It seems I have been absent from this blog for 5 months and have missed 12 "Posts" that I had planned to do.
Well, I guess that means that nothing exciting has been happening my way, I've had no great thoughts or epithanies, or what has been happening is either too painful or too personal to talk about on a public blog. I would say the reason is a little of all.
Good things that I am thankful for...
1. My youngest graduated from Grade 12. Memories of that:
- as we were driving to the ceremonies we past a car accident and my youngest commented that it was 2 of her friends from school. Part way through the ceremonies, these two young people were introduced and got to do their "walk to receive their diploma's" along with the announcement that they were in an accident but okay. I talked to the young lady afterwards and told her she now had an interesting story to tell when she is older. While the rest of her friends would remember - yeah went to the ceremonies, stood in line forever, walked across the stage and sat and listened to speeches, she could say "You know what happened to me?" Not sure if that made her feel better or not
- went out for supper with the family and 2 friends. We took funny pictures of ourselves at the table.
2. Holidays with my hubby -memories of that:
- he took me to the dump - never been there before, found it kinda interesting.
- traveled through Manitoba and saw how the flooding was impacting tourism
- learnt that when you cross the provincial border your smartphone automatically changes the times and ... your appointment times. Did not know that - ended up being 45 minutes late for a memorial service.
- fresh fish cooked by Farmer Don is delicious! Which is major as I don't really care for fish.
- I can be brave enough to go over the edge and down a steep hill as a passenger on a quad.
- when cows "moo" I think it means "move" - discovered this when we were fixing a quad by a pool of water that a bunch of cows wanted to get too.
3. Had another birthday and anniversary.
4. Friends
- who tape Big Brother for me so I could catch up when I got back from holidays
- who walk the 10K marathon with me - yep did it again this year. Memory of that was Roy yelling our names out as we did the last bit up the hill to the finishing line. I think the neighbourhood heard him yell as he sprited past us up the hill. I was trying to breathe from the exertion of walking up the hill... would have tripped him if I didn't like him so much
- who come over to the house to play Munchkin and have a potluck
- who willingly take my extra "starter pack" of the Amish Friendship bread
5. Books - read about 7 over my holidays.
6. Good Lord who continues to put up with me. Even though I seem to be one of those crisis prayer'ers lately - He still listens and He still comforts and He still helps.
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."
Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Post Eighteen My Wedding Well... my wedding happened just shy of 22 years ago. I had a good day, and I hope everyone else did too. My sister Holly was my Maid of Honor and a good friend was my other bridesmaid. I knew I wanted Holly up there with me but I couldn't decide which of my friends to ask - I only wanted Holly and one more person. Then one evening I was out with a friend and like a bolt of lightening it was duh ... this is who I should ask. I had stood up with her when she got married and she was a good friend and the perfect choice. Murray asked his brother and his good friend. I don't really remember what we did that morning, I remember getting dressed and having pictures taken on my parents front lawn. Gave the neighbours something to watch. I remember repeating my poem over and over in my head on the way to the church - I didn't want to mess it up. And then being downstairs waiting to go up and marry my love. I remember wanting to stop and check out who was there and say hi but I had to stick to the "program" LOL I remember that I thought Murray wouldn't want to do a big kisso as he isn't really into public displays of affection - so I went for the quick kiss and he went for the big kisso awkward LOL I remember starting to cry once we hit the foyer, I remember standing in the receiving line forgetting peoples names as I tried to introduce them to my parents. I remember being at the hall welcoming people as they came in - even Murray's friends that I didn't know as Murray was upstairs in the Elks lounge having a drink - I think I had to go up and tell him to come to the hall. I remember when it was my time to talk I couldn't but Murray the guy who isn't into talking in front of big groups and not a big talker did most of the talking - which several people mentioned. I remember laughing, smiling, hugging and being very happy. I am very thankful that the good Lord gave me such a great guy. It hasn't always been easy but I wouldn't change it.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Post Seventeen An Art Piece
I like a variety of art pieces. I do tend to have more First Nations pieces on my walls but I also have a few pieces that I purchased and framed just because they make me smile. Janet Williams art is one of those. She is from Saskatoon and I came across her work at one of the many craft fairs my sister and I go to. They feel so joyous to me and no matter how I feel, I smile when I look at them.
