Pocket Lint

Well well well....

2012-01-03T18:40:00.002-06:00

It's Twenty Twelve.... hey that rhymes....

Will say that I am thrilled that Twenty Eleven has gone on it's merry way. It was a rough year. Really rough year.

But it was also one of the best years! Fulfilled my one year probation (YES!!! ONE WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR!!!) without getting may ass turfed out the door. It's kinda funny because at my three quarters of the way through evaluation my boss put down something that really had nothing to do with my job performance as a something that needed to be worked on. After I explained to her again the circumstances behind the incident she dropped her pencil on the desk and stated "I'm sorry, I have to put it. No One is perfect." To which I replied, "well then, I guess I am No One!" We laughed and it was removed prior to being sent upstairs for their approval.

On the kid front, #1 worked at a few jobs this year. Some good, one not so good. He ended the year employed full time with a small company that is treating him really well. Looks like the boss is going to foot the bill for the Apprenticeship program.... Have to see how that goes. And #2 got a job. Yes, you read correct.... he GOT A JOB!!! The humble beginnings of many a stellar person.... McD's.... he loves the paycheques, not the work, but soon came to realize that one must work in order to get paid.

SG is doing better. As you probably don't know, he was assaulted on the job in the beginning of July which led to a rough rough time. He's better now, back at work and living his life. This is good.

The dogs (yeah, still four of them, try as I might I just cannot part with any of them) are still around. They have their own room now. They take turns sleeping in our room, one at a time. Makes them feel a little special for a couple of days. Gotta spread the love you know.

And what else. Christmas was good. Nice. Too much food. Lower end on the gift scale but you know, that's life every now and again. If every Christmas was a feast you wouldn't know to enjoy them without the odd famine.

Oh, and I turn 50 this year. Yes, yes I do. And I am looking forward to it. Really. I am. The start of the 2nd half of my century is something to look forward to... And there better be one frickin' big party planned. Or I may just run away from home and never come back....

Ciao!

Six Months

2011-09-21T19:10:00.002-05:00

Well, at least it was yesterday. Which was when I wanted to post.

But couldn't.

Being that it had been eight months since there was any consistency what so ever with posting on the blog, and pure luck that I was able to remember how to do it four days prior, I could not FOR THE LIFE OF ME!!!! get logged in yesterday. I tried many passwords, many log in names, many combinations of passwords and log in names until such time I managed to lock myself out entirely.

I was forced to contact Google accounts to see about getting me and my blog reset.

And I will be honest. Even in the drunkest of times when posting blither blather that may have made it for your viewing pleasure, or was deleted prior to anyone having viewed it as an early morning wake up was the result of a terror stricken "OMG.... I posted last night!!" ~ yes it has happened ~ I have never, ever, EVER! forgotten how to log in to my blog.

Oh sure, I could blame it on the new gig and the multitude of passwords and log in's I must carry with me. Some of which are required to be changed every 90 days... damn security. Or I could blame it on the fact that it really has been a long time since I was hanging around here. Or that I've got a ton of stuff on my mind and twice the tonnage of stress to go along with it.... But I won't.

I think, and please don't persecute me for it, that the fact that I'll be turning 50 in 6 months, well, today it's 6 months less a day, has everything to do with it.

Not that 50 is old. It isn't by any stretch of the imagination.... or at least that what I'm attempting to convince myself. Given the life I've been living over the last 18 months or so everyday there is a mantra chanted.... 'you can do it, you still have it, you're only 32'....

I won't lie.... for the most part I cannot BELIEVE!!!! that I will be 50 in 6 months (well, less a day... and don't you dare say I'm on the downward slide or I will hunt you down and do you harm!). It's an age that I've been looking forward to if I must be honest.

But I don't want to go into my 50's the way I am right now.

I have said in the past that when I turned 50 I will get a tattoo. I have also said that I will learn how to ride, and get a license to do so, a motorcycle. And I've have harboured a deep desire to take a winter vacation to somewhere hot, very hot.

But I will not do any of those things the way I am at 49 and 1/2 (well, less one day on the 1/2 part. Overweight, out of shape, teetering on the verge of high blood pressure (must get back to using ABB).

So, with the free use of fully equipped gym at my beck and call (bit of a struggle over who gets to use the treadmill, but I will win most of those battles), a solid diet plan in place, I will take on 50 the way I want to take on 50.

Great shape (both physically and mentally), not to mention a hot body perched on a motorcycle, a tattoo that will look fantastic on firmly toned skin and sportin' that bikini on the beach during the cold winter months....

This is my goal for 50!

I will keep you posted on my progress. I shall share it all by sharing my measurements, my weight loss, my progress. And I shall continue to fill you with memorable words that you will hopefully laugh, cry, and shake your head at.

But most of all, I hope you enjoy the words I write. And... if you don't, it doesn't matter. Because at my age.... it's about time it becomes all about me....

Oh.... and by the way.... Google accounts provided no solution what so ever.... It was actually a four am wake-up where I found myself sitting straight up in bed going "OMG... this is how you log in"....

Ciao!

Long time, no words

2011-09-17T20:31:00.002-05:00

I haven't analyzed anything but I know it's been awhile.

I thought that I didn't want to keep on with Pocket Lint. I don't know why. I think I thought that a different blog, one that started fresh and was somewhat anonymous would be a better fit.

So I started it. And.... yeah failed to keep up with it.

Life has been quite crazy for oh, let's say that last 19 months, which those dedicated readers know. But I do believe that some sort of 'normalcy' may have returned to my life. Uh, yeah, maybe not so much, but some!

The stress of leaving the job that I could've had for the rest of my life to take on a position that was purely a gamble as to whether I would be collecting 'employment insurance' (formerly referred to UI.... wow that was a long time ago) has pretty well diminished. I'm three months away from finishing my 12 month probation period with the Federal Government and, if my performance evaluations and Award of Distinction have anything to say about it, I should be okay.

The boys have grown up while I've been waffling about through my life.

#1 is working full time and #2 just got his second paycheque from his first job. I'm very thrilled to tell you that he started where I first started. You got it, the Golden Arches..... I'm guessing he's doing well as he's scheduled beyond belief for the next week. And yeah, I'm thinking we have to do something about these Friday and Saturday night shifts whereby he works until midnight.... Mama's working Monday to Friday now and needs to 'chill' on the weekend :).

SG has had a troubling summer. After being assaulted, on the job, in the beginning of July, he's been off. It's been a rough road for him, very rough. And pretty rough for me as well. But, he, and we, are working through it. It'll turn out okay. More on that to follow.

So yeah, back to my ramblings. I've said it before and I'm saying it again now.... I miss my blog, I miss the writing and the venting and the observations and .... well I just miss it Damn It!!!

There's plenty to catch up on and more to write about I'm certain.

So that I shall do....

See you.... Sooner, rather than later!

I need answers here...

2011-01-19T01:57:00.002-06:00

Can someone please tell me what they would've done when they received a phone call from an off duty police officer who just happened upon, oh let's say, their son, who just happened to be doing brake stands and some sort of drifting activity in the parking lot of a gas station.

With other cars right there in the parking lot.

Not to metion the gas pumps RIGHT THERE!!!!!!

And, why not, let's toss in no license on his person to prove that he has earned the right to drive the car.

Because I'm really not sure I did the right thing....

Thanks, appreciate it.

Okay, I've missed you....

2011-01-16T01:53:00.001-06:00

My lovely little blog.

I still haven't figured out if I can continue with you but I'm sorta thinking I can.... provided I have no reference AT ALL!!! to any of the stuff that I can't talk about.

So.... off limits shall be my professional life. And all things associated with it.

Well, other than the fact that I love my job!

ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I'VE EVER MADE!!!!

And, it hasn't caused me any undue stress or given me any of the nightmares I thought would come in dealing with the stuff I have to deal with. It's amazing to think that there are things you thought you could never handle but when faced with them, you really can....

Much like parenting teenagers, who would've thought that that they'd give us what they do? Make us handle what they hand out? Sheesh...

Did I mention I love my job....??? Okay, never mind...

