Warning, before reading, no intent to offend anyone, as I always say, but it's really some food for thought. 

TOP 10 PET PEEVES ABOUT PEOPLE! 

1. People who lie. If you're going to lie to my face, don't waste your breath. 

2. People who complain about EVERYTHING and EVERYONE! Seriously, life can't be that bad, that everything annoys this shit out of you. If you don't like something or someone, avoid it! We all complain about things every now and then, which is fine, but why dwell on such little unimportant details of things that just don't matter!!

3. People who pretend to care about your life, but in reality they don't give a shit. It's obvious the people who care, and for the people who don't,  instead of trying to look like you care, join the people who don't care and quit making yourself look like an ass! 

4. People who dwell on "their horrible past" and use it as an excuse to not move on, to not learn from it, and not make their lives better. Get over it, get help for it, or learn to deal with it...life's too short!

5. People who walk away from family or friends, all because something better came along. They are a part of your life, only at their own convenience.

6. People who have no sense of humor, drive me crazy. I understand not everything is funny, but when life is giving you lemons, try to find some humor in something. Not only is laughter good for the soul, but sometimes there's nothing you can do to fix the problem, so in the meantime, smile and laugh it off. And...there's nothing wrong with being silly every now and then.

7. People who treat their children like crap. They claim to be supportive and caring parents, but really, I don't see it. You made the choice to bring them into the world, so quit complaining about them, discipline them when needed, spend lots of quality time with them and show them unconditional Love. Always, no matter what....be there for them. 

8. People who don't take time to care about themselves, therefore, cannot care about others. (Derek thinks I care too much about others, and that's why I have such high expectations of people). Wouldn't the world be a much better place if people started caring not only about themselves....but about others? When you see someone going through a rough time or not, walk up to them and give them a hug. Best thing you can do to make someone feel good. (I know, I do it almost everyday).  

9. People who criticize the things you do or say, then they turn around and do exactly the same thing. Damn hypocrites!

10. People who criticize others for trying to lead happy lives.  It's not that I am always happy or lead a  perfect life, it's just that I try to focus on more positive things. Plus, I have 3 girls that need someone in their life that is a positive influence and role model. 

Take a deep breath, smile and focus on leading a Happy life, because it really is too short!  

xoxo   :)

There are so many things in life that I Love. For example, when it comes to food, I LOVE FOOD...and I Love almost every kind of food!!!  But, do you ever have a favorite of everything that you Love, or what's the first thing that comes to mind?  Well, here are a few of my favorite things:

* Food - Lobster 

* Color - Blue, cause there's some many different and beautiful shades of it.

* Rock Group - AC/DC

* Movie - Disney Movie - Lion King

            - Other - Ghost 

* Radio Station - C95

* Dessert - New York Style Cheesecake (with Cherries - Not strawberries)

* Actor - Morgan Freeman

* Actress - Sandra Bullock

* Snack - Chips, of course (and any flavor will do)

* Season - Fall, cause of the beautiful colors 

* Television Show - I Love Lucy (an oldie, but a goodie)

* Smell - frying bacon

* Fruit - Cherries, hard 1st choice, as I LOVE all fruit

* Flower - Rose, cause it's beautiful through all it's stages of life

* Sport - would choose hockey because I used to watch it with my Dad

             when we lived by ourselves

* Beverage - non-alcohol - diet pepsi

                - alcohol - caesar

* Book - Charlotte's Web

* Day of the Week - Friday

* Physical Feature - my smile

* Animal - Dog

* Dream Destination - Thailand

* Dream Car - Corvette (yellow or black....please)

* Past-time - Listening to Music (music has helped me through everything in 

                   life

* Restaraunt - Chinese

* Super Hero - Wonder Woman

* Cartoon Character - Winnie the Pooh

* Perfume - Princess by Vera Wang

* Quote - "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." Marilyn M.

These are just the first things that pop into my mind, but I Love so, so much more. 

xoxo

"People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime."

I've spent my whole life wondering what my "purpose" was.  Last night we had our Thanksgiving meal with our family. Our tradition with the kids is to go around the table with each person giving thanks for one thing. It's at that moment, when it was my turn to talk, I realized this purpose!

For the past 21 years, but especially over the past 4 years, I've been the shoulder to cry on for many, many people, including friends, family, acquaintances, and total strangers. I've had to be the one with open ears, anytime of the day or night, when someone needed to talk, because they had nobody else to listen. I've offered advice when they needed it and had to help them see things differently in order to move forward. I'm a very straight-forward kind of person, and not everyone likes to hear things "as a matter of fact", but sometimes it's for their own good, without even realizing it.  Before the age of 20, I could barely speak a word out loud cause I was so shy. Somehow I found the strength to get over my shyness and found it so easy to talk to anyone, to the point where when I knew if someone was going through a difficult time, without them even saying it, I would go up to them and somehow manage to get them to talk until they talked about their problems, and they'd feel good once again. Wow, I've really come along way. (lol).

