My Ears Are Bleeding

Not really, but nearly. On my frustrating drive home today, I ended up besides an onoxious guy who had a stereo more expensive than his beater truck. He felt it necessary to bring attention to this point, by turning his stereo up, so loud that my car was vibrating. I happened to be right beside this vehicle in my vehicle, with my window open. I looked over to glare at this guy, and he, seemed to have not a care or consideration in the world, and bopped his head to his obnoxious music, while both of his windows were open. I figured I didn't want to hear his music, but I wanted to hear my own, so I turned up my crappy Honda stereo, to just about as loud as it could go. It was definitely so loud that my ears were hurting, but I didn't care. I kind of wanted to prove a point, that not everyone thinks he has the most amazing taste in music. I really had a hard time hearing his music after that...but I think he turned his music off. I'm choosing to take it as a compliment, that he loved my music. Hopefully the rest of the block did too. Anyways, it made my frustrating, traffic filled drive home more bearable.

1/2 the leaves on the trees in my block are in my front yard, and on the street in front of my house.

I went to Rona today to pick up a few things. I think Rona makes people sing. They had music on in there, and I walked by at least 4 people who were audibly singing along with the music. It made me smile. I think all places should endorse people singing loudly along with the music. Wouldn't that be wonderful? (provided everyone could sing on tune!). Also in Rona, I saw some leaf blowers. Seriously, what are those for? Is that why all the leaves are in front of my house? Does it mean that people blow their leaves onto someone else's yard? Is there such a thing as a leaf sucker? Like a vacuum cleaner, except for leaves? I think the leaf blower is hilarious, but honestly probably the stupidest invention ever. What is the point? Does it make raking easier? I don't get it. I considered buying one, just to find out what all the hype was about...but decided to vent about it on my blog instead.

Well my cute husband is home now, so I'll go and chat with him. I'm excited about season premier night tonight, and SERIOUSLY what's going on with Jim & Pam???!!! I'm so excited!

S

A Real Treat

San Fran was a real treat. We walked forever there, and it was so sunny and beautiful. We saw loads of sights there like Alcatraz, Aquarium on the Bay, Pier 39, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, Winchester Mystery House, just to name a few. We had some great food, and an all around wonderful time. I love being on vacation. I guess everyone does, and that's why people save so they can retire. Mmmmmm. Retire. Troy and I wake up every day thinking it'd be real nice if we won the lottery that day. So far it hasn't happened.

We're having a housewarming party next Saturday, so if you'd like to come, please do. Just let me know so we can have enough food. Should be a good time, and a good crowd.

Gotta jet!

Sleeping Lonely

For only the 3d time in my married life, I am not sleeping beside my husband. Never in our married lives, has he been so far away from me. Troy left for San Francisco this evening, and I am back here...playing on my computer...getting tireder. Its strange to miss someone when its not even been 6 hours since I've seen him last. I am sitting on his side of the bed, which I rarely ever do. Its comforting. Its very weird to become so dependent on someone, and not in a clingy kinda way...but he depends on me, I depend on him...and when he isn't here...its just weird. Hopefully the alarm doesn't go off tonight. That'll REALLY freak me out.

Anyways, I suppose all of you now know what a sap I am. That's ok.

My weekend is over, and that I'm sad about, but this week has some exciting new adventures. Troy and I are going to check out some cool stuff in San Fran. Everyone knows about Alcatraz, but not everyone knows about the Winchester Mystery House

anyways, probably won't write till I get back!
S

Shara "Iggy" Bierman

I scored 4 goals in my last floor hockey game.

Silly Questionaires

5 Things that you cannot live without for under $10/each:
* Hair Elastics
* Sunglasses (who needs the expensive ones anyways!)
* Troy’s foot-rubs. 
* My water bottle
* Deodorant

5 of your favorite movies:
* 13 going on 30
* Shawshank Redemption
* Bourne Trilogy (specifically the last one)
* LOTR Trilogy
* 50 First Dates (even though it is crude in some places, its really cute)

5 +5 = 10 baby names that you love (5 for a girl, and 5 for a boy!):
* BOYS: Brookyln, Jorja(said Georgia), Grace, Kate, Ashton
* GIRLS: Matthew, Judah, Benjamin, Miciah, Jacob

5 songs you could listen to over & over & over:
* John Mayer - Comfortable
* Shane & Shane – Prodigal Me
* Daughtry - Home
* Black Eyed Peas – Shut-up
* Matt Redman – Blessed be Your Name

5 people who have influenced your life in a positive way:
* Chelsea Pritchard – my best friend (with whom I have had the best of times, and thr worst of times)
* Hans Peter Royer – Bible school director.
* Tom Loewen – friend.
* Katie Smith – my previous mentor.
* Troy Bierman – my wonderful husband.

