Deletions and Dreams

Okay, let me first say that I didn't PURPOSELY delete from my blog the list of blogs that I follow. But somehow they got deleted. And try as I might to get them back up there, I'm not succeeding. I don't know if it's my computer or my stupidity. I'm banking on the latter. In the meantime, don't be offended it your name doesn't appear for awhile. I'm working on it!

And now, onto another concern. Recurring dreams. Specifically my recurring dreams.

For many years I've had the same two dreams over and over again. The first involves me losing my teeth -- slowly, one by one, until I only have a couple left. I'm left with a feeling of complete hopelessness.

The second, and I have to say, this one disturbs me even more, is where I'm looking for a public washroom. The only ones I can seem to find are ones that are overflowing, disgustingly dirty, or they don't have a door on them. After searching for a suitable one with no luck, I opt for an out-of-the-way stall with no door thinking I can finish up before anyone sees me. I quickly find out that the stall I'm in is actually in some VERY public place and I find myself in a rather embarrassing situation with everyone watching me.

Now if these aren't disconcerting enough, I've recently added another dream to the repertoire. In these I'm just going about my regular activities when I "remember" that I have a dog (and in one case a baby) and that I had forgotten all about feeding them or taking care of them for two weeks -- it's always two weeks -- and I feel terrible that I could totally forget about being responsible for them.

I really would like to know why I keep having these same dreams over and over again. I asked The Mr. if he ever has recurring dreams. His reply: "Not really."

Is this a common thing?

Does anyone else experience this?

What do they mean?

Why do I keep having them?

I could really use a chat with Joseph (and his amazing technicolor dream coat) right about now.

Dixie

Shrek-cellent

Yesterday we celebrated "Family Day" here in Alberta. Sons 1A and 1B suggested that we attend an interactive screening of Shrek. I have never done anything like that before, but I LOVED it!

Since the guys had been to one of these events before, they came equipped with crowns, swords and kazoos. But for those of us who didn't, we could select something at the door to help get us in the mood. I chose a lovely purple tiara. When we entered the theatre we were handed a program of what we were expected to do once the movie started.

Once we took our seats we quickly folded paper airplanes and made confetti from the scrap paper they gave us. And then the fun began: Cheering for the good guys, booing and hissing the bad guys, making kissing noises in the romantic parts, singing along with the songs, and of course throwing confetti at the wedding.

It was so Junior High -- and SO MUCH FUN! You are actually expected to say and do the first thing that pops into your head. How could that not be fun?

Dixie

Easy to Draw, Hard to Spell

Has anyone out there ever lived in Saskatchewan? Can anyone spell it?

Many years ago The Mr. and I spent 11 years in Saskatchewan, living in 3 different cities. I suppose that was the pre-requisite we needed to get an invite to a "Saskatchewan or Bust" party by these two cool cats:

The party was tons of fun. We played "Jeopardy" with Saskatchewan-themed categories, ate food that reminded us of Saskatchewan, and reminisced and joked about people, places, tv shows, and catch-phrases that reminded us of Saskatchewan. Here are a few of the things that came up that made me smile:

1. Mount Black Strap -- a man-made mountain, turning an old garbage dump into a ski hill. You've gotta give them props for thinking outside the box.
2. Scramble Corner -- an intersection in downtown Saskatoon where all the traffic is stopped at the same time, and the pedestrians can "scramble" whichever direction they want.
3. The Great Sand Hills -- if you drive far enough down a gravelled country road, in the middle of nowhere, you will come upon humongous sand dunes that are perfect for sliding down on pieces of cardboard.
4. Population 1,000,000 -- In 1982 the locals were thrilled to discover their province had reached one million people. That number steadily decreased until just a few years ago when Saskatchewan once again reached a million people.
5. Vi-Co -- a brand of chocolate milk introduced in the 1950's. It became so popular that no one ever referred to it as "chocolate milk". It was always "Vi-Co".
6. "Size Small" -- a children's tv show produced in Saskatoon featuring "Miss Helen" and her two teenage/adult (?) children.
7. Saskatchewan sayings -- as if the locals were trying to defend any criticism pointed toward their province.

• "Saskatchewan's not THAT flat!"
• "Yeah, but it's a dry kind of cold."
• "It's easy to draw, but hard to spell"

Notice the saying on my friend's shirt?

The party has gotten me thinking about our years spent in that wonderful province. We met wonderful people who were hard-working, friendly and down-to-earth. We had wonderful experiences including going to Law School, serving in various leadership positions in our church, and the birth of our last four children. I was able to get to know many relatives with whom I would otherwise have probably lost contact had I not lived there. I'm so grateful for my time spent there.

So, for anyone who dares, feel free to take this short trivia quiz about Saskatchewan (answers located in the comments section).

1. Which of the following first names is NOT a town in Saskatchewan: Bruno, Denzil, Ebenezer, Gerald, Kendal, Robert, Scott?
2. Name two Saskatchewan towns that have the same name as a body part.
3. How many times has Queen Elizabeth visited Saskatchewan?
4. Where was our family living when the Queen visited our children's elementary school?
5. Which city has underground tunnels that were used by smugglers and gangsters in the late 1800's?

I'd love to hear about your favorite Saskatchewan moments.

Dixie