In the past couple of days, I have read 2 books that have got me thinking about things.
The first one is "Still Alice" about a woman who finds out she has early onset alzheimer's and has to find a way to live with it. This book is absolutely fantastic and everyone should read it.
The second book is "From This Moment On", written by Shania Twain about her life.
In the introduction to Shania's book, she wrote about wanting her child to have an accurate account of her life and how that is one of the reasons that fueled her desire to write her book. Something that he would be able to read knowing it was the truth, instead of getting it from newspapers, magazines that won't generally be correct.
This really got me to thinking about my life.
I am single and have no children. I have so many experiences and accumulated wisdom that I would love to share with the people I love, but no real way of doing it.
What "Still Alice" taught me is that you just never know when something could happen and you might not be able to share these things anymore.
I want to have a written documented account of my life somewhere. Something that could be around in my family, since I don't have the children to pass them on to.
There are things I have lived through that not many people know about, but I think could help some people. Things that have been difficult and might not necessarily be proud of, but have shaped me into the person that I am.
There are also so many fun experiences that I have had that I would love to be able to read about later and remember the "good ol' days". Things that might make my nieces and nephew realize that "aunty Julie" wasn't just a boring bookworm ;)
Things that I remember about my family and friends as well would make it into this melting pot of stories.
I'm not saying that I am writing a book to be published. I know that my writing skills are nowhere near the level they need to be for that. I think all I really want is to leave something that my family can someday read. A collection of memories and events, that they will enjoy.
As I was thinking about all of that, I could also talk to my family (grandparents, parents, sisters) and friends to get their perspective on the events. Write it as I saw it and as they did.
This is really just something for me that I would someday like to share with the people close to me, and that they could maybe share with their family.
As I said earlier, you just never know when something could happen to you that would prevent you from sharing these memories, advice etc with people in your life.
Before anyone suggests it, No, I will not do a video account since I hate the camera. I tend to run away from it except on some very VERY rare occasions where I have been cornered (you know who you are )
I will be sure to share some of the shorter stories on here. :)
Since it is the New Year, I think there is probably no better time to start writing this "autobiography" if you will.
On that note, off to do some writing
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Little break
Well, I haven't posted in a bit but it's not because I'm out of ideas. I actually need to take a break for the next couple of weeks, since I will be moving soon. So much to do and being the procrastinator that I am - I haven't done any of it. ACK!!!
If anyone wants to come and help me move, I'll be more than happy to welcome you ;)
I will get back once I have finished moving and unpacking.
I do have a lot to talk about like the NKOTBSB show....OMG!!! It was amazing!!
Ok, Have a good night all.
Don't miss me too much.
Julie / @Flip_4 :)
If anyone wants to come and help me move, I'll be more than happy to welcome you ;)
I will get back once I have finished moving and unpacking.
I do have a lot to talk about like the NKOTBSB show....OMG!!! It was amazing!!
Ok, Have a good night all.
Don't miss me too much.
Julie / @Flip_4 :)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
High School Dances
Do you remember going to your first dance? It could have been back in Junior High or High School. Do you remember your first slow dance?
I was discussing this with a friend the other day. I remember going to dances in Junior High and all the boys would be on one side and the girls on the other. The only time they would mingle was for slow dances. They were usually held in the cafeteria or the gym at my school.
I can't remember my first slow dance in Junior High, but there is one dance that I am pretty sure I will never forget. It was in High School and I had a "crush" on this one cute boy at school. He was a friend of mine, but I had never admitted the "crush" to him. Of course, in 9th grade, just how good are you at hiding these things anyway?:
A song came on and he came over and asked me to dance. I'm pretty sure he was convinced by our mutual friends, but who cares really. The song? "Love Bites" by Def Leppard. How happy was I to be dancing with my crush that day? I couldn't believe I was actually dancing with him, and I was in heaven for the rest of the night...and then some.
To this day, whenever I hear the song, I remember that boy. Yes, I do remember his name, but that's going to remain my secret. ;)
Tell me about your first slow dance, or just your most memorable one.
Off I go now to listen to Love Bites.
Julie / @Flip_4
I was discussing this with a friend the other day. I remember going to dances in Junior High and all the boys would be on one side and the girls on the other. The only time they would mingle was for slow dances. They were usually held in the cafeteria or the gym at my school.