Some people still remain in my life, while others, was only for a short time. I spent alot of time thinking about this and wishing I was lucky enough to have people in my life who cared as much as I did. But you know, through it all, I am starting to realize that the listening and the sharing,  has helped me build my own solid emotional foundation and helped me to deal with, and get through some of my  problems on my own.

So, this Thanksgiving, I am Thankful to be given this gift. I know what it's like when you are going through Hell, and you feel like there is no way to get through it, and sometimes all it takes is to talk to someone and it can help you to reason again, see things differently, and move forward. I'm thankful I can be there for others when they need it most.

xoxo

My Fairytale


He's handsome, charming, romantic and funny.
He's different than other men...he's perfect.

Who'd expect a guy to walk into a girl's life, a girl the 3 children, and want to be a part of it?  Who would have ever thought someone would fall in Love with me again? What did I do to deserve him? After all, I had myself convinced that I would never be in a relationship again after being in a marriage where I felt so deceived. All those walls I built up...I wasn't going to let anyone hurt me again. How did he manage to break those walls down? I guess my heart could tell that this guy was different. Someone who had respect for me. Most importantly, he treated the girls like they were his own from the moment he met them. There wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for all of us. He's the most amazing man anyone could ever know. I still can't believe it.

He's looked deep down inside under all those layers and found my inner beauty that I couldn't see.  He made me realize that I am a good person, and deserve to be treated with respect and I shouldn't be taken for granted. He's taught me to have a voice.  He's boosted up my self-esteem and taught me how to Love myself.

Someday's I feel like I'm living in a dream, and I don't want to wake up from it. He walks into our life and willingly accepts me and the girls for who we are.  I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. He's my Husband and a Father to them.

You are all I ever dreamed of since I was a little girl...my Prince! ("Prince Charming" - a man who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress). Thanks for all that you've done, and all that you continue to do, and thanks for being a part of our lives.

I Love You, Always & Forever
xoxo

Children

When I was very young, my biggest dream was to find a Prince, and marry him. I never really thought that I'd have children though. I was so worried that I'd never be a good Mother. Later on in life, I knew that I wanted to have kids, and I was determined to do the best job at raising them, that I could.

After having my oldest daughter, when I was 22 years old, it was a little scary when the time came to bring her home. But quickly, that passed. My instincts took over, and I realized that it's really not that hard. The bond between a Mother and a child is more than I ever could imagine. Not only are you a provider but a protector. Not anything or anyone will hurt my children, without having to deal with me. It's like those shows I seen when I was a kid where the lioness would protect her cubs. It's real!

Very shortly after my first born, I learnt that I was pregnant with baby #2. The excitement was overwhelming. When she was born, it seemed that even though her and her older sister were only 13 months apart, that it was even easier having another one around. A few years passed, and baby girl #3 was born. At this time, as much as I wanted to have a 4th baby, which I knew would be my last, it just wasn't going to work out, as there were now too many problems with the marriage and I wasn't about to bring another one into the world. I couldn't have been happier having the privilege of having these 3 beautiful daughters to Love and care for, for the rest of my life. Yes, I mean it's a privilege having children, not a right, in my opinion. When I chose to have my children, I knew it would be my responsibility to raise them in a loving and safe environment. My children would be number 1 and I would make every effort to do what I thought was best for them while allowing them to have the space to grow. Ah, that fine line!

I had many endless trips to the hospital at all hours of the night with the kids from ear infections. I spent hours planning birthday parties or sleepovers. Always had to drive them around to dance classes, tae-kwon-do classes or to friends houses. Spent time helping them with french homework when they were little or going to all the concerts and talent shows at the school. As well, spent lots of time listening to music and dancing in the living room and playing "Guitar Hero". Sometimes life seemed really hectic, but it was so worth every minute of it, seeing them grow up.

One thing I Love the most about being a Mom, is the respect my children have for me.  I've allowed my girls all the space they needed to grow and mature, but at the same time, I've given them guidance and discipline along the way, therefore, we've found a happy balance where it's allowed us to have alot of respect for one another. Some people may think the girls get away with more than they should, but they know their boundaries and if crossed, we deal with the situation immediately to make sure it doesn't happen again. But, at the same time, yes, I do allow them more freedom than other parents allow their kids. If you never allow them to do anything or allow them to make mistakes once in awhile, how will they ever learn. Not only that, trust me from experience, they will find ways of doing things behind your back if you never allow them the chance to do anything.

