to snore very loud.
Courtesy of http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/LittRed.sht

Good for the SOUL!

2011-01-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

JOHNNY REID!

QMFM is playing him now! SOFT ROCK!

So guess what I have to say to all you country bashing ....er...em...you know!!

Don't judge a man by his GENRE! Johnny Reid is a GENRE!

Kiss my blue collared, soul lovin' @$$!

With love <---- I mean that!
Ashley

Heart & Soul

2011-01-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

WOW! Seriously...WOW!

So, my favorite "blue collared soul singer" of ALL times, Mr. Johnny Reid, had his first US televised concert broadcast on Detroit PBS or Channel 87 for all of us Vancouverites.

What an amazing way to spend a Saturday night! The sold out concert was filmed at The Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 24, 2010 and it was the very last concert on the list from the A Place Called Love tour. Granted, I did see him perform an amazing concert twice during the A Place Called Love tour (Vancouver & Kelowna) AND I got to meet him both times but the concert in Halifax was even more amazing! While sitting in front of my living room television I could FEEL the glow in the audience and I could hear the glee in their voices.

Laura and Fred from Detroit PBS hosted the show and Johnny joined them, LIVE of course. He told his stories and spoke of Canada with such compassion! One thing that made me giggle was something that Laura said. "Canada kept Johnny a secret." Now that the secret is outta the box, he's gonna spread like wildfire!

On behalf of many members of the Tartan Army, we are all so THRILLED that Johnny is making his debut in the US of A!!!!!!!!!!

Some ways that you can support Johnny's debut and success in the US!

Go to www.johnnyreid.com and sign up for the TARTAN ARMY. You will get tons of exclusive information including backstage photos, presales and the like.
Order Heart & Soul DVD, CDs and tickets to a concert April 27th in Detroit at https://secure2.convio.net/dptv/site/Ecommerce/1261567127?store_id=1141 OR you can call 1-800-859-9887
Purchase his NEW CD to be released March 8 in the US - Introducing Johnny Reid. Its a compilation of hits from all of his Canadian released CDs!

Marching on Loud and very very proud!

Times Two

2011-01-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

I've been second guessing myself a lot lately. I think it has to do mostly with unclear expectations, contradictions, and child's play.

I learned a very valuable lesson, long ago. As soon as there is a shift in priorities or a change in atmosphere, people become abrasive. The body's natural fight or flight mechanism kicks in and then its a free for all. Victims are created - but by themselves.

I am going to continue to be the person I was born to be - no matter my surroundings.That being said - if you don't like hearing what I have to say then remove yourself from my surroundings. Nothing, and I mean nothing is stopping you.

Only you are.

2010 Recap

2011-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Number of posts for the year: 74

January

I decided to partake in Project 365 by creating a blog called Project Snapshot. All I will say is that it was an epic fail and I stopped in like a month. I used it more as a coping remedy to get through what I was going through and then once I got through it I got OVER project snapshot.
We brought in 2010 with Johnny Reid. BEST New Years EVER.
I created my new blog "Kicking Stones" - this very blog you are reading now. I had it before that but it was called La Vie est Belle. I haven't changed the layout in a whole year!! I'm so proud of myself!!!
The biggest even of 2009 happened this month. I quit Home Depot after I worked for them for 6 years and started a new job with Starbucks as an assistant store manager. Great Decision!!!

February

The olympics came!!! and with the Olympics came Johnny Reid at LiveCity Yaletown! AND with Johnny Reid came front row! AND with front row came a wink from Johnny, hand holding andddddddd being sung too. AHHHH BLISS!! My first physical interaction with Johnny Reid. Wait for October haha!

March

Grandma was admitted into the hospital. She was depressed, her sugar levels were out of whack, and she didn't want to live anymore. Little did we know this was going to last the rest of the entire year. Poor Nana. It all works out in November though.

April

I wrote about how I needed to double my blog posts. Clearly I failed.
It was my hubbys 37th birthday and he got a very large fishtank that he'd wanted for so very long. Here's the kicker - he actually takes care of it! I'm so very impressed!

May

Second cousin Nolan was born!

June

This month was big for the Johnny haters. Well, okay, Johnny haters is a bit extreme but for some reason I got a lot of flack for my love of JR in the month of June. People just wouldn't leave me the HECK alone!!! Its slowed down somewhat now but I think they just got tired of talking. Goodness knows, I will NOT back down. =)

July

This month I tried to change the world.

August

My brother, sister in law and nieces came down from Penticton to visit it! We had a blast! We went to Stanley Park so my nieces could see the ocean for the first time and to the Abbotsford Airshow. Kristel and I ended up going to see Johnny Reid at the Rockin River fest courtesy of a co-worker of mine. Johnny gained a new FAN in the month of April! It was a great visit and I can't wait until they come again!

September

September was a GREAT month. We had a couple scares with Chris and his heart. He had to have an angiogram done at VGH but we were given the ALL CLEAR! Thank goodness!
Johnny Reid won 5 out of 7 nominations at the CCMAs. His performances were amazing!
Chris won us Johnny Reid tickets from best buy for the SOLD OUT Vancouver show on October 1st!
Grey's Anatomy Season PREMIER!

October

I met Johnny Reid for the FIRST time! TWICE in THREE days! IT was the most amazing experience ever and I'm so glad that I was given the chance. I will never forget it! I drove up to Kelowna after the first concert and went to another one on Sunday. It was so completely amazing. I cannot even begin to explain!
Grandma moved into a care home in New Westminster. Nice place. Very close to us which I love.
We cooked thanksgiving for the entire McLean clan. W00H00. CCRAZYYY!

November

Samantha Mattersdorfer passed away at the tender age of 19 from Osteosarcoma Metastasis. FUCK cancer. Amazing girl she was.
I got a third tattoo. The A PLACE CALLED LOVE album logo on my left wrist.

December

Only 1 post in December. FAIL Ashley FAIL. Christmas came and gone. It was pretty amazing as usual. I wasn't in my usual grinchy spirit. We had breakfast and present opening with the in-laws and then dinner at my dads place with the rest of my family. Santa was good to me!!!

Well there ya have it. 2010 recapped. I wish you ALL a very happy new year!

Hello January 2011.

2011-01-01T23:51:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, we are starting off the New Year with some sad news. My brother's grandmother passed away this afternoon. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed most definitely. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

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My blog this last month has been terribly neglected. Only 1 post. Ugh. Yes, I'm terrible. It seems to happen that way though. Its a trend according to my blog history. However, let it be noted that I posted about 20 posts more in 2010 than I did in 2009. So THATS good news.

We had a poker game at our place tonight. Pot was $160 which is not to shabby I'd say. Chris, Crystal and my aunt Bonnie ended up splitting it because it went to 1130pm and they were all really tired. (They started at 6pm.)

I have the weekend off so that means that I will spend tomorrow cleaning up the mess from tonight's extravaganza. Tomorrow is most definitely a house cleaning day.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful 2011. Look for my 2010 recap coming within the next few days, if not tomorrow.

Adios Amigos.

Eenie Meenie Minie Mo Lova

2010-12-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

My 6 yr old niece loves Justin Bieber. So much so infact that when minipop kids or whoever they are started singing one of his songs, she freaaaakked out.

Karla: "OMG JUSTIN BIEBERRRRRRRRRRRRRR"
Me: "You like Justin Bieber? But you're only 6?"
Karla: " YEAAAAAHHH!!! Do you like Justin Bieber Auntie Ashley?"
Me: "Oh yeaaah."

No, I really don't like Justin Bieber. I don't know any of his songs. Maybe a couple words because of the songs I was listening to with the girls but other than that - he is a 12 yr old boy with some good "computer-induced" vocals. The next Aaron Carter, if you will. So why am I blogging about Justin Bieber. Well, watching my nieces both 6 and 3, sing and dance around to his wee man made me realize that WOW time really does fly. Its kind of scary actually. I started to cry believe it or not, when Karla was pronouncing her love for JB. I actually had to come out into the kitchen and wipe my eyes. NO, his music is not tear jerking. I was crying because Karla and Taylor are so grown up in what seems to be so little time and well, I'm only there a couple times out of the year so its a bigger shock to me than it is to, say, the grandparents who live across the street. But I digress.

Obvs, you probably know I went to visit my family in the sunny Okanagan by now. It was a pretty good few days. Had lots of fun as you can tell. Sometimes I wish I lived up in the Okanagan Valley but then sometimes I don't. I feel like if I lived there, I wouldn't have the same relationship that I have with my mom, brother or grandparents and my nieces wouldn't be as excited to see me every time I come over. Every time I go up there, these new feelings about random situations creep up and impair my judgment, make me moody, and inhibit my senses. Certain smells remind me of old memories, certain songs remind me of old days, and certain words make my head spin. Perhaps I'm just hormonal. No, I'm not pregnant. I checked. But lets not even go there. I dont know. Maybe I'm just jealous that everyone is up there and I'm down here.

Maybe all it is, is that I miss my family. Ta Da!

PostSecret

2010-11-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Many people have heard of PostSecret, many haven't. For me, PostSecret is an interesting/fun 10 minute Sunday activity and I ALWAYS look forward to clicking that link! Basically, this guy, Frank, has people mailing him anonymous secrets all the time. The secrets are sifted through and posted every Sunday. Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll get them on Saturday night!! My reactions to secrets are usually very simple. 1) Thats a lame secret. 2) Oh shit son, that sucks. 3) I wish I could give you a hug right now. Up until this Sunday morning I have only ever had those three reactions. Throw in November 28th and now I've got a fourth reaction. 4) You effing jackass!! The secret read the following:

"My wife and I keep trying so we can have a second child. We can't afford fertility tests. One child and getting it regularly; my secret vasectomy was the best gift I've ever given myself."

I mean, I'm happy that the dude was able to get his secret out because thats important and obviously there are 10 sides to the story. Maybe his wife is a terrible mother. Maybe he's trying to save and unborn child from poverty. I don't know. I'm just thinking from a wife's perspective here. If I were his wife and I found out that he knows there's no chance of getting pregnant, knowingly allows me to be emotionally let down EVERY 28 days ....I can only imagine that DIVORCE would be one of many options. HOW can you do something like that to someone you supposedly "love"?! How can you allow someone to hurt like that!?

That is my rant for the week. UGH!

www.postsecret.com

Dr.Who?

2010-11-12T12:22:00.001-08:00

Okay. 2 hour wait...srsly? Is the whole entire city of Pitt Meadows ill today? All I need is a refill on my asthma inhaler so that I can breathe normally. I got here at 10am and the clinic already had a 2 hour wait, so They told me to come back at noon. So I did. How many people do you think are still in front of me? If you answered 7 then I'm gonna march over there and cuff you upside the head for allowing the ridiculous wait times become the norm. People, seriously, eat some garlic, wear a cross, take some friggin cold fx!!! I don't care what you do but please quit clogging up the waiting rooms with your sniffles and hangnails.

5 people to go......

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I've Opened Up My Eyes

2010-11-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

♥ Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World. Gonna take it one day at a time. I've made my resolution, I've opened up my eyes. Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the world. ♥

Samantha and I never met but we were friends on Facebook. She went to school with my brother and she was battling the same form of cancer that took Terry Fox years ago. Samantha was an amazing person who did amazing things over the years, all for cancer research. On September 22nd, after posting a slew of Johnny Reid videos to my facebook profile, Samantha posted on my wall the following comment:

"Im so happy your husband is good. Just wanted to share that "MY SONG" is Johnny Reids.. "Im going to shave the world!!" Its amazing that I found it and everyone agrees its my song. I love Johnny now. One night, I couldnt sleep in the hospital and the song was on the TV."

Samantha DID change the world. She raised money over and over and over again for cancer research. She was a thoughtful, wonderful young woman who undoubtedly had a heart of gold. I promise, that every single year I will donate to cancer in her name. Whether it be at the grocery store or directly to the cancer foundation, my PROMISE is that I will donate money one way or the other.

Samantha died two days ago at the tender age of 19.

I will never forget the girl I never got to meet.

Rest in peace darlin'.

