The Amazing Magic Ball!

This Christmas I bought David a magic ball from the Science store. He had expressed an interest in it during several visits over the last half year or so and I thought it would be fun to get it for him for Christmas. It's meant to be interesting to look and if you touch it the electric show changes inside the ball. It even has an audio setting and if you put it near speakers it will flash to the beat of the music. It's a very cool gadget. Well, anyways, trust Jon to find other "uses" for this seemingly innocent contraption. He discovered the following:

1. If you place your whole hand on the top, the electrical current inside the ball will focus on the palm of your hand and begin to burn it. He suggested contests to see who could keep their palm firmly planted on the ball for the longest amout of time.

2. If you touch the ball with one finger and touch another human being with the other hand you can give them a shock. If you touch them on their toes the shock is more painful than simply on the arm. Also, between the fingers is another area sensitve to shock.

3. If you touch the ball with one hand and then rub your finger along the arm of an unsuspecting victim you can actually burn the hairs off their arm. I know this to be true and I have personally experienced the burnt hair odor on my arm!

So, there you have it. A simple innocent Magic Ball has become an object of terror and weapon of destruction! Picture Jon holding the magic ball and trying to grab a screaming David and you will have an accurate picture of the serentity of a Christmas morning in the Mackie household!

We just came home from a great visit with the Coulters in Kamloops.

Good conversation, fun, games, reading and food. Very relaxing and very enjoyable! We dropped Jon off at Sun Peaks to stay with Jill and her family until after the New Year. So, as you can well imagine our house is devoid of the electrical current that seems to follow that boy wherever he goes! It's actually quite peaceful! However, we'll miss his energy before too long and look forward to his return!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

New Job!

I guess it's time for a new post and since I haven't posted about my new job I thought now would be a good opportunity so I don't lose all my viewers!

I recently posted for a new position at work in another department. I wanted the job so bad I could taste it! It is more interactive in terms of interacting with students and the general TWU community. I've enjoyed my job in Accounts Payable for 2 1/2 years and felt that now it was time to move on to a new adventure, one more suited to my personality. Well, when I found out I was the successful candidate I almost fell out of my chair I was so surprised. I knew there were many applicants and a few that I knew and who I thought would definitely beat me out. So, it was a serendipity! By the way, that's my favorite word and it means "unexpected pleasure" (smile). I'll totally miss my co-workers and that will be an adjustment. I'll have to make sure an visit them - keep them in line! Anyways, my new title is Housing Office Coordinator and with the title comes a raise in pay AND an extra week vacation which is just the icing on the cake. It will involve all aspects of dorm living for students I think. Putting them in rooms, dealing with their complaints and other issues. A fair bit of conflict resolution I'm told. Maybe my psychology course will come in handy for this job! Today is their Christmas lunch which I've been invited to. Yikes, that's the only part I'm a bit anxious about - being the new girl on the block. Oh well, I'll deal with it! Anyways, I start on January 2nd and am anticipating a great experience.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

Well, I finally got some of my Christmas decorations out of the shed and into my livingroom. Kind of looks cozy don't you think? The boys love it when I finally get to it each year. I still have to put up my nativity set but that probably won't happen until this weekend. I also baked shortbread cookies and decorated them with belgium chocolate - hmmmmmm they're tasty! Come on over anytime and we'll have tea!

D.A.R.E. Graduation

David had his D.A.R.E. (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) graduation today. During the course of the program the kids had to write speeches and make posters. They gave their speeches in class and 4 kids were chosen to give their speeches at the graduation. David was chosen and did a great job! He was so cute when he was telling me about it. When they asked if he would be willing to give his speech at the graduation he said his brain was saying "No, don't do it!" but he knew he should do it so he said yes in a very shaky voice. That's my boy! I'm proud of him and just wanted to let you all know!

Here he is standing next to his poster and with the Dare Mascot they gave him after his speech.

Winter Wonderland Part II

Here are the promised pictures of our Winter Wonderland! It might not be so thrilling for you Albertans but for us this is unusual and spectacular - I love it!

Winter Wonderland!

Today I woke up to the most beautiful day! Snow everywhere - and lots of it. It was predicted that we wouldn't be getting any snow at all this year but by the looks of it we have more today than the last few years put together AND it's supposed to continue all week! I love snow when it actually sticks and accumulates so I hope it stays for a while. I think I'll start up the fireplace .. . ok, so it only an electric fireplace (the kind that looks like a fire but it's really lights behind fluttering strip of cloth or something with a heater in it that pumps out heat) but it really does add a touch of coziness! Then I'll make some cinnamon buns which the kids absolutely love and I think I'll make a caramel machiatto for anyone who's interested! Care to join me?

