Perspective

Perspective
Why I love photography

Thursday, April 30, 2009

A Mothers Day Gift for Marilyn

I was out shopping with Cheryl, my niece, and we spotted a few ideas as to what Cheryl might possibly buy her Mom, my sister, for Mothers Day. We spotted this cute planter and we both knew immediately that Marilyn will love this! What we plan to do is go out and buy some brightly colored flowers and plant flowers in abundance in the box of this truck. I am thinking that my sister will love this gift, I know that I'd sure love one!

More shoes...

If you knew me you would not imagine the shoes that I have accumulated, I wear my blue jeans and Reebok's or boots, rarely shoes.

Today I was out shopping and somehow found myself in yet another shoe store, I wandered in and lo and behold these quaint sandals beckoned to me!

So ya, I love my shoes, it really could be worse I suppose... at least I don't collect leather jackets or silk scarfs!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

And It Begins Again...

Today I was back at the college to begin applying for bursaries for next year, the early bird gets the bursaries! I am extremely grateful for these bursaries and awards which are available, I am able to focus on my studies a whole lot more than if I had to work full time as well as study and with five classes that sure would be insane! I don't think that I'd be able to pursue my education and go after this degree as quickly as I am going to do this in.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Nurse Next Door

Today in my travels I was surprised to see this, the company is called "Nurse Next Door" and from what I gather, if you need a nurse they will dispatch one for you. I'm sure that there's a fee involved, on the back of the car it does say franchises available.

Who would have thought? I think that this is such a wonderful idea for those people who cannot get around and require minimal medical attention especially with the state of our health care today.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Leadership Development Seminar

Yesterday and today I attended a Leadership Development Seminar, which was very interesting. This Medicine Wheel was used to get to know myself a little better in all four aspects of my life, the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental. I discovered that I am right where I want to be in life, almost that is. There are a few things about myself that are still a "work in progress" yet I know that the changes are coming slow but sure! When I really think about all of this, does the work really ever end?

I focus heavily on my education which is no surprise to me. I know that a few things are a tad bit out of whack right now yet I look at this as a small sacrifice to get to where it is I perceive myself to be in three more years! I now want to listen to the "Entelechy" CD's that were given to me, I want to hear what this all entails, it does sound very interesting.


"Life, the circle, a measurement with no beginning and no end."


Thank you Karen and Bill for inviting me to partake this weekend!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

New Clothes

I finally found a way to determine if I like the way something looks when I am out shopping for new clothes! Just take a picture, and remember that it has been said that a picture adds ten pounds (I like to believe that), so if you like the pictures of how the clothes look then there you go, a new outfit! Damn I'm smart! LOL

I still have to go out shopping a bit more, I NEED new clothes for my practicum~ yes this is a NEED not a WANT! There my new clothes have been justified, now I can go and hang them up, if I can make room in my closet! :-)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Cheers!

I can say that this past week has been one heck of a challenge to get through. I spent darn near sleepless nights to write three essays, and prepare for three tests. I am so tired I feel like crawling into bed and it's only 7pm!

After our last test was written this morning, a few of us went for lunch to celebrate our completion of this first year of grueling studies. The challenge has been very rewarding for me. I have learned so much, yet I find that I didn't only learn through the text books. I have also learned about stamina, perseverance and dedication. I have learned that I have what it takes to get the job done through varying circumstances. I find I have also learned so much more about myself. I plunged deep into my soul and surfaced with a better understanding not only of who I am, but what I represent.


The journey of a thousand essays has been worth every sleepless night, every challenging moment, and I can't forget, all of the laughter! Today I am well on my way to a rewarding yet challenging career, one that my heart tells me is for me!

Cheers to all of my fellow classmates who are also well on their way! Good luck in your practicums, ahhh what's luck... we don't need it, we have new found knowledge that will get us through any challenges in the field! (I hope!)

Volunteer Appreciation











Tonight was volunteer appreciation night at our college. Little did I realize that this week is volunteer appreciation week so hats off to all of you volunteer's out there, you do make a difference! Hodges couldn't have phrased it better when he said " I have been the recipient of love and service, therefore I can love and serve. There is great satisfaction in service to others, in seeing people and their conditions change." Amen to that!
Tonight a very nice event. I loved the music, very quaint and the centerpieces... what a fantastic idea! They had a spring theme and gave away seeds, small spades and garden gloves, I forgot to pick mine up on the way out, oh well... there is always next year! I have signed up to be an ambassador again next year, I must be crazy! :-)

























































Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Beautiful!

