Yesterday would have been my 8th wedding anniversary.

Alot has happened since that beautiful, cloudless day. I am often asked if I regret marrying John. It's hard to regret something that has given me the most amazing child. But besides the blessing of Andrew, I do not regret marrying John. It was only one part of a very long journey. I've learned alot about myself, I've learned about true love.....

Yesterday my sweet friend Rachelle took me out for an evening "all for Carolyn". We had dinner and went to the jazz festival (more on that to come...) and sat in a posh restaurant, ate torte and drank wine.

It was a fabulous night. No sadness, no regret....just moving forward.

A frequent conversation in our house:

Andrew: Mamma....
Me: Yes Andrew?
Andrew (slight pause): I love you.
Me: I love you too.

It' s one of those moments that always gives me warm fuzzies. It usually comes out of nowhere, while we are at the grocery store, riding in the car, puttering around the house. Makes me grin everytime.

Yeah.

Until this conversation:

Andrew: Mamma....
Me: Yes Andrew?
Andrew(slight pause): I love you.
Me: I love you too.
Andrew: Do you know why I said that?
Me: Uh, because you love me?
Andrew: No, I forgot what I was really going to say.

Thank you Angie for the grass....

The letter I sent to Shaw today...

The difference between Telus and Shaw....

A few months ago I was experiencing some trouble with both my phone and my internet. I called Shaw to get some help with my internet but had to use my cell phone b/c my home phone wasn't working (that's alot of details, but trust me they are relevant to the story).
Because I live out in the sticks my cell doesn't get very good reception in my house. I managed to find one spot in my living room (carefully balanced on a chair, but nowhere near my computer) to call Shaw for help.

The guy who helped me was extremely patient as I couldn't walk to the computer without losing reception. He carefully told me what to look for and I'd put the phone on the coffee table and run to the computer. Back and forth we went - and not being the most brilliant of computer operaters, I went back and forth alot. Each time he waited on my coffee table until I came running back to report what lights were flashing and what cables I had unplugged.

I felt so bad for using up his time, but he said he didn't mind. A few times my phone cut out and he promptly phoned me right back. He never once abandoned me (although he did mock me a little :) As it turned out the problem was on my end, not yours...but he still helped me solve it. I believe his name was Graham - I asked for it so I could write a letter of thanks. However I didn't get to writing the letter and now I'm wondering if his name really was Graham (my apologies to the guy that helped me if Graham is now getting the credit for it...)

So today, months later I am reminded about the great service I recieved after calling Telus and spending 35 out of my 40min call on hold. An error on their part resulted in me being overcharged...alot, and they seemed pretty reluctant to deal with it as they passed me off from one representive to another. But this really isn't a letter about Telus, it's a letter about Shaw - and the stark contrast between how I was treated today by Telus and how months ago a guy named Graham (or something really close to that) treated me like a customer, with respect and a smile (I could tell he was smiling on the other end).

So Thank You Shaw and Thank You Graham (if that is in fact your name... )
Keep up the good work!

Beating the train....

Everyone around here knows that when you leave the Junction and head into the industrial area, if there's a train you have to make a quick decision. Wait it out or pull the U-turn. I almost always go for the U-turn.
Which is exactly what I did yesterday.
I made my way through town feeling pretty pleased with myself that I had beaten the train and the other poor shlubs were still waiting for it to end. I pulled up alongside the train down on railway ave, and proceeded to merge onto the highway. It was at this point I realized I would have to cross this train again to make it to the trailer park. I really hadn't beaten the train at all.
As I continued down the highway I managed to get a head of the engine. I knew then it could actually be doable. I sped up. I could beat the train.
I was feeling pretty confident until traffic began to slow. As we rounded the corner I could see a guy in an H3 doing 60 on the highway. Cars were backing up behind him. I kept checking the rearview mirror, the train was catching up, did no one notice this but me? Go! Go! Pass the guy, do something! The train is catching up!
The lights began flashing at every side road I passed. The arms lowered at every crossing. Not a good sign. Seriously people, look in your mirrors!!!
We rounded the corner, the arms came down in front of the H3.
I didn't beat the train.

You can never avoid the inevitable, only delay it a while.