Small Update

Well hello friends, those still out there. Here is a small update and it will be in point form because I am not a very good writer and cannot make a whole paragraph sound interesting, especially in my current night-sick state. However I am known to ramble...

1. Wednesday - my car was stolen. I was rushing around in the morning and couldn't find my keys ANYWHERE and so I took Ryan's spare car key but not his spare 'the club' key. So, when I pulled up to work I thought to myself 'ah ah ah, don't put the club on cuz that would be stupid, you don't have the key to get it off.' That was the only day ever that I didn't put my club on. That was the only day ever that my car was stolen.

2. Found out I'm kinda sorta mostly getting screwed over at work. This is frustrating and a very long and complicated story. The long version turned short is that no one knows what's happening or what's going to happen and no one really even has a plan to fix a situation that no one even planned for in the first place.

3. I got to go in a helicopter and it was awesome. If I feel ambitious I may write about it later this week.

4. Whilst in said helicopter the cops called - they found my car. Now I have to figure out what to do next....

Pie

So, the last post 'Saskatchewan: Part 1' implied that there would be a post about further Saskatchewan adventures. I was planning to call it 'Saskatchewan: Part 2.' However, anyone who may still read this knows how committed I am to blogging... ahem....

Anyways, Saskatchewan was great, but it's good to be home.

Also, Ryan and I ate a whole pie tonight. It was blueberry and it was delicious.

Saskatchewan adventure, part 1

So, I debated even keeping this silly blog going. 'Who reads this blog anyways?' asked I. Well, mayhaps people are like me.... I read many people's blogs but never comment on them and then find myself horribly upset when I don't see an update for almost a month. Like, don't these people know I thrive off of reading about other people's lives? I love to hear how so-and-so loves this-and-that, or how such-and-such makes so-and-so happy/angry/confused/lethargic. Even mundane things, you know? So I decided that so what if Rachel is the only person I know reads this... it makes me happy to write it so there. So there. On to other things....

I am on vacation in Saskatchewan. Many people laughed when I said I was going to Saskatchewan for vacation. 'Why Saskatchewan?' they would ask. And then they'd kinda scoff and snicker and mutter something unintelligable under their breaths. One guy even asked me if I would be able to access my internet while in Saskatchewan. Come on people, Saskatchewanians are not barbarians. Saskatchewan is very beautiful. Plus, anywhere is a vacation when you log over 130 hours in a two week pay period.

So, I'm already into week 2 of the vacation and we are actually going home in 2 short days.... mostly we spent a lot of time in the car. This, I find, is a common thing to do here. You know, travelling long distances to somewhere because, why not? We flew into Saskatoon and then drove 3 hours to Regina to visit the sister in law for a night. The next day we drove 6 hours home to Meadow Lake (total = 9 hours). Then 2 sleeps later we drove back to Saskatoon (3 hours, 12 hours total) in preparation for a wedding in Ebenezer (population 150) which was another 3 hours out of Saskatoon (15 hours so far). The wedding was good, quaint and involved a horse and carriage and the first meeting of my husband's cousin's daughter... the first of the new generation in the family. So cute. Pictures to follow when I get home and find my cord. The next day we drove the 6 hourse back to Meadow Lake. So in one week we drove a total of 21 hours. We are glad we decided to fly here and not drive.

Whilst here we (and by we I mean mostly me) played animal bingo. The following animals I have seen in 1.5 weeks while in Saskatchewan:
1. bison (so tasty, have you ever tried!?)
2. mule deer
3. white tail deer (yes, there are 2 kinds of deer, very different and plus it's my game and I can count as many different species of animals as I want)
4. moo cows
5. horsies
6. llamas
7. alpacas
8. a black bear
9. demon ravens (imagine a regular sized raven and then feed that raven some kind of nuclear waste or goo or something and then imagine that the goo made it grow to like 5 times it's normal size and that's how big the ravens are here. They could eat your face in a single swoop)
10. a cougar (it was majestic)
11. a fox
12. a porcupine
13. one alive skunk and about 20 dead road-kill skunks
14. prarie dogs

Well, that's far too much writing for one night.

I am both excited and not excited to come home. It's been great getting a normal amount of sleep, not setting any alarm clocks and not having to be anywhere at any certain time. But, I am anxious to get home and find out if my hedgehog is alive or not, and get back to work (because work=money and money=fun therefore work=fun), and also I need to get an audiogram... anyone know how to do that!?

A giant peanut.... and also life update

Really....

One day Ryan and I were out to visit some friends. When we pulled away from our house what did we see but a gigantic Mr. Peanut in the park. I made Ryan turn back around to get the camera and we took some pictures. These were not photo shopped... this is actual footage of a giant Mr. Peanut shaped hot air balloon in the park.