I will say that I thought I could easily give up my lovely little blog. That it wouldn't be a problem to get rid of the outlet that I have to express my thoughts and be creative and write and, yeah, well, vent about the life that I live.

But it wasn't. I can't.

I need this space, and this place, to write and share what is my life. Because really, within all the hell that goes on here (there's plenty I might add), the stress that presents itself (always uninvited), the heartache and sorrow, there is happy and wonderful that goes on too. My life is really quite hilarious.... at least in my mind...

So here it shall be....

Watch out!

33 days

2010-12-31T13:23:00.001-06:00

Crap.

That's a long time between blog posts.

Good news is my gamble paid off. You know, the one where I left a good paying permanent job I could've had for the rest of my life to take a drop in pay and go to a "term position" with the hopes of becoming a permanent employee of the Federal Government.

The last 11 months have not been easy. The drop in pay being a little tougher to handle than I thought. Never mind the fact that I was under the impression that the waiting period for benefits was three months...not six. And benefits, whether you believe or not, count for so much.

It was tough.

But, on December 8th I became an "indeterminate" (that means permanent by the way) employee of our Federal Government. I have a 365 day probation period (real world is 90 days, but I'm quickly discovering that normal for the FG {Federal Government} is not normal for the RW {real world} but should make it through just fine. I mean seriously, I had two performance reviews where they could find absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing!!!! to gripe about).

It also means a substantial raise in pay. Thank you Lord Jesus I must yell! Once all the dust settles I will be incredibly close, if not slightly above, the salary I left when I decided to take this journey.

I may, however, not regain the years that I lost due to stress. Nor may the wrinkles that adorn my brow and the area around my eyes and mouth ever go away. But I'm making more money now, I can afford a facelift if needed.

I'm also trying to decide if I can keep the blog going. There are rules and regulations where people in my position are concerned. And I think they're advising that this kind of stuff shouldn't go on.

I don't know.

I need to review the documentation and figure out if I can keep it going.

But for now, all is well, Christmas was wonderful. SG pulled off an amazing feat for a first timer. Oh yeah,.... I had to work. He did it all, from the gift shopping to most of the wrapping to all (and I mean ALL!!) of the cooking. I came home to a celebration that could not have been any better had I done it. I won't lie. It was weird. But I was impressed and happy.

New Year's will be the same. I work. But it's okay.

It's New Year's Eve and SG and whomever else will be here and awake when I arrive home at 00:13 hours to bring in the New Year with them. Unless y'all are heading this way to clean my house, prep the appetizers and feast that will await me upon my arrival home from a long nights work, (I start work at 14:00 hours in case that's what you're planning) I will give kisses and hugs to all those that are.

Happy New Year Everyone.

May your 2011 be everything you wish for.

Mine will be.

Love Jodie

A wittle update....

2010-11-28T04:28:00.000-06:00

Soooo.... kinda blew the every second day post mandate I had for myself this month. But that's okay. I had a lot going on, still do, and wasn't really in the right frame of mind to post much of anything anyway.

Not true. What I felt like writing I couldn't. What I wanted to write I shouldn't.

Anywooo, we're getting ready for Christmas over here. I've actually started the shopping. I know, I know, a little early for me but the deal was too good to pass up. That shall continue as the days go on. The shopping thing I mean. The deals? Well we take 'em when we get 'em!

I've started baking too. Well, I never stop baking, but now I'm baking Christmas type baking. And, it is now that I realize how much I truly miss my Maggie. Where the hell am I going to hide all the stuff? I used to drive around with it in the trunk of my car so that it wouldn't all get devoured within two days. With it in the trunk of my car, well, it allowed me to have some as the holiday's got closer.

Now I don't have a trunk. And there's only so much room in the bar-b-que.

Got the house decorations out yesterday and put them up. I think next year it will be time to re-think the decorations and maybe come up with something different. Same old, same old, kinda boring.

I'm planning the Christmas party for the office. Not having attended one previously I was a little hesitant to take on the job. Turns out it should be quite simple as the masses want it held at a dining establishment this year as opposed to a pot luck type gathering at a hall.

And I'm expecting some mail. Some people thought the mail would've arrived last week but I didn't really think so. I'm hoping for Monday or Tuesday.

Then we shall commence the celebration and share the news!

Back to bed for me. The dogs started barking at 1:52 am and I've been awake since then...

Stress, Stress, Stressy!!

2010-11-17T09:44:00.002-06:00

So... I've had to re-apply for my job. Which, to say the least, has been rather piss me off in a very stressful kind of way.

Us "temp" girls were suppose to "roll over" into the full time permanent jobs that opened up.

We are all excited and happy and relieved. We all took a chance taking this "temp" job but knew that it would all end up okay in the end.

Then.... the full time permanent jobs were reclassified, resulting in oh about eleven thousand dollars a year more in salary. And then the delays began.

I'm not sure why, but I have some ideas. None of which I can put down here on the w w w.

Anyway, the deadline for the job was on Monday, midnight Pacific time. I had submitted mine about twelve hours before the deadline.

And then, being one of the more patient type people in the world (no really I am... I'm just nosy that's all) I went on the job site a few hours later. Don't know why, just did.

Actually I was thinking that they saw my application, went "whoaaaa let's grab HER right away", well, not really, I know that this stuff takes a lot longer than 2 or 3 hours... I'm learning that it could probably take, if it wanted to, two or three YEARS!!! Anyway, I see that they've extended the freakin' deadline for two more days!!!

I tell ya.... this process may just kill me. Really. Only because I know that my application is stellar, meets all the criteria and should make it through the macro running applicant screener program that decides who's moves forward and who gets left behind.

But seriously, for a chick who was suppose to just "roll over", they sure are making the rolling difficult.

And, the worst thing about this whole process? Well, a couple of things? I have been far too pre-occupied with selling myself to a macro running applicant screener program to be able to hold up my personal goal of every second day on the blog.

And my silver "highlights" seem to have doubled.

Wait, that might have something to do with living with three males and four dogs... I'll need to re-think where to lay the blame for the increase.

Hope runs rampant!

2010-11-08T02:01:00.003-06:00

And I'm back on schedule.

Busy day coming up, which is why I should have my ass in bed.

SG goes for what we're calling his "upsy-downsy" tomorrow. He's got himself some gut trouble and well, we're gonna go find out what the heck is going on. Actually, "we're" not going... SG is going. Hopefully there will be some answers forthcoming and, yeah, well, hopefully we figure it out.

And #1 has an appointment at the clinic to get his ankle checked. I'm fairly certain I didn't tell you all about the ankle, but he f*#ked it up pretty good. Hopefully it's healing well and he's on the mend.

And yes, my last night is tomorrow. The four night run is tough. Particularly with what has been going on in my town.... Hopefully things will settle down a bit.

Hopefully I'll remain alert.

Hopefully I'll stay awake.

There's a lot hope going on here....

And here's hoping I have a good sleep, with no narsty dreams!

Whoops

2010-11-07T01:32:00.000-05:00

I missed a day. Well, let's be honest here... two days. But I'll make up for it.

I'm currently on my four night rotation and well, it's on the weekend.

And the weekend is a busy busy time for me. Everyone's home. There's no down time. And waaay too much to be done.

You really didn't want to be here for my blow up (or uhm blow "ups") today.

It was not pretty.

Don't get me wrong, I love my children. Well, my "adult" child and my "right smack dab in the middle of puberty hell" teenage child. I love them with every ounce of my being.

But if someone had told me way back when that they grow up to become teenagers, uhm, yeah... I may have reconsidered.

It hasn't been easy. As a matter of fact, I'm amazed with myself that I've had, and found, the strength to pull this parenthood thing off.

Anyway, there was a lot of yelling and slamming and banging. I did try to put a hold on the swearing, but yeah, that didn't work. Way too many f bombs dropped today....

But it's almost over. The weekend I mean. And my run of night shifts.

Then, once again, serenity will be mine and I can attempt to tap back into the creative genius I know I have the potential to quite possibly be and get my fingers back on the keyboard and hold up my end of the every second day promise.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Not Giving Up

2010-11-03T20:46:00.002-05:00

I have to say, I never bought into the fact that one day my children would be smarter than me.

