FeyRhi's Retreat

My faery name

2010-01-28T20:48:00.001-05:00

Your fairy is called Thorn Rainbowwitch

She is a fortune bringer.

She lives in brambles and blackberry bushes.

She is only seen in the enchanted moment between sleep and waking.

She wears purple and green like berries and leaves. She has multicoloured wings like a butterfly.

Get your free fairy name here!

My Gran 1925-2010

2010-01-04T10:15:00.004-05:00

Tis the season...

2009-12-12T22:46:00.002-05:00

It's been almost 4 months since I posted something here. To be honest I really didn't have anything to say. Life went up. little ups and downs here and there, but really nothing that I thought would be blog worthy. The longer time went by the more I thought a post should be significant. I wish I hadn't thought that.

Today, something terrible happened. I've carried it around all day a heavy weight on my soul that tarnished this season for me.

Today, a poor soul pulled his car into the parking lot of my work place. He got into the back seat of his car and slashed his wrists. I don't know how long he was there but at one point a car pulled up next to him and a woman got out of the car and happened to look into the back seat of his car. She phone the ambulance. Inside the store we had no idea of what was going on. It's only human nature to look out the window when you see flashing lights. The ambulance pulled up and the red and blue lights shone all the way to the back of the store where my section is. I saw the paramedics roll him into the back of the ambulance. I didn't recognise him, he's a senior citizen and his face is imprinted on my memory forever.

I have to assume that if a person tries to commit suicide in the parking lot of a liquor store on a Saturday morning, he doesn't really want to die. It had to be a cry for help. The heartbreaking part is, last I heard, they didn't expect him to make it.

I spent the rest of the day looking at my customers. So many people walking around looking angry or frustrated or so concerned about what perfect wine to buy for their holiday dinner.

No matter what your religion is, because really it doesn't matter. Do me a favour. EVERY DAY! Smile at a stranger. Say 'HI' to someone that looks sad. Volunteer at a senior centre for a couple afternoons one weekend. If we all tried to connect with those around us, wouldn't that make this world a better place to live?

It's been awhile....

2009-08-13T19:27:00.006-04:00

I'd use the excuse that it's summer but really this week is the first that actually feels like my favourite season. Hot, Humid, Sticky, Yeah baby bring it on!. Winter is way too long in this country so I welcome the sun with open arms.

It feels as though I have been trapped under a mountin of things that need to be done and I never have enough time. Really who wants to hear me complain about all that anyways. I actually have something to talk about.

Today was our second appointment at McMaster Children's Hospital and after 3 hours of testing we recieved the official diagnosis. My Fey Princess has Asperger's Syndrome. Not a big shock since we have suspected this for a very long time. To be honest I didn't want an official diagnosis. My fear being that some jerk will tell her she can't do something. I never want her not to try because she has Aspergers.
BUT (and it's a big BUT)
I can't get her the help she NEEDS from the school board, without the diagnosis. Hello Mr Rock and Mr Hardplace. She is going into highschool in a few years and without any extra help she will quicky fall through the cracks and be lost. That's a risk I'm not willing to take.

We spoke to her about it and while she doesn't completely understand what it is, she is happy to hear that she will get more help in school and that she isn't the only person.

Famous Aspergerians

Albert Einstein, Alan Turing
Al Gore, Andy Kaufman
Andy Warhol, Bill Gates
Bob Dylan, Carl Jung
Hans Asperger, Henry Ford
Isaac Asimov, Isaac Newton
Jane Austen, Mark Twain
Michael Palin, Mozart (could be ADHD instead)
Nikola Tesla, Thomas Jefferson
Vincent Van Gogh, Woody Allen

Aspergers characters in film and TV series:

Commander Data from Star Trek Next Generation
Mr Spock from Star Trek Original Series
Rodney McKay from Stargate Atlantis
Seven-of-Nine from Star Trek Voyager
Chauncy Gardener, played by Peter Sellers in Being There is a particularly good portrayal
Jerry Espenson from Boston Legal (and also possibly Tourette Syndrome)

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

2009-07-01T17:14:00.002-04:00

Thankfully the rain held off today and we actually got a few bits of sun. Took the kids and dogs to Lowville and visited the trails and played in the river. it was a lot of fun and reminded Chris and I how we used to do stuff like this all the time when the kids were young. Sadly we have gotten very lazy about going anywhere now that we have a house with a pool. Pool is great but I had forgotten how much we enjoy heading out somewhere and have fun.

So we all decided that we are going to do our 'Sundays' again and actually go somewhere else other then the backyard.

I try not to speak ill of the dead.

2009-06-28T23:35:00.005-04:00

It seems like everywhere I look today there are tributes to Michael Jackson. I know I'm not going to be popular in my views but really does the general public that this short of a memory.

This was a man who was just not right, and was probably more messed up then anyone ever knew.

Does mean I am glad to see him dead? No, of course not. Having a person's life end when they are only half way through it, is sad. On the other hand, the world is short one pedophile and his children might have a chance at a normal life. As long as there isn't some sort of long drawn out custody battle. Anyone else remember what happened to Anna Nicole's daughter? At least that little girl wasn't old enough to understand, the Jackson children are much older then that.

But to see everyone carrying on about his death like they are? There was a time when he was a talented musician, who I hope enjoyed his life and his music. Long before the plastic surgery, and extreme behaviour. He was the SELF-APPOINTED king of pop, it's not like he won a contest or anything.

To carry on like the music business will never be the same again? I think that's insulting to all the musicians out there that are incredibly talented, and don't rely on outrageous behaviour to bolster their sagging careers.

GOLD!!!

2009-06-16T10:45:00.005-04:00

The kidlets last competition this year was on the weekend, in Oshawa. She did so awesome!

1st place Vault

2nd place Bars

3rd place Floor

7th place Beam

1st place Over-All

Want to know what is really amazing. She woke up that morning with a pounding headache, fever and throwing-up. She was a wreck but cried when we said that she might not be able to compete. She napped all morning and we finally got the fever down. She perked up and we decided to let her go.

It's over an hour drive there and when we arrived she was spiraling downhill again. Took another Tylenol and she sat on my lap and snuggled. At that point, she was changing her mind. I told her to go a head and do her warm up and see how she felt after that. Hoping that might take her mind off how she felt. It worked and once the adrenaline started pumping she did fine. Although she looked green/gray and ready to hurl when the judges weren't looking.

She crashed in the car on the way home and slept right through till late the next day. I still can't believe that she got through it all feeling the way she did. Man, she is one tough kid.

A cause close to my heart.

2009-06-02T09:16:00.003-04:00

Many of you already know that I have a child with special needs and recently posted about finally getting an appt with Mac after waiting a year. The frustrating part is, once the kidlet is formally diagnosed I face more waiting lists in my future. Every year there a fewer and fewer programs out there to help kids with special needs. If you don't live in the GTA you could be double screwed because you have even less avenues to find help.

I got this from the OPSEU website. Send an e-mail to Premier Dalton McGuinty and Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services. If they get enough pressure from us then maybe, hopefully they will do something about it. You know that whole 'squeaky wheel gets the grease' saying. If we don't make noise then we could be facing ever longer lists.

Send email to: dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
cc: dmatthews.mpp@liberal.ola.org
bcc: ghamara@opseu.org

Subject: Restore funding to Children’s Mental Health Services – Now!

CUT AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:

Dear Premier McGuinty/Minister Matthews,

In Ontario today more than 600,000 children and youth struggle to cope with mental health challenges.

Since 1993, successive governments have “put off until tomorrow” investment in our children and youth’s future. For 14 out of 16 years, core budgets in Children’s Mental Health Services have received a zero per cent funding increase, despite a 31 per cent cost-of-living increase in that same time period.

Flat line core budgets result in operating deficits. That means programs are cut or reduced to their bare bones. Staff are laid off and vacancies go unfilled.

“Tomorrow” has caught up to us. Today, more than 11,000 children and youth now languish on waitlists. As you know, those lists are growing longer each and every day.

I urge you to give these children and youth the hope they need that there will be a healthy tomorrow: restore funding to Children’s Mental Health Services today.

Sincerely,

Name: (Insert your name here)

Mailing Address: (insert your full mailing address here)

Flananas

2009-06-01T20:42:00.005-04:00

Ryleigh and I have been baking and came up with a fun recipie using my flower pans. She dubbed them FLANANAS. I have a feeling these are going to be a common treat around here.

1c brown sugar
1/2c white sugar
1/4 butter

2eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
2c mashed bananas
1t vanilla

2c flour
1t baking soda
1t baking powder
1/2t salt
1t cinnamon
1/8t ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, cream your butter and sugar, and mix in the rest of the wet ingredients. Then fold the dry into the wet. Fill greased flower shapes, heaping but not overflowing.

Bake for 10 minutes, let sit for 1 minute and then put them on a wire rack to cool. Makes 36 flowers
Enjoy!

(If you use all the batter in a loaf pan, bake for 50 min)

One of the best Mother's Day prezzies...

2009-05-12T20:39:00.002-04:00

How perfect it this!? I love it. Scarcasm and skulls and it fits a large double double from Timmies. Combined with a gift card to Chapters and a blow up chair I can use in the pool this summer, I got spoiled.

The first appt.

2009-05-09T00:21:00.009-04:00

We have known that our oldest daughter sees the world differently then the rest of us. She was only 8 months old when my bro-in-law noticed, (already having 2 girls himself) We didn't find this out until years later because he is a kind man and didn't want to say anything at the time. The years have gone by and it has become more and more apparent, especially after the birth of our second child. We have gone from dr to dr and many tests through the school and no one has been able to help.

This week we had our first appt at McMaster Children's Hospital, a program we have waited almost a year to get into. It's such a relief to know that we are finally working towards understanding...or at least it feels like that. Of course you can't make a diagnosis after only a couple hours, but what the Dr suspects is what we have suspected as well. Fingers crossed with a little more time we will figure all this out. Then we can work towards helping my Fey Princess as much as we can.

I'm not sure who was more nervous.....

2009-05-03T12:42:00.003-04:00

The younger kidlet had her first gymnastic competition last night. It was a stressful couple of days leading up to it. She had put so much pressure on herself to succeed that she literally was in tears from it. To the point where the night before she was freaking out, refusing to go to bed because she was afraid of tomorrow. I ended up laying in bed with her, in the dark reminding her over and over that the most important part of it all was that she have fun. We didn't care if she came in first or last all we wanted was for her to do her best and have the experience. It took a while, but she finally calmed down and started listening.

I know a lot of had to do with the fear of the unknown. There was also something that I hadn't realized until after we talked for a while. Long ago we have watched some of the Olympic gymnastic routines and she had in her head that she was going to be in a big arena with hundreds of people watching her. Poor thing no wonder she was stressed. Once it was explained that the competition was going to be held in a place similar to her home gym then she calmed down immensely. We went a hour early so she could watch the flight before hers,and see some of the older girls on her team go through their routines. That helped her relax even more and by the time it was time for her to go with her team she was smiling and laughing.