I can't remember my first slow dance in Junior High, but there is one dance that I am pretty sure I will never forget. It was in High School and I had a "crush" on this one cute boy at school. He was a friend of mine, but I had never admitted the "crush" to him. Of course, in 9th grade, just how good are you at hiding these things anyway?:
A song came on and he came over and asked me to dance. I'm pretty sure he was convinced by our mutual friends, but who cares really. The song? "Love Bites" by Def Leppard. How happy was I to be dancing with my crush that day? I couldn't believe I was actually dancing with him, and I was in heaven for the rest of the night...and then some.
To this day, whenever I hear the song, I remember that boy. Yes, I do remember his name, but that's going to remain my secret. ;)
Tell me about your first slow dance, or just your most memorable one.
Off I go now to listen to Love Bites.
Julie / @Flip_4
Monday, July 18, 2011
My Nephew
Quick post to say that my nephew (yet to be named) was born today at 11:20 AM. He weighed in at 6lbs, 15 ounces and is 20 inches long.
I might just be biased, but I think he's he cutest thing alive ;)
I have already started the brainwashing process to turn him into the biggest Sens fan around. I'm hoping it works ;)
Looking forward to hanging out with him and taking him to hockey games :)
Till next time.
Julie / @Flip_4
I might just be biased, but I think he's he cutest thing alive ;)
I have already started the brainwashing process to turn him into the biggest Sens fan around. I'm hoping it works ;)
Looking forward to hanging out with him and taking him to hockey games :)
Till next time.
Julie / @Flip_4
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Bucket List
While surfing the net, I noticed that a lot of people have been talking about their bucket lists lately. I don't know why this is happening all of a sudden, but it got me wondering about it.
I never did have an official "bucket list" before so I thought I would maybe make one now. As I was listing these things on paper, I noticed that the list was quite long. In order to not bore you to death, I will give you a list of 25 of the things I would like to do, in no particular order.
1. I want to learn how to ice skate and skate on the ice at ScotiaBank Place...preferably with the members of the Ottawa Senators ;). I know, it's pathetic how such a huge hockey fan can't skate. Well, I can't so deal with it. :)
2. I would love to learn how to swim. Yes, I can get by in a pool and such, but I never did learn how to REALLY swim and I think that would be a good thing.
3. Run a 5K. That might sound easy to some, but I don't run unless it means running from the hockey rink to my car after a Sens game. Heck, I don't exercise at all...which brings me to the next one.
4. Get in shape / Lose weight. I really SHOULD stop talking about it and actually DO something, but I have yet to get around to that. Anyone want to be my free personal trainer?? Hehehe.
5. Follow the Ottawa Senators during a full NHL season. No, I am not a stalker. I would just love to spend a season going to all the games they play, including playoffs. (obviously not this year)
6. Go to Australia for 6 months. Come on now, it's Australia. There shouldn't be an explanation necessary.
7. Go on a ride along with a NASCAR Driver at a racetrack. I'm thinking this one would scare me to death, but it's something I would absolutely LOVE doing. If the NASCAR driver happens to be Jeff Gordon, now that would be an added bonus ;)
8. See a show on Broadway. Not picky here - any good show will do :)
9. Travel across Canada by train. This would probably be a year long trip. I'd fly out to Vancouver and visit for a while, then take the train from place to place. I'd make my way across the entire country and really "experience" Canada.
10. Travel to Europe. I would LOVE to visit all of Europe and one long trip seems to be the best way to do that.
11. Learn to sing. For the people that don't know me - I CAN'T sing, not even a little bit. I'd love to learn how to sing, just for myself.
12. Learn to play an instrument well. I've taken guitar lessons and was in the school bands in school playing the flute, but I don't believe that I have ever really mastered an instrument.
13. Publish a short story. Just a dream :)
14. Go to the Daytona 500. I have been to 5 NASCAR races already and they are amazing. But I would love to go to the Daytona 500 and see all of the events associated with those 10 days.
15. Super Bowl. Who wouldn't love to see the Super Bowl Live?...and I'm not even much of an NFL fan :)
16. Go to a Formula One Race I'm a fan of racing and seeing those cars live would surely be spectacular.
17. Go to the Indianapolis 500 See above :)
18. Watch the Stanley Cup being won live. Of course I would love for the Ottawa Senators to be the ones winning the Stanley Cup, but just witnessing a team winning the ultimate championship in their sport must be exciting. I watched the Ottawa 67's win the Memorial Cup in 1999 and was on a high for DAYS.
