Timmies vs Starbucks

The battle wages on. Timmies (Tim Hortons) is practically a cult around these parts. Those who dare to speak ill are looked upon as non patriotic. Not that Mr Horton had any political basis. He was part of something much more important. HOCKEY! The late great was a player for the Toronto Maple Leafs and for those of you who don't follow the game....there is no one more fanatical then a Leaf's fan. Our team has not won Lord Stanley's cup in my life time and yet their games continue to sell out. The prices of tickets have inflated to the point that no normal person have afford to sit near the ice. Those seats are filled with corporate 'suits'......

But I digress. My dilemma today doesn't involve hockey tickets but coffee.

Starbucks is not looked at favourable around here. (Kind of the same way that Walmart is treated. As if it's some wierd conspiracy, the Americans will invade us, by infiltrating the coffee industry. *snort*) The prices are brutal, BUT I have been secretly going there once in a while. Donning a trench coat, large glasses and a wig I venture into enemy territory and order that wonderful thing they call a Caramel Macchiato. I have to give it to them, their customer service is awesome.

Timmies has been hiring kids for years and the customer service there sucks. Especially at the one closest to my house, the coffee is always bad and the little shits that work there wouldn't know how to say please or thank you if you tattooed it to their forehead....backwards so they can read it in the mirror.
At Starbucks they smile and if they aren't busy they will make an attempt at small talk. Yes the $$ is disgusting but compared to the indifference I get at my Timmies. Well sometimes I don't mind paying an extra couple bucks for good customer service. Just don't tell anyone I said that.

**on a side note. Hubby hasn't had a smoke in a week now. So far I've only come close to killing him twice so I think it's going well. *G*

It's day 3

Hubby has quit smoking. So far he is very well. The bitchy nastiness that he went through the last time he tried hasn't surfaced so far, although he's a bit edgy today. I'm going to have to watch how much I grocery shop because he is eating everything in site. LOL

Have a kind thought for me.

Odd Car Conversations

Teaghan: "Mum Is T.C. a robot?"

Me: "Yes. I was hoping you wouldn't find out."

Teaghan: "I knew it.Ryleigh told me."

Hubby: "That's because Ryleigh is a robot too."

Teaghan: "What!"

Ryleigh: "I already knew that."

Me: "Oh really and how did you find out?"

Ryleigh: "I was eavesdropping."

Hubby: "The level of sarcasm in this family keeps getting better....."

*Note: T.C. is our cat.*

So much to do, So little time

Ok I admit it I have been dogging my posts a bit lately. To be honest I have been swamped at work and when not at work I've been knitting and thinking about my newest project or researching my newest project. But enough of that, all writing posts was under my alter ego.... Corinne Davies *G* Oh and then there is the hubby and kids in there somewhere.

The renovation at work are moving along well. The most amazing part is the construction is ahead of schedule, shock the shit out of me. I got my new Vintage area a week early. Of course my excitement lasted right up until the daunting job of moving all the stock began. Fuck and I have a release this weekend. What a hell of a job I'm knackered.

Tomorrow is the big sleepover at the Science Centre with the Girl Guides, more on that later. I'll still trying to figure out how I'm going to sneak a bottle of wine in with me. LOL I'm going to need it.

Love 'em even if they are bad for you...

Everyone has their addiction. The things you love but no are bad for you but are just so damn goooood. *G*

Me? It the Dare's Ultimate Cinnamon danish

Evil little things taht I can ignor as long as I don't smell or see them. At 170 calories per 2 cookies....well it's a good thing I'm bad at math 'cause I can polish off almost an entire bag with a couple cups of tea.

So spill what is your weakness? *G*

Another step forward....

Or you could call it another form of procrastination *G*

I'm taking a positive step forward in my goal of being a Published writer. My money order to the RWA was sent out a couple weeks ago and I have created a blog for my alter ego. Corinne Davies

That's my official pen name. Not that I don't like my name but let's face it with the number of letters in my real last name I'm not sure it would fit across a paperback.

The last name is nod to my Gran and Grampy. Grampy because on more then one occasion I remember him patting my shoulder saying "You got a lot of celt in ya kid". And to my Gran who recently told my mum that she thought I was gifted. (who me???) Mum had been reading one of my posts to her. I'm assuming she omitted the "F bombs" I often drop in here.

For now I don't think I will be posting as much there as I do here. My plan is to keep that mostly for professional type stuff, but since I don't have any professional stuff yet then most of my posting will still be here. I think *G*
I may save my writing rants for over there.
The power of positive thinking right?

The Dresden Files

For all you who missed the premier episode....damn! Start checking your local listing and see if it is repeated later in the week. For those of you in my area it was on The Space Channel at 9 tonight and I know Space likes to repaet things during the week.

It's a great show, well written, good characters and 'Harry' isn't all that bad on the eyes either *G*

Of course this means that I will be going to Chapters on payday and buying every copy of the series I can get my hands on. Either that or I'll make my life easier and order them all at once online.

Ok gotta go, much editing to do

Looks good to me.

Years ago my uncle turnedme on to a series of book and I had forgotten all about them until a couple weeks ago. He emailed me to let me know that they had been turned into a tv series. I caught a preview on tv tonight and found it on my second favourite website *G*




You can't tell me that this just doesn't look like it has the potential to be one of the coolest shows!!! next to Supernatural of course LOL It's based on the series of books written by Jim Butcher.

It starts tomorrow... dammit I really should be writing and not watching tv...so I made a compromise with myself. I have to have 2 thousand words written tomororw during the day, then I get to watch it....and work on more edits afterwards.

11 days left till the submission deadlines

I'm surrounded by Construction!!

I want my own Hard Hat! Something in a lime green with little red dragons, grapes and books stenciled over it would be cool. It would pretty much sum up everything that is going on around me.

I'm not a big fan of change, silly thing really since change it inevitable, and I adapt once it is all over but it's the during that drives me insane.