I mean, you hope that they will grow up and use the education that they've been given to go far in life.

Possibly further than you have. But not likely. I mean, after all, we are the smarter generation.

However we hope. We dream. We want them to succeed.

Make it in the world.

Make a difference.

But I have to tell you.... when they f*#k around with the internet connection and decide to monopolize the speed so they can play xBox live.... yeah.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

Mommy's still smarter than they are.

And the xBox?

It's safely been put away.

And if he should find it?

Yeah, the power is in the cord.

I have it.

I'm still the smarter one.

NaNoWriMo

2010-11-01T18:24:00.003-05:00

I know, I know... wtf? is NaNoWriMo you're saying to yourself.

I'm trying to come up with various things that it could mean. Humourous type things. Warped type things. Weird things.

But I'm at a loss, so I'll just tell you.

In the real world it's a weird acronym that tells people that November is writing month. The schools use it to challenge their students to write a certain amount of words during the course of the month.

In the blog world its a challenge to other bloggers to write a certain number of posts in the month. A lot of bloggers say they'll post every day during NaNoWriMo. Other bloggers say they'll blog a certain number of blogs during the month.

This blogger is using it as an excuse to just start blogging again....

I'm aiming for 15 posts this month... that means every second day something... anything. Well, it will have to contain words in order to count.

Wish me luck, and I'll see you by the 3rd!!

(Thank you to MC and her always entertaining Facebook account for the reminder)

If you don't have anything....

2010-10-27T02:42:00.002-05:00

So I haven't been around.

And I'm certain you're all wondering and talking to yourselves going like, "wtf" and "is she still alive?" and "how many fingers did she lose in the accident?"

Because y'all care just that much.

I know.....

I didn't have an accident. I still have all my digits. They're just being put to better use. Like aiding in plucking chin hairs. And picking my nose.

And yeah, I'm still alive. Albeit it barely. No, no, no.... I'm not deathly ill. I'm certain I'll live to see at least a few more days. Seriously. I'm healthy.

As far as answering the "wtf"... sorry no can do answer that one!! You wanna think that way then you have to provide the answer... go ahead. Inquisitive and investigative is the way everyone should roll.

Truth be told, there just hasn't been much of anything going on. Well, there has been, but you know... there's only so much one wants to share out here in the world wide web.

And I've adopted a new attitude. If you don't have anything good to say, then just keep your mouth shut.

Yep. That's the way I'm rolling these days.

But, there is hope....

So my return is imminent.... see you soon!

Ciao!

Visual Delights

2010-10-01T13:22:00.004-05:00

Here's a look at what was going on around here this summer. Enjoy!

I'll have some words for you soon....

Ciao!

On the mend

2010-09-16T11:39:00.002-05:00

I'm not the kind of person who takes medications or goes to the doctor when I know it's just a simple cold. I don't like putting things in my body that aren't really meant to be there. You know, like drugs and antibiotics and stuff.

Wine is different however. Oh, and beer, beer's okay too.

But this cold I've had has kicked my ass six ways from Sunday. I've never had anything like this hang on for as long as this one has.

So I finally broke down and called the doctor.

Well, me actually breaking down could be translated to the threat "get to the doctors or move out" as so eloquently stated by SG. Apparently my coughing and nose-blowing started to get to him and as such, well, yeah.

I called the doctor.

Told him of my sinus condition and the colour of mucous (use your imagination here people, it's bad enough I had to look at it, I'm certainly not going to relive it describing it to you). And about how the coughing was so bad that I was starting to see the beginnings of a "six pack" on my gut. He of course could not see me for weeks ~ love the healthcare ~ so opted to phone in a 'script for me so I could hopefully get better, albeit not diagnosed.

And... my wonderful health practioner decided to cover all the bases, seeing as it was sight and sound unseen, and well, yeah.

Horse pills have I. And two weeks worth of them too! Twice a day!!!!!

I can barely swallow what used to be a birth control pill. If your size challenged on that, think about a the size of a lentil bean.

Anyway, I'm choking (literally!) them down in the hopes that I will be able to once again laugh without losing a lung. Blow my nose and not sound like a freight train coming through a tunnel. I have a Ball to attend in about a week and a half and need to be healthy.

Yes, you read right... A Ball! As in fancy dress and dinner and dance and well, stuff... who knows what else.

I've never been to a Ball.

Ciao!

Sneeze Cough Cough Sneeze

2010-09-11T07:46:00.004-05:00

Well, my return to the blogging world this past week has been marred by what is probably the worst cold I've ever had.

This sucker hit me like a freight train last Sunday/Monday. Started with an annoying little tickle in the back of my nose and then BOOM!!! The inability to breathe through my nose and the sore throat were there, saying "Hello!!! We're here to make you feel like shit for the next however long".

Couple that with #2 heading to high school. Thank gawd he's somewhat independent and could manage to get most of his crap organized without my help. Because I couldn't. I just couldn't. It went well for him by the by. He's already figured out he can walk to the fast food joints at lunch and as such has his hand out. Now he just needs to figure out he has to get a job in order to continue this lunch time ritual. Or return to eating the gourmet lunches his mommy is still prepare for him. Nothing like PB & J on stale rye bread to make a kid come running for more.

And then to make it even more fun, girl dog is flaunting her back end at boy dog. And boy dog is going crazy. We keep them seperate but the scent is still there. Particularly when she's in the house, he's locked up in the office here, where I sit, seeking peace and quiet and escape from the world, and she's got her ass end parked next to the door... Yeah, no peace and quiet here! And if that's not bad enough, the little Princess has also started the same thing. Two females in heat at the same time... I guess the only thing better would be to have all three of them at once. And as luck would have it, the Synder girl will start up just as the first two finish, making it oh, probably a solid month of female canine friskiness.... I need my head read I must say.

So anyway, I'm feeling better. Other than the panic attack in the middle of night which caused me to have some difficulties breathing. SG had something to do with it I know because as I was waking up, in a sitting position, panting and trying to breathe, I heard him say something along the lines of "that's it, you're going to the hospital".... Not sure if this was a prediction or just what it was. I'm hoping he was talking in his sleep and not predicting physical harm that would result in a trip to the ER.... I'm joking. Maybe. Nah, I'm pretty sure I got me some bronchitis that should be looked at and drugs administered for.

Ciao.

In Point Form

2010-09-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

- I'm feeling like crap. #1 brought home the sneezes and absolutely refused to cover his mouth so yeah, now I'm feeling like crap

- The girl dog is feeling frisky. And I am no where near feeling well enough to deal with that shit

- The males in the house, as in 'human males', are in some kind of testosterone battle and, well, I don't want to deal with that shit either

- According to the fashion rules I can no longer where white after tomorrow, which has me wondering if it's still okay to wear my summer shoes... which aren't white

- #2 starts high school in 3 days and I still need 7 days to get him into some kind of sleeping schedule

- There's more freakin' cucumbers that need to be turned into pickles (or something)...

- I'm still holding a grudge against the blight that took over my tomatoes

- I'm tired and going to bed

Ciao!

Now you know what I did this summer

2010-09-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

Well, one things for sure, I certainly didn’t spend any time on the blog.

It was kind of a weird summer here in the Pocket. Not a “weird” kind of weird, just a wacky kind of weird.

Back in June #1 graduated. Yep, I got me a high school graduate. SG and I were involved in the evening’s festivities, volunteering to be part of the security committee. Which, by the by, was probably the easiest gig we could’ve got. Nothing too strenuous, just stand in the hallway and make sure the future leaders of the world don’t go where they’re not supposed to. There was a lovely dinner and honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to put that much starch and carbohydrates on a plate. I thought wrong. I guess they needed to load the kids up with as much as possible to absorb the alcohol that would be flowing. You know, keep them somewhat sober. Anyway, it was good. I am proud. Very proud.

#2 also made it out of the middle school and is high school bound. He missed his farewell by choice. Something along the lines of “I’ve spent too many mandatory years with these people I’m not spending my optional time with them too”. I was sad he missed it. It looked like a good time from some of the pictures I had seen on Facebook. He's changed his major. What was once Computers and Culinary has now become Welding. That's my #2... all over the map.