This one is called Sing Dance Play - I finally got this one framed but I haven't got it upon the wall yet- still looking for the perfect place
This one is called Poetry in Motion- not framed yet but hope to soon. 
Post Sixteen A Song that Makes You Cry "Its Not Far" by NewSong - for about 2 years after my mother passed away I couldn't even attempt to listen to this song though I love it - I would instantly start crying. It's the song that was going through my head as we sat by her bedside waiting for her to pass from this world into Jesus' arms. "It's not far from here to Jesus His loving arms are open wide Close your eyes and he will lead you Safety to his side There's no need for you to fear him You can trust him with your heart And it's not far It's not far."
Monday, March 21, 2011
Post Fifteen
Your Dream House
This post in some ways I’m not too happy about doing. I’ve spent a lot of my energy in being content … with the media telling us what we “need” to have to be happy, I’ve tried really hard to be happy with what I have. Really, I think I’m pretty blessed. A home with a roof that allows me to entertain family and friends, a great job that pays well, not all the modern conveniences but a lot of them, I’m not living paycheque to paycheque. I have 2 wonderful daughters, a good husband who loves me regardless of my faults, extended family and some wonderful friends. A God that has my name written on his hand. Really what more does a person need?
Okay if I have to describe my dream house, what the house looks like doesn’t matter but it would include a cook and housekeeper, oh and maybe a library with lots and lots of books…
Your Dream House
This post in some ways I’m not too happy about doing. I’ve spent a lot of my energy in being content … with the media telling us what we “need” to have to be happy, I’ve tried really hard to be happy with what I have. Really, I think I’m pretty blessed. A home with a roof that allows me to entertain family and friends, a great job that pays well, not all the modern conveniences but a lot of them, I’m not living paycheque to paycheque. I have 2 wonderful daughters, a good husband who loves me regardless of my faults, extended family and some wonderful friends. A God that has my name written on his hand. Really what more does a person need?
Okay if I have to describe my dream house, what the house looks like doesn’t matter but it would include a cook and housekeeper, oh and maybe a library with lots and lots of books…
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Post Fourteen
A Non-Fiction Book
Between a Rock and Hard Place.
I read this book way before the movie came out and really enjoyed it. Not really into non-fiction books but I had read IceBound and found it interesting so thought I would try this one. I wouldn't say it's stellar writing but still a very good read - too get a glimpse into what went through his head during that time and the decision to cut his hand off. It has pictures too! I still have the book which says something about how much I enjoyed it.
I am relunctant to see the movie, since movies never seem to be as good as the book. Their vision is never the same as my imagination.
A Non-Fiction Book
Between a Rock and Hard Place.
I read this book way before the movie came out and really enjoyed it. Not really into non-fiction books but I had read IceBound and found it interesting so thought I would try this one. I wouldn't say it's stellar writing but still a very good read - too get a glimpse into what went through his head during that time and the decision to cut his hand off. It has pictures too! I still have the book which says something about how much I enjoyed it.
I am relunctant to see the movie, since movies never seem to be as good as the book. Their vision is never the same as my imagination.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Post Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen
Post Eleven is a recent picture of yourself. Well the only one I liked is a picture of me and my older brother and dad and since I don't have permission to post their pic's on my blog I will not be posting it. I wish I lived closer to them.
Post Twelve - Something you are OCD about - Facebook - in particular Fronteirville - it sucked me in and now I spend way too much free time, planting crops, trying to figure out where my fictional spouse and child are hiding and chopping down trees. It's addictive. I just have to go on when I know my crops are due, I have to go on and collect my bonuses. I obsess about what to plant, where to put things and which quests to do next. Ugh!!!!
Post Thirteen - A Fictional Book
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
My daughter is not a big reader but she has read quite a few of this author's books and I int urn have as well. Ellen Hopkins has written several verse novels about teenage struggles. I find them quite fascinating to read.
Burned is about a young girl brought up in an abusive family where women are not treated as equals. She is sent away to live with her aunt where she learns what love is really about. Unfortunately it doesn't have a happy ending, it quite shocked me actually.
I planned on including some quotes but I can't seem to cut and paste into this blog... so go read the book!