Our store is being renovated and of course the P.T.B. will not close for a single day to do it. So we all have to work around big tarps and cramped temporary locations. The Vintage area has been moved which was a hellish job, made more hellish because I know that in a month (or more) we will have to move it all again into our permanent location. I was joking yesterday that with all the plaster dust floating around we're all going to start coughing up speckle soon.

During all this upheaval and insanity at work I am trying to construct a story due the end of the month. It' moving albeit slower then I would like. Although I work better under pressure and I am down to the last 12 days so my high gear kicked in this morning. I've had reworked bits of dialogue floating around in my brain only to be mentally replaced moments later by a 'better' version. Today will be one of those days that I carry my notebook around in my apron sketching down ideas as they hit me. I'd hate to get to the computer later and have it all gone. *aaaarrrrgggghhhh* Since I am working late tonight and early tomorrow, I should have more then a few pages ready to retype. I hope. LOL

The Annoying Thing

Appropriate name for the creature otherwise known as "Crazy Frog". This is one of my youngest's favourite songs, Family channel plays the videos as fillers between shows. There's also another one featuring the Queen song "We are the Champions". I just wanted y'all to share in my pain LOL

Supermom...hell no!

So far this new year I've made some changes and they have actually worked! *gasping in horror* Hopefully I didn't jinx myself with that LOL. In the mornings there is no tv until the girls are up, dressed, hair and teeth brushed. Yea I know that is just logical but we all had a few bad habits at the beginning of the year. Good news is not only have I managed to cut down how much time they spend watching tv, I haven't had to do any frustrated shouting. Nothing Nada. Mornings are busy but almost pleasurable.

Second change is trying to stay organized as far as dinners are concerned. Eating out is quick and easy and there are a lot of places that are reasonabley priced and still have healthier food. BUT it still adds up and this is the year I am determined to get some of our overhead paid off. So I have been throwing a few new things at the hubby and kids. Not to drastic, just easing them into trying new stuff. I'm working late tonight so I'm amkeing them "Marvellous Mini Meatloaves". It's a recipie I found at the Kraft site. They really have some awesome recipies there. If your ever stuck for what to make, you have to check this one out. They also have a magazine that they send out 4 times a year. I make the hubby look through it and point out what he would be willing to try.

All and all I am trying to make my life easier and therefore have more time to write.

Good and Bad news on the writing front.

Good News is I got hit with a great idea for the story I'm working on. It adds a bit more depth to Evangeline and the story as well. I was putting away stock and ended up writing notes to myself, on the flap of, a box of Italian red.

Bad News is I came home and had to rip big chunks out of what I had written. So now I am down to just over 6,000 words. But I am not panicking! Really not! *grabbing paper bag to breath* I still have lots of time to procrastonate...I mean write. It's the edits that scare me. That is what takes the longest for me, but I freak out over that in the few days before the deadline. Not now. Now I just have to get the rest of the story down.


The picture is called the "Kitchen Witch" by Brigid Ashwood. This woman has some amazing work, I really love this one.

They liked it!!!

I have mentioned about my husbands fussiness (pain in the ass) eating habits before. Honestly he is like a 4 year old looking at his plate and deciding that he doesn't like something before trying it. Imagine my surprise when we were out to lunch one day and he tried my potato leek soup and announced he like it. That was after both our daughters tried and ate most of it.

So I attempted to make a new thing for dinner. It's a variation on the old chicken cooked in soup meal. I worked late so I figured I throw something in the crock pot for them. Boneless chickenbreasts, can of chicken broth, can of cream of potato soup and a package of dry leek soup mix. All he had to do was boil up some egg noodles and throw garlic bread in the oven.

They all loved it.....oh god now what do I do tomorrow!

I am so far behind....

on everything but my story *BG* I'm about half way. 7,200/15,000 words Well ok maybe I am a little behind from where I wanted to be but it's for a good reason. I am layering detail as I write. Of course now I am questioning a major detail I have in the beginning of the story. AARRGGHH! I don't even have a good reason for questioning it except for if it will help or hinder the sale. I'm working a bit later tonight and it always quiets down so I'm hopeing to find myself a corner and work out some details.

Wanting to be a author is one thing but I tell you there is so much conflicting advice out there. Write what is in your heart, write what the market demands, don't watch the market, know your genre.....well that last one is a good one. I already know my short or Parthenon stories won't be for the print market. They be a bit to...um explicit? yea that's a nice word.

My historicals, I'll be submitting....begging....Avon. If memory serves they don't take unagented submissions, but to get a good agent you need to have been published...see the vicious circle. Of course there are tons of people out there I'm sure will contradict what I just said. This businss is nuts....can't wait till I'm a part of it *G*

Ontario's Liquid Gold

From humble, frozen beginnings....

You get one of my favourite delicacies ICEWINE!

If you have never had an opppourtunity to try some I highly recommend the experience. Unless you are my husband. The only person in this universe that actually turned his nose up at the stuff.

I had a small 50ml bottle in the fridge. Just enough for one glass and today I decided to treat myself. I poured, I nosed, I savoured and being the generous wife I brought the glass to him and said "Here smell this."

His response? "Ach, god what is that! That is disgusting! I'm not trying that it smells horrible."

Yes, he is a fussy eater and hates wine....but this is sweet and rich and decadent. It smells like honey, ripe peaches, apricots, orange blossom, and beeswax. None of which I would label as anything remotely disgusting. The heathen.

My husband still has the ability to amaze me. On the bright side of things....I don't have to share. I can be selfish and not feel guilty for a moment. So here I sit with my Inniskillin Vidal Icewine and a box of Bissinger's truffles having a truly orgasmic experience. *BG*

The wordcount is 4,800/15,000. Submission deadline January 31st. Yuppers I'm trying a short story again. They really are hard to write. I've had to edit tons already because the characters keep complicating the story too much. This time I have an Aztec god and a couple of paranormal investigators subcontracted through CSIS. At the very least I'll have another "bong" letter for my binder. Every rejection is a set closer to a contract.....at least that is what I keep telling myself.

Ever had a warm apple fritter?