PS: I would have posted a Winter Wonderland picture but my son Jon is skiing at Sun Peaks this weekend and he has my camera! I'll post it next time.

100 Things about Me

(as inspired by Grape Crush)


1. I'm 40 something
2. I have 6 siblings
3. I'm been married for almost 24 years
4. I have two boys
5. I love watching my son play soccer
6. I like watching hockey
7. I'm love to be an artist
8. I'm learning to draw
9. I miss my family
10. I love the Fall with wind, blowing leaves, crashing waves
11. I went to Bible school in Prince Albert for a year and LOVED it
12. I work at TWU
13. I really like working at TWU
14. I love California rolls
15. I love Sharls's appetizers
16. I like to bake
17. I don't like cooking much
18. I sell USANA top quality nutritional products
19. I love to be warm
20. I hate being cold
21. I love excitement
22. I love going out late at night to watch a TWU hockey game
23. I love getting up early and going for a run
24. I don't like running in the dark alone
25. I'm taking university courses now that I wished I'd taken years ago
26. I get up way to early
27. I always fall asleep when I watch movies
28. I love Starbucks Caramel Machiatos
29. I want to run a full marathon one day
30. I like comfortable clothes
31. I hate constricting clothes
32. I don't wear socks in the summer
33. I like cozy furry slippers
34. I grew a vegetable garden for the first time this year
35. I love fresh flowers
36. I love apples
37. I hate clutter
38. I have clutter
39. I like reading
40. Especially in the summer by the lake
41. I enjoy candles - lots of candles
42. Sometimes I get sad for no reason
43. I love my friends
44. I wish I knew more about everything
45. I love babies
46. I want to adopt
47. I want to work in an orphanage in Africa
48. I went on a missions trip to help with Hurricane Katrina disaster relief
49. I hate driving in unfamiliar territory.
50. I was the driver in New Orleans on that trip
51. I hate traffic
52. We were in New Orleans during Marti Gras and the traffic was insane
53. I don't like driving at night
54. We drove in the city at night
55. I am directionally impaired
56. We didn't get lost . . . for the most part
57. I love to travel
58. I hated grade one and two
59. I loved high school
60. I'm procrastinating - I should be running
61. I'm stubborn
62. I'm interested in Psychology
63. My eyes are blue
64. I'm going grey but I hide it well
65. I love reading family/friend blogs
66. I wish there were more hours in a day
67. I love Christmas
68. I love mom's croquettes
69. I'll never have time to accomplish my "to do" list for life
70. I'll get my degree when I'm close to 60 at the rate I'm going
71. I love buying people gifts
72. I like surprises
73. I think too much
74. Sometimes I gap out when people are talking to me
75. I'm not a good salesperson
76. I tried to homeschool but let's just say . . . no let's not say anything!
77. I got married when I was 20
78. I had my first son when I was 25
79. I had my second son when I was 33
80. I always wanted a girl
81. But I wouldn't trade my boys for a girl!
82. I want my boys to give me lots of grandbabies
83. I miss not seeing my nieces and nephews grow up
84. I miss not living near my mom and dad and siblings
85. I don't have a favorite color - it depends on my mood
86. I love peanut butter
87. I'm allergic to some nuts, especially hazelnuts and walnuts
88. I love humour
89. I admire my sister for writing a book
90. I want to write a book one day . . .
91. I love listening to humorous inspirational speakers
92. I love memory foam
93. I would love to change the color of my walls regularly
94. I think about doing this but there's not enough time
95. I love change
96. I love family times - playing games, eating appetizers
97. My favorite Christmas movie is "It's a Wonderful Life"
98. My long term memory sucks
99. I can't believe I thought of 100 things
100.Thanks Christina for the inspiration!

Timmies Service Alert . . .

My husband is a Tim Hortons addict. He goes there for coffee or tea every day at least once and often twice ensuring the survival of the coffee house chain. For him, life is good when you take a drive through the country with a Timmies in hand. Well, lately the service at a couple of the locations he frequents has been slipping. It's possible that the drive-through attendants were new and didn't realize that their paycheck was just pulling up to place his daily order. Well, as he often does, he ordered a steeped tea with honey. He paid his pittance and was handed his tea with 2 honeys on the side. He kindly asked if the honey could be put in the tea as it's hard to maneuver when you're driving. He was told "sorry, but we're not allowed to put the honey in the tea". Well, that was the last straw as this was becoming a regular occurrence. When he got home he promptly emailed a complaint to the Tim Horton's head office (not giving specific locations as he didn't want to get the poor girl in trouble). They sent him a long email back and here is an excerpt of the bottom line portion:

"I assure you that corrective measures will be taken to prevent recurrence of a similar incident. Please be advised that honey should be on the side only if specifically requested by the customer. Therefore, the employee should have put the honey into your tea for you. Also, there should be no additional charge for the honey in the tea."