Post Eleven is a recent picture of yourself. Well the only one I liked is a picture of me and my older brother and dad and since I don't have permission to post their pic's on my blog I will not be posting it. I wish I lived closer to them.
Post Twelve - Something you are OCD about - Facebook - in particular Fronteirville - it sucked me in and now I spend way too much free time, planting crops, trying to figure out where my fictional spouse and child are hiding and chopping down trees. It's addictive. I just have to go on when I know my crops are due, I have to go on and collect my bonuses. I obsess about what to plant, where to put things and which quests to do next. Ugh!!!!
Post Thirteen - A Fictional Book
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
My daughter is not a big reader but she has read quite a few of this author's books and I int urn have as well. Ellen Hopkins has written several verse novels about teenage struggles. I find them quite fascinating to read.
Burned is about a young girl brought up in an abusive family where women are not treated as equals. She is sent away to live with her aunt where she learns what love is really about. Unfortunately it doesn't have a happy ending, it quite shocked me actually.
I planned on including some quotes but I can't seem to cut and paste into this blog... so go read the book!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Post Ten - A photo taken of you more than 10 years ago...
Well I had to look through the slide show of my mom's service to find a photo of me more than 10 years ago. I don't have any digital photo's older than 2004 and I don't have a scanner to turn my photographs into a digital photo.
So here is a picture of me, one of my sisters and my mom. I was a brownie, sister was in Guides and my mom was a brownie leader. Wasn't I a cutie??? ... okay don't answer that! Notice the paint by number pictures of dogs on our living room wall? I think this picture was taken in Edmonton.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Post Nine - A Photo I Took
Well just about every photo in "My Pictures" on my computer are pictures I have taken. So I decided to pick one of something that I usually don't take a picture... my lunch.
We had stopped at Minters Garden outside of Chilliwack (?) and ate our lunch there. I took the picture because I liked how the plate had flowers in the salad. By the way I think this was a salmon burger.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Post Eight - A Photo that Makes you Angry/Sad...
This is a combination picture for me. It brings a smile to my face but makes me sad and angry.
It brings a smile because it reminds me of the fun mom I had but it makes me sad because my children never knew that side of my mom because (here's the angry part) of the dementia that affected my mother for the last several years of her life. I hate that disease - it took my mom from us way before she left this world.
But... I am thankful for having such a wonderful fun mom... "can't wait to hug you again, mom"
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Post Six - 20 of my Favorite Things...
1. Murray
2. Sarah and Kristie
3. Hugs from 1 and 2
4. Sharing a good belly laugh with 1 and 2
5. Warm soft bed
6. Shrimp Scampi
7. Chocolate
8. Salt and Vinegar Chips
9. Reading
10. Pepsi
11. Emails from Florida
12. Emails from Alaska
13. Laughing with friends
14. Walking with my friend
15. My new kitchen
16. My new reading chair
17. Music - in particular dancing and singing out loud in my new kitchen to music
18. Showers in the morning
19. The fact that I finally figured out (after almost a year) how to say my daughters friend's name the correct way every time - just had to rhyme it with kiss
20. Walking on an ocean beach holding my love's hand
1. Murray
2. Sarah and Kristie
3. Hugs from 1 and 2
4. Sharing a good belly laugh with 1 and 2
5. Warm soft bed
6. Shrimp Scampi
7. Chocolate
8. Salt and Vinegar Chips
9. Reading
10. Pepsi
11. Emails from Florida
12. Emails from Alaska
13. Laughing with friends
14. Walking with my friend
15. My new kitchen
16. My new reading chair
17. Music - in particular dancing and singing out loud in my new kitchen to music
18. Showers in the morning
19. The fact that I finally figured out (after almost a year) how to say my daughters friend's name the correct way every time - just had to rhyme it with kiss
20. Walking on an ocean beach holding my love's hand
Friday, March 04, 2011
Day Five - Your Favorite Quote...
I had originally thought my favorite quote was "Don't get your panties in a knot, it doesn't solve anything and only makes you walk funny." But then I was photocopying an agenda at the 4th Ave building and saw this quote tacked on the wall and quite liked it - enough to take it down and photocopy it...
