Dreaming with My Eyes Wide Open

2012-02-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Following up on my previous blog post from November: Honoured to be honourable mention

It Arrived!!

2012-02-06T10:09:00.005-07:00

I have every single song on the album already...I have been a fan for 14 years after all. But when Westlife's Greatest Hits album arrived in the mail last week, I couldn't have been more happy about it.

The album was my runner-up prize for the PureSolo competition I entered in November last year. To remind you, we were given (depending on the country we lived in) a certain number of Westlife songs to choose from to record and submit as an entry. The grand prize was an all-expenses paid trip to the UK to see Westlife during their finale tour. Amanda Tuckfield won that, and deservedly so.

I was a runner-up. It surprised me. I thought if I made the Top 50 finalists, that would be amazing. So when I checked out the Winner's list to see who the runners-up were, I was a little giddy.

But it wasn't so much about winning the Greatest Hits album that made me so happy; it was about who had chosen me to win it. Executives from Sony Music had listened to my version of Westlife's version of Barry Manilow's 'Mandy' and thought 'She's good'.

It gave my singing a nice ego boost that's for sure.

And so now, every time I listen to Westlife's Greatest Hits, even long after they have packed up their stage and microphones, I will realize, despite not fulfilling my #1 bucket list item of singing with Westlife, I came close and feel so much more confident in my talent and I look forward to new singing dreams to add to that list.

Farewell Faithful Friend

2012-02-04T16:15:00.002-07:00

Max Parker Gamble (April 1995-February 2012)

This year...It's gonna be incredible

2011-12-13T13:45:00.014-07:00

As the end of 2011 approaches, can I just say what an amazing year it has been. There were a few rough patches here and there, but for me and my singing, I don't think it could've been any better. Well, except for maybe an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland to see Westlife on their finale tour, but hey...can't have it all ;)

As you may or may not know, earlier this year I won the honour of singing the national anthems at the Calgary Vipers baseball season opener. After a few rain delays, I finally made my anthem singing debut and it kinda just took off from there. I sang the Canadian/US anthems at 4 other Vipers games as well as at one of the Women's Pro Fast-Pitch game that was held here in Calgary.

Following the end of baseball season, an opportunity came up to audition to be the back-up anthem singer for the Calgary Flames. This would have been a dream come true for me, but it wasn't meant to be. I decided to fire off a few emails to Hockey Calgary and Hockey Canada to see if they needed to add anyone to their anthem singing rosters for the 2011-12 seasons and within a couple of days, I got a hit.

I was asked to sing the US anthem at all Team USA's games in the World Sledge Hockey Challenge. A few hours after confirming I was available, they called me back and asked if I could also do the Canadian anthem at all of Team Canada's games. During the course of the tournament (November 27th to December 3rd), I sang the Canadian anthem 4 times and the US anthem 5 times, including doing double duty at the CAN vs. USA Gold Medal game :) (*The crowds weren't great for most games, but the experience was invaluable and there were key contacts there for me to stay in touch with for future opportunities)

While singing the anthems at the WSHC, I was waiting to hear the results from a singing competition I had entered. Remember that all-expenses paid trip to Ireland to see Westlife on their finale tour I mentioned? That was the grand-prize, which I did not win unfortunately. However, I was chosen as 3rd Runner-up (4th overall) out of the 450+ entries from around the world. Oh and did I mention the judging panel included executives from Sony Music!!!!!!!

So considering I have yet to sing the national anthem(s) at a Calgary Flames or Winnipeg Jets game and I have yet to complete the top item on my bucket list of singing with Westlife, it's been a pretty good year as far as my singing goes.

As we head in to 2012, I now feel much more confident in my abilities as a singer (yes mom, I know...you've told me for 38+years...lol). It really has been a dream come true kind of year for me. I look forward to hopefully the many opportunities that will come my way over the next year and beyond.

"Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality.
If you can dream it, you can make it so" ~ Belva Davis

The screencap of the Westlife competition results:

The song that earned me 4th spot in the Westlife Competition
(the video was not part of the entry, just the audio):

Singing the Canadian anthem at the Semi-Final WSHC game (CAN vs JPN)

Honoured to be an Honourable Mention

2011-11-21T16:20:00.002-07:00

Today I found out I received an honourable mention in an international competition for Marketing & Communication Professionals. The MarCom Awards are an annual competition where entries in over 200 categories are submitted and scored by a group of judges. This was my first year entering. I submitted two award stories in the category of 'Web Copy'.

I was told not to expect a win (ie: a Gold or Platinum award) as many first-timers don't win nor get an honourable mention. So receiving the honourable mention for one of my stories was a nice surprise.

It's nice to have my writing recognized by peers outside of my work colleagues and friends/family.

YAY ME!!!

About the MarCom Awards:
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS.
MarCom Awards is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The MarCom statuette graces the trophy cases of some of the top business and communication firms in the world.

The MarCom competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its kind in the world with about 5,000 entries per year. A look at the winners shows a range in size from individuals to media conglomerates and Fortune 50 companies. The competition is so well thought of in the industry that national public relations organizations, local ad clubs, and local business communicator chapters are entrants.

The mission of the MarCom Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the creativity, hard work and generosity of marketing and communication professionals. MarCom winners receive well-deserved recognition and third-party validation from a long- established industry organization that has earned a reputation for fairness, consistency and timeliness. Winners are listed on the MarCom Awards' website and in next year's Call for Entries. Winners and clients can also tout their awards through their news releases to their local news media and on their own websites, newsletters and print materials. Winners also have the opportunity to showcase their achievement in their offices or homes and to present clients with attractive, high-quality, meaningful awards.

Last chance?

2011-11-13T19:20:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago, one of my bucket list items pretty much came crashing down when Westlife announced that they were splitting in 2012. They're releasing a Greatest Hits album this month and next year will be their Finale Tour.

All is not lost however as I have one last chance to make my bucket list of singing with the group a reality. Well, ok I don't know for sure if I'll actually get the chance to sing with them, but meeting them would be the next best thing.

Together with Westlife, the karaoke company/website Pure Solo is holding a competition for one person to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the UK to see Westlife in concert during their Finale Tour, to meet Kian, Nicky, Shane and Mark and get an autographed copy of their Greatest Hits album.

I don't think I even thought about it for 5 seconds. Last night, after nine attempts at perfection, I submitted my entry.

Mandy (when you get to the page, click the song title to listen)

Unfortunately, due to publishing rights, Canadian fans were only given the choice of two songs - Mandy and If I Let You Go. I would never have chosen either of these songs had I been given the option. Other countries were given four songs to choose from - these same two songs, plus Flying Without Wings and the band's current single Lighthouse.

Either way, I initially did If I Let You Go and entered it but tried Mandy as well and found it suited my voice a little better (both songs are in a lower key than what I would've liked, but I made it work). I'll admit I'm not 100% happy with how it came out, but I don't think recording 20 more versions of it is going to make it that much better.

The contest ends on November 28th. 50 finalists will be chosen from all the entries (at the time of this blog, there were 258 entries, though some were duplicates) and the winners should be announced on December 10th. There will also be four runner-ups who will receive the Greatest Hits album.

Making the Final 50 would be pretty sweet. Being a runner-up would be even sweeter. But the sweetest of all would be checking that bucket list item off once and for all.

If you're curious about what my competition sounds like, go HERE

2011-10-17T12:42:00.006-06:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

~ Mother Teresa

A Picture speaks a Thousand Words

2011-10-13T12:08:00.001-06:00

And WOW, does this one ever speak to me as a parent. It is one of the most powerful images I have seen in a long time.

Side by side, Year by year

2011-08-17T07:02:00.001-06:00

We made our vows and took the leap, now 15 years ago!

2011-08-17T07:01:00.000-06:00

Happy 15th Anniversary Stephen. With God's love & guidance, I look forward to dancing in the minefields together for many more years to come.

I was nineteen, you were twenty-one
The year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much too young
But we did it anyway

We bought our rings for forty each
From a pawn shop down the road
We made our vows and took the leap
Now fifteen years ago

We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for

"I do" are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I've heard
Is a good place to begin

'Cause the only way to find your life
Is to lay your own life down
And I believe it's an easy price
For the life that we have found

And we're dancing in the minefields
We're sailing in the storm
This is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for

So when I lose my way, find me
When I loose love's chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith, till the end of all my days
When I forget my name, remind me

'Cause we bear the light of the Son of Man
So there's nothing left to fear
So I'll walk with you in the shadowlands
Till the shadows disappear

'Cause he promised not to leave us
And his promises are true
So in the face of all this chaos, baby,
I can dance with you

**The traditional gift for 15 years married is Crystal, hence the photo of the Waterford Crystal wine glasses :) **

Much Ado about Marriage

2011-08-15T12:04:00.006-06:00

August & September are the months each year where our family celebrates wedding anniversaries. This year, 2011, our family will celebrate a 15th, a 16th, an 18th and two 43rd's. I'm doing up a blog in the next few days for our anniversary and have been searching for quotes about marriage.

Just for fun, I thought I'd post a few of my favourites here :)

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~ Mignon McLaughlin

In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage. ~ Robert Anderson

I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. ~ Rita Rudner

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. ~ Barnett R. Brickner

One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until you fall in again. ~ Judith Viorst

19 Again!!

2011-07-24T15:20:00.000-06:00

38's not looking too shabby :)

Now I can REALLY scratch it off my bucket list

2011-06-24T11:06:00.003-06:00

Last night, at the June 23 Calgary Vipers game, I sang both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems. I was definitely more nervous this time around, it was the first time singing the American anthem (in public) since I auditioned for the Calgary Flames way back in 2002.

If you listen carefully, you'll hear some new lyrics to the American anthem. It sounds like 'Josh, your hat, take it off'. LOL

Scratch that off the Bucket List

2011-06-07T10:47:00.012-06:00

It may not have been an NHL game or even a CFL game, but last night, I fulfilled a dream of singing the national anthem at a professional sporting event.

As you may recall, earlier this year I won a contest to sing the national anthem at the home opener of the Calgary Vipers 2011-12 season (the Vipers play in the Golden League of the North American Baseball League). Due to excessive amounts of rain leading up to & during opening weekend, the May 26th opening game was postponed. So June 6th it was.

I found myself to be quite nervous leading up to the day, but when I pulled into the stadium parking lot on game day, I suddenly felt quite calm. I knew there wouldn't be a large crowd as Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals was on tv at the same time, but no matter what the crowd size, I was ready.

And at 6:26pm on June 6th, 2011, this happened:

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them" ~ Walt Disney

They're Baaaaccckkk!!!

2011-05-31T12:50:00.002-06:00

Winnipeg is an NHL city once again.

And to all those who said it would never happen...

Oh, the Places They'll Go!

2011-05-30T14:48:00.003-06:00

It seems like just yesterday Steve & I were beginning the rollercoaster of infertility treatments with many months of doctors appointments, drugs, x-rays and day surgeries.

It was 7-1/2 years ago!!

And now here we are with three 6-year old hockey players about to enter Grade 1 this September.

How time has flown!!

My old boss posted the poem below on his Facebook page as he is helping his eldest son get a job and move away from home. We think that day for Keegan, Josh & Connolly is so far off, yet really if we blink, we could almost miss it.

Don't blink. Let's drag out the remaining years of their childhood just a little bit longer. And when it's time, then I'll say it.

Oh, the Places You'll Go...

Congratulations!
Today is your day,
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains, and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sites!
You'll join the high fliers!
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to says so
but, sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lunch
wuth an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're dark.
A place that could sprain both elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you should go in,should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quaters? Or maybe not quite?
Or go around and back and sneak from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long and wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most usless place

The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO! That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where boom bands are playing.

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not.
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, theres a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go
though the whether be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though you arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike.
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many stray birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with you left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent garanteed!)

KID YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Alenn O'Shea
you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... get on your way!

My babies are growing up

2011-05-04T16:18:00.001-06:00

With Keegan, Joshua & Connolly turning the ripe old age of SIX in just a few days, I wanted to share a video montage that I have recently updated.

Time sure has flown by, but just look at all the fun we've had...so far :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's an honour just to be nominated

2011-04-19T13:34:00.004-06:00

So, that exciting news I mentioned yesterday? Now that it's been put up on Facebook by the organizers of the event, I can share it here as well. I've shared it on Facebook and Twitter already, so if we're friends in either of those places, this will be old news probably :)

I am a Top 20 Finalist in the Alberta-run competition for 'Fabulous Mother of the Year'

Thanks to a very well-written nomination from none other than Steve, the judges felt that I was pretty worthy of being a finalist. It's pretty exciting to be thought of as a Fabulous Mother. I know Steve, Keegan, Joshua & Connolly think I am, and that my family does, but for virtual strangers to read about me and see me that way is pretty humbling.

I'm up against some pretty amazing women, including one awesome mom that I have got to know through Twitter (though we have never met). I'm not too worried if I win because the recognition alone is enough for me. Though I'll admit, a weekend getaway does sound enticing.

The winner will be chosen on May 7th at a high-tea event here in Calgary. The judges will meet with each of the 20 finalists and determine their winner based on their inspiration, life philosophy, unfailing love, strength of character, inner beauty and outward charm. Thankfully there's no swimsuit competition LOL ;)

So there you have it. That's my news. Sorry if it wasn't as exciting for you as I made it out to be. I'm pretty stoked though.

Now I need to find something Fabulous to wear :)

WOW!!

2011-04-18T12:10:00.003-06:00

Exciting announcement coming on Tuesday, April 19th. Watch for it here (if you don't see it on Twitter or Facebook first of course!!)

And no, it doesn't involve a baby or babies. Not like you might be thinking anyways ;)

Best. Comment. Ever!

2011-03-25T09:21:00.003-06:00

My guess is that every parent at one point questions whether how they do at their job as a mom or a dad. I know I do...often. But once in a while someone will see in you what you do not.

Yesterday, after posting a photo of Connolly on Facebook after his lead acting debut in a school presentation, a guy I know through a Flames message board I frequent (we have never met in person), wrote the following comment:

You guys are probably two of the most AWESOME parents I have ever encountered. I think you guys are awesome, and each of your three boys are so ridiculously lucky to have two awesome parents, and two awesome brothers.

WOW!! I guess I am (we are) not doing such a bad job after all.

Happy My Favourite Day of the Year!!

2011-03-18T09:04:00.003-06:00

I haven't lived in Ireland for almost 24 years, but from age 5 to 14, I created some of the best memories of my life. And being from an Irish family makes it easy to say St. Patrick's Day is one of my favourite days of the year. It is expected by everyone I know that I would wear green on St. Paddy's (NOT Patty!!!) Day and I can say that with only one exception, I have done so. Only in 2005 would you have been able to pinch me ;)

Though I have to say, I don't remember that last time I went out in my green to celebrate St. Paddy's Day. This year, I didn't go out in the evening, but my mum and I enjoyed a short, fun visit with the best morning show crew in Calgary/Canadian radio, Buzz & Blake from Amp Radio.

Mum and I went down to Amp at 6:45am on March 17th with Irish soda bread, wheaten bread, freshly whipped cream, Irish stew and an unopened bottle of Bushmills Whiskey to start the day off right. We were on the air with Buzz & Blake for about 10 mins and inbetween the segments, we enjoyed some bread and sipped on the best Irish coffee's ever. It would be hard for you to disagree if you have ever tried or get a chance to try my mum's Irish coffee. And her soda/wheaten bread for that matter.