So, there you have it - at Tim Hortons, the honey is FREE and IN the tea and thanks to my dh you can be rest assured that when you order tea through the drive-through you will now be able to drink it and not wear it . . .

From cars to trucks to . . . motorcycles???

Mustang #1 June 2006

Jon buys his first car
Mustang #2 July 2006

Jon trades his first car for his second car
Toyota 4x4 August 2006

Jon trades his second car for his first 4x4
Motorcycle Oct. 2006

Jon trades his first 4x4 for his first motorcycle







My son Jon never ceases to amaze me. I really thought that Mr. Monster Truck was here to stay as I indicated in a previous post. Well, after having fun all summer with his huge 4 x 4 truck my "common sense" son decided that as gas prices were so high and he was after all going to become a poor student soon, it would make total sense to trade it in for a motorcycle that he could ride to work for a fraction of the cost. Before I could even think to respond the deal had been made, the truck was gone and a spiffy looking motorcylce arrived at our door. This spontaneity is beginning to sound like a vaguely familiar trend in my family . . . Dad, Don . . . Well, he obvioulsy doesn't have a motorcyle license (we're negotiating on that one) so guess where he rides the dang thing? Yip, in the backyard, front yard and up and down the driveway. My hair just keeps getting more and more gray - he sure keeps our life interesting! I wonder what it will be next . . . perhaps a sensible car?? Not likely!

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

I've always wanted learn how to draw, paint, and basically bring out my creative side. I recently started taking a drawing course that is taught based on the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Is is very interesing and I'm learning a lot. It's not an easy course as making the switch from your left literary side to your right visual side isn't always an easy transition (at least that's my experience). You can almost feel it when you've switched - very interesting the way it works. Anyways, at the beginning you have to draw a self-portrait and then at the end of the five week course you draw another self portrait and compare. It should be interesting. This week is week four. I'll post both pictures at the end . . . if I dare!

Whistler Getaway!

Matthew and I just returned from a two night getaway in beautiful Whistler, BC the future home of the 2010 Olympics! We stayed at the Cascade Lodge right in the village. It was an amazing time - the weather was perfect, the trees were brilliant with color - I couldn't help staring at the spectacular scenery wherever we went! It was supposed to rain the whole time so it was a total serendipity (unexpected pleasure) - I love that word!
We decided to be spontaneous and booked ourselvs with Ziptrek for the ride of our lives! The guided tour included five incredible zipline rides that gain progressively in height and length with the longest spanning over 1100ft (and apparently we went as fast as 80-90km/hour on that one!). We experienced the exhilaration of flying as we glided along steel ziplines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It was a rush and we totally recommend it if you are ever in the area.


This is a picture of Matthew soaring through the sky as graceful as an eagle! Doesn't that look exciting!!
Here are some beautiful pictures of the area. I wish I was a better photographer because these pictures just don't capture the beauty up there. All around it was a great couple of days - I think we'll have to go back again . . . soon!

What a Rush!

Well, it's done and what a rush it was! Alanna didn't let me down and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of and I beat my last year's time by over a minute speedwalking the entire 21.1 km - no cheating! There were again walkers who ran portions but I decided not to let it bother me as I was there once too. The written rules don't mention anything about occasional running so they were probably unaware of that particular rule. I decided my goal was to beat last years time without running and that's the goal I focused on. Alanna was a true blue friend and stuck with me the whole way - personally I think she could have won in our age category but she insisted on sticking with me. If you read this Alanna - THANKS from the bottom of my heart - you're a great coach and a wonderful friend!

My next goal is to go in the 10km run that's happeninging in Stanley Park (Vancouver) in a couple of weeks. I will run as much as I can but will also walk - it will be the first step towards possibly running a whole marathon one day. . .

