Man, it’s been awhile since I’ve written a Blog Post. I guess I’ve been so broken up by the lack of Canuck success that I’ve been in a writing funk.

Tomorrow James begins his new job with Electronic Arts as a tester. We’re all very excited for him as it’s a great opportunity. We’re sure he’ll be great.

Today Amber and I installed more baseboards around the house. By the end of the week we’re going to have a fully-baseboarded house. I have to admit it does spiffy the place up.

I will try not to go so long between posts next time.

It’s been ten years since Jon and I graduated from high school, and they’re holding our reunion in July. In the afternoon there will be a family barbeque at the Bradner field, so people can bring their kids (!). Then, in the evening, they’re having a dance at the Bradner Hall. Drinks are cheap.

I have to be honest, I was looking at the email that Jon got yesterday. Seeing all of these names, and thinking about high school, I got all insecure. I began questioning what I would wear, who I would hang out with, all that sort of stuff. I don’t behave this way in my normal life, but I become irrational when faced with the memories of teenage social structures. Ack.

I’m sure it will be fine. It may even be lots of fun. And, if it all goes South, drinks are cheap.

At the day camp I discovered that you will find many creative names in the 5-10 year-old set. Some of them are taken from other words, some of them I have never heard before, and some of them are common names with unusual spellings.

Most of these names are just beautiful. I can appreciate the significance of carefully choosing a name for your child, and I would never question that. I can see that a lot of thought went into the process, at least in most cases. Still, though, these names are often difficult to spell or pronounce.

I asked Jon about people spelling his name ‘John’. He said that it comes with the territory, and he understands it. If it matters, like on his bank account, he corrects it. Often, he lets it slide. However, I can tell you that not all people were so understanding when I misspelled their child’s name.

My message today is that if you choose to name your child Ser-Rah or Tessaunne, then you have to expect misspelling and mispronunciation. This is the trade-off for a truly unique name. If it’s worth it to you, then it’s a good choice. If you can’t accept the mangling, please don’t take it out on the hapless Guider doing her best.

This past weekend was pretty busy for me. On Saturday, my Ranger group held a fun day for all of the Sparks, Brownies, and Guides in our district. We had 3 leaders helping, 17 other leaders in attendance, 8 Rangers, and 92 participants. Quite something! Luckily, the weather co-operated. By the end of the day, though, I was pretty much exhausted.

Then, on Sunday, my family came to visit to celebrate my birthday/Mother’s Day. We barbequed some fabulous burgers, played with the cat, and just generally hung out. My sister gave my mother and I beautiful pitcher and glass sets, that she painted sunflowers on herself. Just marvelous, and dish-washer safe, too!

It was a good couple of days, but I’m very glad to be back to the relative peace and quiet of work. There’s nothing like spending time with 92 children to make you appreciate offices with doors.

So, to be frank, this birthday business is getting less fun every year. I realize that at 28, I’m still young. But it seems like time just keeps speeding up on me. Today, I’m 28. Tomorrow, I’ll be looking at my grown children and puzzling over what the heck happened.

But, you know, things haven’t always been this way for me…