Earth to Danie

Life is Good

2009-07-13T10:15:00.002-03:00

How is summer treating you? Many of my friends are taking vacations or moving from one post to another (or back home), so I'd like to wish you all well and the best of luck with your journeys.

In my last post --yeah, yeah...long, long ago--I was in Quebec City. We had an awesome road trip from Nova Scotia to Texas and had the pleasure of stopping in 3 provinces and 6 states along the way.
I really would have loved to have shared more of our experiences along the way but the truth is I really haven't felt like being near my computer. In fact, I've developed quite an aversion to it. I've rarely been checking my email or Facebook. When I do check Facebook or Twitter, I do it from my phone and that seems to be enough for me. Maybe it's because of the terrific summer weather. Or maybe my blog has run it's course. I don't know.

Although I'm still unpacking boxes, I've started taking golf lessons. We've joined a golf club and have met some really nice people. I've signed up for some cooking classes, I'm really excited to get started. I've also been enjoying the weekly cooking techniques at Williams-Sonoma as well. I love that store! I'm thinking of taking some other classes of interest, too. I love the options that are available to me here in Texas. The possibilities seem endless!

HeHeelys is having a great summer. We've nearly gotten all of our summer doctor appointments out of the way. He has done one golf clinic and has another 3-day golf clinic this week. He and JB played in a father/son tournament. They tied for last place but they had a great time and met some nice people. HeHeelys is already making friends here. I know he's anxious to start school.

JB is really enjoying his job. There is a little more travel now than his job in Canada but he's been able to keep it to a minimum and the trips have been short. He's looking forward to his high school reunion this summer in Nova Scotia. He has started to make friends and is playing golf with the guys. I should probably add that he's been grilling up a storm this summer! I think he really missed it.

I've just popped on to say, life is good. I'm doing good. My family is doing good. Texas is good.

Bonjour! Au Revoir!

2009-06-04T07:11:00.006-03:00

Good morning from Montreal, Quebec--where HeHeelys insists on calling the people The Quebecanese.

I started my day with the most divine breakfast (crepes with maple butter) at L'astral--a revolving restaurant with spectacular views of Quebec City. It made my mom feel a little ill but I loved it. Then again, I can eat standing on my head, so a slow spin? Pas de problem.

Before leaving Quebec, we took a walk around the Citadel walls for a few photo ops and drove around Old Quebec. I was actually trying to find my way out of the city but ended up with a lovely little tour. Sometimes, that's the best way to see things...by accident. . Quebec City is definitely on my list of favorites because it meets my criteria of history, good food and ammenities. I'd like to come back again to spend a little more time.

We drove on to Montreal. As per usual, the province of Quebec is under construction every few miles, so driving is a pain in the patoot and takes longer than expected.

Although, I have stayed at many Starwood hotel properties, this is my first time at an Aloft Hotel. I just have to tell you a little about it because I really like it. First, it's not expensive. The hotel has a contemporary feel and is very pet-friendly. There were dog bowls filled with fresh water at the front door. When I entered our room, there was a dog bed, bone-shaped placemat and bowls set up for Kramer. The room is a geek's dream. There's a console to hook up to the internet and one for hooking up one's iPod (or whatever contraption) to the TV. And my favorite thing about my hotel room--aside from the comfort and excellent service that I've come to expect from Starwod hotels--there are at least 10 power outlets for charging laptops, cameras, mobile phones, video games etc without having to hunt for them or move furniture to access them. A true hotel for the modern traveler!

Photo: The king of his castle

I drove to ends of the earth--halway to Toronto, I'm sure ;)--to have dinner at my sister's house, get a tour of her new digs and meet the new boyfriend. It was a very nice evening. My sister graciously modified my dinner when she learned of my new food sensitivity--because let's face it...how mental does it sound when you tell someone that eating scallops makes you want to tear your own nose off your face from the itchiness??--and she welcomed Kramer since it was too hot in the car for him. Connor got to spend time with his cousin (and new friend) playing video games, hearing her play the flute and walking the slobbery mutt together.

I'm awake early this morning after my mother woke me up screaming (Kramer licked her awake) and kept me awake with her snoring ;) Soon, I'll be setting out for Philadelphia where I know there is a Philly cheese steak sandwich waiting for me like a pot of gold at the end of my driving rainbow.

Farewell to Nova Scotia

2009-06-02T18:34:00.005-03:00

By 10pm on Thursday evening, the movers were done packing and loading. I spent Friday cleaning the house--with help, of course! Then I had the rest of the weekend to relax with JB and HeHeelys. On Saturday, we took in one last matinee (and feed of nachos) at The Lower Deck.

I left Nova Scotia yesterday and drove to New Brunswick to pick up my road trip passenger...my mom. I'm very excited that she is joining me on this trip. Day two of driving is done and--good-news--I haven't wanted to boot her out of the car yet. Although, I nearly drove off the road this morning at 120KM/hr when she earnestly asked me if my car was in 'drive' or 'neutral.'