It was a fun time and I'm pretty sure Buzz & Blake enjoyed themselves too. Buzz had the Irish stew for lunch and said to me via a note later 'It was awesome'.

So who knows what I'll get up to on St. Paddy's Day 2012, but this year it started off with a good ol' "Sláinte".

Photos courtesy of Buzz Bishop's iPhone

*Mum was actually enjoying herself. She just wasn't quite ready for this pic lol*

*Me at work later that morning (courtesy of my blackberry)*

Let's buy an NHL team

2011-03-11T12:35:00.002-07:00

Thank you for your interest in purchasing an NHL team. As you can imagine, the process of being accepted as an NHL owner is an arduous one that involves an exhaustive examination of your background and qualifications.

In that spirit, please ...complete the one-page application form below:

Are you interested in buying an NHL team?
( ) Yes
( ) No

If you indicated “Yes” to the question above … uh, seriously?
( ) Ha ha … No
( ) Yes!

Wow. OK, next question: Do you have any money?
( ) Yes
( ) No
( ) No, but I am willing to pretend that I do until it’s too late.

If you are applying to purchase a team in a large market with a rich history, please indicate the name of the billion-dollar company you are associated with:
________________________

If you are applying to purchase a team in a medium-sized market with a small but loyal fan base, please indicate how many loans you will require to complete this transaction:
________________________

If you are applying to purchase a team in the southern United States, please indicate how much loose change you have in your pocket right now:
________________________

If you are applying to purchase a team in the southern U.S or other non-traditional market, please indicate the reason for your interest (check all that apply):
( ) Have not read an article on the economics of hockey since the 1993 Stanley Cup final.
( ) Have succeeded at everything I’ve ever tried; want to see what this whole “failure” thing I’ve heard so much about is like.
( ) Want someplace I can go a few evenings a week during the winter when I need to be alone.
( ) A judge has recently ordered me to pay half my net worth to my ex-wife; my lawyer tells me that this will be slightly less obvious than just setting a giant pile of money on fire.

Please describe your level of familiarity with the sport of hockey:
( ) Have been a die-hard fan ever since the sport was invented, back on the day Mark Messier was traded to the Rangers.
( ) Have seen most of the Mighty Duck movies.
( ) Once got a blister playing the arcade version of Blades of Steel with the rolly ball thing.
( ) Hockey’s the one with pigskin and cleats and the billion-dollar TV contract, right?

Do you have an in-depth plan in place for financing a state-of-the-art arena for your team?
( ) Yes
( ) No

Can that in-depth plan be summarized in its entirety as “Get the city to pay for it”?
( ) Yes
( ) Yes

What is your ultimate goal in purchasing an NHL franchise?
( ) Winning a Stanley Cup championship
( ) Fostering a sense of civic pride within my community
( ) Fostering a sense of civic pride within whichever community I’m threatening to move the team to in a few months
( ) Have several enemies; would like to work in an industry in which I can break their necks without consequences

Hey, you’re not planning to be one of those owners who writes open letters, are you?
( ) What?
( ) No sir!

Finally, if you’re reading this application form on a smart phone, what kind is it?
( ) iPhone
( ) Droid
( ) Blackberry
( ) Unreleased Blackberry prototype, since it’s my company and … uh, I mean, iPhone.

Nice try, Jim.
( ) Dammit!

Anthem Singer? Check!!!

2011-02-25T11:12:00.007-07:00

You may recall a few months ago when I wrote out my bucket list, one of the things on my list was to sing the national anthem(s) at an NHL game. Well, I really only achieved half of that wish, but heck, I'll take it with bells on.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that I had won the privilege of singing the Canadian national anthem (it's an all-Canadian match-up) at the Calgary Vipers opening game on June 4th!!

Singing at the Vipers game is certainly not anywhere close to singing at an NHL game if we're talking crowd size. I'd be facing 20,000+ audience at an NHL game and the Vipers stadium has a capacity of just 4500. Still, it will be the largest audience I've ever sang in front of before. The largest to date was the 500 fellow hopefuls I sang in front of when I auditioned to be a back-up anthem singer for the Calgary Flames several years ago.

So ya...I won!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :)

I'm not excited at all.

If you're in Calgary and are free on June 4th, maybe I'll look up when I'm singing and see you there. I'll try not to laugh when I picture you naked.

That's what I'm supposed to do to calm the nerves, right??

Idol Contestant

2011-02-23T12:19:00.003-07:00

I always wanted to be on Canadian Idol, but the year they changed the maximum age to 30, I had just turned 31. Just my luck. And we all know it's not likely a Canadian version of 'The X Factor' (which has no maximum age) will happen. But alas, I finally got my shot at one Idol competition.

Vipers Idol!!

This week, I participated in a Canadian anthem sing-off with one other to compete for the position of anthem singer at the opening game of the Calgary Vipers baseball game.

It was a chilly minus 15 outside, the snow was falling and it was a little windy. Not baseball weather at all. The snow was too deep to go out on the field to sing, so we stood on top of the dug-out. Not only did we have 3 members of the Vipers staff acting as our very own Simon, Paula and Randy, but we also had a Global Calgary camera crew there filming us.

The 2 minute segment below doesn't show either of us singing the entire anthem; it's just a mash-up of both of us, but you'll get the idea.

Initially we had thought the Vipers would be making the decision as to which one of us it would be, but instead they have opened it up to public vote. I think it's only open for voting until Thursday (Feb. 24th), so head over to the Calgary Vipers FACEBOOK page and leave a message saying who vote for (you'll see where others have voted...just add yours to the thread) and/or go to the Vipers TWITTER account and tweet your vote to them (@CalgaryVipers).

Here's Global's segment on 'Anthem Singers':

Hockey Mom Initiation

2011-01-30T12:01:00.007-07:00

Moms vs. Sons Hockey Game - January 25, 2011

This is what it's like

2011-01-19T18:11:00.001-07:00

LOVE this commercial. This is so what it's like for us as parents to triplet hockey players on the same team. Of course, KJ&C don't get any penalties when they play...yet ;)

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

2011-01-03T22:29:00.010-07:00

I have made a promise to myself for 2011 that I am going to stop valuing my self-worth on the friends I have and have lost. It saddens me to think that people who have come into my life over my 37+ years are no longer friends, some have gone from being friends to acquaintances and there are just a few who will be my friend until my life is over. I am learning to accept it.

God has brought each and every one of my friends into my life for a purpose and that purpose may not be forever, it may not even be for years. There have been very few that have been long-term. Many friendships have faded due to distance (I moved away or they moved away), not being able to find common interests anymore, or it could be as simple as a falling out we never recovered from.

To those of you out there I have ever called 'friend', though our friendship may no longer be what it was, if it even still exists, I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. Thank you for being my friend for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realise is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

~Author Unknown

Who knew!!

2011-01-02T15:08:00.002-07:00

I've been a hockey fan for about 23 years. Though I knew the game when I was growing up in Ireland, it wasn't until we moved back to Canada in 1987 that I really fell in love with the game. Over the years, I've cheered for the Winnipeg Jets and obviously now, I'm all about the C of Red and the Calgary Flames. What I didn't expect was to find myself loving the game even more in the last 4 months.

Why?

Well, prior to September 2010, I wasn't a hockey mom. I wasn't watching my own kids on the ice, learning the game, scoring goals and asking every day 'Can we go to hockey practice today?'. Now, as 2011 begins, I've been a hockey mom for 4 months and have witnessed the elation of Joshua scoaring 7 goals in 3 days; the excitement of Keegan assisting on a spectacular goal by his team-mate and Connolly beaming after being praised by his coaches for his readiness & determination.

As a former competitive swimmer, I know the exhileration that comes with competing at any level and it was pretty exciting...and nerve-wrecking watching the boys play in their first tournament last week. I instantly fell in love with hockey all over again, and with a higher intensity and passion than ever before.

Who knew!!

2011

2011-01-01T12:12:00.005-07:00

2011 - The year...

1. We go to Disney World. 355 sleeps!!

2. Keegan, Joshua & Connolly turn 6 years old and will start GRADE 1!!!

3. I finally commit to permament weight loss (50+lbs be gone!!)

4. I stop investing in one-sided friendships. "Don't make someone a priority if they only make you an option"

5. I will send less emails and make more phone calls

6. I will go back to school

7. I will turn my blackberry off as soon as I get home from work

8. Steve & I will go on a date more often than for Valentine's Day, our birthdays and our anniversary

9. I will do 'The 40-Day Love Dare'...again!

10. Feel more blessed every day by the amazing gifts God has given me

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right

2010-12-30T16:37:00.007-07:00

The final blog of 2010...a shout-out to my favourite radio station, Amp Radio Calgary and a kick-ass mash-up of the best songs of 2010.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on
them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New
Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T17:58:00.003-07:00

Who says it better than N*Sync? Feel free to sing & dance along. I know you wanna ;)

But why is all the rum gone?

2010-12-13T14:19:00.008-07:00

I'm just a tad excited for this!!!!
And by 'a tad', I mean SO SO SO SO Excited!!!!!

Please hurry May 20th, 2011!!

Did I mention how excited I am??

Dancing in the Minefields

2010-12-10T12:23:00.004-07:00

No-one ever said marriage was a cake-walk, but when you give it all up to God, the weight of any trials you go through as a couple seem that much lighter.

Dancing In The Minefields – Andrew Peterson

Well I was 19, you were 21, the year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much too young, but we did it anyway
We got the rings for 40 each from a pawnshop down the road
We said our vows and took the leap now 15 years ago

We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storms
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that’s what the promise is for
(That’s what the promise is for)

Well “I do” are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I’ve heard is a good place to begin‘
Cause the only way to find your life is to lay your own life down
And I believe it’s an easy price for the life that we have found

So when I lose my way, find me
When I lose loves chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith to the end of all my days
When I forget my name, remind me

‘Cause we bear the light of the Son of man
So there’s nothing left to fear
So I’ll walk with you in the shadow lands till the shadows disappear‘
Cause He promised not to leave us and His promises are true
So in the face of this chaos, baby I can dance with you

So let’s go dancing in the minefields, let’s go sailing in the storms
Oh, let’s go dancing in the minefields, and kicking down the doors
Oh, let’s go dancing in the minefields, and sailing in the storms
Oh, this is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that’s what the promise is for
That’s what the promise is for

Jesus is the reason for the season

2010-12-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure once this blog is finished, I will go back & forth debating on whether or not to post it on Facebook & Twitter. I might even question whether or not I should publish it here for anyone & everyone to read. You see, this blog is about Jesus and there's many people who don't like to read or even talk about Jesus.

Maybe they don't know him; Maybe they used to know him but decided it wasn't worth it; Maybe they've never believed in him. For a number of reasons, this blog is probably going to turn some people off. I might lose Twitter followers, Facebook friends, even blog readers, but isn't it about time I stopped worrying about that? And yes, that is 100% a rhetorical question!!

Driving to work this morning, in my 'Christmas music' mode, I was listening to an amazing song by Brandon Heath called 'The Night before Christmas'. No, not the poem written by Clement Clarke Moore. It's a song about the night before Jesus was born and the impact his birth had on the world.

It got me thinking about how often I am vocal about what Christmas means to me. It's about spending time with my family, eating good food, seeing the smiles on KJ&C's faces when they come downstairs on Christmas morning and see the presents under the tree. Of course it's about all those things, but more importantly, it's about celebrating the birth of a boy, who became a man and suffered unfathomable pain so that I could live and be free of sin through God's mercy, grace and forgiveness.

I am often afraid to share my faith with people because there are so many who don't believe what I believe. I often second-guess myself if I feel the urge to put up a quote on Facebook or on Twitter about God. I am not out to offend anyone or convert anyone, but it is not right that I should feel silenced out of fear of being called a 'Jesus Freak' or by the assumption that I'm going to pull out my bible and start preaching the word of God. I have to say that I have even had family members block me on their email because one time, ONE TIME, I forwarded a relgious-esque email to them.

I don't defriend people on Facebook, unfollow people on Twitter, or even block friends/family on email because they say or post something unChristian. Why would you do that? I am not only friends with people who are Christians; I don't necessarily have the same beliefs as everyone in my family, but yet if I suddenly say or post something even remotely Jesus or God-related, people have this 'Oh, well I don't know if I want to talk to you anymore' reaction.

I am ashamed to admit that when Keegan was 'VIP' in his class a few weeks ago, I tried to convince him not to take his children's bible with him as his favourite book. He wanted to show his class his book and tell them that it's his favourite because Jesus died for us. KJ&C go to a public school where that sort of thing can be frowned upon. Keegan took the book anyway and I am so proud of him. God calls us to be more child-like in our faith and Keegan taught me an amazing lesson that day.

I need to be proud of the fact that I love Jesus, that I call on God in all trials in my life and that I should not be afraid to share that with people. I don't intend to stand on a soap box on Stephen Ave shouting out quotes from the bible and reading scriptures to the passers-by, but I certainly should let my heart be led to talk about my faith if the opportunity comes up.

I have been so blessed in my 37+ years of life and that is only because of God. As this Christmas season approaches, I am taking a page out of Keegan's book of being proud to love God and to remember that Jesus is the reason for this season. And I intend to let my pride of being a child of God continue 365 days a year.

This is who I am. This is what I want to define me. Jesus is the reason for the season; Jesus is the reason for my life.

Now, how long will it take me to hit 'publish post' and then link it on Facebook & Twitter?
'The Night before Christmas' by Brandon Heath

Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.
Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn.
We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth.
no way to escape.

In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace ,and no light
but that was the night before Christmas.
Warm hay, cold sweat, a mother, not yet.
Praying godspeed the dawn.

She looks to her man, holding her hand. They wonder how long.
And the shepherds, wise men come to find them, and bow to a king.
One star above shining on love, so bright it lit up the night before Christmas.

CHORUS:
And the world didnt know mercy was meek and so mild.
And the world didnt know that truth was as pure as a child.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
And the world didnt know, redemption was sweet and so strong. And the world didnt know salvation was writing a song.
The night before christmas.

A Mother's Letter to Santa

2010-11-30T14:46:00.008-07:00

I have posted this letter to Santa a few times over the last few years since Keegan, Josh & Connolly were born. It always puts a big smile on my face as every year, I can relate to it. I particularly like the Ketchup reference and 'P.S.' at the end.

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple,which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy"to boost my parental confidence, along with three kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,
MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

What's on your bucket list?

2010-11-27T17:00:00.008-07:00

When we do things we've never done before, often you'll hear people say 'Scratch that off my bucket list'. But what's really on your bucket list? Are there only a few things or lots of things you want to accomplish before you kick the bucket?

Buzz and Blake on Amp Radio were talking last week about bucket lists so I thought I'd share mine: (not in any particular order, except for the first one):

• Sing with Westlife
• Sing in a guest spot on GLEE (solo or chorus, I'll take either)
• Meet and be interviewed by Mary Hart
• Be at the game when the Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup
• Have a recording studio in my house
• Release my own cd
• Travel to Australia
• Travel to Greece
• Be a size 8 (again)
• Attend the Oscars and the celebrity parties afterwards
• Sing at my best friend’s wedding
• Become a snowbird and have a vacation home somewhere exotic & warm
• Do the weather/news/traffic on the radio
• Go to both a Summer & a Winter Olympic Games
• Go back to school
• Visit a 3rd world country and help educate the children
• Go on a cruise
• Attend a family reunion
• Take Steve & the boys to Ireland to show them where I grew up
• Sing the anthem(s) at an NHL game

This is just the start of mine. What's on your list? Share it here, or write a blog of your own.

