Table-envy no more

Recently, we’ve been looking at new patio tables.  The one we have is fine, but it really only seats 4 people.  Mark had a fabulous idea – make one.  There is a long-running joke where Mark offers to make whatever I might want…out of wood.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a new chair or a bike…he says he’ll whittle one for me.  It always brings a smile to my face, but lo and behold, and true to his word this time, he made one and it’s awesome!

At over 9ft long, It can easily sit 10 people!  I love it.

We need to finish sanding and then stain it…and I guess it might be helpful if we get some chairs, but, I am one VERY happy camper! 

Don’t drink the water…

We were away this past weekend for a half-Ironman race.  Mark had injured his foot earlier in the week and knew going into this race that he may only be able to do the swim and bike portion. 

I was looking forward to racing and was feeling quite relaxed about the day – alas, not to be.  I strained my back on Saturday and I could only do the swim and bike as well – back spasms on the bike forced me to pull out of the run portion.  Disappointed, but made the smart decision and will focus on getting things back on track for IM. 

But, we had to chuckle.  Upon arrival at the race venue on Saturday afternoon we decided we would do a quick swim first, before picking up our race kits.  The water was very choppy and only a couple of athletes were in the water.  Then we saw the sign saying that the water quality was not acceptable and that swimming was not recommended.  Hmmm, there is a 2km swim in this same lake tomorrow…is it going to change overnight?  Apparently yes!  LOL I didn’t see the signage on Sunday morning. 

Good thing there were lots of these, just in case.

Simon wins – a Playhouse for Pippa

When I was a kid, we had friends who had a playhouse.  It was the coolest place.  Inside, there was a small daybed, a chair, a small table, curtains on the windows, and a radio.  We spent hours in there sharing dreams, singing current pop songs - just being kids. 

Fast forward to Grade 8 and a new girl moved to town.  She invited me over for a pool party and lo and behold, there was a playhouse in her backyard.  It might have already been there when her family bought the house…but wow, very cool.  

Both were basically what we might think of as upscale ‘sheds’.

I don’t know what it is about these mini houses that held such appeal, but the closest thing I ever had was a broad shape apple tree in our backyard that was perfect for lounging along the branches, but wasn’t so great on rainy days.

It seems that I am not the only kid who liked playhouses.  Simon Whitfield, Canadian Triathlon Olympic Gold (Sydney) and Silver (Beijing) medalist was racing at the Hy-Vee ITU race yesterday and managed to pull off an exciting ‘race to the line’ win.  I believe this is the highest prize purse race in the series and the difference between first place and 2nd place winnings is huge.  Payday for Simon!!  Very deserving.

(photo via Simon’s blog)

Apparently, his first purchase…a playhouse for Pippa (his daughter).  And not just any playhouse…a crooked playhouse:

How much fun would that be!!  It brings back memories…remember the nursery rhyme?

There was a crooked man,
And he walked a crooked mile,
He found a crooked sixpence
Upon a crooked stile;
He bought a crooked cat,
Which caught a crooked mouse,
And they all lived together
In a crooked little house.

Sounds like a great ‘memories-in-the-making’ place for Pippa to play, laugh, and dream.

I am grateful for…

Just like my mom and her feelings about Mother’s Day, my dad would be the first to say that Father’s Day should be every day of the year as well.  But hey, even he would be the first to admit that a dad can use only so many new ties. 

As we’ve learned over the past couple of weeks, life is precious and it can change in an instant.  Once again, the wisdom of parents is evident - their theory is a good one.  There is no need to wait for the ‘special day’ – no need to wait until Sunday, in this case.

So…thank-you Dad, for everything.  I can’t begin to say how much love, pride, and appreciation I feel for both of you each and every day.

Like father…like daughter…

 

And dad…we know how to find true ‘keepers’!

 

 

You’re My Hero (link above for song by Teresa James)

I would ride on your shoulders
And look out on the world
Pretending I was big and tall like you
When you were there to hold me
I never was afraid
You made me feel there's nothing I can't do

If I'd spread my wings to fly
When I was very small
I knew that you'd be standing by
To catch me if I fall

You're my hero
Chasing the monsters from my room
Going on trips around the moon
The one who's always been there faithfully
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

As I kept on getting older
We often disagreed
But you let me find myself in my own way
And it's funny, how just lately
I've come to recognize
How wise you are becoming every day
There's so much you've given me
I hope I've made you proud
You're everything a Dad should be
And it's time to tell you now

You're my hero
You didn't have to say a word
Your love was the message that I heard
Inspiring me to be all I can be
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

Today…

When you are sorrowful
look into your heart
and you shall see that
you are weeping
for that which has been
your delight
~ Kahlil Gibran

A celebration of life today - may the stories, the memories, and the images prompt smiles through tears. 

‘Blaze’ the Bruce Trail – Adventure for a cause

Today, beginning at 1pm, two teams of elite runners (10 athletes per team) will be off on an extreme adventure following the Bruce Trail in Ontario from Tobermory through to Niagara Falls – 894km.  This is a non-stop relay which is expected to take 4 days (and nights).

 

 

These elite race participants are part of a study to research, among other things, ‘real life’ stresses on the athlete’s body that can’t be duplicated in laboratory settings.…all the while, highlighting the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and raising awareness for muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial disease – common diseases that affect thousands of individuals.

The teams (Team Muscles and Team Mitochondria) will be using the SPOT device which tracks the athletes via satellite.  You can follow them online via the Adventure Science Website Spot link.

Sending some great race vibes out to both teams…and some extra speedy race vibes out to Martin Rydlo and the rest of Team Mitochondria.