19. Build my dream house. I am in the process of buying my first house now, but I would love to someday design and build my dream home.
20. Go watch a week of taping at Young and the Restless. I have been watching that show since I was 8 (almost 30 years now). It would be fantastic to go watch how they tape the show. I would prefer it if there was lots of Billy, Ronan and, Michael involved in the taping that week of course ;)
21. Ride in a helicopter I am insanely afraid of heights so it would be a miracle if someone were able to get me to climb aboard one, but I would love to.
22. Go to Hollywood I would love to see what Hollywood is all about. The Hollywood sign, the walk of fame, all of it.
23. Go to Las Vegas to see the Shania Twain show I absolutely LOVE Shania and I really want to go see her show. Hopefully she'll invite Cory Churko to join her for her shows ;)
24. Find my dream job Let's face it, I am not working at my deeam job currently. I would love to be able to figure out exactly what it is and then go after it.
25. Have a family (husband, kids) I have almost given up on that one, but the dream is still alive.
Many of these are dependent on my winning the lottery or marrying a rich man...but they are still things that I think about frequently.
What is on your bucket list? I'd love to see all the different things that people would put on theirs. Email me at julie_auger@hotmail.com
Have a great day!!
Julie / @Flip_4
I never did have an official "bucket list" before so I thought I would maybe make one now. As I was listing these things on paper, I noticed that the list was quite long. In order to not bore you to death, I will give you a list of 25 of the things I would like to do, in no particular order.
1. I want to learn how to ice skate and skate on the ice at ScotiaBank Place...preferably with the members of the Ottawa Senators ;). I know, it's pathetic how such a huge hockey fan can't skate. Well, I can't so deal with it. :)
2. I would love to learn how to swim. Yes, I can get by in a pool and such, but I never did learn how to REALLY swim and I think that would be a good thing.
3. Run a 5K. That might sound easy to some, but I don't run unless it means running from the hockey rink to my car after a Sens game. Heck, I don't exercise at all...which brings me to the next one.
4. Get in shape / Lose weight. I really SHOULD stop talking about it and actually DO something, but I have yet to get around to that. Anyone want to be my free personal trainer?? Hehehe.
5. Follow the Ottawa Senators during a full NHL season. No, I am not a stalker. I would just love to spend a season going to all the games they play, including playoffs. (obviously not this year)
6. Go to Australia for 6 months. Come on now, it's Australia. There shouldn't be an explanation necessary.
7. Go on a ride along with a NASCAR Driver at a racetrack. I'm thinking this one would scare me to death, but it's something I would absolutely LOVE doing. If the NASCAR driver happens to be Jeff Gordon, now that would be an added bonus ;)
8. See a show on Broadway. Not picky here - any good show will do :)
9. Travel across Canada by train. This would probably be a year long trip. I'd fly out to Vancouver and visit for a while, then take the train from place to place. I'd make my way across the entire country and really "experience" Canada.
10. Travel to Europe. I would LOVE to visit all of Europe and one long trip seems to be the best way to do that.
11. Learn to sing. For the people that don't know me - I CAN'T sing, not even a little bit. I'd love to learn how to sing, just for myself.
12. Learn to play an instrument well. I've taken guitar lessons and was in the school bands in school playing the flute, but I don't believe that I have ever really mastered an instrument.
13. Publish a short story. Just a dream :)
14. Go to the Daytona 500. I have been to 5 NASCAR races already and they are amazing. But I would love to go to the Daytona 500 and see all of the events associated with those 10 days.
15. Super Bowl. Who wouldn't love to see the Super Bowl Live?...and I'm not even much of an NFL fan :)
16. Go to a Formula One Race I'm a fan of racing and seeing those cars live would surely be spectacular.
17. Go to the Indianapolis 500 See above :)
18. Watch the Stanley Cup being won live. Of course I would love for the Ottawa Senators to be the ones winning the Stanley Cup, but just witnessing a team winning the ultimate championship in their sport must be exciting. I watched the Ottawa 67's win the Memorial Cup in 1999 and was on a high for DAYS.
