One Simple Question

With all the technology this world possesses, pinpointing missiles from across the ocean, accessing any information you desire using the web, having cars that will parallel park themselves, why can't bagels and English muffins be cut all the way through when you buy them?

Quotes by Knoxy

Nearing bedtime, Knoxy says "Can our next trip be to Polan?"  (And yes, for you spell checkers, that "d" was deleted for a reason).  "Why?" we ask.  "Because Samuel and Oliver (real names, cutest little neighbour boys ever) are from Polan, and their parents speak Polan, and it seems like they're eating perogies all the time."  Sorry for the stereotyping, but kids never lie!  Perogies are one of Knoxy's favourite foods, within his "bland white" category.  Frankly, their Polish heritage is a bit of a relief, as they always seem to have swarthy visitors, drive a Lincoln Navigator, and smoke pot in their garage, making our vehicles smell like weed (or skunk, as we tell the kids).  We thought they maybe be Russian mob, so were always extra friendly, just in case.

Ah Knoxy, our little melting pot.  Bringing our multicultural suburban street together one racial slur at a time.

Being Grateful

There are so many things that can drive a person crazy in life.  Your job, people's personalities...it's so easy to allow things to bother you that are really just out of your control.  Lately, though, I have just been so grateful for so many things in my life.  My husband.  Almost 14 years together and we can still laugh hysterically.  My children.  Many times I wish for just a few moments of silence, but then how would I hear them tell me they love me?  Or have Rogue ask 1000 questions about...basically any topic? Or have Knoxy say something that is so very quotable ("Mommy, did you know that people who can't drink milk are sacralose contolerant?" or "Mommy, can I set my alarm so I can sleep longer like you guys?"  He is always the first up in the household, but wishes he could sleep in.)  I'm so lucky to have everyone near and dear to me be healthy, even after a few scares here and there.  My children are privileged to have 5 grandparents and one great-grandmother to spoil them in the best of ways.  I still have a job that I look forward to every day, rather than resenting.  Overall, I lead a pretty charmed life...and know it.

Fencing 101

We've been on holidays for almost two weeks, and on the top of our to do list was staining the fence and deck.  You know how when you move in and have new neighbours, you want to give a good first impression?  You build a fence with tiny gaps between the boards to provide privacy but still try to appear friendly and not snobbish.  Well, I HATE those gaps.  You have to use a tiny brush and stain each side of the gap, so you don't see the nasty pale lines when you look at the fence at an angle.  So one person (Dan) uses a nice big spongy thing that makes fast, evident process, allowing the person to see immediate, satisfying results.  The second person (that would be me) painstakingly goes behind #1 and "fills the gaps", so to speak.  Oh sure, it's nice to stand at an angle and look down the fence, seeing all my hard work, but overall, that job sucks big time.  Don't even get me started on how stupid lattice is.  I wish I had photos to show you, but I'm still in a resentful place.