Tonight my beautiful daughter gave me a series of three paintings, here is one of them. I absolutely love her artistic talents! Now I'm wondering where she got her talents from, I have problems drawing a straight line with a ruler!

Thank you so very much Michelle, I love your thoughtfulness and your talent. My dear daughter you are beautiful, inside and out!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Who Would Have Thought?

It's 11:00pm, I'm about to get to my final writing for my Social Work 1030 class. I have procrastinated for one final time in this class, after this paper, it's done! The countdown is on! Two more finals, one more paper after this one and a taste of freedom!

I find it so hard to believe when I sit and reflect tonight, when I look at where I was four years ago. In April of 2005 I was in the beginning phase of complete kidney failure. My life spiraled out of control rapidly to the point of being in palliative care and today, wow! Today I am well on my way to completing my first year of the social work diploma program.

I could stop at the diploma level, I don't want to though. I'd love to see my education go as far as obtaining a BSW, a degree...possibly a Master's... who would have ever thought? One day, one essay, one text book at a time and you bet, I am well on my way to obtaining that degree! Now to get to my paper here if I ever expect to get from here to there!

Monday, April 20, 2009

I Feel Pretty

I am on a mission, after finding grey mixed in with my brunette curls I immediately called my hairdresser... thanks Brit for coming over for this emergency... I'd best get back to what I call a work in progress... wish me luck!

By the way, Brittany works at Feathers Hair Design here in Edmonton, she's the BEST!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Oh Noooooo

Yup, I can't believe it, I think that I'm still in shock and I honestly don't believe that I am even going to share this one with all of you BUT my first, shhhhh, grey hair! I got to thinking what ever caused this? After much deliberation I have narrowed it down to a few key factors:
1. The stress I am under due to a) school and finals b) living with my 13 year old niece 2. This is hereditary 3. Shit just happens!
I guess that I'm at the phase in life where I will no longer be getting just streaks in my hair, my hairdresser will now have to just color it all, I wonder if that costs more?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Old Buzzard?

The neighbor down the way turned 65 years young today, his reward for living this long ... yup here it is, a public display which reads:

"For 65 years we've laid in wait, but now OLD JOHN is buzzard bait. Happy Birthday." (Change of capitilazation is mine for emphasis)

Complimented by 65 buzzards, not that I stood there and counted, but I'm assuming that there are this many decorating the lawn!

Seriously, to my children, please do NOT ever call me buzzard bait or you will yourself become what you have called me! And laid in wait, for what? His money and house and he surprised them all by living? I don't get it, honestly, what ever happened to taking your father, husband, grandfather, uncle, etc. out to a nice dinner instead of publicly humiliating someone you love?

Ok I know it's a joke, but please children, don't ever do this to me! I realize that this is a long time in coming, 'til I reach 65, but you've plenty of warning now! LOL



The Instructor

Today I was leaving school and I thought that the bikes in the background would make a nice spring time photo. As I was out running my ususal errands, I came across the Instructor for the bikes at school. Maybe one day the bike with its Masters Degree will train the peddle your butt off bikes how to be REAL bikes!

And one day when I have my degree I too will own one of these beauties!



Friday, April 17, 2009

Stressed? Who me?

Thanks to my baby sister and some awesome friends I am not as stressed out nearly as much as I was this morning. I am taking and breaking my things into chunks, one thing at a time, and next thing I know it's going to be done!

This photo, well I wasn't going to say but I guess I might as well... it's taken inside of a stall, you know... anyways I have developed this phobia of putting my purse on ANY floor. I developed this when this one friend of mine asked me if I knew what one of the dirtiest things are, I guessed money, he said well that too BUT ladies purses are. I asked him how he figured that... he told me that he watched a show on TV that said us ladies set our purses down everywhere, I was guilty of that! Today I only hang my purse, or set it on something that I know is clean, no more germ laden purse for me!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

How I Spent My Lunch Hour

Today I spent my lunch hour here in the library pulling research for one of my papers. As you can well see I'm sure not alone! Our library, where our computers are located at school, is generally super busy during our breaks. I was fortunate enough to get on a computer and pulled enough research to get after this paper that I am going to try to finish here tonight, I will have this one done by tomorrow somehow... then only two more essays, three finals, 40 short quizes for psyc and 9 more sleeps, if I can squeeze sleep in that is, then one whole week off!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

What the Heck?

