Meet Archie

There was an ad in the local newspaper saying that because of the floods in our town, the local RSCPA and pound were overloaded with strays and abandoned animals.  They were looking for people to foster or adopt animals so we decided to heed the need and go over to help out.  Walking around the pound is the perfect recipe for someone searching for a broken heart, because that place is SO SAD!!!  Not in the way of the conditions or anything, but because you know that all these lovable little critters are on "doggie death row".  Chris and I had to be strict about the criteria of what we were looking for because we weren't just fostering an animal temporarily, we knew we'd probably fall in love with it and want to keep it.  


We had already had a puppy in Wales named Koda, and to put it kindly...he was a challenge.  I spent a lot of time working with him and reading books.  Looks like he read a few of them too...

He also had just a TOUCH of energy...

He was really fun and we loved him a lot, but unfortunately we had to leave him in Wales.  We did however learn a lot of things that we did wrong, or would do differently.  Looking for a breed with less energy was definitely top on the priority list though!

Here is Archie!  He has been affectionately named Chad, Marty, Jeffrey and lastly Archie, but we have decided not to switch it.  Struggling to name an animal so much, how are were going to ever name another human life?  I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, and probably just have to 'rock, paper, scissors' on it.

We often keep the door open to keep it cool, he just chills there without so much as a dog nail over the line.  I knew I needed proof of this!

We have really loved having him so far and he is a really good boy.  He is really lovey and absolutely loves spending time around us.  The only problem is that recently, "houdini" has been having some separation anxiety when we leave and he has been jumping our fence.  He never just gets out to cruise around, it's only after us.  Hopefully we can stop him from doing that! 

1 Month down already...

It is ridiculous to think that there is already, only 11 months left of this year!  I thought I had done an earlier post but apparently I hadn't so, so take this opportunity to let you get a drink...maybe a light snack and settle in for the long haul.

We moved in just before Christmas and pretty much spent the entire holiday getting our stuff in, organizing it and learning how to take care of this new property!  There are so many plants I have to try and learn, and a pool to master.  The might not be pretty!  I did discover that we have a lime tree, and we have loved having fresh limes around.  So tasty!  The downside...they are FULL of seeds!  The last one I cut into I counted 27, and that is NOT an exaggeration.  However, at the end of the day-I am still just a small town Canadian that is baffled by the idea that this fruit can actually be grown right in my own backyard.  I mentioned to my boss, Ellie some time ago that we have "Christmas oranges" and she about died laughing.  She finally replied by saying, "what's so special about a mandarin"?  Then the next time I was at the supermarket I decided to take note of all the different kinds of citrus fruits, just readily available 365 days of the year...

The pool is another story, and won't be a skill mastered in a day.  Who knew there were so many components to regulate-salt, ph, calcium?  It is a slow process but I am learning.  We entertained for the first time around the pool for Australia Day which was on January 26th.  Fabulous weather, tasty food, and great friends.  I had to go buy sausages which are lovingly known here as "snags" and I was a bit out of my element.  Low fat, no fat, full fat, garlic/herb, cheese, beef, pork...I felt a little overwhelmed.  But being a permanent resident of this great land, I better learn the ropes sometime! hahaha.  Here are some pics from the day:

Our friend, Luke and his baby girl Maddie.  "I'm just going to dunk her".

The Mapps, and Sarah Dyer...and a scowl from me?  I must have been looking in disgust at our "coffee table".   I was takin savvy to a whole new level...

N'importe Quoi

• I'm not entirely sure as to why girls here think that it's nice to have the pockets of your jean shorts about 2 inches longer than the actual shorts.  If you ask me, that is a pretty good indicator that they are TOO short!  Hideous.
• I just watched the first episode of "The Bachelor", and I think I recognize one of the bachelorettes...does anybody else recognize Keltie (the Radio City Rockette girl) from Bev Facey?  If that really is here...she sold ol Sherwood Park out-she put her hometown as Hollywood!?! :(
• I always get sad at the close of the Australian Open...but for some reason this year hasn't been as good...
• I had my first Cornetto in 19 years (what the hell?! I don't even feel old enough to be able to use that expression) since I got one in France when my family lived there, and my mom would bribe my little brother with them if he went to school.