I did. This morning as I picked up coffee at Tim Hortons. I asked for one on impulse as they look exceptionaly deish and it was still warm in the middle. Oh Rapture. To bad it didn't last long, I had it eaten before I pulled outof the parking lot.

Blogging is truly an amazing thing. You never know what it is your going to learn or discover through other people. I popped over to J.A.Konrath's blog this morning and he had written about Lance Storm's book club. Lance is a pro wrestler who has created an interactive internet book club. Juct click here for more information. http://www.stormwrestling.com/bookmarks/index.html

Impressed me because anyone who encourages reading and literacy, rocks in my book. Joe's book Bloody Mary has been chosen by this book club as their first book for 2007. If you have never read any of the 'Jack Daniels' series I recommend them. Bloody Mary is the second book in the series after Whisky Sour . They are gritty, funny, and scarey as hell in parts. This isn't horror but it's not your run of the mill detective story as well.


What tipped the scales is when I clicked on one of Lance's links and noticed that there are Maple Leafs all over his costume. The man's a Canuck!!! Hailing from Calgary, Alberta. I've moved from impressed to pratically hero worship. LOL

Attack of the Technogoobers

2006 My year as a writer

Sounds like the beginning of a memoir. Too bad that is about all there is to my career...aside from the rejection letter that arrived in November. Not that I am complaining, that launched me into 'professional' status and marked the beginning of my rejection binder *G*

I will be peppering this blog a bit more with writing flavoured pieces but don't look to me for advice. I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I'm just following the lemming in front of me.

The historical workshop is proving to be very interesting. I've read some unique ideas just through the general discussion. For example:

Frances Housden made this comment during one discussion. "...Near the end of my first book, I had a scene from a secondary character's POV where because of the seemingly stupid actions of the woman he was with, he got shot. Those two became the hero and heroine in book two, where I rewrote the scene as a prologue - this time from the heroine's POV, which makes her
look heroic instead of stupid. The same things occurred but the second time I
knew the heroine's motivation."

That just hit me as an absolutely brilliant idea!! You never know what you will learn when you sign up for stuff. *G*

Also the HeSaid/SheSaid blog has changed a bit. Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer have reworked it to be more of a writing workshop as well. They are both very talented and very different writers with different writing styles. Which mean that there is a TON of experience they are going to be sharing over the coming year.

I don't expect that I will be published or anything by this time next year, but it is my hope that I will have a couple of books finished and editor ready. I have learned so much in the past year, a small amount of what I need to know but I'm a stronger writer now. Thanks to a great number of patient people that I have pestered. *G* You know who you are, and please you can lift the restraining order now. I promise to be good.

This is getting easier.....

At the rate I'm going I'll be a HTML Master in no time. I've taught myself a ton of stuff already. The first time I changed this template, it took me over an hour to get it set up, now I can do it in half that time. LOL I've gone back to a warm brown colour, a kind of a dreamy background. This one is a little more grown up then the previous attempt.


Did you know that Hershey Kisses come in peanut butter filled? They are like little Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Trust me, they are horrible rotten little things. In fact; if you have any in your house I suggest you get rid of them quick. Just send them to me and I will make sure that they are disposed of properly *BG*

Trying Again

So the Solitary White Music template got mixed reviews. How about this one. I'm sure most of you will know why I picked it. Goes with the name nicely I think *G*

All opinions are welcome

May you all have a Safe and Happy New Year!!

*MUAH*

So what do you think??

Since I am about to start a new calandar, perhaps it's time to give myself a virtual face lift.

What do you think? Should I keep this look or go back to the earthy browns?

Honest opinions please,
I won't be insulted I promise *G*

And I thought I was busy before the holidays!!

Today my little bro, sisinlaw and nieces headed home bringing a close to all family visitations. I miss them already. I love it when they come to visit, the house is noisy, the girls are freaking out with each other..it's great *G* Of course suddenly having a quiet house is nice as well. I do wish they lived closer though. I get along very well with my sister-in-law and I think we would be much closer if there wasn't 3 hours seperating us. My brother taught me how to play crib last night. I don't have it completely down yet but I'm pretty good. Second game found me wiping the board with his butt!*BG* but then he 'skunked' me on the third. So the thrill of victory was short lived, but it was still a great way to spend a couple hours.

I have a few ideas on the back burner for the coming months. There is a workshop starting at the beginning of the month on historical writing that I am going to be taking. I'm really looking forwards to it. The first couple books I seriously started working on were historical romances. I'd love it if this jump-starts those stories again.

Feel free to nag me in the comments over the coming months to make sure that I am staying on track. Now that the holidays are over and the house is quiet there are NO EXCUSES!!! No good ones anyways. I want to get back on my 'writing everyday' habit that I started in October. I'm not going to worry so much on what story I am working on as long as I am working on something.

There isn't a publisher out there who will offer me a contract for a blank page so I had better start filling them.

Finally it's here...

I love this picture! LOL

Thankfully I have today off. Which is a good considering everything that need doing. It's been a scrooge filled week and I am sad to say that I just don't have an ounce of the holiday spirit in me. Takes the fun out of it all to be honest. I'm hoping that at somepoint between prepping for tomorrow's dinner and cleaning the bathrooms I might be able to play with the kids and start to enjoy myself. But enough of that depressing whining.

I read a really great story about someone who got on a bus and started handing out cards that contained $50.00. This person never brought attention to herself or anything just appeared handed them out and left. *snort* and people don't beleve in The Claus'. Secret Santa
Reading that lifed my spirits considerably.

I don't believe in coincedences. Everything happens to you for a reason, it's up to us to recognise when it happens. My hubby and I have talked about adoption since before we got married. When it was reccommended to me that I NOT get pregnant again after my second; it was no big deal because we decided long ago that our third child would be adopted, if we decided to have three. So yesterday somehow the topic came up in the lunch room at work. One of the women I work with has a sister who is a missionary in Chile. Her sister helps arrange adpotions from that country. Which has been on my mind ever since it was mentioned.