July was spent working mostly evenings, which was different. I got to spend more time in the garden and the pool and with the boys. Well, limited time with the boys. Something about them staying up until all hours of the night thereby sleeping until noon or two… Working evenings is very different than working days. It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere as it’s just the clerks and the people who carry the guns. There were some pretty interesting things happening in and around town. And one thing I’ve learned is that while you think people are weird, you really have no idea how weird… And, further on the work front, things are looking pretty good. The period of the unknown is nearly over and I do believe that my decision to leave a full time permanent gig that I could do in my sleep to take on the temporary term gig that I had no clue about is paying off. Permanent fulltime public servant I shall be…, hopefully the end of the month. And…. I’ll be changing from a clerk who works long and crazy shifts to a clerk that has a Monday to Friday eight to four shift. I’ll be working alongside the big wigs as the admin and finance clerk. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the mix up in the work life, but really, deep down inside, I am a Monday to Friday kinda girl.

Okay, back to what I did this summer.

We attempted to take some vacation. Got away camping for a few days, which was gloriously wonderful. I love camping. SG was somewhat disappointed that we didn’t get more camping in or even some fishing done, but when funds are limited and the motor for the boat decides to bite it and bite it to the tune of too much money to fix it right then and there, well, yeah, no fishing. We hope to get out again this fall and spend a few more nights in the tent.

August brought an early bounty from the garden. It looked to be a stellar year for the tomatoes and corn and cukes and stuff. Then the blight set in and I think we maybe had a dozen or so tomatoes that were edible. The corn showed huge promise which prompted thoughts about a pig and corn roast. And then the corn turned and well yeah, it became basically a waste of space. Oh, it also doubled as an obstructed view that the dogs quickly figured out and would run behind and take off because, well, I couldn’t see them. The cukes however were, and still are, plentiful and I’ve managed to do what will no doubt amount to a record amount of pickling.

It was a hot month, which is typical for August, and a lot of time was spent in the pool, in the sun, and outside on the decks. A lot of eating and drinking went on which means I gained a few pounds but got a helluva good tan.

I’m still without a car, which is okay. I’m really liking the lack of loan payment and reduced insurance premium. There’s talk that they’re going to get me a van. Our old van. The Venture van. And while SG is thoroughly enjoying his truck, the van is a good idea. The truck isn’t really practical (believe it or not) for family life. The van will be much more conducive. And I think I shall name it Chad.

It was a different kind of summer. And while it doesn’t sound like much, it was a pretty good summer. Now it’s back to school time for #2 and time for #1 to figure out what he’s going to do with his life. Oh to be seventeen again…. Wait, that’s a whole different blog.

Ciao!

Finally

2010-07-15T11:09:00.002-05:00

I remembered the password!

So here I am, with lots having happened and lot more going to happen.

I guess the most important thing I need to tell you about is that the #1 son is okay. He's got himself some whiplash and some spinal misalignment, a few scrapes and scratches but he is, for the most part, going to be fine. I think back on how bad it could've turned out and I never want to let him out of my sight again.

Yes, that's my Maggie. He flipped her twice while avoiding hitting the deer that ran out in front of him.

But as I said, he's going to be okay. And I thank our Guardian Angel for looking out for him!

More to come.... just later.

Ciao!

Watch This.... Really... Watch This!!!

2010-06-05T02:53:00.004-05:00

Okay. So y'all know I'm somewhat fanatical about my boy John. And it's been kinda hard to explain why I am that way to people who don't really want to get it.

And, in fear of blabbing my face off and turning you right away from clicking on the link, I shall just say this:

Watch this. And then watch it again. Hell, maybe even 2 more times after that.

And then, watch it one more time, but I mean really watch it. And by watch it, I mean watch it AND listen to it. He has this really nifty way of making the guitar talk. Then you stand a chance of knowing why I'm somewhat fanatical about my boy John.

Oh, and a well kept secret? I'm almost as fanatical about Keith too.

Ciao!

We interrupt this absence....

2010-06-03T00:57:00.002-05:00

Got some news that absolutely MUST be shared!

After far too long, and two too many attempts, #1 got his license today.

Yes, yes he did.

He passed the test, including the parallel parking, in my beloved Maggie.

He was pretty pleased. As was I. Maybe.

Then, guess who shows up at my work right after school, asking if he can take the car? I would've thought he would have waited at least until the next day.

But noooo....

And you're never gonna believe this next part!

I gave him the keys!! Yes, yes I did. Was I stroking out a little bit? Did my already "slightly high" blood pressure go a wee bit higher? Was I incredibly distracted and thankful that it was a slow night at work? Uh huh...

But, if you think THAT is hard to believe, wait until you read this!! Are you sitting down? If not, you better.

Later on in the evening, I get a call from SG who just wanted to advise me to be on the alert for his call. I asked why and then nearly fell over.

He let #1 use the brand new truck!!! Oh wait, many of you didn't read about the truck yet, I didn't tell you the story.... van was a write off, got a new Ford. But maybe more on that later.

He let #1 use the brand new truck.... Yes, yes he did!!

The day I thought was going to be a loooonnnnng time coming, well, it came. And on the very same day the boy got the license yet!!

Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable!!

The funniest part about the whole thing was when #1 was talking about how nervous he was driving by himself and how aware he had to be of absolutely everything. He said it was hard not having the extra set of eyes. The situation didn't improve any when the police were following him as he cruised around town. He assumes that I pulled some strings and stuff and that they were sent out to do just that. Follow him around. Like they have nothing better to do.... So SG said to him, "That's right, they know who you are and they will be watching you."

Far be it for me to confirm or deny.

I think I'll just let him keep thinking that.

Ciao!

More visual

2010-05-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

I know you want words. And believe me, I want to give you words.

I'm just trying to figure out a way to put into words what it is I want to say. That's all.

So, in order to possibly tide you over and maybe keep you coming back, I'm showing you my fantastical photography skills.

I'll see you in a week or so....

Ciao!

Picture Show

2010-05-20T09:18:00.003-05:00

Ciao!

It's all in the Interpretation

2010-05-06T08:49:00.002-05:00

One of the things that I find interesting about being a parent to two teenage boys is that, well, they're not quite like girls. Which is obviously obvious I know, but I'm talking about the inner pysche thing. Their thought processes tend to be a little different than a girls.

Okay, who am I kidding. Their thought processes are a LOT different!!

Take, for example, when asked "Could you please clean up the kitchen, get the dishes put away and make sure the counters are clean for when your mother gets home from work tonight."

Well, I've paraphrased that somewhat because I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to read the exact wording .... I know it was probably a lot harsher and more than likely said with a volume level some might consider yelling. Hey, we're a loud household here, put your ear plugs in.

And I will say, I was pleasantly surprised the other night when I walked in at midnight and saw that my kitchen was tidy.

Okay, I was totally blown away.

You see, I'm used to coming home at night to one of two scenarios. Either the supper dishes are scattered all over the counter or they're neatly stacked in piles beside the sink. Waiting for me to wash them up. Sometimes they're rinsed. Sometimes they're not.

But the counters were clean. There weren't any dirty dishes to be seen! It was fabulous. I stood back and smiled. And thought, wow, I guess they've finally discovered that "considerate" gene. I was pretty pleased.

Short lived however. As I walked over to turn on the light above the sink, I saw it. Turns out the dishes were just placed in the sink. Rinsed and neatly stacked. Waiting, once again, for me to wash them up.

But hey, the counters were clean. Which goes to prove the theory that teenagers only hear the last few words of any sentence that contains a call to action.

Ciao!

Sunday Morning adventure...

2010-04-25T11:40:00.002-05:00

I would've much rather been on the golf course ....

As some of you know, and many of you don't, SG was involved in a wee little traffic accident this past week. He's okay, a tad sore, some bones outta place, not broken, strained muscles, you know, the kind of injuries you sustain when you hit another car.

We went to the compound this morning to get the rest of his personal effects out of it.

We're not sure if it's going to be written off. Or repaired.

Ciao!