We arrived in Quebec City this afternoon and our hotel is the most luxurious I've seen for pets. Kramer is being treated like royalty here. He'd like to skip the rest of the road trip and stay in Quebec for an extended vacation.

Tomorrow, our plan is to do something touristy before we head to Montreal...

Photo: The last thing to pack up

Photo: HeHeelys with Nanny Pam & Papa Moe at The Lower Deck

Photo: Kramer challenges Nanny Vette for a comfy spot

Wordless Wednesday: Backyard Burglar

2009-05-27T07:00:00.001-03:00

Misty Morning of Another Kind

2009-05-25T08:38:00.002-03:00

Rough night. I didn't sleep well and I woke up with a Texas-sized migraine. It's only 8:30am and I'm a weepy mess. For the life of me, I can't stop the tears from flowing and I don't even know why. Maybe, I'm lonely for my husband. Maybe, I hate the process of moving. Maybe, I'm just mental.

The day that I've been dreading is here...the packers are coming this morning. They should be here any minute. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to moving to Texas. Don't I hate the chaos of it, though. It's early in the day to be calling on Tim Horton's and Jesus.

I had a good video chat with JB this morning (he's in Singapore). I told him some of the things that really feel off to me with this move. Most of it is what revolves around having been an expat for so long. I miss my friends. I miss the support of my expat friends during this move. You know, the people who understand me and my circumstances better than anyone. JB says that's a sign that we're just not meant to be in Nova Scotia. That it's not the right dynamic for us. I've been here for eight months and I haven't made a single new friend. How'd that man get so wise? More mistiness.

So, my mom and her husband are coming to town today. If someone would have told me a year ago that my mother would become my closest friend during my time in Nova Scotia, I wouldn't have believed it. The person I felt understood me--or even knew me--the very least, has gotten to know me very well and has made more of an effort to be a part of my family than I'd ever imagined possible. My mom will be the toughest part of Nova Scotia to say goodbye to. I'm thankful for this season that we've had together and I'm pleased that we get to go forward with love and a better understanding of one another. What a gift. More mistiness. I just can't keep it together today.

Right. Well, I have an overwhelming list of tasks to get done while the packers begin in the basement and garage. After my weekend being a total write-off, I've managed to buy myself one more day, but it will be a doozy. I get misty just thinking about it.

A Total Waste of My Time

2009-05-24T07:05:00.004-03:00

Time. Unlike money, once it's spent, you cannot go out and earn more. When it's gone, it's gone forever.

The other thing about time is how some things are set in it. For example, the packers will begin my pack out on Monday. They will load the truck on Friday. Those two events have been fixed in time. It's up to me to fit everything I need to do between this time and that time, because both this time and that time ain't changing!

So, HeHeelys had a friend sleepover on Friday night. They tore apart the guest room and dragged the mattress into HeHeelys' room. HeHeelys' room, although it was supposed to be tidied that morning, upon closer inspection...was a pit. I had vacuumed the floors the day before but had no intention of dusting or mopping because, well hey, the packers were coming. Besides, I had a million other things that needed to be done on Saturday.

Our Realtor called at 11am to request a showing from 5 to 6pm the same day. I cringed. This stuff always happens at the worst possible time. When my house is on the market, though, I never say no to a showing and I always do whatever the Realtor tells me to do. So I agreed, even though it couldn't be at a worse possible time. Ugh! And I was so tired!

I was a bit snappy with HeHeelys, which I feel badly about, because he was goofing around with his friend instead of helping me do the things that needed to be done for a showing--and in 6 hours, not the requisite 24 hours. I finished up early and left with Kramer so he wouldn't drool or leave paw smudges on the hardwood floors. I had nothing to do. It was too warm to leave the dog in the car while I ran errands. So I ate dinner a la drive-thru. Got a car wash and drove around to look at comparable real estate in my area. A total waste of my time.

I did a drive by and decided to come home a few minutes early because poochie was whining for grass and grub. There was no business card left by the realtor. No lights left on. No smudges on the hardwood--and yes, the stupid floor smudges that easily. Nobody had been here. A total waste of my time.

I made myself some popcorn--effectively smelling up the kitchen--and settled in for the season finale of Celebrity Apprentice. At 7:10pm, Kramer ran to the back door, barking, and then the doorbell rang. I went to put the dog in the laundry room so I could answer the door but when I came around the corner, a realtor was standing in my back hallway. Awkward.

She apologized for showing up so late and told me she was under the impression that I was away and that she could come at any time. Uh huh. I didn't know what to say. My house is for sale and I do want to sell it so I offered to leave while she showed her client around. She told me I could stay because she was just looking at the house for herself. It was her husband and two kids that were getting out of the car. Oh. She's looking for a house? Ok, fine.