I've been talking adoption for the better part of a year, hubby is kinda draging his heels about it. I'm not sure if he wants a third but damn I do. Money is a factor of course. Have to be realistic about 3 university educations in the future and everything you need before then. Also we might have to look at a bigger house. This one is fine for the four of us. There is so much to consider but isn't it worth it is the end. I love children, they drive me crazy sometimes but flaking out on a Sunday morning watching cartoons with them is one of my favourite things.

The point I brought up to hubby is that if I suddenly found my self pregnant again we wouldn't be the least bit upset. More the opposite, so why is adopting so scary?

Oh goodie another one!!

*muah* Big hugs to Paxa for pointing out I missed one LOL

Which of Santa's Reindeer are you? Donder Like Donder you are sensible and a good leader. You know the right things to do at the right time and have people's respect Find out which of Santa's Reindeer you are at Quizopolis.com

I'm off to start wrapping some presents. This year I am not going to leave it all to Christmas eve! LOL

A bit of Christmissy fun

In hopes of getting more in the Holiday Spirit I have decided to change my name too...

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Christmas Naughty or Nice List I am on the The Nice List After checking the North Pole database I had : 1,282 nice entries 100 naughty entries Check your name on the Christmas Naughty or Nice List at JokesUnlimited.com

HAHAHA Now I have proof. I'll be sure to remind my husband. I looked it up and his on the naughty list. *snort* I could have told him that. Can't complain though; I like him naughty *BG*

Secret Santa This year my Secret Santa bought me : Your Own Daytime Talk Show Get your Secret Santa gift at JokesUnlimited.com

Oh I really do not have the time for that! I wonder if "Ho-Ho" has a nice all expense paid trip to mexico he'd be willing to trade me? In actuality my Secret Santa at work got me a bunch of gift certificated to "Tim Horton's". I was thrilled! *G*

I can't wait till it's over!!!!!

Only 3 more sleeps till it's all over for another year!! I can't wait LOL That may sound a bit scroogy but anyone who work retail will understand my attitude. The general public has been bitchier and much more short tempered then normal this year. And it started earlier too. Usually the nastiness doesn't start till today but we have been knee deep for at least a week. Personally I think it is all this unseasonably warm weather we have been having. It feels like April not December.

Somthing about a fresh dumping of snow...turns the roads into a flurry of madness but everyone seems to get that starry 'oh it's so pretty' look about them. Not this year. Nothing but scowls and scarcasm.

I feel like a soccer ball in an Under 5 league. For those of you who have never seen 4 year olds play; then entire team follows the ball like a swarm of bees

I'm sorry if I am sold out of the wine you HAVE to have but perhaps you should think about shopping earlier then 2 days before Christmas. Sheesh

I actually had a customer come up to me yesterday and say "What do I have to do to get a couple cases of wine?"

I looked him in the eye and replied "Well first you better get a bunch of grapes and start stomping on them."

He didn't think I was funny.

*shrugging* Normally I wouldn't dare make a comment like that but I will admit to getting short tempered as well. But at least I'm funny *G*

Just a NAVY girl at heart

I have two uncles and a brother that have served in the Canadian armed forces. My uncles in the Navy, my little brother in the Army(infantry) reserves. Gotta tell you, seeing my uncles in uniform at a young age...I'm sure is what started my love of uniformed men.

When I got married, I asked my Uncle to come to my wedding in his ultra fancy 'Mess Dress'. This is the uniform used for only special occasions. He worked out, for like a month, to make sure it still fit for my wedding. Aside from pictures of my husband, the picture of me and my Uncle D in his uniform is my favourite.

He sent me this video, It is really amazing, but personally I love all those pristine white uniforms. *G*

NAVY rules baby!!

Navy Norway


This is the US Navy Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard Drill Team.

Dead Parrot Sketch

I can watch this on over and over and never get sick of it.

A Classic

Ok so I've been playing on YouTube again but lookie what I found *BG*




This is one of my favourite stetches from Monty Python. Honestly I just don't understand when people say that they don't understand their humour or *gasp* Don't think they are funny!!

You'd have to be a dead parrot not to laugh at this one....speaking of which, I'm going to go find myself a "Dead Parrot"

A holiday quiz? What a great idea!

I'm feeling festive. My favourite part of this time is year is all the lights. There are a couple of houses near us that we have nicknamed "The Griswalds". I'd hate to get their hydro bill at the end of the month but am thankful that they do it. It's so pretty. Now I just wish we had some pretty snow for all those lights to refect off of.

It's so unseasonably warm here, really it's kinda a creepy. We had a nasty cold snap a week and a bit ago then it went away and it warmed up. I just keep getting this feeling like it is the calm before the storm.

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Just put your results in the comments. I'd love to hear what everyone is *G*

I've Been Tagged!

It's been ages since I was tagged to do one of these, here it goes *G*





Four jobs I've had:

I've had soooo many, I'll name my 4 least favourite

Detassling Corn
Dress Shirt Factory
Telephone Solicitation
Retail Clothing

Four places I've lived:

Nova Scotia (I was so young I don't even remember the town's name)
Fort Erie
Kitchener
Oakville

Four favourite foods:

Potato Leek Soup
Sushi
Stuffed Shells
"Taters 'n' Cream" A burger place called Lick's makes this.
It's fries with shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon and chives on them. mmmmmmmm

Four movies I'd watch over:

Dogma
Shaft with Samuel L
Hell Boy
Serenity

Four TV shows I enjoy:

Supernatural
Heroes
Mythbusters
Thirsty Traveller

Four places I've travelled:

England, Scotland, Wales I know that is 3 but it was all one trip *sigh* Wales
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Antigua
Florida

Four places I’d like to visit:
Wales again
Egypt
Australia
Italy

Four websites I go to (almost) daily:

Loose-Id
Yahoo
Blogger
Vintages


Four people I’m tagging to do this too:

Just think it will give you an excuse to procrastonate a bit *G*

Myfanwy
Frenchpeas
Samatha Winston
Scott Oden

I see you!!!

Aren't these cool? They are digital pictures of my eyes. I look crosseyed though LOL
This is a new thing that they do instead of putting the drops in. You know that kind that make your vision all blurry. Considering my glasses are broken and I hadn't put in my contacts I figured I had better not make them any worse. I did have to drive home.