Talk about stage fright....

2010-04-17T18:59:00.003-05:00

I've had a number of great blogs lately. Written in my head. Just there. No where else. Because life has been full of really, really, REALLY!!! interesting stuff.

I've been writing them in my head, but I just haven't had the time to sit down and type the frickin' things out. Really, I haven't. In case you didn't hear, we had puppies. Well, not "we"... the Girl Dog and the Boy Dog. They had the puppies. And while Girl Dog does the best she can to take care of them, most of the responsiblity eventually falls upon us, the humans, to make sure they survive. Make sure they grow to be the best puppies that those people who purchase them could possibly have. And, in case you were wondering, this takes up a fair bit of time. Earlier mornings, later nights. Trips home at lunch (yeah... I know... I can now, so I do!!), feeding, watering, playing, walking, feeding... well I'm sure you get the picture. Not to mention that they are so bloody cute, with their personalities starting to come out and the kerfuffling that goes on... You just want to spend time with them and nothing else.

And yes, I just typed kerfuffling...

Had some stuff going on with #1... I'm sure you all saw the picture. I am so freakin' proud of that kid. Just goes to prove the saying, "Throw enough shit at the wall and some of it's bound to stick". Apparently the continual hounding and asking and telling and yelling and freaking out right on to his head is working. For the most part I guess. At least the parts where it counts. He's graduating in a little over two months and, he's almost trustworthy enough to let him drive my Maggie. Well, that's when he passes his road test. No wait, maybe not.... Oh, and the "insert name of female friend here" hassles. Who knew teenage girls could be so... such... I don't know, if she don't smarten up she's going to have to deal with me....

Then there's my #2. He, who decides when and if he wants to... This child has given me more grey hair in the last couple of months than I'm sure I could've possibly earned in the last ten years! My first fourteen year old wasn't this bad, why does my second one have to be? Did they change something in the feed for the cows that has caused the milk to have different hormones in it that will inevitably change the way your child behaves??? That being said... he can still pull it off if he wants to. But only when he wants to.

Fun times I do say!

But for now, I must tend to the remaining few pups, and then I'm off to pluck the chin hairs that always seem to show up in times of stress. If you don't know about chin hairs, well I'm envious. If you want to know about pups, just ask!

Ciao!!

Not that I'm bragging or anything

2010-04-09T08:23:00.004-05:00

But that there is a Gold Medal for the 2010 Manitoba Skills Competition.

And, uh, yeah... my kid won it....

Ciao!

Whoa...it's April

2010-04-03T22:47:00.001-05:00

Where the hell has the time gone??

It's seems like it was just a few days ago I was celebrating joining the ranks of the "48 year club" and, well, it wasn't just a few days ago. It was like three weeks ago.

Oh well. They say times go by faster as you get older.

So let's see, what's been happening....

I'm feeling kinda sad today. SG's Grandma passed away. And while she was ready and willing to go, it is still a heart wrenching thing. Such a fabulously solid woman. A Grandmother to six. A Great Grandmother to 16 and a Great-Great Grandmother to fiver. Rest in Peace my love.... and make sure you catch the big one!! You will be missed.

Work is good. Very good. I'm off on course in another couple of weeks. Which will give me the full load of training that I've been waiting for. Now, just to figure out just what the hell it is I'm doing...

The boys have been driving me bonkers. And when I say "the boys" I mean... all of the boys!!! But, as they say, spring is in the air.... hopefully once that passes their brains will return.

Puppies galore around here as well. They are cute as all get out... yes, you read that right ~~ cute as all get out!! We've sold two for sure, three if we agree to board until the end of May. And giving the work schedule that I've got, I'm thinking that may be okay...

So #2 is giving me grief about my computer use... funny, it hasn't been that much lately and he's all up in my case because apparently, he wants me to make popcorn... bugger. I shall return, sooner rather than later.

Ciao!

Birthday Sunrise

2010-03-20T08:44:00.002-05:00

It's was beautiful.

Because after "Co" comes "Cu"

2010-03-18T20:43:00.002-05:00

We recently found ourselves in the oh so nifty position of helping #2 make what will no doubt be a life altering decision. A decision that weighed quite heavily in the air for the two weeks they gave him to make this decision.

I've always been very thankful that the next school my children would attend, after the early and middle years school, which by the way, someone thought would be a good idea to change the names from "elementary" and "junior high" to the aforementioned descriptors, only to change them back to ... well, you get my point. For crying out loud, it's always been elementary and it's always been junior high and it's always been high school. We, the parents who are in and around my age, have always called them that. And then some wise ass comes along and thinks "early years" and "middle years" is the way to go.... I'm guessing someone got their brains and or their balls back and put the kibosh on that crap. Because now we're back to elementary and junior high.

Anyway, off track here. I'm glad that they have the opportunity to attend a school where they can learn more than just academics. They can test the waters and enter the world of various trades or head off to get the education they'll need in order to get them into University. The choices are endless. #1 has pursued his desire to be a mechanic. And as such, will graduate this year with the foundation to head off in that direction. And while I'm glad he's been given the knowledge to do this, I'm more blown away by the fact that he's graduating... And on time yet!! Shit, hope I didn't just curse it. After all, there's still a little under 3 months to go. But I shall keep the faith.

So #2 is there next year. At the high school. And, as I knew with #1, I know with #2. He's a hands on kinda guy and at this point in his life will not tolerate the pen to paper gig that he'd need to do in order to head off to University. So... he was faced with the decision of just what he thought he should take. Me, I know that computers and programming is what he should do. The kid is a frickin' genius when it comes to that kind of stuff. Or theatrics. I still, to this day, curse myself for not getting him involved with an acting group. But hey, there's still time if I can get it together. Anyway... I didn't interfere. I let him peruse the booklet and try and figure out by the words on the paper just what it was that he thought he might want to do. I'd occasionally toss in "so, getting any closer to figuring it out?" and he'd ignore me. So I stood back.

And then, we're sitting here one night and he says "Mom, I've decided what I want to take next year." Heaving a huge sigh of relief, because quite frankly, I was getting the feeling he was wanting to spend another year in grade nine while he made up his mind, I cautiously said, "You have? That's great!" And with my new found art of knowing where to place the pregnant pauses, I waited. I didn't want to push the envelope and force what might just be what I didn't want to hear out of him.

"I'm gonna take computers. But not the whole computer curriculum."

This didn't really make sense to me but I waited. For what seemed like an eternity. And then I asked, "Okay, so what else has peaked your interest?"

"Well, you see. I figure that with taking the two pre-requisite computer courses for grade ten I'll know if that's what I really want to do. But I still need to take 3 more courses in order to stay on track so I thought I'd take Culinary Arts too."

"Oh really? And where did this idea come from?" Go ahead, answer me this.... What the hell else was I suppose to say?

"I'm liking the home economics course this year. Cooking is fun. And it's not really that hard. And there's not a lot of writing involved. It'll give me the credits I need for the year and by the end I'll know."

So... I figure I've either got the next Bill Gates or Wolfgang Puck in the making here.

Only time will tell.

Ciao!

Enter room, hang head in ...

2010-03-14T16:02:00.003-05:00

I feel almost kinda weird writing this blog. Sort of like the person that wasn't formally invited to the party but heard it would be okay if she showed up.

I needed to take time to keep the brain where it needed to be so I could learn the new gig. There's been a shit load of stuff to learn, which at the start was somewhat intimidating. I actually spent a day early in the going, doubting me (I know, tough to believe, but it happens to the best of us... that self-doubt thing) and my abilities to learn and whether I would be able to... learn that is. I knew that I could do the job, but only if I learned it. The old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" was starting to make the rounds in my head.

Anyway, I got myself out of that funk. Nothing like a 3 am stern talking to with yourself as you sit on the couch, staring out into the darkness, wondering "What the hell did I do? and realizing that it isn't quite the cakewalk you thought it would be but it was too late now to turn back and that you need to give it absolutely every thing you got and DO IT!!!

So, with 8:30 bedtimes and sleep that completely refreshes and rejuvenates, a slight change in diet, early morning walks and, well, other than those damn Facebook applications, I was focused entirely on getting to where I need to go. (Truth be told, the FB applications brought a really nice ending to the day. Mindless. No thought process involved whatsoever.)

