San Diego Part One: You Know You're in the States When...

*****PLEASE NOTE: Okay, I know that I have some Americans reading this blog. So I just want to point out that there are some fundamental differences between Canadians and Americans, especially our culture. It is nothing that I am trying to make fun of or put down, I just thought it would be a good way to talk about my trip. I love the States and always enjoy going there. So, this is all in fun!! Okay, I think that about does it!!

When we got to the States, my sister and I started a list of things that are different about our country and the USA. So, without furthur ado...

You Know You're in the States When...

1) Everything can be added on, made bigger, or comes in regular or large. Which is fine. You can get things bigger up here too! The difference is that everywhere we went people asked you if you wanted more, you wanted it bigger, you wanted to add something on. From food to souvenirs. IHop to gift stores. We don't do that up here. Perhaps we figure that if people wanted it bigger or more of something, that we will just ask. It was very interesting.

2) It is a redeeming quality to join the Army, Navy or Air Force. Now I am not saying that we Canadians do not uphold and support our troops. I am just saying that everyone becomes a hero in the USA if they are part of the Armed Reserves. And it seems like everyone has a family member or knows a friend that is a part of the Reserves.

3) Loud Patriotism. People were already decorating for July 4th which is over two weeks away. Not only that, but they were decorating! This is something that we should adopt up here. I really think we should. I am going to do a little hunting for some Canadian things and put them out. I mean, we should be more loud about our patriotism.

4) Alcohol is everywhere. Even at the San Diego Zoo you could buy a beer and carry it around. Oh, and at the pharmacy you could buy a case of beer and some wine. That is just not done around here. I mean, we have liquor stores, but you are not supposed to drink on the street. You can in the USA, though. It's like the Stampede grounds, without the gates.

5) Everyone has an accent. They think we do, but everyone had an accent to us. And most of them were different.

----------

Okay I will blog more about that later. Need to go get up the kids!!

Saturday Blogthingy: Off To San Diego

Well, I am all ready to go. Just hanging around waiting until I can start getting dressed and close my suitcase and head to the airport. I was awakened by some magpies this morning, so I am a little bit tired, but the plane is good for sleeping!

I will be sure to share some photos from San Diego when I get back. We are going shopping this afternoon and then to the Zoo tomorrow. It will probably be busy because it is Father's Day, but the Zoo is huge. I am sure we will all fit!! :-)

I hope that you all have a wonderful time this weekend doing what you enjoy. It is supposed to rain in Calgary all weekend long. That is not so good. Hopefully Jonathan will not be stuck inside all day long, though!

Well, in keeping with tradition, here's a Saturday blog thingy. Since we are going to the place where Mexican food is all around us, I figured a quiz about that would be good. I am not a big Mexican food eater, but I will eat it if there is nothing else. As it turns out, I am my favorite type of Mexican food!! You are what you eat, right?

You Are Nachos

You are outgoing and generous. You love to share you life with other people. You are carefree and light-hearted. You try to always make the best of things. While you enjoy being with other people, you also value your alone time. You like to reflect, think, and pick things apart. You like to study everything carefully.

What Mexican Food Are You?

Tuesday Tunes 35: Fathers

Here are some Father's Day related videos. The first is Amy Grant (who I am not listening to anymore), but I have always loved this song. The second is a Steven Curtis Chapman song which I made a video of Emma with. (Which makes tears come to my eyes everytime I watch it...Daddy, too, I'm sure!!) and the last one is the wonderful Creed song that I just love. I miss Creed.... Anyway, please feel free to tell me what some of your favorite songs are about Fathers.

I hope you enjoy!!

Manic Monday: The Cross has said it all...

Okay. So the inlaws are visiting. We have a lot of things planned. I am also getting ready to go to San Diego this coming weekend. Also, I am babysitting Maggie a few times this week. So, you think to yourself, well, this would be a great time to get sick, right? Not so much. Yet, that is what happened. It started with Aidan, then me, then Emma. This flu thingy..just a flu, cold thinngy.

If I hear someone say that it is the Swine Flu one more time....

Anyway, we are all doing much better after a good night's sleep. I feel human again. I am still a bit stuffy and have a slight cough, but I will be okay. I am not feverish anymore, so that is good.

My inlaws are in Canmore visiting Banff and Lake Louise today. I am just the tiniest bit jealous of such a trip. The weather is lovely and the mountains...well, they are beautiful. I am in love with mountains, hence the name of this blog. (And my last blog!) They will be back tomorrow and we will do a supper together. On Wednesday we will do Heritage Park and then Thursday they leave. Time marches on...

Well, it is Monday so I thought we would do the Manic Monday thing. Today is a good day, not very manic like for me. I hope you enjoy anyway!!

What is the last song that was stuck in your head and how did you get rid of it?

"Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Basically I had to listen to anything else and NOT that song. Even just mentioning it right now is like asking for it to come back into my head and get stuck!!

If you had to say what one thing in your life best represents your freedom, what would it be? That one is easy. The Cross. It represents the only true freedom we have in this life. Well, at least what I believe anyway. Without it I would still be a slave to sin and this world. There would be nothing but this life and then death. Yet, I have the ultimate freedom in Christ to know that my life has a higher purpose and that this life will not end in death, but in life everlasting. There is nothing more important than that.

If you were invited to the White House for dinner tonight, what would you wear from your current wardrobe?
First of all, me get invited to the White House?? For what purpose?? To talk to Michelle about raising kids?? I digress...(or perhaps I am just avoiding the question) I don't think I have anything. I would end up borrowing something from my sister. Does that count? Or wearing my favorite skirt and shirt...