5 items that stay in your purse all the time:
* wallet
* phone
* sunglasses
* lipgloss
* keys

5 moments when you knew everything had changed FOREVER:
* the night my Mom told me my parents were going to split.
* In Austria when I learned what to “Honor Father & Mother” meant, and actually put that into action.
* When I left the Toronto Train Station for Calgary.
* When I let both of the messed up relationships I was in, go.
* June 3, 2006 – my wedding day.

5 obsessions you have right now:
* Big Brother
* Planning San Francisco Trip
* Keeping my house tidy
* Not spending money
* NOT getting pregnant.

Dead Mice & San Francisco

So the other day I was taking the deposit to the bank for work. I got out of my car, slammed shut the door, and looked down at my feet. There was a dead mouse inches away from my foot. Now I realize this fear is completely ridiculous, and makes no sense, but I am terrified of rodents, which was only confirmed to me on this day. As soon as I saw the dead mouse, I was paralized with fear. I couldn't move or yell. I was afraid. I had a hard time breathing...until I convinced myself to step away. I nearly ran into the bank, although my breathing was still labored. Once inside, it occurred to me that I would have to walk beside the dead mouse to get back into my car. ARG.

I decided to get in through the passenger side, and climb over the gear shift and the e-brake. a lot better to do that in a skirt, thank to have to walk by that dead mouse again. Anyways, I think I've recovered. Although I can't get the picture of the dead mouse out of my head. I'm ridiculous.

Secondly, and obviously more important, we are going to San Francisco. Troy is going in 10 days, and I am going in 12 days. I can't wait. I've been wanting to go there for as long as I can remember, what a cool looking city. It turns out that Troy is being sent there by his work for a conference. I'm going to join up with him at the end of his conference, and we're going to do some exploring for several days. I'm thrilled.

We're going to do a tour of Alcatraz at night! How fun huh? I think it could be really freaky, but probably totally awesome. I booked our tickets for that last night. I'm totally excited!

Besides that...we're thrilled to have the long weekend here...not so much Labor day, since it means that the summer is nearly over, but I love long weekends, as does everyone I'm sure. This morning we're just lounging around, Troy is watching Soccer and I'm playing on here.

Anyways. Take care!

S

I Guess I Don't Blog Enough

My cute husband has been bugging me all week that I don't blog enough. I guess its that I don't feel like I have anything witty, or interesting to write about. Today was spend-fest, 2007. Well for this week anyways. This morning we went for breakfast at Lido, followed by a trip to "Fine Furniture Outlet" where we bought our dining-room set a couple weeks ago. We managed to find a very cool chair there, and promptly purchased it, and brought it home. After that, we walked to Co-Op to get some ingredients for an amazing brownie recipe I got. Then as I made my brownies, Bondars delivered the sidebar we purchased 2 months ago. Now our main-floor is furniture complete. It still needs a few accessories, but the furniture is complete. The only piece of furniture we need still, is a comfy chair for our bedroom "nook". I put in that way, because I'm not really sure what a "nook" is. When I think of a "nook" I picture a window, with a window seat. We have the window, but not the window seat...so I'm not sure its a nook, but I long to read there. Anyways.

The rest of the day was spent driving to Cochrane, and then delivering a tv to a friend who is moving to Toronto. (Bye Heather!). Then we've gotten home and have been relaxing, watched a few episodes of the Season 3 of "House". After that, I cleaned out our storage room, and separated things into a "garage sale" pile, and a "distribute throughout the house" pile. Tomorrow should be fun.