So I sit back down on the sofa and kid #1 comes in and jumps onto the sofa while kid #2 makes a beeline for my bedroom (sans parents). The sofa kid eyes HeHeelys' Berti Bots jelly beans and starts pawing at the bag. I'm sure my eyes were the size of saucers. I hear lots of oohs and ahhs as the parents are walking around the house. I felt so uncomfortable, I could hardly stand it. Then I heard them playing my son's arcade basketball game in the basement. Unbelievable.

They came upstairs and the realtor said, "I love this house! Unfortunately, it won't be on the market long enough for me to be in the position to buy it."

*insert the sound of crickets*

Huh?

*more crickets*

Whaa?

Then why the F$%& are you here looking at my house--two hours late--on a Saturday night? Why did you book a showing on such short notice? On a Saturday! And why the F$%& did I waste my day preparing my house for a potential buyer when I had a gazillion things to squeeze in before this time and the time the packers come on Monday?! As soon as she left, I spent a nanosecond debating if I should call my Realtor and unload. I was so mad.

I don't care if people want to waste their own time. But don't waste mine!

Wordless Wednesday: Backyard Beauty

2009-05-20T07:00:00.000-03:00

Brave or Stupid

2009-05-18T10:20:00.003-03:00

Famous last words, "...and do not expect me to drive from Canada to Texas by myself with a child and dog!"

I don't know if I'm brave or stupid. Or both! But either way, you know I love me a good adventure. So for now, I'm going with brave. I'm sure stupid will come later (it usually does).

We suggested JB not drive to Texas with us so we can see some sights along the way. We're going to meander from Nova Scotia to Texas stopping at the following spots along the way (subject to change, of course)...

Quebec City, Montreal, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Raleigh, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans.

We originally planned to make it to Illinois on this road trip but we've decided to use some free flight and hotel vouchers for a separate trip later this summer.

I've tried to tempt my mom into joining us but she wouldn't even consider it. I pulled out the big guns! The Grand 'Ol Opry! Graceland! Not even tempted. Ptthh. If I'm brave or stupid, that must make her wimpy or smart. Jury's out on both.

I'm excited anyway! I think this is just what I need to get me through the big push to the end of this pack out...

...a good 'ol fashion summer road trip (with child and dog)!

Wordless Wednesday: Backyard Misty Morning

2009-05-13T08:12:00.001-03:00

Where to Begin?

2009-05-12T21:16:00.008-03:00

It's been a few weeks since my last post. That's not an apology. Just a stating a fact. Life's been pretty hectic these days. So, here we go...in point form:

- JB is off on a three week around-the-world trip for work. He is loving his new job and the new company. Although in the beginning, we were doubtful of our decision to move to Texas, everything seems to be falling into place. This move is exciting because it's our choice. We chose the job. We chose the company. We choose the city and the state. It's hectic and it's stressful right now but it's exhilarating, too. We are making the decision instead of being told what to do by a big corporation. This move feels very different from our previous moves. It feels good!

- Last week, we (me and HeHeelys) visited JB in Texas. We LOVE it. It's beautiful, the climate is gorgeous and the people were among the friendliest I've ever met. We bought a house in a golf course community (the first one is still up for grabs in NS) and familiarized ourselves with the area. HeHeelys wrote an entrance exam at a wonderful school and received his acceptance letter yesterday. We're very proud of him.

Photo: Our new digs in Texas

- HeHeelys' school--the one in NS--had an open house evening where his school band performed. He did a terrific job! Especially considering how much he loves to play drums and his teacher has him playing the bells (which he loathes). They performed in the gymnasium so the photos are terrible. He thinks he looks like a barber but I think he's a cutie.

Photo: HeHeelys - band boy

- A fine example of Murphy's Law: It's not just Indian immigration. I officially hate ALL immigration...especially Canadian immigration. When a child crosses the US/Can border with only parent, that parent must have a notarized letter from the other parent granting them permission to travel alone with the child. This is so they can prove they are not abducting their child in the case of a nasty divorce, custody battle or such. For 12 years, I have always crossed the border with that letter in hand. For 12 years, I have never been asked for that letter. Our trip to Texas was the first time I didn't have the stupid, freakin' letter. This was because JB was already in Texas and was not in NS to sign it for me. This was the first time in 12 years that I've been asked for the stupid, cotton-pickin' letter. And what a mess it was. An armed guard. An immigration interrogation. A missed connecting flight. Oh, and lots of tears. It turns out, an immigration officer can reduced me to tears--WHAMO--in about 20 seconds flat. Probably a new record for them. Yay Canada. And boo Murphy's Law.

- Truly a travel day from hell...leading up to the immigration nightmare we had a delayed flight, a canceled flight, a flight with mechanical difficulties, a missed connecting flight and lost luggage. I know that when I travel, these things are prone to happen. I'm usually in fairly good humor, never in a hurry to get anywhere so it's all good. But does it really all have to happen on the same day? No wonder I fell apart when I got to immigration.

- I am behind on reading 344 blog posts. Sorry folks! Keep writing 'em! I'll get caught up!