I got up this morning to this, more snow! Ok so who's the one that really pissed mother nature off now? Or are we all responsible for this with our individual parts in destroying our environment? I know that I attempt to do my part in the recycle and reuse thing, I keep lights off in my home when they are not needed and I try not to waste water. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough... I don't know but I do know that we should not have snow on April 14th!

And why does this photo look better on facebook? Hmm, back to the drawing board with panorama shots, just for today this one will suffice, the heck with the perfectionism, I don't have time for that this morning!

Monday, April 13, 2009

All In A Month Of My Life

















I got to adding more tonight to my board of things to do and was thinking, I know scary, but I thought what the heck am I going to do for the whole summer? I won't have meetings, classes, and hopefully no appointments that demand my time. Am I going to know what to do with myself or have I forgotten what it's really like to have my days free and all to myself? I was ready to start looking up college courses to take over the summer but changed my mind. I want to see if I do know how to relax over this upcoming summer.

I want to plant a garden, spend afternoons weeding and sit in a hot tub by night, yup that's what I think that I'm going to do. I just might start that book that's been tugging at my soul for this past year or so, so this summer is going to be mine, I've confirmed this for myself tonight!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

"House"

I decided to take a bit of "me" time today and I sure am happy that I invested in a PVR box. I record my favorite show everytime it comes on, it's amazing, I don't even have to turn my TV on to do so.

Today I watched a few episodes...ok three episodes, of House, I still have six hours here to watch! I had enough of House for one day, so back to my never ending essays. I have one due for Tuesday, six pages and I've got two and a half done so that only leaves a few more pages to go... tomorrow I'm thinking. I write much better under pressure anyways, I don't edit the crap out of my original ideas. I like to tell myself this!

I can't wait, only three more essays after this one and two final exams and woohooo, one full week all to myself other than one day of work and one day for appointments. Maybe it's time for spring cleaning? Hmmm I just might have to watch some more House during that week!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

The New Kitchen Boss

My blender broke down two days ago, I had to use a mini blender to make my protein shakes. I got home from work and tried to make one of my shakes and had enough of that so I went and was looking at new blenders. I was going to buy one of those $59.95 blenders again but then got to thinking, if I have to replace the cheap ones twice a year well why not just buy something that is going to hopefully last me for at least three years? That's what the warranty says on this, so I'm going to believe it. If this one does break down at least I can either get a new one or this one fixed.

Hmmm where should I keep the receipt now? I should post that here so that I can look back and figure out where I put it incase I do actually need it, HEY I got it, I'll keep it in my filing cabinet under "Receipts" now there's a novel idea!

Now I can have some serious protein shakes, I'm really going to bulk up now! LOL

Shucks I opened the box now and read closer, it's only a one year warranty! heavy sigh.....

Friday, April 10, 2009

The Carousel

Today I went to the Antique Show with my sister, I seen this carousel horse and both my sister and myself said how much we love carousels. I have always had a passion for them, it made sense why when Julie told me that our Dad used to take us on rides.

I love learning things of when I was younger, there's so much that I just don't remember. I guess that this is what Freud meant by the subconscious memory.

This horse is way to skinny I just noticed, someone feed the poor thing!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

God's Country

I went out of town for a bit today, I dropped Cheryl off with her Mom and on the drive I really enjoyed the scenery. I realize when I'm in the country just how small and insignificant I really am, it's humbling to say the least.

Now I have a free weekend, no Cheryl, and plenty to do.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Epitome of Cheap

So I go to the bank towards the end of March, I am going to get a money order to pay my rent and utilities, which is another story in itself, but anyways I'm at the bank and I know that the amount is $1300 and some change. I can't remember the exact amount of change so I get the money order for exactly $1300.

About a week goes by and I receive my rent receipt in the mailbox, I too would be way to embarrassed to present this to someone! The receipt says, as you can see, that I paid my $1300, if you notice at the bottom of the receipt it says "Outstanding 58 cents," then the landlady goes on to say it will be added to my next months bill. I get to thinking here, so what about my interest on $1300 over four days? Would this not cover 58 cents?

Yup, it's time to move!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Ugly Now?

Hmmm, now today I was in another Drug Store, I happened to wander over to the cosmetics isle and I got to thinking once again... what is the message here? Yesterday I felt like society was telling me that I stink, today?? I gather that society wants me to feel that I am ugly and need to cover up my natural beauty, so I bought a bit more foundation, on sale naturally, and I am conforming once again to what society deems as natural.