I was still a nervous wreck LOL. I knew if she didn't do well then she would be so hard on herself no matter what we said. Thankfully the kidlet did awesome!

7th~ Beam (she slipped off in the middle of her routine)
4th ~ Vault
3rd ~ Bars
2nd ~ Floor
4th ~ Overall

She was happy and hasn't taken her medals off yet. Now, she is looking forward to her next competition in a couple weeks.

Why do I find out a smidge too late?

2009-04-24T00:15:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-04-22T11:42:00.004-04:00

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.

2009-04-17T10:56:00.004-04:00

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.......

2009-04-06T19:31:00.002-04:00

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.

DUCK!

2009-03-29T12:14:00.005-04:00

Well if I didn't already have a clue I would know for certain now. Spring is here and the bloody ducks are back. The male is at the pool edge, the female is on the fence.

They're harmless, but they drive the dogs nuts. Usually, they are swimming around in the sludge on top of the cover and I'm more afraid of Chewbacca jumping in to play with them. For now, before we let the dogs out, we have to check to see if they are there first. Once we get the pool open they don't come back. I think it's the chlorine in the water they don't like. OR The sludge on the cover is warmer then the lake at the moment. Given a choice between Lake Ontario or the sludge, I'd algae dive too.

In retaliation to the Fox assholes....

2009-03-28T01:01:00.002-04:00

(yeah yeah language warning....What? You couldn't tell already?)

I know it has been a very long time since I updated here. I do have other interesting things to write about but today this is chewing at me. I was pondering if I should respond to the moronic assholes that populate the Fox network...

Yes, in the end I decided that I wanted to. I am very proud of our armed forces. Although I will admit a certain affinity for the NAVY because my uncles that served in that uniform.

As for the Fox network...you know who you are.... Fuck you!

Joe is the MAN!!

2009-03-06T08:52:00.001-05:00

Keeping with my proud to be CANADIAN theme as of late, I offer you a couple more tidbits from the advertising department of Molson Canadian. I still think it's sad that some of the best promotions for our country comes from a beer comapany. Doesn't it seem logical that the government should run their marketing departments like Molson ...does the government have a marketing department? I certaintly wouldn't mind seeing more patriotic commercials

Oh and as for those CANADIAN sterotypes....

Another retail holiday.

2009-02-14T14:10:00.004-05:00

I'm really not a fan of Valentine's Day.

To me it's just a day that retailers have built up to get you (guilt you) to spend lots of money. As if $$$ can prove how much you love someone.

Love is what you do, not what you spend.

The day my heart broke.

2009-02-04T14:15:00.002-05:00

My oldest realized at some point in the last couple days that she is different, a moment I have been dreading with all my heart.

What do you say to a child who is different? Except to try to reassure her that it isn't as bad as she thinks. While she has a hard time leaning now, one day she will catch up. I sat there holding my sobbing child, who doesn't understand why she is different and why she isn't as smart as everyone else. I tried to tell her that being different isn't a bad thing. What a boring world this would be if everyone was like everyone else. That she has so many talents, just because school is difficult doesn't mean that she isn't going to do well. She will just have to work harder and that is a good thing because she will learn how to handle difficult situations in life. And we all know those don't stop with school.

This is one of the reasons I don't want to 'label' her. I refuse to tell her she can't do anything. What ever she wants to try, I encourage. Never do I want her thinking for a moment she can't do something because she has ____(insert annoying medical opinion here)____.

This also tells me that some little fuck'n ass at her school has discovered the art of 'cliques', or decided to spread their nasty little wings. How can I protect her from that? There are lots of handicapped kids at her school and those with obvious challenges are understood. For kids like my daughter, who's challenges don't show on the outside, they are fodder for those trying to practice manipulation and peer pressure.

Her recent decision to be a 'punk' might have started it all. Nothing like making a change to one's self to draw attention. In this instance, it has drawn the wrong kind of attention. Again something I am NOT going to say to her.

She sees the world differently then the rest of us. How she experiancesit is different too, and sometimes she gets lost in her own head.

Most times I think that everyone is on crack, that there isn't anything wrong with her. She is a perfectly normal little girl...and then there is the times I glimpse what she should know or do and I feel so guilty because I should have taught her that, or I did something wrong at some point. And of course the worst part are the things she comes out with that I remember feeling at her age. Like not being able to sleep and feeling like I was being watched all the time. So I must have genetically passed them on to her. What is a little more mommy guilt right? I know I know it's not my fault. (Right?)

I have days that I wish they would put a label on her, then someone could give me a list of things to do. But then I'm afraid that doing that would cause her not to do something she could because it on was this imaginary list.

I feel so lost.

Happy Super Sunday!!

2009-02-01T12:57:00.003-05:00

!!!GO STEELERS GO!!!

I'll give you something to be pissed about.

2009-01-31T21:05:00.004-05:00

(To those of sensitive natures: Please read, but just ignore the bad words.)

My mum is annoyed(pissed) that the TTC is allowing the atheists to post their message "There is no God, so relax and enjoy your life"
While I might not agree with their belief that there is no higher being, they do have the right to speak their mind. Basically that doesn't bother me so much.

What does pissed me off to no end and has been eating away at my thoughts for the past few days. A school in New Brunswick has stopped playing the National Anthem.

ARE YOU SHITTING ME??

It's the NATIONAL fuck'n ANTHEM. NATIONAL as in part of our country. Free country.

The country that has suffered loss of so many of our soldiers and continues to do so. Singing the anthem in school is patriotic, reminding us that no matter what our beliefs are we are still CANADIANS. Reminds us that fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins are out there in uniform protecting our rights. Not just our Military Soldiers, but RCMP, CSIS, Coast Guard, police officers, firemen, hell, I could continue on for a very long time.

Apparently the ANTHEM was banned because there are parents who complained. But Principal Erik Millett of Belleisle Elementary School in Springfield, N.B., won't say what exactly the complaint was,c iting privacy issues.

Ok fine.

To those parents: Get the fuck out of my country! I don't want one more soldier to die to give you the right to be an asshole.

To Mr Millett: Stop being an asshole and be proud of the country that gives you the freedom to be an assole.

I remember when they used to play the National Anthem at the movie theater before the movie started. I tried to find it but no luck, so instead here is the old signoff from CBC TV.

How cool is our country?? Well we have a beer named after us. They have a commercial that I think we should sing every day!!! LOL

I'm still cool!

2009-01-26T19:24:00.001-05:00

It's my mum's fault.

2009-01-22T09:53:00.008-05:00

Having a special needs child I find that I reflect a lot on my own childhood and what things made me what I am today. I guess in a way I hope that I can help my daughter as much as I can and try to guess before hand what might bother her and how I can help her deal with things that will affect her for the rest of her life.

She announced a couple weeks back that she has decided that she wants to be a punk... LOL yea I should have seen that one coming. I still listen to heavy rock, love things with skulls, no I'm not your typical suburban mom. Am I worried, no not really, she is just trying to stretch her wings and find her place. Her thoughts don't run in the same patterns as ours so I'll let her do what she wants, with a few guidelines of course. (no we are not painting your room black and no you are not getting any tattoos or piercings until you are 18)

To be honest, I would rather her be listening to Avril Lavigne, Billy Talent and Spyderbait then Brittany or Madonna. I don't say that out loud of course because teenage rebellion is just around the corner and I'm not giving her any extra ammunition or ideas.

So back to my original thought. For fun on my other writing blog I post here and there about about songs that inspire me. "The Ride of the Valkyries" from Die Walkure, beyond a doubt is one. I vaguely remember my mum putting it on and telling me to close my eyes and imagine what the music was telling me. I would lay on the living room floor and visualize viking women on horseback, leaping from mountain top to mountain top, lightening bolts piercing the skies above them, lighting their way.

I's a very primitive sounding piece, and I don't mean that in a negative way. The music is raw and powerful there is no synthetic electronic mixing. A piece like this is best playing on natural classical instruments. This isn't the only song I remember from my childhood. "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg is another one.Is it any wonder that as I got older my musical tastes leaned towards similar styles?

So all that heavy metal I drove my mum nuts with when I was a teenager. Mum, it was all your own fault. LOL

A new view to the world

2008-12-03T16:39:00.003-05:00

Here we are at the start. Big original window that let the heat out and kept our main floor chilly. They had to cut out each pane of glass to remove it.

Oh man now it's getting chilly in here!

Just to give you an idea of how far it extends from the front of the house. Those are called pewter prairie grills. It adds a nice design with out being too much.

Of course they couldn't get the job done in one day, it just gets gets dark too early. So they have to come back and finish off the bottom and put the siding back up on the house. Already I can tell a big difference in the internal temperature. The ugly blinds are back up for now. We still have to put the trim up on the inside and I get to shop for something new and much prettier in hang over the window.

Yes, Truly I am still alive

2008-11-27T20:35:00.001-05:00

Yikes!! Time has really flown since last I posted anything on here. In still up to my eyebrows and higher with stuff, but here is a bit of a cheat. I'm just nearing the end of NaNoWriMo for this year, so I can't commit to much for for another few days. next week I will do my best to get caught up and back on track. Until then...

Thirteen Things that have happening since my last post.

1~ Went to Florida
2~ Wrote 32,356 words on a new novel for NaNoWriMo
3~ Finished a lace shawl
4~ Celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary
5~ Had the old front window replaced with a gorgeous bay window
6~ My youngest daughter broke her arm
7~ Got an early start on my holiday shopping
8~ Got an early start of my yule gifts
9~ Listened my Apocalyptica cd approximately 500 times
10~ Worked way too many hours
11~ Got a Zune. (I love it)
12~ Got my second rejection letter from a publisher.
13~ Developed a fondness for shawls. #2 is started, #3 is planned.

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Don't know what it is, but I know what I like.

2008-09-27T21:08:00.005-04:00

For the longest time I couldn't say that I had a favourite art style. Not that I didn't like anything, just I didn't know what it was called. Well I finally figured it out. Art Nouveau

I have old papers from when I was about 16 with all these doodles on them. Swirling branches that curl in here and there. All of it very romantic and colourful. All of them the same style over and over.
I purchased this frame in an antique store in Tiverton, Ontario. Having fallen in love with it the moment I saw it. The handsome couple in there are my Gran and Grampy. There was a beautiful small mirror as well and I didn't buy it. The frame alone was a touch pricey for my budget at the time. To this day, I am still pissed off because of course when I went back for the mirror, it had been sold.

Then I won a set of small tarot cards from author Robin D Owens. Guess what style the pictures are in. Gorgeous! Love them!!