- I have a new job that I'll be starting right after our move. I'm being hired by an author to virtually promote the release of their book. I'm very excited about this new endeavor but I don't want to say too much about it yet.

- Before I went to Texas, my mom came to visit me for a days. After hearing that her husband signed her up for a Texas Scramble golf day in June, I just new I was going to drag her out to the driving range to get a club in her hand. She was a good sport about and did very well for her first time--keep your head down, Mom!

Photo: My mom at the driving range

- I had a lovely Mother's Day. My mom came to Nova Scotia and we spent the day together. She and her husband brought us lobster--a LOT of lobster! We just puttered around the house filling bird feeders and watching episodes of Damages. We also went out shopping and for a girly lunch. JB and HeHeelys surprised me in Texas with an Amazon Kindle. I'm madly in love with it. I filled it with a ton of books to read during my next three weeks in Canada--like I think I'll have time to read or something.

- I really feel the need to comment on a few television shows...
1) Amazing Race: Tammy and Victor were totally deserving but I still felt bad for Luke and Margie. Jaime, you're a total embarrassment.
2) Elizabeth Edwards on Oprah: I just finished watching the interview that I had recorded while I was away in TX. It saddened me to watch it but it puzzles me, too. On one hand, I feel like she should do whatever it will take for her find peace. On the other, I feel like, what's the point? If she is choosing to stay with him, why write a book about it and splash it all over TV even more? I don't know. I just don't get it.
3) Jon & Kate Plus 8: Oh the Gosselins. Please escort the TV cameras out the door and give your marriage a fighting chance.

- Weeks ago, we went to a sugar shack. What's a sugar shack, you may be wondering. It's a a place where fine Canadian maple syrup is extracted from our national tree, boiled, bottled and poured over pancakes until they float off the bottom of the plate. We had a terrific time, a yummy breakfast and a sugar coma afterward. This is the primary reason why I embrace spring. Not winter.

Photo: Sugar Shack

- In the next three weeks, I'll be closing on our Texas house in Canada, getting the movers sorted out and tying up loose ends in Nova Scotia. I'll be arranging our summer activities--golf--drum lessons--golf--a few weekend trips--golf. I'm planning our drive from Nova Scotia to Texas and what we'll see/do along the way...all while keeping our house in pristine condition for showings on demand.

Skateboard Dudes

2009-04-23T07:00:00.000-03:00

One thing Bob the landscammer did successfully was clear the sand from our driveway. After a harsh, icy winter, there were bags and bags of sand on our steep, windy driveway...not good for skateboarding.

Before JB left for Texas again, he and HeHeelys spent some time together skating in our front yard.

Kramer wishes he had wheels, too...

Video: HeHeelys on Wheels

Video: JB on Wheels

Power Trippin' Clerks

2009-04-22T07:00:00.001-03:00

Nothing winds me up more than the omnipotent power-trippin' store clerk. The store clerk that believes they've created the world in five days and can control everything in it. The store clerk that derives pleasure in making your life as complicated as they possibly can. That store clerk really pisses me off.

Now, I admit, I'm not nearly as patient as I usually am. I'm in a relocation holding pattern which makes me bitchy and fowl-mouthed. Hey, I'm being real here. If you're looking for sugar-coating, you won't find it here.

So, on with the clerks...I ordered a couple of books for HeHeelys from a national book store chain. I was in their store and I placed my order at one of their computers. I took the slip to the check out and I pre-paid for the books. Fine.

Then I waited.

Uh...and waited.

I waited three weeks for the books to come in (I should've just ordered them Amazon--but oh no). When I finally got the phone call, I went to the store to pick them up. The conversation went something like this...

Clerk: "Do you have your receipt to pick up your books?"

Me: "My receipt? Do you know how many times I've changed handbags since I ordered those books? It's been three weeks! I wouldn't even know where to look for the receipt."

Blah blah blah...I need the receipt...I don't have the receipt...repeat, repeat...

Off he goes to check with his boss. Then he comes back.

Clerk: "If you could just show me some ID."

I rummage through my wallet when my memory bitch-slaps me...we went to the American Consulate for HeHeelys' passport where I showed my driver's license. When we left, all of our supporting documents were left in a manila envelope. I had HeHeelys run out to the car to see if it was there. Nope. We had taken it into the house.

I had no I.D.

Blah blah blah...you need ID...I don't have ID...repeat, repeat...

Seriously. We're talking about a couple of kids books. How on earth would I know to go to that particular store and ask for those particular two books with a specific name--ahem, my name--on them, if I hadn't been the one to order them!? Bookstore clerk on a power trip? Come the heck on.

We went around in circles for a bit with the clerk making snide remarks such as this one...

"Three weeks? Well, I can't imagine that it would take that long. I ordered books not long ago and it didn't nearly take that long."

Shut up, kid! The date is on the slip! The order date was three weeks ago! Do you think I have nothing better to do than to make up lies so I can steal my son's prepaid books!? Finally, he made a grand concession and accepted the only photo ID I had with me...my Costco membership card. All that power-struggling for what? Nothing.