Janice Plewes – new site for ‘Gift of Memories’

For those who might have been trying to upload ‘memory/photo’ files to the mediafire site but were experiencing some difficulties, Geoff advised me that they have set-up a new website that makes simple file uploads easier:

www.rememberingjanice.com

He has said that if you have large files or questions, to email rememberingjanice@gmail.com

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What a wonderful gift this will be for the family – to see Janice through the eyes of others.  Whether it comes from close friends and family, or those who may have had a chance meeting and recognized something special about her, it is a perspective that will be appreciated…and cherished, for years to come.

The bench

At this time one week ago, I had yet to get the phone call with the very sad news.  I had gone out for a short run on the Friday morning and had made a little detour to a ‘memorial’ bench for a little reflection, a little introspection.  As the blog post noted that day, it was all about looking ahead and appreciating life.

We quickly found out that life can change in an instant – heartache, tears, and the realization that tomorrow is not just another day.

So, today, I purposely stopped at the bench again while out for a run.  The sun is shining so brightly this morning and the air temperature is perfect for being outdoors.  Once again, it was just the bench, the trees…and my thoughts.

In my hand, I was holding a memento I had pulled from a box just before leaving the house.  Janice would have had the same one – an Ironman Canada Finisher’s medal from 2007 – her last Ironman, the one that we had all (and maybe 1,000 or so of our closest friends!) camped out in line to register for a year earlier…and one that would have spurred her on to tackling it again, for the fourth time, in 2009.  Yes, whoever coined the ‘Iron Mama’ reference, it’s perfect!

Despite the fact that Penticton will be bustling with athletes, spectators, and locals in August…the quotation by Lamartine becomes more meaningful:  “Sometimes, when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated.”

One thing I know, Penticton is full of benches – perfectly-placed benches situated along the lake - beckoning us to spend a few moments to sit, reflect…and celebrate the life of the one that is missing.   I may just bring an Obus Forme and hang out awhile.

Janice Plewes - The gift of memories

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.  ~Author Unknown

Cameron would like to put together something that the children will be able read and cherish as they grow – memories, stories, and photos of their very cool mom.  So, friends and family are on a mission and are counting on all of us.

If you are able to share the ‘gift of memories’, please read the following from Geoff explaining what you can do:

Hi all, I’ve spoken with Cam about images and stories of Janice and he’s looking to collect as much as possible. The more record of the kids have of Janice the better, when they’re ready for it. 

I’ll be publishing a comprehensive book to act as posterity for the kids, families, and friends. Cam would like the book as substantial and comprehensive as possible. It will include images, condolences, stories, thoughts, prayers, and artifacts from Janice’s life and the past few days. The book will be edited by Janice’s close friends and family.

I want to make the collection of text and images as simple and flexible as possible for everyone who would like to contribute. I’d also like to reiterate Cam’s request for everyone to send as much as possible and as great a variety of things as possible. This is extremely important to him.  

I’ve set up an email account rememberingjanice@gmail.com, as well as a file sharing location at www.rememberingjanice.com *

Please email or post anything and everything you have, and pass this message far and wide to anyone who may like to contribute or be involved. The file sharing location is ideal for print quality images.  Please be sure to note your name and relationship to Janice.

Some of these items will also be included in a slide show at the memorial service, so there is some urgency in gathering items this week. The collection effort for the book will continue for several weeks however.

*recent edit to remove mediafire upload link previously posted.

A gift of memories…well, it really is priceless. 

Janice Plewes – A celebration of her life

Following taken from the Calgary Herald (link) (via legacy.com) today:

PLEWES , Janice Christine (nee Webster) September 9, 1971 - June 4, 2009 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Janice Plewes, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend, in a tragic accident in Penticton, BC, on June 4, 2009, at the age of 37. Janice was born in North Vancouver, and her family later lived in Edmonton for three years before settling in Calgary in 1979. Janice attended the Andrew Sibbald, Nickle, Dr. E.P. Scarlett and Western Canada schools and graduated in Computer Science from the University of Calgary. Janice was an undergraduate co-op computer programming student at Nortel Networks in Ottawa and Renaissance Energy in Calgary, and upon graduation joined Novatel GPS in Calgary as a programmer, testing software used in global positioning systems. Janice and her husband Cameron first met as young teenagers, began a serious relationship as older teenagers, and were married (to the relief of many) on September 8, 2001. Janice set aside her professional career in July of 2004 with the birth of Anna, who was joined by a brother, Andrew, in September of 2006 and a sister, Amy, in September of 2008. She devoted herself to her own young family as she had always dedicated herself to her family and friends. A few years ago, Janice discovered an interest in the sport of triathlon and pursued it with characteristic dedication, enjoying training for and competing in many events, including the Ironman Canada race in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Janice leaves behind her husband and children, parents Gary and Margaret, her eldest brother Brent (Glenys, children Karyss and Kaleb) and older brother Jeff. Janice will also be lovingly remembered by her uncle John Webster (Alison), cousin Scott Webster (Sarah), parents-in-law Don and Betty Plewes, brother-in-law Geoff (Sue, son Evan), and sister-in-law Katherine; as well as by her many relatives, her many friends and countless others who knew her. A celebration of a life much shorter than hoped, yet well lived, will be held at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 - 8 Street S.W.) on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Canon M. Ansley Tucker presiding. A reception will follow at the Calgary Golf & Country Club (located one and a half blocks west of Elbow Drive on 50 Avenue S.W.). Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.commemorativeservices.ca . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made, in memory of Janice Plewes, to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8. Telephone 403-955-8818), where a permanent fund has been established in her name. Janice will be forever loved and missed. Arrangements in care of COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Telephone: 403-265-1199. Calgary Family Owned www.commemorativeservices.ca