Seemed to work because apparently, and yeah, I'm doing some self back patting here, but... I am that old dog... (not really, not even close to it but I like the saying...) and I'm learning new tricks!! Things are going very well. I'm well ahead of where most new people are. I'm scheduled for more off-site formal training. It's going good and I feel it. And I know this because I've started watching my life again for blog fodder.

Which means, there should be more incredibly high quality and entertaining reading to brighten your day and darken your night!

There, now I feel almost kinda like the person that wasn't formally invited to the party but heard it would be okay if she showed up and just tried to explain why she should be here.

Ciao!

Time Delay = 27 minutes

2010-03-07T08:08:00.003-06:00

I get excited when there's fog at night.

Because I know the morning will bring this...

Imagine what I could do with that Canon I want....

Ciao!

Picture time!!

2010-03-07T07:01:00.000-06:00

This was last weekend. But Blogger was being a bitch and wouldn't let me post...

Pushing Buttons

2010-02-27T08:15:00.003-06:00

There's a few things in this life of mine that really really bother me. Piss me right off if I'm going to be honest with you.

Not that my life isn't good. It is. I'm healthy. I'm happy. Well, happy unless you happen to be doing one of the few things that totally make me go to ten and want to flip out all over your head and face and stuff.

Take for example, sipping from my grape glass. I cannot stand it when someone does that. Or asks to do that... "Here, let me taste it. Just a sip"... Hello??? Get your own glass and sip from it!! This is my grape glass, not yours. I don't care who you are... I don't want you sipping from my grape glass. Oh, and the same can apply to my water, my milk, my beer... get your own!! I see no need in you having some of mine when there's plenty there, go get your own!! Selfish? Who cares, I can't stand this.

And doors. Whether they be the pantry, cupboards, closets, fridge or oven... close the frickin things! They don't need to be left open, they really don't. Especially part way... that drives me right bonkers. I can see if you have your hands full and can't quite maneuver yourself to close it at that precise moment in time. But go back and finish the job. Close the door!!! You opened it so you have the concept down. You understand how it works. It opens. It closes.

I've also had a long standing battle with the toilet seat. Living in a house with three males, I'm sure you can all appreciate and understand this. But really? Why is it so hard to put the damn thing back down when you're finished? You more than likely had to bend over to put it up. All you have to do now is lean forward to flip it to go back down. No bending. Not nearly as much effort as putting it up.... why can this not happen? And all my slamming, and I mean slamming!!! of the seat back to it's original position... yeah, its not working. I know that I should get over it, but why? I've gotten over a lot of things, I don't think I want to let this one slide.

And please, for your own safety, do not stir my pot! If I'm in the kitchen making food to keep you alive and give you energy, keep your hands off my pot!! There's nothing worse than having someone come in and lift the lid and decide the contents need to be stirred!! For the most part, I'm nice about it. "get the f*#k away from my pot!!" is usually what you'll hear. But if you don't listen the first time, I have been known to grab the big spatula and chase you out! There are no second chances! Leave my pots alone dammit!!

I have, however, managed to get over some stuff that use to really piss me off. It's not like I'm high maintenance and prone to temper tantrums if I don't get what I want. I am, after all, an adult and know that some battles are not worth fighting. For example, I no longer fret over the toilet paper roll not being put on the holder. That's what we have a counter for, right? And the lower part of the windows do not need to be clean all the time. I'm a taller kind of girl and never really use that part to look out of anyway. Besides, I'm not fond of cleaning up the dog smudges that are there. I call it smudges, but I'm fairly sure its dog snot. Gross I know. Try cleaning it everyday.. you'd get over it pretty quick too! Oh, and snow on the stairs? I'm past that too. I no longer feel the entrance to my home needs to be clean and clear of snow. As long as you can hold the handrail I see no need to fear that you'll slip. That's why SG put the handrail up. So we didn't need to clear off the snow.

I'm going to stop now. Only because I fear you'll think I'm somewhat neurotic. Or, more neurotic than you already think I am.

Besides, I'm beginning to feel somewhat anxious about the state of the lower portion of my windows. Best to not talk about it.

Ciao!!

Did you see this?

2010-02-25T20:12:00.004-06:00

A photo-chroncile of this morning's sunrise...

If you didn't see it, well now you have!

It was spectacular. And a certain sign that spring is imminent as it was more to the left than to the right!! It also means that I don't have to worry so much about the footprints discovered on the side of the road that, for some reason, stop right in front of the house.

SG thinks I have me a peeper who likes to look into the bathroom window whilst I enter the shower. But not to worry.... there will be some sort of blind installed prior to the change of season in the fall. I mean, really, we're at the point in time that you can't see in now that it's light out... and guess what? It's light out when I'm entering the shower!!

And if that don't work, I've got me some friends that can take care of any peeper that may be out there!

Ciao!

Pardon the Delay

2010-02-22T20:11:00.003-06:00

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control (read: real life has taken over every other aspect of my life, including my www life) the blogs have been delayed. I know, I know, you're getting used to my excuses, but hey, cut me some slack.... geez...

The new job is good. Very good. And y'all be pleased to know that, Yes, Virginia, you can teach an old dog new tricks!! I'm getting it. I'm learning it. It's going great.

Or so I think in my little world.

Big event this past weekend as the previous post alluded to. Damn Girl Dog had puppies. Nine of the little suckers. Well, actually, only eight were little suckers. One was still born. Which seems to be the norm for the Girl Dog. Don't know why. Don't want to know why.

Many requests want to see pictures... well, okay, only a couple, but that could be considered many... whatever... Frankly, there's not much to see right now. Squished noses, eyeballs still sealed shut and well, pretty feeble.

But, in order to please the masses, or well the few of you who want, here you go.

With that, I'll leave it here.

I know, you want more. So does everyone.

But I'm still getting used to having my extra couple of hours a day all to myself.

Don't worry, I'll start to share again soon.

Thanks for hanging around though, I do appreciate it!

Ciao!

Ciao!

Whimpers

2010-02-21T04:05:00.002-06:00

That's the sounds we're hearing around here right about now.

Damn girl dog... just couldn't keep her legs closed!!

There's three so far, all girls. SG's been doing mid wife duty and I'm just wandering around in a sleep deprived, brain exhausted, half a sleep haze...

Ciao

Oh yeah, it's true love

2010-02-14T20:47:00.003-06:00

It's been rather interesting around here this past week.... You know, with what today was...

The 14th of February.

I have this huuuuuge!! issue with Valentine's Day.

I never used to.

Back in my younger days it was always something to look forward to. A special day to spend with the one you love. Maybe have a nice dinner, either out at some fine diner or at home, made together, side by side. The enjoyment of the perfect bottle of grape. It didn't matter that is was fifteen bucks more than you'd usually spend, you knew the night was full of promise and would be nothing short of fabulous.

And then you hit, oh, let's see.... older. And I'm not saying that older isn't better... it's just that older is different. More work. More expensive.

It was Thursday when #1 met me outside as I was getting home from work.. (14 minutes after I was finished by the way.... sorry, I'm still getting a kick outta my new travel time) and asked if he could borrow some money. Now, I really wanted to ask why... or what for. But I found out a while ago that if there's something you don't want to ask either of my offspring is 'why' and 'what for'. Because you never know just what they'll say. And believe me, there is no way you could ever prepare yourself for it either!!

I asked him "How much?" He said "Forty bucks".

I couldn't resist. I mean I tried. But I couldn't. "Why?"

"Sunday if Valentine's Day and I want to take 'insert name of female friend here' out for supper. And I've only got $40."

"Wow. Where were you planning on taking her? I mean really, $80 is a lot of money and I highly doubt you'll be able to spend it on dinner where we live."

"Are you for serious?? I wasn't gonna spend it all on supper. Frick... I was gonna fill the sleds and see if she wanted to go sledding. If she did, great. We'll probably just pick up some munchies at the gas station.... you know, with the change."