Power trippin' clerk number two: the post office clerk. And she is one powerful bi-otch.

I have lived here since December. I'm at the little grocery store post office desk frequently. When I'm not going in to the little post office desk, I usually send HeHeelys with the package pick-up slip. We've never had a problem. Until today.

Today, HeHeelys went in with the slip and the oh-so-powerful postal clerk told him that she needed to see ID in order for the package to be picked up. Which I'm pretty sure is bullpucky because the number of times I've ordered from Land's End since December is uncountable. And the number of times I've had to show ID--or HeHeelys has had to show ID--to pick up the Land's End packages is a grand total of zero.

It's Land's End, people. Even if my kid was a bad-ass package-stealing package-selling dude who uses the money to buy booze, condoms or drugs. He's not going to afford any of these things from a box that contains his own black pants. His own black pants for his band concert. Can you believe the kind of delinquent I'm raising?

In a fit of impatience along with a strong desire to choke the postal clerk, I marched into the store and--WHAMO--I slammed my driver's license on the counter. I know. I shouldn't have done that, and shame on me. It's just so ridiculous. I'm pretty sure she realized how ridiculous it was, too, because I saw recognition flash all over her face. OK, and maybe there was a wee bit of fear on her face, too. And maybe--I couldn't say for sure, really--it may have satisfied me a wee little bit. I didn't say a word. I just took my package and I left. Had my mouth opened even a tiny crack, I'm sure I would've lost it. Big time.

Seriously. Like she couldn't have handed the package over to HeHeelys.

There's a reason the pop culture phrase 'going postal' came into our existence. I'm pretty sure it had something to do with power trippin' post office clerks.

Bob the Landscammer

2009-04-21T07:00:00.003-03:00

I've been scammed.

I'm angry that I've been scammed but I'm angrier that I allowed myself to be scammed. I've gone soft. I've become too trusting. I've lost my Go-Ahead-And-Try-But-You-Can't Screw-With-Me edge.

And here I am...two grand less in my pocket and back where I started. Don't you just it when that happens?

So it all started when we moved into our new house in December. There were some trees that had been uprooted from a hurricane--yes, in Nova Scotia--and they were leaning but not all the way down. We moved in during the month of December so we knew there would be work to do in the yard and in the flower beds come spring.

What we didn't realize was that we would be moving before I would get a full summer to clean up, weed, plant and get my hands dirty.

When we met with the realtor to put our house on the market, she suggested we hire someone to do a spring cleanup around the property. She gave me a business card and the wheelbarrow wheels were set it motion. As soon as she left, I called the landscammer. We'll call him Bob.

So, Bob came out that afternoon and we walked the property together. We discussed everything that needed to be done and a ballpark figure. And I quote, "We'll bring in a machine, we'll cut that tree and flip the stump back down..." I spoke to JB about it that night and we thought that if he did all he said he would for that price, it would be great!

Bob finally came out to do the work. He and his guys cleaned up the branches and twigs that had fallen throughout the winter. They laid mulch on some of the flower beds. On the other beds, they raked the mulch up but didn't put anymore down. He didn't touch the fallen trees.

When he came to pick up his check, we discussed the difference between his quote and reality. His bill was exactly on the high side of what he quoted me but he didn't do all the work he said he would do. Of course, I'm a stupid little lady who misunderstood blah blah blah. He offered to deduct $500 from his bill. Whoop dee doo. And JB left me to sort it out--no testosterone to back me up--while he went to get the checkbook.

Several days after the bill was paid, we were outside and I noticed all the weeds in my flower beds. Bob the landscammer laid mulch over the weeds without actually weeding the beds. Now I'm even more pissed because I went sight-seeing instead of watching what the landscammers were(n't) doing.

Lesson learned. From now on, I will not be scammable--which I don't think it actually a word but get over it. I will get everything in writing so it won't come down to a he said she said situation.

...which is what I should have done in the first place.

Grrrr.

Egypt: Photos from the Nile

2009-04-20T07:00:00.005-03:00

I was rummaging through my extensive blogging Drafts vault. I have a ton of posts that I either didn't finish or finished and didn't post. I think I'll post a few this week. A year ago today, we were sailing down the Nile River in Egypt.

So, from the Draft vault...

Like giddy little boys, the two JB's requested a tour of the engine room. Can you guess why?

The two JB's before we disembarked. Cute huh?
Worthy of a photo because my JB NEVER naps.

West bank of the Nile River outside Edfu

East bank of the Nile River outside Edfu

HeHeelys, Danie, JB, Penny, JB on the way to Philae temple.

View from our boat transfer...Aswan to Philae Temple.

Philae Temple in Aswan. This temple was completely torn down and moved to this location over a period of six years.

View from the High Dam.

Felucca sail...much to the chagrin of the other boat passengers, I was leaning backward over the side to take this photo upwards. I think they had all heard about my ass flag.