*Read a Beautiful Article About Samantha From the Terry Fox Foundation*

TA Da!!!

2010-11-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

I promised a blog post and considering Johnny Reid retweeting my link to 3700 of his fans - I don't want to let anyone down! lol

Here it is!!! My brand new TATTOO!

Let me just say - out of three tattoos this one hurt the most!!

I've been razzed over and over again about getting "the johnny reid" heart but guess what I'm okay with that! Yep, I gave Johnny Reid's heart a home right here on my left wrist. Yep, I sure did. So what?! I'm not a stalker. I don't follow him around or camp out at the radio stations and beside his buses or anything like that. Sure I've seen him 7 times in 365 days but I'm just a loyal fan my friends!

Yes, I'm a very big, huge infact, fan and a proud TARTAN ARMY member

I got this tattoo for the message that the entire album delivers. The message that he is trying to get across to as many people as possible through his tours and his shows. Listen to his music and you will understand. Love connects us all.

I believe in a place called love.

PS - To me it also looks like a G and an E - which are my grandmas initials.

Que Sera Sera

2010-10-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Whatever will be, will be.

After work I went to visit Grandma in her new place and they were having a Halloween party. I called Chris and he put Roxy in her little demon dog costume and brought her down. She got lotsa cute giggles outta the older folks. They had dancing, singing, costumes and cake. There were lots of us there from the McLean family. My cousin and her two kids. My other cousin and his wife and two kids. Two of my aunts along with me and Chris. Grandma is envied in that place, I'm sure. Some people get no visitors EVER and she gets like 15 a day. What can I say...? She raised us well and I sure hope I raise my kids as good as she did.

I worked 12 hours today. 5 to 5. I'm exhausted. I want to go to bed.

I'm thinking about starting a new blog but I don't know why or what it will be about. Hmm. I really am tired.

Ok. Goodnight.

I Believe

2010-10-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm getting my 3rd tattoo next Tuesday at noon! I am getting Johnny Reid's tour log from his current tour, A Place Called Love, tattooed on my left wrist. People have asked me WHY while looking at me like I'm stupid and the answer is simply this: I like it. I mean there are other reasons but mostly because I LIKE IT. Lets quickly get into some of the other reasons though...

The message is clear. Love is everywhere. There are many different types of love as Johnny himself has said and this tour encompasses them all. From the loss of love to the birth of love, his goal was to ensure that every single person who walked out of his concert this tour or finished listening to his new CD believed in a place called love. Well, I do. I believe love is this powerful thing that guides us through this life. Without the love of friends and family, we have nothing friends. We have nothing. Last but not least, if you look at the heart itself, the left side looks like the letter G in script writing, and the right side looks like an E. Those my friends, are my grandma's initials. I'm telling you, it was meant to be. I'm so incredibly excited to have this tattoo to remind me everyday of what I have to be thankful for. I can't wait to show you pictures.

I believe in a Place Called Love.

The Night Watchman

2010-10-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was great! Crystal and I cooked a bunch of food at my house and invited family over to celebrate with my Grandma. She's feeling down in the dumps lately and we'll do anything to get her feeling good again. We had about 16 people and it was a blast. We cooked Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, and brocolli. Lisa brought pineapple glazed ham along with a sweet potato casserole which was soo good! Robbie's girlfriend Kim was also nice enough to bake us TWO apple crumbles and they were AWESOME as well! It was really great to have family together again. Its been awhile and it made my grandma smile so it was all worth it.

Speaking of Grandma...

As most people know, Grandma has just recently moved into a care facility where she has her own suite but has people to help her should she require them. Obviously, this means we had to give notice for her other apartment and for lack of a better phrase, clean it out. I never thought in a million years that this would hit me as hard as it has tonight. Not only do I have to let go of the place that I nearly grew up at for the last 16 years but I finally have to let go of Grandpa. Now here's the thing...Grandpa died on July 21st, 2005. You'd think I would have let that go by now but really, I haven't. Grandma has lived in the same place for the last 5 years and granted, he's not their physically but I've always felt like he's been there. Now I feel like I'm losing that. I feel like I haven't got him anywhere - then I remembered. I do have him. I have a tattoo on my shoulder with a W and a G in the wings of my butterfly for Walter and Gladys, my grandpa and grandma. My grandma asked me what I wanted from her before she threw everything out or donated it and the only thing that I really and truly wanted to keep was "The Night Watchman". Let me tell you a story.....

I used to stay at my grandparents place a lot. My dad is a longshoreman and works for the local 502 so he had to work whenever there was an opportunity. My grandparents have always lived across the street from me, for as long as I can remember so needless to say, I stayed over there a lot. WHICH I never complained about. Anyway, when I used to sleep on their couch Grandpa would take this teddy bear and place him on the back of the couch where I was sleeping. He was white and he wore a black topcoat and top hat. I think he was a polar bear actually. When he placed him there, he would tell me that "The Night Watchman is on guard and is watching for bad guys." I laughed and he laughed, every time. Really, thats all I wanted. Just a memory. Thats it. I don't want money. I don't want china or cabinets, couches, or cookware. I just wanted this memory.

Tonight I was informed that "The Night Watchman" got thrown out accidentally. I was devastated. I balled my face off. Seriously, I cried in my husband's arms like a baby.

It was placed in a bin for under privileged children but I'm going to phone them and beg them to get it back as this bin hasn't been emptied yet. I won't just ask for it back. I will go out and buy 2 or 3 brand new teddy bears and donate them. I will donate money, clothes, or anything they want.

I feel like I'm losing Grandpa all over again and this time I don't have Suite 403 to take refuge.

A Moon To Remember

2010-10-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to see Johnny Reid in Kelowna on Sunday night AND I got to meet him again too!

So, at the meet and greet we all got to go in by ourselves. Yep thats right. ONE on ONE with Johnny! While I was waiting in line I asked the security guard if he was Johnny's brother cause they kinda looked alike and he too, had a Scottish accent. I told him that I saw him in Vancouver and was too nervous to ask him then and he giggled a wee bit. He told me that he and Johnny grew up together in Scotland but no, they were not brothers. So then it was my turn. I walked up to Johnny and as he puts his arms around me to give me the best hug ever the first thing he says to me is "Its good to see you again!" Then his security guard says "John, this lady saw you in Vancouver." What does Johnny say? "Yes, I know, I remember!" I thought I was gonna die!!! WHAT! Johnny Reid remembered me!?! I wasn't even wearing the white boots this time! lol I said "Told you I'd see you in Kelowna" and he replied with "Ya sure did!" Anyway, I got him to sign my TA scarf and while he was doing that I asked him if he read my blog when he retweeted the link on his profile a wee bit ago. He was very truthful in his reply and he said "You know, I'm not very good with twitter. I try to get on there as much as possible but sometimes I forget. I honestly can't remember." So I told him that I had called it Kicking Stones after his song and before I could finish my sentence his eyes lit up like candle sticks and said "AH YES!! YESSS! I did!!! Kicking Stones!" He said something else about it but I was too caught up to remember what he said lol. After that I showed him a t-shirt that my moms friend had given me. It was a t-shirt from probably about 5 yrs ago or so when Johnny played at the Penticton Speedway. Before he was popular I guess you could say. Its white and it says Johnny Reid on the front and on the back it has a pair of angel wings and says missing an angel. I asked him if he remembered it and he said "Wowwww! Thats old school....do you want me to sign it?!" So I said yessssssss of course!!! Then I thanked him and asked him for one more hug which I got! I'm waiting ever so patiently for the pictures to be posted on www.johnnyreid.com because I'm pretty sure the photographer took a picture of the second hug which just may have to be my new profile picture on facebook!

The concert itself was fantastic as usual. It started with the Stellas. A husband and wife duo from Whitby, Ontario. They are absolutely AWESOME! Visit their website at http://www.thestellasmusic.com Johnny couldn't have picked a better opening act. Speaking of Johnny, he was being quite the joker last night! Made a couple jokes I don't really think he intended to make lol! But he was awesome nonetheless. I was really looking forward to him singing Tell Me Margaret but he didn't so I can only assume that they have different sets for different cities which is totally understandable. I got to see him sing it in Vancouver though so that's okay! He was energetic and totally captured the audiences attention with every single sexy little dance move that he performed. I really enjoyed when he told his stories. They were so captivating and interesting. My favorite had to be when he was talking about how if you ask someone in Scotland where they wanna go - they tell you Canada and when you come to Canada and ask "Hey Marcel where...." then he stopped himself as the BAND cracked up. Benny, Yvan and Mark just BURST out laughing when he started to say Hey Marcel. I guess they thought his choice of name was funny and he must have just pulled it out of his hat unexpectedly. So he stopped and said " I meant to say Excuse moi Marcel..." Hahahahaha. It was so awesome but you had to be there. The whole crowd just busted up. Then at the end he ended up introducing Yvan Petit as Marcel Petit. It was good. REAL good!

After the show was over my sister in law and her two friends went over to the pub nearby and ran into Ben Rutz (Johnny Reid's fiddler) and Brad Stella. One of her friends was being a little stupid but despite that Ben and Brad were really awesome and let them hang out at their table for a bit. She said that she was super impressed with how friendly they were and I think it made her night!! Hey did I mention that Benny has a CD out too?! Check it out at www.johnnyreid.com OR at http://www.myspace.com/benrutz

Anyway, all in all my weekend was FANTASTIC!!! Now, I shall sit back and watch all my other TA friends post about the upcoming shows!!!! Thanks Johnny & friends for a great weekend!!!!!

A Place Called Love

2010-10-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

One word to desribe Johnny Reid: majestic.

Where do I begin? Ok how about at the very beginning of my 6th Johnny Reid concert. It all started when Chris won us tickets at Best Buy. We couldn't afford to buy tickets for Vancouver when they first came out but I vowed that I would see Johnny Reid at least once when he was in BC on the A Place Called Love tour. Naturally, I was a little depressed when I found out that the October 1st concert was sold out and the October 2nd Concert only had single tickets available in the "cheap seats". So I decided with much excitement to ask my mom if she wanted to go in Kelowna. She was totally up for it and then voila we purchased the tickets and life was grand. The next day I came home and my husband had said that we couldn't drive up to the Okanagan on Friday because he was going to be "busy". Then he told me that he won tickets from best buy to see Johnny in Vancouver and I thought for sure he was lying! "What a mean, cruel joke you jerk!!!!!" But no, he was serious. Not only did he win tickets to the show in the 6th row centre we also were invited to the experience the soundcheck. We were all told to wait outside where at 230 Tracey would come out and bring us all in. When Tracey brought us in, we had no idea that we were scheduled to actually meet Johnny Reid. We went into the Queen E and sat in the first row where Johnny was doing his soundcheck. All of a sudden he turned around and was a little surprised to see us. Believe me, most of us were surprised to even be there!!! He introduced the band and then sang Love Sweet Love while we all sat in awe. After the sound check was done he came down and took pictures with each of us. The first thing he said to me was "Did you wear those white boots with my name on them?" and of course I couldn't think straight so the first stupid words that came out of my mouth were "How did you know?" Oh boy hahaha. I got him to sign my Tartan Army scarf as well as my cell phone. He said "Thanks Darlin'" when really I should be thanking him!!!! We snagged a couple pictures with me, him and Chris and then it was over before we knew it. But really, it had all just begun.

I won't lie. I was in a state of shock. Johnny Reid just put his hand around my waist and called me darlin. We went for lunch at some bar and grill downtown on Robson and then came back for the show. The show started with The Stellas. They were SOOOOOOOOO awesome. I loved it when they brought out Benny Rutz and Yvan Petit to play with them. That was pretty outstanding. I can see them making it big, real soon. Great job on the opening act Johnny. They were fantastic!!