"Listening creates a holy silence. When you listen generously to people they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time. And when you listen deeply, you can know yourself in everyone." Rachael Remen
I think this quote appealed to me because listening is something I feel that I need to work on - to really listen without thinking of what you are going to say, solve, or share. Just totally intent on what the person is saying.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Post Four - Favorite book
Again, another tough one for me. I like a variety of books and genre's, though I lean more towards the scifi fantasy books. I can tell you my favorite author - Sheri S. Tepper, close runner up is Patrica A. McKillip.
If I base my favorite book on which I've read more than once - it would be Sheri S. Tepper's "The Gate to Women's Country". I have probably read it at least 3 or 4 times and would willingly read it again if I ever run out of books to read. Which will be awhile as I think I still have about 20 unread books on my bookshelf. I would say that the majority of Tepper's book's I would read again and still get the same enjoyment out of them when I first read them. They are one of the few books that I purchase and keep.
Again, another tough one for me. I like a variety of books and genre's, though I lean more towards the scifi fantasy books. I can tell you my favorite author - Sheri S. Tepper, close runner up is Patrica A. McKillip.
If I base my favorite book on which I've read more than once - it would be Sheri S. Tepper's "The Gate to Women's Country". I have probably read it at least 3 or 4 times and would willingly read it again if I ever run out of books to read. Which will be awhile as I think I still have about 20 unread books on my bookshelf. I would say that the majority of Tepper's book's I would read again and still get the same enjoyment out of them when I first read them. They are one of the few books that I purchase and keep.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day Three - Favorite TV Show
I also like shows that are not quite reality based like Vampire Diaries, Buffy and Angel, The 4400, Lost Room, and The Pretender.
I love sci fi shows - Stargate Atlantis, Stargate SG1, Firefly, all the Star Trek series, etc. I didn't really think I was into cop shows but as I thought about the tv shows I like - a lot of cop shows were on the list - CSI NY, Castle, Life, Criminal Minds, Bones, Dexter, Boom Town, Numbers.
I like reality shows as well - Say Yes to the Dress, Survivors, any home decorating show, Holmes on Holmes but I wouldnt' say any of them are my favorites.
I also like shows that are not quite reality based like Vampire Diaries, Buffy and Angel, The 4400, Lost Room, and The Pretender.
Again I'm down to 2 shows that I would maybe classify as my favorites - both have wicked humor and interesting characters which is what draws me to a show. I would and do watch these shows repeatedly, I unfortunately do not have Season 2 of Life :-( and it seems both my favorite shows didn't last long - Firefly was one seas and Life was only 2.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Favorite Movie:
Hmmm... I was asked this question about 4-5 years ago and I immediately answered Pitch Black and March of the Penquin. I know -polar opposites but that's me.
Question is - are they still my favorites? If I based my choice on how often I've watched them, then I would have to say Pitch Black and Matchmaker - I have watched those two the most - again kinda opposite types. I really like Sci Fi movies, the latest Star Trek and Serenity I really enjoyed - I have watched those two several times as well.
Period movies like Emma, Pride and Prejudice and the last one I watched North and South - I really enjoy to.
To be honest though - I don't have a favorite. So I will say my favorite is the movie that I watched with friends and my daughter and made us laugh hysterically - it is a wonderful memory... "Bride and Prejudice"
Hmmm... I was asked this question about 4-5 years ago and I immediately answered Pitch Black and March of the Penquin. I know -polar opposites but that's me.
Question is - are they still my favorites? If I based my choice on how often I've watched them, then I would have to say Pitch Black and Matchmaker - I have watched those two the most - again kinda opposite types. I really like Sci Fi movies, the latest Star Trek and Serenity I really enjoyed - I have watched those two several times as well.
Period movies like Emma, Pride and Prejudice and the last one I watched North and South - I really enjoy to.
To be honest though - I don't have a favorite. So I will say my favorite is the movie that I watched with friends and my daughter and made us laugh hysterically - it is a wonderful memory... "Bride and Prejudice"
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
30 Day Post Challenge
I have decided to do a 30 Post Challenge – several people I know are doing a 30 Day Challenge or a 30 Day Photo Challenge but I know that I will not be posting every day so I’m calling mine the 30 Post Challenge instead.
Favorite Song
I had to think a lot about this one.