One thing I've never done, and can't stand when other parents do it, is spoil my kids rotten with gifts and material things. No, they don't have the latest in electronics and they don't have fancy cars or designer clothes, but what they do have is Love. Love will go much further than all those other things. I don't believe in buying my kids happiness.

The girls treat me, as I treat them, like a friend. Yes, I'm their Mother, and there's a time to be a Mother, but sometimes they just need a friend. They know they can talk to me anytime, about anything. The wonderful thing is, I can go to them anytime I need someone to talk to as well. We've laughed together and cried together. We've listened and given advice to one another. We've been through alot of hard times, but we've had alot of good times.

I have never been so proud of anyone, as I am of the girls. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of raising them. I have taught them, and guided them. I taught them how to treat others, how to not take things for granted, how to work hard for what they want and how to always be the best that they can be.

My children have taught me patience and understanding. They've taught me how to forgive. Most importantly, they've taught me the power of unconditional love. This amazing, life-changing experience, has made me a better person all around. I could not have imagined getting through everything I've been through, without them.

I Love you girls. I can't thank you enough for making life worth living.

Love, Mom
xoxo

AM I......

* generous?  I think I am a pretty generous person. When I have something to give, whether it be material things, my time, or whether it be to help someone out, or just be there to listen, I always try do whatever it takes.

* empathetic?  I don't know anyone more empathetic than me. When someone is in distress or pain, such as getting hurt, or losing a loved one, I feel so much pain for them. I actually feel like I am in there shoes going through exactly what they are going through. It's hard to explain the strangest feeling that runs through me when someone just as much as cuts themselves or even gets seriously hurt. It's not like the feeling most people get when they have a week stomach, and their stomach feels upset, but it's more like I can feel their physical and mental pain. It's pretty intense!

*  patient?  Yes and no! I have tonnes of patience for people. I've had the experience of dealing with alot of different kinds of  people, some good, and some not so good. I always wished I'd have taken some classes on psychology, because human behavior has always fascinated me. I've learnt to have patience for alot of different kinds of people. But, as like everyone, we always have our limit as to how much one can take before your patience runs thin. I am very well known for giving people chance after chance before I realize there is no point to trying to help someone anymore. Now, when it comes to having patience for things such as sitting in a line at a drive-thru waiting for my order, or sitting in an audience waiting for the show to begin, my patience is thin. When my stomach is growling because I'm hungry or my butts getting sore from sitting too long, I just want everything to happen now! :)

*  forgiving?  Yes, I'd say I am forgiving. I give people many chances to prove themselves, even if they've hurt me time and time again. Sometimes it may take me awhile to forgive them, because I tend to put a guard up, and I get very defensive, but I do eventually forgive, but I never forget. Something I need to work on...holding a grudge.

* dreamer?  Absolutely! I've spent my whole life dreaming. My dream as a little girl was to one day find a prince who would marry me and make me so happy. Many times I get caught staring off into a distance and someone is always asking if I'm ok or if something is bothering me. Nope, just usually thinking of something wonderful. I don't just dream for me, I dream of things I hope for my kids and for my family and friends. Some of the dreams I've had are owning a corvette, learning how to ride a horse without fear, having 4 children, owning my own business, riding in a hot air balloon, seeing the pyramids, and well this one is a little unrealistic, but owning my very own pet kangaroo! (lol)

*  caring?  I'm a caring person. I wish I had more time to spend with the ones I Love. I also wish I had more time to volunteer to make others lives better. But for now, when I can, I offer good advice and am good at listening or giving hugs when someone is feeling down. Everyone knows that they can call me whenever they need someone to talk or someone to help them through something. I'm busy, but never too busy that I can't take time out of my day to help people out.

*  supportive? Yes, I am pretty good at supporting other peoples ideas and beliefs, but I also like to give some advice once in awhile too. Sometimes when someone is struggling with a decision, I like to open their minds to other alternatives or suggestions. It helps them to see things from a different perspective or point of view. But in the end, no matter what their decision, I will support them, no matter what.

*  errogant?  No! One trait in people that I can't stand! My skin crawls at the sound and sight of an errogant person. Sorry, but nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. Not only that but we all have things to work on with our character. We should all be striving to be a better person each day, in different aspects, especially when it comes to how we treat others. So nobody should be walking around thinking they are better than anyone else.

*  controversial?  I hate controversy. I've never liked being put in a position where I have to fight about something, or in a situation where others are doing it in front of me. I feel very weak which in turn causes me to give up very easily. Arguing and fighting over stupid petty little issues, makes me feel like I can't breath sometimes. Life is too short to spend it bickering over nothing.

*  emotional?  Of course I am. (lol). I cry at weddings, baby showers, graduations. So pretty much anything that brings me tears of happiness, which is the result of seeing others happy or going through a very important period in their lives. As well, I cry at funerals, saying farewell, and when others are in  pain. Not good with seeing others go through difficult times in their life, or when someone is going away for a period of time.