Okanagan International Marathon

Last year I participated in the 1/2 Marathon walk portion of the Okanagan International Marathon in Kelowna, BC. I went with my sister in law Danielle and we had such a blast! I could hardly walk for a couple days after that but boy was it worth it - it was definately a rush. So, this year I talked a friend of mine, Alanna into joining me. If the truth be told she could probably run the full marathon and do really well but because she loves me so much (smile) she's willing to come down to my level and speed walk the 1/2 marathon! What are friends for eh? Anyways, my goal is to meet or beat my last year's time. There's a bit of a story behind that. Last year there were quite a few walkers who from time to time jogged a portion of the route. I wasn't sure it was legal or not but the competitiveness in me just couldn't idley stand by and see them get ahead so I decided to jog portions myself. Well, I did really well and actually could have received an award for my category but we didn't stay for the ceremonies. In my mind I really wanted to know if the occasional jogging was legal or illegal in the race. It didn't specifically state "no running" in the rules but I felt deep down that perhaps a walk marathon meant you actually had to walk. So, this year I emailed the organizer and asked point blank it the occasional jogging was permitted. He responded with a very firm negative on that and said if any of the officiators saw "walkers" running they could be disqualified. So, there you have it. In my mind I have denied my placement from last year (I think it was 2nd in my category of 40 - 50 year olds) and this year I intend to redeem myself by getting a time equal or better to that of last year. It won't be easy as I probably ran close to 1/2 hour of the 2 hours and 48 minutes it took to complete the 21.1 kms but my only hope is Alanna, who so far has pushed me to the extreme in our training. You know, she could probably run an exercise boot camp!

Anyways, I'll let you know how it went. The race is on Sunday morning at 7am and I'm sooo looking forward to it!

Soccer season is back!

Well, it's that time of year again where dedicated parents sit week after week and watch their young sons or daughters play soccer - proudly cheering them on to victory or helping to nurse their wounds of defeat. David loves soccer and he has lots of potential. If we could get him to be a bit more aggressive on the field he'd benefit greatly but anyone who knows David knows that he's just a gentle giant.He's afraid he might accidently hurt someone so he holds back. He has dreams to play on the TWU soccer team one day (I have dreams too!). He has a great coach who David's been fortunate enough to have for the second year in a row. I'm looking forward to the season except for the fact that the chilly rainy season is creeping up. I'm not sure why soccer got stuck with the Fall/Winter season but it can
get mighty chilly out there. I guess the boys are running around so they're not cold but the spectators . . . that's another story. I guess we'll just have to get prepared with our furry boots, rainproof jackets with cozy sweathers underneath, fingers wrapped in warm gloves holding a steaming up of Tim Horton's coffee. Hmmm, doesn't sound too bad after all does it?

By the way, so far they're 3 for 3!

Life . . .

Life is not a single race - but rather a series of races. When you fall down you simply get up and start again.

~unknown

A Room with a View

Sometimes I just feel so blessed to be working at TWU - it's in such a beautiful area. If I'm stressed I just look out one (or both) of the big windows on our floor and this is what I see. These two pictures were taken the other day at about 9am when the fog was just lifting. In the winter when there's snow on the gound (doesn't happen too often) it's looks even more beautiful. I'll make sure to take a picture of the frost on the trees when winter arrives to show you! And, I work with such a great group of people - it kind of eases the pain of having to get up and go to work each morning . . . which reminds me . . . I better get going!

Introducing . . .my new home business!

I recently started a home business introducing people to a line of nutritional supplements. The company is USANA and it's a multi-level marketing company that specializes in providing top quality pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements. At first I wasn't the least bit interested as I'm NOT a salesperson and getting involved in MLM was the last thing on my list of things to do before I die. THEN, my friend and co-worker encouraged me to try them for one month and see how I felt. She knew what health issues I was dealing with (Restless Leg Syndrome and IBS) and was confident the vitamins would help. So, I finished up the vitamins I was already taking and gave it a shot. Well, I was absolutely amazed (and still am) at the results I experienced even the next morning. My IBS symptoms are gone! This is something I have struggled with almost my whole life with no relief and it was getting worse. So, I don't have to be a good "salesperson" to sell the stuff. I just tell my story and people want to check it out for themselves.

So, if you're ever thinking that it's time to invest in your health feel free to check out the website at www.usana.com (ok, maybe that did sound a bit salepitchish but it really is great stuff and I'm excited about letting people know.) You can read about the history of it and some of the medical professionals who back it up. There is even a doctor associated with USANA who will tell you which supplements to take for various illnesses. That's how I found out what I should be taking for my "issues". Anyways, check it out and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime!

OK, I'm done!

And the Winner Is . . . EVA!

Well, my prediction came true and Eva was crowned the newest Canadian Idol! It was a closer race than I thought it would be (3%) but she came through and now she has an exciting future ahead of her. It was announced that the winner would be touring with Martina McBride this Spring. Eva's face showed her excitement at this prospect should she win, and win she did!