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed Lady Antebllum (they are on my Ipod) and in particular Hello World – love that song. I have to confess I also like some Clay Aiken – Broken Wings and my Christmas favorite Mary Did You Know. Another favorite is by a group called Destino “Keep the Dream Alive”. I also love the song Amazing Love – I have gotten quite emotional over that one and a song by Newsong always gets me as it is the song that ran through my head as I sat next to my mother waiting for her pass from this world into God’s arms “It’s Not Far”. I actually love all the songs on that CD “More Life”.
I think though, my favorite is a song by the Chenille Sisters that I heard many years ago called “I am a Can of Tuna”. I tried to find the lyrics to it or a link so I could share this funny song with others but no luck. It’s about the life of a can of tuna – unfortunately he ends up in the garbage – very sad… in a funny way. So I guess I will finally have to purchase the CD off my Amazon Wish List. I love all the songs on that CD (when I first heard the music it was a cassette tape a friend had given me – tells you how long ago that was!) - some of the songs include Big Hair, Is It True, Albert (about Albert Einstein), Chocolate, Humming to Myself…
When I find the lyrics, I will post them.
I have decided to do a 30 Post Challenge – several people I know are doing a 30 Day Challenge or a 30 Day Photo Challenge but I know that I will not be posting every day so I’m calling mine the 30 Post Challenge instead.
Favorite Song
I had to think a lot about this one.
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed Lady Antebllum (they are on my Ipod) and in particular Hello World – love that song. I have to confess I also like some Clay Aiken – Broken Wings and my Christmas favorite Mary Did You Know. Another favorite is by a group called Destino “Keep the Dream Alive”. I also love the song Amazing Love – I have gotten quite emotional over that one and a song by Newsong always gets me as it is the song that ran through my head as I sat next to my mother waiting for her pass from this world into God’s arms “It’s Not Far”. I actually love all the songs on that CD “More Life”.
I think though, my favorite is a song by the Chenille Sisters that I heard many years ago called “I am a Can of Tuna”. I tried to find the lyrics to it or a link so I could share this funny song with others but no luck. It’s about the life of a can of tuna – unfortunately he ends up in the garbage – very sad… in a funny way. So I guess I will finally have to purchase the CD off my Amazon Wish List. I love all the songs on that CD (when I first heard the music it was a cassette tape a friend had given me – tells you how long ago that was!) - some of the songs include Big Hair, Is It True, Albert (about Albert Einstein), Chocolate, Humming to Myself…
When I find the lyrics, I will post them.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
FAMILY
Tomorrow we celebrate Family Day!
Family Day was first held in Canada in the province of Alberta in 1990. It is supposed to reflect the values of family and home that were important to the pioneers who founded Alberta, and give workers the opportunity to spend more time with their families. Family Day was introduced in Saskatchewan in 2007 and in Ontario in 2008. One of the reasons for introducing Family Day was that there was a long period when there were no holidays from New Year's Day until Good Friday
I started to think though - what does the word Family mean?
First thought is my immediate family - my parents, my siblings. Family refers to my husband and my children.
One of the definitions in the dictionary for family is “Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another.”
I think we would agree then that the person who is sitting next to you in this room and shares communion with you according to that definition is Family– we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
I think we would even agree that the people who come to your small group and pray for you and encourage you is your Family.
I often refer to these groups as my “church family”.
But lets go even further.
Another definition of family is: a group of persons with common ancestry, deriving from a common stock” We believe that everyone was created by God, we are his “children” and we are all his children because we have the common ancestry. Doesn’t that make us, at least in some sense, ‘family’?
And when you think of things that way: Family could be the nurse that holds your hand to comfort you when you are scared and afraid. It could be your coworker that you work side by side with or the store clerk who goes out of their way to help you find that perfect gift. What about the stranger who opens the door for you at the mall or the lady that helps you up after you have slipped in the snow? What about your 300 “Friends” on Facebook? Aren’t they all family too? What about the person that goes to the Friendship Inn or The Bridge for a meal and a warm place to stay, the homeless man you pass everyday on the way to work, the guy that asks you for money with alcohol on his breath, the crabby bus driver, the rude and inpatient waitress, your next door neighbor?