Will you watch?

2010-11-20T11:15:00.004-07:00

I don't follow the British Royal family regularly, but I'll admit that I was quite excited to hear about Prince William & Kate Middleton's engagement last week.

Growing up, I was a big fan of Princess Diana and I paid attention to everything she did. It wasn't because she was a Royal, but more that she had this celebrity-like status that drew me in. I watched her wedding to Prince Charles, I followed the news of the births of William & Harry, and I was one of the 2 billion people world-wide that watched Diana's funeral in 1997. I bawled.

It's the same kind of thing with William & Kate. It's not the fact that it's the Royal family, but the celebrity of it all. I may not watch all the specials that will air for the next several months on their relationship, but I know I'll have a front-row seat on my couch on their wedding day.

Will you watch?

Lifting the Silence

2010-11-13T10:49:00.002-07:00

If you follow me on Twitter or are my friend on Facebook, you will have seen me promoting a book called 'Lifting the Silence'. It is close to my heart because the book was written by and is about Syd Smith, a WWII pilot, a man who just happens to be Steve's grandfather. The book was co-written by Steve's Uncle David.

The only way to really tell you what this book is about is to show you a short video that tells you what this amazing story is about.

'Lifting the Silence' is available now for purchase at Chapters online.

"At a time of great sacrifice in Canadian history, we are welcomed into the homes, the hearts, and the minds of mothers, sons, fathers, and friends as we follow Syd Smith and his high-school brotherhood of 13 when they answer the call to duty in 1941. Written with his son, David, Lifting the Silence is also a father-and-son journey of discovery that uncovers a remarkable letter that serves as testament to what still defines Canada today."

Move over Katy Perry...They do your song better than you

2010-11-10T22:03:00.007-07:00

On this week's episode of GLEE, a new member of the cast, plus back-up singers did the most amazing acapella version of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream'. This is the version I'll be singing from now on. A million times better than the original and it shows real talent. Have you ever heard Katy Perry sing live? YIKES!!!

Someone else putting Perry to shame with his own version of her song is the awesome Mike Tompkins. Here he is doing a mix of 'Teenage Dream' and Bruno Mars' 'Just the way you are'. This guy is sick!! He does the songs acapella, makes all the sounds himself and then mixes it all together for the most awesome thing you've ever seen musically.

I love when musical talent is genuine and not manufactured.

If you're on Youtube, I would recommend subscribing to Mike Tompkins' channel to hear more of his brilliant mixes: PBPProductions

As for GLEE, well if you know me at all you know I'm a GLEEk and you know that I'm going to tell you to subscribe to the official GLEE youtube channel to hear all the awesome music from the show so far: GLEE Official Channel ; If you want full-length versions of most, if not all the songs, be sure to check out: Music from GLEE

Nine, Ten...Never Sleep Again!

2010-10-27T10:15:00.002-06:00

It's Halloweek!! That means parents are buying or making costumes for their kids to go out trick or treating on Sunday, clearing the store shelves of candy and decorating their houses to show they're in the spirit.

It's also easy to know when it's Halloweek because every night on television there's a scary movie on. 'Friday the 13th', 'Psycho', 'The Ring'. Those who enjoy these types of movies have a field day with plenty to choose from as we approach Oct. 31st.

I was thinking this morning about all those movies and wondered what movie you people out there have seen and will never watch again because it absolutely terrified you. Or maybe there's a movie that you refuse to watch because you know it will mean many sleepless nights if you do.

For me, it's 'Nightmare on Elm Street'. Funny thing is I've seen all the original 'Nightmare' movies. I was completely terrified after the first one, but I still watched all the rest. Why? Because the movies made me laugh; I wasn't afraid WHILE I watched them, just afterwards...when I had to go to sleep!! That's when Freddy Kruger strikes after all ;)

The last time I watched a 'Nightmare' movie, I was 16 years old. My friend & I sat and giggled through the whole thing because it just seemed so far fetched. We were having a sleepover at her place and when it was time to go to bed, she fell asleep pretty quickly. Me? Well my imagination went into overdrive.

I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, a ceiling that was made from wood panels with dark knots in them. The knots above where I was lying started to look more & more like Freddy Kruger's face, so I had to focus my attention elsewhere. I looked over at the basement window and the shadows of the trees looked to be in the form of Kruger's hands...you know, the ones that look like knives ready to rip you to shreds as soon as you doze off.

I could tell it was going to be a long night.

As my friend lay snoring in her bed, I made myself comfortable on the lazy boy chair and sat there until the sun came up just after 5am watching television. I watched comedies, romantic movies, anything that would take my mind off Freddy Kruger wanting me to fall asleep so he could get me. When the sun came up, I finally decided it was ok to go to sleep. Apparently my imagination only let me believe Kruger could get me if I slept at night, not during the day. Ya, that's not how it happened in the movies!!

Obviously, as I sit here 21 years later, Freddy Kruger never did get me. Neither did the killer from 'Scream' or the girl from 'The Grudge'. But boy did they ever cause me several sleepless nights.

Now I'm much older & wiser and I choose not to watch any of these types of movies, whether I think I'll laugh through them or not. Because it's not how I react during the movie, it's all about how I react after the movie.

So I'll ask the question again. What movie have you seen that you will never watch again because it absolutely terrified you, or what movie will you refuse to watch because you know it will mean many sleepless nights if you do?

Happy Halloween Everybody!!

*I thought about putting a picture of my pal Freddy in this blog, but I think I'd like to sleep for the next week ;) *

p.s. The title of this blog, in case you don't know the 'Nightmare' movies is from the song the little girl sings in the first movie while jumping rope:

One, Two... Freddy's coming for you
Three, Four... better lock your door
Five, Six... grab your crucifix
Seven, Eight... better stay up late
Nine, Ten... never sleep again

A week to remember

2010-10-07T11:53:00.004-06:00

As you see below in my previous blog, this week is a pretty special one for us as we remember getting the greatest phone call ever, on the Thanksgiving weekend of 2004, to tell us we were pregnant.

As I thought about this week, I suddenly realized that another date has major significance on where I am in my life today. It was on October 7th, 1992 that Steve officially asked me to be his girlfriend after about 3 weeks of getting to know each other.

Then there's what happened last night, October 6th, 2010. Keegan, Josh & Connolly got the opportunity (some would say of a lifetime b/c many kids don't get the chance) to play a 5-minute hockey game with their team-mates during the intermission of the Calgary Hitmen game.

October 6th, October 7th and October 9th will always be days to remember in our lives.

October 7th, 1992...'Will you be my girlfriend?' ...

October 9, 2004 - 'Congratulations. You're Pregant'...
October 6th, 2010...'We've got the Simon's Valley Penguins out here'...

God answers Prayers

2010-10-04T14:16:00.007-06:00

This past Sunday at church, the sermon was on prayer. With Thanksgiving coming up this weekend, our minister said it was going to be an open-mic of sorts where people can say a little something about prayers God has answered and how thankful they are for that. I don't know if Steve or I will stand up and say anything, but it certainly is the one time every year where we are reminded of how God answers prayers.

October 9th, 2004, it was a Saturday, as it will be again this year in 2010, Steve & I anxiously waited for our phone to ring. It would be our doctor's office giving us the results of our pregnancy test. We had done the IUI procedure 19 days prior and just the day before (i.e. Oct. 8), I had gone to the clinic to hand in my 'sample'. As it was the Friday of the Thanksgiving long weekend, we knew our doctor's office would be closed on Sunday & Monday, so I asked them to rush it if possible. They said they'd do their best.

Our doc's office had not called by 10am Saturday morning, so Steve phoned to see if they had our results.

'I'm sorry, we don't have anyone who can give you the results right now. We'll have someone call you back right away'.

Another hour went by; still no phone call. Steve called again. He was put on hold and then one of the nurses came on the line. I watched with baited breath to see a change in Steve's face. A smile, a frown, a tear maybe. Anything.

I got a smile AND a thumbs up!!!!

That's a good thing, right???

I could hear the nurse rambling stuff off to Steve, and he quickly stopped her and said 'Let me hand the phone to Aisling so you can tell her all of this'. I took the phone. My hands were shaking and I was crying.

'Congratulations. You're going to have a baby'

'Are you serious? Really?'

Apparently, despite my shaking and crying, I didn't quite believe Steve's smile or thumbs up.

The nurse told me my due date (June 14th, 2005) and that we needed to have an ultrasound down around the 6 or 7 week mark to ensure the pregnancy was still viable and to make sure there was only one baby.

And the rest is history!

So as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it has had an extra special meaning for us since 2004. This weekend we are forever reminded of how blessed we are, how thankful we are that our amazing God does indeed answer prayer.

Boy, does He ever!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING :)

Proud to have 'Formula Powered' kids

2010-09-24T12:14:00.010-06:00

Once again, the debate over breast-feeding and formula-feeding is raging across the internet. The current debate stems from Old Navy selling a onesie with 'Formula Powered' on it.

What's wrong with formula feeding your baby? Whether it's for medical or personal reasons, every mom (& dad) has the right to choose what they feel is best for their child. But moms don't necessarily know what's best for their children? Oh ya, someone actually said that.

Let me give a bit of background on why I'm posting this blog. My friend Buzz Bishop posted a blog about this exact topic this morning. Many moms are boycotting Old Navy because of the onesie in question, stating that it's propaganda by formula companies to increase their 'power' level. So it's ok for those in favour of breast-feeding to pump themselves up and tell everyone that's how it should be done, but for the companies who make formula available to mom's who can't or don't breast feed for whatever their reason to promote formula-feeding, well how dare they!!!

Give me a break!

First let me say that I am not against breast-feeding. I can say with much certainty that if we had only had one child, I would've, or at least tried to have breast-fed. But that's just it. Moms might want to breast feed their baby, but what if they can't? What if the baby doesn't latch, or no milk comes in, or whatever else that would result in it not happening? What these moms who are speaking out against a 'Formula powered' message are doing is judging moms who formula feed, including those who don't have any other option.

Most people who read this blog know me and know I had triplets, so it's not a secret that I didn't breast feed. Having triplets, just the thought of trying to breast feed the boys exhausted me. It wasn't an option for me. That was my personal choice and my right, although some of the nurses at the hospital I was holed up in for 7 weeks did their best to convince me otherwise. I'll add that not one of them was a mom to multiples. Nonetheless, my plan was to pump.

That was my plan.

My plan changed in an instant when my body went through severe trauma in recovery which resulted in me having a blood tranfusion. As a result of the trauma to my body, I didn't produce any breast milk, not a drop, so it would be formula from the get-go.

I had absolutely no concerns with giving Keegan, Josh & Connolly formula. In fact, it was an absolute blessing. When we would go to the hospital to visit KJ&C in the NICU, there would be new moms coming in, spending time with their babies while pumping breast milk, leaving for a while and they’d be back a few hours later to do it all over again. It was hard for them to enjoy the time with their babies because of having to pump as well. For us, we could just sit there for hours holding the boys and we’d feed them their bottle of formula based on their schedule.

I am neither pro-breast feeding nor pro-formula; I just know how it turned out for me and I am more than blessed with three happy, healthy 5-1/2 yr olds today. I say again I am neither pro-breast feeding nor pro-formula but for those of you out there who are hard core one side or the other, please don't judge one another because of your choice.

The definition of choice reeks of having the freedom and the right to decide what's best for you and your children. Don't bleed ignorance like the one woman, noted above, who believes that moms don't always know what's best for their children. Or like supermodel Gisele Bündchen who says breast-feeding should be mandatory.

My husband & I are the only ones who know what is best for our children and you will never convince me otherwise.

And there ends my rant...for now ;)

Busy little Bee

2010-09-23T18:39:00.004-06:00

That's me!

Honestly until September hit, I didn't think life with triplets, especially ones who are totally self-sufficient, could get any busier. Boy was I wrong. After a wonderful summer of camping in Drumheller and the most amazing two weeks in BC, the busyness of life seemed to hit like a ton of bricks.

Kindergarten started September 7th, hockey started Sept. 9. Everything was happening at once. And I hadn't even factored in how busy work was going to be from September to November. Holy Moly! I'm one who'd rather be busy than sitting there twiddling my thumbs, but I like a steady busy, not a 'Aw crap, I forgot to do that for this event cause I'm totally swamped with 3 other events' kind of busy.

Good thing I work well under pressure.

I rely a lot on how I handled being a history major when I was in university. I had at least one paper due a week it seemed and the norm for me was to write the paper the night before it was due. I even attemped to write a paper 2 weeks in advance of the due date. I didn't hand it in early though. I set it aside and then the night before it was due, I re-read it to make sure it was ok. It was not ok. It was the crappiest paper I'd ever written. It barely made sense. Cue the scrapping of said before and the start of a brand new one...the night before it was due. I got an 'A' on the re-written paper. I'd dare to say I would've been lucky to have gotten a 'C' on the early 'edition'.

I know over this next year between KJ&C's school and related events, as well as their hockey season and anything hockey-related going on off the ice, I'll remember that being under pressure is not new to me and I've always come out on top. After all, I went from having no kids to suddenly have 3 kids in one fowl swoop. I can handle anything after that!! lol

Oh, did I mention that on top of my already-busy event planning at work, KJ&C's school and hockey, I also decided to volunteer to be the manager of events for KJ&C's hockey team. I really must be gunning for the world title of 'SuperMom'.

I'll enjoy the level of busyness now though cause as KJ&C get older and decide they don't always want to do the same things, I'll look back at 2010 and think 'Wow, that year wasn't busy at all'.

Until then, I'll remain the busy little bee that I am. Bzzzzzzzzzz :)

You can't scare me...I've got triplets AND I'm a Hockey Mom!

2010-09-12T14:23:00.003-06:00

World Suicide Prevention Day

2010-09-10T09:31:00.010-06:00

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives (World Health Organization)

Today, Friday, September 10th, 2010 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Millions around the world will be wearing red today to spread awareness of the number of people who take their own lives and to initiate a call for people to be active in asking for help.

I appreciate this day. I know people who have contemplated suicide; I know people who have lost friends or family members to suicide; I know someone who couldn't take it anymore and did commit suicide; I know that I almost took my own life several years ago as a teenager.

I was 17, someone told me I was fat...to my face, it hit me hard and that bottle of pills looked really enticing. I wasn't fat, at least I had never thought I was before they said it. I had been a competitive swimmer for 9 years and was very fit, but when I quit swimming, I wasn't as active as I used to be and maybe it was starting to show. I have always been self-conscious about how I look and for some reason, being called 'fat' absolutely destroyed me. I forgave the person and I'll always love them very much, but I never told them what their words did to me.

The scary thing was as I contemplated suicide, there was not a single person close to me who suspected a thing. I know firsthand how easy it is to act normal, like there's nothing wrong only to be dying inside, wanting to die for real. As I stood in the bathroom of our house in Winnipeg, with an entire bottle of pills in my hand, ready to swallow and end it all, I became terrified. Terrified I'd never see my family & friends again, terrified at how hurt they would be because I didn't feel I could talk to them about what I was going through, terrified of not going to heaven because I was taking control of when I died, not leaving it to God.