So according to the optomerist they are healthy. Nothing of real concern except for the spot in one eye on the maculat area. That's the dark part. She isn't concerned right now but told me that if I don't already I should start taking a multivitamin and eat lots of fruit and veggies. Get lots of those good eye vitamins.

Of course being the calm person I am *coughcoughcough* I started freaking about Macular Degeneration and worring that I am going blind in one eye. Yes I know I leand towards being an alarmist, but I have calmed down now. I figure this gives me an excuse to drink more "Sludge".

("Sludge" is what I am everyone at work affectionitly call that aweful looking green juice that we are all addicted too LOL)

I wonder if you can get the same vitamins out of red wine?? Grapes are fruit *BG*

Just a few of my thoughts today

I realised the other day that when my mum was my age I was 12 years old.
I actually remember her being my age.
Don't know why but I found this whole thing very bazarre, but I do. I don't feel old enough to be a mum, let alone remember when my mum was my age. It's a little confusing if you think about it too much.

So as everyone who has stepped foot in any retail outlet in the past week will know that the general public has clicked into christmas shopping mode. I was swamped today, asked a thousand questions and lost count how many cases I slugged from the warehouse to the foor and up to the cash.

Of course do to the fact tht I forgot my age I was up chatting way to late last night. I remember being able to party till the wee hours, go to work in the morning (waitressing) then do it all again the next night. NOW, hell I'm up to 1am and then dragging my ass around the next day.

But it was still a great gab session and I'm all fired up to get some writing done. The voices in my head were clamboring over each other while I was at work today. Whispering their secrets, tempting my to jump into their story.
I only have two hands and one keyboard. I may need one of those mental ticket dispensers. If each voice would take a number you will get your turn when it comes.

Nono buddy sorry I know your big and you can growl all you like but you have to wait. Unless you belong in a bikini on south beach, You'll just have to be patient.

Now serving number 35.....

Decking the Halls

Yes I hae proved to my children that if you nag me enough I will finally snap and do what you want. LOL

Yesterday I started on the lights outside. Which ment hubster came out a few minutes later to make sure it was being done right and then took over. Which was fine by me since that was my plan all along. Yes after 10 years I have finally learned how to make him think it was his idea in the first place. I raked the last of the leaves up and fussed around. Today I got the lights up inside and set up the tree so the girls could decorate it when they got home from school. So now all that stuff is done and I don't have to worry about it till it's time to take it down in a month.

It has been crazy warm around here yesterday and today. Considering we have been living under overcast, rainy skys for the last 2 months, it has felt practically tropical around here. I was out working on the side yard, cleaning up some weeds and overgrowth. Getting ready for the snow to cover it all.

I have actually gotten some writing done as well. Yes I can hear the shocked gasp from some of you. I may not have finished NaNo this year but I am not going to procastinat the months away with dreams of grandure and a blank computer screen. At least I am going to try my best not to. *G*

I have just enough time to get a bit more work done on my plotting and then "Heros" is on at 9. It's a pretty good show. I'm not as addicted as I am to "Supernatural" but I enjoy it when I catch it.

Happy Writing

Just not going to make it.

No I'm not talking about the mutant cold that has moved from my head to my chest. At least my germs were considerate enough to hold off a full-on assult until after my weekend.

I am just not going to be a NanoWinner this year. I have removed my disgraceful word counter and need to face facts.

Now I could sit here and type all about the excuses and reasons I have for not finishing but that is exactly what they are. Excuses. Yes, the rejection stung more then I wanted to admit. Work has been hectic since my coworker was on vacation and this cold has knocked me over the bend. BUT the bottom line is I'm the one who procrastinated myself to the point where I ran out of time.

So lesson learned, (I hope) and I hang my head in shame.
Right after I blow my nose again.

*Note* You have to pop over to Dakota Cassidy's Blog and check out the clip she has posted there. It's called the "Evolution of Dance". I loved it! My daughter thinks it's awesome. Man, can that guy move. He must have been exhausted by the end.

I didn't want to come home!

Niagara Falls was awesome. Despite being cold and overcast. We've been there lots of time but never by ourselves and certainly not overnight. We stayed at the Marriott. I loved it. The staff was kick'n; they made me breakfast, did the dishes, made my bed, how could I not love them! LOL Ok so yea they do that for everyone but I really appreciated it. It was almost the best part of the weekend.


This was the view out our window. As you can tell we were really frick'n high up 23rd floor to be exact. I was a bit nervous but got over it quick enough. There was enough to distract me. The Horseshoe Falls were directly in front of us and if you turned to the left you could see the American Falls down a bit.
At night they shine lights on the water and it looks so cool but I couldn't get a good picture. The flash kept reflecting off the glass. Then when we went for a walk I was a goober and forgot the camera up in our room. So instead I 'nicked a picture off the internet. It looks exactly like this.

This was our room. There is a fireplace just to a right of the chairs, then a big desk and then a big wood armour that holds the tv and bar fridge. Speaking of which. Do you know how much they charge you for a 1L bottle of water in the room $11.00!!!! I'd drink from the toilet first. So we just bought our own and shoved it in to keep it cold. There was a massive bathroom with a jaccuzzi tub big enough to swim in. Also there was a double window in the wall between the bathtub and the bedroom, so you could open them like a pair of doors, then lay in the tub, all bubbly, and still watch tv. Now that is luxury!This was sent up to our room compliments of the hotel. Chris mentioned that we were there celebrating out tenth anniversary. How sweet was that eh? It is a chocolate wine bottle that had a hole cut in the side of it and was filled with Hershey kisses. mmmmChocolate. It was all wraped up in cellophane with a big bow. I was so excited. LOL No wonder I didn't want to come home. I got choccies delivered right to my door!

I am not sick!

My voice is funny? No really I always sound this way. The cough? No, no The air in here is just really dry.

I am less then 24 hours away from my weekend away. The hotel room is booked, dinner reservations are arranged, manicure appointment. I've been aggrivated enough by the three nails that broke this week. (Getting a manicure is such a rare treat for me, I'd like to have some nails left for her to file.)