THEN out comes Johnny. Let me describe the concert setting for a minute. It was absolutey gorgeous. Beautiful lights everywhere. Steel ramps and stairs leading up the incredible soul sisters (Miku Graham and Saidah Baba Talibah) , the ever so talented Benny Rutz, and the horns section. Johnny had his white mic stand with the A Place Called Love Heart etched on the bottom. Everything just screamed LOVE. Beautiful, so beautiful. But! Not as beautiful as the feelings emitted from the people on stage or as beautiful as the people ON stage. That band is stunning. You have no idea what I'm talking about until you see them. Seriously, the soul sisters sang with such grace. Their voices were intense and full of brilliant notes. Like always, they were stunningly gorgeous in their red dresses to top it all off! Lets talk about Benny Rutz, fiddler extraordinaire. HE is mind blowing on that little fiddle of his. WOW! He stood up there, proud and honourable, bouncing his head to the beat of the music. He has a great CD out right now and if you haven't heard it, then you should pick it up! Yvan Petit, Mark Selby, Nick, I know I'm forgetting people but they were all fantastic. Really and truly awe-inspiring. ALL of them.

Lets talk about Johnny. Johnny was full of intense energy and emotion. He sang to his fans and made direct eye contact with many of them. He doesn't let the fame get to his head and you could tell when he hopped off the stage and ran up and down the aisles dancing with random ladies. I KNOW what you're thinking. They weren't just pretty little blondes either like most people would automatically think. They were older ladies and he clearly changed their worlds. My favorite part of the evening was where he jumped off stage to sing with a little girl who was dancing in the aisle. He gave her his mic and she helped him sing. It was SO amazing. I had tears in my eyes!!!!! Johnny had me crying more than once during the night. Especially when he sat down to sing the song Tell Me Margaret about his grandmother. He cried in front of a sold out show. This man is real. Ron Sakamoto was sitting in front of us for a short period of time and we heard him say that Johnny will be touring Europe, Asia, and Australia next year. I don't know if what I heard was correct but if it is, its no surprise. HE is magnificent and could win an audience over anywhere. I'm sad to think that we may not see him as often here in the great white north BUT SO unbelievably happy that he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves.

I'm heading off to Penticton this evening so I can enjoy it all over again in Kelowna. Hopefully this time when I meet him at the meet and greet for the Tartan Army, I won't sound so ridiculous!

Life is beautiful.

Pot of Gold Ain't Just Chocolate!

2010-09-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

So some exciting news all around!

My darling husbands heart is A-OK!!!!! He had an angiogram done at VGH because the heart specialist was sure that something was wrong but it turns out that his arteries are nice and clear!! Thank goodness I'm not gonna lie. Although the angiogram is just a test, it involves sending cameras up your veins into your heart and the doctor told us that 1 in 1000 people will die. Scary. I bawled my face off when I walked outta there. The thought of losing him scares the heck out of me. BUT hes all good so no more worrying about that. Phew!
CHRIS WON JOHNNY REID TICKETS TO THE SOLD OUT SHOW ON OCTOBER 1ST AT THE QUEEN E!!!!!!!! Not only does he get two tickets but he gets backstage passes as well that gain us entry to the sound check. EXCITING or what? I'm excited because now I get to see him twice! Mom and I have tickets to his October 3rd show in Kelowna!! Sooooo excited!!! I'm getting my Tartan Army scarf embroided with Mrs. MacLean and my plan is to have Johnny sign it (if possible) with a silver sharpie. If I even remember. I'll need to have a drink or two before hand to calm my nerves or I might faint. Srsly don't laugh.
GREYS ANATOMY season premiere tonight!!!!!!

Dya see now?!?! Pot of Gold ain't just chocolate friends!!!!!!!

Baby Its a Love Thing!

2010-09-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

My stomach hurts, I'm VERY tired and sore but I couldn't sleep because I had to stay awake to watch the CCMAs. I'm a dedicated fan. =)

AND the fans choice award goes tooooooo: JOHNNY REID!

Honestly, I'm speechless! Johnny won 5 out of 7 nominations including fans choice, songwriter of the year, single of the year, top selling canadian album of the year and the award for his concert DVD Live at the Jubilee, Seriously, everything about this guy is outstanding. His performance with Terri Clark was passionate when they sang their duet, You Tell Me. His performance of Today I'm Going to Try and Change the World was MORE than passionate. I loved the part most where as he sang the lyrics "Tell someone I love them, from the bottom of my heart..." as he looked and smiled at his wife. She is one lucky woman. Oh lets not forget the emotional acceptance speech where he thanked first and foremost the Tartan Army. Something I am VERY proud to be a part of. A fan from the crowd yelled "I love you Johnny" and he responded with "I love you too baby". WHO DOES THAT? WHO? He's like no other. He is absolutely like NO other. Yep, I'm passionate about Johnny Reid. I ain't gonna lie. These music awards have got me pumped. I can't wait to see him live in October. If you haven't got his album - you really gotta get it now. www.johnnyreid.com "A PLACE CALLED LOVE"

I will leave you all with this quote that a TA friend by the name of Judi said and I QUOTE: "Johnny Reid will win because he is the "fan's choice". Not only is he an amazing artist who sings from his heart and soul directly into yours, he is an awesome individual who truly loves and appreciates all his fans, and we know it!!"

Now ain't that the truth.

Androids Anonymous

2010-09-11T12:09:00.001-07:00

So totally excited about this new phone! Its like the iphone but way better! Its the Samsung Galaxy S. Corny name but outstanding quality. The best part you might ask? The fact that I can make any mp3 my ringtone!

Im on day 3 of 9 at work today. Please just let it be a normal day. Maybe its the back to school blues or something. People jusy dont seem too happy these days. Le sigh.

Anyway, tomorrow should be exciting! Johnny Reid is gonna take home fans choice and every other award in the categories that he's nominated in because he's just that awesome. Im looking forward to watching a couple performances, mainly Johnny Reid but thats a given. Deric Ruttan is going to be good I bet. First time I will be seeing him on a stage. Based on what I hear coming out of the radio, he won't disappoint.

Well, there you have it. My very general CCMA awards predictions. In other words, Johnnys gonna win everything!!!!

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September WHAT!?

2010-09-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

I can't really believe that its September 2010 already. I feel like someone is lying to me. Its been a pretty insane last couple months. Not really sure why but its probably because Grandma is in the hospital and I'm there every single day after work. I feel "rushed" in my days but I wouldn't change visiting my grandma every single day for nothing. She makes me smile and I love her to pieces.

So lets get off the topic of me with some GREAT news shall we? Johnny Reid's new album A Place Called Love is #1 in Canada right now! Yes, that's right. Number 1! Beating out the likes of Disturbed, Katy Perry, Eminem AND *drumroll* Justin freakin Bieber. I don't get why all these adults are so fascinated by the little dude but whatev. lol. Anyway, I'm so excited for Johnny. He totally deserves it. Notice how I talk about him like we're on a first name basis or like we've been friends for 10 years. This is probably why he won't follow me on twitter but he follows other members from the Tartan Army. LOL. Le sigh.........

So, while we're on the topic of friggin outstanding musicians, lets talk about Deric Ruttan. I'm really starting to like what I hear. I hadn't really heard of him until a little bit ago and I'm totally surprised. I heard the song Up All Night, numerous times on JRFM and knew all the words but I had no idea who sang it. Most recently, I heard Thats How I Wanna Go Out and I must say, that is some pretty good song writing. After doing a little bit of googling and stuff, I realized that I DO totally know who he is by some of the songs he sings. I guess I just didn't know his name. Blame it on JRFM! LOL. (Kidding, they are a pretty fantastic radio station I must say.) He's pretty good and I'd totally pay to see this guy sing live. You know what would be really awesome? I think a duet with Johnny Reid is in order. Kinda like the one where Brad Paisley and Keith Urban sing Start a Band. Hmm! Thoughts anyone? Tartan Army? Ladies, what do you think? Anyway, check him out! www.dericruttan.net

It Doesn't Get Better Than You

2010-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so I don't even know where to begin. Really, I don't. For anyone that knows me, this is hard to believe.

This personal blog of mine has unintentionally become focused on Johnny Reid it seems but here's why I don't see this as a problem. Johnny Reid has become a master virtuoso of not only songwriting and performing but a of being an admirable human being.

Today was the release date of his new album A Place Called Love and yes, I was one of the Tartan Army members that raced to Wal-Mart and then Best Buy after work to find it. I put the album in my car stereo and purposely drove the long way around to get home so that I could hear it from start to finish. Believe me, it was the LONG way home. Actually, it took so long that I think I created a new route. Anyway, I fully indulged and enjoyed every single moment, every single beat, and every single song.

I came home and watched my PVR recording of Canada AM from this morning where Johnny performed 4 songs. I sat on my couch and cried. Yeah, you still laughing? Well you can stop now. He recognized some of the Tartan Army and went over to give them a hug or kiss. He walked around shaking the hands of strangers, and grabbed a few of his littlest fans and brought them up on stage. He's real. He sings real songs about real stories and real life.

I'm pretty sure he's read my blog after I posted it on twitter, unless someone else from Franklin, Tennessee did and its just a coincidence. I wish there was some way to know but for now I'll keep dreaming.

Now as I sit here and listen to his album in my living room, I'm wishing that I could meet him specifically to tell him that yes, I believe in a place called love. Then of course, I'd faint.

Buy A Place Called Love at www.johnnyreid.com today.

I Believe in A Place Called Love

2010-08-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night I had the opportunity to go and see Johnny Reid sing at the Rockin' River Fest in Mission. This is the 5th time that I've seen him in less than 1 year and let me tell ya, it just gets better and better every single time. I brought my sister in law with me and by the end of the night Johnny had a new fan. He came on about 9:45 and sang his opening tune that gives the Tartan Army shivers every time. "Well helllllllllllllooooooo there, its good to seeeee you! Lemme say thank you, thank you, for bein here tonight..." If you're a Tartan Army member or if you've seen Johnny Reid before you know you're in for an amazing 90 minutes. He sang and danced his heart out like none other and I was standing half way back doing the exact same thing. I'm pretty sure I either annoyed or impressed the dude standing next to me because he kept looking at me every five minutes. I wasn't sure if he was annoyed with the fact that I was singing at the top of my lungs or impressed that I was singing every single song that Johnny sang including 3 new songs off of his yet to be released album, A Place Called Love. Off of his new album, he sang You Gave My Heart a Home, This is Not Goodbye and the already famed Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World. One word. OUTSTANDING. Johnny brings a message of peace, love and understanding to the table in every song that he sings. Most artists these days will sing whatever is in style, say whatever people wanna hear and do what people want you to do. Not Johnny. He speaks from the heart and emulates A Place Called Love in every way. He writes for his wife, his granny, his babies, his fans and even his beloved pets. When he sings these songs on stage he gets lost in the lyrics, sometimes lets out a few tears and delivers one of the best shows you WILL ever see. More often than not, the family man comes out and he brings a wee little fan on stage and it just so happened that he brought 2 lucky kids on stage in Mission! He gave them a mic and even let them sing! Can you imagine what was going through their excited minds? The young girl that he brought up happened to be a Tartan Army member's grand daughter and from what I hear, she is Johnny's biggest fan, so I can only bet that he changed her world! The pictures I saw were so awesome and she looked SO happy!

All in all, it was a fantastic night. I wish I could have gotten closer but unfortunately, the security guards wouldn't let me in the reserved seating - which I can understand. Just being there and being able to see him perform, was in itself amazing. Johnny Reids new CD comes out August 30th. Join the Tartan Army @ www.johnnyreid.com and have full access to behind the scenes info, including personal blogs from JR and full streaming of the entire album.

I believe in A Place Called Love....do you?

The Gist

2010-08-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I've blogged yet it feels like yesterday. Can you tell I've been busy? Yikes! Here's the gist of July and I'll see what I can come up with later in the week.