I managed to swallow about 8 pills before the fear of dying really hit me. The fear of dying outweighed the pain of feeling inadequate. I thank God every day for that. After that, it didn't take much for me to confide in my parents, my brother and my best friend. I knew I needed to or the pain would eventually outweigh the fear.

I'd like to say that I never thought about suicide again after that, but I'd be lying. I don't suffer from depression, I don't hate my life. In fact, I'm absolutely content with my life but I do struggle with self-esteem and body-image issues every day. Even as a wife to an amazing man and as a mom to the most beautiful children in the world, I have really tough days sometimes. I know that suicide is not the answer. Asking for help is. I'm one of the lucky ones who has a loving family and amazing friends that I can talk to or call up when I'm having a rough go of it.

I know now that even though I felt alone those two days in my life where I thought ending it would be best, my life has a purpose, a reason to go on. For my family, for my friends and most importantly, for Me!

If you know someone who is having a bad day, there may be more going on than just that. Reach out to them and let them know they can talk to you. You might save their life.

The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering ~ Ben Okri

Dear Me...

2010-09-03T14:34:00.004-06:00

Dear Me;
If you thought life was busy before, just you wait!!

Love,
Me xoxoxo

Death

2010-08-27T18:48:00.002-06:00

The title is as simple as it is because, really, how can you think of an appropriate title for a blog about death.

I've had a bit of struggle this past week with death. I'm not sure where it came from but a fear of dying hit me quite hard on Wednesday as I was dealing with some weird feelings in my chest. For the record, I was not having chest pains to the point of feeling like I was having a heart attack or anything like that. I didn't even suspect indigestion. I can pretty much pinpoint it being related to 'that time of the month' (ya I know...TMI!!), but it got me all wound up when I went to bed that night.

I have never thought much about death before, or certainly not about my own death, but when I lay down to sleep on Wednesday, I suddenly became terrified to die. (As a side note, I was sleeping in our spare bedroom because I sometimes end up being awake most of the night when I'm dealing with 'that time of the month' stuff.) I started to think about what it would be like if I didn't wake up Thursday morning. How would I feel? Would I be able to see Steve and the boys and how they were reacting to finding me dead? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't actually feel anything, or have any visual of Steve & the boys, but I guess I was thinking what the 'Hollywood' version of waking up dead would be like. That's so me :)

Thankfully, Thursday morning I was alive & well. Funny enough, I didn't give my thoughts from the night before any more creedance for the rest of the day. But then I went to go to bed Thursday night. Same feelings in my chest resulted in the same thoughts about dying. Only this time, I actually started to cry. I picked up my pillow and made a bee-line from the spare bedroom to our master bedroom. If that was the night I was going to breath my last breath, I did not want to do it all alone.

I pray the day I leave this earth is a long way off. I pray for the strength to not fear death so much or live my life fearing it could be my last. I know there are things I need to do health-wise to increase the liklihood of being around for another 45-50 years and I WILL do what is necessary to be around for my family as long as I can be. And I will pray those words I prayed to God every night when I was a child...

Now I lay me down to sleep
I ask the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I ask the Lord my soul to take
Amen

By the way...it is Friday, which means I got to live another day. Thank you God!

Crazy Love for Michael Buble

2010-08-19T12:37:00.025-06:00

'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh some more... and you'll drool a little too'.

That's what a friend told me would happen when seeing the incomparable Michael Buble in concert. I didn't cry but it was definitely emotional watching Buble sing 'The Best of Me', a song he said got him through some very hard times in his life. The pure, raw emotion on his face just made you want to reach out, give him a hug and say it's gonna be ok. As for the laughing, I did a lot of that. Buble is a very funny man. Drooling? Yup! I don't think there was a woman in the audience that didn't.

I've been to a few concerts in my lifetime (NKOTB (x2), Bryan Adams (x2), Keith Urban...to name a few) and for the first time I can honestly say I had not played witness to what being a true entertainer means until last night. Bryan Adams and Keith Urban sure do come close. NKOTB? Well, I jumped on that boyband bandwagon when I was 16 and have just recently taken a giant leap off. Entertaining? Sure, but there's just something about Michael Buble that makes him top the list. My list anyway.

It's his humour; it's the way you can feel the emotion of the song in your gut and the vulnerability you can see in his eyes when he sings; it's his voice in general. Even the slightly sour notes sound amazing; it's his appearance. Always looking dapper and very handsome; it's his pride for being Canadian. I'd say that's one of the things I love most about Buble. He wears his Canadian-ness on his sleeve for all to see.

When it comes to describing the concert last night, I really don't have any words that would do it justice. Amazing, Awesome, Fantastic, Superb, Entertaining, Engaging and any other synonym that might fit in there. Really though, even 'Best Concert EVER' isn't enough. But it really was the Best Concert EVER!

Absolutely I would spend $100+ (that's for ONE ticket!) to see Michael Buble again in concert. Heck, if he was here in Calgary again tonight, I'd be there.

Here's the set list for Buble's 'Crazy Love' Tour so far:
1.Cry Me a River Play
2.All of Me Play
3.At This Moment
4.Mack The Knife
5.Everything
6.Solo Instrumental Medley by Band
7.I've Got The World On A String
8.Best Of Me
9.Crazy Love
10.Georgia On My Mind
11.For Once In My Life
12.Billy Jean (Partial)
13.Twist and Shout
14.All I Do is Dream of You (w / Naturally 7)
15.Home
16.Save The Last Dance For Me
17.How Sweet It Is
18.Heartache Tonight
19.I Haven't Met You Yet

Encore:
20.Feeling Good
21.Me and Mrs. Jones
22.Song For You

Below you're find several...and I mean several pictures I took at the concert. This is not even all of them. I think I took a lot of pictures to remind myself I was actually there. I was also able to grab a few videos of Buble performing some of my faves: Everything, Just Haven't Met You Yet and Home, as well as his full chat with the audience at the beginning. *Warning: There are some non-child friendly comments in the 'chat'*

All dressed up with somewhere to go...My Date(s) for the evening: Steve...And Buble himself, who kindly greeted me on the red carpet... Our seats...we were closer than we appear from this pic...
Naturally 7 - Buble's opening act. Fantastic!!!

We want Buble, we want Buble...

His stage set was amazing...

Lovin' the camera...

Here's me (my hair is so flat compared to earlier! lol) and there's Buble :D... (again, I really wasn't that far away in reality)

Save the Last Dance for Me, please :) ...

And finally...THE VIDEOS:

Chattin' with Calgary

Everything (just a short piece though)

Home

Heartache Tonight

Just Haven't Met You Yet

The Greatest of them all is Love

2010-08-17T00:05:00.001-06:00

August 17th, 1996 was a Saturday. It was almost 30 degrees and the mosquitoes were out in full force because of rain showers the night before. At approximately 3:15pm at the flower garden in St. Vital Park (Winnipeg), I appeared from behind a tree to elegantly walk down rose-petal covered stone steps to marry a man I had met four years earlier.

Saying 'I Do' on that day 14 years ago was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life.

I'm not saying the last 14 years has been an easy road. It hasn't by any means been a walk in the park, but honestly, what marriage journey is? What I'm saying is that despite the trials we have endured, I am still married to the love of my life and getting to wake up to him for the 5114th morning in a row.

Stephen, thank you for an amazing 14 years. I am blessed to have you, blessed that you love me despite my faults, I am blessed you had faith, patience and reliance on God while we struggled to have children; I am blessed to watch you now as the most loving, proud and amazing dad to Keegan, Josh & Connolly; I am blessed I get to watch our children grow up to be strong, faithful men, as you are; I am blessed that I get to grow old with you; Simply, I am blessed because of you.

You are my best friend, the love of my life. Happy Anniversary. I love you.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
It is not self-seeking, nor easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongdoing.
It does not delight in evil,
But rejoices in the truth.
It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things that last forever:
Faith, hope, and love;
But the greatest of them all is love.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

In case you're not my friend on Facebook or following me on Twitter...

2010-08-04T15:06:00.004-06:00

On July 15th, CTV's Canada AM put a call out to its viewers to send them pictures of their favourite Canadian Landmarks. They would then post the pictures on the show and on their website.

The picture I submitted didn't make Loren Christie's Top 5 Favourite Landmarks, but it did make it into the Top 10 slideshow on Canada AM's website :)

Canada AM's Canadian Landmarks

What a Trip!

2010-08-04T15:02:00.000-06:00

*In case you don't read or know about KJ&C's blog, this is a repost from there*

Home Sweet Home.

We are home after an amazing 16-day vacation to British Columbia, where we hung out on beaches, in our friends' backyards and by the pool & park at our campground. I don't think I've ever taken as many pictures on vacation as I did during this one. Well, maybe our 13-day vacation to Disneyland in 2008 will rival in the number of pictures taken. Either way...loads & loads of pictures. And videos too of course.

I'll post a few teaser pics below with the links to the albums on my Facebook page and I've uploaded all the videos (short ones, I promise) on Keegan, Josh & Connolly's YouTube Channel 'Triplet Travels'.

I don't need to go into detail about our vacation. The pictures & videos speak for themselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Videos:
KJ&C's Triplet Travels

Pictures:
Album #1 - Christina Lake/Vancouver Island (these were taken with my blackberry)

Album #2 - Christina Lake/Vancouver Island (these were taken w/ our digital camera)

And the teaser pics:

Happy Holidays!

2010-07-15T12:02:00.015-06:00

Don't worry, I know it's not Christmas yet. We still have 5 months & 10 days before that happens again. By 'Happy Holidays' I mean it's VACATION time. Today is my last day at work for a whole 18 days. YEEEEEHAAAWWWW!!! I would've said that anyway, but kind of appropriate now since it's still Stampede week here in Calgary :)

Steve's mum, his sister, her 3 daughters and a cousin from her husband's side are arriving at our place sometime in the wee hours of Friday morning to spend the weekend. For once in our house, the girls will outnumber the boys. They are coming to hang with us and meet up with some extended family (on Keltie's husband's side) from Norway who are in Calgary as well.

We'll get to hang out with family Friday and Saturday and then first thing Sunday morning, Steve, KJC, Max and I will hop in the Armada, trailer in tow and head off down the road for 5 days of beach bliss at Christina Lake. If you have never been to Christina Lake, I highly recommend you change that. It is so beautiful and the lake is amazing. It's the warmest man-made lake in North America. No dipping your toes in and running away screaming 'I'm not going in there. It's too cold'.

After Christina Lake, we will travel west, spend the night in Abbotsford and then catch a lunch time ferry over to Vancouver Island. We'll make our home at a campground in Chemainus for 9 days. Another place I highly recommend you visit if you haven't...or more often if you have already. We chose the island as a place to visit, not only because it's beautiful there, but also because our good friends Ronni & Martin and John & Angie live there. It's a chance for 'The Six' to catch up and hang out like the good old days. This is our 2nd annual 'catch up' :)

So as you can probably tell I'm excited to be going on vacation. Camping isn't always the most relaxing of holidays, but we're away from the 'same old, same old' at home and work and we're together as a family enjoying time together and building memories that will last a lifetime.

I hope you & your family get an opportunity to take a break from every day life and do something awesome this summer.

Happy Holidays all!!

James Joyce & I are kindred spirits

2010-07-14T13:22:00.005-06:00

It's been a long time since I've written a short story. Sure, I've written two songs in the last year, but the last time I actually penned a fictional story was at least 4 years ago. Maybe longer.

Being my own worst critic, I always think my stories are silly, unoriginal and not written very well at all. So my curiosity got the better of me when someone posted a 'Who do you write like?' link on Twitter earlier today. To determine who you write like, you paste a few paragraphs from one of your stories, a blog post, etc and it will analyze your writing style to see which famous writer you most resemble.

This is who came up for me when I put in the entire length of one of my Westlife fan fiction stories I wrote several years ago:

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

How appropriate considering Joyce was an Irish writer/poet, as am I. It's also one of my favourite pubs in Calgary, but that's an entirely different matter ;)

To see if it was a fluke, I took two other short stories I wrote and put those in for analysis as well. The result was the same. So apparently my writing style really does resemble that of James Joyce.

I can't say I mind that at all.

Who do you write like?

Metro Calgary really likes me

2010-07-13T08:50:00.000-06:00

For the second time in less than a month, Metro Calgary has used something I put on Twitter as part of their 'news'. I blogged about the first time not too long ago. Completely by random they chose one of my tweets and published it in their paper...all because I used the hashtag #yyc :)

This week, Calgary was hit by the most amazing, and kinda scary storm that resulted in the biggest hail I have ever seen in my life. My desk sits on the 7th floor of the building I work in, so it's easy for me to see if there's any weather systems coming in from the west. I spotted the dark clouds this past Monday and snapped a shot with my blackberry. Suddenly, the storm was upon us and our building was being hammered with golf ball size hail. Cars on the street below us were taking cover underneath the overpass to protect their cars from hail damage.

It was crazy with a capital 'C'!!

Metro Calgary put a call out to their followers on Twitter to send in any pictures they had of the storm and so I tweeted four pictures that I had taken. Two of them made the Metro Calgary website and their story about the storm.

In Pictures: Calgary's Summer Storm (*I am credited by my Twitter name 'Aislingizagleek'*)
As a side note, the Metro 'In Pictures' story also ran on Yahoo! Canada News

Here are the other two pictures that didn't make the story:
This was the 1st picture I took as I noticed the really dark clouds in the west side of Calgary...
This is just the beginning of the hail that started to pelt our windows and roof at work...

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

2010-07-12T21:30:00.003-06:00

Over the next 10 days (well, 6 since we're already on the 4th day), about 1.2 million people from all over the globe will take in the Calgary Stampede, aka: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. It's 10 days of rides, rodeos, chuckwagon races, mini donuts, amazing evening shows, fireworks and lots & lots of alcohol consumption. The Stampede is Calgary's annual party.

We have only been to the Stampede twice in our 10 years here, but it doesn't mean we don't get into the spirit while steering clear of the stampede grounds. Jeans for 10 days and Steve even invested in a cowboy hat a few years ago. For the past several months, I have been coordinating the annual Stampede Breakfast at work, and it got me even more into the spirit. So I decided to step it up myself this year and lasso a purdy little cowboy hat.

Oh yes. Me, who cares more about what my hair looks like than if I have make-up on or am dressed like a slob. I will be wearing a cowboy hat this week. I think my hair can handle it :)

Happy Stampeding Y'all.

Canada D'Eh!

2010-07-04T17:20:00.002-06:00

I just posted a blog on KJ&C's blog with all the pictures from our Canada Day weekend in Drumheller (if you haven't seen them already on Facebook) and a little bit about the family memories we are building because of our summer camping life.

Canada D'Eh!

Hope you & yours had a wonderful Canada Day (or Independence Day if you're American) this past weekend!!

The smallest things excite me

2010-06-25T11:39:00.006-06:00

Sometimes it's the little things that get me all excited and giddy. A tweet from a celebrity (Kelly Ripa, Alyssa Milano, Neil Jackson, Jodi Albert (wife of one of the 'Westlife' guys) to name a few); hearing myself on the radio when I'm commenting on something they're talking about; getting my most favourite movie in the world in the mail. You know, the little things that other people wouldn't find giddy-worthy.

So today I had an other excited and giddy moment when a Twitter pal, @KidCraig sent me a tweet and said 'Hey! You're lemonade stand tweet made it in to Metro today! #yyc'.

