Hey folks!

I know I'm guilty of not posting in months  So here is my attempt at redeeming myself...

What's new and exciting in MC & A7 land (and Angel of course)? I'm glad you asked  

Since Andy is only posting frivolous entries now, someone had to share the news that his contract at work was extended for another 3 months, until April 30, 2008. I'm sure you are all wondering how this impacts our plans to move back to Ottawa right? Well, Andy did 'negotiate' the option of giving 2 weeks notice at anytime, so if an opportunity comes my way, we will certainly re-evaluate. In the mean time, the extra income is helping us chip away at credit card debts (AMEN lol) and for the first time in 4+ years, I am happy with our financial position  There's still work to be done, but we're making really really good progress! My bonus money and over-time pay (150 hours accumulated in 3 months - yes it was a crazy time before Christmas!) helped us along tremendously in that department.

While I'm on the work topic, I will be travelling to Quebec City in early March for the Bank's Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  My flight is booked! The exposure will allow me to build-up my resume, which in itself is a huge plus and I'm hoping that following the meeting, I can negotiate, at the very least, a promotion or change of title! Wish me luck. After months of stepping up to the plate and working crazy hours, I believe I've earned it and if our VP doesn't agree, well the writing on the wall will be very clear, and I will begin searching and applying for jobs in Ottawa, agressively!

So a bit of mixed news from our camp. I look forward to hearing all your thoughts in regards to these developments and find out how each of you are doing.

Cheers!

MC

Sooooo I officially bought a car. A brand new, 2008, carbon grey beautiful Mazda3 GS.

And I'm also officially in love.

More details to come, and obviously I hope that you'll all get to see it soon! But I'll keep you in suspense for now

Ta Ta xo 

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all of your calls, e-mails, flowers and your kind words - I am so moved by all of the love, support and kindness shown to our family in this very difficult time.  Losing Dad is still surreal to us, utterly devastating and we are just trying to deal with the aftermath of all of these emotions and feelings associated with this tremendous loss. I will post more later on when I have a moment, but I wanted to relay the following message so that you are ready to check back to receive information concerning my Dad's memorial service very shortly.

I will be posting the details tonight concerning my Dad's memorial service as the final details are being worked out. It is going to be structured in that there will be a few presentations to open the reception with refreshments and greetings to follow. It is also open to all who wish to attend. So please do check back if you wish to come. 

It will be on Wed., Jan 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the WO and Sgt Mess at 4 Queen Elizabeth Drive (behind the Cartier Armoury / Drill Hall) which is beside City Hall off of Laurier Ave. (near the Laurier Ave Bridge).  More details will follow - I promise. I just wanted to answer a few questions and to let people know that there is a definite date now.

More to follow,

Love You all,

Tina

Hi Guys,

This is probably the hardest post that I have ever made to this site. I am just here to give you a quick update...

After numerous tests - x-rays, scans, blood tests, biopsies, consultations with many specialists and everything else in between, my father has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.  He is in hospital (has been since Dec 24th.) and he is really having a rough go of it.  We are waiting to hear what type of lung cancer he has (more results to come) before they can ascertain what form of treatment will be most effective and appropriate in treating him. One more experienced doctor has given us a poor prognosis while another younger physician reporting under him is being more optimistic about my Dad's fate.  The information that we are having to sort through and process is very incredibly complex, technical and not easy to comprehend for those not schooled in the area of medicine. But we are learning as we go along and hoping that a miracle is just around the corner for my Dad's future.

This has simply been the most devastating turn of events for our family and it really feels surreal at times given the seriousness of my Dad's illness. My Dad's situation changes daily so this has us waiting with baited breath with every visit by his side, every phone call and every consultation with his physicians and nurses. Not only is he battling cancer, but he is in isolation with the MRSA virus (a potentially deadly superbug for those with suppressed immune systems) so we have to garb up in gowns, masks and gloves every time we go in to see and care for him. This infection, I'm told, is commonly found in hospitals and something that patients can contract by simply being in hospital and in contact with hospital staff while admitted for extended stays. So this has complicated Dad's situation a bit and, as a result, the staff are being even more vigilant with his vital signs and changes in status. I must say that the staff at the hospital are amazing, wonderfully supportive and extremely compassionate and caring with regards to my father's care. They are simply the best - in  treating and monitoring him around the clock and ensuring that he receives everything he needs. And I know that they really love my father as a patient as he is a true gentleman and a super patient - very helpful, patient and extremely gracious with the staff. So I know that he is being well looked after and I have a great deal of confidence in the competence of the staff. Still, even as I type these words, I feel that it is all a nightmare, but unfortunately, this is one from which I cannot awake nor run away from. 

All that I ask from you at this time is, if you find yourself praying, I would really appreciate if you could slip in a few thoughts for my Dad so that he can pull through this one and be able to beat this cancer. We need him in our lives. He is such a wonderful father, husband, Poppie (Grand Dad) and friend. He is too young to leave us and he has much more to experience in life before his time is up. He is a beautiful, very loving, kind, considerate, generous and funny fellow who has touched so many people with his endless ability to give to others. He is one of the most selfless individuals whom I have ever known and he has given many shirts off of his back to help so many. This is why I do not understand nor do I think it is fair that he has to go through all of this pain and suffering when he has never done any wrong to anyone in his life. It just sucks!

We are all praying for a miracle for him and being strong advocates for his care because we really do hope that we have the opportunity to continue to cherish, love and spend much more time with this beautiful man - only we want him stronger, healthier, more vibrant and more full of life than ever before. We have not given up yet. Not now. 

Tina 

I just wanted to mention that last night, I met Seann William Scott. For those who don't have a clue who he is... all I've gotta say is STIFFLER.

He happened to be at the same restaurant Justin and I went to last night to celebrate our anniversary, and he gave me an autograph Unfortunately we didn't have a camera with us, and Justin forgot his phone, so all we had was my stupid cell phone which doesn't even really take pictures... so needless to say I'm a little sad that we didn't have a camera around, but still, at least I got the autograph.

Tres cool. Oh and little side note; definetely SUPER hunky in person. AND totally friendly.

 That's all! Have a good night everyone!

xo