Felucca Boy

Felucca Bongo Boy

During our Felucca ride, there were several small boys (younger than HeHeelys) maneuvering around the river in small boats with two wooden squares of wood about 12x12" that they used as paddles. Every once in a while they would pause to bail out their little boats and then continue on in an attempt to catch up to the felucca boats. Once there, they hung on to the side and began to sing for money.

Video Clip of Felucca Singer

For Sale: The Camp

2009-04-19T10:38:00.005-03:00

It's sad that I'm finally posting photos of the place we're currently calling home in Nova Scotia...and they're the photos for our listing. Yep, the camp is for sale.

Why do we call our house The Camp? Well, it all started when we moved in. We left many of our belongings behind in India. We sold, we donated, we gave away. We purged more than 1/3 of our stuff.

When my folks came to help us unpack, we had moved out of our rental house and were sleeping in the new house. We were trying to cook in our kitchen before we could find the right pan or something to cut with. Actually, we were using a pocket knife for all our slicing and dicing needs. Basically, it was like living in a beautiful, ill-equipped cabin in the wilderness--we had power but not much else. That's when my folks dubbed it The Camp.

Someone asked me today how I can ever leave this place. Well, to me, it's just a house. Do I love this house? Yes, of course I do. It's the most beautiful house we've ever lived in, on the most beautiful property we've ever owned. But I knew when I moved in that it wouldn't be the last house I would live in. I just don't become attached to houses. I've learned that what makes my house a home is not wood or bricks. It's my husband, my son, the memories we've made together and the treasures I hold dear...and those are the things I can take with me to the next structure I dwell in.

Anyhow, for those of you who haven't been to The Camp as of yet...here are the photos from the real estate listing:

HeHeelys' BioCube for The Expat Arc

2009-04-09T07:00:00.003-03:00

HeHeelys hates being told what genre he must read. In school, however, his teacher dictates the genre. The last genre his class had to read was a biography. Although my book is not a biography, it is autobiographical, so HeHeelys decided to read The Expat Arc--I think he was looking for an easy A. When he finished the book, he had to create a BioCube for the book and author.

Here is the project that HeHeelys did on me and my book...

Side 1

Person's Name:
Danielle Barkhouse

Time Period:
2007-2008

Place:
Chennai, India

Side 2

Personal background:
Danie expatriated from CA. 13 years ago. She 'trails' her husband on his moves around the world. She takes pictures, blogs and geocaches for enjoyment while living abroad.

Side 3

Personality Traits:
Danie is a funny, loving, careful mother. She is an adventurous, adaptive, strong-willed woman.

Side 4

Significance:
Danie wrote The Expat Arc by taking the posts from her blog, Earth to Danie and putting it into a book. She blogged everyday to tell stories about culture shock, which was good therapy.

Side 5

Biggest Obstacle:
Danie's biggest comfort obstacle was living outside her comfort zone, while helping her family to adjust.

Side 6

Important Quotation:
"Don't read this if you're expecting deep insights on culture, religion and politics in India. Oh no. I'm far too shallow and lack the intelligence necessary for that."

I've Seen 109 out of 239 Films

2009-04-08T07:00:00.001-03:00

SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. What does that tell you about me? Like you didn't already know it.

How do you measure up? Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, paste it into your own blog post, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom. Have fun.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
() Boondock Saints
() Fight Club
(X) Starsky and Hutch
(X) Neverending Story
() Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
Total: 7

(x) The Princess Bride
() Anchorman
() Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
() Saw
() Saw II
() White Noise
() White Oleander
() Anger Management
() 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(X) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 11

() Scream
() Scream 2
() Scream 3
() Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(X) I saw one of the Scary Movies, but I don't know which one.
(X) American Pie
(X) American Pie 2
(X) American Wedding
...this is embarrassing.
() American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 15

(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
() Resident Evil 1
() Resident Evil 2
() The Wedding Singer
(x) Little Black Book
() The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 21

(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(X) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
() White Chicks
() Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
(x) Robots
Total so far: 27

(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(x) Along Came Polly
(x) Deep Impact
(x) KingPin
(x) Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(X) Joe Dirt
() KING KONG (2005)
Total so far: 36

(X) A Cinderella Story
(x) The Terminal
(x) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
() Halloween
(x) The Ring
() The Ring 2
() Surviving X-MAS
(x) Flubber
Total so far: 42

() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
() From Hell
() Hellboy
() Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
() The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 45

() The Day After Tomorrow
(x) Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
() Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
(x) Remember the Titans
(x) Coach Carter
() The Grudge
() The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
(x) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 54

(x) Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
() Joy Ride
() Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
(x) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremacy
() Lone Star
(x) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
() Predator II
() The Fog
(x) Ice Age
(X) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
() Curious George
Total so far: 63

() Independence Day
() Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
() Darkness Falls
() Christine
(x) ET
(x) Children of the Corn (Middle school sleepover at my house--on a farm--SCARY)
(x) My Bosses Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
() War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
(x) Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 69

() Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She's All That
(x) Calendar Girls
() Sideways
() Mars Attacks
() Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
() Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 78

() X-Men
() X-2
() X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
(x) Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
() Reign of Fire
(x) The Skulls
(x) Cruel Intentions
(x) Cruel Intentions 2
(x) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 90

() Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
() Old School
(x) The Notebook
(x) K-Pax
() Krippendorf's Tribe
(x) A Walk to Remember
() Ice Castles
() Boogeyman
() The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 94

() Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
() Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
() Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 97

() Baseketball
() Hostel
() Waiting for Guffman
() House of 1000 Corpses
() Devils Rejects
(x) Elf
(X) Highlander
() Mothman Prophecies
() American History X
() Three
Total so far: 99

() The Jacket
() Kung Fu Hustle
() Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
() Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Shaun Of the Dead
() Willard
Total so far: 101

() High Tension
() Club Dread
(x) Hulk
() Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
() 28 days later
() Orgazmo
() Phantasm
() Waterworld
Total so far: 104

(X) Kill Bill vol 1
(X) Kill Bill vol 2
() Mortal Kombat
() Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
() The Hills Have Eyes
() I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
() The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
() Army of Darkness
Total so far: 107

() Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
() Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
() Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
() Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
() Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
() Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
() Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
() Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: Still holding at 107

(X) The Matrix
() The Matrix Reloaded
() The Matrix Revolutions
() Animatrix
()Evil Dead
() Evil Dead 2
() Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
()Hannibal

Put "I've seen ... out of 239 films" in the subject line and repost it.

Running iMixes

2009-04-06T07:00:00.002-03:00

It feels like it's been months--which is 'cause it has--since I've dragged my sorry hump downstairs to the treadmill. Injuries have healed. Sinuses are clear and I can breathe. Spring is coming, so it's almost time to shed the puffy coat and reveal what's underneath.

Eeek!

What gets you through your exercise routine? For most people (me included), it's music. If that's the case for you, what are you listening to?

I'll share mine if you share yours. Right now, a half hour is all I can stand on the treadmill. When I'm on it, my head in one of two places. Angst. Or inspiration. Sounds like an Amazing Race detour, doesn't it?

Here is my Running iMix for my angry workouts. You know the kind I mean. Cranky to be working out and dropping the occasional mental f-bomb--or letting 50 Cent do it for me:

I spend an equal amount of time in the place where I seek inspiration or feel inspired. Depending on the day, my friend. After all, I don't discriminate. For those days, I run to this Running iMix:

What have you been doing to get ready for the shedding of the puffy coat?

9 Layers of Me: Layer 7

2009-04-05T07:00:00.000-03:00

A meme to peel away the layers of me.

Ever...

-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: Yes
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: Yes
-- Been caught "doing something": Yes
-- Been called a tease: Yes
-- Gotten beaten up: No
-- Shoplifted: No
-- Changed who you were to fit in: Yes

Now you...

Flashback: Statue of Liberty

2009-04-04T07:00:00.002-03:00

I guess in the mix of it all last summer, I had forgotten to post photos from the awesome day that we spent with my friend, Kim, and her daughter, Natalie, who met us in New York.

We pre-booked an early ferry to the Statue of Liberty, which I highly recommend doing because it gets quite crowded in the summer. There is a long security process before being able to board the ferry. We toured as much as the statue as we could and had lunch before boarding the ferry again. This time, it took us to Ellis Island. I have to admit, I wasn't really jazzed to tour Ellis Island but I'm so glad I did. We followed the audio tour which took us through the process of what every immigrant who passed through those halls went through. It was fantastic!

In the afternoon, I took HeHeelys and Nat geocaching in Central Park. Then we took a carriage ride through the park before returning to the hotel to meet up with Kim. And if I'm not mistaken, that is the night that we had dinner on Mars.

Food and the Pirate Dinner Cruise

2009-04-03T07:00:00.001-03:00

Jack Sparrow Vs. Captain Hook.

This was a fun, family evening away from our resort. We boarded the green pirate ship while the other half of the crowd boarded the red one. We set sail--drinks in hand--for a night of good food, dancing and laughter.

...And an attack from Captain Hook.

Pros:
- The food was very good.
- The service was excellent. The servers took drinks orders for 30-50 people without writing it down and everyone got what they ordered.
- The music and dancing were fun.
- The attack from the other ship was very entertaining.

Cons:
- The ships are packed tight with--what I considered--more people than what was reasonably comfortable.
- Much of the humor and jokes were derogatory and based on nationality/cultural stereotypes.

Moving on because you know I love to talk about food...

There was a restaurant at our resort called The Sea and Stone. Each of us cooked our dinner on hot stones at our table which was a bit of a novelty. Delicious!

Video: DIY Dinner

A night of Italian: When we arrived at this restaurant, we stopped at the kitchen window and watched the chefs prepare food orders. One chef was preparing what looked like green ravioli. They make it fresh upon order, so that's what I ordered. The dish was called 'Little Green Hats' and it was fantastic. Our table was in the wine cellar...tres chic.