What am I getting at with all this you might be wondering? I'm still planning my tattoo and I now have a style in mind. I think it would be perfect for me, and something I will never get sick of. The most important part is finding a tattoo artist familar with it.

My Grampa

2008-09-09T20:20:00.006-04:00

The Roberts Clan has been dealt a staggering blow with the loss of their beloved Laird.

George MacIntosh Roberts
1925 - 2008

Under a fog of woodsmoke and burnt BBQ sauce

2008-08-31T21:58:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again. The Labour Day weekend marks an important event around these parts.
RIBFEST

Over a hundred and thirty thousand people descended into Spenser Smith park this weekend, unleashing their inner carnivore. That is a lot of people. Last year the Ribbers went through over 90,000 pounds of ribs.

Wow

In light of the Maple Leaf Meats scandal I wondered if that would have an effect on this weekends turnout. Not in the slightest if the crowds that were there today were any inclination. Or perhaps it was the relief of eating something that had been cooked right in front of them.

Either way it was all good. I have come to the conclusion that getting pulled pork sandwiches is the way to go. For $6.00 I get a sandwich stuffed with more meat and sauce then I can finish. Bonus is I can bring it home for a late night snack. That is a hell of a deal when you consider that a full rack of ribs is $20.00.

But then eating the meat out of a bun isn't as much fun as gnawing is right off a steaming bone. LOL

I have a couple of great pictures but they will have to wait until I can find the cable that attaches my camera to the computer. Damn I knew I should have gotten a hot pink one.

Change

2008-08-04T00:46:00.003-04:00

***Warning 'F' bombs abound. If ya don't like 'em. Then go here.***

So Change, Pretty fuck'n scary if you ask me. I find myself, at the young age of 37 faceing just that. I have been offered an oppourtunity at a new job. In a similar field to what I work right now, but I'll will be leaving the security of a union position with the government and facing the UNKNOWN.

I'm shitting a brick.

On one hand I have to think about the morgage, the kids, the cost of living...ON THE OTHER HAND>>> I am being offered almost the same $$$ a few more benefits but there isn't the security that I have right now.

It's not that I am unhappy with my job.I love the store that I am in at the moment. I adore my manager, but that can change in a moments notice with a call that says I am being transferred to HELL. (it's happened before)

Life is an adventure right? That is what my hubby tells me. He is being so very supportive and wants me to go for it and see what happens. I am a bit more concerned. Fuck, I am so concerned.

What if in 6 months I decide that I have Royally fucked up. Then what. I could beg my job back, but knowing this company, I will have to start back at the bottom and work my way back up. That would so SUCK!

On the other hand, I have an incredible opportunity at something that I would be good at.

Fuck, I am running out of hands.

Do I jump or do I stay in a job that is already feeling confining?

Only time will tell.......

TO BE CONTINUED

Yes, another month passes

2008-07-26T21:44:00.003-04:00

I wish I had something interesting to say but life just keep going on. Nothing really new. Sorry.

But here is something for you. I read about it on The Goddess Blogs.

I dare you, watch the entire thing and don't smile. You can't do it. At some point your lips will curl and you will feel better. Maybe it's the music, maybe it's the silly little dance, but it's a feel good moment.

Allow me to introduce you to Matt.
14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands. Here is his 2008 video.

This did strike a chord in me personally. My niece flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil on Monday. She is part of the Rotary Youth Exchange and will be living there for a year. I know she is going to have the most amazing experience of her life, but I already miss her.

Where did the month go?

2008-06-30T21:58:00.006-04:00

Wow it's been a month since I posted something here. I feel so bad. LOL

Life has just been flying by...I would appreciate it slowing down a bit since the faster it goes he faster I reach 40. Not something I've completely prepared for.

Also most of what I have been doing is writing which is documented here, and knitting which is gabbed about here.

I'm on the lap top again because our main 'puter has suffered 2 major virusus this month and frankly will have to wait till I have more $$ to take it back to the shop.
Aside from the file I would like retrieved I will gladly have the thing completely whiped and take it downstairs for the girls. I set up a wireless network in the house. It is much more convenient working on a laptop.

Tomorrow is July 1st and there are already some fireworks going off so I have to go sit with Karma. She gets all freaked out by the noises.

More tomorrow....

Note:
I just found my brother's birthday present.

It's ok if you don't understand. It's a long running joke between me and my younger brother. I'm tempted to order us both shirts in matching colours.

There was a time when we would go to great lengths to trap each other into saying the dreaded response... even phoning at 3 in the morning and asking "Guess What?!"

Chicken Butt!!!.

They even have a page in the Urban dictonary about it. Check it out here.

I seriously can't believe someone actually put it on a shirt. This is the best!

My boy

2008-05-30T22:19:00.005-04:00

Chewbacca is getting so big. He's just about 16weeks old and almost as big as his mum. Still a big ol'baby though. He has an addiction to socks and Ryleigh's shoes. Not sure why,but it's always Ryleigh's shoes. I'm thinking that she is feeding them to him so that the little fashion plate can get a new pair. My baby girl has inherited her mother's addiction to pretty footwear.

Sunday morning baking

2008-05-18T13:28:00.006-04:00

I've been trying to get in the habit of baking something every Sunday. I used to bake all the time when I first got married, and before that, but after the girls were born it just seemed like there wasn't enough time. My husband has mentioned a few times how much he misses it....(well one more time and I'd refer to it as nagging)

So today, after our "way too early" morning Gymnastics practice with our youngest. I decided to make a batch of Chelsea buns.

Grease the pan and set aside for later......
450 F 12-15 min.......just watch them sugar burns!

2 cups all purpose flour
4.5 teaspoons Baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons shortening
1 cup milk
Mix the dry
Blend in the shortening
Add the milk

Dump onto a well floured surface Mold into a ball, roll out slather with marg, lots of brown sugar and cinnamon out to the edges...raisins....slurp

Roll em out
cut em up

One batch will fit an 8" round cake tin you should get about 6 buns

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sounds easy right?... Well it is. My mum has made them a hundred thousand times and I have made them hundreds of times. Although I will admit it's been ages since I made any.

I've been cleaning like a mad woman knowing that my reward when I took a break was going to be a nice cuppa and a bun.

My moment arrived, I finally sat and broke off a piece anticipating ambrosia in the form of brown sugar, cinnamon and raisens.

WTFBBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know what I was thinking, but I put in 4.5t of Baking SODA!!!!!!!

Fuck.

Hubby has gone out and now I have to whip up a fresh batch before he gets home. Because I am not about to admit what I just did.

Another thing, the taste of soda does not leave the back of your throat for a very long time.

I Owe My Mother

2008-05-11T12:18:00.002-04:00

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle
of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going
to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't
exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who
don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."

1! 7. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.

"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck
that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll under stand."

And my favorite:

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you"

I love you Mum

The funniest man ever......

2008-04-10T09:57:00.002-04:00

Russell Peters

Can you see the difference?

2008-04-09T20:16:00.003-04:00

This is Chewbacca

And this is Chewbacca.

Okay so my Chewie hasn't done anything cool like fly the Millenium Falcon, but he is small enough to curl up on my lap. Although given the size of his paws that may not last too long.

He finally caught up!!

2008-03-27T10:08:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Honey!!!

(woohoo no more old person comments LOL)

He's officially ours!

2008-03-17T09:10:00.004-04:00

Choosing a puppy is hard enough but trying to choose out of a litter of 9 when you really love them all is nigh impossible. But the choice had to be made and this little guy is the one who will be staying with us. We jokingly called him Bear a couple weeks ago and the name stuck. Hubby mentioned that we could change it but I can't think of anything else I'd rather call him.

He's five weeks old today and is no longer the hugh one. LOL A couple of his litter mates have caught up to him, which is good. The rest of them are doing fine and getting. Having 9 is a lot of work but I'm going to miss them when they go to their new homes.

Riblet update: I'm doing much better, it's been a bit over two weeks now and while I'm still uncomfortable for the majority of the time it's no where near as painful as it was. Two night ago I woke up in the middle of the night in such agonizing pain. I swear I hear a "crack" in my ribs and felt something snap. I guess I stretched in my sleep and my rib muscles weren't up to it yet. sheesh

Good news is I'm not grunting, muttering ouch, or whimpering every time I move, so that is a definite improvement!

This is March!

2008-03-09T10:15:00.003-04:00

Once again someone forgot to pay the hydro bill to Mother Nature and she nailed us with a white reminder notice. I'll be staying in the house today, the last thing I need to go is go out there and wipe out. It's too bad too because as much as I hate snow, this would be a perfect tobogganing day. I do love tobogganing.

Instead I'll hang inside and knit. I've gotten a bit more mobility back but the pain is more intense today. I'm not sure if it's because any internal swelling has gone down or the damaged muscles have tightened or a combination of both. I can take a deep breath but if I shift my weight the wrong way it feels like a knife under my ribs.

Didn't hear back from the radiology lab on Friday so now I'll have to wait till Monday to find out the X-ray results. Not that it really matters, when it comes to ribs- bruised, cracked or broken, nothing can be done. The only difference is recovery time.

I had planned to drive up to my brother's tomorrow and have a visit with my family but I honestly don't think I can handle a 2.5 - 3 hour drive (and that's if the weather doesn't turn nasty half way up there.) Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow because the girls are already moping at the possibility that they will be separated from the cousins for any longer.

Stupid Thing I have done #394

2008-03-07T08:56:00.004-05:00

The short version is I squished myself between the delivery door and the tow motor at work. Hurting the left side of my rib cage in the process.

The extended version is: A tow motor is a big machine that we use to move skids of products. I was backing up to plug it in to recharge it and misjudged how close I was to the garage door. Now this guy does pretty much stop on a dime and has tons of safety features but flukes happen. I didn't get out of the way quick enough and the corner of the drive handle got shoved up under the left side of my rib cage.

I'm sure my height was my saving grace, I ended up on my tip toes before getting completely out of the way. Had I been shorter I could have been more seriously injured, or perhaps not at all because the handle would have moved up into the resting positing and never caught my rib cage in the first place.
It happened so fast that even my co worker who was looking right at me almost didn't see it. No skin broken but I had to go to the clinic to have them looked at because it happened at work.

Attilla the Hun came in and poked around, almost sending through the ceiling, then I was off for x-rays. Won't hear back till later today if I broke or cracked any ribs. most likely I have bruised all the muscle tissue. Hurts like a bitch.

It took 5 pillows before I found a comfortable position to get some sleep. I don't think I'll be going into work today. Can't sit comfortable and can't stand for too long. I might as well stay home and irritate the ones I love. LOL

My birthday present.

2008-03-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

After all the complaining in my previous post, I wanted this one to be a bit more upbeat. Birthdays suck and all that but there is nothing you can do to stop them. LOL

So hubby has been pestering (re:nagging) me about what I wanted for my birthday. Really I don't need anything and trying to come up with suggestions for an event, I wasn't to thrilled about was pissing me off. Here is where I have to say my husband loves the fact that I am 26 days older then him. And for 26 days every year he inundates me with old person comments. These don't bother me because I know he is only teasing. This year I have been a bit more sensitive then usual so of course the comments are coming much more frequently.