19. Build my dream house. I am in the process of buying my first house now, but I would love to someday design and build my dream home.
20. Go watch a week of taping at Young and the Restless. I have been watching that show since I was 8 (almost 30 years now). It would be fantastic to go watch how they tape the show. I would prefer it if there was lots of Billy, Ronan and, Michael involved in the taping that week of course ;)
21. Ride in a helicopter I am insanely afraid of heights so it would be a miracle if someone were able to get me to climb aboard one, but I would love to.
22. Go to Hollywood I would love to see what Hollywood is all about. The Hollywood sign, the walk of fame, all of it.
23. Go to Las Vegas to see the Shania Twain show I absolutely LOVE Shania and I really want to go see her show. Hopefully she'll invite Cory Churko to join her for her shows ;)
24. Find my dream job Let's face it, I am not working at my deeam job currently. I would love to be able to figure out exactly what it is and then go after it.
25. Have a family (husband, kids) I have almost given up on that one, but the dream is still alive.
Many of these are dependent on my winning the lottery or marrying a rich man...but they are still things that I think about frequently.
What is on your bucket list? I'd love to see all the different things that people would put on theirs. Email me at julie_auger@hotmail.com
Have a great day!!
Julie / @Flip_4
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
New house - 7 weeks left
Short post today. :)
I picked up the mail yesterday and I got a letter that made me very happy.
It was a letter about my new house/condo. Looks like it will be ready on time and I get to move in 7 weeks (give or take a day). WOOHOO!!!
Yes, I am quite excited about this. I have been living with a friend of mine since December and my sister before that and as grateful as I am to them to have let me be their roommate, I cannot wait to move.
I get to go do the trim inspection in 2 weeks and the pre-delivery inspection in 6 weeks. I've been afraid that it would somehow get delayed as I experienced this with my sister. It was delayed for what seemed like FOREVER.
Delays no more. Time to pack up my stuff and get ready for the move.
Busy summer for me between that and my nephew arriving on July 18th. Makes the hockey season seem like it's just around the corner ;)
Go Sens Go!!
Julie / @Flip_4
I picked up the mail yesterday and I got a letter that made me very happy.
It was a letter about my new house/condo. Looks like it will be ready on time and I get to move in 7 weeks (give or take a day). WOOHOO!!!
Yes, I am quite excited about this. I have been living with a friend of mine since December and my sister before that and as grateful as I am to them to have let me be their roommate, I cannot wait to move.
I get to go do the trim inspection in 2 weeks and the pre-delivery inspection in 6 weeks. I've been afraid that it would somehow get delayed as I experienced this with my sister. It was delayed for what seemed like FOREVER.
Delays no more. Time to pack up my stuff and get ready for the move.
Busy summer for me between that and my nephew arriving on July 18th. Makes the hockey season seem like it's just around the corner ;)
Go Sens Go!!
Julie / @Flip_4
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Martin Gélinas - My favorite hockey player
Between the NHL Draft last Friday and the Free agent day this Friday, I have been inundated with hockey news. It's everywhere.
It has gotten me thinking of my favorite NHL hockey player - ever. Martin Gélinas.
How did he become my favorite player? Here is the story.
Back in 1987-1988, he was playing for the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL. One day, I was minding my own business at my grandmother's looking at the French newspaper when I noticed a picture of my dad's aunt with a hockey player, Martin Gélinas. I was 14 and I had started to really love hockey, so I asked my grandmother about the photograph.
She explained to me that for a few years now, my dad's aunt had been boarding hockey players at her place during the junior season. I was of course very impressed by this. Martin immediately became my favorite player, what can I say, I'm easy. Hehehe. I do still have that newspaper clipping somewhere in one of the boxes packed for my move.
I watched the draft that year to see where he would be picked. I didn't have to wait long as he was picked in the first round by the Los Angeles Kings. I was very happy for him and couldn't wait for the season to start.
Marty never did play for the Kings, and here's why. He was part of the biggest trade in NHL history to that point. Yes, I do mean the Wayne Gretzky trade. He was one of the players sent to Edmonton. I was happy for him as he'd be playing for a Canadian Team.
Marty did not make the team full time during the 1988-1989 season, so he was sent back to the Hull Olympiques for another season. I don't know WHAT I was thinking at this point because I never did go watch him play any junior games, nor did I ever ask my dad to go visit his aunt. You have to know that Hull is a few minutes away from Ottawa, across the river.