...and a HAPPY new year!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's already 2011!  I feel like time has just fast forwarded in the blink of an eye, and to tell you the truth-I don't like how fast it has been going!  Gone are the days of being a kid and feeling like it was about 2 years between birthdays/Christmas' or any other fun holiday.  Maybe it's just the product of getting older.

2010 has been good to us.  We moved up to Queensland, Australia shortly after Christmas last and have been settling in ever since with 3 moves throughout the year, and then one final one into our own house!  So glad we won't be doing that for a while!  Other than that, Chris and I were both blessed to have good jobs and be enjoying PLENTY of sunshine (with the exception of the past few weeks since we are going through a FLOOD here in QLD!)

No food on the supermarket shlves...shiz is gettin real!

Worst flood in almost a century!

2010 was FULL of weddings as my sister Colette was married to Ian in the States, and 2 of Chris' best friends here in Australia and we were lucky to have been a part of all 3 of them!  We also got to add another nephew to the mix as ELI was born February 12th!

I have been thinking of some good resolutions for this year, and that can be a telling experience.  Delving into the areas of your life you want to improve, or where you have come up short etc can be a little overwhelming.  I know it's the cliche resolution, but I want to try and get back into the routine of going to the gym.  I really don't enjoy lifting/running, but I also don't want to become "soggy mcgee" over here.  Plus, the downside to living in a hot country...your body needs to be "bikini ready" a lot more frequently!  Aside from that, it just isn't healthy for me to be doing nothing.

My second resolution is to stop procrastinating (and in particular to finish the project that I have started).  So often there is something hanging over my head of something I have to do, or was planning and it just never gets done.  I wonder how much energy gets spent on being preoccupied with something that never comes to fruition.

I'm still trying to think of my third one, since I have limited myself to just 3 of the many things I'd like to change or be better at.  I am probably going to try not to be such a perfectionist when it comes to things that don't really matter in life...or work on my patience.

Anyway, 2010 has been a fun and busy year and I also have a lot to be grateful for.  I have a great husband, and good health, a job, and a new home!  I am also grateful for my friends and family whom I adore!!  I am also grateful for the country that I live in.  I wish it wasn't so far away from my home, but at a time where so many countries are in a state of unrest-I am thankful to live in a country with a good quality of life.

Well-that's me signing out, a few days late....(working on that resolution!)...but may 2011 be good to you!

Chicken Casserole

SO many people I know are pregnant at the moment.  I must be at that age...and I know you are all saying or thinking "take the hint, hop to it!" but you'll just have to sit and wait a little more patiently. :) Because of this I decided to omit a real title, as I don't want people to jump to all kinds of crazy conclusions.  Sorry to disappoint on another front as well, because no, I do not have a recipe for chicken casserole either.  Come on people, you know I suck at cooking!

One of the most exciting future additions on the way has already affectionately been named "baby steeney", and is hopefully going to make HER debut around December 29th.  That is, unless she decides to torture my sister and keep the lady in waiting.  It is Heidi and Dave Steenhoek's first baby and we are all thrilled for them, as well as finally having a girl to add to our family.  Ahem, extended family.  hahahah.

Living far away, it is always exciting to get to see the progressive pictures of the growing belly.  It validates that it is really happening, and I also think that a pregnant woman is beautiful.  Because of this, I have been prompting my sister to get some belly shots out to us (as our family is scattered across the globe).  But for some reason she is reluctant to do so...I was finally excited to get a picture email from her, only to open it and realize that I totally got punk'd.

he's glowing!!

Then It got me thinking, maybe it's because she can't think of a good pose.  I stumbled across this blog, and think it could be really helpful for all the mommies out there to get the creative juices flowing.  It is sure to make you wanna throw up in your mouth, I mean, make your heart melt.  This one takes the cake for me:

dad's in the spirit

On a serious note, my friend Trisha just did an adorable shoot with a girl expecting twins.  How cute is this picture!?!

Anyway, just wanted to give a big shout out congratulations to all the beautiful preggo's in my life!!!

Christmas in the Summer?!

It's December 1st today and that means that the road to Christmas is officially in full swing.  I am probably going to sound like a grinch for most of this post, so if you are the person that is pulling out Christmas decorations and making gingerbread in the middle of November...you might want to shield your eyes.