If we are all God’s children shouldn’t we treat each person we meet as if they were our family and if we did, would it change how we react to them, think of them, how we talk to them, our level of compassion, mercy, forgiveness we have for them, would it make us stop and wonder what their story is? Would it change how we pray for them and how we serve them?
And in doing so how would it change you?
So I challenge everyone to really go out and celebrate Family Day: Think of each person you meet as family and see what happens.
Tomorrow we celebrate Family Day!
Family Day was first held in Canada in the province of Alberta in 1990. It is supposed to reflect the values of family and home that were important to the pioneers who founded Alberta, and give workers the opportunity to spend more time with their families. Family Day was introduced in Saskatchewan in 2007 and in Ontario in 2008. One of the reasons for introducing Family Day was that there was a long period when there were no holidays from New Year's Day until Good Friday
I started to think though - what does the word Family mean?
First thought is my immediate family - my parents, my siblings. Family refers to my husband and my children.
One of the definitions in the dictionary for family is “Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another.”
I think we would agree then that the person who is sitting next to you in this room and shares communion with you according to that definition is Family– we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
I think we would even agree that the people who come to your small group and pray for you and encourage you is your Family.
I often refer to these groups as my “church family”.
But lets go even further.
Another definition of family is: a group of persons with common ancestry, deriving from a common stock” We believe that everyone was created by God, we are his “children” and we are all his children because we have the common ancestry. Doesn’t that make us, at least in some sense, ‘family’?
And when you think of things that way: Family could be the nurse that holds your hand to comfort you when you are scared and afraid. It could be your coworker that you work side by side with or the store clerk who goes out of their way to help you find that perfect gift. What about the stranger who opens the door for you at the mall or the lady that helps you up after you have slipped in the snow? What about your 300 “Friends” on Facebook? Aren’t they all family too? What about the person that goes to the Friendship Inn or The Bridge for a meal and a warm place to stay, the homeless man you pass everyday on the way to work, the guy that asks you for money with alcohol on his breath, the crabby bus driver, the rude and inpatient waitress, your next door neighbor?
If we are all God’s children shouldn’t we treat each person we meet as if they were our family and if we did, would it change how we react to them, think of them, how we talk to them, our level of compassion, mercy, forgiveness we have for them, would it make us stop and wonder what their story is? Would it change how we pray for them and how we serve them?
And in doing so how would it change you?
So I challenge everyone to really go out and celebrate Family Day: Think of each person you meet as family and see what happens.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Attitudes:
Well today was the day to test how to practice choosing how I was going to react...
Our kitchen has been under renovations and we are almost finished. Today the cabinet installer was back to finish off the cabinets. At the original install we discovered the upper cabinets underneath part was not finished (white with brown strips at the joiner) and we had some bottom drawers that had the wrong fronts. Company was very good and reorder new cabinets for us.
Today, was they day the installer (Lee) was back to install cabinets with finished bottoms and the new fronts. I'm downstairs ironing when he calls me up. When he went to hang the corner cabinet he discovered that they had made the cabinets with finished bottoms but they didn't finish off the exposed side - same with the other bank of cabinets. Then I commented, I hope they remembered to finish the inside of the bank of cabinets as we have glass inserts - as he checks each box we realize nope they are not finished the insides.
Now I had two choices - be frustrated, po'ed, and maybe a little angry or find the humor in it. Neither reaction was going to get the correct cabinets in today and since I don't like shooting the messager (since I am quite often the messanger) I choose humor. Lee and me laughed. Then we discovered that the garbage can wasn't ordered, someone brought one over but it was 3/4 of an inch too long and didn't work - we laughed again.
What became even funnier by the end was that one of the "corrections" to the first order was to give me a shelf in the cabinet above the oven. When he pulled out the shelf, we discovered it was finished in brown not white like the interior. We looked at it and I said, "So the pieces that were suppose to be fnished weren't and the piece that wasn't to be finished - was," and grinned.
So, I'm still waiting for the cabinets to be finished.
Next test, we put the table I had ordered together. As we flipped it over we discovered a corner had been chipped and was damaged. This one was harder to laugh about, I didn't react totally the way I should of at first. But Murray encouraged me to call them right away. I took a deep breath and called. Customer Service was very good and said they would order a new one for us, no problem (except it won't be in until end of February) but thankfully we don't have to repack it (which is good because I flattened the boxes) and we can use it until then. I ended the conversation with a good attitude.