Well then. I see. Well.... I think I nodded my head in an affirmative type fashion as I tried not to laugh out loud as I walked out of the room. Ahh son.... good luck there sweetie!

And then yesterday came "Mom? Are you going to the city today?".

"Ha ha ha...no. I am NOT going to the city today. I haven't gone to the city in over 2 weeks... ha ha ha"

"Nooooo.... I mean town? Don't you need to get groceries or something? Are you going shopping anywhere?"

"Oh...okay... yes, I'll be going to get groceries."

"Can you pick me up some chocolates for 'insert name of female friend here'? (okay I think I have to abbreviate that, just not sure to what), and maybe one of them stuffed things? You know, not too big...just something small?"

See?.... More work! More expensive!

Ciao!

Bring it on!

2010-02-12T23:59:00.001-06:00

That, while not the best picture in the world, welcomes the world!!

Vancouver 2010!

Ciao!

Weekend Fun

2010-02-09T21:21:00.000-06:00

We did a little snowmobiling this weekend.

Which, to be quite honest with you, was a well needed break after my week last week. The week was intense. It was in depth. It was a real awakening. It was hard. You know, this chick who thinks she knows it all, can do it all and is it all... Yeah, it made me think "What the hell are you doing? What the hell were you thinking??? What made you think that you could possibly take a one hundred and eighty degree turn and pick a whole new career? At your age????"

Questions to which I still haven't figured out the answers by the way... but hey, we're early into the game, I'm certain I'll figure it out...if not nail it!! snicker snicker...

So.... I decided the only solution I had was to escape.. Not that I could possibly escape it all... but I could manage to get away from it all.

At least for a bit.

Nothing like a good night sleep (really, what other choice did I have, being as mentally exhausted as I was, except to do just that...sleep), a picnic lunch, a bottle (maybe two... I'll never tell) of grape and a ride out to the bush to help rid the brain for all that weighed upon it.

On a snowmobile...yeah, I know...

It turned out that it was awesome. Just what the doctor ordered. Loud noise. Lousy smells. Muscle wrenching agony (okay, I'm getting old...whatever).

But covered with the smell of fresh air.

It was fabulous.

Until.... Oh c'mon on now... you knew it was coming.

Yep. Stuck. On the side of the hill. Buried so deep that there was no way in hell that you could get un-stuck... by either SG or me.

So what do you?

You text your kid. You ask him to get in the car and come and get you. To come and get you un-stuck.

And you head off to meet the kid. And the car.

Just what I needed. And just what I wanted! It was awesome!!

Ciao!

Membership required?

2010-02-06T09:18:00.005-06:00

I'm now a member of a union.

I've never been a member of a union before. And I'm not sure how I feel about this.

I'm fairly certain that being a member of a union might be a good thing. But I wouldn't know. Like I said, I've never been a member of a union before.

Anyway, I have a union meeting this month. Something about ratifying the contract? I know, I know. What the f.. does that mean?

Are you thinking that I better get up to speed on just what is going on?

Because I certainly am!

Anyway, here's some pictures from the morning walk. It's quite pretty out there as the sun rises.

Those are my two little brats...err I mean girls.

Ciao!

Wait, wait...what are you doing?

2010-02-04T19:02:00.006-06:00

You're suppose to turn the other way to go work!!!

Oh yeah!! It's all left now....

So, four days in. I can't say much because for sure I'd get my ass turfed out the door... But I will give you a few of the highlights so far this week.

1. Longest drive: Twenty nine minutes. This was due to the fact that one of the boys sucked back 3 litres of milk while home alone and I needed to stop and get another jug. We all know it's not spring break yet but for some reason they give students time off to study for exams...and then a few more days to write them. And after that? Another couple called "semester break"...

2. Three stops signs. Yes, you read correctly. Three!!!

3. No red light cameras. Not a one!!!! That's pretty sweet. Not that it was ever an issue for me because I'm rather cognizant of the fact that there are lights to manage the intersections and that they are there to be obeyed. Unlike some people I know.

4. Speaking of red light cameras... I have to proceed, from my home to my office, through three light controlled intersections. Yes. That's correct. Three!!! I'm thinking that three should become my new favourite number!

5. Reduced car insurance. Yep.... I'm no longer considered a commuter, so the insurance goes down... You wanted to see what a goof I was when I walked into the insurance agency requesting they change it. Actually no. You wouldn't want to. I wouldn't want you to... I was quite silly but had the ladies in stitches as I bragged about after twenty years of commuting, well, I just wasn't any more

The only drawback I've seen in the last four days of working so close to home is that I can't seem to stay awake past nine... It's like the body clock hasn't adjusted itself yet and well, it's just time to go to bed. Despite the gaining of an extra hour in the evening.... I'm not able to enjoy it. I seriously hope that this really, really tiny issue gets itself resolved soon.

Particularly before the golf season starts.

I'm almost certian that I'll be able to get in 9 holes, have a couple of drinks, and still be home before the sun sets!

Ciao!

Okay... so you're looking for an update

2010-01-31T18:09:00.004-06:00

Judging from what the counter is telling me... people want to know!!!

You'll be pleased to know that I did not have an emotional breakdown.

I dealt with it pretty good as a matter of fact. The last day at work thing....

I think a lot of it had to do with the four months I spent waiting and thinking and getting over it while going through the emotional shit that would've no doubt paralyzed me had I had to do it only two weeks. I mean four months... that's a long time to mourn the loss of something that you're voluntarily losing.

It went well.

I only cried seven times... I am very very proud!!

I did decide that I needed to chronicle my last commute with pictures. And of course, I am sooo willing to share. Because to be quite honest with you, I am somewhat focused on the next phase of my life. You know, what to wear, how should I do my hair, full make up or the usual scaled back natural look... you know, the important things.

So here's Friday morning, the last commute.

The highway. Yes, plenty to see here... NOT. Snow covered and dark.

The side mirror being 100% annoying as the vehicle comes up to pass me. Don't get me wrong, I don't drive slow, it's just that some idiots drive faster than me.

Oh! It's you again.... this truck as ticked me off like you have no idea!! At least three mornings outta five it gets up on my back end, with the lights blinding me in the mirror... sheesh, I'm quite pleased that I won't have to deal with it anymore!

Ah yes... the old red light cameras. I think I drove past like four of them on my journey to the office. Won't miss those any more either.

Personally, I don't care for this underpass. Don't really care for any underpass to be quite honest. Particularly if there's a train going over it and I have to spend time under it.... Nope, me not likey.

This is the heart of the city. I've always liked heading in and seeing the famous intersection of Portage and Main. I think I will miss this view.

And I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss watching what this snow mound will develop into. We get some pretty good snow sculptures for our Festival du Voyageur... may need to take a trip in to check this one out...

Final destination right around the corner. There's my gym, which I shall miss dearly. And my Tim's. Which, you know, I never really frequented. It's only been there about a month. Awesome Onion Soup and they make a really good Cafe Mocha... real chocolate drizzle, not sprinkes!

And that!, my friends, is where I used to work. Second window from the right was my view.

I'll miss it. But tomorrow brings news hopes and new dreams!

Ciao!

You've Been Activated!

2010-01-26T22:01:00.004-06:00

The strangest thing happened yesterday.

Due to the blizzrd that wasn't.... well, unless you live in the rural area such as I do whereby it was just a tad insane... I worked from home.

I called the office and let them know this and that they could reach me via phone or email. I would be logged in doing some of the stuff that needed to be done prior to my departure on Friday.

As I suspected, I got a lot accomplished without the interruptions that inevitably happen everyday. I was pleased. But, as I also knew would happen, the phone did ring. A lot.

Seventeen times as a matter of fact.

And thirteen of those times there was no one on the line when I picked it up.

Dead Air. The call display was showing that it was the same number every time. One of the office lines. And it kept up into the dinner hour and well into the night.

Which presented quite the dilemna come bedtime as I use my phone as a backup for my alarm clock. And considering the weather situation and the possibility of a power failure, well, the back up was required.

The phone log indicates that the last call came in at 11:17 pm. Almost seven hours after the office had closed.

SG tells me that it's the company's way of telling me that I shouldn't leave.