I would give the overall finale show a 7/10. It wasn't as good ast the American Idol finales probably due to a lower budget for the event but they really did quite a good job.

A highlight was the performance with the African Children's Choir. Those kids are adorable! Well, American Idol is just around the corner so keep tuning in for updates . . . I know your just so excited at the prospect. I'll make Idol junkies out of you all yet!

Hey, by the way, have you ever heard of the show "Lost" . . .

Boys and their Toys

My son loves cars and trucks . . . big trucks! This is his latest purchase. He tends to buy vehicles and sell them within weeks however this big baby is apparently here to stay for the unforseeable future. When he said he was trading in his mustang for a toyota pickup I was overjoyed - however, this isn't exactly what I was expecting! I have to say though, he's had tons of fun with it and thoroughly enjoys fixing it after every outing - good thing he has a job! Just today he said to me "come on Mom, you gotta admit - that truck it sweet!" I hated to disappoint him but sweet isn't exactly the term I had in my mind. I'm not sure how the neightbours feel about having this mudridden vehicle in their neighborhood but I hope they can get past it because the monster is here to stay!

The Grande Finale

Ok, I know I've already done a blog on Canadian Idol but just hear me out. You say it's lame compared to American idol but how do you really know if you're not watching it? They're down to the final two, Eva and Craig. Craig could already be one of the Backstreet Boys and Eva is in a league of her own. She is probably the best singer that I've heard on Canadian or American Idol and she WILL be incredibly successful. Just do one thing for me and check it out. The finale is on Sunday evening and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Why don't you just go to http://www.ctv.ca/idol/gen/Home.html and click on videos. Then pick a couple of the songs she has sung and listen to them. She's really amazing! Then come back and tell me what you think. I guarantee that she'll be one of those stars we look back in the years ahead and say "hey man, I voted for her on Canadian Idol . . . yip, I helped her become famous".

Happy Birthday Aneta!

Well, today is my sister's birthday. She always posts such cool blogs when we have a birthday so I thought she deserved one too. I didn't have a picture of just her alone when she was young but I found this one. She's the cutie in the red sweather! Aneta has always been a great big sister to me - trying to impart her knowledge at every opportunity. She was born to teach and made good use of every opportunity like when we played school growing up. She was good at it then and is obviously still at the top of her game! She's a great organizer - skills she proved just recently when she planned our Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary celebration. It was a smashing success! She has a great sense of humor too - well at least I think so although Jill thinks we're a bit off the wall when we get together and can't stop laughing over something that only we understand. Anyways, to me she's just an all around great person and I love her dearly! Happy Birthday Sister!

Canadian Idol Anyone?

So, does anyone watch Canadian Idol? I'm a big fan of music and I love watching these shows. The only problem is that we can't get CTV on our larger TV for some reason. I became desperate and pulled out a little 4" TV we had stored away. It has a channel dial so I'm able to tune into CTV as long as I cover a fork in tin foil and stick it in the broken antena. My family thinks I'm a bit crazy . . . but that's probably not news to you. I just sit in my comfy chair and put the little TV on my lap. Hey, it works. Anyways, I think Eva is this year's winner - she has an amazing voice and performs like she's in the big leagues. Anyone else into this show?

Widgeon Creek Canoe Trip

Today we took a trip to Pitt Lake. We rented a canoe and paddled up Widgeon Creek. As this lake is influenced by the tide and time of year the water was way lower than usual but we still had lots of fun. We just got the kids to get out and pull us along when the water got too shallow . . . David and Nicole had a blast and we just layed back and enjoyed the ride. We saw a Blue Heron which was beautiful - and so graceful when it flew off, almost like it was showing off it's splendour. It was a relaxing day and one we'll hope to repeat in the early summer when the water is much deeper.

Heather Trail - Manning Park

We (Matthew, Dan, David and I) recently hiked up the Heather Trail in Manning Park. It was so beautiful - the sky was a vibrant blue and the air was so fresh. It was an 11km hike to the peak of the First Brother (0f 3) and the view was spectacular. I would love to go hiking on a more regular basis - there are so many beautiful hikes just waiting to be explored!

Here I go!

Well, I'm attempting to start up my own blog . . . again. I just can't seem to find the first one I started a long while ago! So, here's to new beginnings. I come from a family of bloggers so why not join in the fun! It's finally time to step off of the bleachers and come down on to the playing field . . . hey I've heard that before somewhere . . . in church!

Anyways, be patient with me as I feel my way around . . .