Another Epiphanie Contest!

Have you seen all the beautiful new products & contest for pro photographers on http://www.DesignAglow.com?

Seriously amazing! I want a bag to hold my camera while i go on my trip that I am going to win from the other Epiphanie contest!. Oh please magic fairies of all things good and wonderful help me win one or possibly both contests! If that's not too much to ask?!

Random Dozen: Easter Version

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?
Ew. So yeah...not a fan. Also not a fan of the creme filled eggs. Caramel for me please!

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?
Being myself in front of a crowd. When I'm given a character it's easy, but when it's me I'm so nervous! I have a pre-show ritual that I do did when I was doing theatre. Breathing and praying is the shortened version.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
I love the rain…sometimes. I love the first rain after it's been dry and yucky. The smell, especially after the first neighbour mows their lawn, is awesome!

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?
If this is in the future, my child's face. If it is now, umm…Taylor Lautner Jen Miller my kitty. He's adorable and I miss him.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
Well I have had both. Still have the tattoo, but had to take out the nose ring. I would love to have the nose ring back, and am planning another tattoo. Piercings and tattoos are addicting; it's true.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
I will be working, so I will be hiding easter eggs and making special easter baskets for my "kids".

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
Cadbury for me. Reese for my roommate.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
A rosebush that was just starting to bud.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
I am currently reading Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail (YouGrowGirl) It's awesome and I can't wait to go home and start some seeds!

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
EVERYTHING! I hate organizing and cleaning! I like having things clean, just not the actual cleaning it myself part. Probably just the starting. Yep starting spring cleaning is the hardest. Or maybe the finishing….since technically we started but haven't finished yet.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
Too many.

12. Which color makes you happiest?
Blue. Either a rich sky blue, or a slightly tealy sky blue. Also yellow.

And there's another Random Dozen! Come back for the month of April as I attempt blogging everyday! This month's theme is BIG!

Oh Epiphanie!

I want to win this. I can't decide if I want the camera or the gift card. What am I talking about? This giveaway courtesy of Epiphanie. They make the cutest camera bags! I want the blue one.

They are giving away a brand new Canon 5D Mark II or a $2500 Gift Card to Southwest Airlines!

So if you want a chance to win head over here before March 31st at midnight!

Will Attempt to Grow Great Grub

My roommate and I have decided to attempt growing our own veggies and herbs on our balcony. I have been thinking about it for awhile, since my dad is an avid gardner. Karen, over at Chookooloonks, recommended Gayla Trail's, You Grow Girl, new book Grow Great Grub on this post, for growing your own food in a small space. Today as I was walking through Chapters, after surviving a torrential downpour of rain on the way from the car door to the store door, I happened across her book. I was wandering around hoping the rain would stop enough for me to head back to the car and there it was, calling out to me, as a featured book in the aisle. I kinda got a little bit more than a little bit excited! Even though I don't personally know Karen or Gayla, it was almost like seeing a friend's book for the first time. I imagine I will be even more excited when I get Karen's book when it comes out, as I have been following her blog throughout her whole writing/taking pictures process.

So back to the gardening. In the next couple of weeks I have to figure out what I can plant, what kind of planters/soil I need, and then go buy it all. Ultimately I know I will save money/learn something new in the process, but it all seems like so much work right now. First to read this book. I'm excited. Oh and the photos alone are worth the buy!

I am Not a Mom

But some days I feel like it.

To pay the bills I am a in home support worker at a group home for youth with autism. It is, as everyone asks me, a "rewarding yet tough" job. Yesterday I threw a birthday party. There were only 11 of us there, but it felt like there were 20+. Trying to get the birthday girl to sit still and stay out of the kitchen was difficult enough, but to also have to keep an eye on the other 2 youth, because I had no idea where the other workers were at times, was just plain annoying. It went well enough. We filled the kids with more sugar than they have had in the last month and surprisingly there were no fights, well two narrowly avoided.

Getting the girls ready for bed last night took far too long for my liking, and when it finally came time for me to crawl into bed I was far too excited! I slept amazingly...until the wind storm and rain woke up one of the girls who ended up staying awake for 4HOURS!!!! because she was scared. Let's just say waking up at 630am this morning was a little difficult. The kids are all at school, and I am so ready for a nap.

I am not a mom, but some days I sure feel like it.

Flashback Friday Easter

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood.