The balloons in the picture below were delivered to my work for me. (by him he snuck in and then snuck out) Which goes to show how well he knows me. I appreciate a balloon bouquet much more then a flower one. And I even got a balloon from all the puppies LOL

For my gift,since I didn't tell him anything specific, he improvised. A very dangerous thing if you don't know my hubby's sense of humour.

I got a construction paper book tied together with yarn. The girls decorated the pages with pictures and he wrote the inscriptions....

page 1) Tim Hortons gift card
"Because you are old you may need more coffee now. It will help you kick start that heart of yours."

page 2) Shoppers Drug Mart gift card

"Shoppers is an ideal store for old people. They sell Depends, seeing eye glasses and lots of drugs"

page 3) La Senza gift card

"You may need a new bra now that you are older. The girls won't sag as much."

page 4) Chapters gift card

"Chapters has lots of books on getting old. They even have large print."

page 5) HBC gift card

"Bay and Zellers have lots of old people stuff. Tuesdays are seniors day."

I laughed so hard as I turned the pages. The pictures that the girls drew are really funny too. It made me feel much better and I started feeling silly for being so cranky about it all. Of course I still have 20 days of old person comments to put up with before he catches up with me.

The craziness that is my life

2008-03-03T09:19:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I wish for a boring life, but then what fun would that be?

Haven't posted for a while, not from a lack of things to say but mainly because our computer got wiped by a couple nasty viruses. Not my fault!!! **pointing at my lovable hubby** He did it! So a week at the 'puter hospital and she is back to normal...just with a bad case of amnesia.

Puppies are doing well and growing fast. They are 3 weeks old today. All their eyes have opened and they are hearing better. The litter can be sound asleep but if Chris or I walk into the kitchen speaking then they start jumbling about. A couple have already started these mini barks. It's so cute....I may change that opinion in another week or two. LOL All nine have survived. I will admit to being worried with such a large litter. I was a little concerned about peanut and button, they are the two smallest, but they are doing well and while a bit smaller then the rest they're thriving. Bear is doing the best, by the name you get an idea of his size. He's also the biggest suck of them all and sleeps with his tongue hanging out.

I turned the big 37 this weekend. Thanks to everyone for the notes, posts, cards and emails. While I'd like to say my age doesn't bother me a bit, I was pretty much a bitch right up to the day. I remember my mum being my age and that is a bit freaky. I'm not my age in my brain, I know a lot of people feel have said that and I really truly understand what they are thinking. My pants aren't fitting as well as they used to but the scales in the bathroom haven't changed. Then I remembered my Gran complaining that as she got older she got thicker around the middle until she was feeling like a rectangle.
Oh Shit.
Maybe I'll take up wearing a corset? Have one of my lower ribs removed?

Suffering Withdrawl

2008-02-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

As I type this I am on my hubby's work laptop. Why you might ask am I not on our computer? Well my very intelligent husband did something not so intelligent. This not so intelligent move involved a popup and his allowing a download figuring that after it was done he would just erase what was there. Yea, that is a big ass NO.

So the computer is in the shop what they try to get rid of 2 nightmare viruses. It's bad...real bad. Last check they were scanning the computer for the third time in hopes that they had it. Originally we were to have the computer back by Thursday evening. Now if we are very lucky it will Tuesday or Wednesday.

He only figured out how to get this hooked up last night, by then we were both sweathing and suffering the shakes. He was worse then me because I could surf a small bit at work, enough at least to check emails.

Keep you fingers crossed that those nasty bugs get erased and our computer comes back safe and sound. At least now hubby won't be so against spending the money on a good anti-everything system. No matter what it costs, I expect it will still be cheaper then the bill from the computer shop.

The Scottish Haka

2008-02-14T08:32:00.001-05:00

Just a bit of backstory before you watch the clip. The Haka is a traditional NewZealand Dace performed by all members of the tribes. The All Blacks (NZ Rugby Team) preform one before every international match. It's very cool and you can see them getting charged up as they dance it.

This commercial cracked me up. Warrior to Warrior Never underestimate the Scottish form of intimidation.

How I spent my Monday afternoon

2008-02-12T18:55:00.001-05:00

Got a frantic phone call from hubby just at lunch time. So much for the story about dogs having puppies around 10 at night. Ours decided a freezing cold Monday afternoon suited her just fine.

Thankfully our friend, Chris, works nearby so she popped in to make sure that everything was ok. She breeds small dogs and had been around for lots of births. She made it just in time for the first one and stayed till the third. I'm helping to clean up number 4, a little boy. He started sucking on my finger right away. Not bad for being 10 seconds old. Things slowed down after number 5 and we thought we might get one of two more. Two more were born, Karma went out for a pee and then came back in and had another one. I freaked since I did'nt know she had, with 7 puppies in the way she couldn't get to her hind end I guess. I moved her tail and saw a little one there still in the sac. I freaked (yea yea I know) so I ripped the bag open and brought her closer to karma's face. She took care of what she needed to and I made sure the little beastie was squeeking.

After all that it was some well neeeded down time for us and her. Too much excitement. I popped out to put some gas in the car and on the way back Chris (hubby) called my cell. He had gone up to check on her and found another wet one. LOL
That makes a total of nine. I was terrified she might have more but thankfully that was it.

Final order: 1 girl, 3 boys, 3 girls, then 2 boys. Mommy and babies are doing fine.

I know I'm a day late

2008-02-08T22:04:00.001-05:00

I know it's Friday but lets just pretend that I am ontime for once ok?
I got tagged by Mechele Armstrong. She actually tagged me to do 16 instead of the regular 13 which I guess is fair since I am a day late. I already did one list for my alter ego Corinne Davies. I'm going to try to attempt to do this one with out repeats. Yikes!

Thirteen or so Random things about FeyRhi
The mission: list sixteen random personal facts or habits, and then pick twelve of my friends to tag.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1.) I have been an active member of Neopets for 66 months.

2.) I believe that life is too short to drink bad wine.

3.) My dog is going to have puppies any moment.

4.) I dropped out of school when I was 16 because I knew everything.

5.) I went back to highschool in 1990 at the ripe old age of 19, when I realized I didn't know everything. (Graduated in '92!)

6.) I write historical romances and paranormal erotica. When I grow up I want to be a published author.

7.) I think that Monty Python consisted of a group of comedic geniuses.

8.) I suffered with dibilitating panic attacks for years, believing I was the only one. (this was long before anyone had ever heard of them)

9.) My palate can withstand tasting 75 - 80 different alcoholic products before it looses its sensitivity. (No, you do NOT swallow at a tasting, you spit. Yes, we have heard all the jokes.)

10.) I KNOW Ontario wines kick ass. (Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir)

11.) I have a girl crush on Angelina Jolie

12.) My husband drives me insane on a regular basis but he is my rock. I can't imagine life without him.

13.) I would like to loose 20 lbs. I have a sweet tooth that prevents this.

14.) I miss my Aunti Sue so much.

15.) I believe in the faery. They are not what Disney would have you believe.

16.) One of my most favourite artists is John William Waterhouse. A copy of The Lady of Shalott [on boat] hangs in my dining room.

As for tagging I welcome anyone who wants to try. it's cool trying to think stuff up. Just make sure you make a comment so I know that you did it!

I've never been so disgusted....

2008-01-26T23:51:00.000-05:00

Well I'm not sure if this is the worst, but it ranks in the Top 5.

I'm watching tv and one of these "buy now before it's too late" commercials come on. You know the type.

And what are they flogging this time?

Commemorative coins marking the 5th anniversary of 911. Complete with a second pressing silver relief of the twin towers that stands up proud with the gold coin as a background. "Guaranteed silver is from the heart of ground zero". All the while the star spangled banner is playing in the background as this professional voice drones on about limited availability and limit of 5 per order.

How many fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters died that day. What about the families that carry a never healing wound within their soul because of that day. What about the loss of innocence that day took? Don't forget the war that is still being fought and soldiers that are being killed on a daily basis.

And now some asshole is going to make a shit load of money from it.

Fuck'n disgusting if you ask me.

Interior decorating

2008-01-19T19:21:00.000-05:00

Now if I ever get an official writing space, I'll know just how to decorate it.

Thanks to Red Green....

If only I had found you sooner.....

2008-01-10T21:03:00.001-05:00

I know I have mentioned here many times about my 10 year old daughter's sleeping habits...or lack there of. She suffers from high anxiety, night terrors, and insomnia which are aggrivated by and in turn aggrivate all the issues she has to deal with during the day at school. We suspect that she has Asburgers to top it all off which means she has an even more difficult time understanding or processing some things.

I have tried every type of NON PHARMACEUTICAL sleep aid I come across. Anything to help her, homeopathic doctors, changes to her diet, etc. My coworker turned me on to a flower based homeopathic product during christmas. It calms the nerves and helps you focus if you are spazzing out. You let 4 drops sit on your tongue and honesty you feel like you just smoked a big fatty. (My words not hers.)

Well the other day I was draging my ass at work because Teaghan had me up numerous times in the night and she suggested I try giving her some. Well duh I hadn't even thought of it. (Probably because I make stoner jokes in regards to it LOL)

Off I went to Whole Foods and while I wandered around in there I found a balm that is toated to help you sleep. Yea couldn't pass that up either. So $25.00 later I am armed. That night I put 4 drops in a half glass of water and had her drink it and then smeared the balm on her neck and temples.

SHE WAS ASLEEP 30 MINUTES LATER, I shit you not. I can't remember the last time my child was asleep before 11 or 12 at night. And SHE WAS SNORING!
TO top it all off..

SHE SLEPT ALL FUCKING NIGHT!!!!

Yes we must use that word because you don't understand what a momentious occasions this is. In the morning I had a moment of panic that something terrible had happened because she never woke me up. She was still sleeping, in the same position LOL

I used it again last night and the same thing happened, she slept, I slept, her dad slept. The house was quiet, there were no foot steps, crying or "mommy I'm scared".

Gods I wish I had found them 10 years ago.

Bach's Rescue Remedy

Badger Sleep Balm

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T22:37:00.000-05:00

With absolute joy I raise a glass to the end of the 2007 holiday season. 11 months before we have to go through it again. Tomorrow is a new year and a fresh start, life can get back to normal.

May this year bring the peace we did not see in 2007.

If Fashion repeats its self, when's this coming back?

2007-12-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

To start I have to thank Isabella Snow for posting a great clip on her blog. It's one of my favourite winter songs. Who knew 'Mr Rourke' was such a hottie back in the day (1950's) LOL

Just as a side note did you know he did the voice of one of the characters on Disney's Kim Possible, Señor Senior, Sr. (In the picture is Kim Possible, Señor Senior, Sr., and Señor Senior, Jr.)

