(DA) Sometimes it's nice to be a kid

Yesterday was my parents anniversary, and to celebrate we rode Segways around the Distillery District in Toronto.

I was quite impressed with my ability to pick up "how to ride a Segway". They are balance based machines, and I'm not very co-ordinated.

But the best part of the day; obviously other than spending time on Segways with my family, was that I got to wear the "Flash" helmet. I ran around pretending I was a Superhero with Superspeed. It was HILARIOUS! I had a blast! AND the tour guides saw me having so much fun with the silly helmet that they gave me the Segway that said "POLICE" on it too! So I was a cop AND a superhero! THE BEST EVER CRIME STOPPER!

I sped around the Distillery sounding sirens and whooshing noises like a little kid. It was very relaxing to feel so free of burden, and not care about anything else because I was having fun.

That's a rare thing for people. I'm glad I haven't lost that ability.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Celebration of Achievement

Today my parents celebrate their 31st Wedding Anniversary. If I have the facts right, they've been married for 31 years, but together for 38 years.

My parents are a shining example of love and friendship, and their relationship inspired me to look for the same thing.

I'm so thrilled to have found Jason. He's my best friend, my confidant, my partner in crime and so much more. We've only been married for 10 months, and I'm looking forward to growing with him and experiencing life, love and family with him. With my parents, and his (they are also celebrating their 31st Wedding Anniversary this year) as examples, I know we'll have an amazing journey to our own 31st Anniversary and beyond.

I love you Mom and Dad, for all that you have taught me, and continue to teach me.

Jason, I love you for all that you are, and all that we will be.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Sigh, I should have been an actor

I just found myself in my room, dressing in my comfiest pair of pyjama bottoms when I was startled by a scuttle across the floor.

That's when, I'll admit, I found myself shrieking and leaping onto my bed in a very "stereotypical movie damsel in distress" fashion. Instead of my husband rushing in to the room to see what was wrong (he probably knew), my knight in shining armour came in the shape of our dog, who was curious to see why I was so suddenly awake and active.

I stayed on the bed and pointed to the earwig walking across the floor until he gallantly ate it and looked at me proudly.

This was one of the weirdest, and also funniest moments of my day. Thank you dog, for coming to my rescue when I completely overreact to a situation (i.e tiny ass bug) and run out of time to locate toilet paper before it disappears under the bed.

-Brandolyn

(DA) The Decline of Civilization

Today I read an article about two dozen people (adults and children) at a beach in the states that were holding a baby shark and passing it around just to take pictures with it.

The article described how the shark died during the process, and only 1 person on the beach had the conscience and asked the group to stop. By the time she convinced them what they were doing was wrong, the shark had died.

How did these people not realize that what they were doing was wrong?

I weep for society, and cringe for future generations that are being raised by parents that don't understand the difference between right and wrong. These kids don't understand that a life ended because a group of people thought some pictures were worth more than that life.

Just terribly depressing.

-Brandolyn

(DA) No inspiration

I've been struggling with writing material lately- not just material for Duelling Amateurs, but for my stories as well. I have no ideas.

I have a handful of poems that are so terrible I can't face publishing them.

I have a story about Dust... yeah, that seems pretty desperate as a topic.

I have 2 movie reviews that I just can't pull together.

I've lost my drive, my focus and my passion. (The good news is, I've gotten quite a bit of my "real life to do list" accomplished during my lapse in inspiration.)

It'll come back, I just have to be patient.

-Brandolyn

Oh! and today Washburn was perfectly well behaved with a young child we passed on the sidewalk. The child did not know how to approach or behave around dogs (which I wish I had realized earlier) but Wash was sweet, patient and VERY calm. He let the kid approach, and pet him enthusiastically before scampering away.

Hurrah for patience training!

(DA) Unfortunate Events

Unfortunate events are sometimes the most memorable.

When things don't go according to plan, the result is often better or more special. Today was the annual 2000 person outdoor paintball tournament, and it rained almost the entire day. It was miserable! Masks were fogging up so badly you couldn't tell the difference between a pile of logs and a person, paintball guns stopped working and you were soaked to the bone and shaking.

You could see your breath it was so cold!

It was terrible, and yet, somehow my friends and I had an amazing time.

We traded gear when it wasn't working, we lead each other around, and called out targets for our fog blinded comrades, we laughed over just how wet the situation was and how poorly we were prepared for it.

We came together as a team, we played hard, and we made some kills/ moves/ memories that we will never forget because of the torrential downpour.

Instead of cursing mother nature (as some of the players did) I chose to smile about how wonderful my friends are, and how greatly I can rely on their help, assistance and friendship, even when we're all overwhelmed by miserable circumstances.

Rogue Squadron, I love you guys! Thanks for helping me through the rain!

-Brandolyn

(DA) Growing Up so Fast!

Washburn was at my parents' for a bit today and while he was there he:

-Ignored the cats' food
-Ignored the litter boxes
-Didn't go upstairs or downstairs unless invited
-Ignored the kitten (who was enticing him to misbehave)

And was just the pleasant and calm fuzz-beast that I adore. It was amazing to "show him off" to my parents with such wonderful behaviour.

Training is paying off!

-Brandolyn