Easter growing up was always very exciting! I should clarify that a little. Easter morning was not exciting. My parents would get us up very very early for the Sunrise Service. Sunrise service starts at 6 or 630 am. We would bundle up in our snow gear, drive out to the Peterson's field, crawl through the fence and join everyone else on the hill. People from all the different churches would gather together and sing and one of the pastors would have a short service. When it was done everyone would head to the hospital (it's a small town and the hospital is funded partially by one of the churches) for freshly made hot cross buns and coffee.

My family would head home and have a huge breakfast, followed by a scavenger hunt. Some years we wouldn't go to the Sunrise service and the day would start with the scavenger hunt followed by breakfast.

My mom and dad always out did themselves year after year. They would have these amazing clues that would have my brother and I running all over the property. Clues would lead us to the BBQ, the piano, out to the horse barn, even down to the garden! If you knew how far that was to run first thing in the morning you would sympathize with me! The one clue that I remember the most was about "tickling the ivories." We were too young at that point to know what that meant so we had to ask mom and dad for help. And that is when I first learned that expression. The last clue would be to where she had hidden our easter baskets filled with a special egg and toys. We had the same baskets through my entire childhood. We would have to hang them up on our doors before going to bed so the "easter bunny" could take it and fill it and then hide it.

Some years my birthday falls on Easter. These years mom would make a giant scavenger hunt with the final prize being the goodie bags. There were always lots and lots of chocolate around those years! More than usual! A couple of years ago, while I was at university, I specifically asked my mom not to send me any chocolate for my birthday as it was falling on easter. A few days before my birthday a big box arrives. I waited until my birthday morning to open it, as to my mom's instructions. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but not what I found. The box was absolutely stuffed with chocolate! Lots and lots and lot and lots of chocolate! It took me, and my best friend and her husband, months to eat all of it!

This year Easter will be very different as I will be spending it at work with my "kids." So I will be doing the hiding of the Easter Eggs this year. And trying to keep 2 kids from eating too much chocolate. :)

I have heard that in Christianity Easter is what it's all about. Some say Christmas is the big celebration, but without Easter there would be no point in His birth. So to all of you who pass by and read this, I hope you have a very Happy Easter!

Random Dozen on the Road

The theme is Spring . . . and any other random questions that crept in.

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?

The smell of a freshly mown lawn!!

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?

I did remember. Although I really wouldn't have noticed much either way as my phone is my alarm clock and the time changed on it automatically.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?

Squash! Butternut and spaghetti! mmm.. and carrots and peas! and yams!

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?
Pineapple!

5. What is your least favorite insect?

Mosquitos. Not only are their bites incredibly itchy, but they are so annoying! The constant buzzing and always in my face/ears! So not cool!

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?

I do, but only if I forget my water bottle (which I fill with tap water). I will buy whatever is the cheapest or whatever is in the size that I want.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?

We drank and brushed our teeth with bottled water.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?

It really depends on the day. In the summer when I have my water bottle with my all the time, I will drink a couple litres a day. But lately I have been really bad, and my skin is definitely showing it.

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.

I have watched a few magic shows that are on the side of the street, in parks, etc. I saw one while I was on the cruise last fall. None of which I would say were "professional" in any sense other than that they were getting paid.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?

No

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?

I grew up watching Westerns with my dad every Sunday afternoon when we got home from church, before Road to Avonlea and Disney. I have never really been a fan of gangster movies.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?

I have only been to 4 US states: Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Florida. I would like to go to Oregon, California and New York. Also, Texas.

And that concludes another episode of Random Dozen! Thanks for stopping by!

Say That You'll Come

I was betrayed tonight. It hurt more than I could have imagined. My heart just isn't quite as ready to let go as my head is.

My client and I were on our way to her gymnastics class, and I drove past "the house." I ended up tearing up and getting all heart achey.

What is "the house?" A few weeks before my ex and I broke up we drove past this amazing old farm house. It's yellow and has a wrap around porch and although is a major fixer-upper is pretty much the house I have dreamt about since I was a little girl. Anyway, we started joking about "one day" stuff like how the house would be great with all the land, and a dog, and a couple of kids...etc... Now this is pretty awkward stuff considering we really hadn't been together long, but it just felt natural. We even ended up, very awkwardly at this point, arguing over which is a cuter name for a little girl, Madison or Madelyn, which would be shortened to Maddy. Anyway, long story short, I had, after a 2 year friendship/crush and a few months dating, fallen hard. When it ended I was pretty hurt. But in the last month I have done a pretty good job of convincing my head that it was all for the best. All of it. The friendship, the relationship and the break up. I learned a lot both about myself and what I am ultimately looking for.