I am not sick. I refuse to be sick. I won't be sick.

It's official

Today I am officially a professional author according to the RWA. Yuppers I heard back from the editor who I sent my story to. She had emailed me around the 20th, that is no doubt still floating around in cyberspace. Don't get me wrong it was a very kind rejection and to be honest I wasn't expecting an acceptance my first time out. It would have been nice....*G*

So it's back to another blank screen and see what I can come up with next. Yes I'm bummed but I'll keep trying. I'll be the first to say that my writing doesn't compare to most of what I have read. The good news is that I am getting better.

I keep reminding myself that J.A.Konrath has a book with 500 "BONG" (rejection) letters in it. Considering this is my first, I shouldn't whine too much, maybe just for tonight.

Monday, Monday, Monday

Yup it's one of those days. Overcast, drizzly, and cold. Terrible really. I was at work for an hour when the school called and told me that my oldest was sick. So I have an unplanned day off and a sicky child at home. Not that I'm happy that my daughter isn't well but I did get to come home *G*

Tomorrow we are half way through the month, which means my word count should be around the 25G's mark. Cough cough well mine is just over 8. Not good. At least I have some extra time today to get soem writing done. This weekend is a write off. Hubby and I are going away for two whole nights!!!

10 long years I have been married to him. 12 if you count the years we lived together. I've earned this weekend. LOL

This is the first time we will have 2 nights away from the girls since they were born. 'Till this year we have had 1 night a year away, this year 2!! And we are staying in a fancy hotel in Niagara. I'm so excited, I can't wait. I'm still going to smuggle the laptop in my suitcase though.

Now hopefully we don't catch our daughter's cold.

This is cool!!

My mum sent this to me to show the girls. My oldest saw it and was amazed. I have a feeling that when the youngest sees it, she will insist on doing it. LOL.



Who knew that this was such an explosive cobination! The Mythbusters also committed an entire episode (#57, showing again on Nov 26th) on it.

What is scarey is that I drink Diet Coke and Mentos are my favourite mint. Obviously I never have eaten them together because I haven't exploded LOL. I took this comment directly from their site. I'm sure some idiot would try.

So is it dangerous to drink soda and eat Mentos? Well, a lot of the fizz goes away as you drink. Then when bubbles are released in your stomach, your stomach can expand a bit, and it also has ways of releasing excess pressure. Do not, repeat, do not be stupid and test the limits of your stomach. Don't even think about it.

I have to go to the store now. *BG*

A productive day off

I finally finished it! The funky sweater is done, not bad if I do say so myself. *G*
I didn't alter the original pattern all that much. I added an inch and a half to the bottom, made the sleeves a big longer and changed the pattering on the arms. I love this lattice pattern. It's supa easy, and looks very medieval to me.

Hubby called dibs on my next project. He wants a Pittsburgh Steelers touque. Easy enough, I'm sure I still have the graph I made of the logo somewhere. I might even make myself a matching one, of course I'll put #43 on it somwhere in honour of Polamolu *BG*

I managed to get a good number of words on my NaNo done as well. I've got a GirlGuides meeting tonight so my goal is to get another 2 thousand done tonight after I get the girls to bed. That will put me closer to the 10G mark and I won't be freaking so much. I know I have lots of time but this month goes by really fast. Also the weekend after next I am goign away with Hubby for our anniversary. I don't think I'll be getting much writing done. I'm going to try to sneak the laptop into the suitcase. He'll need to sleep at somepoint LOL

I've also been doing a lot of research on writing. One of my goals for this year is to have both stories finished and submission ready (if not submitted already) and the third in rewrites by the end of October'07. I still have a lot of planning to do and rewriting. Morgan Hawke's blog is an incredible source of information. I've also been reading A Hero with a Thousand Faces and The Writer's Journey. I figure if I am going to pitch BIS as the first of a triliogy then it would be the best if I could hand over all three stories to a publisher at once.

hmmm you know I should squeeze in some Laundry time somewhere.....

A picture worth a thousand words..

Life Lessons

I found this in my email Sunday morning. It's the "Merlot and Email don't mix" figurine from TLC's Life Lessons. Don't worry mum, I was drinking Shiraz not Merlot so s'all good. *G*

Today is Day 6 of NaNo and my word count is pathetically low, dangerously low. I wanted to be at the 10-12 thousand word level but as you can see I haven't made it to 4G's yet. My bad. Aside from normal life stuff and dirty clothes that are reproducing like bunnies on my laundry room floor, I have been working on my sweater. I'm so clse to finishing it! It knit up so fast and I think looks really cool. Al I have to do is sew it up and weave in the ends and it's done. Oh the temptation!!!

I don't work till later this afternoon but I promised myself I would concentrate on my story today. I won't be home from work till late tonight and won't want to write then. Tomorrow I have a tasting which is very tiring. I know that sounds silly but trust me, writing tasting notes for 60+ products drains a person. I can sew up tomorrow evening while my creative wells fill up again.

Music Downloading & Red Wine

So what is the number one rule about bloggin'? Don't do it while you have been drinking...anything *G* Well just another rule to break in my book and this isn't the first time I've done it. No, I am not brushing up on my Italian wines like I mentioned in an earlier post, tomorrow's hangover will be thanks to Elderton's "Friends Shiraz" 2003. Bloody delicious stuff and here in Ontario it's very difficult to get a hold of. While I wouldn't drive a car at the moment I am still able to correct my rather atrotious spelling. *giggle* and use big words.

So I have discovered the wonders of downloading music. WooHoo. Okay so I am a bit behind on the times but damn I am glad to have caught up. Although I have discovered it is very difficult to type when you are bouncing in your chair to your favourite song. Currently I am listening to "Bodies" by the Drowning Pool. That's a song that will get you going in the morning I tell ya. Hey now that is a good idea, what is someone created an alarm clock that you could program songs into or plug your MP3 player into and it would blast out a particular song instead of that annoying beeping shit. This would so be my wake up song.