Anyways, as you can see, and you're probably yawning with boredom, I don't have anything interesting to write about. its been a lazy and relaxing summer....since July 4th, anyways.

I made an amazing cheesy dip which is in the oven baking, and T & I are going to watch some more Hugh Laurie do his thing. That man is amazing.

BYE!

S

10 Minutes Left

I have 10 minutes left in my lunch break, and I've just noticed its been over a Month since I've posted. I keep looking at other people's blogs and thinking - "why don't they ever post!" and here I am, guilty myself.

Since I last posted, Troy & I had our nieces Vienna and Eden for 1 weekend. We had a blast, but we're a bit scared and may never have children as a result. It was a HECK OF A LOT OF WORK! We took the girls to the science centre, then up the Calgary Tower, then to Chuck-E-Cheese. The next day we took them to Heritage Park, and they were crank-sters. They did well on Day 1, for most of the time, but day 2 was a disaster. Probably cause they were exhausted.

Anyways, both of us left that weekend thinking that perhaps we could survive life, being the best Aunt & Uncle we could be. Who knows.

Besides that, we got our beautiful new couch, which is fabulous. We got our new bedroom furniture, which is amazing. I love being in my new home, and hate to leave. Its beautiful.

Work has been fairly slow for me in the new business department which stinks. I hope it picks up soon.

I was very disappointed in the outcome of America's Got Talent. I really wanted Cas Hailey to win, from the first moment he was on the show. Terry Fator was good...but seriously, he had NOTHIN on Cas. Or Butterscotch for that matter. Throughout the entire season I always called her buttercup, I could never remember her name. But I guess its Butterscotch, or Antonette. I think Buttercup is better, but no one asked me unfortunately.

I love reality TV. I can't help myself. Big Brother is awesome. I always want to check into the daily blogs on the Internet about what is going on, but then again, I don't want to ruin my viewing pleasures when the show is on. SO I wait in anticipation.

In other news. I PASSED both my exams from July. One of them I did not too bad on, and the other one, I just got by by the "skin of my teeth". Is that a phrase? Did I just make that up? If not, what the heck is that supposed to mean? My teeth have no skin.

Anyway. One minute left. What else...I think this is all. Now if you're a blogger, could you please post something interesting? Seriously.

S

Incompetence

I have lately been flabbergasted by the amount of incompetent people out there. Its really sensational. I am currently speaking with someone from Royal Bank who #1 told me they had received a full payment for something I'd sent in. Then he asked me how much the payment is for. Hmmmm...seems strange that you just told me you received it...but you don't know how much it is for.

Further, I had someone call my receptionist yesterday and use some very unprofessional language with her. When he came into the office, I told him he could not speak with my staff like that. He honestly denied saying anything, and stormed out of the office, telling me to grow up.

He called back an hour later to apologize to the receptionist because after thinkign about it for a while, he'd realized he did say the things that he had previously denied saying. Hmmm...yeah.

I suppose that's not incompetence, that's just stupidity, but the incidences of incompetency I can't really get into in this arena.

It is funny to me though.

Last night at my floor hockey game, I tripped 3 people, on 3 different occasions. I honestly did not mean to...but, hey it worked out in my favor, and was sort of funny. But I honestly didn't mean too. SORRY!

I have a problem. Its called Big Brother. I am addicted. I've been able to stop myself from purchasing the 24 hour life feed, but I have asked Troy to record the 2 hours of 4 hours or whatever, of raw recording that they show every night between like 12am - 4am or something. Hmmm..serious problems. I can't decide who I want to win. But it is a good season. So much drama.

My hair is so tight today, its giving me a headache. I love that.

I better go. I'm on my lunch break, but I have some other things to do..(like check out the Big Brother quiz online!)

S

Lunch Break

Its so strange to have my lunch breaks back to do whateva I want. Its also strange to be at home, and then the thought occurs to me...I should be studying...and then I remember...I'm done with that. Freedom...I love it. I need to get back into the things I love to do...paint, read, go for walks, and the new hobby I'm acquiring is working in my garden.

My Mother-in-Law is coming to stay with us for a couple days. I'm excited for her to see our new plave. Its so exciting everytime someone new gets to come over to see our new place. It will be more exciting once we get some of the furniture we've ordered, so it doesn't look baran. :)

I've been very busy at work today, which is a much-needed change. I really enjoy what I do, especially when everythign runs smoothly. When people don't tell me they have zero tickets, when they really have 7. (that's happened), or forgotten they've had 3 accidents (that's also happened), or when the guy who has had his license for 15 years, shows me his driving abstract, and he's had his license suspended for a total of 32 years. (that's happened too!). Those ones are fun...just kidding.

Harry Potter....I can't wait. I think I may cave, and read the books. I've heard many comments that the movie isn't as good as the book...so I'll feel ok to be disapointed after I see the movie. I've heard the books are fantastic. I love the movies, so I'll be excited that the books are better.

I'm on the search for a new receptionist...if you know anyone, send them my way.

Maybe I'll go for a walk!




Shara

Getting Back To Normal

Well my exam is over, the memorial service is over, and my holidays are over. I'm getting back into the swing of things. Life is relaxing and fun. Both Troy & I are exhasted from all the activity from the last several months, but I suppose life will calm down.

We had a fun time at Stampede last week, and I absolutely loved the Rodeo and Chuck races it was fantastic! Also my home is laden with flowers. Everywhere you look. We've been given a LOT of flowers in the last little while here...and its great.

Anyways, I just wanted to post a quick note telling you I'd survived my exams.

Take care and happy Stampeding!

S

24 Hour Countdown to Freedom

24 Hours from now, I will be finished with my exams, have a sore arm, and be thrilled! I'll be sitting at Joey Tomatoes, sipping a Bellini, and conversing with my Dad & Step-Mom. I'm thrilled. My Dad & Step-Mom are HILARIOUS people, and they will provide a much needed does of laughter, and fun. I can't wait to see them...(mostly for them, but also, when I see them, it means I'm finished with exam writing until December).

My brain hurts. I've been studying all weekend...well for weeks now really...cramming...trying to stuff all this stuff into my brain, making up acronyms to remember things with.

This is only a small post, because we all know this is an attempt at procrastinating from my studying.

Wish me luck!

S

My Father-In-Law

This morning, with his wife with him, and his son Jason, my father-in-law passed away. He passed away peacefully, and not in pain. His battle with cancer is over, and he is now free to be with Jesus.

Thought I'd let my blog family know. Thank you for your prayers.

S

Banking

So I was at the bank the other day getting some cashola to pay for our movers. My cash limit is $500, so I had to go into the bank branch to see a teller, since I needed more than that. I went up to the teller, and asked her for $800 in cash. She took my debit card (ONLY), and told me that would not be a problem. She asked me for what sort of quantities I'd like the money in, went to her money counter, and got it for me.

Then since I was there anyway, I told her I was moving, and would like to change my address. She told me, unless I had something proving my new address, like a Drivers License with changed address, or piece of legal mail with the new address, and my name on it, she would not change it for me.

Do you think it is bizarre, that I could give some lady a bank card, ask for $800, not enter any pin number, of provide any additional identification, and she would give me $800 from the account I asked for the money out of....YET, she will not change my address when I ask her to? That is bizarre to me. I am still thinking of perhaps calling and complaining, I think that's brutal.

Anyways I think I forgot to post about that, so figured I would during my study break.

Studying has gone alright this weekend, I've accomplished a lot, with not putting too much time in, however, its really crunch time now, my exam is in 3 days. And then my Dad and Step-Mom are coming! I can't wait...(for the visitors part, not the exam part!)

Anyways, in the final leg of my studying crunch, I'd ask for your prayers, that I'd be able to remember what I'm reading, and be able to correctly articulate it in my exam, enabling me to pass BOTH the exams I'm taking on Wednesday.

Thank you.

Cheers!

Shara

Procrastination

It sounds like a monastery upstairs. What is Troy doing up there? How funny.

Well we're down to one condo now. Yesterday we said goodbye to the condo we got engaged in, the condo we had all kinds of parties in, relating to our wedding. The condo we called home for the first year of our marriage. It was sad. I nearly cried. I kissed the wall as I left. Good thing I didn't have lipstick on, that would have been embarrassing.