Say what? Cue the excitement & giddyness.

I turned to my colleague at work and told her about the tweet. Guess what she had in her hand? The Metro Calgary paper. She opened it and on the first page, left hand column was the section for 'Calgary Tweets'. Mine was the 3rd one down.

Too funny. I just happened to see a couple of kids with lemonade stands as I was coming up the main road before turning on to our street and when I hit the driveway, I tweeted it.

Glad I didn't make any spelling errors ;)

*In case it's not obvious, I am AislingizaGleek...

I can only imagine

2010-06-20T22:29:00.004-06:00

We watched the following video at church this morning and I had tears streaming down my face. On Father's Day and talking about God and his unconditional love for us, the symbolism of what Rick Hoyt's dad did for him is so powerful.

My dad has been an amazing presence in my life and was/is always there for me if I need him to help me, no matter what the goal. But here on earth, he can only do so much. How good it is to know I also have a heavenly Father who will carry me through every day of my life.

*If you don't know Rick Hoyt's story, read it here*

The Meaning of Friendship

2010-06-14T19:29:00.007-06:00

A repost from 2006 because I've been thinking a lot lately about what it truly means to be a friend; I've been thinking about friendship from the perspective of friends I had in the past, the friends I have in my life now and the friends I will make in the future. But also from the perspective of what kind of friend I should be and hope I am.

I hope you enjoy this poem as much I did 4 years ago and do today...

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.

I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away
from friendship, from faith, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change,

room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.

-- Author Unknown

Not for a Million Bucks!

2010-06-07T08:27:00.006-06:00

'Kate plus 8' premiered last night and I know there were a lot of people who watched it. I was not one of them. I was never a fan of the trainwreck called 'Jon & Kate plus 8' and I do not intend to start watching Kate's solo trainwreck.

A lot of people assume because I am a mom to multiples that I would love this show, that I would watch it all the time and I can relate in some way to the life Kate and Jon live. I despise the show and will not watch it and with the exception of the busyness that comes with having multiples, I cannot relate.

I would say I align more with the group that says Jon & Kate have used the fact they have twins & sextuplets as a way to turn themselves into celebrities. At the expense of their children and their marriage unfortunately.

Don't get me wrong...I'm sure the kids are very well taken care of and they have everything they need/want because of the money the show has brought in for their parents. But when they're older and they look back on having grown up in front of a camera, I will be interested to know what they really thought of the whole thing. They are not actors who made the choice to grow up on television; they had no say in the matter. And the worst of it is they've had to endure their parents marriage failure, such a private and painful situation and they have an audience of millions as they deal with it.

I'm sure many of you J&K+8 fans would say I don't get it cause I don't have 8 kids. No, I don't have 8 kids but I also know that there are other families in this world who have quintuplets, sextuplets or septuplets plus at least one other child who don't have reality shows and who live their life as normally as they can.

I get that when you have multiples (even having only triplets like us), you become an instant celebrity, at least locally. Everyone stops you, asks every inappropriate question in the book, and says things like 'I'm so glad I'm not you', 'You must be so busy all the time' or 'Too bad one of them isn't a girl'.

I don't mind the people who tell me how blessed I am because I SO know I am; I didn't mind being interviewed on the news to give advice to a Calgary couple who had just had quads; I don't mind the attention having triplets brings when I'm out somewhere. But I would not purposely stick my kids in front of a camera day in, day out and live my life in front of the entire world so they could see the in's & out's of everything that's wrong and right in my life.

The question was asked last week (as Canada geared up for a $50 million lottery jackpot): What would you do for $1 million? Well I'll tell you what I wouldn't do...I would not become 'Steve & Aisling plus 3 and a dog' for the sake of making a buck...or a million.

STILL Filled with GLEE!

2010-05-29T18:35:00.005-06:00

Today, May 29th, was the day of the Amp Radio Glee Club auditions at Sundridge Mall from 12-2pm. I had a pretty decent sleep last night, but boy could I feel the nerves setting in first thing this morning. It was time to calm down, focus and make sure I knew my song.

I wasn't going into these final auditions thinking I was going to be the best; I just wanted to do my best. The auditions were going to be the first public performance I've done since stepping down from praise team when I got pregnant in October 2004. My first public performance in 5-1/2 years. No wonder I was nervous.

I got to the mall around 11:45am and saw that there wasn't a huge line-up to sign in, so I went to the little girls room first to do a hair & make-up check. After deciding there was no way I could make myself look any better ;) , I made my way over to the registration table. I didn't even have to say my name because Emma, Amp's Promotion Director, knew exactly who I was just from looking at me. I guess my youtube audition made an impression on her. Probably helps that we're Facebook friends too though, right? LOL

I was the 10th to sign in, which meant I would sing 10th. I had hoped to be a little further down the roster, but 10th wasn't too bad. At least I'd hear 9 people before me to gauge how I think I'd do. As I watched the rest of the auditioners sign in, I stood off in a corner by myself, plugged one ear and hummed the tune to my song. I sang the song quietly to myself several times as well cause the last thing I wanted to do was forget the lyrics. I was going to sing a song I wrote; it wouldn't be good if I forgot my own lyrics!!

As I rehearsed, I paid close attention to the other auditioners around me. There were 3 guys with acoustic guitars. 'I bet they're awesome' was my only thought. The main thing I noticed though was that the majority of singers were younger than me. There was only two others I saw that likely were close to me in age; the rest looked like they were in their 20's.

The auditions began a little late, so at about 12:15pm, Emma got up on stage and away we went. One by one, 1 through 9 sang. Some of them were cut-off half way through their song and told immediately they made it to the 2nd round; others were given more time to sing and were just given a 'thank you'.

As the girl before me sang, I stood behind the stage, both ears plugged, trying to get my starting note. I had a slight panic attack because I couldn't find my note. However, crisis averted seconds later when I got it. The girl finished her song and it was my turn. I stepped up on the stage and it was little surreal I have to say. Looking out on the crowd of about 100 people (auditoners, their friends/families, and the general public who wanted to see what was going on) was a little nerve-wrecking, but as soon I grabbed the microphone, I suddenly felt calm.

'My name is Aisling and I'm going to sing a song that I wrote called 'Shadows of the Past'. The fact that I said it was my own song got a few cheers from the crowd. Cool!

And I sang.

I didn't forget the words, I wasn't out of tune, my voice wasn't shaky from nerves and they let me sing almost the whole song. I could see the judges conferring as I sang. As I sang through the lyrics in my head, I wondered what they were saying about me. 'Should we put her through? Yes? No? I wish she'd sang a different song. She looks nervous. She sounds horrible. Maybe that's what they were saying. I could've asked later on I suppose, but I guess I wasn't as curious as I thought. Or maybe I was afraid of what they were saying! lol

When Emma put her hand up to stop me, I got a beaming 'Thank you Aisling' from her, but no rolling motion which meant 'stick around, you're in the final round'.

So that was that. One minute of singing and I was done. Honestly though, with the exception of one girl who made it through to the second round over me, I have no beefs whatsoever that I didn't make it.

I have a few theories as to why I didn't make it:

The fact that I haven't performed in front of a crowd in 5-1/2 years was likely quite obvious
Maybe singing my own song wasn't the best choice; maybe I should've chosen a song that everyone was familiar with and one that was a bit more upbeat
I lacked the charisma in my performance that many of those who made the 2nd round had (why? See #1)

But again, I am totally ok with how it all worked out today. I don't regret sending the initial audition in because I got to be a part of the final 30 chosen to compete for what ended up being 12 spots. Calgary has some insanely talented singers/musicians. It was tough to compete. And yes, as I predicted the 3 guys with acoustic guitars I mentioned earlier ALL made the Glee Club.

I went out today, after a 5-1/2 year absence from singing in public, I sang a song that I wrote and I sang it well. Other than getting a coveted spot in the Glee Club, what more could I have asked for!!

I'm pretty proud of myself, thank you very much. Go ME!!!

And a big congrats to the 12 members of the Amp Radio Glee Club. Well deserved all of you :)

Filled with GLEE!

2010-05-26T09:31:00.005-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock, you likely know GLEE is one of the most popular shows on television and it just so happens it's one of my favourites. If my high school had a Glee Club when I was there, I would've joined in a heartbeat.

My high school didn't have a Glee Club, but 19 years after graduating, I have the chance to be in one.

Calgary's Amp Radio jumped on the Glee train a few weeks ago and announced they were holding auditions for their very own Glee Club. My ears perked up as soon as I heard it and within a few hours, I had emailed in my audition. Just to be sure I was heard, I sent two mp3's, the link to the acapella versions of my songs on myspace AND a short youtube video of me singing. Can you tell I want this!!!! The deadline to submit auditions is today, May 26th and then final auditions will be held this Saturday, May 29th to determine who the lucky Glee Club members will be. Amp Radio will pick a maximum of 15 people to represent them over the summer months.

The Amp Radio Glee Club will go into the recording studio and lay down some tracks, as well as perform at various Amp events throughout Calgary over the summer. Sounds awesome. I'm in. Well, I want to be.

Even though people can still audition to make it to the finals on Saturday, I already know that I will indeed be a part of the finals this weekend. I got the email yesterday giving me all the rules & regulations for the final audition process this weekend. It's all very 'American Idol-ish'. I wonder who will play 'Simon'?

The challenge for me now over the next few days is picking a song. I know from watching American Idol every season for the the past 10 seasons that song choice is key. I also know that I better not forget the words so I better pick a song I could sing in my sleep. The bigger challenge though is fighting off the nerves I'm already feeling. I have not performed in front of a crowd of people since 2004 and even when I was doing it regularly, if I ever had a solo to sing, my left leg would shake like crazy. I think I might need to bring a stool to sit on while I sing :)

Either way, I will not let the nerves get the best of me. I've got nothing to lose. Approximately 30 people are finalists and a maximum of 15 people will be chosen. That gives me a 1-in-2 chance of being a part of Amp Radio's Glee Club. Those are good odds.

Wish me luck!!

I'm a WIENER!!!

2010-05-12T11:04:00.004-06:00

Remember that contest I entered for my mum to win the Flip Ultra HD camcorder with the blog 'Mum's the Word'?

Well guess who won!?!?!?

I got the text message that I'd won on Monday morning and look what arrived in the mail, all the way from Ontario, on Tuesday afternoon. Talk about fast!!!

Don't worry...it's safe in the box still. I won it FOR my mum after all. I didn't just use her to win it for myself!! LOL I'm a good daughter like that.

So when is 'Daughter's Day' so my mum can win me something really cool?

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing

2010-05-04T20:21:00.007-06:00

Who knew that wanting something so badly would actually come with days of lack of motivation, lack of faith in my God-given gift and yes, somedays even just pure laziness. For the last several weeks, I have felt no motivation to finish the second song that I plan to put on my 4-song EP. In fact, I'd lost motivation to even record the cd at all.

Part of it may be because my musical partner in crime Erin is moving back to the U.S. in July and I have no idea who could replace such an amazing talent or who I could build a blessed friendship like I have with her. Then I thought about the amount of time we have left if we were to forge ahead and finish the cd before Erin leaves in July. Finish song #2 and write in full songs #3 & #4 plus rehearse and then record. All in a matter of 8 weeks? Insanity.

And the dream began to fade.

That was 2 weeks ago. I've talked with Erin since then. The dream is starting to shine bright again.

The plan is to finish the lyrics to song #2 and fine tune both of the songs. Then we'll hook up with Kris, Erin's friend who has a recording studio to schedule rehearsal time and then finally it'll be time to record my two songs.

I keep getting this amazing image of myself standing in the recording booth, earphones on my head, my hands holding the earphones tight to my ears as I listen to the music and sing into the gigantic microphone in front of my face. I've seen so many videos of artists doing this and it's just how I've always imagined it if I ever got the chance to do it myself. So I know that's what I'm gonna do when I finally get to stand on that spot. I get the shivers just thinking about it.

It's going to be a crazy couple of months trying to organize our schedules to make this happen, but I am so blessed to have an amazing friend like Erin who is willing to make the time for me to live this dream.

I've had so many supporters of my singing my whole life, from my parents, to my best friend Jie, to Steve and I love that I can add Erin, my friend and fellow singer/song-writer to that list.

Let's just hope sounds come out of my mouth when I open it to sing :)

Mum's the word

2010-05-03T08:03:00.006-06:00

A mother holds her children's hands for a while...their hearts forever
-- Author Unknown

Part of the reason for this blog/open letter is this fantastic Mother's Day contest: http://www.dad-camp.com/2010/04/flip-for-mom/trackback/. My mum is flippin' awesome and she deserves to have a flippin' good time with the Flip Ultra HD camcorder to capture all the little...and big moments that happen in her life. But honestly, I would write this blog without the contest because my mum is flippin' awesome and I'm not afraid to brag about my mum. So there!

Simply put...if I am half the mum to my children as my mum was to me (and my brother), I'll be a pretty amazing mum. Cause my mum was, is and always will be the epitomy of what a mum should be.

Oh sure, me & my mum had our battles, but I never came out scarred. By the end of each battle, there was always a hug, a kiss, an 'I love you', an 'I'm proud of you' and pretty much always a 'You're the best'. I'm almost 37 years old and I still hear these words from my mum every time we speak. Every time!

I know I have been loved by my mum every day of my life. Maybe it partially has to do with 7 months before I was conceived, my mum went through one of the worst moments in her life. Losing a child. My brother Ciaran died at only 5 days old and my mum was hours away from him at a different hospital when he died. She and my dad were devastated and then were told because of what happened to Ciaran, they should not attempt to have any more children. I thank God every day they didn't listen to those doctors! When I was born healthy and without incident, it was a good day. A dream come true. Or at least my name says so. Though I wasn't another son, as Ciaran had been, my parents were given the chance at loving and raising a daughter. How lucky am I!!

I won't go into all the moments when I have most loved and appreciated my mum cause really this blog could take me a month to write otherwise, but there is one thing in particular I need to share about my mum. Oh and by the way, I must add that because it's Mother's Day coming up, this is about my mum. I could write the exact same words about my dad!!

The one thing that makes me thankful every single moment of every single day for my mum is that she sacrificed her life for me. Not literally sacrificed her life because she is alive & well as I write this blog, but she sacrificed the life she & my dad had built in a small community in Manitoba by uprooting herself to move to Calgary to be close to me after my sons were born. She put her life with my dad on hold for almost a year to help me adjust to being a mum for the first time, second time and third time...all in a matter of 47 minutes.

My mum travelled back & forth between Calgary & Winnipeg for the best part of the first year after Keegan, Josh & Connolly were born. And then she moved here permanently, leaving my dad behind for almost a year while he wound down towards retirement. She & my dad bought a condo within 5km's of our house so she could come if/when I needed her; whether I was having a bad day, a good day, or any kind of day inbetween.

Now here I sit, writing this blog 5 years later. My parents still live in that condo 5km's from us and my mum at the tender age of 67 years old comes over twice a week to look after the boys. People call me 'Supermom' because I'm the mum to triplet boys. Forget me. I am not the 'Supermom' here. The 'Supermom' in my story is and always will be MY mum.

I can only hope that when Keegan, Josh & Connolly are older, they are able to write such words about me and about how much I loved them. I've certainly been blessed with the best role model in the world for that to happen.