The clip is from a movie 'Neptune's daughter' starring Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams. They are preforming "Baby, it's cold outside." What a great song, o love the way he keeps plucking her hat off her head.

Anyhoo back to my original idea for this post. I did some surfing checking out hottie pictures of Mr. Montalban (BG) and about Esther Williams because I've seen her name but didn't know much about her. Turns out she has her own website and linked from that is a swimwear store. She did a great many movies that featured her in a bathing suit and so it makes sense *G*

I gotta say I love these suits!!! For everyone who has tried on an itty bittie suit that only looks good on an emaciated teenager, (that is all that seems to be in the stores these days) You have to check this out. I LOVE these suits! They are really cute. My fingers are crossed that the 50's will come back into fashion... hell what do I care, I am going to treat myself before next summer and get one. LOL Click here to check them out.

This is one of my favourites. Even hubby thought it was cute. I think when I told him about it he was envisioning something from the Victorian era LOL

Date Night

2007-12-15T21:06:00.000-05:00

Tonight was date night with my hubby, after the seriously crappy month we have gone through it was nice to get out for a few hours. Didn't do to much but we did go to see I Am Legend with Will Smith. Hubby has been jonesing to see this ever since the first trailer.

How was it? Awesome, really cool....Man I so want to tell you all about it but I can't. Really! Can't say a single word because that would spoil it and believe me you don't want this spoiled. It's a roller coaster ride from the beginning to the end. Yes, there are some slightly scary parts, not gory or anything but you will jump. Hubby hated those parts, I liked it because I got to hold tighter to him. *G*

Really there are not many actors that can carry an entire movies by themselves, Wil Smith is just that talented. Yea, I know Tom Hanks did it and he is an incredibly talented actor as well, but I didn't like that movie. Not my style. This on on the other hand, wow did Smith ever show diversity

Seriously I so want to write stuff here. I'd love to discuss parts of it, and things that happened and conclusions I came to and all that other stuff...but I can't breath a word of it. Trust me you will thank me later. Tell you what if you see it and want to talk about it then you can email me.

I know the stuff below won't make much sense but if you see the movie it will. I just thought it was cool. Too bad I can't put in my postal code but Buffalo is the closest American one I could find.

Visit the Official I Am Legend Website

Soundtrack to a book...

2007-12-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

Interesting concept, I mean movies have soundtracks but this is the first time that I know of someone has scored a book. Not surprising, and completely appropriate that it's a musician's story.

The book Heroin Diaries is written by Nikki Sixx (of Motley Crue) and is based on a bunch of diaries he wrote in during the height of his drug addictions. He's reprinted raw entries, and then commented on them either himself or asked band mates, ex girlfriends, ex managers etc. That in it's self is pretty brave. I mean if you think about a time you have been a total ass (and we all have those moments) and then later ask someone involved to give their honest opinion and then publish it. Well I'm not sure I'd be willing to do that.

So far the songs I have heard are really well done. I'm currently addicted to "Life is Beautiful. (Perhaps not the best choice of words considering the topic)

While this isn't my normal preference in reading material, I'll still give it a go.
I'm fortunate enough that I've never had to battle an addiction like that. Fortunate being an understatement because my lifestyle for a while in my younger years was not, shall we say, healthy. How I avoided an addiction problem, I really have not clue but damn do I know I'm lucky now.

I read somewhere that he is using the proceeds for a project he has to help runaway kids but I haven't been able to verify that. Need to do a bit more research.

Aaaannnnnnndddddd IT"S OFF!

2007-12-13T15:52:00.000-05:00

Ding Dong, the pink monstrosity is gone!

Teaghan is thrilled to finally have her cast off. She was really nervous when the technician cut it off with the cast saw. (Which, BTW, looks like a hand held circular saw with a shop-vac attached LOL.) No matter how many times we tried to reassure her that it would not cut her skin she still panicked. I can't blame her I remember having casts cut off and it was the noise that was the scariest.

She had another xray and her arm is healing nicely, she still has to wear a brace just for safety and no TeKwonDo for a month. That she was really pissed about. I think she had it in her head that once the cast came off, she would go back to class that night. Still better safe then sorry.

The holidays are fast approaching. I just spent 3 hours today making a triple batch of stuffed shells for dinner. Well some for dinner tonight and the rest are for a pot-luck dinner on the weekend.

Ryleigh is feeling much better although I'm still think she is a bit pale. We discovered the hard way that she is immune to ammoxicillin. Ironically enough she hasn't been on a penicillin product for over 5 years since we thought she was allergic. Because is is such a dangerous allergy, we got her tested 6months ago and the results were negative. So when she was diagnosed with Strep throat last week and they prescribed ammox. I wasn't worried. Until after almost a week and she seemed to be getting worse and not better. Another trip to the clinic and the poor pumpkin had a massive chest infection, ear infection and a throat infection. So we are back where we started. No ammox. at least for Ryleigh and we will have to watch her reaction to other penicillin products to make sure they are working.

Now ask me if I feel like a terrible mother? I told her to stop the drama, she had been on antibiotics for 5 days so there was no way her throat was still hurting. This mommy guilt is the worst.

Winter sucks

2007-12-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

Well the title is a good indicator of my mood. The cold weather has arrived quickly and with much of that disgusting white stuff. All over the news they have been reporting that this will be the coldest winter in the last 15 years. Blech! I'm going to start a countdown until Spring when I will finally feel warm again.

On a more interesting note. One Sunday in early October, Ryleigh and I were at Spencer Smith Park hanging out. She had brought her bubbles and I was enjoying a coffee. A mother and daughter came up to me and asked if they could take her picture for a photo contest they were going to enter. So I filled out the release sheets and gave my permission. They snapped a few shots and then went on to see what else they could find and I didn't hear anything else.

Well last week, we got a call from the mom Jan Bryan, and she told us that they did enter one of the pictures of Ryleigh. Cool part is that were the runner up (2nd place) in the People category out of over 400 pictures! It's titled "I Spy". I remember when she took it because after looking at them we thought it was cool that one of the bubbles had floated right in front of her eye and she was looking through it.

This is the picture she took, and it along with all the other winners are hanging on the walls of the Burlington Art Centre. Ryleigh can't wait to go down and see it. Personally I'm afraid she thinks she will be handing out autographs. LOL Many thanks to Jan for keeping us updated on what happened, and for giving us such a fun memory that day.

If interested you can see the other winners HERE. There are a lot of really well done photos.

Can you spot the difference?

2007-12-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

I think we have a strong family resemblance in our family....

Original
Dulplicate
Triplicate
Quadruplicate

Or you could say Grami, Mummy, Aunti, Daughter

TTGID

2007-12-01T23:07:00.000-05:00

Thank The Gods It's December. The beginning of the second month to my year. May she be kinder then the last one.

Honestly November kicked my ass. It started out so innocently, with the promise of many creative endeavours. Plans to paint some of our walls and the beginnings of a couple of writing projects. Then tragedy struck.

As many of you know my aunt passed into summerland in the middle of the month, unexpectedly, devastating the entire Roberts Clan.

Then my daughter wiped out at school and broke her arm.

This was followed by the again unexpected passing of my aunt's husband. The poor man only lasted 2 weeks with out her. His health was poor and sadly he had been a self destructive alcoholic for as long as I can remember. The most heartbreaking of it all is the fact that my "little" 22 and 24 yr old cousins, who were in the early stages of grieving their mother, have now lost their father.

Then just as I arrogantly said at work that it was the 30th of Novenber and I couldn't wait to go to bed and finish this shitty month once and for all. I come home to a message that my Grandpa has been diagnosed with Lukemia.

November, the bitch, got one more kick in at the last minute.

I still can't help but have a visual image of my Aunti relaxing in Summerland with some buff satyers feeding her grapes, or better yet chocolate. Just to have my uncle show up after two weeks. I swear, I can hear her voice "Dammit Bill. Already?"

This one made me spray tea on my computer screen

2007-11-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

WHY WEARING UNDERWEAR IS IMPORTANT!!

Always wear clean underwear in public, especially when working Under your vehicle…

From the Northwest Florida Daily News comes this story of a Crestview couple who drove their car to Wal-Mart, only to have their car break down in the parking lot.

The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot. The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car. On closer inspection, she saw a pair of male legs protruding from under the chassis.

Although the man was in shorts, his lack of underpants turned private parts into glaringly public ones. Unable to stand the embarrassment, she dutifully stepped forward, quickly put her hand UP his shorts, and tucked everything back into place. She took a deep breath and stood up boldly to face the crowd. She looked across the hood and found herself staring at her husband, who had been standing idly by.

The mechanic, however, had to have three stitches in his forehead.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Reasons To Cut My Hair

1…. Wet it's to the middle of my ass, Dry the curls reach my waist.
2_. It's a tangled, matted, mess in the morning. Kinda resembles dreadlocks.
3_. It gets tangled in my seat belt.
4_. I shut it in the car door and nearly scalp myself when I move.
5_. Hubby rolls on it in the night and I wake up pinned to the bed.
6_. It gets staticy in the winter and sticks to my face.
7_. When I brush my teeth and spit, it gets in my hair.
8_. Every drain in the house is clogged.
9_. I have hair tumble weeds in the living room.
10_. I go thorough more shampoo then everyone else in the house together
11_. I have to buy 3 boxes of hair colour every 8 weeks
12_. The weight of it gives me a headache if I try to put it in a ponytail
13_. It gets caught on buttons, and in zippers OUCH!

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First time for everything

2007-11-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

Well yesterday started out normal, but then I got a call from the school about an hour before it ended. Teaghan wiped out while running outside and they think that she hurt herself really badly. Yuppers she did.

My oldest managed to put a crack in the big bone of her right arm. Nasty eh. Thankfully is wasn't a compound fracture or anything but she is still uncomfortable.
She gets her cast tomorrow and can't decide what colour she wants. I tell ya casts are a lot cooler now then they were when I was breaking my arms. I remember the old white plaster casts that weighed a ton. Now they have these colourful fiberglass jobbies, and they are much lighter too. If she picks a coloured one I said I would get her a silver pen for the kids at school to sign their name on it.

Now I have to figure out a mitten pattern that will fit over the end of it, according to the weather guy it is supposed
snow tomorrow.

11/24 update: The cast is BRIGHT NEON PINK!!! Honestly I was blinded momentarily when she first came home. By the end of school it was covered in signatures in black marker so thankfully it is toned down a but. Good news is if the power goes out her cast is bright enough to light the house LOL

A bitter sweet kinda day

2007-11-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

As an update, my Aunti Sue passed away last Saturday, and the viewing and funeral were on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. I'm telling you the Niagara River water level is higher after those two days. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore, despite my best attempts to control myself. So today I am exhausted and dehydrated.