The main problem is, it's really hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it's so hot out.  I'm not coming right out and saying that I miss the cold weather, especially when there are Facebook status updates saying that "Edmontonians are enjoying being able to keep their groceries frozen in the backyard, since it's -30!".  However, there seems to be some kind of trigger on your internal clock, that when the weather gets chilly, and the days get shorter...it's time to ring in the yule tide cheer.   


My friend and I were talking about throwing a Christmas party here, and I suggested the usual egg nog party, ugly sweater party, etc.  When she kind of crumpled her brow saying "it's too hot for sweaters here".   We were going to try and modify it to something else, but "ugly tank top/singlet party" just doesn't have the same ring...or look.  

The second thing to get used to about Australian Christmas is that the Christmas carols are the same  as back home.  I don't particularly love Christmas carols anyway, so I was looking forward to singing about beach bound Santa Clause instead of Frosty the Snowman.  


And lastly, there seems to be a shortage of lights on houses.  Or maybe you just can't see them as well since it stays light longer, but it is only the beginning of the month so I may stand corrected on that one.

Aside from all the superficial things, I think that gift giving should stop when you are about 12.  Mostly because I suck at buying presents, and it stresses me out.  But also because we live in a time when people buy things they want, instead of wait all year to put them on their wish list.  Christmas to me is more about being around family and playing games, and eating until you are sick.  This year however, we're staying put up in Rockhampton, so it looks like we will have to substitute Christmas dinner with the shrimp cocktail.

When Tiny Shorts Happen to Good People

I am tired of thinking or writing about buying a house...so I thought I would respond to a comment that Heather made in my last post about what Aussies wear as our alternative to big, baggy sweatpants.  They don't really dress all that sloppy, but one fashion trend that has me boggled is the short shorts...on dudes.  The situation is twofold.  First there are rugby shorts which are really short, and should not be worn off the field...(if ever, sorry Chris!).  And secondly, there are the older gents that roll around in business pants cut off into daisy dukes.  I'm talking a good 6-8 inches of trim, tanned upper-thigh.  I couldn't really get the exact photo that I wanted to exemplify this, but these came pretty close.

At least he's still having a good time.

It's a big hot here for a business jacket, and the loafers are usually substituted with sandals.

This picture is pretty spot on as well.

I think that if all of the specimens trouncing around looked like this, I wouldn't be complaining...

Some funny yet serious material I stumbled across while doing my "research" on google.  As my friend Jordan Mador says "eye-muffs may be necessary" for the following:

Clearly the shorts aren't the only thing that needs to be addressed...

Badass

Taking short to a whole new level...I shudder to think what the view is from the front.  Awesome stance btw.

If you got it, flaunt it.

Not even this body can make that look attractive.

Grandpa's wearing such a shocker that no one stops to watch how he's holding little  Annabelle.

In looking through a bunch of pictures online I came across the enlightenment that they are affectionately called "Stubbies" here in Australia.  This guy says it better than I ever could on this site.  My personal favorite is when he is explaining how the shorts started out for construction workers: "Their official nickname is "the little shorts for the big jobs." Well, I don't know if they can hold up to the big jobs, but they sure are little with their 2.75" inseam!"

Behold the Stubbie

I will say that it has a pretty fantastic range of motion.

Anyway, there you have it.  Next time you are planning a trip to my neck of the woods you better be doing your lunges prior to, otherwise you will be sorry.  Oh and don't even get me started on the speedo...

Throwin Down The Roots at 17 Meade.

Well, apparently all I have to do is a bit of complaining...and it gets the negotiating ball rolling!  With a little haggling and a lot of Chris' stubbornness on not budging on the price= WE GOT IT!!!  I will try and tone it down a bit since it is agreed on, but still subject to finance, pest and building inspections...  Cross your talons that everything goes through smoothly for us!

You can check out the humble abode here.  It is a cute, tidy little place and with the Queensland heat, we are really looking forward to having a pool this summer.  Lap swim at the Beasley house!!

