Why do I find out a smidge too late?

It's no secret that my musical tastes have not changed much since I was 16 years old. I fully admitt that I enjoy all types of music from Clannad and Loreena McKinnett to In Flames and Nickleback. There are a couple of bands that I have loved from my early days and still listen too. First being Judas Priest and the other is Iron Maiden.

I just discovered tonight that there was a one night only showing of Iron Maiden's Flight 666, and it was on April 21.

3 DAYS AGO!!! DAMMIT!!!!!!

I'm so bummed. I hope I can pick up a DVD at some point in the future.

OK just a bit of Maiden trivia here. As far as I'm concerned Bruce Dickinson has the best set of 'pipes' (vocals) ever! Also did you know that he is a pilot, writer, has his own radio show and was invited to join the Olympic Fencing team .... but had to turn it down because it conflicted with his touring schedule. How cool is that!!!! I'll be 100 and still think Iron Maiden ROCKS!!!

Keep an eye on your spots!

So we are just on the verge of my favourite time of year. SUMMER. I love the sun and the heat. Not being cold. But this year I will have a different attitude towards my favourite sunshine activities.

I've always been bad for using sunscreen, and I've gotten burned more times then I like to admit. This year is different.

Had to have a spot 'burned' off my shin last week and I have another appt booked for May to follow up. I'm not a 100% certain if it was melanoma but my Dr. was concerned enough that she had the dry ice out as soon as I showed it to her.

Interesting experience having a close encounter with dry ice like that. When she applied it, it didn't' hurt at all and then 20 minutes later it burned like a bitch and then stopped. There was no real blistering like I expected. Now my leg started aching yesterday and still is today. That was more to do with my banging it in the warehouse yesterday and discovering the hard way that there was a blister after all. I changed the band-aid today and some of the protective skin came off. Fuck.

Of course I have been reading up on melanoma and had no idea how serious it was. Yes it can kill you but also can be cured as long as it's caught early. Check your spots.
Go HERE and learn what to look for. Did you know that in women melanoma is most often found on the lower legs? Reading that scared me a bit. But if my spot was bad, it's gone now. I'll be looking closer at any others you can be certain of that.

So this summer, I am all about the sunscreen. Tons of it. Gallons if you will

A flavour discovery.

If you are getting tired of having potatoes with your dinner, I discovered these rice blends at the Bulk Barn, and they are delicious!



Top left: Golden Jewel Blend: Israeli couscous, enriched macaroni, split baby garbanzo beans, quinoa

Top right: Aztec Blend: colusari red rice, long grain brown rice, split peas, amaranth.

Bottom: Jade Blend: Bamboo rice, wheat berries, basmati rice, green lentils, split baby garbanzo beans, Daikon radish seeds.
(* I love the way the radish seeds 'pop' when you bite into them.)

I can't say which one I like the best, which ever one I have cooked up is the winner that day. They make a good lunch idea. I've been trying to watch what I eat and cut back on potatoes a bit. One of my true weaknesses especially fried or mashed with LOTS of butter..mmmmmmmmmm

These blends are really filling but despite all the various ingredents they are a bit on the bland side so you can choose to flavour them all you want. My current favourite is the Chili Lime Sansel from Victorian Epicure. It's not overly expensive and you only have to use a little bit so my bottle is lasting forever. LOL
Oh if you order online you have to type in a consultant's name, use Arlene Roberts. ;o) That's my sister.

I'm going to experiment with some others I'll let you know how they turn out.

The unthinkable has happened.......

First off I should admit that I totally swiped this from the Samurai Knitter. I couldn't help it, it is too damn funny. Everyone needs a good laugh once in a while...or more often.

Not that it has been all that terrible around here. More to the opposite. Took the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara for a mini vacation. That was a blast.

Got home and discovered a few days later that both of them have head lice. That wasn't so much fun. NO I do not think they picked it up at the hotel...trust me there is enough chlorine in those pools to destroy any critters. Who knows where the little beasties hitched a ride? Of course if the girls both have them....well the odds are they probably shared with me as well. Couldn't find any evidence in my hair but I wasn't going to take any chances.

Normally, I like to try all the natural remedies to a situation before relying on any type of chemical. This is the exception. I nuked the little bastards...and in a few days I'll do it again just to make sure they are all gone. That'll teach 'em.