If I am half the mum my mum was and continues to be to me, I'm on my way to truly being a 'Supermom' too.

I love you Mum. YOU are the best!! Happy Mother's Day :)

They are their Mother's Sons!

2010-04-29T17:26:00.002-06:00

This was some of the fun KJ&C had on our snow day. The song 'Break your Heart' by Taio Cruz was played on 90.3 Amp Radio around lunchtime today, a song which Keegan a few weeks ago named as his favourite song. When he heard it on the radio, he had to showcase how much he loves it. Connolly and Josh joined in near the end.

LOVE this!!

Snowmageddon

2010-04-29T16:52:00.005-06:00

I posted this on KJ&C's blog, but in case some of my readers don't read or know about that blog, here's the link to read about & see pictures from the wonderful snowstorm that decided to greet Calgary this spring season. Gotta love April in the YYC!!

(Videos of 'Snowmageddon' are HERE)

A nasty snowstorm hit Calgary on Wednesday (April 28) evening and lasted through Thursday afternoon, with the craziest winds I've ever seen. We were without power from 6am Thursday until just past 2:30pm.

Steve called his co-workers and made it a 'snow day' for them & the Sylvan students, while I worked from home cause the blowing snow & wind was pretty bad in our area. It would've made the drive to work not so much fun.

Even though we were stuck at home with no power, we were able to pass the time without requiring straitjackets :) Here are some pictures of our snow day. I'm uploading videos to YouTube right now and will post those in a follow up blog shortly.

Early morning of Thursday, April 29th. Isn't it supposed to be SPRING
Thank goodness for battery-operated toys!!

Even Steve passed some time playing Leapster...

Outside fun...!!!!

The snow was gross & wet; it even clung to our outside thermometer...
Music on our battery-run radio kept us lively for most of the day...
And our gas fireplace kept us cozy & warm...especially since we couldn't make any hot chocolate which is a daily morning routine in our house!

Steve & I got our caffeine from Coke Zero...

Then finally the power was back and we went straight for our beloved Tassimo for a coffee!!

Being Sick Sucks!

2010-04-21T20:06:00.006-06:00

I really hate being sick.

I've had a severe sore throat since last Saturday and muscle aches & chills on a couple of occasions as well. I left work early on Monday morning cause I just couldn't handle the pain in my throat anymore. I planned to head home and rest for the afternoon, but it still appears 'Mother knows best' and my mum insisted I go to see my doctor straight away. Yes Mum!

I didn't have an appointment but the walk-in wait wasn't long at all. I was in with the doctor in less than 10 minutes. She asked me what symptoms I'd had and took a look at my throat. No infection from what she could tell, but it was definitely red. She said that whatever I have is going around cause she & the other docs in the clinic have seen several patients recently with the same symptoms. In fact, she said they don't know if it's a new flu strain or H1N1 making another appearance.

Great! H1N1...good thing I got the shot.

My doctor wrote out a prescription for a medicine to gargle with, zinc lozenges and suggested I stock up on ibuprofen to decrease the inflammation. I was also to stay away from work for 3 days because whatever I have is viral and I needed to rest. So off I went to Shopper's Drug Mart to hand in the illegible prescription note. I often wonder if pharmacists take a course in how to read MD's writing.

It is now Wednesday. I saw the doctor on Monday. My throat is still very sore. I had a fever today and even though it was almost 24 degrees outside and about the same inside, I was freezing cold. Ibuprofen is the only thing so far that makes it easier to eat & drink. We're heading to Banff on Friday so I hope I'm not still dealing with this.

I might need to visit the doc one more time if I am. Did I mention I really hate being sick!

No Kids Allowed

2010-04-06T10:54:00.016-06:00

Steve & I took a much-needed mini vacation to Vancouver this past weekend. Just the two of us; not a Keegan, Josh or Connolly in sight (except the pictures in our wallets of course!).

It had been over 5 years since we had gone anywhere without the boys, so we enjoyed a relaxing weekend of walking, talking, shopping, sleeping in (sort of) and soaking in the hot tub without any interruptions. It was also pretty cool to see all the Winter Olympics landmarks like the Olympic Rings, the countdown clock and of course the Olympic cauldron.

We missed the boys of course, but it was nice to finally have a few days just to ourselves.

*Warning: This blog is Picture heavy :) *

On our way...

Our hotel...
Small room, but very cozy...

Our view...

The view from the treadmill in the gym...
The view from the hot tub...

Lots of boats/yachts in Vancouver...

Taking the aquabus to Granville Island...

The view of Vancouver from Granville Island...

Mine, Mine, Mine...
Granville Island Market...
Granville Island...
A walk along the English Bay & Stanley Park pathways...

Inukshuk...
West Vancouver and some pineapple-looking rock...
Over an hour into our walk, the Lion's Gate Bridge...
The view as we made our way up the hill to the Aquarium...
Our Olympic Experience...5 weeks after the games ended...

Lunch in Gas Town...

GM Place...
BC Place...

Heading to Yaletown Brew Pub to watch the Flames game...(we did this on Friday & Sunday)

A much needed break

2010-03-25T22:03:00.008-06:00

For the first time since late 2004, Steve & I are embarking on a 'Just the two of us' trip. 5-1/2 years ago we found out we were expecting and less than 2 months later, we found out we were expecting triplets. From that day forth, our travelling as a couple days were over. Until now.

Keegan, Josh & Connolly are a mere 6 weeks away from turning 5 years old and we feel it is time for us to take a short, but much needed break from the constant 'go go go' of being parents (let alone being the parents of three busy, growing triplet boys).

Every couple needs a break now & then to refresh their memory of what it's like to just be two people with no set time to go to bed, get up, what to eat, where to eat, what to wear, what to do. No schedule, no racing from here to there and everywhere. Just for a few days, it will be all about us. For the past 5 years, it hasn't been about us at all and I'm looking forward to bringing the 'couple' us back to the 'family' us on a regular basis.

As a surprise for me early in February, a somewhat tardy Valentine's Day gift perhaps, Steve booked a 4-day/3 night trip to Vancouver for us. KJ&C were a little apprehensive at first at the idea that mummy & daddy were going away without them, but they warmed up to the idea and now are very excited about our trip. Probably cause they know they'll get presents out of it! LOL

With both of us working full-time and with the boys' schedules for school and activities only going to get crazier as the year goes on (Timbits Hockey & Kindergarten start in just about 6 months), we are in desperate need of some time to ourselves; to remind ourselves of who we were as a couple before KJ&C arrived and more importantly to remind ourselves who we are today as a couple who are parents.

I had lunch with a very good friend last week who told me of a couple she knows where the husband promised his wife, from the day their children were born, that they would go on a trip for one week every year, just the two of them. Several years later and he has not once broken his promise to her. I hope we can make that kind of promise to take time for just the two of us at least once a year. In my mind, we cannot be good parents if we are not a good couple. Our kid-free trips will be of as much benefit to our children and our relationships with them as it will be to our marriage.

We have nothing planned for our trip other than to relax and enjoy each other's company walking around Vancouver, taking in the beautiful scenery of downtown and the Rockies not far off in the distance. And maybe enjoy a few mornings in a row of sleeping in passed 7:00am.

I don't remember the last time I did that.

Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig

2010-03-17T12:34:00.004-06:00

Go figure...I love St. Patrick's Day

As you may well know, I am a very proud Canadian. You might remember my post late last month about the Winter Olympics; you may have seen the hundreds of tweets by me on Twitter about Canada's performance; you probably have seen pics of me either on this blog or on Facebook of me proudly wearing my Canada shirt on July 1st last year. I am Canadian, absolutely. But I am also Irish.

I was not born in Ireland but I may as well have been. I was one of the first non-Irish born in my family and I spent some of the best years (9 of them to be exact) of my life growing up in a town called Castlebar. St. Patrick's Day has always been one of my favourite holidays because now back living in Canada, it gives me an opportunity to show my Irish pride and I get to remember those great years in the good old Emerald Isle.

I don't have contact with a lot of my friends from back then. I was 14 when we left and we've all moved on, gotten married, had kids, grown up and grown apart. I tried for many years to keep the friendships going, but it lasted about 3 or 4 years after moving and then I was the only one willing to try. Those friendships may not have lasted, but the memories of them will last the rest of my life.

There's not many people I know who can say they have lived in the two countries that make up their heritage. For me, it's Ireland & Canada. I have lived in Canada much longer than I lived in Ireland (28 yrs versus 9 yrs), but it's those years in Ireland that most definitely shaped me into who I am today. I am Canadian first as I was born here, I will always be proud to say I am Irish as well.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone.

Crazy Love

2010-03-15T13:57:00.005-06:00

So excited...

Live with Dreams, not Nightmares

2010-03-11T09:32:00.004-07:00

Corey Haim, River Phoenix, Brittany Murphy, Brad Renfro, Dana Plato.

These are just a few of the names that I grew up watching on television or in movies. Corey Haim's sudden death this week has me pondering the question that every parent should ask themselves: Would you want your child to pursue a career in Hollywood; to become a child star?

As a teenager, I was like any other Canadian girl whose bedroom walls were plastered with posters from Teen Beat, Tiger Beat, Bop, etc. of the likes of Corey Haim, Kirk Cameron, Michael J. Fox and Mackenzie Astin. Haim was my absolute favourite though. I was going to marry that boy and we would live happily ever after in Hollywood. I remember Haim being on a Canadian show on CBC (he was born in Toronto didn't you know!), but it was his role in 'Lucas' that got me hooked on the Haimster. The posters of Fox, Astin and Cameron began to reduce as Haim got more space on my walls.

His big break came in 'The Lost Boys', a movie I wouldn't normally watch cause I don't like scary movies...but Corey Haim was in it, so you know I watched every second of it. He had several movies after that, all of which I saw, but as I got older, as he got older, things changed. It's not that I wasn't a fan of his anymore, but he sort of disappeared for a while and it was because he was succumbing to the pressures of being a child star in Hollywood. And now he's dead.

Harsh I know, but it seems that with so many child stars, drugs, alcohol, addictions of all kinds became a way of life. Becoming famous at such a young age might seem glamorous, but all we have to do is hold up Haim and the others I have mentioned above as what can happen if you get too big too fast and there's nobody there to keep you from falling to the point of death. Each of the people I named above, including Haim, all died from drug-related deaths. Accidental or not, they all died way too soon.

I've been asked a few times since KJ&C were born if I would ever want them to pursue a life in show business (this was a dream I once had for myself). I have always said that I will support the boys in everything they want to do in their lives, whether it be sports, acting, music, etc. But now more than ever, I know how important it is for me to raise them to know what it means to stay grounded, to not get too big for their britches should they ever be labelled as 'famous' or a celebrity.

Not every child star goes the way of Haim, Phoenix, Plato, Renfro or Murphy. Some manage to stay grounded and maintain a sense of normalcy despite the constant scrutiny and availability of a life down the wrong path. The first celebrity I think of in this sense is Hilary Duff. A child star at the age of 10 yrs old, she is now 22 and has managed to stay away from the life that so many others have chosen. Let's hope she continues that way.

In this day & age where drugs & alcohol are much more accessible than it was when we were kids, its important to support our children in whatever they want to do with their lives, to teach them faith in God, to educate them and most importantly to share a relationship with them where they know they can come to you about anything. ANYTHING! Hollywood sounds like a pretty fabulous place at times, but all too often lately, we are seeing the scary, deadly side.

It can be best said like this: "Hollywood can be a land of dreams ... but for most, it can become a land of nightmares ... don't believe the hype ... " (Loni Love in her tribute to Corey Haim)

Keegan, Josh & Connolly;
Wherever you go in life, your dad and I will always, ALWAYS be there for you. We will love you, support you, encourage you and be proud of you in everything you do; With a faith in God's plan for you, we will watch you grow up to pursue your dreams, and prayerfully protect you from any nightmares.
Love Mom :)

OH CANADA...

2010-03-02T10:54:00.012-07:00

17 days of nothing but sport after sport after winter sport. The 2010 Winter Olympics, or Vancouver 2010 as it was commonly called was amazing to watch and a thrill from Day 1.

There were some rough patches at the beginning, especially that of the death of a young luger from Georgia. The weather wasn't very kind either. In fact, Vancouver 2010 will go down in history as the warmest climate ever during a winter olympics. But ultimately, it was 17 days of pure exhileration, even for those of us miles away watching every moment on television. And thanks to CTV, TSN and Sportsnet for their fantastic coverage. I have never watched so much TV in my life as I did from Feb. 12th to Feb. 28th, flipping between the 3 channels to catch as much of the live coverage as I could. And when the live coverage was done, we'd watch the highlights to make sure we didn't miss anything.

There were so many 'Where were you when...?' olympic moments. Like Alex Bilodeau's mogul run to win Canada's first gold EVER on Canadian soil, Virtue & Moir's golden win, the first EVER by a Canadian ice-dance pair and of course, both the Men's & Women's hockey teams winning gold...and both over the USA. It was the first time EVER gold has been won by Canadian hockey teams on home soil. I know where I was for all of those moments. Do you?

CTV had the most amazing coverage of the games, both on tv and online. And what would the olympics be without Brian Williams. I particularly enjoyed the 'Olympic Morning' duo of James Duthie & Lisa Laflamme each morning, as well as Jay Onrait, who was absolutely hilarious.

It's been a tough few days of withdrawal since the olympics ended on February 28th. In fact, I have hardly watched television at all since then. Nothing even comes close to the exhileration and excitement of cheering on my country to rise above the world at the winter olympic games. There's just something about being from the host country of a spectacular event like the olympics that brings out the pride in everyone. And I was no exception.

Be proud Vancouver; Be proud Canada and don't let that pride diminish ever.

Here are a few of my favourite Canadian Olympic moments, as well as some of the best commercials/video blogs from CTV's coverage. To view many more like these, go to http://www.ctvolympics.ca

CTV's Final Olympic Montage (preceded by a farewell from Brian Williams)

Stephen Brunt: Canadian Pride - Not so quiet anymore!

Stephen Brunt: Olympic Montage

Michael J. Fox - Hockey is our game

Men's Hockey Gold:

Alex Bilodeau

Virtue & Moir

Jon Montgomery

Dreams can come true!

2010-02-10T13:27:00.015-07:00

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith & belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination & dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. (Gail Devers)
So you may recall that I mentioned something about working on my debut cd. Well, it's still in the works and I have set up two music pages, one on myspace and one on Facebook, for when I have some songs to put up. Watch this blog for the links to those when I go live.

My plan is to complete a 4-song EP that I can put up for your listening pleasure (let's hope! LOL) by mid-2010. One song is complete and Erin & I will be working hard over the next while to get the other songs completed. I'm getting very excited about getting into the studio to record, so the sooner the better.

I will write 4 or 5 songs of my own that I can choose from. I do have an idea for a final song. It would be a cover of an amazing song I have heard just recently...but I need to work out some permissions for that first. Here's hoping!!

My brain is also stirring with all sorts of ideas for a title for the EP as well as what the cover shot will look like. Everything in order though, right!!

Anyway, that's the update. I'm looking forward to sharing the songs with you. It's a dream come true for me to do so.

Now Playing - Johnny Pacar (updated Feb. 8, 2010)

2010-02-04T17:53:00.025-07:00

What's playing in your cd player, mp3 player, or ipod right now?