Today I found out my brother, his girlfriend and her friend are coming for a visit next week. How random, and quick! It'll be cool for them to check out stampede! Its super fun, and I can't wait to go to the Rodeo and Chuck Wagon races. And my favorite part of the stampede....the entire room full of infomercials! I love it. So much stuff I could buy, and want to. Its my favorite. Oh, and the dream house.

How exciting that this time next week, I'll be out celebrating being finished my exams, with my Dad and Paula, and my cute hubby! I can't wait. I also can't wait to have some time off work. Tomorrow is my last day, until July 10th. YIPPEE!

Ok, so I'm supposed to be studying. I wrote an entire post the other day in here, with photo's and all, and my MAC won't let me post in "safari", so somehow it got lost. Oh well. Hopefully this time it works.

So here is our spare room...wanna come for a visit? And also, the long-anticipated, Burberry Bag I promised to post a photo of. Isn't it beautiful?

Settling In

Well we're in the midst of settling into our new home. It sure takes a long time, when you have so much space, and so much stuff. We've figured out we have about 1900 sq feet (including the basement). this is over double what we had at our condo. It feels great to not be so jam packed in. I love every single room so much...even the bathrooms. In our master ensuite, I feel like I'm in a grand hotel or something. Its really cool.

Our alarm system continues to give us trouble, dispite the alarm guy coming to get the system working for us. I think he still has a bit of tinkering to do tomorrow.

So I'm down into "crunch" time for studying again. Why do I always do this to myself? Except this time, is the worst of times. I have 2, 3 & 1/2 hour exams on July 4th, that means 7 hours of exam writing in one day. Normally I hand write for lets say...a total of 3 minutes. Now I will be writing for 7 hours. Hmmmm....that should be interesting. On top of that, of course this semester has been the most brutal of my working career...so with all the pressures of life, on top of work, family issues etc....I haven't had much time to study. So..."crunch" time. Please don't entice me with requests to hang out...and have loads of fun, at least for the next 2 weeks...cause who wants to study? Not me...and that is why I sit here blogging, instead of studying. Good thing I didn't become a teacher!

And now for an update on things concerning Troy's Dad. So things have made a turn for the worst again, about 2 weeks ago now I guess. Dad's throat has been giving him a hard time for weeks, and finally after doing a scope down there, the doctors have told him that the chemo is not working, as the cancer has spread to his throat. They have taken him off all the treatments, and he is being medicated to his preference. We went to Kelowna a couple weeks ago, a couple days after we found this out, to say good-bye. Unfortunately, neither of our jobs facilitate working remotely for too terribly long, so we must remain in Calgary, even though our hearts remain in Kelowna.

It is a very sad time for our family. Thank goodness, for us, we have some fun things to look forward to, to distract us. First and currently, moving, then my Dad & Step-Mom are coming in 2 weeks (also on July 4th) for 6 days, so that'll be fun. We're going to go to the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, and Chuck Wagon races and Grand Stand show. I've been a Calgarian (if I can call myself that) for 7 years now, and have yet to attend either of these events. Needless to say, I'm excited....except if there is that calf-roping. That makes me cry a little bit. I'll try to remember tissue.

Anyways, I should probably get back to studying...oh...woe is me.

Take care,



S

My Dream of Oprah & Brandi

So I had a weird dream last night. I was a guest (in the audience) at the Oprah show...and wouldn't you know it...it was the highly popular "my Favorite Things" show. ("My" being Oprah's, favorite things). (for those of you not educated in the Oprah world, this particular show occurs once per year generally, and they never advertise when it will be, cause everyone on the planet would try to get a seat. Anyways, Oprah showcases some of her new favorite things...I've seen such things as laptops, ipods, luggage, perfume...relaly everything under the sun. She will give away her favorite things, to each person in the audience, so it is not uncommon for a person in the audience to walk away with $20K+ in free gifts.) Anyways, back to the dream. I was at the Oprah show, and it was the "my favorite things" show, except it was not Oprah. It was Brandi Weston.

Anyways, thats pretty much my dream. I can't remember too much else, except when I found out it was the "my favorite things" show, I was so excited I was having trouble breathing.

Anyways, how fun to be there for that show....hmmmm...