My only explanation for this is that I was an Ottawa 67's fan and considered the Olympiques rivals to the 67's.
Throughout his NHL career, I followed every season he played. From winning a Stanley Cup in Edmonton, to being traded to Quebec, to getting picked up on waivers by Vancouver (should have been Ottawa) and going to the Stanley Cup Finals, to playing for the Carolina Hurricanes and another Stanley Cup Finals, to playing for the Calgary Flames and yet another Stanley Cup Finals (where I still say Calgary should have won ;)), to playing for Florida and finally for the Nashville Predators. Last I heard, he still works for the Predators in some capacity.
For many years in a row, it was rumored that he would be traded to Ottawa, which of course never happened. How happy do you think I would have been?
I did receive a Christmas card from him one year after a letter I had written him, and I did finally get to meet him after a few Sens game in Ottawa and got some things autographed. My dad's aunt also gave me all the hockey things he left behind at her place. One of them being a hockey puck from his 50th goal with the Olympiques in one season. I still have it by the way.
Until the day he retired, I was always the devoted fan and always will be. Some of my friends might even say I was obsessed. I even turned into a 12 year old one day but that story will be for another time.
I haven't seen him in years and he probably doesn't remember his billet's niece in the least, but I would love to be able to see him again one day and maybe give him back his hockey puck and tell him how much I enjoyed watching him play the game he loved.
Julie / @Flip_4
It has gotten me thinking of my favorite NHL hockey player - ever. Martin Gélinas.
How did he become my favorite player? Here is the story.
Back in 1987-1988, he was playing for the Hull Olympiques of the QMJHL. One day, I was minding my own business at my grandmother's looking at the French newspaper when I noticed a picture of my dad's aunt with a hockey player, Martin Gélinas. I was 14 and I had started to really love hockey, so I asked my grandmother about the photograph.
She explained to me that for a few years now, my dad's aunt had been boarding hockey players at her place during the junior season. I was of course very impressed by this. Martin immediately became my favorite player, what can I say, I'm easy. Hehehe. I do still have that newspaper clipping somewhere in one of the boxes packed for my move.
I watched the draft that year to see where he would be picked. I didn't have to wait long as he was picked in the first round by the Los Angeles Kings. I was very happy for him and couldn't wait for the season to start.
Marty never did play for the Kings, and here's why. He was part of the biggest trade in NHL history to that point. Yes, I do mean the Wayne Gretzky trade. He was one of the players sent to Edmonton. I was happy for him as he'd be playing for a Canadian Team.
Marty did not make the team full time during the 1988-1989 season, so he was sent back to the Hull Olympiques for another season. I don't know WHAT I was thinking at this point because I never did go watch him play any junior games, nor did I ever ask my dad to go visit his aunt. You have to know that Hull is a few minutes away from Ottawa, across the river.
My only explanation for this is that I was an Ottawa 67's fan and considered the Olympiques rivals to the 67's.
Throughout his NHL career, I followed every season he played. From winning a Stanley Cup in Edmonton, to being traded to Quebec, to getting picked up on waivers by Vancouver (should have been Ottawa) and going to the Stanley Cup Finals, to playing for the Carolina Hurricanes and another Stanley Cup Finals, to playing for the Calgary Flames and yet another Stanley Cup Finals (where I still say Calgary should have won ;)), to playing for Florida and finally for the Nashville Predators. Last I heard, he still works for the Predators in some capacity.
For many years in a row, it was rumored that he would be traded to Ottawa, which of course never happened. How happy do you think I would have been?
I did receive a Christmas card from him one year after a letter I had written him, and I did finally get to meet him after a few Sens game in Ottawa and got some things autographed. My dad's aunt also gave me all the hockey things he left behind at her place. One of them being a hockey puck from his 50th goal with the Olympiques in one season. I still have it by the way.
Until the day he retired, I was always the devoted fan and always will be. Some of my friends might even say I was obsessed. I even turned into a 12 year old one day but that story will be for another time.
I haven't seen him in years and he probably doesn't remember his billet's niece in the least, but I would love to be able to see him again one day and maybe give him back his hockey puck and tell him how much I enjoyed watching him play the game he loved.
Julie / @Flip_4
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