For me, it's Johnny Pacar. Johnny is an actor who currently plays Damon on the show 'Make it or Break it'. Previously I had seen Pacar in guest roles on shows like CSI: Miami, Ghost Whisperer and Crossing Jordan, but this blog is not about Johnny Pacar, the actor; it's about Johnny Pacar, the musician.

I checked out his MySpace Page to listen to his music a while back and I was hooked from the get-go. I like to think that because I am a singer and my passion in life is music that I know talent when I hear it. This guy definitely has talent and a real passion for music and his songs. His sound is real acoustic. It's basically him & his guitar.

I've always liked more acoustic-sounding songs because they tend to showcase the singers talent without tweaking from auto-tune or whatever else is used to make the manufactured singers/groups sound better. I'm also a fan of Pacar's sound because it's similar to the sound I'm going for on the cd I'm working on.

Pacar has a 4-song EP out on itunes right now called 'Moment of Time', which I have downloaded. Of the 4 songs, my favourite is 'Unfold' and it's currently on a consistent loop on my mp3 player, as well as my car's cd player. Even KJ&C are fans, as they got into the groove playing hockey-stick guitar along with Pacar this morning.

If you like the acoustic sound or if you just want to hear an amazing musical talent, I recommend you check Johnny Pacar's music out over at his official MySpace Page.

*EDIT February 8, 2010: Johnny now has an Official Facebook Music page as well. He has kindly included his songs for listening pleasure as well as the lyrics to 'Unfold', 'In this Moment', 'Let it go' and 'Tonight' (see the 'Notes' section of the page).

Oh and did I mention he's major eye candy!!! ;)

*Photo by Emily Perez*

It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind

2010-01-28T18:26:00.003-07:00

Last week I made the decision to make this blog and the blog we keep for our sons private. However, I have decided to open mine up to public viewing once again, though I will go back to moderating comments to prevent spamming. The boys blog, 'This One, That One and the Other One' will remain private.

I have sent the invite to view to all of our family and many of our friends. If you did not receive the invitation and you wish to request access to the blog, please EMAIL ME. If I don't know you, please don't be offended if I reply back with questions as to why you want access to the boys blog.

Dreaming with my eyes wide open

2010-01-11T19:40:00.005-07:00

I've given my blog a new title. It's still a purpose driven blog, because, at least in my mind, there's a purpose behind each blog I write, but for 2010 I plan to live the new title, dreaming with my eyes wide open.

I don't remember where I first heard or read those words before. Maybe I even came up with them myself although I'm sure someone out there thought of them before me. (I have also heard similar words sung on Westlife's (I've mentioned them before, haven't I?? lol) new album in a song called 'The Difference'). Either way, dreaming with my eyes wide open is something I haven't done in a while but I intend to change that in 2010.

As I've written about before, I'm working on my very first cd, writing songs with my wonderful & talented friend Erin. We got together to write for the first time back in late summer of '09 and now here we are in January with one song written. I had said I wasn't going to give myself a deadline for the cd because I didn't want to put pressure on myself to get it done quickly. And I also figured why rush it when I had waited 20+ years to actually start doing what I've always dreamed of doing.

But I have a new outlook on the whole project now and not working towards a deadline date seems to mean that I'm not really giving it my all; that I have the 'oh well, I'll get it done sometime in the next year...or two' and the lack of commitment has caused a lack of focus. I don't want that.

I know it's not going to be easy, but I need to be very aware of the dream I am working towards and I need to set a deadline to ensure that I stay on track to fulfill this dream. One song down, three more originals to write and one 'cover' to practice before I head into the recording studio to complete the dream. Completion date is July 24th, 2010, my 37th birthday.

Until then and every day after, whatever happens once the cd is completed, I will be dreaming with my eyes wide open.

May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

2010-01-10T10:55:00.008-07:00

First thing...I'm just curious, when you talk about this new year, do you say 'Twenty Ten' or do you say 'Two Thousand and Ten'? I'm a 'Twenty Ten' girl myself.

Second...if you want to see pics from our Christmas in Mexico, check THIS out. There's a few pics posted there and then links to the rest of them.

Third, we're getting ready to send out our annual new year's letter to friends & family and in the last few years we have added a 'Our Year in Pictures' montage so people can actually see, as well as read, what we did in the past year. And I thought I'd post it here as well in case any of my blog readers were interested.

Happy New Year from my family to yours.

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address!

In simple words, may 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2010

2009-12-18T18:27:00.003-07:00

From My Family to Yours...

6 Sleeps

2009-12-14T07:24:00.004-07:00

It's December 14th. That means it's only 6 Sleeps until this.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you & yours!

Losing is Winning

2009-12-07T10:55:00.005-07:00

That's what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we've changed because of it and what we take away from it that we never had before...Losing, in a curious way, is winning. (RICHARD BACH)

The My Rona Home (Calgary edition) finale has aired and the winner of their home mortgage-free was...well, not the Yellow Team. But you know what? The Yellow Team, a.k.a. James & Nicola are winners, without a doubt.

Not only do they have their dream home, one they thought would not be a part of their 2009 before getting the call for the show, but James & Nicola stayed true to who they are, what they believe and what their dream was from beginning to end. As the quote above says, James & Nicola, as well as the entire Yellow Team, showed that it's not about whether or not they won or lost, it's about how they handled the results and what they will take away from the whole experience.

Congratulations on an amazing journey James & Nicola, as well as to Aly, Greg, Mike, Dean and everyone who helped in the building of this dream home.

James & Nicola final diary

The only kind of Blizzard I like is the Dairy Queen kind

2009-12-05T09:53:00.014-07:00

Our friends Colin & Kara timed their week-long trip to Mexico perfectly. They left Friday morning before the big storm hit Calgary. And by big, I mean BIG. We're talking blizzard...and not the kind we like to eat from Dairy Queen.

The temperatures weren't too bad sitting at around -5 celcius, but when you factor in the wind, it felt more like -15 celcius. Initially the Weather Network had said the snow would start falling around 5am and it was going to snow right through to Sunday night. I got up Friday morning at 6:45am to get ready for work, looked out the window and it was clear, no snow falling and the wind wasn't too bad. I went through my 'going to work' routine with good intentions on being out the door by 8am. Silly me.

By 7:45am, our trampoline netting was struggling to stay connected to the trampoline, the snow was falling heavily and I no longer had the clear view of the highway that we usually have from our living room window. Visibility was reduced to maybe 20-30 feet. So much for going to work.
As the day went on, visibility became even worse and the snow began to pile up. I'll let the following pictures tell the story (these pics are taken with my blackberry and I borrowed a few pics from a friend who took his with his iPhone - he actually ventured out in the storm!!!).

3 days before the blizzard hit...
The same shot on Blizzard day...

The wind blowing the snow against our screen door...
Our poor camping chairs...

The morning after. This is the depth of the snow on our deck...

The morning after. Visibility is a lot better...

The morning after. Can somebody turn the heat up on that big, bright fireball in the sky?...

The streets are not fun to drive on. This is the snow drift up against our neighbours truck from the insane winds blowing yesterday. You can see the end of our driveway at the bottom of the picture (next the rocks). The drift went almost the whole way across the road...
Our friend Jason's pics from being out in the blizzard. He & his family ventured out to the mall... They got caught behind an accident on their way home. Stuck in traffic for almost an hour because of it...

Christmas is my Favourite Holiday

2009-12-03T14:25:00.005-07:00

I love Christmas. I'm pretty sure it's my favourite holiday of the year. Now that I'm a grown-up (although some may argue that fact! lol), it's not about getting presents that I love. Now that I'm a mum, it's about seeing Keegan, Josh & Connolly's faces light up at the first sight of the almost-empty glass of milk and cookie crumbs left after 'Santa' has been to visit. I wonder what I looked like as a kid when I saw that.

I love how excited KJ&C get when they open their presents, even if it's not what they've asked for or everything they asked for (which is pretty much every 'boy' toy advertised on television). Connolly said to me just yesterday, 'Mummy, you know what I want from Santa?'. I assumed it would be a yo-yo which is what he's said that last several conversations we've had about presents, but no. 'Mummy, I want Santa to bring me a Connolly doll and a Gwen doll'. Hmmmm...not sure even Santa can pull that one off. 'Gwen' is the female character from the cartoon 'Ben 10'. I don't even think they sell Gwen dolls. And a Connolly doll? I wonder if Matel would make one special. Keegan's request from Santa is an umbrella and Twister (or as he likes to call it, 'the hopscotch game') and Josh would like a yo-yo and a game for his leapster.

Looking forward to Christmas is no different for me this year than any other year. It seems to have become a tradition that we go away for the holidays since the boys were born. We have been home for only one Christmas since 2005. 2005 we were in Winnipeg, 2006, we were in Mexico, 2007 was our year at home, 2008 was Disneyland and 2009 is Mexico again. Who says your Christmas tradition has to be staying at home? We haven't even left for Mexico 2009 yet and we're already thinking of where to go for Christmas 2010.

Anyway, my point is that I love Christmas and I am really looking forward to an early Christmas dinner with my parents on the 13th and a 12-day trip to Puerto Vallarta (with Steve's family) on Dec. 20th.

Christmas is a good time to be reminded how very blessed we are to have what we have and to be able to celebrate the holiday season the way we do.

From my house to yours, I hope this Christmas season is everything you wish it to be and that you get to share it with the people you love the most.

YELLOW revisited

2009-11-28T22:00:00.004-07:00

Hey my blog readers. Just a reminder about why YELLOW is my favourite colour these days. Less than 48 hours to get your votes in for TEAM YELLOW over at the My Rona Home site. You can also call 1-900-630-7662 to register your votes or #8683 for Bell Mobility subscribers.

To see my original YELLOW blogs, click the following links:

'YELLOW'

and

'YELLOW IS MY FAVOURITE COLOUR'

GO TEAM YELLOW!!!

Saying Sorry

2009-11-27T09:33:00.005-07:00

I hope the quote 'It's easier to forgive your enemies than to forgive your friends' doesn't hold any truth today, cause I need forgiveness from my best friend.

I went through the whole day yesterday, November 26th, and not once did I pick up the phone or sit down at the computer to send my BFF of 19 years a birthday wish. It's not that I didn't have Jie on my mind several times throughout the day, but I didn't think to call her for her special occasion. I can honestly say that in the 19 years of our friendship, this is the FIRST time I have ever not called her.

I hope she can forgive me because of all the times that she needed me to be there for her after the rough 2009 she has had, it was on her birthday to celebrate her life. Jie's life deserves to be celebrated and I hope that somehow I can make it up to her. As a side note to this, there is a gift on its way to her that she knows about from email conversations we've had over the last couple of weeks, so she knows that I didn't just forget. Though I know the gift is not the same as the phone call.

Jie, once again I am so sorry and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I hope you had an amazing birthday and celebrated the awesome person that you are. Bm4E...A.

YELLOW

2009-11-26T17:04:00.008-07:00

This is it. In just 4 days, the winner of their dream home will be announced on My Rona Home (Calgary Edition). Why do I care you may ask? Well, jeepers...have you not been reading my blog!!!!!

My 'Why' is the YELLOW Team. James & Nicola are good friends of mine and boy oh boy do they deserve this win. And I honestly do not say that with any bias whatsoever (ok, maybe a wee bit!). But seriously...I watch a lot of 'Vote for so & so' reality tv (American Idol, Canadian Idol, SYTYCD, etc.) and I know the difference between people playing it up for the camera and people who are truly passionate about why they are on the show and are there for all the right reasons.

James & Nicola, along with their beautiful daugthers Maggie & Lyla, have been given this amazing opportunity and they know it. I've never gotten the impression of over-confidence from them, or any member of the YELLOW team. Confidence? Yes, they do have that, as they should...have you seen the house they've built????? But in watching them every week, you see how blessed they feel, and whether they win or not, this is a God-given opportunity that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

The YELLOW team itself is amazing and what chemistry they have. They're like a family. Greg, the contractor is this exceptionally talented guy who knows how to push the team to get things done, yet he knows when the breaking point is near so he pulls out some golf clubs and a few balls to help let of steam. Aly. Gorg & Delish. Working it out. That's Aly. While the other team is busy measuring to make sure things are the right angle, correct height, properly spaced, Aly says 'We'll eye-ball it'. Talent to the max. Greg and Aly were the main team members that we saw every week, but you can tell the 'background people' were just as much a part of the YELLOW family as they were.

In their heart of hearts, James & Nicola certainly WANT to win. Based on how they have handled themselves with class, dignity and maturity throughout the series, they should win hands down. They SHOULD win. Plus, their house is so amazing, classy, modern, a dream home indeed.

So...in these final few days of voting (HERE), check out the pictures of both houses, Blue & YELLOW (HERE). I also encourage you to watch the episodes (HERE), some if not all and understand what I mean about the kind of people James & Nicola have shown themselves to be and who they truly are. I am proud to be a part of the YELLOW NATION and I am proud to call James & Nicola my friends.

James & Nicola are the true champions, whatever Canada decides.

GO TEAM YELLOW!!!!!!

Wazzup Aisling?

2009-11-02T21:14:00.004-07:00

In case you might be wondering what's going on in my life these days, here's 'wazzup' with me.

1. I have been voting like crazy for my friends Nicola & James who are Team Yellow on the reality tv show 'My Rona Home' (see blog below). I vote for myself, for Steve, for my parents, for my in-laws...every day. I'm doing everything I can to help Nicola & James win their dream home. You should see their house. It is STUNNING and that word doesn't do it any kind of justice.

2. I am working on my cd...still. Erin & I have 98% of the first song completed. All that's left is writing the bridge and it's finished. Songs 2 & 3 are pretty much written as far as lyrics go. We'll have to do some tweaking I'm sure, and then we have to put them both to music. But considering we wrote song #1 in only two 3-hour sessions, I think #2 and #3 should come fairly quickly as well. We're both busy mums, so it's a matter of finding evenings that work for us. Again though, I'm not in a huge rush to finish. July 2010 is my goal for 100% completion - songs written & recorded and on (likely both) a personal website and myspace for the world to hear. I am also thinking I may include, as either the fourth or fifth song, a cover of a Westlife song. I just have to figure out all the legalities before I decide for sure.

3. Speaking of Westlife, they have just returned to the music world after a year+ hiatus and the new album 'Where We Are' comes out Nov. 30th (yes, I've already pre-ordered it. You had to ask??? lol). Westlife are also talking World Tour 2010 and I'm making it my mission to ensure Westlife knows that at least one Canadian date needs to be included. I've already told Steve that I will fly to wherever that one date happens to be in the country.

4. Work is going really well...and busy. Since moving into my new position, I have done 2 events (about to begin #3 and assist with another one) and written 6 articles (currently working on my 7th).

5. I miss my BFF Jie. She's had a rough year and I continue to pray daily that, since 2009 is almost over, 2010 is her year in every way she wants it to be. BM4E!!!!

6. I am SO looking forward to our trip to Mexico.

7. We all got the H1N1 shot last week. Steve stood in line for over 4 hours with KJ&C and I, being staff at the med school, was in & out in about 5 minutes.

8. Keegan, Josh & Connolly are growing up so fast. They are learning french, sign language, going on field trips (November's is to a fire station - they are SO excited!!!), and learning so many new things in junior kindergarten. And in addition to school, they are loving youth assembly at church every Sunday. They play 'school' and 'youth assembly' quite often, imitating their teachers. It's so great to see how much they have grown over the last few months. They are also still in swimming lessons every Thursday and skating lessons every Saturday.