This video/song is my amazing friend Jen Miller. She wrote this song today. I'm kinda loving it.

Oh and on a cute sidenote: My client has autism, and generally doesn't notice other people's emotions. When we were at the park, I was getting a little misty eyed, she looked at me and said "[Renee] sad" and then promptly ran to the playground. It put a little smile on my face for the rest of the evening.

100 Truths

A friend of mine did this and since I was bored I decided to do it as well. It originally said that when you are finished tag n amount of people. If you decide you would like to do it too go ahead! Add a comment with a link back to your answers!

Skip any questions you don't feel comfortable answering.

1. Last beverage→ [cheap] Champagne with green tea chai apple juice

2. Last phone call→ received from my friend Stephen. trying to get together...eventually.

3. Last text message→ Shaun

4. Last song you listened to→ Something on Jen's computer ??

5. Last time you cried→ not including crying from onions or wind? probably a couple of weeks ago. wow that's actually kind of surprising!

HAVE YOU EVER:

6. Dated someone twice → yes

7. Been cheated on? → yes

8. Kissed someone & regretted it? yes

9. Lost someone special?→ Yes

10. Been depressed?→ Yes

11. Been drunk and threw up? → unfortunately yes

LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:

12. Green

13. Blue

14. Yellow

15. Orange

HAVE YOU:

16. Made new friends → Yes

17. Fallen out of love → Yes

18. Laughed until you cried → Yes

19. Met someone who changed you → Yes

20. Found out who your true friends were → Yes

21. Found out someone was talking about you → Yes

22. Kissed anyone on your friends list→ Yes

23. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life → All but one...but that will change eventually.

24. How many kids do you want to have→ 2. 3 if I have twins.

25. Do you have any pets? → Sort of. I have a cat, Zacch, who lives in foster care in Kamloops with a really nice family :)

26. Do you want to change your name→ My last name, eventually.

27. What did you do for your last birthday→ I had dinner with a friend. No big parties.

28. What time did you wake up today → 9:25!!! I got to sleep in! It was amazing! I didn't get out of bed til 10:30 though!

29. What were you doing at midnight last night → sleeping

30. Name something you CANNOT wait for → Right now...returning/finishing school. Having a real job/career. Meeting MR Right-for-me and getting married! oh and a baby. I want a baby. They are just so cute! haha

31. Last time you saw your father→ March 2. I went home for a week :)

32. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life→ Too many to list.

33.What are you listening to right now? → No music, but Cake Boss is on TV

34. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom→ I have talked to a Thomas. Does that count? I've also been in the presence of Tom Welling, although I never spoke to him. He did brush up against me while passing though...

35. What's getting on your nerves right now? → My contacts are drying out...

36. Most visited webpage → Facebook

37. What's your name→ Robyn Renee

38. Nicknames→ Bob, SweetPea, Rob, Bobyn, husband.

39. Relationship Status → Single

40. Zodiac sign → Aries

41. Male or female or transgendered → female

42. Elementary→ NOYB

43. Middle School → NOYB

44. High school→ NOYB

45. Hair color → dark brown

46. Long or short → medium. It's shoulder length

47. Height → 5' 8"

48. Do you have a crush on someone? → Why yes I do! :)

49: What do you like about yourself? → My eyes. And my ability to withstand a lot.

50. Piercings → 2 in my left ear, 3 in my right, navel, and I used to have my nose pierce, but not anymore...one day again.

51. Tattoos → Right foot. The words "Spoken For" in a fancy script, and another in the planning stages.

52. Righty or lefty → Righty, although any sports that involve my feet I am "lefty"

FIRSTS :

53. First surgery → I was 2 I think? I had tubes put in my ears.

54. First piercing → Ears. I was 7

55. First best friends → Tara and Tracey. My oldest and lifelong friends!

56. First sport you joined → Figure Skating

57. First pet→ We had a dog and a cat.

58. First vacation→ Other than camping and such...Hawaii for my 13th birthday

59. First concert → Relient K, in Terrace, back before anybody really knew who they were.

60. First crush → Isaac. closely followed by Brent

RIGHT NOW:

61. Eating → nothing...although now I really want a cinnamon bun from my trip to Ikea earlier today.

62. Drinking → nothing.

63. I'm about to → go to sleep

64. Listening to → still nothing.

65. Waiting for → this to be done so I can go to bed...

YOUR FUTURE :

66. Want kids? → definitely yes!

67. Want to get married? → definitely yes!

68. Careers in mind→ Special Ed teacher, Highschool English/Drama teacher and eventually maybe Stay-at-home-mom? or at least for a little while.

IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX?

69. Lips or eyes → eyes

70. Hugs or kisses → Kisses are great, but I love a good hug!

71. Shorter or taller → Taller.

72. Older or Younger → I guess it doesn't matter as long as they're somewhere close to being on the same page as me.

73. Romantic or spontaneous → Both!

74. Nice stomach or nice arms → If I can only choose one...stomach

75. Sensitive or loud → There's a right time and place for both of those.

76. Hook-up or relationship → Relationship.

77. Trouble maker or hesitant → Hesitant. I'm tired of bad boys.

HAVE YOU EVER :

78. Kissed a stranger → ahhh....kinda? I kinda knew him :)

79. Drank hard liquor → yes

80. Lost glasses/contacts → haha yeah! I lost a pair of glasses somewhere in Banff.

81. Sex on first date → Nope

82. Broken someone's heart → yep. it sucks.

83. Had your own heartbroken → Too many times!

84. Been arrested → Not yet... :)

86. Turned someone down →yes

87. Cried when someone died → Yes

88. Liked a friend that is a girl? → like LIKE like? I have thought girls were attractive, but not in a "I like you" kind of way.


DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

89. Yourself → Most of the time

90. Miracles → yes.

91. Love at first sight → Attraction at first site yes, love at first sight no.

92. Heaven → 100% yes.

93. Santa Clause → no

95. Kiss on the first date? → no. not anymore. You have to work for it boys! This girl's heart is guarded!

96. Angels → yes

97. Ghosts → it's hard to say. yes and no.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:

98. Is there one person you want to be with right now? → yes

99. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? → yes. I was young and stupid.

100. Posting this as 100 Truths? → Yes

Well, now apparently you know all about me. :P If you actually read through this all congrats! No get out of here! and don't forget to comment if you decide to be crazy and do this too!

Flashback Friday! #2

When was your first date? You can choose either your first date ever or your first date with your spouse - or both! How old were you?

I was 15. He was home from university for Christmas break. I had to ask my parents if I could go, because I was not yet 16.

What did you do/where did you go?

We went for lunch.

Did anything memorable - either good or embarrassing?

I remember the incredible butterflies that were going through my tummy leading up to and during when he met me and gave me a hug :) That day a local company was having a lunch meeting and one of the ladies was getting out of her car, saw us, whistled and said "get a room!" I was pretty embarrassed!

If it was your first date ever, did you continue to date that person? If so, how long?

No we never went on another date. Our fathers work together, and although I don't know what he said, my father said something to his father that scared him away. I did end up going on a few dates with his best friend years later though.

If you are sharing the story of the first date with the person you married, did you know then that he/she was "the one" or did it take a longer for love to bloom?

Any other memories you wish to share about those wonderfully awkward first dates?!

Most of my relationships have begun after being friends first, so generally the first actual date is kinda awkward as we move from friends to more.

No Alien Babies

So today was the day to go get all my test results from last week. Turns out everything is normal. No alien babies. No infections. No horrible disease. Just a not so fun ruptured ovarian cyst. Phew! I'm not so excited that this will most likely happen again. I had a similar, more intense but shorter, pain last year that ended with me in emerge and a ultrasound only for them to say "it was probably a cyst don't worry about it"

One good thing that came out of all this though was that it forced me to go in for a pap. I have been avoiding going for one since I don't have a doctor down here. For all you ladies out there who have not had a PAP in the last 2 years: GO NOW! Seriously! Even if you are not sexually active! It's nice to know that everything is looking fine down there!

Ok enough with the lecture. Enjoy your Sunday. Go drink a mimosa!

Sing it Michael!

It's like he's singing about my life....

Flashback Friday

How and when did you learn to drive? Do you have any particular memories associated with getting your driver license? How old were you when you got your first car and what was it? Who paid for it?

I'm going to start by saying that I am still a "youngin" at 23 so this wasn't too long ago.

My dad took me out in what would soon be my brothers Tercel. It was a standard. I believe, after stalling approximately 5000 times or more, I jumped out of the car (on the dirt road leading to our house) in tears and ran home.

After that my parents payed for lessons in the neighbouring town. Because I live in BC, we have the graduated licensing program. At the time I had to have my learner's permit(L) for 6 months and my Novice permit (N) for 18 months. With the GLP lessons I was able to test for my N after 3 months. I failed and had to redo the test a couple months later.