N'importe Quoi

• Thanks to our "flatmates", who have introduced us to Sticky Date Pudding...potentially the tastiest dessert.  Utter deliciousness!
• I wish girls weren't so self-depreciating
• I love my nephews and fetal niece
• Australians DO NOT wear sweatpants.  Well for one it's just too dang hot, but the average sloppy person does not just bum around in a pair of XXL Russell's.  While this is both saddening and disappointing, it does also make everyone look a bit more put together when they are going out in public...

"Our House...In The Middle Of Our Street"

I wish.  We don't have a house at all, but I can only wish.  We have been on the house hunt for a few hard weeks now and it is intense!  This is what I feel like I look at the moment:

Bahahaha, a face only a mother could love.  How hideous.  Don't piss me off...or you might have to see this face again! Consider yourself warned!

Anyway, if you can still seem to concentrate enough to read on...you are a brave soul.

We have been on the house hunt full force since Chris has officially gotten a job with the firefighters up here in Queensland!! YAHOO!!!  He has been wanting to get in for years, so we are thrilled that he has finally been granted a coveted spot in the "fire brigade".  If you are all confused as to why you were given the firemen calendar for Christmas, there's your tip.  Sexy!!

House hunting is interesting up here since EVERYTHING is different.  Not only are the styles of houses different, but I don't quite understand how we are all of the sudden meant to be specialists on what a house is worth, and what mortgage lender, type, quantity, etc we are meant to go with...overnight!  I am an indecisive person when it comes to what type of lettuce to buy at the supermarket for crying out loud-now you're asking me to look at purchasing a HOUSE?!

I am what you call a real estate agents dream.  I don't keep my cards close to my chest, I wear my emotion on my sleeve, and I am what you call an EMOTIONAL buyer.  I have talked myself into NEEDING this last place we have put an offer on.  UH-OH!  Good thing I have a level headed husband who drives a hard bargain so I am going to leave him to it and hope that he hasn't scared the seller into staying put.  I'll be there for moral support, or to put some scare tactics in place if needed...(see picture above).

If the seller ISN'T intimidated by my "manhole-cover" sized nostrils, and my big ugly snout...then we will be continuing our camp-out at the Mapp residence.  Our friends Tania and Darren have graciously allowed us to squat on their property while we are on the hunt.  They are quite eccentric as you can see them here in their everyday apparel, so that keeps things interesting.  Also, Tania is one hell of a cook so we are definitely going to bed with full happy bellies. :)

 Anyway, I'll keep you posted on that front.  Even though it's a bit stressful, it's all a bit exciting at the same time.  Not ENTIRELY sure how secure I am with the idea of "throwin down the roots" but I suppose these gypsies have got to stop the campervan sometime.  Sniff*

Hello Angel

For those of you who also read my sister Colette's blog, she has just written a funny story entitled "Hello Sweetheart" .  This story has prompted me to also tell a story that has recently happned to me.  While I am throwing myself under the bus, it is just too funny to keep to myself.

The entire time we had been living at Savage Street we had troubles with our phone.  Every once in a while, we would pick up the phone and the lines would be crossed, so we'd hear an up close and personal account of what was going on between "Jack and Diane".  It was pretty sweet playing that game of spy, until I realized that we couldn't actually use our phone at all during their  loooong drawn out conversations.

If you are wondering, yes-we were paying the bill ourselves and not hacking into someone else's line.

The other thing that would happen fairly constantly would be wrong number calls.  Because they were happening pretty frequently, I guess I just switched into auto-pilot when this old lady called.  The convo went a little something like this:

Me: "hello?"
old lady: "oh hello angel"
Me: "uh no sorry, there's no angel here"

She meant, angel...not Angel.  I am an idiot.

Wedded Bliss

I know that I just posted another write-up today, but I would be amiss if I didn't write a little something today as well.  It is mine and Chris' 2 year anniversary today!!  Sadly we can't be together because he is still in France for another few days...but he's headed back here in a few days.  

It's only been 2 years, but each year gets better and better.  I feel lucky to be married to my best friend, someone I laugh my butt off with, and genuinely makes me be a better person.  I am not normally the one to sap it up on this thing, but since I can't tell him in person I thought this could be second best.  I started to post some of my favorite pics...but then it was taking FOREVER, and this thing kept screwing it up, so here is the start...

Chris FINALLY got to Spain

Venice

Banff, Canada

After being engaged for about 15 minutes

Wales

I think you get the point...