That's pretty much 'wazzup'. Life is still so busy, busy, busy but I think I'd be bored if it was any different.

Yellow is my Favourite Colour!!

2009-10-04T15:27:00.008-06:00

I always thought reality tv shows were cool. How exciting it would be to be on one. Well, I now know 2 people who are living this excitement. My good friends Nicola & James have just finished filming 10 weeks worth of episodes for the reality tv show 'My Rona Home'. The show premieres TONIGHT on City TV at 8pm. Nic & James are Team Yellow!

We are very excited and so proud of them as I'm sure it was not an easy task. Having every move you make, every conversation you have together scrutinized by the people behind the camera all while you're building and competing to win your dream home.

As I have said to Nicola a few times over the last several weeks, we expect that the editing of the show will not always show her & James in the best light, but those of us who know them and love them know better than to believe just what appears on the screen.

Every Sunday when the episode ends at approximately 9pm, I will have my phone in one hand and the keyboard in the other to vote for Team Yellow. I encourage you to do the same.

GO TEAM YELLOW!!!!

*Show your support for the yellow team by clicking this link: 'Go Yellow Team' facebook group. *

Remembering Drew

2009-09-28T09:48:00.002-06:00

It was one year ago today that we got the news of the passing of the sweet Drew Clark, the youngest son of our dear friends Jordan & Kari, and younger brother to Peyton.

The past year, I have seen many tears from Jordan & Kari, and I have shed many myself for them. But I have seen more strength in Jordan & Kari than one could imagine after losing a child. And that strength comes directly from their faith in God, the only one who can provide them peace & comfort after such a loss.

In August of this year, we were a part of the organizing team for the Drew Clark Memorial Golf Tournament, a tournament that allowed us to raise over $25,000 for mitochondrial disease research. As Kari has said many times, it's a charity to raise money so that other families may not have to deal with losing a child to mitochondrial disease, but ultimately it's about remembering Drew.

And we will never forget sweet Drew. In his short life, Drew imprinted himself on the hearts of everyone who was privileged to know him and love him. Though we miss him and share in the sadness of the 1st anniversary with Jordan, Kari, Peyton and the Clark/Staples families, we know that Drew is where we all want to be; at God's side, healthy, happy and at peace.

I love you Jordan, Kari, Peyton & Drew.

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

2009-08-20T10:50:00.009-06:00

I feel like I'm running out of time very quickly these days. There are not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I want or need. Such is life for a full-time working mom of triplet 4-year olds I suppose.

In just a few weeks, Keegan, Josh & Connolly will be starting Junior Kindergarten. Say what? My babies are starting school? Oh yes, the shopping for school supplies begins. Thankfully Junior K doesn't require too much other than a backpack each, non-spillable cups, name tags for all their stuff and a few other essentials. When full-time school starts, I guarantee the dollar amount at the cash register will be considerably higher!! Of course, I must not forget the packages of kleenex which I will require on School Day 1!!

Junior Kindergarten runs every Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 12:45pm to 3:30pm. Thankfully Steve's late days at work are M & W and he's home every Friday (though he has to work Saturdays!), so dropping the boys off to school will be his job. I will adjust my work schedule to 7am-3pm, so I can pick them up at 3:30pm. I am so grateful for the way things have fallen into place for me at the University. In my new position as the Communications Advisor, Events & Recognition, I now have the flexibilty I need to be the mum I wanted to be when my kids went to school. Just like my mum...at home when they get home.

To add to the busy-ness factor, KJ&C will be taking a skating class again this fall, from September to December. They graduated from the Icetots class and will now be in the Kinderskate class, where they will enhance the skills they have already learned. As soon as they turn 5, they are eligible to start playing hockey. We're thinking Josh will be up for hockey for sure - he's coming across as the athlete in the bunch - but we'll give each of the boys the choice of playing or not.

The other sport KJ&C will be taking on this fall is swimming. From speaking to the people at our local rec centre, Cardel Place, the boys have the skill to enter the 'Salamander' level, where they do everything on their own - no parents needed. With all the swimming the boys have done over the last 3 years of camping, and in the fall/winter with Mama Trish & Papa Se, I think they're really going to enjoy learning new things in the pool.

As for Steve, there are some exciting things career-wise on the horizon for him. I haven't seen him this passionate about his job in a very long time...if ever!! I won't go into detail about it just yet as it's still in the early stages, but it's very exciting.

Steve & I just celebrated our 13th Anniversary on August 17th. We have yet to do anything to celebrate it as we came home from camping that morning and Steve raced out the door to work. Probably in the next week or so, we'll take the opportunity to go out for a nice dinner and a few drinks. It's pretty great to be married for 13 years despite the many rollercoaster rides we've had over the years. But we have great role models who remind us that, despite the hard times, it's pretty easy. Steve's parents just celebrated 41 years married on Aug. 16th and my parents will celebrate 41 years marred on Aug. 21st.

So what's keeping me busy on a personal level? I have a few things on the go these days. I've been going to the weight & nutrition management clinic for a month now. It's coming along slowly, but I'm happy with my progress so far. It's hard in the summer when we're camping, so I know I'll be able to pick up the pace once camping season is over (Labour Day long weekend is our last venture out!).

Then there's the song-writing and demo cd I'm working on. Next week, Erin & I are getting together to put some music to the lyrics I've jotted down. I'm very excited and curious to see what kind of sound I'll discover is my own. I've always loved pop music but I wonder if that's what I'll actually sing when it's my own songs.

I've talked to the guy at the recording studio and we're good to go once I have 3 to 4 songs ready to record. Getting into the studio, I would say is at least 4-6 months away. I haven't set myself a true deadline to finish the cd. I've learned that trying to do things quickly doesn't make for the best result, so I'm thinking from start to finish, it'll be 12 months. July 2010. A 37th Birthday present to myself perhaps. To say I'm excited about the finished product is the biggest understatement of my lifetime.

So that's the busy-ness of my life, our life these days. And it's not going to slow down any time soon. The key thing is to capture every busy moment in my memory so that I don't look back and think 'What did I miss? When did that happen?'. And on the days when my memory isn't working well, thank goodness for the camera/video camera.

Let's Get This!

2009-07-10T18:19:00.003-06:00

I've posted my status on Facebook a few times in the last little while about being excited for what is to come in the latter half of 2009. Many of these things will carry over into 2010 and some, maybe even into 2011, but it's great to feel energized about them now.

1. As per my previous blog, I am finally doing something about MWAD. My BFF and I came up with this acronym - 'Meeting Westlife is Aisling's Dream. Maybe we should adjust it to SWAD - 'SINGING with Westlife is Aisling's Dream'.

Anyway, by writing songs with my friend Erin and working with both Erin and our other friend Curtis, I will have a demo cd of 3-4 songs of my very own sometime in the next 12 months - Lord willing. Having this cd will be amazing and it might just be seen as professional enough to finally get Louis Walsh's (Westlife's manager) attention.

2. I have struggled with my weight for a long time, but none more since I got pregnant with the boys. I'm at the heaviest I've ever been, I'll admit it and I'm not sure why I haven't felt motivated to do anything about it. I'm always one for the easy fix - fad diets, diet pills, surgery if I had the money most likely. I have successfully lost over 40lbs just by sensible eating, exercising, having a goal and a motivation in mind, and I'm trying to do it one more time...for the last time!

There is a clinic here in Calgary that is covered by Alberta Health Care where I am now on a doctor-monitored plan. It's not going to be easy that's for sure, but I feel I'm ready to finally shed the pounds once & for all. This is another one of those exciting things that will spill over into next year, but I'm not in any rush. I want it to be life-changing this time.

These are the two most major things right now; or at least the two that I can blog about. There's other great things happening but I can't blog about them just yet. If we're related or close friends you likely know what they are, and as far as my blog readers go, I will post them here soon. I just have to wait for the right time.

Here's to a great 2nd half of '09. To quote Joe McIntyre and NKOTB, LET'S GET THIS!!!!!

If only it were this simple!

2009-06-12T13:20:00.009-06:00

So, I've begun the process of doing a demo cd of 3 to 4 songs. And I mean I've JUST begun. I've met with my friend Erin, a song-writer, who has so graciously agreed to assist me in this life-long dream of having a professional cd of my own. Another friend, Curtis, also a song-writer, is also going to collaborate with us.

I've been thinking the last few days about the cd and what it would look like. See, ultimately I want to send the cd to Westlife's manager, Louis Walsh, to see if he will consider letting me live my dream for a day and give me a chance to sing with the guys from Westlife. Heck, I'd even settle for getting to sing with one of them at this stage of the game (Kian or Shane preferably!!)

In order for Walsh to even consider looking, LISTENING to my demo cd, it's gonna have to be catchy, one that he'll think 'a lot of blood, sweat & tears went into this. I should listen to it'. Ok, that's how I imagine it happening in my head. It's probably not going to go at all like that!! :) From my experience of attempting this very same thing 8 years ago, I have learned that nothing gets listened to if a picture of the singer is not included. Gonna have to find a pretty awesome photographer to take my picture! My left side is my best side. haha

8 years ago, I have to admit that had Walsh listened to my tape, liked what he heard, and thought there might have been potential to go further than just living the dream for a day, I can't say I wouldn't have jumped at the chance to see where I could go as a singer in Ireland (dragging Steve along on the amazing journey too of course).

Now, it's a completely different story. Being a mum to triplets doesn't exactly allow me the freedom to pursue the career I have dreamt of all my life. And I'm ok with that. I just want one chance, one day to meet the guys whose music has inspired me over the last 10 years and to 'jam' with them for a few hours.

The thing is though is that being a mum to triplets might actually make the dream come true much easier. As Erin and I sat talking about the in's & out's of putting a demo cd together, she made a very good point about how to get Louis Walsh's attention. It's not with the fact that I'm Irish, or even that I grew up 5 minutes from where Walsh grew up; any fan of Westlife can say that. It's the fact that I have triplets, I have a full-time life in Canada already, so it's quite clear I am not looking for anything other than a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

There's so many things to consider once the songs are written and recorded. To grab people's (aka Louis Walsh's) attention, I have to consider what name to go by. Do I go the single-name route and use just 'Aisling'? Or should I go with 'Aisling O'Hagan' since it'll be Irish people I'll be sending it to? Or do I come up with an acronym or some other name for myself that relates to who I am? I have no idea. Then there's deciding the picture for the cd. Is it just of me? Is it of Keegan, Josh & Connolly? And finally, what will the name of the cd be? Do I just label it as a demo cd, or do I think of an actual title so it looks more like a full album?

So many questions, but I'm not rushing to answer. I'm on a 12-month journey to make this as perfect as I can. As Erin also said about this process, I am excited about seeing where God will take me during this journey. I am thankful that He has put Erin in my life, someone who knows what it's like to be in my 'making of a demo cd' shoes. I can't wait to see what else He has in store.

In the meantime, I came across a fun way to answer the questions. Try it and see what you get. My results are at the end of this blog.

To find out the name of your band, album name and what the picture on your very first album will be, follow these instructions:

1 - Go to Random Wiki

The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to Random quotations: Random Quote

The last four words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album (you'll need to refresh the page).

3 - Go to flickr and click on "last seven days': Flikr

Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

Et voila, you have the making of your first album. My first album will look like this:

Name: CEMA
Album Title: 'Twenty Eight Years Ago'
Picture:

Sweet yet Bitter

2009-04-23T18:57:00.006-06:00

April 18th, 2009 was a totally awesome day and an extremely sad day all rolled into one for me.

SWEET

It was a totally awesome day because my brother Ronan, my niece Isabelle, my mum, Steve and the boys had managed to make it almost 8 months without giving away a big secret. At 11:30am on April 18th, 2009, along with some of my parents oldest & dearest friends, we jumped out and yelled 'Happy Birthday', surprising my dad for his 70th birthday. Well, we were 3 weeks early, but he might have suspected something if we'd try to pull it off too close to his actual birthday.

Pictures from my Dad's 70th Surprise Party

BITTER

It was an extremely sad day because 90 minutes before I made my way out the door to go surprise my dad, I found out that my boss of 8-1/2 years, Dr. Gall, had passed away from a pulmonary embolism. Dr. Gall was the Dean of Medicine at the University of Calgary for 10 years before retiring in 2007. I had the privilege to work for him from the start of 2001 up until the day he died. But it was the last few years that meant the most to me as Dr. Gall had become more a friend than a boss. He was an amazing man, who had done amazing things for the Faculty of Medicine; but undoubtedly his biggest accomplishment in his life was his family and the love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren.

In Memoriam: Dr. Grant Gall

Happy 70th Birthday Dad. I love you.

Rest in Peace Dr. Gall. I will miss you, but I will never forget you.

Judas Asparagus

2009-04-05T17:47:00.002-06:00

Through the eyes of a child: The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.

The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

A Creed to Live By - Nancye Sims

2009-03-30T19:02:00.003-06:00

My best friend of 18+ years posted this on her blog almost 2 months ago. I've read it several times since she posted it and I thought I would share with those who read my blog.

Love ya Jie. Thanks for first sharing this with me and everyone else who reads your blog.

A CREED TO LIVE BY

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.

It is because we are different that each of us are special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only do what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

Don't let life slip through your fingers by living in the past or in the future. By living one day at a time you live all days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible. The fastest way to lose love is to hold to it tightly, and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope, to be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.

Fireproof - the Official Trailer

2009-03-29T18:49:00.001-06:00

Fireproof

2009-03-27T19:12:00.007-06:00

And thus ends the blogging draught!! YAY

I am quite excited that tomorrow afternoon, I will be sitting down with some close friends to watch a very inspired movie called 'Fireproof'. If you don't know of it, it's a little movie that has become a big sensation in a world where 50% of marriages are ending in divorce.

I don't know the in's & out's of my friends' marriages, but I do know that our marriage is not perfect. Never was, likely never will be, but with seeing friends and co-workers live through failed marriages, Steve & I have had many conversations about how staying married is a daily decision we make. Of course, there are circumstances where splitting is the inevitable option, but we have never faced any such circumstances and we pray daily we never do.

We may not always be each other's biggest fan, but we love each other very much and made a committment to each other some (almost) 13 years ago. That committment is not one to be taken lightly or broken just because we don't feel like working at it anymore. And I might just add that Steve is my best friend and the one person in this world who can make me laugh no matter how I'm feeling.

We, and our friends who we are going to be watching 'Fireproof' with, are in the same small group and our focus this 'season' is to be better Christian parents to our children, and better Christian husbands & wives. As I said to someone not too long ago, 'we cannot be good Christian parents if we are not good Christian husbands & wives'.

I believe after we have watched the movie the intention of the small group is to delve in to the '40 Day Love Dare' challenge, which is based on the principals of the movie. I am looking forward to challenging our marriage, as the 'His Needs, Her Needs' course did several years ago. I want our marriage to be one that Keegan, Josh & Connolly can look up to as they grow up, as I do and Stephen does to both our parents (both are going on 41 years married this summer).

I look forward to watching the movie; I look forward to the challenges it will present to me and to us as a married couple; I look forward to relying on God even more than before. I look forward to making our marriage as strong as it can be, to making it fireproof.

The only flaw in Women

2009-02-01T17:32:00.003-07:00

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'

And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

'But I won't, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'

'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'

The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.