Driving home with my N, in a snowstorm, I came up to a corner (this is in mountainous, windy roads) to see my high school counsellor (who is known for her horrible driving) in my lane! Let's just say mom and I had to pull over afterwards (when it was safe!) to collect ourselves!

I still have never owned a car; I live in a city with a great transit system. I imagine when I am finished school and have a career I can start thinking about that. But right now it's just not in the budget.

Plinko Random Dozen

Definition of plink: "Plinking refers to informal target shooting done at non-traditional targets such as tin cans, glass bottles, and balloons filled with water." Plinko is also a carnival game we play at Oneighty, but pot-luck shots fits this meme better, I think.

So here are your random plinko questions lined up in a row just like tin cans:

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

If sandals count, I have a pair from about grade 9 or 10 so about 9 years old. They are a pair of Teva's though so they will last forever :)

If sandals don't count, then I have no idea.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

No. I did eat some Girl Guide cookies though. I think my roommate bought them. They were the chocolate mint ones.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?

I know how to waltz. My dad taught me when I as little. I would LOVE to actually learn more though. I used to ice dance. That was fun!

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

I was extremely responsible! I owe that to my parents putting me in lots of extra-curriculars.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

I saw 4 of the 10 Best Picture nominations. Up, Up in the Air, Avatar and The Blind Side.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

I definitely do better with having it done to myself! I don't like blood or needles, but when I injure myself or need blood drawn I'm somewhat okay.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Day 4! I am on a 3 on 3 off shift week. So when it's day 4 I am happy, because I get to go home!

8. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

No. I hate the smell though.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.

Mountain Equipment Co-op. I want my own camping stuff this year.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

For some things yes, like laundry detergent (I'm allergic to most) and beauty supplies (again because of sensitive skin/allergies) but for food and other cleaning supplies I'm pretty good with whatever is the best deal. Oh but I don't cheap out on toilet paper. That has to be the good stuff!

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

I think I have a harder time when I am telling them how I feel. I am pretty insecure/shy when it comes to letting myself open up to others. When people tell me how they feel about me I find it pretty awkward though.

Pain = no fun

Have you seen the movie Alien vs Predator. The part where the pregnant lady's tummy starts moving and then the aliens burst out?!

Have you ever felt like something is going on inside your body, something bad, but you have no idea what it is?

I have had some pretty annoying, not quite agonizing pain in my lower back and abdomen on the left side which radiates into my thighs, for the better part of this past week. Yep not fun. I tried to google diagnose myself, and scared myself so I went to the doctor. I got sent to the lab to get tests done and now I have to wait 'til Monday to get my results. I was told if it gets worse to come back in before then. As of today it's spread to the right side.

I'm pretty sure there are no alien eggs in there that are going to hatch and burst out of my abdomen, but all the other options are just as scary. Here's to praying that the pain suddenly disappears!

Can you say procrastination?

It's a gross rainy day.

My bedroom is a mess.

I have a huge pile of dirty laundry.

I haven't unpacked yet from my trip home.

I have photos to edit.

I have a project to write.

And what am I doing?

Facebook and blogging.

I have also already gone tanning and to the store.

And soon the Oscars will be on. Well soonish.

Time to get the music blasting and the cleaning done.....

.......

............

..................

.......................

.............................. ok i'm going.

"Get Rid of Him" just not yet...

Single life news: ____________.

Yep it's been an exciting couple of weeks! [please note sarcasm]

I actually did have an awesome week visiting my family and friends. It was slightly depressing to see that most of my friends are married/getting married/having babies/buying houses. I know that I am still very young with lots of time ahead of me, but still I wonder sometimes.

Also, I have recently discovered a deeply hidden/pushed down crush that has started to surface. I'm not sure how I feel about this. It's not even a possibility at this point for oh so many reasons, but something I have been thinking/praying about.

When I was 15 or 16 a very Godly woman told me that when she was younger, every time she would start dating/becoming interested in someone, she would pray that "if he isn't 'the one' then get rid of him!" When she met her husband she did not want to marry him as he was a friend of her older brother. She kept praying/pleading with God to "get rid of him", but he never left. Now, after 40+ years of being married, they both laugh about it.

I have taken this to heart. I have found that when I remember this little prayer, I usually ignore it, because every time I pray it the guy leaves. Yeah I know, kinda the point, but still not fun. The last 2 times it happened almost immediately, like within a week it goes from bliss to me being confused as to what just happened!

Everything happens in His time. Not mine. Sometimes I wish I could just know the day, time, place where everything is going to be "perfect."