The service was lovely. It is possible to draw solace from a ritual even if it isn't in accordance with your own views. It's the thought that counts, not which god you are praying too. As a testament to how well thought of my Aunti was, the principal of the school gave the entire faculty the day off so that they could attend the funeral. The high school excused all the students who she had taught so that they too could attend. I know most of those kids would have grabbed the opportunity of a day out of class and not attended the funeral but you know what. My aunt would have been ok with that. She loved life, never took anything too seriously, and let annoying things slide off her back. Unless you are a referee who just made a bad call in which case her voice would shake the Plexiglas around the ice.

What was very nice is that I got to spend time with all my family and see cousins I haven't seen since last year. We even got together and took a big picture of all us grandchildren/cousins and spouses. I saw friend of my aunts who I haven't seen in years and they reminded my of the fun times. Summers at my grandparents pool with all the aunts, uncles, and family friends there.

We really need to get together again when there isn't a funeral.

Look mom! No hands.

2007-11-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

This is me and my Aunti Sue. I know I am really young but I remember this moment. Aunti Sue kept saying "Don't let go of me, hold on." Obviously she was holding me but wanted me to feel as though I was swimming on my own. I was so happy because no one else would let me swim by myself. My Aunti Sue was the one who taught me how to swim.

Tuesday afternoon my Aunt lost consciousness while driving with my Banga(grandma). She hasn't regained consciousness and was taken off life support last night. My dad called to say that she is on autopilot. That while her body is struggling to keep working, she isn't there anymore.

My Aunt Sandra passed almost exactly one year ago due to a life long struggle with Lupus and other medical issues. And now I'm supposed to let my Aunti Sue go, and I'm not sure I can.

The world would be a different place

2007-11-03T19:59:00.000-04:00

So first off I wanted to give my hubby major Kudos. He isn't a big book reader...at all, something I find completely foreign but if you aren't encouraged as a child then it's understandable. While we were on Vacation hubby read "Dog" -the bounty hunter's book You Can Run but You Can't Hide from cover to cover. I was so proud LOL. Well the other day we were in chapters and he found a copy of a book written by the Osbournes. Ordinary People-Our Story He's been reading every night for the last 3 nights! It's only taken 12 years but I am finally rubbing off on him LOL Part of the book sparked a conversation between the two of us about Randy Rhodes.

If you have never heard of him it's a shame. He was an incredibly talented man who was a founding member of Quiet Riot and then played with Ozzy for a couple of years. Now don't make the face! Heavy Metal might not be to everyone's taste and that's ok.
What made Randy Rhodes special was that he was a prodigy. Teaching classical guitar at the age of 11 kind of prodigy. Just click on the link below. It's only 50 seconds and you try to tell me that man had no talent. This is a piece he wrote for his mother and named after her.

Alas this does not have a happy ending. Randy Rhodes was killed in a plane crash March 19, 1982. He was 26.

Many of his friends reported that he was only planning to stay in rock for another couple years and then go back to school to get his Masters in music. Such a tragedy because he would have lifted the expectations of everyone who loved music to amazing heights. How would music be different today? Who knows? I'm sure he would have created a sound we have yet to hear.

Happy Samhain!!!!!

2007-10-31T23:08:00.001-04:00

Aaaahhhhhhh My favourite day of the year. I love this holiday, the fresh start of a new year, reflecting on what has gone on during the past 12 months. I had the day off and spent most of it writing on an article for work and the rest getting the girls ready for tonight.

Speaking of the costumed girls in my life....Meet Ryleigh dressed up as 'someone you can count on'. Abby ( a friend of the girls) is a vet and Teaghan is one of the singing heads from Disney's Haunted Mansion

You can see a bit more of the details of Ryleigh's costume. She is wearing a blue and black pageboy wig and is covered with numbers, flash cards and has a calculator around her neck. i wrote numbers on her face and if you look closely you will see a number 43 on her nose. (Troy Polomolu's #)

Teaghan has her face fainted gray is wearing a plastic wig that we spray painted gray as well as the painted box. She is on her knees in the picture with all 3 girls because she didn't want her legs to show. LOL

I know you can buy really amazing costumes these days but I still think that home made ones are the best. It adds fun to the event instead of just getting dressed the day of, there aer weeks of planning and deciding. Although I will admit on a number of occasions I was tempted to just go buy one and be done with it. Then after they are all dressed up, it was worth every moment.

I need a vacation again......

2007-10-27T21:51:00.000-04:00

Well I have survived my first week back from vacation. It was touch and go there for a while, and I'll admit to more then once thinking of chucking it all and running back the Florida beaches. Two weeks away is glorious but it is inevitable that you must return and deal with two weeks worth of crap that must be dealt with. This picture was taken on our last morning. Isn't that rainbow gorgeous....of course if the little people are real and there is a pot of gold....how the hell are you supposed to find it in the middle of the Gulf I wonder? LOL

The main focus of this trip was to relax on the beach but we did do Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Both were totally worth it. For us Southern Ontario Canucks, Busch Gardens is like a cross between African Lion's Safari and Canada's Wonderland....but better. LOL Teaghan and Chris went on all the psychotic roller coasters and trust me they were psychotic. The one called SheiKra drops 90deg straight down! Gwazi, Chris swears is by far the fastest coaster he has ever been on. Teaghan just loved them all and even went on one by herself. I was so proud of her. Cheetah Chase is much more Ryleigh and My's speed. Fast, twisty but not terrifying. I used to love coasters as a teenager, the scarier the better. AS an adult I think I am much more aware of my own mortality and that of my children so scaring the shit out of myself just doesn't do it for me any more.

Taking this picture was a highlight of the trip for me. We were on the pier in Clearwater and I spotted a manatee in the water. So I might have made o dork of myself but I was so excited LOL According to the signs there were only 1200 manatees left in 1990. I asked Mary Stella about updated numbers. Mary is a wonderful author of 2 books who happens to work at a dolphin research center in the Keys and is part of manatee rescue team. She said that there are approx. 3000 now, give or take 100. They can only be counted by ariel photos. She assured me that my acting like a total dork on the pier over this was acceptable since seeing one is rare and awesome experience. LOL

I'll be sure to pepper this blog with more vignettes from my trip over the next few weeks. *G* I'm up to my eyeballs with writing stuff, the proverbial creative well is filled to overflowing. Bring on Nanowrimo. This year I'm totally gonna kick ass!

Catching up

2007-10-21T17:11:00.000-04:00

Just got back from Florida, had a wonderful time. i'm in the process of catching up so I will have soemthing of substance written a bit later. Right now I am setting up for one of my favourite times of the year....

Back to school for me too

2007-09-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

I am officially a student again, I started a language class. It really fun. I used to know sign years ago when my mum worked with deaf people. That was so long ago I'm not exactly sure what she did other then some translating. Anyhoo, if you don't use it, you loose it, and I did.

There is a fairly significant deaf community around my work, back when I first started in that store I thought I should take a course and then I was transferred to a new store and time went on. Now 5 years later I am back in the same store and thought this time I am going to do it. It helped that a woman who does tasting in our store wanted to take the course too. It's always more fun if you have someone you know and that way you can practice.

My first class was last night and I had so much fun. I haven't laughed so much in ages. Our instructor Brian is a blast. He's really funny and loves to tease us when we don't know what he is signing. He wrote relax on the board and kept pointing at it when we would sign things. Expression and body language is a BIG part of ASL, also make eye contact. I should add that Brian is deaf and doesn't speak, so it get interesting at times, but the man has ssssoooooooo much patience. It helps that he a very animated person so even if you don't know the sign you can often figure out what he is trying to say.

One of the funniest moments is when we would finally figure out what he was getting across and all of us would be calling out the answer. He would make a 'ba ba ba ba' noise, make a locking motion in front of his mouth. Then make a funny face at us. Kinda like saying, 'I'm deaf remember, why ya'll talking?'

I'm looking forward to my next class.

The funniest commercial I have ever seen

2007-09-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

I originally saw this over at SBWLTN and had to post it myself as well.

How many innuendos can you count? Everytime I watch it I catch a couple more, If I'm not laughing hysterically again. I hope the AD company that came up with this wins some awards.

On the brink of a new season

2007-09-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

There are a couple shows that I am looking forward to this season. SUPERNATUAL (oh Dean, how I have missed you so) tops the list of course. I'm also looking forward to Reaper, but perhaps even a bit more, I can't wait to see Pushing Daisies. The previews for both shows are below. Don't they look awesome?

Pushing Daisies -

2007-09-18T12:34:00.001-04:00

CW Reaper Trailer

2007-09-18T12:28:00.001-04:00

Feeding my addiction

2007-09-09T17:56:00.000-04:00

Got to have a rare treat on Saturday, went yarn shopping with my mum. No hubbies, no kids. Just us and miles of multi-coloured natural fibers. WooHoo, it was a treat. Found a few things I didn't know about. There is yarn made from corn and from bamboo. Both are sinfully soft and I would have happily bought enough to make a sweater out of every colour. LOL

The skeins in the picture are mohair and alpaca. There was another place that had silk yarn, oh my god you have not experienced life until you feel this stuff. As long as you don't look too closely at the price per skein. Mum bought me one for Yule. *giggling madly* It's variegated with rich colours that look like they were plucked from a medieval tapestry. I'm going to make my self a small shoulder wrap to wear when I'm writing. The killer part is after I drooled all over it, and the skein she bought herself that looks like various shades of melted chocolate, she wouldn't give it to me. I have to wait till the holidays!

I got some gorgeous buttons that look like the tangled branches from the Tree of Life. I also picked up some yarn for my 'Molly' sweater.

See that blond bombshell in the picture. That's my mum with our purchases at her feet. Considering we share this addiction, I think we did quite well in not going overboard. If you look closely, you can see a bag filled with blood red yarn. That is for a mohair coat she is going to knit herself. I am already green with envy it is going to be exquisite when it's done. Originally she was looking at very gorgeous shades of brown and taupe and even black at one point, but I think this is a much better choice!

Exercising my canines.

2007-09-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Hubby's mouth started watering at the beginning of August just thinking about Labour day weekend. Finally it arrived and after sharpening our canine's we headed down to the water front and RIBFEST! As you can see by the picture this isn't a small event. LOL According to yesterday's paper there was approx. 145,000 people that came to the event between Friday and Monday. I guess it's safe to say that my city isn't overrun by vegetarians. LOL

We were there on Sunday afternoon. See that cloud hanging over everyone's heads? BBQ smoke. mmmmmmmm I wish you could press your nose up aginst the screen and catch a whif. It is just that good. Behind where I took this picture is the beer tent, performance stage and a vendors area. far in the distance you can see the white peaked top of the second stage, and seating area. Between that all the food you can handle. RIBS, funnel cake, PULLED PORK, fudge, BBQ CHICKEN, corn-on-the-cob, fresh lemonade, RIBS and most important, BAKED BEANS. mmmmmmm Your tummy rumblin' yet? Mine is in memory. *G*

Bibbs Ribs from Florida, and Camp 31 from Alabama still have my vote for best ribs. Camp 31 has the BEST baked beans as well. Silver Bullet got my vote for pulled pork. This was the first year I tried it and I can't believed I have deprived myself of the pleasure. Imagine my surprise when I realized that Silver Bullet is from Fort Erie, Ontario. These aren't southern boys! They're Canucks but damn they make a mean pulled pork sandwich.