(now: "Pain" by 3 Days Grace)

You know what the problem is with downloading songs? I can't remember what ones I like the most. I don't have anything but radio in my car so all the stuff I listen to on 97.7fm, I don't always catch the name. Bummer. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever grow out of this style of music? I was a complete "metalhead" in highschool and continue to be so. I like my music edgy and loud. My 9 year old often tells me that it is too loud, but then my 7 year old listens to her music very loud as well. I wonder what it is that draws us to certain types of music. I am a total mum now. Long gone are the skin tight jeans, bandanas and massive backcombed hair, and yet I still love that style of music.

(now: "Black Betty" by Spiderbait)

Now I don't run around thrashing my head everytime a good song comes on. As much as I may be tempted *G* Old habits are hard to break ya know. But I happy to say that my girls are as familar with Metallica as they are with Shania Twain. I am trying to expose them to as many different types of music as I can in hope that they will have a greater appretiation. No Britney though, a mum has to draw the line somewhere.

(now "Dragula" by Rob Zombie)

Lazy Daisy Day

I wish I had a Mon-Fri kind of job, it would be easy to get used to having 2 days off in a row. Of course then it would mean I would have to work 5 days in a row *ugh* So far the most enegetic part of my day today was a trip to the grocery store, and a good reminder of why I don't grocery shop on Saturdays.

I did a bit of NaNo writing and plan to do some more. Gotta say my muse has surprised the hell out of me. I'm almost 3 thousand words in and so far, no sword fights, violence or sex. That's gotta be a record LOL. Just wait till closer to the end of the month when I am panicking about word counts.

This is Michaelangelo's "Bacchus" 1496-98. Since the story I am working on features this particular god, I was doing some research. As I learned while researching Thanatos and Hypnos last year, myths have many different versions. My stories are written in the present time, I have the luxury of picking and choosing myths to suit my purpose. Also being a fictional piece of work, I figure I can take a lot of 'artistic liscence'. Although I figure I had better brush up on my Italian wine knowledge. *G* Good thing I have tomorrow off too.

And they're off!!!

Day 2 of NanoWriMo and I am up to 25hundred words or there about. I want to be at 34 before I go to bed tonight. Like last year I find myself struggling with the words. I don't know the characters yet or what they are like so it's harder to let them do what they want but I know it will come. I had to give myself permission not to write the BiS sequal today. Something about my Heroine just doesn't seem to gel with the world I created last year. It's only the second day so we'll see what happens. My obsession with Supernatural is having an effect on her I think. Either that or the picture of a brooding Dean on my laptop LOL.

So I'm not really a poetry kind of person. Couldn't write it to save my life and I really don't read too much of it. Having said that there are some pieces that seem to resonate with me. My mum posted a poem on her blog that I hadn't read in years. To be honest I had forgotten about it, and how much I like it.

~~ "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" ~~


Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightening they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn to late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze light meteors and be gay,
Rage rage against the dying of the light.

And you my father there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

- Dylan Thomas
1914-1953

My New Year's eve

This might not be my favourite season but Samhain (Hallowe'en) is by far my favourite holiday. The girls and I carved pumpkins a couple days ago. Ryleigh and I cheated and used a template and Teaghan free-formed. The all looked awesome when they were finished.


Here are my two children, the "Fall Faery Princess" and the "Dead Zombie Goblin Soccer Player". They couldn't choose just one idea LOL. They met up with a friend and cased the whole neighborhood. They filled 2 Timmies bags each, and dragged me everywhere 'till Ryleigh kept asking to be carried. That's when we called it quits.

I was thinking about all the things I wanted to blog about tonight but to be honest I'm tired LOL. It'll be a quiet beginning to this year for me. NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow. I still don't have a really good idea what I'm goign to work on other then it being the sequal to BiS. Actually I had some great ideas for the third book which I want to close out the trilogy with. So I'll just have to see what this month brings. I'm looking forward to giving my muse free reign and seeing what he can come up with. I got some really solid ideas last year.

So far I still don't know anything about my short story. I submitted it but haven't had a response as to yes or no. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and repeating, "no news is good news"

For now I think I'm going to go raid a couple of candy bags *G*

Never judge a book (or juice) by it's cover

I found this juice at the grocery store near my work. I had popped over there to get some lunch/dinner and was browing the organic section and found this product called "Arthur's Green Energy". Considering I was on an evening shift and dead tired already I figured 'what the hell' it can't hurt. Thankfully I didn't look at the actual juice before I bought it 'cause I never would have. The stuff looks like split pea soup. Really nasty colour green, after I opened it I almost tossed it cause I wasn't sure if I could bring myself to drink it.

The fact that I still had 4 hours to go on my shift was what had me closing my eyes and taking a good swallow. I figured if it made me gag then I could toss it guilt free. I couldn't have been more wrong. Despite the nauseous colour the stuff is AWESOME!! I love it.

Yea it's a bit pricy compared to other juices. A $1.99 for 375mls...but I dont' even blink over paying $1.50 for a large coffee a couple times a day and this stuff is a hell of a lot better for me. I've slowly been trying to wean my self off my multiple caffine fixes, I'm down to 2-3 a day. This I hope will replace my afternoon coffee. *G*

Other then that, I've been busy as hell over the past few days. Hallowe'en parties for the girls in their Guide and Brownie groups. Teaghan's Guide group went to the Long Term Care Home for their party. The residents at the home are just so sweet. A few of the 2nd and 3rd year Guides were so excited about going. Last year they had their meetings at the home once a month.Accoding to them it's like going to see your grandparents only you have like 50 of them. LOL

They decorated paper lunch bags for Hallowe'en and then filled them with candies for the Women's Shelter. To be honest I never realized that if a woman is in a shelter with her kids then there is a good possibility it is too dangerous for her to take them "trick or treating". I don't know why this never occurred to me but when it was brought up it made sense.

