A Perk!

OK I know I just talked about the gift of marriage.... but I heard the other day someone saying that one of the perks to divorce is that you get time to your self every other weekend. (When the kids go to their dad's...)

So I have thought of this as a benefit... one way to get some much craved, all about me, time!
As I was repeating this to Sanj, my obnoxious husband pips up, "Why would I need that... I already have it!"
Hum... exactly.

This is a joke... so my friends that may be divorced... please do not take offense!

Love and Marriage

Being married almost 15 years, I have to say that I wish I had a proper definition of marriage. I would still have married my dearly loved (most of the time) hubby... but would have had a more real understanding of what the "until death do us part" really entailed.

Not having witnessed a "normal" marriage... I got a lot of my facts from the movies I watched and books I read. I knew a few (emphasis on few) couple with marriages that I thought were "happy." Then I would find out later that they broke up.

I think that one of the key components to "happily ever after" is understand there is no perfection in marriage. ANY 2 people that live together will get on each other's nerves. Remember your roommate's stuff creeping over to your side? Or constantly using your shampoo? Everyone and anyone living together is bound to get on each other's nerve.

Understanding that there is no perfection in marriage... you need to allow for room to fine tune life as it happens. I think one of the problems with marriages is that there is always an out. Divorce. Unless there is abuse... if you know in your heart you are in this for better or worse... with "an out" not an option... you are forced to work on things. You are pressed to find answers because its life... for better or worse.

I think that it is so easy to fall out of love if you let yourself. There are many times in my marriage that I had to CHOSE to love Sanj... to find a postitive that I could work on loving him again... because he just made me so mad.

SO... as I am 40 years old... into almost 15 years of marriage... I realize that we are just a normal couple. Loving and hating each other is just part of the journey we are on.

God, despite the fact that I do often question why you brought this crazy man I love so much into my life... who has the ability to drive me insane.... make me madder than most.... I know that he is Your special gift to me.

So I thank you for the gift of love, marriage, friendship. Thank you that I can have this 3 part gift all in one.
If You could tweak him just a bit.... I would appreciate it so much.

There is no perfect love period. When you decide to take a chance on love... whether your parents, friends or a spouse... You risk the chance of hurt. I didn't have clear understanding of real love. It isn't that kind in the books and movies. There is no real Cinderella story... we all have happy endings... they just come in different packages.

I love that line... they just come in different packages! There isn't just one ending... where the Prince comes and carries the Princess away. What about the Princess coming along and saving the Prince?

The one thing I do know is that If I love my spouse like he is the only one I will ever have... then he will be. I know that despite issues that come up in marriages... I need to work it out. It is the only choice.

I know that when I comes down to the bottom line... I would rather spend my life with Sanj in it... despite all his quirky ways then be without him.

Election 2008

I am feeling the excitement of history in the making. I am pretty much 60% American at heart. I spent most of my life growing up there and so I am right into the American politics.

The funny thing is watching the boys, who are right into it. My brother was able to vote as a newly sworn American citizen. How exciting for him to be part of such an amazing time.

I have so many mixed emotions. I feel proud to see change being made. I feel sad that race and prejudice is still so much a part of our society. I love the fact that my children have seen and felt the power to reach for the stars. Max came to me and said..."Mommy, do you know that I could be mayor of Peterborough or Prime Minister of Canada?"

Reach for the Stars, My Boys!

Hockey Dad

Here is what you will hear if you if you have the unfortunate experience of sitting next to Sanj at one of the boys games:

"Off sides... He is off sides..."

"Keep your stick on the ice..."

"Pass the puck!"

"Skate... skate..."

"Too many men on the ice"

"Get up,Goalie"

SO I have learned that at games is NOT a time to want his attention or even pretend to know him.

Hockey dad 100%.

Sanj is ranting that I need to make the point that he sits where the kids can't hear him on purpose. Ummmmmm hello... WE can hear YOU!!!

In case you didn't know ... hockey parents and grandparents that aren't coaching are really annoying to listen to.

Married to a Workaholic!

My husband is a very hard working conscientious man. He is a great provider and cares about his patients and that they have a successful and positive experience in hearing again. He is a hard-worker.

But he is a workaholic. Not the kind that is glue to their day job... but rather he is constantly involved in something or another. Hockey... 5 boys are in hockey... and he is coaching or helping with 3 of the teams and then is in charge of the organization of select hockey.

He is on boards... he helps with jam session for the youth, he takes guitar, judo, plays hockey himself, oh and is working on his doctorate. Did I mention that he wakes up and goes to the gym around 5 am/ 6 days a week?

He does not know the meaning of sitting still. He is always doing something. And he says I am hyper? Hum.....

Time Change!

I know so many people HATE the time change because the days are so short. But I have to admit I actually love the fact that today about 7 p.m. my younger ones were OUT! They were tired from hanging outside... working on the rink (which is HUGE... I am so scared)! They helped their dad rescue a little chickadee... tidied the yard... all that stuff that tucked them out.

I love the fireplace lighting up the room... just a cozy warm HOMEY feel. I even feel ready to tackle the remaining boxes and get back to decorating.

I know winter is going to be here before we know it... but even that is all good because there is no struggles at bed time! Actually it is about 8 pm and I can hear Sanj snoring in bed with Josh! :)

Now the thing I hate about the time change is actually making sure all the clocks ARE changed!!! I have to figure out how to change the clock in the van. Some of them are complicated! Aw... life's little problems.

The Perfect Suit

In a early blog, I mention the ongoing conversation of what Sammy should wear for his 8th grade graduation. Well I didn't capture his debut as Hannah Montana on camera ...I did get him a dashing suit!