And if that's not enough for you, here he is relative to other real-sized people:

Other important things that have happened include:

- I passed all prerequisites for ambulance dispatching. This is kind of exciting... I'll find out if I am in the September training class in the next 2-4 weeks.

- We bought Chandler a wheel so he could get some exercise because we dont want him to be a super fat hedgehog and he used it for the first time today! Unfortunatly I was at work at the time so I didn't get to see it but Ryan assures me it was super cute. I kinda feel like I missed my child's first steps although I'm not 100% sure how that would feel since I've never had a child nevermind one that is old enough to take steps.

- I finished reading Harry Potter and it was freaking awesome. I read it in 2 days.

- I made the hugest pot of most delicious chilli ever. I mean ever. I am so domestic. In fact, I think I will go eat some of said chilli now. mmmmmmmmmmmm

foiled again...

Well, this week I was supposed to bake in the sun, read many books and become a bronze goddess. Instead it decided to rain and I am stuck on the 'Sunshine' Coast making $2 an hour and sulking inside because what shall I do now. So, I took a page from Rachel again and we'll see if I am passing at life.... I don't expect that you read all this unless you too are stuck inside on a rainy day with nothing else to do. If you like, just skip down to the end and you'll find out if I am winning at life or losing....

Physical environment:

My personal files, papers, and receipts are neatly filed away.
Yes, I bought a fancy new file folder from IKEA and it was probably the most exciting thing I bought this year. I jest, but it is pretty awesome.

My car is in excellent condition. (Doesn't need mechanical work, repairs, cleaning or replacing)
Well, it squeeks and rattles a bit.... so I guess no....

My home is clean and tidy. (Vacuumed, wardrobes and drawers organized, desks and tables clear, furniture in good repair; windows clean).
I'm gonna give myself half a point on this one.

My appliances, machinery and equipment work well. (Fridge, toaster, lawn mower, water heater, hi-fi etc.).
Yes!

My clothes are all ironed, clean and make me look good. (No creases, piles of washing, torn, out-of-date or ill-fitting clothes).
Yes, and may I here express how much I hate ironing...

My plants and animals are healthy. (Fed, watered, getting light and love).
Yes, my one pet Chandler is fed, watered and loved and my one rubber plant just sprouted a new leaf!

My bed/bedroom lets me have the best sleep possible. (Firm bed, light, air).
Yes again, I love sleeping in my own bed... it only happens maybe 3 times a week, but my bed beats the pants off the government issue ones that I sleep on at the ambulance stations.

I live in a house/flat that I love.
Yes, space is good. 2 bedrooms so Ryan can have all his music things in one room is good.

I surround myself with beautiful things.
I'll go with yes. I think my things are beautiful. At least I have things. This is a funny question though because why would I go buy something horrible?

I live in the geographical location of my choice.
Yes, we love love love North Vancouver and will cherish every day we are there because we know that we will never afford to buy anything here... we'll love it while we can!

There is ample and healthy lighting around me.
Yes, and again, wierd question... why would I shut myself away in darkness?

I consistently have adequate time, space and freedom in my life.
I think I'll get another half point here due to my random word schedule... it's hard to plan anything when you don't know when you're working.

Nothing in my environment harms me.
Not purposefully... Chandler is very spinety!

I am not tolerating anything about my home or work environment.
No, I am loving both.

My work environment is productive and inspiring. (Synergistic, ample tools and resources; no undue pressure)
haha, undue pressure.... ample tools and resources... hahaha....
Do I love my job? yes.
Do I think the company needs more synergy, tools, resources and less pressure? Yes.
Half point then? yes.

My computer works very well and fully supports my efforts.
Yes, when Ryan and I married we amalgamated computers to make one SUPER computer!!!

My hair is the way I want it.
No, I'm never happy with my hair... it takes so much work to make it not look like a big frizzy mess.

I back up my hard drive at least monthly.
no... people do that?

I surround myself with music which makes my life more enjoyable.
Oh yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

My bed is made daily.
Nope.

I don't injure myself, fall or bump into things.
I sure don't. I'm practically accident proof. So far...

People feel comfortable in my home.
I'm pretty sure they do.

I drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
Suprisingly yes, and now I want a glass of h2o... oh yeah!

I have nothing around the house or in storage that I do not need.
I have many many things that I do not need and every time I move I get so disgusted in myself

I am consistently early or easily on time.
yes, I am a big believer in punctuality.