As Murray put the chairs together, I flattened boxes and packed up the garbage. The table and chairs look awesome in the room - same color as the cabinets. I just need to but some colorful cushions on the chairs to add color to the room.
Thank you Lord for good customer service, for a great installer, for giving me the ability to choose differently than the world and for a wonderful day indoors out of the cold.
Well today was the day to test how to practice choosing how I was going to react...
Our kitchen has been under renovations and we are almost finished. Today the cabinet installer was back to finish off the cabinets. At the original install we discovered the upper cabinets underneath part was not finished (white with brown strips at the joiner) and we had some bottom drawers that had the wrong fronts. Company was very good and reorder new cabinets for us.
Today, was they day the installer (Lee) was back to install cabinets with finished bottoms and the new fronts. I'm downstairs ironing when he calls me up. When he went to hang the corner cabinet he discovered that they had made the cabinets with finished bottoms but they didn't finish off the exposed side - same with the other bank of cabinets. Then I commented, I hope they remembered to finish the inside of the bank of cabinets as we have glass inserts - as he checks each box we realize nope they are not finished the insides.
Now I had two choices - be frustrated, po'ed, and maybe a little angry or find the humor in it. Neither reaction was going to get the correct cabinets in today and since I don't like shooting the messager (since I am quite often the messanger) I choose humor. Lee and me laughed. Then we discovered that the garbage can wasn't ordered, someone brought one over but it was 3/4 of an inch too long and didn't work - we laughed again.
What became even funnier by the end was that one of the "corrections" to the first order was to give me a shelf in the cabinet above the oven. When he pulled out the shelf, we discovered it was finished in brown not white like the interior. We looked at it and I said, "So the pieces that were suppose to be fnished weren't and the piece that wasn't to be finished - was," and grinned.
So, I'm still waiting for the cabinets to be finished.
Next test, we put the table I had ordered together. As we flipped it over we discovered a corner had been chipped and was damaged. This one was harder to laugh about, I didn't react totally the way I should of at first. But Murray encouraged me to call them right away. I took a deep breath and called. Customer Service was very good and said they would order a new one for us, no problem (except it won't be in until end of February) but thankfully we don't have to repack it (which is good because I flattened the boxes) and we can use it until then. I ended the conversation with a good attitude.
As Murray put the chairs together, I flattened boxes and packed up the garbage. The table and chairs look awesome in the room - same color as the cabinets. I just need to but some colorful cushions on the chairs to add color to the room.
Thank you Lord for good customer service, for a great installer, for giving me the ability to choose differently than the world and for a wonderful day indoors out of the cold.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Had an up and down week. Ending better though so that is good. Sitting here with the dog curled up beside me reminds me of the simple things of life. That we can find joy and happiness and even peace in those simple things... Though having said that, the simple things really are not "simple" things.
I'm thinking of the sky as I walked home today - the way the clouds were shaped and the sun shining through them.
The birds all lined up on a small strip of land in the river as I walked to a meeting this morning.
The sound of laughter in the hallway or a good friends laugh.
The taste of a piece of chocolate.
The warmth of clothing fresh out of the dryer.
I'm thankful this week for a daughter that still talks to me and hopefully listens, a good friend that made me so much better, my hug from my husband, my laptop, art work, music, lunch out with co-workers, finally get a group of people to agree on a date to meet, ability to call someone long distance, still no snow, and the all important a loving, faithful, patient Lord.
I'm thinking of the sky as I walked home today - the way the clouds were shaped and the sun shining through them.
The birds all lined up on a small strip of land in the river as I walked to a meeting this morning.
The sound of laughter in the hallway or a good friends laugh.
The taste of a piece of chocolate.
The warmth of clothing fresh out of the dryer.
I'm thankful this week for a daughter that still talks to me and hopefully listens, a good friend that made me so much better, my hug from my husband, my laptop, art work, music, lunch out with co-workers, finally get a group of people to agree on a date to meet, ability to call someone long distance, still no snow, and the all important a loving, faithful, patient Lord.
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