*sigh* Only 360 days till next year.

Aren't they just the cutest little carnivoires?

It's an addiction

2007-08-31T08:56:00.000-04:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Revenge...

2007-08-27T21:40:00.001-04:00

I've mentioned it before but my brother and I have a bit of a war going on when it comes to our children's gifts. I purchase things I know his girls will like, but more importantly they have to be things that he will never buy them, and would annoy the hell out of him. Of course he reciprocates.

I bought my niece a couple copies of the Strawberry Shortcake movies complete with a
sing- a-long CD. He bought my daughter a 1000 piece bead set. I bought his daughter an I-Dog (the pop version) He bought mine a mini hand held drumkit that you play with your thumbs. It makes these little tinny electrical sounds that make my molars ache.

Well my youngest niece's birthday is next month and I am taking this battle to a whole new level. After looking through some old photo albums the other day and found a picture of my brother in his Beaver uniform. He's about 5 in the picture and just looks so darn cute.

Mawahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Today I took the picture to a photo shop and am having it put on a t-shirt for my niece with "I love my daddy" written over it. When it comes back I'm going to let the girls decorate it with glittery fabric paint. Little hearts and flowers all around his picture. Ah yes I am brilliant.

Slowly but almost there....

2007-08-26T00:07:00.000-04:00

Well this is Chris' corner so far. Not bad eh?! In the big white circle int he middle of the helmet is where I will crosstitch the Steelers logo. I started the two side panels just for a bit of a break. The piece in the picture is 140 stitches across, the side panels are only 25 so they are working up quickly. A couple more weeks and I should have it done. Which means that I won't have anything to work on for our trip to Florida.

EXCEPT

This is a picture of Molly Weasley from The Chamber of Secrets. I blogged a bit ago about the sleeves I want to crochet, well this is what they look like in the movie. If all goes well and I can get Chris' blankie done in time then this will be my project for our drive. I still think this sweater is as amazing as the day I saw the movie and freaked over it. Fingers crossed I get it all done in time.

Oh and BTW there is a Sorting Hat quiz on the HP website and according to the I would be sorted into HUFFLEPUFF, I'm ok with that LOL

Head: Professor Sprout
Founder: Helga Hufflepuff
Color: Yellow and Black
Animal: Badger
Ghost: The Fat Friar
Common Room Location: Exact location unknown, but it's a cellar down a staircase off the main hall

Sorting Hat's Description:
These belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal.
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil.

Hufflepuff Quidditch Team:
Cedric Diggory, captain and seeker (1993-95), Zacharias Smith, Chaser (1995-6)

What do you need to take to be like me?

2007-08-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

I thought this was just too funny. So what do I need to take to be like you? LOL

Your Personality Is Like Acid

A bit wacky, you're very difficult to predict.
One moment you're in your own little happy universe...
And the next, you're on a bad trip to your own personal hell!

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

One gift, two uses

2007-08-14T20:06:00.000-04:00

Ok so we all know what the big RRR stands for right? (Reduce Reuse Recycle) Well you never know when inspiration will strike. Take for instance the picture here ==>>

Technically that is an (empty) box of Bissinger Truffles, I got from a girlfriend as a treat. Well it was full whenshe sent it and I savoured every one. Absolutely divine. *muah Paz* Sorry getting off track....

As one of our childless evenings, Hubby and I went out to dinner to a fancy restaurant, but I didn't want to take my big ole dirty raggedy purse with me. So now that Cute little red box is my dress up clutch purse. It fits my lipstick, eyeliner, mints, drivers license, and a bit of cash with room to spare.

TADA!! Instant environmental happiness and I looked good too LOL
I wonder if Bissinger had any idea when they designed it.

I get to listen to my music as loud as I want

2007-08-11T00:46:00.000-04:00

There are a couple bouses to not having the girls home at the moment LOL. My current obsession is trying to figure out all the words to Mary Mac by Great Big Sea. I finally gave in and googled the lyrics but I am attempting to teach myself to sing them as fast as he does. It's one of my favourites by them and I end up bouncing in my chair more then I sing LOL. I've posted the video below and the lyrics below that. Go a head see if you can keep up to him!

Mary Mac
~Great Big Sea

There's a neat little lass and her name is Mari-Mac
And make no mistake she's the girl I'm gonna track
Lots of other fellas try to get her on the back.
But I'm thinkin' they'll have to get up early.

Chorus
Mari-Macs mother's makin' Mari-Mac marry me
My mother's makin' me marry Mari-Mac
Well I'm gonna marry Mari cause Mari's takin' care o' me.
We'll all be feelin' marry when I marry Mari-Mac.

Now Mari and her mother are an awful lot together
In fact you hardly see the one without the other
And people often wonder if it's Mari or her mother
Or both of them together I'm courting

(chorus)

Well up among the heather in the hills of Benafee
Well I had a Bonnie lass sittin' on my knee
A bumble bee stung me right above the knee
Up among the heather in the hills of Benafee

(chorus)

Well I said to bonnie lass how we gonna pass the day
She said among the heather in the hills of Benafee
Where all the boys and girls are making out so free
Up among the heather in the hills of Benafee

(chorus)

Wedding's on a Wednesday, everything's arranged
Soon you'll never change your mind unless you minus change
Of making the arrangements and feelings lots of rage
Marriage is an awful undertaking

(chorus)

Sure to be a grand for grand of that a fair
Gonna be a fork and plate for every man thats there
And I'll be a bugger if I don't get my share
All though I may be very much mistaken

(chorus)

There's a neat little lass and her name is Mari Mac
Make no mistake, she's the girl I'm gonna track
Lot's of other fellas try to get her on her back
But I think they're gonna have to get up early

(chorus)

A week long adventure

2007-08-09T22:39:00.000-04:00

My children have never spent much time away from me. Hubby and I have gone on two overnight trips and 1 weekend get away and other then that they have always been with us.
Bright and early tomorrow morning my girls are going to their Grandpa's for a week.

7 whole days

168 hours

70,080 minutes

I am stressing big time about this. It's not that I have any concerns about their welfare. They get to be spoiled by Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, and hang with their cousins. The 4 girls will no doubt shatter many windows by the sheer volume of their screaming. They will have a blast.

And yet my stress level has gradually risen as the day has gotten closer. What if my oldest has a problem? The family isn't used to her quirks and special needs. What if she wakes up with night terrors and I'm not there to calm her? What if one of them falls down and I'm not there to kiss it better? Who will make them chocolate chip pancakes in the shape of Mickey Mouse?

Hubster mentioned that perhaps this trip will be good for us, help us let go a bit and let them stand on their own two feet. I told him I thought he was on crack.

On the other hand, this means we have the house all to ourselves. No worrying about interruptions or doors opening at inopportune times. We can have a 'dirty' weekend in the comfort of our own house....anywhere in the house LOL

No 'Hannah Montana' or being made to watch "High School Musical" AGAIN. Going for a swim in the pool without being cannonballed to death....no wait hubby is the biggest offender of that one.

Yes I know I'm being neurotic, that's nothing new. And there will be some really nice points to this next week. But I still worry, but then I guess that's a mum's perogative.

I'll feel better once they are home again.

My husband's influence...

2007-08-05T21:52:00.001-04:00

As many of you know I became a football fan because it was in the small print of my marriage vows. Over the last 12 years my husband's constant chatter about the sport has worn me down to a grudging respect for the game. (my love of Troy Polamalu is all my own doing though)

I've heard many stories about Michael Irvin over the years from hubster and tonight he told me all about this speech that he had seen. You have to realize that my hubby HATES the Dallas Cowboys so for him to speak favourably about one of their players, former or otherwise, was a monumentious occasion on it's own.

Below is a clip, it's not the entire speech just the ending but you can tell by the crowd that is was a powerful one. I decided to post it becuse what the man says can pertain to anyone, in any walk of life, and it is a very good thing to keep in mind.

One day when the kids are a bit older

2007-08-03T00:58:00.000-04:00


	Your travel type: Culture Buff The culture buff needs to see a museum, an art gallery, a 16-th century church every day during his holiday. When he travels he is always well prepared. He has read history books, speaks a few words of the lingo, knows about the strange habits the locals have.
	top destinations: New York Amsterdam Venice	stay away from: Kashmir Ciudad Perdida Darien Gap

get your own travel profile

My next project...

2007-07-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

Isn't is gorgeous!! This is a copy of the sweater that Molly Weasley wears in the Chamber of Secrets. I don't know how much I will wear it but I have to have it!

But first I have to finish Chris' corner. It's coming along nicely. I'm a bit over half way done the centre panel. The two side panels will whip up really quickly so I'm not worried about them. Originally my plan was to work on his 'corner' as we drive to Florida in the fall but it looks like I might have it finished by then so I think this sweater would be a good car project.

The pattern for these very cool sleeves can be purchased Here.

Of course I'll let you know when I start it. I know I'm going to be fussy about colours and the such so perhaps I'll wait and buy the yarn when I am in the states. See what I can get down there that isn't available up here. Hmmm I'll have to see how far I am done before I decide for certain.

WWWOOOHHHOOO!!!

2007-07-21T23:31:00.000-04:00

TC IS HOME!!!!!!!!

Hubby just came running in the door 30 minutes ago, calling me saying he is sure is just saw her run across the back yard. 2 seconds later I am calling her name under the back hedge freaking out because I can hear her bell and her meowing but I couldn't find her. I was about to crawl through the hedge and over the fence into the neighbor's yard when he pulled her out from a bit farther down from me. Poor thing is terrified and shaking. She keeps darting looks at Karma so I'm sure she has been chased by a couple dogs and a few of those bastard racoons.

I admit I cried my eyes out when I finally got her curled up in my arms kissing her head. Gving her shit for running away. Poor wee thing has lost weight not that she could afford it. She's been at her dinner bowl 4 times since being back in the house. I know I haven't slept well without her over the last 5 nights. She has a habit curling next to my tummy and I have so missed her purring.

I have to go hug her and cry a bit more into her fur. Stupid cat, I love her so much.

Many thanks to everyone who was keeping good thoughts for me and reassuring me.

I've been rated!!

2007-07-19T23:47:00.000-04:00

PG13?? That's it? Should have checked the week I was really pissed off and dropped the f-bomb every other sentance.