*  insecure?  Was more insecure when I was younger, but am still working on some of my insecurities. I still show some signs such as being defensive when I feel attacked; being a bit materialistic; can't take compliments well; tend to apologize alot because I'm self-doubting; and I'm prone to nervous laughter. (that will probably never go away though...haha).

*  happy?  More often than not, I am a happy person. I like to have fun, sometimes a little too much, and I love to smile and laugh. I do have my moments when things are going wrong, or not as planned, as I'm sure everyone can relate, but for the most part I'm a pretty happy person. Sometimes I get asked if I'm ok because I'm not always smiling, but it's usually only because I'm daydreaming or have alot of stuff on my mind, but it doesn't mean I'm not happy.

Hope you enjoyed this blog. Some who know me well, you may agree with my descriptions of things about my character. For those who don't know me as well, I hope you enjoyed a little more insight as to who I am.

:)   xoxo

Started this blog awhile ago, but never got back to finish writing it. It was a toss up as to what topic I was going to write about, whether it was friends or family, both being a very important thing in my life, so I chose the following:


My Friends I call Family

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you for who you are."

I've always been one of those friends who is always there to listen to other peoples problems, but I try not to bore them with all my little life's tragedies. I feel like I can deal with most of what I've been dealt, and my goal is to see other people happy.  I'll make them smile or laugh when they are feeling down.  I'll give them some advice to hopefully help them see another way of looking at things. I'm also good at giving hugs and good at cheering people up. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I'm not perfect, but I do my best to treat my friends with respect and try to be there for them through everything in their life.

I've met some truly amazing people and friends throughout my life. (and one not so much). But, I do have so many wonderful memories of spending time with each and every one of them.

Way back when I was younger, from Kindergarten to Grade 4, I had a really hard time fitting in with other kids, mainly because I looked different. Lets face it, little kids can be very cruel! But, I did manage to struggle through my early childhood school years. In grade 4, we moved to a new house and I started at a new school, where I continued until Grade 8. Life during those years seemed so much better than before. As children grow up, they seem to mature and be a little more accepting, understanding and compassionate toward others who are "different".  I made some of the best friends there that anybody could ever ask for. I captured so many great memories hanging out during school time and after school with them. Rollerskating, hopscotch, birthday parties, playing at the park, skating, etc...Life seemed great!

Highschool, ugh!!!  Thank goodness for some of my elementary school friends, because the next 4 years was the worst. My Mom & Dad were going through their seperation, so this was a time when I needed friends the most. Some friends branched off to meet other people, but a handful of us still chummed together. I met alot of people in highschool, but didn't go out of my way to get really close to them because life was just so overwhelming with the family issues plus all the stress of schoolwork. But, I look back now and wish I could have had the chance to hang with these new people outside of school, because from what I see of them now, looks like I missed out on getting to know some really amazing people. Although, I did manage to meet a couple of really amazing guy friends. I met one through a job I had in highschool, and the other I met at a rollerskating rink. Thank goodness for these two friends, it made home-life seem not so bad most days. They were always there to listen and they made days when I was feeling dull, seem so much brighter. Seriously, looking back, I owe these guys everything! They are two of my truest friends ever.

Once highschool was over, people seemed to branch off, once again. I kept in contact with a few of them still. Unfortunately, at that point I should have cut ties with one in particular. Our friendship for many years was always up and down. Her jealousy of what I did, what I had, what I wore, etc...was more than I could handle most days. Her behavior was beyond peculiar. But of course, me not wanting to stir up shit, always put up with her crap.   One example, she declined to be my maid of honor in my wedding party and
decided not to talk to me for a couple years later because she had nothing going on in her life. A few years later after she had quit talking to me, she was now married and called me up. We'd get together as couples, but because she was still so insecure and jealous, I wasn't allowed to sit in the same room with her husband, or allowed to talk to him, so we usually had to be in different rooms to visit. Weird! To make a long story short, finally my breaking point, was when she got caught being unfaithful to her husband, not only did she turn the story around and tried to make him look like he was a cheater, she then said that she had a suspicion that I was flirting with him too. Wow, this was one crazy bit#h! Needless to say, she got one nasty email from me about how she treated me over the years, and how she really had issues that she needed to get professional help with.

Fortunately the one good thing that came out of this one bad experience is that I'm learning who your real friends are, and how to walk away from situations like these. I still have some of the most truly amazing friends in my life from my past, plus I have all the wonderful memories of my friends from my childhood, plus  a few new dear friends that I've met along the way. Sometimes we don't always get together as often as I would like, but we can always pick up where we left off. We understand each other, we believe in each other, and we accept each other.
"FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES".