I realized that I should have elaborated on the "sad anniversary" I mentioned in my post about Etta's Tune.
3 years ago today, Mark had his regular 6 month check up at the Cancer Clinic. He felt amazing that day, better than he had in months, scored all zeroes on his Edmonton Scale, was optimistic.
At that appointment, we found out that he had 3 to 5 years to live. As you all know, he was dead 8 1/2 weeks later. A shock to us but ultimately, a better way to go than to have a horrible drawn out "cancer death." Losing him the way I did taught me to embrace and appreciate the folks I love, the ones who are most important to me, tell them that I love them, hug them when I can. Life is short and unpredictable.
To be kind and loving to each other costs nothing but means so much.
Stay kind xo
Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2018
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
15 years
Poor Mark. He's been absolutely miserable for days.Yesterday, he went into work and actually got through the whole day but I really wished he hadn't. Last night was very rough. I didn't let him go into work. He'd not slept at all and quite frankly, it would not have been safe for him to be behind the wheel in the state he was in.
Happy Anniversary huh?? Yes, today is our anniversary. We met on this day in 1999, 10 years later, we did it up all legal and got married in our back yard, Sammy and Gracie (and some friends and family) witnessed it for us so it's all official. Neither of us could have ever anticipated that we'd been dealing with the fallout from round 8 of chemo on our 15th anniversary but here we are. This is the latest in a long line of challenges we have had to face since we got together.
By mid-day, Mark had perked up a bit and he really wanted us to go do something. We went out for a late lunch/early dinner at a sushi place we like. It was a really lovely meal and all of that rice and veggies seemed to settle his stomach.
Next year we will do something a little more exciting than a sushi lunch. This year has been all about getting through this treatment and putting cancer behind us, once and for all. Not wishing my life away but it'll be nice to get to the end of the summer and finish this up!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
5 years
5 years ago today, Gracie came home with us. She was a tiny, frightened, timid girl. When I carried her into the yard that first time and introduced her to Sam, she started to relax a little.
It took a long time for her to be completely comfortable with us. In her previous home, I think she was yelled at. A lot. She's a sensitive girl and that must have been very difficult for her.
Five years later, she's evolved into a brave, confident girl. Gracie struts around the house and yard with her tail high and swinging. A working dog, she likes to be the boss and tries very hard to herd us whenever she can. She's also very sweet and if she likes you, won't leave your side if she can help it.
Happy Anniversary Gracie. It's been a wonderful five years. Thank you, so much, for adopting us. We love you.
It took a long time for her to be completely comfortable with us. In her previous home, I think she was yelled at. A lot. She's a sensitive girl and that must have been very difficult for her.
Five years later, she's evolved into a brave, confident girl. Gracie struts around the house and yard with her tail high and swinging. A working dog, she likes to be the boss and tries very hard to herd us whenever she can. She's also very sweet and if she likes you, won't leave your side if she can help it.
Happy Anniversary Gracie. It's been a wonderful five years. Thank you, so much, for adopting us. We love you.
Friday, November 02, 2012
It was 20 years ago today
My first continuing job at the University was at CFRC Radio. I had been working at Queen's for a while, temping in different departments and applying for any jobs that were posted to external folks. I had applied for the CFRC job in April but didn't get called for an interview until October. If I'm honest, I think I'd forgotten I had even applied. I probably thought that it had gone to someone else and they didn't bother to loop back to me. This photo is me with the woman who hired me, former station manager, Maureen Plunkett. I think this was taken in the summer of 1995 by Jane Mundell, host of the awesome, "Careless Memories" show which aired on Saturday mornings in the mid-90's and featured all of our favourite cheesey 80's songs.
The position at the station was half-time so I filled in the rest of my time temping in other departments.In late 2000, almost 8 years into my gig at the radio station (which I LOVED), an opportunity came my way to take on a full-time position in the area I'm currently working. I'd been temping there since 1996 so it was a good move for me and I would move into a job full-time which I'd been doing part-time for a while.
Looking back, it's hard to believe that it's been 20 years. 20 years! If I'm really lucky, I'll get to stay on campus for another 20. It's a good place to work, I'm surrounded by amazing people who are doing exceptional things and I feel priviledged to be a part of it.
Monday, May 28, 2012
you may remember me
Hard to believe that it's been 14 years since Phil Hartman was murdered. Some of his "Troy McClure" lines are amongst the most often heard/said Simpsons quotes in our house, "You may remember me from such self-help videos as "Smoke Yourself Thin" and "Get Confident, Stupid"" or "Gay?! I wish! If I were gay they'd be no problem! No, what I have is a
romantic abnormality, one so unbelievable that it must be hidden from
the public at all cost." are just a couple...
I can't think of anything I ever saw Phil in that I didn't love, SNL, Newsradio, obviously the Simpsons and, of course, Pee Wee's Playhouse. I found this little clip of Pee Wee and Captain Carl, discussing women. Phil's legacy is huge, here's a small piece of it.
I can't think of anything I ever saw Phil in that I didn't love, SNL, Newsradio, obviously the Simpsons and, of course, Pee Wee's Playhouse. I found this little clip of Pee Wee and Captain Carl, discussing women. Phil's legacy is huge, here's a small piece of it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
hitched up
So, our anniversary party was actually a little backyard wedding. Yeah, Mark and I finally did it up legally with some friends and family looking on. We've been busy putting the house and yard back together since the weekend but I did write a little post for a bridal advice site that I've been hanging out on for a while. Thought I'd share it with y'all. Btw, it's hot and sunny 'round here and we still have lots of booze leftover so, if you're in the hood, pop by!!
My last day in the office before the wedding was July 31. All that week, I kept thinking that I should be making updates here but honestly, the week flew by in a blur.
Then, last week, when were running full steam ahead to get everything done and sorted, the time again flew and the next thing I knew, it was Thursday, August 6 and we were getting wed!
Over that weekend before the wedding (which was a long weekend in our neck of the woods), we slowly worked away at our chore list. I had made a spreadsheet which was divided up into tasks, some of them mine, some Mark’s and some for us to do together. I then divided them up into days and times so they were pretty evenly spread out over the days leading up to August 6th. We never really felt stressed out as I allowed us lots of down time in between things we needed to do.
Which each day that passed, as we crossed things off of that to-do list, I relaxed more. I must say, neither of us was worried about actually getting married but both us wanted the house and yard to look nice, and for the food to be great. I think we accomplished all of those things in the end.
On Wednesday, I went for a manicure and pedicure with my friend Annette (who was standing up with me) and my mum. I had never had a pedicure before and was shocked at how awesome it was. I was also shocked at how relaxed it made me, too relaxed actually. I wasn't able to get much done immediately after our appointment. Fortunately, Annette took me out for lunch so we both avoided our chores/errands for a little while longer.
My nails turned out beautifully. I had them done (fingers and toes the same) in a gorgeous shade of opal-y fuchsia which matched some of the pink in my dress. Even today, my fingers have just started to chip but my toes are still awesomely perfect. I must say too that I did a good job of protecting my nails with rubber gloves in the weeks leading up to the wedding. The person at the salon who did my manicure commented on how nice they were.
While I was at the salon, Mark was at home waiting for the delivery of our tables and chairs. When we got back to the house, they still hadn't arrived. Our 2 p.m. delivery didn't arrive until 5:30 p.m. To say that Mark was super pissed is a huge understatement. The 3.5 hours spent waiting around, trying to keep the dogs amused so they wouldn’t go ballistic when the stuff arrived, could have been a smidgen more relaxed. He just didn’t need the aggravation, I was annoyed too but I was already into my “go with flow” mentality which has served me so well at events I’ve worked at in the past.
While he was still angry, he started setting up the yard. The little canopies we bought had been put up on Tuesday so he placed the chairs in rows and we left the patio tables around the perimeter of the yard. Our plan was to move them under the tented area once the ceremony was over but they never ended up moving. When he had stuff set up, I took him out for pizza (we weren’t doing a big rehearsal dinner because we didn’t need to rehearse) and he was chilled out by the time we got home.
The actual day was awesome. All week long, the weather channel had been changing their minds about what the weather was going to do. It had been hot and super humid earlier in the week and, given that we were having our ceremony outside, we really didn't want it to rain. Fortunately for us, the humidity broke the day before and we had a gorgeous day.
The morning of our wedding was spent setting up tables in the house for the buffet, cleaning and picking up our catering stuff/ice and getting beer. I stayed home to finish cleaning the bathrooms and setting out the stuff on the various tables. Mark and our friend Tom went to Costco to pick up the last of the food (cakes, meat trays, veggie & fruit trays, etc.) and the beer. We had three food stations: sweet table in the living room, appetizer table in the hallway (in front of our fish tanks), main course dishes in the kitchen. It all looked and tasted great and we had plenty leftover (we were afraid we’d run out so we over-did-it I think). Fortunately, friends who are in renovation hell and who are without a kitchen took a bunch of meat and buns with them, we sent other friends home with desserts and pockets full of chocolate bars and ring-pops. We called the meal theme “picnic style” but really, it was more guilty pleasure/comfort food. Literally there was something for everyone!
Our ceremony was fun. We both cracked a lot of jokes and given that we had a smallish group (40 in total including us) it was sort of interactive. I’ll post the ceremony separately if anyone is interested in it. It seemed to literally take 2 minutes, and I felt like I was in a swirl while it was happening. I expected to be nervous and self-conscious but I was neither. Afterwards, there were lots of hugs and a few snaps (we didn’t have a professional photographer but are starting to collect photos from guests/family members which I’ll put up on flickr after I’ve sorted through them). Next was food and partying. We had a lot of fun and I think that our guests did too.
Sitting here, almost a week after the fact, it is hard to believe that it’s over but it is. We got some very lovely gifts (which I was not at all expecting). My Aunt and my mother arrived and asked where the gift table was and I stared at them both like they had 2 heads. It never occurred to us that folks would want to give us gifts. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness that went into the gifts and still cannot believe how generous folks were to us. I’m happy to report that the thank you cards are almost done (have about 6 left to do) and the ones which are completed have been posted already.
One more point before I end this. Our dogs were awesome. Our Eskie, Sam was pretty barky when folks were arriving (as he is usually) but they were both very well behaved during the ceremony and I’m sure that they scored some contraband food during the party. In the days leading up to the wedding, they knew something was up and that stuff was happening at the house so they were a little off of their routines. All things considered, they did very well and I’m really thrilled that we could have them participate in our wedding with us!
My last day in the office before the wedding was July 31. All that week, I kept thinking that I should be making updates here but honestly, the week flew by in a blur.
Then, last week, when were running full steam ahead to get everything done and sorted, the time again flew and the next thing I knew, it was Thursday, August 6 and we were getting wed!
Over that weekend before the wedding (which was a long weekend in our neck of the woods), we slowly worked away at our chore list. I had made a spreadsheet which was divided up into tasks, some of them mine, some Mark’s and some for us to do together. I then divided them up into days and times so they were pretty evenly spread out over the days leading up to August 6th. We never really felt stressed out as I allowed us lots of down time in between things we needed to do.
Which each day that passed, as we crossed things off of that to-do list, I relaxed more. I must say, neither of us was worried about actually getting married but both us wanted the house and yard to look nice, and for the food to be great. I think we accomplished all of those things in the end.
On Wednesday, I went for a manicure and pedicure with my friend Annette (who was standing up with me) and my mum. I had never had a pedicure before and was shocked at how awesome it was. I was also shocked at how relaxed it made me, too relaxed actually. I wasn't able to get much done immediately after our appointment. Fortunately, Annette took me out for lunch so we both avoided our chores/errands for a little while longer.
My nails turned out beautifully. I had them done (fingers and toes the same) in a gorgeous shade of opal-y fuchsia which matched some of the pink in my dress. Even today, my fingers have just started to chip but my toes are still awesomely perfect. I must say too that I did a good job of protecting my nails with rubber gloves in the weeks leading up to the wedding. The person at the salon who did my manicure commented on how nice they were.
While I was at the salon, Mark was at home waiting for the delivery of our tables and chairs. When we got back to the house, they still hadn't arrived. Our 2 p.m. delivery didn't arrive until 5:30 p.m. To say that Mark was super pissed is a huge understatement. The 3.5 hours spent waiting around, trying to keep the dogs amused so they wouldn’t go ballistic when the stuff arrived, could have been a smidgen more relaxed. He just didn’t need the aggravation, I was annoyed too but I was already into my “go with flow” mentality which has served me so well at events I’ve worked at in the past.
While he was still angry, he started setting up the yard. The little canopies we bought had been put up on Tuesday so he placed the chairs in rows and we left the patio tables around the perimeter of the yard. Our plan was to move them under the tented area once the ceremony was over but they never ended up moving. When he had stuff set up, I took him out for pizza (we weren’t doing a big rehearsal dinner because we didn’t need to rehearse) and he was chilled out by the time we got home.
The actual day was awesome. All week long, the weather channel had been changing their minds about what the weather was going to do. It had been hot and super humid earlier in the week and, given that we were having our ceremony outside, we really didn't want it to rain. Fortunately for us, the humidity broke the day before and we had a gorgeous day.
The morning of our wedding was spent setting up tables in the house for the buffet, cleaning and picking up our catering stuff/ice and getting beer. I stayed home to finish cleaning the bathrooms and setting out the stuff on the various tables. Mark and our friend Tom went to Costco to pick up the last of the food (cakes, meat trays, veggie & fruit trays, etc.) and the beer. We had three food stations: sweet table in the living room, appetizer table in the hallway (in front of our fish tanks), main course dishes in the kitchen. It all looked and tasted great and we had plenty leftover (we were afraid we’d run out so we over-did-it I think). Fortunately, friends who are in renovation hell and who are without a kitchen took a bunch of meat and buns with them, we sent other friends home with desserts and pockets full of chocolate bars and ring-pops. We called the meal theme “picnic style” but really, it was more guilty pleasure/comfort food. Literally there was something for everyone!
Our ceremony was fun. We both cracked a lot of jokes and given that we had a smallish group (40 in total including us) it was sort of interactive. I’ll post the ceremony separately if anyone is interested in it. It seemed to literally take 2 minutes, and I felt like I was in a swirl while it was happening. I expected to be nervous and self-conscious but I was neither. Afterwards, there were lots of hugs and a few snaps (we didn’t have a professional photographer but are starting to collect photos from guests/family members which I’ll put up on flickr after I’ve sorted through them). Next was food and partying. We had a lot of fun and I think that our guests did too.
Sitting here, almost a week after the fact, it is hard to believe that it’s over but it is. We got some very lovely gifts (which I was not at all expecting). My Aunt and my mother arrived and asked where the gift table was and I stared at them both like they had 2 heads. It never occurred to us that folks would want to give us gifts. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness that went into the gifts and still cannot believe how generous folks were to us. I’m happy to report that the thank you cards are almost done (have about 6 left to do) and the ones which are completed have been posted already.
One more point before I end this. Our dogs were awesome. Our Eskie, Sam was pretty barky when folks were arriving (as he is usually) but they were both very well behaved during the ceremony and I’m sure that they scored some contraband food during the party. In the days leading up to the wedding, they knew something was up and that stuff was happening at the house so they were a little off of their routines. All things considered, they did very well and I’m really thrilled that we could have them participate in our wedding with us!
Friday, March 20, 2009
introducing sam
A year ago today, Sam came home with us to stay.
It's hard to believe that he hasn't been with us forever because we can't remember what it was like in our house before he came along.
We've learned a lot about him and dogs in general over the past year. Looking back at it, we thought we knew what we were doing but clearly, we didn't. Sam was very patient with us though. He's the sweetest dog I've ever met and both Mark and I love him so much it hurts.
Over the weekend, we're going to do something special to celebrate his "adoption day" but we haven't figured that out yet. Extra visits to the dog park will be included and possibly a ride on the ferry to visit the not yet working (but still impressive looking) wind farm on Wolfe Island. Whatever it is, Sam'll have fun. He's a good natured boy who is never happier than when the four of us are all together. I have to say, I feel the same way!
It's hard to believe that he hasn't been with us forever because we can't remember what it was like in our house before he came along.
We've learned a lot about him and dogs in general over the past year. Looking back at it, we thought we knew what we were doing but clearly, we didn't. Sam was very patient with us though. He's the sweetest dog I've ever met and both Mark and I love him so much it hurts.
Over the weekend, we're going to do something special to celebrate his "adoption day" but we haven't figured that out yet. Extra visits to the dog park will be included and possibly a ride on the ferry to visit the not yet working (but still impressive looking) wind farm on Wolfe Island. Whatever it is, Sam'll have fun. He's a good natured boy who is never happier than when the four of us are all together. I have to say, I feel the same way!
Monday, August 06, 2007
top of the world
Well, we may not have been exactly at the top of the world (we were at the top of the Empire State Building) but we felt pretty good when this photo was taken. Fortunately, we still feel pretty good, 8 years on.
That's right, it's our anniversary today. 8 years. How the hell did that happen?
At times, I find it hard to imagine that we've ever been apart because it feels like we've been together forever. At other times, it feels like the 8 years has just flown by like minutes.
Either way, I'm very grateful to have Mark in my life. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way too. We're pretty lucky and we know it and that's probably one of the reasons why it's been so good.
That's right, it's our anniversary today. 8 years. How the hell did that happen?
At times, I find it hard to imagine that we've ever been apart because it feels like we've been together forever. At other times, it feels like the 8 years has just flown by like minutes.
Either way, I'm very grateful to have Mark in my life. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way too. We're pretty lucky and we know it and that's probably one of the reasons why it's been so good.
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