Grandma is in the hospital again and this time she may not be going home. She's stable at this point, its just way to hard for her to take care of herself and we can't be there 24/7. The social worker is looking for us to put her into a care home but the option seems so wrong when its presented in front of our faces. I used to believe it was the right thing to do for her but after reading about them and seeing them - my feelings have changed. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. In the end its not really my decision but I I am one of the grandchildren that is closer to her and my opinion is valued somewhat. Some of her grandchildren haven't seen her in over a year yet they live 10 minutes away. All I have to say is that I hope their grandchildren treat them just as well as they treat their grandmother. I'm tired of spending energy on trying to figure out what the fuck is going through their minds. Do they even think about her? Maybe its just me? Not many people are like me and Crystal I assume. Not many people would visit their grandmother in the hospital every single day. We do. A select few of us do anyway and I'm proud to say that I'm one of them. I'm not looking for recognition. I'm not looking for sympathy and I'm not looking for pity. I'm just looking for reasons yet at the same time I don't want to hear the excuses. I call them excuses because really, there would never be a good enough reason in my eyes.
My in-laws came down to visit us yesterday and are leaving tomorrow. Had a great little visit with them yesterday and this evening as well. I'm so blessed to have such awesome in-laws.
Work is going fantastic. Loving my job. The people are amazing and I just stole my bestie from Home Depot.
Johnny Reid's new album A Place Called Love comes out on August 30!!!! Woohooo!!!!! Can't wait!
Last but not least, something that is absolutely in no way related to July 2010 whatsoever but rather LAST MARCH until OCTOBER - a song dedication goes out to the one and only SA - ♫ ♪ I pray a flower pot falls from a windowsill and knocks you in the head like I'd like to. Wherever you are honey, I pray for you. ♫ ♪

Johnny Reid - Today I’m Going to Try and Change The World

2010-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to see his latest video!

Johnny Reid - Today I’m Going to Try and Change The World:

What an amazing, outstanding and terrific video! You even get to see Johnny with is family at the end.

Way to go Johnny. This is the best video YET.

Tartan Army . . . LOUD and proud. Hehe!

What Will The Story Be?

2010-07-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to Terri Clark and Johnny Reid right now and its unbelievably hard to write a blog post while you're singing at the top of your lungs. Apparently, I write what I'm singing, hence the title of this post. Hah.

I just came back from visiting my mom and fam up in Kaleden. Believe me, THAT was much overdue! I hadn't been up since about March. Fail on my part. I thoroughly enjoyed myself while I was there though. Drove to the Kelowna airport with my mom and cousin to drop my aunt off and then we spent the day hanging out at the beach with my nieces and sister in law. We came back to hang outside on the newly built cedar deck in the backyard with mom and Andre. It was relaxing and quite enjoyable. They built a new pond and have tons of these cool pond fish. If I had a house with the backyard, I'd like to do something similar. Roxy had tons of fun with their little pom-chi, Eddie. So much fun in fact, that we are now looking to adopt/buy another small dog. We'll see how it goes though. Saw some crazy cool fireworks in Osoyoos. It was raining a bit but it was worth it.

I finally had the opportunity to check out all my PVR recording of Canada Rocks the Capital. Johnny Reid was singing for the queen however CBC cut the three hour episode to 1 hour cutting out two songs from him and several from other bands. I found the entire streaming though on the website which is good. He was amazing as per usual.

I am kind of tired. I think I'm gonna hit the sack. I must be getting old. Its only 10:15.

I miss my family already. Le sigh.

You Gimme Fever!

2010-06-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am oh so tired. It's been a long day. Getting up at 3:30 am kind of sucks, especially when you wake up every hour on the hour. BUT! The reward of getting off work at 1:30 is oh so beautiful. If I could open every single day . . . life would be a dream!

I ain't gonna lie, my weekend was pretty decent. On Saturday a bunch of people went to the Blarney Stone to celebrate Heather's 25th birthday. I got absolutely wasted. I mean, TRASHED! After about 5 double tall Capt.Morgan and cokes I drank about 6 or 7 on the rocks. Can you say dumbass? Mind you, other than making a fool of myself on the dance floor nothing bad happened!! No puking, no getting kicked out, nadda! The only funny thing I can remember really is some dude coming up to me on the dance floor and introducing himself. I replied with "Hi, I'm married. Bye. =)" Needless to say, he took off running. LOL.

Yesterday, we had brunch with my dad at IHop and dinner at Chris' dad's in Surrey. It was good. =)

I am super tired and I got some vacuuming to do. My bed awaits me and yes, I do realize its only 6:40.

Le sigh yourself!

Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World - Johnny Reid

2010-06-19T10:42:00.001-07:00

His message is simple and clear. Let's change the world, one day, one person at a time. Say hello to your neighbour and tell someone you love them. Change someone's world one day at a time. Marching on . . . .

You Tell Me

2010-06-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Johnny Reid sings with Terri Clark in her new single You Tell Me.

Ya think?

2010-06-13T01:35:00.000-07:00

Well, today I learned a few things.

1) Some people are around just to cause trouble.

2) When you fall on tile floors with something in your hands that you cannot let go of . . . .your knees take the brunt of the fall and it hurts . . . a lot. FML moment at its best.

3) Facebook is evil and really needs to go but as if I'll ever hit the delete button.

4) July 12 is gonna go down in the history books as being a SHITTY ass day.

Done

2010-06-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had just finished writing up a very big rant about how angry I am and then I deleted it.

Someone from Franklin, Tennessee read my blog yesterday. After looking at my feedjit profile it told me that they searched google for Johnny Reid Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World and it let them do my blog. Johnny Reid lives in Franklin, Tennessee. How cool would that be? Oops, I guess I'm not allowed to say that because then people will accuse me of being obsessed. I don't have any Johnny Reid stuff displayed around my house. All I do is quote his songs and listen to his music. If you like something wouldn't you do the same? Danielle likes fashion, so she pursued a job in the field and she writes about it everyday. Is that something to mock her for? No. Bonnie is interested in graphic designs and so she uses PSP a lot. Is that something to mock her for? No. I like music. Johnny Reid's music. So I quote his songs and listen to his music. Is that something to mock me for? No. I don't even have tickets for his show this year and its a possibility I may not even get to go. I know some people who are spending crazy amounts of money chasing him across Canada. I know some people who have JR tattoos. I know some people who have JR shrines in their homes. Can't you see? I'm not the only person who likes Johnny Reid. My blog is called Kicking Stones and I have a video of him singing the song because it means something to me. They lyrics mean something to me and they helped me through a horrific time in my life.Yes, I joined the Tartan Army (his fan club). Why? Because I am simply a fan. Someone who listens, relates and enjoys his music. He is awesome. He's a great person and he's something to be a proud fan of.

Now leave me the hell alone.

So What?

2010-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

I am lacking indeed. I haven't blogged for 10 days. Oops.

I am so tired these days and I don't know why! I think I need to go to the doctor and get my thyroid checked and all that crap cause seriously, I sleep a lot and its not normal.

I'm having other issues. Srsly, why do people have to harass me so much because I'm a huge Johnny Reid fan. Eff off.

Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World. So there.

Rewind!

2010-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Srsly, did the world wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Only in Sourth Burnaby do you witness an 80 something year old asian lady walk up to a nice young gentleman and watch her kick him in the leg for no good reason!! Furthermore, only in South Burnaby do you witness said old lady walking away like nothing happened while said young man is in utter shock and disbelief! Let's not even talk about anything else.

I wish I had a friggin rewind/undo button.

Here's to hoping that June starts off a alittle better than May ended.

Rainy Days

2010-05-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's pouring rain which sucks because Chris and I have the weekend off together and wanted to do some fun outdoorsy stuff. Le sigh.

Most people would say thank god its Friday (yesterday) but my Friday freakin SUCKED. We got audited at work, which we were apparently unprepared for. Then the plumber came five minutes after the auditor arrived. THEN someone showed up to fix something that wasn't even broken and after messing around for a bit we found out he had to go to another store. Meanwhile during all of this, I was running on 3 hours of sleep. Yep, my Friday was a little on the sucky side. LOL. Oh well, on to another day!!!!

Let's talk about Thursday!!!

I watched my little bro graduate. That was awesome. I feel so old though. After sitting there trying to figure out how many years its been since I gradded - I got the final calculation not before shaking my head in discust at my apparent old age.......7 LONG years.

On another note - we have a new little family member!!!! Nolan Douglas was born to my cousins John and Sheri on Thursday as well!! He is soooooooooo cute and is a little bro for Wesley!!! Speaking of Wesley, I don't think I have ever met a smarter kid! Have you ever seen a 2.5 year old use phrases like "Don't procrastinate" and "I'm disappointed Grandpa"? HE'S so smart and WAY too cute!!!!

/end randomness

What Did You Say?

2010-05-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

My ears are plugged.

I can't hear.

I can't taste . . well hardly.

My nose is red.

...Oh one ear just popped....

I'm sneezing non-stop.

I threw up.

I am sick.

Le sigh.

That is all.

A Promise is a Promise is a Promise!

2010-05-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

So I promised a post and here it is!

Quite a bit has gone on since the last time I blogged so forgive me if I am long winded this fine evening.

Let's start with today shall we? I got my first quarterly bonus @ work. It was a nice little surprise to wake up to quite a bit of extra $$$ in my bank account. Way more than I ever got at Home Depot! Mind you, at Home Depot I never really had the opportunity to help control the controllable contribution line of the P&L or even monitor it really, whereas at Starbucks, I'm all up in the beautiful P&L - lineeee by lineeee!!

I'm really irritated that people truly believe that being in retail management is something that should be frowned upon or that even working at Starbucks as a Barista is frowned upon. I was criticized big time today for being an assistant manager at Starbucks. These two people, who shall remain unnamed asked me why over and over again, when I would go find a "real job", and how do I pay my bills on such a small wage. Well question number 1 - you have no idea what I take home at the end of the day and so don't even start guessing. Srsly, do you people even have ANY idea whatsoever, what Starbucks offers their partners? Benefits are outstanding. Better than any company I've ever worked for. To make things better, even part timers get those benefits. Free coffee all day at work, free coffee to take home every week. Oh lets not forget discounts. Salaried Managers have base salaries indeed but bonus potential is huge. If you know how to work a P&L then your bonus is in your hands to a certain extent. There are certain things out of your control such as rent, utilties etc, but get those controllable contribution lines under control and you're good to go! Now of course we can't forget about the partners. YES, you heard me! We call our people partners because we are all partners on a team working towards the same goal. The people that I work with everyday are the best in the business. They're funny, intelligent, hardworking and plain awesome. I quite like my job thank you very much so there.

/ end rant. Haha.

Grandma went home today for the first time in like 3 months! So far so good! I am gonna run by and see her tomorrow!

I really should fold my laundry but I might save that for tomorrow. hehehe.

Je suis fatigue!

formspring.me

2010-05-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/MrsMacTA

Nail Biter

2010-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

2 nail biters this evening. My dog and the Canucks game. Let's talk about the dog first.

So my little friggin princess dog has a bad habit of BITING when she comes across things that are too good to give up - like this new food that we bought her. She likes it, and thats great but SHE CANT bite people FFS. I went up to her just to test her and she bit my hand right through my bloody nail. Damn little nail biter. So I have decided to use a water bottle on her as our training collar doesn't really help with this it seems. Every time she growls around her food, we will spray her with the water bottle and hopefully she will eventually give it up.I've researched this online and it doesn't hurt them, or make them afraid of water in general so we're gonna try it. Anything that works at this point, short of beating the shit out of her, is fine with me.

Second little nail biter - them boys in blue!! YES! They won the game which brings them to a 3-2 series deficit, forcing Game 6 in Vancouver on Tuesday. I've been lucky this far because I've had the ability to watch every single game so far. Here's to a win on Tuesday and HOPEFULLY Sami darling will be ready to play. Doubtful though.

Dinner has been cooked. Dishes have been done. Laundry needs doing and desperate housewives needs watching SOOOOOOOOO good night!

Une Zero Une

2010-05-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to blog these past few days. I've been bussssy. Whether its with Grandma, or the hubby, or work, - just plain busy.

I went and visited Grandma tonight and she seems to be doing much better than she was 2 nights ago when I found her drugged to the hilt with her hand in the popcorn dish, hunched over and drooling while being passed out. Effing effers won't be doing that again to her, you can rest assure we took care of that issue immediately.

On a good note - my brother and sister in law, along with my neices are supposed to come down for the May long weekend. I am sooooo excited! I SRSLY hope they come because that would make my friggin day! I miss them so much and I can't make it up there as often as I used to be able to.

Now that I think about it, they would be the first ones to visit us! Nobody ever comes to visit me. Seriously, I mean that. We have a lot of relatives from out of town and nobody except for my in-laws have come to visit us. HINT HINT dear darling family. Come visit me before I cry tears. REAL big crocodile tears. =)

I need to be up in 5 hrs.

Oh boy.

Let's Get Rowdy!

2010-04-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Wooohoo my 100th post!! How cool is that? Ooooh, I'm tired today but I decided I gotta throw in a little post about yet another country artist that I've become a fan of. Well, actually I've always been a fan of his tunes but more so lately as I hear them on the radio bringing back some good ole' memories of Grade 12.

We shall call him Aaron Pritchett. He, being a Vancouverite, got his start at Roosters Country Cabaret which is a local bar not to far away from my house. I first heard of him in highschool when his song "Consider This" first came out. I personally believe he sounds like a country boy with a rock n roll soul. I LOVE his new song, well actually its not really new anymore, "Let's Get Rowdy". I heard him sing it at the CCMA's last September and I was hooked!

Check him out!!! www.aaron-pritchett.com

Hello #2!

2010-04-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Canucks take it to Round 2 - will they go all the way? Hope so! YEAH!

Today was a bit of a rough day. Bizzah as hell at work. I mean non-stop. NON STOP. To top it all off I sat in a big puddle of water half way thru my shift so my arse was wet for a long time. Nice. Then I went to visit grandma and it was really hard to leave her there. Le sigh.

Now, I'm just sittin' here waitin on my darling hubby to get home. He sent me a text saying that he's gonna give me a massage when he gets home. Hmmm..nice...now what does he want? LOL.

My pasta and the housewives await me!

Hockey & Guitars

2010-04-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well first of all - yeaahhh Canucks! The boys in blue take it again!

Speaking of the boys in blue....

I was watching CMT the other day and all of a sudden this tune came on that really caught my attention. I waited and waited until the end of the music vid to see who the dude was and what the song was called and it turns out his name was Chad Brownlee and the song was called Hope. Now, I thought I recognized the name but I knew for sure that I hadn't heard him sing before. I mean, seriously, I'd know if I'd heard him. He's pretty good. So I decided to do a little research on good ole Wikipedia. Wiki really is good for absolutely everything. I <3 Wiki. So back to Chad. It turns out that he is from Kelowna, and that he was a 6th round draft pick for the Vancouver Canucks back in 2003. Only after he hurt himself, a shoulder injury I believe, did he turn to music. He technically is still starting out as far as I know. The other day was the first time I ever heard him sing and as far as I can tell he's only had one other single out. I just thought it was pretty cool that at that random moment I decided to turn CMT on, this song was playing. The song intrigued me enough to do some research into the artist and it turns out that he lives in my backyard. This is one artist that I can see myself following and supporting along his journey.He will be big one day. He will be big.

Check out his official site (click here) and his tunes at iTunes (click here).

Reid? Read?

2010-04-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that someone from Nashville Tennessee read my blog today.

This is exciting because Johnny Reid lives in Nashville Tennessee.

Yes, I know that he did NOT read my blog. But still. The thought gives me butterflies.

Wouldn't that be cool? To have your favorite artist read your personal friggin blog?! Oh I would die. Maybe cry a little? I swear to God I'm not obsessed. I'm not a friggin stalker or anything like that. I just really like this tunes and what he sings about. I really admire him! Well, I'm not gonna lie. He's hot too.

Get real Ashley. Le sigh times fifty five.

PS. This is yourself telling YOU that you OBVIOUSLY need to get some sleep.

Life is but a Dream Sweetheart

2010-04-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Ashley. I am a record. A record that is broken. Do you know what happens when you have a broken record? You have a broken song...

I feel like I'm going to just shut down in the emotions department. Is that even right? I feel like I bother and inconvenience people too much when I express my emotions. Maybe it would be better for everyone if I just kept my feelings to myself. Is that even fair? I can't seem to answer these questions for myself so maybe someone else can do it for me.

Is it wrong to want things in life that might be out of reach AND speak about them aloud?
Is it wrong to be so obviously and verbally passionate about something that you don't have yet but long for? (I am not talking about Johnny Reid people.)
Is it wrong to express your feelings or is it right to keep quiet and live lies?

Can someone please teach me how to convey my emotions without having people believe that I am unhappy in all regards to life in general? Is this something that you can even teach?

Maybe its me. Maybe I'm just never satisfied with anything. Maybe I'm too needy. I'm sure a few people could attest to that.

I'm 99% positive that I was a hermit crab in my last life.

Its in the Details

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so by now, I'm sure you all know who Johnny Reid. I'm sure that my blog being called Kicking Stones or the lyrics that I have posted on this blog have given away my "love" for Johnny Reid. Oh and the fact that I only talk about him 23 out of 24 hours a day. So much so that my husband is becoming jealous. Oh geez. Come on now. Sure, I think Mr.Reid and his thick Scottish accent is hot, sexy and everything in between but seriously my husband is truly the only man for me! BUT Yes, I am passionate about Johnny Reid and his music. His stories, his voice - they are amazing, touching and heartwarming. I honestly have not played anything BUT Born to Roll, Kicking Stones, Dance with Me or his Christmas album in my car since November. I mean Chris has thrown in a little Iron Maiden once in awhile but BELIEVE me, its against my will.

As awesome as Johnny is, I think its really important that his band gets recognized too! Now if its one thing that Johnny does well besides sing and dance, he gives people credit! As a matter of fact, at all concerts I have been to he has nearly doubled or triple the length of "Hey-O" to introduce his band and give them an opportunity to do a solo of some sort including his back up singers! So hey, I know for sure that quite a few people read my blog and yeah maybe they don't have the same music taste as me but it doesn't hurt to spread the word about good musicians around the globe. So lets talk for a minute about the amazing individuals that make up Johnny Reid's band!

Let's start with Ben Rutz. Ben Rutz is from Pembroke Ontario, he's Johnny's live fiddler and he is a most definitely a FIDDLER extraordinaire. Srsly. He is damn good. Honestly, I don't know how the guy does it. I just know he is very VERY good. He is set to release his own album sometime soon but no word on the date as of yet.

Next we have Yvan Petit. He is Johnny's lead guitarist and also does backup vocals. He's from Ontario and quite honestly he seems to be a shy person on stage but boy can he play a guitar. He has his own little fan club on facebook but its nowhere as big as it should be. Check him out!!! He's good and he looks good standing next to Mr. Johnny Reid. *wink*. I heard thru the facebook grapevine that he also his coming out with an independant album!!

Saidah Baba Talibah and Miku Graham (back up vocals) - AKA the soul sisters have an amazing vibe each and every show. Sometimes at the shows only one of them is there but they pick up for eachother like no one else!! SBT has a blog which you can view *here* . She is currently working on some of her own tunes and they sound incredible!! Miku also has some tunes up for ears! Take a listen. I dare yeh!!!

Dave Cohen - keyboard master has recently announced that he will be touring with Joe Nichols this year. I found this slightly disheartening as I thought he was a very awesome part of the band and although it has not been announced that he won't be touring with Johnny this year, it is the likely situation. Dave has had the opportunity to tour alongside some amazing people over the years including Reba McEntire, Blue Rodeo, and Time McGraw to name a few. Please somebody say it ain't so. Correct me if I'm wrong - PLEASE!

Some other equally amazing band members to check out:
Chuck Fields
Nick Czarnogorski
Mike Norman

Well there you have it. Now pass it on!!!!

Danger Zone

2010-04-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

At this moment, I am just pissed off. I'm sick and tired of my family trying to dictate my life with their selfish attitudes and their hypocritical ways. Don't get me wrong. I will always love my family but there really is a breaking point. Messages for people below. Can you figure out which one is for you?

Maybe if YOU'D stop yelling at me or hanging up on me all the damn time when I disagree with you, I'd be more inclined to pick up the phone once in awhile and dial your number.

Maybe if YOU realized that you aren't in your absentminded pretend world you would figure out that the same excuse you keep using as a reason for why you use, abuse, and HURT everyone around you - IS GETTING OLD.

Perhaps if you took your head out of your ass, you would realize that not everybody wants to hear about you and your problems NON STOP. There has to be some sort of point where the world stops revolving around you.

Stop relying on everyone else to sastisfy your life. So what if I don't want to go somewhere or do something every damn week. Go find a hobby and quit your effing whining. PS. YOU love being used and taken advantage of. Why else would you standby and take part while watching me get sliced in a million little pieces while trying to stand up for you?!

And last but not least - a simple message for my husband...

Thank you for being you. Thank you for being so wonderful, relaxing, caring, helpful and gracious and everything in between. I love you long time. PS - Thanks for not being like the Mc's and thanks for dealing with me, cause I know deep down...........I'm just like them.

Le sigh.

Double Time

2010-04-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Let's talk business. Blog business. My goal for 2010 is to blog double what I did last year which really shouldn't be hard considering I only blogged 56 times in 2009. My first post wasn't until March 5, 2009 so if you do the math, I only blogged 56/301 days or 19% of the calendar year (if that even makes sense). That number is far too low. FAR too low. Its funny because it seems as though, as soon as the new "year" starts (last year the first month was March) I blog like crazy and then slowly dwindle down from there. In January I blogged 17 times, February 8 times, March 5 times, and this will be my fifth post for April. Now to double last April's posts, I have to blog 16 times.

Did I really just write an entire post at 11:30pm when I have to be up at 5:30am, on doubling last years posts? Maybe this is why I didn't write that much last year. I apparently have nothing to write about. HAH.

FML.

Yike

2010-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

~ My dog bit me.
~ My grandma yelled at me.
~ My bankcard wouldn't work because someone compromised my card ... AGAIN.
~ My stomach is upset.
~ I watched a sad movie and cried crocodile tears for 45 minutes.
~ I want to be cuddled but my husband is working until at least 11pm.

Its just one of those days.

Learning Curves

2010-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today Chris and I are off together - which almost NEVER happens. Right now he is napping because, even though it was his day off he went into work because they were being walked by the district manager and he wanted to prepare his departments as much as possible. I completely understand though because I too, am a new assistant manager and I know what it feels like to want that secure feeling when your boss knows that you're are working your hardest towards big picture success. We actually thought it was going to piss down rain today which is why I encouraged him to go to work because I thought we'd stay home all day anyway! Turns out the sky is bright blue and the sun is a shinin' - go figure! We had talked about driving out to Harrison Hot Springs for the day just to walk around and check it out but perhaps we will have to stay a little closer to home this time. Maybe Stanley Park? Who knows but we'll figure it out!

So lets talk about Grandma. Grandma is depressed and we all know that. Is Grandma crazy - ABSOLUTELY NOT which is why I didn't like the fact that the doctors have put her into the Mental Health ward and Burnaby General Hospital. The place is NOT wheelchair equipped. She shares a room with a 19 year old. There are no other elderly people there. It breaks my heart having to leave her there. She's fine. She's okay to be there but it makes her nervous to be around all these other people who have Mental Health issues like schizophrenia, Bi-Polar disorders, or people who aren't allowed to have shoes because they might make weapons out of the little plastic ends on shoe laces. Eeek. Not to mention visiting hours are STRICTLY from 6-9pm. This is not GOOD because our family is tight and we used to visit her all day long every single day. If I'm working a closing shift, then I can't see her? What? When I found that out, I broke down at the reception desk. I started to bawl. The nurse came out and sat with me and discussed with me that Grandma is just depressed she's not "crazy" and that she won't be here for long. It's just that the doctors think that because of her age, it would only make her worse if she laid in a hospital bed all day long. At least here she is able to get up, roll around in her power wheelchair, and at least socialize a bit. She also told me that a lot of people in the ward are under similar conditions and its not like they have murderers there or anything. Thats what psychiatric prisons are for - like Colony Farms! So I felt a bit better after she educated me a little on the kinds of mental health issues in the ward and really its not a bad thing. People just hang out, watch TV, play pool, take their meds and get better. Grandma's gonna have a shorter stay than most because she doesn't have serious mental health issues like the disorders mentioned above but it all depends on how fast she gets better. We aren't sure what triggered this depression but I've got good mind to believe its a result of the death of her best friend last month.

So have I learned anything from this experience? Why yes I have indeed. The media portrays people with mental health disorders like they portray Britney Spears - as fucked up. This is NOT fair and this is not true. (Well maybe Britney Speas is effed up lol) These people are otherwise friendly, caring, responsible, and welcoming. They are interested in your story just as much as you are interested in theirs. They aren't stupid. They aren't "retarded". They are human beings with slight deficiences that need tweaking every once in awhile. They deserve the same respect and equal opportunity as you or I and they DONT deserve the stereotype. Unfortunately, some people's disorders are far more advanced than others and they may require special care or housing - such as Riverview or Colony Farms but seriously, do you think they they would choose this life given the choice? Its not their fault. They deserve to be at peace. They deserve treatment. They deserve respect.

Nine Zero

2010-04-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well, in an effort to celebrate my 90th post I decided to look back exactly 365 days to see what was happening in my life. So I read my post from April 5, 2009 and here's what I discovered.

~ I was in the process of planning my wedding which was 4 months away.
~ I got a new boss at Home Depot and said that I liked her. Well, I lied.
~ It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, I seem to always be unhappy with something.

Why is that? I don't get it. Is it the people I grew up around? Is it my personality? The common denominator seems to be me but here's the thing: the things that I am unhappy about - are rightfully so. Or at least I think so...? I mean, I'm not in complete and utter despair, don't get me wrong. But there are certain aspects of my life that I think could be better and I'm sure everyone else goes through the same thing but SERIOUSLY, can I just go through one day of complete and utter happiness without having to worry about my job, or bills, or driving my husband crazy, or kids that I don't have yet.

I think I worry too much. I'm not gonna lie, I have bad anxiety. Maybe that's my problem. Chris does say that I tend to over think absolutely every effing situation. I have to say that through all my issues in this life, my husband is a huge supporter and probably my number 1 fan . . . even when my issues are with him. He's understanding, compassionate, and very VERY forgiving. One thing I know for sure. No matter whats going on or which part of the world I'm pissed at, I am a lucky girl and I DO have good things in my life. Him, being one of them.

I love you, Chris.

FYI

2010-04-01T22:27:00.001-07:00

I stole this from Danielle who stole this from someone else . . . .

“It’s what we think about that makes us unhappy.

Not what we have, who we are, where we are, or what we do.”

(via @iheartquotes)

The Blues

2010-03-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just woke up and felt at a complete loss? I did this morning.

I feel like I'm an in the wrong profession. Although the company I work for is great, when I look down the road 5 or 10 years from now - is retail in general really what life has in store for me? I need a career. Something Monday to Friday or even Tuesday to Saturday or whenever I don't care. Something where I can at least come home and cook dinner. But really, I have a year or two of post sec and I don't want to finish the degree I started so where the heck do I begin?

I should have stayed with the Home Depot @ Burnaby and dealt with the demons that were holding me down there. I was content. I had a decent job where I was rarely held accountable for anything and it paid a decent salary. I thought it would be a great idea to move to a new store with new opportunities and everyone agreed. I ruined my life and the last 4 months of my marriage. My husband had to cope with me being depressed - something that SHOULD not happen to newlyweds. To this day, I still feel anxious about every single occupational move that I make. My husband is worried about things he cannot control but has every right to be worried about. The fact that we have a mortgage to pay and all sorts of other expenses does not help our worrying.

If someone was to ask me what I truly want at this point in my life here is what I would tell them:
- my husband
- my dog
- a baby
- and to be a stay at home mom

Now here is what the world keeps telling me:
- keep dreamin' sista.

iLost

2010-03-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I lost my iPhone on the bus. I'm devastated. I hope that when I call Translink on Monday, that they will have it. If not, it will cost me a fortune.

The anxiety is still here. I'm hoping that its just because of the new surroundings and all that jazz. I'm also hoping its going to go away soon. I wake up in a cold sweat. I get sick to my stomach. Panic sets in. It needs to go away. I can't deal.

I saw the Bounty Hunter last night with Lisa, James and Chris. Gerard Butler is very hot. The movie wasn't that great though.

Very random blog post. I won't lie or deny.

Holy Beans Batman

2010-03-16T23:09:00.001-07:00

Well, I've started at my new store. It's in a mall. It's scary. Oh and busy. Very effing busy. It's definitely nothing like the store I was training at. Nice people though but I feel like i'm starting a new job all over again because they do everything different. Anxiety hit me this morning as I was laying in bed. Ack. I thought it was over.

I need an office job.

Emotional Girl

2010-03-12T09:37:00.001-08:00

Finally a little time to blog.

So grandma is sick. She's at Burnaby General and we're not sure for how long. Here's the deal. Her best friend had a stroke about three weeks ago. She used to come over and visit grandma every single night. Now grandma is severly depressed, not to mention her blood sugar is out of control and she had a small amount of blood in her brain. She'll be okay we think.

So here's what pisses me off. I go to work and then go visit grandma for four hours plus every single day. Then there are other grandchildren who never visit her or visit her once every couple of days. Their excuse? They have husbands or children or animals that they have to take care of. Well GUESS what geniuses? I have a dog, a husband, and a full time job yet I still make time. Lots of time.

Right now, I'm babysitting Gabe for heather cause she's got a midterm and her babysitter is crazy sick. He's cute. He's got the cutesy laugh, especially when you bounce him on your knee. It just makes me laugh my ass off. Tres cute

You know who's not cute? Garth Brooks.

Changes

2010-03-07T19:20:00.001-08:00

Wow. Been awhile since I blogged. sorry!! So here's the deal. I deleted my other blog Project snapshot because it just wasn't working for me. I kept forgetting to take pictures so I cheated and sometimes took 6 pics a day. Haha. What else? Well my blog URL changed but I assume if you're reading this then you already know. I just figured it would make sense to have the same URL as title.

I just found out 5 seconds ago that my grandma is in the hospital.

I have to go.

Johnny is Gold

2010-02-26T01:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the second best night of my life.

I went downtown at 8am on the Westcoast Express to ensure that I was in LiveCity Yaletown by 11am. I wanted front row seats for Johnny Reid at 945PM and I sure as heck got them. Right in front of him and nobody in front of me. Let me tell you what happened.

Johnny saw this poster I was holding. I made it. It said "Johnny Reid is GOLD!"

He winked at me.
He pointed at me.
He sang to me.
He held my hand.

Seriously, the second best night of my entire life. Wondering what the first best night was? Marrying my husband.

Yes, I cried.

I am in awe.

MacSteamy

2010-02-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend rocked.

We had such an awesome time despite someone robbing $500 from our bank account. Damn bastards.

But seriously, plain amazing. We went over to Victoria on the 7am Ferry and found a hotel right in the harbour! It was awesome! Our room had a view of the harbour and the beauty of nature! We spend the day walking all around and checking out the shops. It reminded me a lot of our honeymoon. We checked out the crazy wax museum and miniature world before heading up to the Keg for dinner. Chris got "dreaded" mushrooms as his veggies so they gave us free desert. SCORE MacLeans! We then went back to our hotel and swam around in the hot tub and then sat in the steam room. Only my husband would try to get fresh in the steam room. Of course I refused. I asked him what the heck he was thinking and can you guess his response? Well, I was just trying to be romantic! Hahahahahahaha! I never laughed so hard in my life. Seriously though, all night that night we both laughed harded than we have in awhile. It was such an awesome feeling to have normalcy back in our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed our weekend full of laughter and fun and can't wait to do it again. I got lots of pictures and I swear I will update my picture of the day ASAP!

I have a date with the PVR. Johnny Reid awaits me.

Quality Guaranteed

2010-02-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

So my little tiff with Manulife has not ended. They still can't tell me when they're gonna get me the money they owe me and they don't really care. Chris and I have decided to NOT let them ruin our weekend and we're gonna go to Victoria anyway. We need a weekend away, without the dog, just to spend some time together and what a better weekend than the good old hallmark holiday - Valentines Day. We have agreed on NO gifts as this weekend is essentially our gift to each other. We'll probably hang out downtown, go see some sites and have a nice dinner. Our budget is going to be $500 as we are a little soft on the money side but I think for 2 days thats pretty reasonable. I'm super duper excited and can't wait to just get away. We are shipping the dog off to my friend's mom, who also happens to be our trainer. She is awesome and I am sooo thankful that she's taking Roxy for the weekend because now I really don't have to worry about her at all.

On another note, today I have to work 2-1030. I have a meeting with my district manager at 3pm. I'm nervous, mostly because I don't know what to expect. I have a feeling I might find out where my permanent store is going to be. Scary. Its hard to believe that 4 weeks have gone by already. Sigh.

Irritation

2010-02-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'm irritated. Plain and simply irritated. My irritation has piqued and its going to quickly turn into anger and then sadness. Here's the deal:

- I quit Home Depot January effing 5th. It is now February effing 9th. I have approximately $3100 worth of deferred profit sharing locked into a stupid Manulife account that I cannot withdraw until I they receive my termination date from HD head office in Toronto. Last week they ASSURED me over the telephone that they had rec'd it and that it would be deposited into our bank account in 5 business days - oh that being TODAY. Well, guess what DIDN'T show up in the account today? I call them and they're like, uh, the general account for Home Depot is having a problem and so its not gonna happen. I was PISSED. Was anyone going to tell me that by any chance? So now Chris and I probably won't be able to go to Victoria this weekend like we had planned because we no longer have the extra money to spend. THANKS to the jackasses who can't get their shit together.

This is where my irritation turns to sadness.

Stuffed Socks

2010-02-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

My dog talks back to me worse that a child talks back to a parent. I'm not kidding you. Chris made her this toy sock and all I want to do is stuff it in her mouth. If I tell her no, she barks at me. Dear dog, I'm the effing pack leader so get real. /end rant.

I'm really hoping that we get this cheque from HD tomorrow. Its large and I want to pay off some bills. Not to mention, if it shows up then Chris and I are going to go to Victora for the weekend just to chill and hang out. It'll be fun. A celebration of sorts. Me for getting a new job and then of course as a Valentines day gift to eachother. It's not really an important day to me. I just wanna celebrate the love day with my love. /end sap.

3am comes early. Good night. /end cry.

Its Monday

2010-02-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Okay so its not really Monday but its like my Monday. I just had my two days off and now its back to work I go. Closing all weekend which is a good time to learn really but it sucks in a way because I won't get to see my husband all weekend. He works 4-1 and I work 2-1030. I drove into Burnaby to spend time with him on his lunch today and will probably do the same tomorrow. I miss him already. We have next weekend off together so I'm trying to plan something. I'm kinda hoping that once I get into my permanent store I will have some sort of set schedule or routine anyway. I know its retail and its shift work but I've heard of other ASMs in other stores getting sweet schedules. I'm not trying to complain or anything. I just miss my Chris.

On another note, I saw Dear John last night with my cousin. Interesting movie to saay the least. Channing Tatum is hot - the movie...not. I love Amanda Seyfreid .. Ever since she was in Veronica Mars, I've kinda been following her movies and stuff. She played an excellent role in Mama Mia.

On our computer desk we have an 8 x 10 photo of us on our wedding day. I keep staring at it. We're soo happy. We're still happy of course but I keep thinking that if I hadn't made that one wrong move in regards to employment back in October, it probably would have made our first 6 months of marriage a helluva lot easier. Oh well, whats done is done and I guess it makes no sense to row your boat backwards. I'm luck to have such a wonderful, supportive husband. The good news is: he's mine forever.

Can you lift up your bag?

2010-02-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of training. I love reading and having these books though because I have the memory span of a goldfish. Not to mention I'm slighly OCD and have to triple check absolutey everything.

I'm off for two days. Woohoo. Sleeping in will take place. Enough from me for now. Back to work I go.

Born to Roll

2010-02-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day of Shift Supervisor training at Starbucks. I'm starting to feel more at home now as the weeks progress so this is good! Getting back into the whole management scheme of things is definitely playing a huge role in my progress I think. I'm not a power tripper by any means. I am just a people person. I like to lead teams towards success and have sales goals, metrics and all those things. I like to make people smile by noticing great work habits and by having positive coaching conversations everyday. Praise is big in my books. I love to praise people. After next week, I will go into my permanent store as an assistant store manager - BUT we are unsure of where that will be as of right now.

Day 1 of *Project Snapshot* was all about lunch. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

This evening Chris and I had dinner with an old friend, Heather. She's awesome.

5am comes early.

That is all.

Project Snapshot

2010-01-31T23:34:00.000-08:00

I'm really getting into blogging these days. It's become a hobby now and I wanna take it to the next level. I've been reading a lot about different Project 365's. For those of you who don't know what Project 365 is you can read about it *here*. Anyway, I've decided to partake in this idea but with my own twist as it will start tomorrow instead of January 1st. I will be taking one random picture everyday of something that I see worthy and I'll post it on my new blog *Project Snapshot*. Keep in mind, this is not something that I'm using to sharpen up my camera skills; as a matter of fact I'll probably be using my iPhone most of the time. This is just something routine for me to start doing everyday. Something to pay attention too. As some of you know, I have anxiety issues and I'm trying to find ways to combat them. Focusing my time and attention on small things and things that I have to look forward to really help me get through my day. Not only are the pictures going to be reminders of all the great things I have in life but also, it gives me something to look forward to doing every single day. I guess you could call it self help? Hah. Check it out, enjoy and gimme some link love!!

I Miss

2010-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

I miss . . .

. . . hearing the key turn in the lock when he comes home at 1.
. . . greeting him with a hug and a kiss when he gets home from work.
. . . having dinner with him every single night.
. . . taking the dog for a walk in the daylight.
. . . having a nap with him after work.
. . . watching criminal minds at 4pm.
. . . getting a hug or a kiss whenever I want.
. . . being here whenever he needed me.
. . . being able to hear his voice all the time.
. . . Chris.

Pillow Surfing

2010-01-21T23:46:00.001-08:00

I am laying in bed blogging. This is so insane excellent. It should be illegal.

So I got thru my first four days at starbucks. Nobody died and I came home to my husband and dog every night. It got easier as the days progressed, it just felt strange going there everyday. I got these feelings of anxiety and sadness while getting ready and then again when I started my shift. Once I got in there and realized how awesome all the people are and how willing they were to help me, it was all good. I'm totally not used to a working environment with friendly people who want to help you succeed. I actually expect these people to yell at me when I forget a drink recipe or when I ask a question. But no. I keep forgetting that I no longer work at home depot. The work environment at starbucks is awesome. The people are awesome. And I just hope I start forgetting about the bad orange experiences. Those experiences are the reason for my anxiety every day. I need to let go of them. I think about it and psych myself out. Starbucks is green, not orange. They are NOT Home Depot.

Ok so I have the next two days off and they are going to be bizzah. Dinner at the inlaws Saturday night, dog training, lunch with friends, grocery shopping, laundry and more.

A wife's work is never done. Thank god I have a husband who picks up my slack. Forever in love with CJM851.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Beginning

2010-01-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first day at Starbucks. First, I must say that they are an amazing company and they do so much for the world. It truly is unbelievable. If you have any extra time I highly encourage you to research the company. You'll be amazed.

So, my first day. I was intimidated at first but that's pretty normal for first days I'd like to think. I met the district manager and we did some coffee tastings. He was super friendly and welcoming.

The day progressed on with me having a first meeting with the Store Manager. She's pretty cool for sure. Because I was hired as an external assistant store manager, I have to go thru a 4 week training period. A week to become a barista, a week to become a shift supervisor and so on. The store I'm training at won't be my permanent store but I have no idea where I'll be going after the 4 weeks. More than likely, it will be after the olympics that I get a permanent store anyway. Although I'm a little overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to learn, the partners at this store are super awesome, helpful, and friendly and I'm sure it will get easier as I go along.

I think the hardest part of my day was leaving my puppy. I felt guilty and sad. I even cried a little. She got used to me being home for that short while and we would spend every waking minute together. When I came home she freaked. She missed me you could tell. I missed her too. I also missed being home when chris got off work. I won't see him as much now but I guess that's life. I wish I could be a stay home home wife sometimes.

Ps- if you haven't tried a cinnamon dolce latte - do itttttt.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

iBlog

2010-01-18T20:54:00.001-08:00

I have finally found an app that allows me to post on my blog via my iPhone. Not only can I post but I can take photos in the middle of my post and attach them to my post at the same time! It's awesome!!!! My iPhone is officially complete and the best thing evar!

Post about my first day at work will come tomorrow.

Snuggles and cuddles are in order with the husband.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mute

2010-01-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

I should be sleeping, especially because tomorrow I start my new job and I have this bad habit of waking up at noon. I am excited, nervous and all in between. However, this morning, I woke up with the familiar feeling that put me outta comission for so long. I suspetct that it'll be good. Bottom line, I have to work. As much as I'd like to be a stay at home wife - it ain't happening unless I get pregnant which Chris is adamant that it won't be happening for awhile.

Today started off hectic. My poor husband was throwing up all night long and I seemed to have slept thru it all. Oh yeah you said it. Wife of the month over here. I got up to go to my grandma's house and let him stay home in bed until 3. He needed the rest anyway. I ended up leaving Grandma's house early for reasons I shall choose not to disclose. In essence, someone ( not grandma) pissed me right off past the point of annoyance and I chose to leave rather than to create a police file. Yes, I was that angry. I'm over it now for the most part.

I don't understand why people choose to blame others for asinine habits they so obviously have. You make your damn life the way you want it to be now live with it. If you can't live with it, find a way. There's always a way. I KNOW THIS. Been there, done that. Do NOT scream at me because you are unhappy with your life. Do NOT blame me or anyone else for the way HE acts. The fault is all your own and deep down you know it. Do NOT compare your feelings to mine. Do NOT subject my ears to the torture everytime I see you. I'm sick and tired of being cast down upon just so you can feel better. Time to break out the big girl panties and put them the FUCK on.

I Got a Feeling

2010-01-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

Johnny Reid had a baby girl today!! His 4th kid but 1st girl. How cool is that? Welcome to the world Ava!

Today, I'm feeling a bit more relaxed about starting work on Monday. This is good right? I keep talking to people and getting their reassurance but hey, I'm nervous. Who wouldn't be? As far as I can tell, I will enjoy this job. So what's my deal? Who knows....

Got the weekend off with the hubby which is nice. Tomorrow he's got some friends coming over and then we must go look for another pair of work pants.

Today we took the dog for a walk at Tynehead in Surrey with my cousin and her 2 dogs. Roxy was so well behaved. I'm proud of my little papillon.

Totally random post but I'm starting to feel good about going to work on Monday. This is GOING to be good. I can feel it!

Start Here

2010-01-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

I think that a most recent bad experience that I had at my previous job is seriously influencing my anxiety and clouding my judgement over starting this new job on Monday. It's a new year. It's gonna be good, right? I've been spending countless hours every night researching the company and reading what people have to say about it. I get mixed reviews but most of it comes from the States and lets be serious. Canada is way better when it comes to employment, enforcing employment laws, and making work comfortable. For the most part. I just keep telling myself that its going to be good, but I'm having trouble believing myself. Someone help me out here. I know I should NOT use the internet as a resource for this type of research b/c most of them are disgruntled people who got fired for a reason but find every excuse under the sun to blame someone else. I KNOW THIS yet I continue to read it. I'm seriously psyching myself out. Not good. All I want to do is go back to work and do a GOOD job. Be all that I can be. I just hope to hell that its enough.

Someone please turn off the insomnia.

To The Max

2010-01-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

I'm nervous about starting a new job. Quite nervous. I've worked for the same company for 6 years and got quite comfortable. I guess its okay though because people expect me to know nothing. They expect me to learn. So I should be fine. I hope. Oh yeah I forgot to say, I accepted the job offer. I start on Monday. I'll be training for 4 weeks in Port Moody, and then I'll get a permanent store somewhere in the Lower Mainland. I really am excited. I've talked to a few people and have only heard really awesome things. Wish me luck.

On the home front, hubby and I just came back from taking the dog for an hour long walk at Harris Landing in Pitt Meadows. I'd like to start going walking like that everyday but sometimes we only have time for like a 15 or 20 minute walk. At least she gets something right? I think she's gonna find it tough now that I'm going back to work. She'll be lonely. Chris gets off at 1pm everyday so it shouldn't be that bad.

Got some errands to run now. Do some recycling and shopping for work clothes considering I have NONE of what they are asking for.

Til next time.

Paparazzi

2010-01-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

Seriously. I didn't realize that people at 47 cared so much about what was going on in my life. Yes it's true. I resigned from Home Depot. I no longer work for the company. I handed in my resignation letter and left on my terms so in other words, NO I didn't get fired. Are you happy? Can you sleep now? /end rant.

For the past six years, Home Depot has been like a second family. I started as a cashier and worked my way up into management, gaining skills and experience that I can use in any other job I obtain. Perhaps my most recent transfer to 46 was less than desirable, however, that doesn't mean that the company should be written off. I'm thankful for the job I had for so long and I wouldn't change it for the world. Afterall, I met my husband there. When you work for Home Depot, stores change managers like people change their socks. Yes, I will be the first to admit, I had some VERY undesirable superiors but to some I was probably an undesirable manager myself. I also had some amazing managers who taught me more than anybody else and I will continue to be thankful for everything I've learned. Bottom line, Home Depot is a good company to work for, IF you like people. I quit for personal reasons. I had good intentions with bad directions and you know what? We all need to live with the consequences of our choices.

As fate would have it, I just received a job offer from Starbucks. They want to hire me as an Assistant Store Manager. Almost the same pay, better benefits, and free coffee.

Everything happens for a reason.

iPhone Bliss

2010-01-10T00:45:00.000-08:00

And I thought I loved my blackberry. Damn! Blackberries have nothing on the iPhone. Really, its a beautiful thing. So yes, in otherwords, I got an iPhone! Woohoo! I have a couple people to thank for that most definitely and them I do thank!The dude at the bell store gave me a free blue tooth and case which was nice considering they cost $120 and the phone only cost $99. Can I just say that I hate blue tooth technology? First of all, I swear more people are going to get into accidents trying to answer calls on their ears and secondly, my ears are effed up and nothing fits in them. Seriously, not even regular, old school earbuds . I found this awesome app called FML. Its associated with FML.com where people give you reasons that they believe their life deserves FML status and guess what? My ears deserve FML status. Oh and while we're at it, how about my chronic sinusitis filled nasal cavities too! Bastards!

Today was long but fun. Spent the day with Gabe while Heather and John headed to the Wedding Fair. Nope, they are not engaged but hey! Neither was I when I went. All in due time. All in due time. Anyway, Gabe and I had lotsa fun. We took the dog for a walk, we walked across the street and got some drinks (kid friendly of course),and we came back and watched a shit load of cartoons. He was soooo good and very content. He never cried or anything! Seriously, I want one now. Uh oh.

Hmm. . . I wonder if I could download a virtual baby app on my iPhone. Hah! Just kidding.

I'm dead tired before 4am for once. This is good news, I must go and sleep immediately.

Here's Johnny!

2010-01-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

To your right you will see a YouTube player titled Kicking Stones. Click PLAY. I bet you won't regret it.

This is Johnny Reid playing kicking stones at the PNE September 2009. I was almost THIS close. This person was recording his entire performance that night about 10 feet away from me. During some of the videos, I can hear myself screaming. This was the BEST concert ever and it was free too. Thats how cool Johnny Reid is. At this stage in the game he doesn't need to give away free concerts. He's already at the top of the charts. He does it for the fans too but I'm sure the PNE comped him somewhat of course.

Once the song starts playing - the rest of Gene Greenwood's links come up if you hover over the video. I urge you to take a look at them ALL. Watch his hawt little dance moves that he throws in when you least expect it and during songs like Darlin - listen to how the crowd sings along!!!! He is EFFING amazing!!! You will NOT be disappointed.

Okay its 3:30. Goodnight.

Two Four

2010-01-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

Well its my birthday. I've decided I'll be celebrating my 24th next year too otherwise I will be a quarter of a century old. I don't like that.Technically I just turned 24 at 10:52.

My darling husband woke me up this morning at 3am to ask me if I was going to have a shower. I thought why? Do I stink? Haha!! Then he said that if I was,I had to have it early in the morning and I had to stay home and wait for the buzzer to ring, until noon. Hmm...I wonder why? Haha!! At noon I rec'd a wonderful vase full of all my favorite flowers and a purdy balloon that says "I love you." Awe. What a nice husband!

Then I met my Dad, Carol, Grandma and Chris for lunch at IHOP cause it was easily accessible for my grandma to get to in her wheelchair. Just as we got into our food, my grandma choked. I mean blue in the face, no air, freaking out, choked. My dad had to get up and give her the HM 4 times before whatever she was choking on came out. I thought I was gonna lose her. Scary. My dad saved her though. Best birthday present ever. Anyway, after that was over . . . my dad bought me a bunch of clothes from Roots. LOVE them. I got a pair of these yoga pants that aren't really like yoga pants. They don't show any rolls which is nice and they make my ass look good. I mentioned to my dad how I wanted some more and so him and Carol went out and bought me two more pairs! Sweet! Plus some t-shirts, tanks, and a sweater jacket. I'm not fashionable by any means so I don't know its fancy name but I'm sure it has one. The tag said biker jacket but nonetheless, I effing love it.

After that we walked around the mall a bit, I REALLY want an IPhone and I wanted to see what it would take to get one. I figued it would be like $500 and it would be out of the question but to my surprise only $100 + tax and about $20 more per month than my blackberry but NO system access fee of $8/months so its not that much more. Anyway, we are on a limited budget right now and the hubby wanted to take me for dinner instead and of course, he wanted to do more research on the phone. We went home for a bit where I proceeded to feel sorry for myself so to speak. I didn't want to go out for dinner cause I know we're on a limited budget and I would rather not spend the rest of our weekly budget on MY birthday dinner because I'm a big girl now, and it's not that important to me. BUT it was important to Chris and I know if it was Chris' birthday I would have insisted on going for dinner too, regardless of the budget situation. Just because I wanted to be a pain in the butt, I begged him to stop at the Coquitlam Centre Bell so I could see what they had to offer as well and that was a GOOD idea. The bell dude offered up some good deals and in the end I'll be getting a blue tooth and a case with the phone plus a little extra other stuff on Chris' account. This guy is AWESOME. So next week, I'm getting an IPHONE! SWEET! For dinner we headed off to the Keg where I had my favorite mushrooms neptune, a teriyaki sirloin, and cheesecake. T'was a good day.

Now, Chris and I are gonna relax and watch Old School.

My Dog Has Bad Breath

2010-01-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Seriously, its gross. You can smell her from like 4 feet away.

Today sucked for the most part so lets just start from the friggin beginning shall we?

I woke up at 2:30 and didn't fall back asleep until 5am. My feed were so damn cold and I couldn't get them warm no matter what. Finally I gave up trying and hopped in the shower. Yes @ 3:30am.
I let Chris take my car to work this morning because its a hell of a lot more reliable than his. Plus his leaks exhaust and really, I need my husband alive. Anyway, we had agreed that I would meet him at Burnaby Home Depot when he got off at 1pm. This entails transit. Long story short, I missed the bus. Me and all my wisdom decided that I'll just cut through the major street and walk to the next closest bus stop while the bus toured Citadel Heights. Oh yes, brilliant Ashley, brilliant. Turns out that bus stop was a 40 effing minute walk uphill. Not only did I miss the first bus but I missed it AGAIN at the next stop. Of course, I was wearing my awesome new GREY boots and with beauty comes pain. So that sucked. I got on the bus and got to the skytrain. I need to call Chris to let him know i was gonna be late so I pulled out my blackberry and guess the eff what? Its dead. So I find the nearest payphone and the DAMN thing doesn't accept cash - only calling cards. WHAT the eff kind of payphone doesn't accept quarters. I finally got to my destination half an hour late.
We decided to take the dog for a nice long walk at Colony Farms when we got home. Yes, thats excellent except I ran with the dog for a minute because I wanted to see how fast she could go and now my leg hurts so bad I want to cry. Bonus.

Anywho. Something else happened and I don't want to talk about it yet BUT be aware it will be blogged about soon. As soon as I get the courage basically.

I still have faith that 2010 is going to be a great year despite this despicable day 6.

Until next time.

The Tour

2010-01-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

After spending countless hours working on it - my blog is FINALLY complete!

I'm really starting to get serious about this blog thing and I decided that I wanted a blog that was not only about me but reflected me. Basically, I wanted to personalize my blog a little more.

Lets get started on the tour shall we?

The main header image that you see is actually an engagement picture of me and chris. I thought it would make a really cool banner especially because it reflects the whole "Kicking Stones" theme of my blog. I also like the fact that its our shadow and you can't see our faces. It still personalizes the whole blog but it just makes it look a tad bit - for lack of a better word - professional?

About a girl talks about well . . . me. I'll probably add more stuff to the list as I discover more stuff about myself or as I remember stuff about myself lol.

The Alliance is basically a character reference page so to speak. In it, I give descriptions of my family and important people, but mainly who I might talk about in my blog. I too will be adding more to this page as time goes on.

The facebook and twitter tabs take you directly to my pages.

The contact tab gives you access to all my usernames, emails etc.

I am particularly proud of this because it took me forever and a day to complete. I used a fairly simple blog skin and messed around with the html to make it look the way I wanted, up to and including all the images like the dividers between pictures on "The Alliance" page as well as the little image at the beginning of each post.

Now I totally feel like this blog represents me and I don't forsee it being changed in a very long time if ever.

An Apple A Day . . .

2010-01-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Another year . . . another craze.

I want an Iphone. Do I need an IPhone? Absolutely not. But I still want one. I got this crazy feeling that I can't live without it. Damn. Hate that.

We came home yesterday and not without troubles. Just as we were about to leave Penticton my brother noticed my tire was low on air. Long story short, I had a punctured tire. It was temporarily drivable so we went to town and tried to find somewhere to fix it. Most tire places were closed. Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire said we had to wait about 3 hours. Normally a 3 hour wait wouldn't be a problem but for a five minute fix that I NEEDED to get back to Vancouver so that we didn't have to drive the treacherous mountain hightways in the dark - it was an issue. Finally as a last resort, my stepdad told us to try Big-O. To our bewildered suprise it was opened and they fixed it for us no problem.

We got home late and my darling husband didn't want to go shopping so we went for Sushi. I love this awesome Sushi place across the street from us - but last night the service just sucked. Damn. Hate that.

Off to visit Grandma now. Apparently she's got a bad cold. I better not get it or else.

Day 1

2010-01-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2010! So far so good!!

We brought in the New Year with Johnny Reid last night and it was absolutely amazing. Right at the beginning of the concert he jumped off staged and into the crowd. Once he was in the crowd he randomly danced with a bunch of people. It was soooo sweet. He spoke to the audience as though we were his friends and he even gave his white shoes away at the end of the night after someone in the front row expressed their like for them. Just plain amazing. His fiddle player Benny Rutz is also just plain amazing. Not only does the guy have good looks but he's got AMAZING talent. You REALLY need to check him out if you don't know who he is!!!

We were supposed to head back to PoCo from Penticton today but it snowed like a blizzard the last couple days and we woke up late so we've decided to head back tomorrow instead. It's just safer to drive during the day rather than at night. It was a good thing we stayed anyway as we spent some good quality time with my neices. I don't get to see them very much and they totally make me feel sooo loved when I come over. They're both growing up so quick and this evening while we were having an aweome dinner courtesy of my brother and sister in law, I actually felt tears welling up in my eyes while I watched the two of them watch TV together. I wish I could be here to watch them grow up but as life would have it, I'm four hours away.

Anyway, DAY 1 of 2010 was a success.

2009 Recap

2009-12-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

Number of posts for the year 2009: 56

March

March brought a month of wedding planning and retail therapy. Many decisions had to be made regarding venues, flowers, etc. We attended Chris' cousin's wedding in Kamloops and it was tres awesome. Definitely some work issues - some guy threatened to kill me and my whole family when I told him to take a hike when he was trying to sell a stolen gift card to an sweet old lady. I got two new bosses within 3 months and thats when my Home Depot life fell apart. Oh yes, lets not forget that Heather and John's son Gabriel was born in March!

April

The final episode of ER really picked my ass. Totally expected more from such an amazing show and I was left bewildered by the BS ending. We blew April outta the water with some day trips to various places such as the Zoo and to Whistler. Who the heck drives up to Whistler just because?? Oh, we do! I definitely remember alotta bitching and whining coming out of me because I didn't live with Chris yet but hey, whaddya know, I do now. Oh and guess what else started in April??? My LOVE for the Cullen family in the series we all know and love as Twilight. Oh AND Chris had another 29th birthday. Yay for the Cannery! =)

May

OMFG! My mom came down to Vancouver. That was probably the biggest event of 2009 because she never leaves Penticton! LOL! Oh cept 007 died on Grey's Anatomy. Boo.

June

Oh boy. June was all full of Salmonella poisoning. Word of advice to everyone out there. Please cook your food thoroughly. You do NOT want this.

July

July promised a lot of work. Full of wedding planning and procrastination, I learned that I am the BIGGEST whiner ever. There was so much to do and so little time which is why I barely blogged. Finally moved in with my darling fiancee. July was a good month.

August

August rocked! I became a wife and it was a terrific day. Our wedding was AWESOME. Casual but not. People were relaxed. No fighting. AWESOME food. Oh and AWESOME wedding night. Hehe. We honeymooned on an Alaskan Cruise and let me tell ya the experience was amazing! Everyone should go on a cruise. It's the best EVER!

September

My love for Grey came out in the ninth month. We bought new couches and outfitted our home in numerous grey accessories. I got really sick but eventually got over it although, I kept having these stupid dreams about death and dying. My posts started to pick back up once I got thru August and settled in our new palace. Oh and ROXY came to live with us. Our new furdaughter!

October

I have no idea what happened in October because I posted nothing and I have a bad memory. Hah.

November

Suckage. Nuff said.

December

December proved to be better than November thats for damn sure. Christmas came and left and believe it or not it actually went smoothly. I came out of my grinchy shell and tried to enjoy the festivities and guess what - I DID! We travelled all over the place - up to 100 mile to visit my in laws and down to Penticton to visit my ma and family. Tonight we shall spend the last day of 2009 with Johnny Reid. HELL YAH!

Bring on 2010. I gotta feelin that tonight's gonna be a good night and good stuff is gonna come in 2010....right outta the blue.

Ps - Kickin stones baby down a long winding ROAD!!!!!!!!!!

The Aftermath

2009-12-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

2 words. AWESOME Christmas.

Christmas really was amazing this year. The grinch in me subsided just in time for Christmas Eve. We had a ton of fun and I got spoiled rotten. I got a guitar that I have been asking for forever, a beautiful hand crafted picture frame from Chris's dad, fruits n passions bubble bath, canucks tickets, a baking pan set, cake decorating stuff, clothes, gift cards, money, and sooo much more. Unbelievable.

Christmas dinner was a success. Chris's parents and brother were here along with my dad. My mother and father in law cooked the dinner and it was fantastic! The only things missing were my mom, andre, all three of my bros, Kristel and my nieces, and believe me they were missed. I would have loved for them to be there buttt they had their own little fantastic Christmas 400 KM to the southeast and I will be joining them for New Year's festivities next week!

Well, I'm headed up North for a few days to relax and take it all in. I am one of the lucky ones.

Bring on the new decade.