My Physical Environment total is 18.5

Well-Being

I rarely use caffeine. (Chocolate, coffee, colas, tea) less than 3 times per week, total.
I'm a caffeine addict.

I rarely eat sugar. (Less than 3 times per week).
I have a sweet tooth....

I rarely watch television. (Less than 5 hours per week).
Man, what a bad streak... I guess I would say I watch more, but not much more than 5 hours a week.

I rarely drink alcohol. (Less than 2 drinks per week)
Well, it depends on the week. How about a half point?

My teeth and gums are healthy. (Have seen dentist in last 6 months).
I would say they are healthy because I have never had a cavity or any kind of dental problem... but since I haven't seen a dentist in the last 6 months..... another half point!

My cholesterol is at a healthy level.
I'll go with yes

My blood pressure is at a healthy level.
Yep, I'm about a 110/80 kinda gal.

I have had a complete physical examination within the past 3 years.
Yes

I do not smoke tobacco or other substances.
Yes. Wait...no. This one should have a qualifier too, like, 'I smoke less than two cigars a year' in which case, yes, but it doesn't, so no. (I stole that answer right from Rachel)

I do not use illegal drugs or misuse prescribed medications.
I definitely don't!!!

I have had a complete eye examination within the past two years.(Glaucoma check, vision test).
Yep, just this February!

My weight is within my ideal range.
Nope, see first 2 questions of this section for possible explaination

My nails are healthy and look good.
Yes, my nails grow so fast I have no choice but to keep up with them.

I don't rush or use adrenaline to get the job done.
This is a stupid question... in my job you have no choice... sometimes your adrenaline kicks in naturally and it's a damn good thing it does too! I will take the half point.

I have a rewarding life beyond my work or profession.
Yes, very much yes!

I have something to look forward to virtually every day.
I'm gonna say yes

I have no habits which are unacceptable to me.
No, I do things that later piss myself off.

I am aware of the physical or emotional problems or conditions I have, and I am now fully taking care of all of them.
Yes, I keep myself in check pretty well thank you.

I consistently have evenings, weekends and holidays off and take at least four weeks of holiday each year.
Ahahahahahaaaa... whoever wrote this has never heard of shift work. This is a big fat NO.

I have just the right amount of sleep.
No way.... either not enough or too much.

I use well-made sunglasses.
Yes, in the sense that they protect my eyes from those harmful whatever rays.... they aren't prada or anything but they get the job done and cost 1/10th the price.

I do not suffer.
I do not suffer.

I laugh out loud every day.
Yes, my husband is quite clever. We are quite the comedic duo in our own little world.

I walk or exercise at least three times per week.
Again, it depends on the week. Half point?

I hear well and protect myself from loud noises / concerts / music.
No. We're supposed to wear hearing protection in the ambulance but I dont... and the last concert I went to I forgot my earplugs....

My Well-Being total is 14

Money

I currently save at least 10% of my income.
Yes, more actually.

I pay my bills on time.
yes.

My income source/revenue base is stable and predictable.
Always stable, never predictable. Meaning: it always works out and we have enough money but the hours are never predictable. Half point again.

I know how much I must have to be minimally financially independent and I have a plan to get there.
Oh yes.

I have returned or made-good-on any money I borrowed.
Yes... as far as I remember anyways. ACTUALLY, someone owes ME money!

I have written agreements and am current with payments to individuals or companies to whom I owe money.
Well, yes if you mean loans I am paying back.

I have 6 months' living expenses in an easily accessible account.
Yes, at least that.

All my tax returns have been filed and all my taxes have been paid.
Done and done.

I currently live well, within my means.
Yes, I was raised by my father.

I have excellent personal insurance. (Life, accident, disability, medical etc.).
No... excpet through work... and that's only while I'm working... so no.

My assets (car, home, possessions, treasures) are well-insured.
The car is but we dont have renters' insurance YET. It is in the plan. half point? thank you.

I have a financial plan for the next year.
definitley.

I have no legal clouds hanging over me.
I have to go to court for a call I did involving a drunk driver. Is that a legal cloud? It's not really my bad... I'm gonna say no. The cloud is over the drunk driver not me!

My will is up-to-date and accurate.
I don't have one... everything is in both Ryan and my names though so he will get everything.

Any parking tickets, alimony or child support are paid and current.
Yes, since I dont have these things...

My investments do not keep me awake at night.
No they sure dont. I have a great financial advisor.

I am on a career / professional / business track which is or will soon be financially and personally rewarding.
Very much yes.

My earnings are commensurate with the effort I put into my job.
I'll go with yes

I have no "loose ends" at work.
Does this court case count? I think I do have loose ends... oops....