The girls sang creapy halowe'en songs and visited. As a way to break the ice, it was suggested that the girls take their bags around and have the residents autograph them before they were filled. It was a brillient idea. It gave the girls something to talk about and the resident's got to visit with them all. I had a lovely chat with a woman who calls herself "Nessie". She's from Scotland and hugged everyone who got close enough for her to reach. She was just so sweet, I can't wait to go back and have a chat with her again. She has one son, and wished that all the girls were her daughters, including me. *G*

There was also another woman named Myrtle who is 100 years old. That is very impressive for someone who is 9. Teahgan got all wide eyed and blurted out "WOW you are so lucky to have lived so long!" Myrtle smiled and just nodded her head slightly.

I think I am going to press that we have more meetings there. This is my first year with this group and the new leader kinda wasn't sure about monthly visits. I think it ia great idea for both the girls and the residents. What a wonderful impression to leave on these young girls that you need to remember your elders. They have lived full lives and have so much knowledge to share.

There's nothing behind that curtain

Please ignor the technogoober..
I'm creating a link *G*

Lupus ~ The disease with a thousand faces.

I want to take the time to bring everyones attention to a major disease that many don't know about. World Lupus Day is actually in May, but that doesn't matter. As many of you remember, I lost my aunt a few weeks ago. Her death was a result of a another flare up from this disease. Both my aunts were diagnosed with this disease a long time ago but each has very different symptoms.

I know this is a lot of information but so little is known of this disease that it is vital that the imformation get passed along. Please just take a moment to read about it.

Lupus has been called a disease with a thousand faces because the signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Even the distinctive rash that gives the disease its name — "lupus" is the Latin word for "wolf" because doctors once thought the rash resembled a wolf bite — doesn't occur in every case.

Most people with lupus have one thing in common, however, and that's the tendency of the disease to get decidedly worse in episodes called flares and then to improve or even disappear completely for a time.

A few important facts:

* Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which affects approximately 50,000 Canadians. In lupus, the immune system that protects the body from germs, viruses and bacteria begins to malfunction and fails to distinguish between the body's own tissues and these foreign invaders. As a result, the immune system attacks different parts of the body itself, causing inflammation in those tissues. This inflammation gives rise to the symptoms that characterize lupus.

* Lupus can affect men, women and children of all ages, However, it develops most frequently in women between the ages of fifteen and forty-five. In this age range, lupus is eight times more common in women than in men. For individuals younger than 15 or older than 45, lupus seems to affect either sex equally.

*Lupus is more prevalent than AIDS, sickle-cell anemia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined. Research data shows that between 1,400,000 and 2,000,000 people have been diagnosed with lupus. (Study conducted by Bruskin/Goldring Research, 1994)

Test yourself for LUPUS...

~Have you ever had achy, painful and/or swollen joints for more than three months?
~Do your fingers and/or toes become pale, numb or uncomfortable in the cold?
~Have you had any sores in your mouth for more than two weeks?
~Have you ever been told that you have a low blood count(s) - anemia, low white cell count or a low platelet count?
~Have you ever had a prominent redness or colour change in the shape of a butterfly across the bridge of your nose and cheeks?
~Have you ever had an unexplained fever over 100 degrees for more than a few days?
~Have you ever had a sensitivity to the sun where your skin "breaks out" after being in the sun (not a sunburn)?
~Have you ever had chest pain with breathing for more than a few days (pleurisy)?
~Have you ever been told you have protein in your urine?
~Have you ever experienced persistent, extreme fatigue and weakness for days or even weeks at a time, even after 6-8 hours of restful nighttime sleep?
~Have you ever had a seizure or convulsion?

~If you answer "yes" to at least three of these questions, there is a possibility you may have lupus. We suggest you call your doctor for an examination and to discuss any questions you may have about lupus (Taken from the Lupus Foundation of Ontario website)

Lupus International
Lupus Canada
The Lupus Foundation of America

mustwrite, mustwrite, mustwrite

I am beginning to hate my job....well that's not quite right. I still enjoy my job. I just hate the fact that I have to be there 40+ hours a week. On my day off I take the kids to school and am faced with all the moms who know each other and chat away together. They help out at the school and are always home for their kids. I want that too!

Of course this all started with my oldest commenting that she only sees me a little bit anymore because I am always working. Yes insert knife and twist. She was haveing a 'dramatic moment' but still it hurt.

I don't expect that writing will suplement my income, but if I was sucessful enough to work part time a few days a week. I'd be happy with that. That way I could be home with them. At 7 and 9 I don't have many years left before they aren't going to want to spend time with me anymore. I'll be the dorky mum that embarasses them in public. Right now they think I'm funny.

Yea I know your thinking the 'grass is always greener and all that shit'. Sure stay at home moms don't have it easy and work just as hard as the rest of us. Many of them babysit to help cover expenses. Not my cuppa. I'm not looking for the easy way. I just want to spend more time with my kids. I'll be happy to work full time after they have moved out and I am looking for an escape from my husband LOL

Plots and Patterns

Ok I admit it, I have a secret obsession with more then just Supernatural. I also adore Wallace & Gromit. I have for years. Thankfully the girls love them too so I can watch the movies when ever I want and no one ever knows. LOL Of course I kinda let the cat out of the bag right now, but that's ok.

Over the past couple weeks I have finally finished up some knitting projects. One for each of the girls and for hubby. So this morning I started on one for myself. I don't expect I'll finish it. I rarely finish the projects I start for myself, but this one is really funky. I'll post a picture of it when it's done.
Granted starting a new project this close to the end of October isn't the greatest of ideas, but then it will give me something to do during Nov. brainstorming sessions. That pattern is really easy so it's not somthing that I have to follow closely and will distract me.

Last night was one of the most boring nights at work, Honestly I thought it would never end LOL So after writing a letter to a friend. (Yes I occasionally put pen to paper and use snail mail LOL) I started working on the overall act to my trilogy. Good idea until I realized that I might have to change BiS a bit. No point in exposing the baddie at the end of the first book. This also means that I have to have a bunch of clues dispursed through out all three books and still have the romance in each one be the focal point. It's a hell of a project I've created for my self, but if it was simple it would be boring. Hopefully that story turns out a funky as my sweater. *G*