Yesterday I stunk, today I'm ugly? Oh well, that's two meals a day that I'm going to be missing out on now, I refuse to give up the wee bit of make up I use... note the total justification there! :-) You've had to have read yesterdays blog to get this one!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Body Odors

So I got to thinking today while I was passing by Shoppers Drug Mart, do we as human beings stink so badly that we NEED all of these frangrances to cover up our natural body odors?

I got home and did a bit of research on the net, I found such things as "Record revenues of $8,434,468, an increase of 46% over 2005" for online fragrance sales for one company alone. This is not including all of the retail stores, nor the other companies which sell perfume online. Startling figures!

If faced with the choice of skipping a meal a day or parting with my underarm deodorant and my bottle of Oscar, well I guess that I'd be losing weight!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

A Blessed Day!

Today I had the pleasure of cooking up a feast for my son Shayne and his wife, Sandy's birthdays!

Papa Ross and Marg came over to partake in the birthday celebration. Herb was here as well, and my two other children, Michelle and Derek who are sitting in the front with their brother made it over as well! Cheryl, my niece, was our photographer for this photo. I love it when family comes over, today it was wonderful to spend time with the ones I love so very much! Oh ya that's me in the orange!

I'm extremely grateful to whoever it was that created paper plates! :-)

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Well Worth the Drive!

I went out to Morinville today to go and see my nephew Stephen, he was celebrating his 18th birthday. Although I couldn't stay long it was very nice to go out for a quick visit.

This hug made the trip so worth while, thanks Stewie! And a very happy birthday!

Friday, April 3, 2009

So Very Sweet!

A very good friend that I attend school with gave me this bookmark today, I absolutely love it!Thank you Maureen for this very thoughtful gift, it's one that I will treasure for a very long time!

I'm posting my P365 earlier than usual tonight, I had a huge discovery today, I'm not as young as I like to think I am! I was up until 4a.m. writing a stupid essay, I had to be up at 7:30 to make it back to class on time. Then after an entire day at school, I had to go and get my fingerprints done for my criminal record check, thank goodness they didn't keep me there, then I went to buy groceries for the birthday dinner for Shayne, then ... then what? hmm Oh ya, I came home and did a load of laundry, made a beautiful salad for supper and now I'm taking the night off. I had huge plans of knocking off another essay tonight, but oh well, such is life. I think that I'm going to enjoy this monster of a TV that I purchased, maybe I'll feel like I got my money's worth if I watch it... yet knowing how I feel I'm thinking that I'll be watching TV with my eyes closed. ;-)

It's all good, peaceful and quiet here, so ya, have a great night everyone and I'll see you back here tomorrow! After work and a trip to Morinville that is!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Shayne!

I can't let this day pass without wishing my oldest son a very Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Shayne!

30 years ago today my life was blessed, you came into my life and have put many smiles on my face. For this I thank you, I love you very much and I am so proud of the man you have become today. I am still smiling as I look at this photo of you, such a handsome baby you were and always so happy and content. It's funny how mothers memories get distorted with time, I can't remember the all nighters, the times you were sick or the times you would hurt yourself, I only see the wonderful man you are. I love you Shayne...thank you for not giving me grey hair! :-)

You Ever Get One of These Nights?

Tonight I was attempting to get this never ending essay done and wouldn't you know it, the phone just wouldn't quit. It's funny how this works, nights where I sit here by myself, feeling lonely the phone never rings, I am trying to get something accomplished and just like that, it won't quit.

I have a new solution to my little issue here, when I am alone and feeling lonely, I will call somebody. On the other hand, when I am trying to write I will put my phone on mute and let the machine get it, after all isn't this what answering machines are for?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Safe to Put Away?

I found this house that I moved into to be extremely cold this winter so I went out and purchased two of these electric heaters. Today I am debating putting these back into their boxes, I am thinking that they can go out to the garage BUT to be on the safe side I think that I'll just wait another week or two, you just never know!

Good Morning!

Now isn't this the picture perfect morning? The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it looks like a beautiful day on the horizon.

I've always loved early mornings, it's my favorite time of the day and always has been. Apparently from the time I was a baby, or so my Mom used to tell me, I guess that I'd wake up in the wee hours of the morning, generally 5:30am, and make my little baby noises. I'd lie there and wait for somebody to come and pick me up, apparently I wouldn't fuss or cry. Today with this heavy work load at school I can tell you that the odd mornings I sure don't want to get up but such is life, summer is on the horizon and I will welcome my early mornings with open arms!