I am in relationship with people who can assist in my career/professional development.
Um, I suppose so yes.

I rarely miss work due to illness.
Yes, very rarely... I have a super Asian immune system.

I am putting aside enough money each month to reach financial independence.
Yes

My earnings outpace inflation, consistently.
Yes, suprisingly!

My Money total is 19

Relationships

I have told my parents, in the last 3 months, that I love them.
Yes!

I get along well with my sibling(s).
Yeah, my brother is pretty much the coolest person I know.

I get along well with my coworkers/ clients.
Normally, yes.

I get along well with my manager/staff.
yes

There is no one whom I would dread or feel uncomfortable "bumping into". (In the street, at an airport or party).
No, there are many people I would feel uncomfortable bumping into. I think everyone has those kind of people.

I put people first and results second.
Yes.

I have let go of the relationships which drag me down or damage me. ("Let go" means to end, walk away from, declare complete, no longer be attached to).
All gone.

I have communicated or attempted to communicate with everyone whom I have hurt, injured or seriously upset, even if it wasn't fully my fault.
I think so.

I do not gossip or talk about others.
I am guilty of this.

I have a circle of friends/family who love and appreciate me for who I am, more than just what I do for them.
Very much yes, thank you friends.

I tell people how they can satisfy me.
Not all the time no. I hate to creat conflict.

I am fully caught up with letters and calls.Emails and Facebookings.
No.... I am ashamed...

I always tell the truth, no matter what.
No. But I think that this can be better sometimes... enter theological debate here....

I receive enough love from people around me to feel good.
Yes. I feel loved.

I have fully forgiven those people who have hurt/damaged me, intentional or not.
Yes. yes, I have.

I am a person of his/her word; people can count on me.
Yes, and I hope that comes through.

I quickly correct miscommunications and misunderstandings when they do occur.
I do try. Again, I hate conflict.

I live life on my terms, not by the rules or preferences of others.
Mostly my terms yes.

I am complete with past loves or spouses.
I don't get it either... I do not see or have relations with past loves, is that what it means?

I am aware of my wants and needs and get them taken care of.
For the most part yes.

I do not judge or criticize others.
No, I do sometimes even though I know I shouldn't

I do not "take personally" the things tat people say to me.
No I don't normally take things personally, although this would depend on who was saying it.

I have a best friend or soul-mate.
Yes, my dear old husband :)

I make requests rather than complain.
I like to think I do. I hate whiners so I hope I'm not a whiner myself.

I spend time with people who don't try to change me.
yes

My relationships score is 19

I score 70.5/100... I am also passing at life.

bleughhhhhhhhhhh

Heat is disgusting.

I know we were all asking for more sunshine and complaining about the rain and the cold and the clouds, but I think we asked a bit too hard and got a bit more than we bargained for. I worked today in my gross thick poly-cotton pants, heat-absorbing-non-breathable boots and 2 shirts because if I just wore one you would be able to see through it when I sweat. Yummy.
I think it must have been about a billion degrees.... I think the wind was hotter than the stale air. What a tease.

So, heat = sick people.
And sick people = more work.
And more work = less down time.
And less down time = one exhausted paramedic
And one exhausted paramedic = said paramedic eating reward pie
Therefore: heat = reward pie.
Hmmmm... maybe this is not so bad after all. I do like pie.

So, yes, heat is disgusting and I hope that it rains. Yeah, that's right. I hope that it rains. I love the rain. I love that wet pavement smell that happens when it rains after it's been real hot for a while. I think I belong in Prince Rupert.

Also, I'm going to see the Tragically Hip tomorrow. Should be a good show.

The newest Bishop

Yes, the Bishop family is growing by one.

Now, now, before you go facebook all your friends about who's having babies, see below:



This is Chandler. Could he be any more of a hedgehog? He is the newest member of our family and we got him just today! He survived the long, windy ride home from Keremeos and now sits in his Rubbermaid bin on the floor of our living room. Ryan is already calling him Chanandaler Bong. So far, besides being rediculously cute, he eats, sleeps and poops. Man, he poops a lot. I read a great deal of literature about hedgehogs before buying this one, but nowhere did it mention how much poo this little thing can make. I wish I could farm it and sell it as fertilizer. I bet it would make house plants grow like a charm.

This is the only picture I got of him before my camera died. And, of course, at the very moment that I am motivated not only to blog, but to take pictures, load them to the computer and attatch them to said blog, I cannot find any more AA batteries OR my battery charger. Insert curse word here.

Wait till you see his little face.... and his little paws... and his little eyes... seriously, I can't get over how cute he is.

So, again, for the record: not pregnant.