To celebrate our decision to move to Texas, we went out for a good steak dinner. I just love me a yummy Filet Oscar with Potatoes Lyonnaise. The food was very good and the service was impeccable. There are a number of these restaurants in the US but not where we live in Canada so we took advantage. And it was worth it.

Other than that, we enjoyed the local food and the meals that we had at our resort. When we got back to Canada, the same thing happened as when we landed here from India...we found the food to be bland.

Chichen Itza

2009-04-02T07:11:00.001-03:00

I'm making my way through the list of--not only the New 7 Wonders of the World--but the entire list of finalists as well. Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is listed at the 4th New Wonder of the World.

We booked a full day tour and after swimming in the cenote, we drove a mere five minutes to the famous Mayan temple. We stayed with our guide for a one hour tour, then we had another hour to wander on our own and check out the markets.

We learned a lot from our guide. The tidbit that instantly stayed with HeHeelys was that when a person stands mid-line to the temple and claps their hands, the sound that comes back is that of a chirping bird. I'm not sure if I believe the Mayans planned it that way as our guide suggested. One tourist in our group remarked, "They probably have someone sitting in the top of the temple squeezing a rubber ducky while we all stand here and clap our hands like idiots." Ooooookaaaaay. Cynical much?

Video

Before we left, HeHeelys thought he would try it one more time:

Video: HeHeelys

Wordless Wednesday: Flashback: Athens, Greece 2003

2009-04-01T07:00:00.000-03:00

Cenote Swimming

2009-03-31T06:42:00.001-03:00

While we were on a full day tour to Chichen Itza, we stopped at a cenote to go swimming. A cenote is a sinkhole which reveals underground water or a river. This particular cenote is one that the ancient Mayans used to make their sacrifices to the gods as they believed the cenote was their path to heaven.

Luckily, we were only the second bus to arrive at the site so it was very quiet. We locked up our bags and clothing and walked down the slippery jagged steps--bare foot--to reach the entrance to the cenote. The water was completely clear, revealing black fish swimming around us. It was so cold, it was hard to get in. Well, it was for me because I'm a slink-down-the-ladder-kind-of-girl. There were platforms off to the side where most people jumped from. It was really pretty with the sun shining through the ground above our heads down to the water.

I went back up to the locker to get my camera and by the time I started back down the stairs again, tons of people had arrived. That's all I have to say about that.

Lunch was included in our tour so we sat outside--where it was quieter--and enjoyed the local food...OK, and the local beer ;)

Spring Break in Mexico

2009-03-30T07:00:00.000-03:00

I know we were joking about how poor me hasn't traveled in a while, but it's true. Poor me hadn't traveled in a while. But here's what was really cool about the trip we took to Cancun, Mexico...lots of free. Our hotel at a 5-star resort and spa...free. Upgrade to executive class flights...free. Breakfast every day during our stay...free. Plus, the airline offered us a travel voucher because JB's in-flight entertainment system didn't work for most of our flight. The only thing better than travel, is free travel.

This was my first time to Cancun and it met all my favorite places criteria. Good weather. Good food. Good history. It felt so good to flip the proverbial middle finger to winter!

The first thing we did when we arrive at the resort was shed the winter clothes and take a walk on the beach. I like to walk with a purpose so we meandered down the beach to the South Point where we looked for and found a geocache.

Photo: HeHeelys scores a geocache

The cache was a very easy find due to the clue that was including in the listing. The rocks were steep and jagged, and our sandy flip-flops made the location even tougher to access. My sunglasses fell off my head and down into a crevice of rocks. I knew I wasn't going to fit my hand int here so I called to HeHeelys to help me. A total stranger walked over and said how she had seen an iguana in there earlier, she reached down and dug my sunglasses out for me. Well, how nice was that? HeHeelys took a loonie out of the geocache and left our signature card/pin and a geocaching tattoo. We signed the log and scatted.

Activities: We started every morning with a run but switched to working out before dinner because the gym was too busy--ugly busy--in the mornings. We mostly lounged by the pool and walked on the beach. The guys rented wave runners one morning while I had a mani/pedi. Another afternoon, JB and I had massages in an outdoor cabana.

Food: Everyday, lunch started with tortilla chips and pico de gallo. Ok. And a daiquiri. A couple of nights, we went into town for dinner. We enjoyed a Pirate Dinner Cruise, a night of Italian and a terrific American Steakhouse. We also enjoyed the Mexican meals at our resort and the local food.

History: I really enjoyed the Maya culture and history. We spent a full day in the Yucatan region, swimming in a cenote and visiting Chichen Itza--the 4th New Wonder of the World. The Mexican markets are on par with those of Egypt, Turkey and India. In order to exit the site, you must walk through the market with pushy vendors while you're just trying to find the exit. I'm not much of a souvenir shopper.

So there's an overview. More photos (and video clips) to come!