Still no news on T.C. I'm trying to keep up the good thoughts but it's been 4 days and my imagination is in overdrive. Didn't help that we had a massive rain storm today. All I could think about was her sitting somewhere all alone, soaking wet, dirty and hungry with ravenous evil raccoons circling around her. Yea, I'm not making myself feel any better.

Missing: small, furry, with claws

2007-07-18T22:37:00.001-04:00

T.C. is missing.

I have no clue how she got out and whoever must have left the door open at some point isn't owning up to it. While she liked to sit on the doorstep she wasn't all that curious about outside and would only wander out after a minute or two and even then only if something caught her attention. Since Karma hasn't figured out how to open a door, that leaves the humans and they aren't talking.

My best hope is that she gets picked up by the pound. She has been micro-chipped, so I'll get a call if they find her. My worst fear are the mutant raccoons that live around here. Bloody things are a pain in my ass, hell, I have almost gotten to the point that I have to duct tape the garbage closed.

She still does have her claws and has one of the most superiour, bitchy, feline attitudes I have ever seen. If one of them try to grab her she will make them pay.

I just want my kitty baby back. I want to piss her off my hugging her too much. She would yowl and meow as if she hated every moment of my holding her but if I loosened my grip she would lean against my shoulder yowl more. Big faker.

How silly is it that I am taking this personally? As if I did something wrong and she left because this was a horrible place to live. Like she was just biding her time until she could escape and when the opportunity rose she ran and never looked back. And the last thing I said to her was giving her shit because she was clawing at the side of the mattress.

Stupid cat....I miss her

random techno gooberness

2007-07-16T10:08:00.001-04:00

I'm playing with my sidelines there so just ignor this one post. *G*

Happy 8th Birthday Baby!

2007-07-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

My youngest when she was about 2. This was taken in the middle of the night; Nice green wellies huh? She loved those boots so much that she wouldn't take them off even to sleep.

Flashes of my childhood

2007-07-14T23:47:00.000-04:00

Reading was a big part of my childhood. I loved books and read pretty much what ever I could get my hands on. From Nancy Drew to Trixie Belden and a few that were a bit advanced for me.

There was one...I must have been in grade 4 when I read it and completely blame my being slightly claustrophobic because of the story. It is about a woman being kidnapped and wakes up in a box, buried alive. Let me make it clear that it wasn't my mother's fault. (see, I got your back mum) I can't remember where I got my hands on a copy but I had almost all of it read before I was caught with it. Needless to say I was more careful after that in regards to stories I would read. I used to remember the title of that book, 72 hours or something like that. I'm kinda relieved that I have finally forgotten what it is. LOL

So in an attempt to help my daughter with her reading we went to Chapters today and I remember a series of books from when I was a kid. Choose Your Own Adventure Wouldn't you know it they are still in print! I was thrilled and while my oldest didn't seem to interested, Ryleigh plopped herself down and started reading one. She loved it.

I'm thrilled to see that she has inherited my love of books and I keep hoping that in time Teaghan's reading skills will improve to the point that she will enjoy them too.

On that note...only 5 days till the final Harry Potter book is out. Yes I am counting the days. I love those books too.

The BBQ and aftermath....

2007-07-05T23:32:00.000-04:00

See I did get her toes done in time. Then of course she insisted on haveing her fingernails done too. Looked so cool that I did mine as well LOL

The big BBQ went well, it was crazy as all get out and I felt like I ran around all day but I got some great pictures of all the kids. Once the sun went down the temperature did too, so everyone ended up putting on sweatshirts and I was grabbing blankets from the house to take to the park. The boys...I mean grown men who act like boys around pyrotechnics set up all the fireworks. We had a bunch from the States which is really cool 'cause you can get much better ones down there then we have access to here. Inbetween the ones they were fireing off we could see the really big ones going off at Bronte Harbour. That with what seemes like an endless supply of sparklers and I thought it was a great end to our Canada Day party. On Monday we just flaked out and watched TV or read books. Neither Chris or I had any energy to get a thing done.

Speaking of tv have you ever heard of Veronica Mars? Oh man it is one of the best shows I have ever seen. I'm addicted like crack I swear. But typical the way my luck runs I discover it just in time to find out that it has been cancelled. Apparently it has been around for 3 seasons. I am just about through watching Season One on DVD. I want more!!! Just a little fix and I'll be ok, I swear.

It's the long weekend!

2007-07-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful day, sunny with an occasional fluffy cloud. Too bad the temperature deciede to dip today but that's ok. The big BBQ is still on and I have a massive amount of potato salad to make. That is as soon as I'm done painting Canadian Flags on my daughters nails LOL.

Happy Days!

The Danger of Complacency

2007-06-28T18:39:00.001-04:00

I (WE) are very fortunate to live in the country that we do. I am free to practice what ever religion I want. Hell I can stand out at the end of my driveway naked and holler at the top of my lungs "I'M A PRACTICING WITCH". And other then horrifying a few neighbors and possible causing blindness in one or two others nothing will happen to me. It's easy to forget that there is a large part of the world that is not like that.

Today I discovered that on April 7th of this year, seventeen-year-old Dua Khalil Aswad, of Northern Iraq, was pulled into a group of men–some of them family members, who then beat and stoned her to death. The ordeal took about thirty minutes, and though the police witnessed the event, they didn't intervene. All this was recorded on camera phones by several members of the "audience". Dua Khalil was of the Yazidi faith, and she was seen in the company of a Muslim man that her family believed she intended to marry. She was brutally murdered to preserve the "honour" of her family.

Because it's no longer enough to be a decent person. It's no longer enough to shake our heads and make concerned grimaces at the news. True enlightened activism is the only thing that can save humanity from itself. I've always had a bent towards apocalyptic fiction, and I'm beginning to understand why. I look and I see the earth in flames. Her face was nothing but red. ~Filmmaker Joss Whedon

As a response there is an anthology being planned for release in April 2008. Nothing But Red takes its title from that description of Aswad's murder and was conceived as a response to Whedon's plea. It will be an open-format anthology of responses to Aswad's death and the topics raised by Whedon in his post, which will also be included in the volume. Essays, short stories, poems, photographs, drawings and other kinds of literary or visual arts will be considered for inclusion. Submissions will be open from August 1 to November 1, 2007. Further information on submitting work can be found at http://nothingbutred.wordpress.com.

Now I have to go hug my daughters, tell them I love them again, and remind them that they can be what ever they want when they grow up.

Pop Quiz...

2007-06-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait..
With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Too bad Gustav Klimt died in 1918, so I don't think I'll be able to get him to paint much. Actually I thought this quiz turned out really cool. Klimt is my second favourite artist next to John William Waterhouse

My Favourite Sale

2007-06-24T18:57:00.000-04:00

Ah yes Chapters is having their Buy 3 get the 4th free sale!!!!! WooHoo I'm a happy camper! As you can tell I've already started Angela Knight's Master of Dragons Patience might be a virtue, but it's not one of mine.

I also got Mysteria (an anthogy), and Alexis Morgan's In Darkness Reborn. For my 4th, I did what I did last year and picked up an author I had never read before. This year I picked up Alexandra Ivy's When Darkness Comes. I blogged last year about discovering Alexis Morgan's 'Paladin' series and I can't wait to read this latest installment.

Well I'm off to slather some more aloe vera on my chest. I did a stupid today and didn't pay attention to how long I read by the pool. (sans sunscreen) *DOH!* I know better too.

This that and the other

2007-06-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." Cicero

What a great quote *G* I can honestly say there isn't a single room in my house that doesn't have a book or 8 stashed somewhere. I won't even bring up the pile that currently lives next to my bed. Oh what the hell I have no shame LOL
This picture is what it looked like 5 minutes ago. That doesn't count the two book shelves I have in there too. And yes I've read them all. Most of the ones shown I've read more then once. "How to Marry a Marquis", "Mercy", "Tis All I Ask", "Dance with the Devil" just to name a couple I pick out a first glance. I don't think I can even guess how many times I've read those or skimmed to my favourite parts. LOL

I've heard tell of people that have uncontrollable TBR (to be read)piles. I must be some sort of nut because I really don't have that problem. I can't, NOT read a book I've bought. Even if it sucks some huge slimy rocks, I'll skim through it hoping to find a kernel of redemption, or at least get to the end and finish it. I can see a couple such books in that pile, I won't name names 'cause that isn't nice but they were authors I hadn't read before and won't ever again.

Speaking of authors I have taken a gamble on. Alexis Morgan. She hit a big home run with me last year with her first Paladin book. If you want to read my original blurb about here click here. I checked Chapters tonight and her third book is in stores. Officially it isn't released until the 26th. As soon as I get the girls off to school in the morning I am picking myself up a copy. I can't wait!

Toyota Tacoma Loch Ness Monster Ad

2007-06-06T21:50:00.001-04:00

OK I couldn't resist. Really this should win one of those commercial awards. I thought it was hilarious.

Loch Ness Monster Caught on Tape!!

2007-06-06T21:48:00.001-04:00

Speaking of mythical creatures making a real life appearance....Guess who made an appearance on May 28th?

I figure the old girl popped up to say Happy Birthday to my mum *BG*

My camping trip

2007-06-05T22:26:00.000-04:00

My apologies for leaving everyone hanging like that. I had all intentions of haveing a post written by now but I've been playing catch up with life since I returned. It was only 48 hours, How so many things can fall apart in that time I don't understand. But enough about that.

My camping trip with the Guides went very well thank you. Other then a couple scraped knees and what felt like an excess of mosquitos, we were injury free. I couldn't have wished for better weather. We took a long hike late Saturday afternoon in hopes of missing the majority of the humidity. Teaghan carried the camera for most of it and took lots of neat pictures.

Years ago we told the girls that faerys live in the root system in the bottom of old trees. The older the tree, the more likely it was a home to someone. I still remember the day we (mum, me and the girls) went on a hike and they knocked on trees yelling "You have a beautiful home". That was an interesting hike and a good story for another time. Needless to say I wasn't surprised to see she had taken the above picture when I looked at them later.

This picture was taken a short way farther down the trail. See that iridescent/glowing stripe just to the left of the centre. I don't know what it is either. If you click on the picture it will large size and still I can't figure it out. I can tell you what I think it is, and what I know lives in those woods but I'd love to hear you ideas. Maybe is was the flash reflecting on a spiders thread....or something that was almost caught on film?

I took this one about 20 feet after the other two Teaghan took. That my friends in a bonified faery circle. I saw another one a little farther away. I've know for years that there is more then just wildlife living in the Rockwood forests, it was nice to be able to catch a glimpse that they are still there. I wish I had gotten a better picture but if I went off the trail, it would have been a invitation for all the girls to follow me.

Not a good idea where there is poision ivy among that greenery...also one should never play around faery circles. *G*