Shara

First Night in a New Place

Note to self for next time...don't forget if moving, to check out the alarm system in the house, and find out how to disarm.

Yesterday when we arrived at our new home (which I'm in love with), the alarm was beeping about every 5 minutes or so. I found the alarm box, and pressed the "disarm" button. The alarm guy is coming to hook it up for us on Monday. Anyways, no more problems until midnight, after both of us had worked all day, and were more exhausted than either of us remember being in a long time. Anyways, the alarm starts to beep 6 times (really loudly) at midnight, and then stop. It continued this every couple minutes for a while. So of course, I start to freak out, because I'm sure someone broke into our house. I make Troy go check all the corners and closets. He finally gets back, we settle into bed again (after pressing the "disarm" button, and tried to get back to sleep. (oh yeah, and I unplugged the alarm as well!) (its a wireless thing...who knows how it works really), anyways...

Then it begins goign off every minute, instead of every 5 minutes...so Troy starts to see if he can fix it...only to set the whole alarm off! Oh my word! Its so loud...and he has no idea how to turn it off. The disarm button doesn't work anylonger. He's holding himself over the speaker (at midnight remember), and I'm running around the house truing to figure out what to do.

Finally troy yells "GET THE KEY FAB!" (the wireless disarmer" and wow...who knew. Finally the alarm was off.

Troy found the manual and was able to fix it...and no further problems.

What a night...

7 Random Facts

Since I was tagged by Crystal, so it's now my turn to share 7 random facts.

Here are the rules… Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog.

1. I can not stand to touch, or talk about cotton. It gives me goose bumps, and freaks me right out. I imagine bighting it...I know its weird, but I can't help it.

2. I hate large paper clips, you know those black ones with the silver clippy things? They freak me out and I hate them.

3. I love to sing in the shower, but haven't done it in a long time, cause I don't want anyone to hear me.

4. I am a very intollerant driver, and have no patience. I'm an insurance broker, and trying to figure out a way so my insurance company doesn't rate me for my 2 convictions, but I can't think of anything.

5. I am facinated by animals, (except rodents), and creation. I could marvel at it for hours, and I normally talk to Animals I encounter, again, not so much if anyone is around...except my husband.

6. I think my name is really funny, and I consider writing in to Jay Leno. Shara Bierman. Share-a-Beer-man.

7. I get a runny nose everytime I go for a walk.

So there you have it. Now I get to tag 7 people...let's see....

I tag: Lisa, TroyB, Lexi, Hmmm...who else reads my blog...Kassie, and Tanis!

A few more Things

Tasha will be so proud. Troy got me a Burberry bag for my birthday! I'll take a photo and put it on here, when Troy is done with my macbook. Its so beautiful. I love it.

Is it just me, or are drivers in Calgary getting dumber, and ruder. People no longer wave a sign of appreciation when you slow down to let them in, or they drive 50km/hour when merging onto the Deerfoot. Come-on people. Seriously. I think I'm going to be a great old person. I think I'll rant LOTS. :)

Troy bought us Rodeo and Grandstand show tickets tonight! YEAH, and last night, he bought me Kelly Clarkson tickets. I love her, and can't wait for her concert in September. We have front row, first balcony tickets, straight on, with the stage.

How exciting! I have so many things to look forward to in the next little bit.

So my floor hockey game this evening...wasn't really so much recreational. Those brutes were slashing, and ramming, and running people over. But don't worry...apparently in this league, you're allowed to smash someone, make them trip, and as long as you say sorry, then it wasn't intentional. Interesting. Anyways. At least we won...well killed them really. I think it was 6-3 for us! Good thing...that would be a tough game to lose.

So holy crap flash flooding in Calgary. Check out Craigs blog to read a "in the action" account.

And finally...course I'm taking is an insurance course, for a designation I'm just 4 exams shy of getting. its taken me 3 years...I guess 5 really...cause I took some breaks, and I'm almost there. In April of next year (hopefully) I'll be writing my last exam.

Anyways, I only have 14 minutes left of use on this computer apparently, the battery is nearly dead so I'll sign off.

Please say a prayer for Troy's Dad, (Doug), he's not doing so well right now, and is battling Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Thanks.