Me thinks he just paid too much attention to the movie we watched on the weekend.

But still, it was really weird.

Three days to go... it oughta be a rollercoaster in just about every aspect!

Ciao!

Snow Day

2010-01-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

Please pardon the interruption of the previously published, rather emotionally charged "why the hell would you tell the world and post that" blog. But believe it or not, sometimes, not often, I run with the heart and not with the head. It happens rarely. But it does happen.

And it felt kinda good to write it out.

Alrighty then... back to the original intention of this blog.

I have pictures!!!! I know, it's been a while.... so here you go.

We had a snow day... and yes, we're having another snow day, and who knows, maybe even another one after the next one!!

There's no words that could possibly describe what is in this picture. No words.

That's the raindrop falling... very cool

The snow hangs heavy. Just ask me... I shovelled the deck and stairs and could barely lift it!

This is really cool...

So is this!

Oh, and this one too!

I thought it was neat looking that there were leaves from the tree laying on the snow.

So I'm out for a what will no doubt be an emotionally charged and incredibly challenging week.

But the end prize is right there in front me, and I can't wait!

Wish me luck!!

Ciao!

Breakdown

2010-01-23T20:28:00.004-06:00

Who would've ever thought that the past week and a half could've been filled with so much emotion.

And while I know that the decision I made is the right decision for me, right now, and for my future, I'm still feeling regret.

Remorse.

Sorrow.

This was very apparent on Thursday when I shook hands and shared a hug with a co-worker from the branch office.

This was the last time I'd probably see the miserable old son of a ...

I got weepy. Had moisture form in my eyeballs. and had it spill over on to my cheeks.

Sheesh...

I have no idea what this Friday will bring.

No idea.

I can only hope that it isn't a full blown bawling coupled with rivers of tears that require a full box of tissue to wipe away.

I can only hope that it isn't as emotional as I think it may be.

I know I made the right decision. I know that what I've chosen was the best thing for me to choose. I know that it will all turn out right.

But I'm still going to miss what it is that I'm leaving.

And I'm really going to miss what it is that I'm losing.

Shit.

How to talk to your kid

2010-01-17T17:15:00.000-06:00

Or wait, better yet, how to get your kid to talk to you.

It's become quite evident lately that the only opportunity I have to find out what #1 is up to is via text messaging. He and I keep fairly different hours whereby I leave for work and he's still sleeping. I get home and he's usually come and gone again. Or still gone. When he gets home, I'm usually in bed. Between working and the school stuff and the "insert name of female friend here" time, it seems like I never get to see him anymore.

I try phoning him. He doesn't answer. Which really ticks me off I may add. One of the reasons I signed him up for a cell is that so I could be in touch with him. And I phone and he never answers.

So, I asked for the phone back. He apparently wasn't using it like I thought he should and therefore he didn't need it. He promised me he would answer when I called. If he could. I put the promise to the test and sure enough he was answering my calls. I'll admit it, I'd phone him just to see if he would answer. I know, never mind...

But then, I'd call and I'd go directly to voicemail. Then came the lecture about keeping his phone charged. Because, when asked why his phone was going directly to voicemail, according to him, "it was dead"... Sure, sure. I'm fairly certain either the thing was turned off or that "ignore" buttom immediately shuts the whole process down...

So, it was apparent that I'd have to do the text message thing. Because, as we all know, kids don't use phones for talking, they use them for typing. Thank goodness I have a "qwerty" phone because I seriously don't believe that I would've ever figured out that other way they type the words in that they send over the telephone. I don't even know what its called to tell you the truth. But, text messaging wasn't getting me any further in the game of staying in touch with my kid either. Aware that I only have 140 characters, and well, I tend to get a little verbose in my messaging, I was filling his mailbox up with conversations and lectures and questions and stuff. Stuff that I was getting one word answers to. Let me re-phrase that... one letter answers... No conversations. No insight. Just "k". Or "y". Occasionally I'd get a "kk" which I assume means, in actual conversation speak "OKAY!! I SAID I WOULD!!!!". But I can't be sure.

But I think I've figured out how to get him to talk to me. I mean, text me.

I no longer send him messages. I wait for him to send to me. Let me tell you, a few days with no texts from his mom and he starts sending me messages. Sure, they may be nothing more than "hey" or "how r u" but at least he's sending them to me. And I know he still has use of his thumbs. Which is a good thing if you get what I mean.

I received a text from him early this afternoon. "Hey, my phone died last night and its charged now."

To which I replied "k".

Not 30 seconds later, and I really mean that, the crickets start singing and it's another text message. "I'm at "insert name of female friend here" still. Went to Avatar last nite it was great" And, before you go off on me about him spending the night at, well, never mind.... we're not discussing that right now.

Where was I.... oh yeah, to which I replied "kk".

Almost instantaneously the crickets sang again...

"Why are u texting only letters?"

"driving" was my reply.

"2 where" came back within 10 seconds.

Not wanting to further compromise myself behind the wheel, and I didn't think the conversation was worth it either, I didn't respond. And BOOM!! another message "2 where??" I started to giggle.

As I pulled in the driveway he hit me one more time "where are you driving 2" to which I replied "home". "where were u?" was what he came back with.

I ignored it. If he wanted to know what was going on he could pick up the damn cell phone and call me.

This blog has been brought to you by the letter "K".

Ciao!

No Idea for a Title...

2010-01-13T19:45:00.001-06:00

It was a sad day yesterday.

And not just for me.

If you must know, I've written this blog post quite a few times. In my head, on the computer, chicken scratch notes all over the place. It's been funny. It's been rough and caustic. It's been "state the facts ma'am, nothing but the facts". It's been sad, yet tinged with humour. It's been all over the place.

Now that it's time to sit down and write it and actually post the freakin' thing, I've lost it. Haven't a clue what to write. Not a stinking thought about how I should tell you the story.

Have you ever been in a situation where you know that what you're doing, or about to do, is the absolute right thing?

Everything tells you that it is. Your mind. Your logic. Your heart. And most importantly... Your Gut. You just know that, even, if by some slight chance, your mind is doubting and your heart is hurting and logically there's a part of you that's saying "uhmmmm I don't know about this..." and your gut just keeps telling everything else to "Shut. Up. this is the way it's going to be, this is the way it should be, this is the way it has to be" that you'll always listen to Your Gut.

Well, at least I do.

I quit my job.

After damn near 12 years, I just up and quit. Gave my notice and I'm getting the hell outta dodge... No more commuting 2 or more hours a day for this chick. No way. Not going to happen! I'm gonna grab those two hours, and then some, and spend some quality time outside of my Maggie. Not that I don't like Maggie... I just feel like my ass is liking Maggie a little too much. See my kids a little more (I know, I'm nuts), spend a little more time with SG (again, the nuts thing is noted), have a little more me time.

But don't think that I've completely lost my nutter.

I do have a new job that I'll be starting. It took a long time to get the start date, but I've known about it for quite some time. Like since last September....

But there was background work that needed to be done. They needed to check me out to the n-th degree to make sure I was who I said I was. Is what I said I is. Am what I said I am. Safe to assume that all went well because they called and said "when can you to start?"

I told them February 1st.

It'll be an 8 hour day, not 8 1/2. It'll be turn left out of the driveway instead of right. It'll be 12 minutes, door to door. Twenty two kilometres round trip.

It'll be soooo nice. And I think it will take me about 3.2 days to get used to it. I adapt well, I know.

It'll be tough. Really tough. As in brain busting tough. But that's okay. Because I'm tough. And evidently, I'm smart. I've got what it takes to learn this, to do this and to be successful at it.

So it ends. Nearly four months after accepting and signing the offer of employment, of patiently waiting and wondering, it's over. Not a strong point with me, the patience thing. To tell you the truth, up until this experience, I had very little. Just ask my kids.... But now it's done. I'm changing careers. I'm heading into a new adventure with a huge learning curve that will no doubt do its best to try and kill me. But I will survive.

And I will do it well.

Because that's just what I do, that's the way I am.

Ciao!

Good Morning

2010-01-09T08:55:00.003-06:00

I don't know, I might be weird, but this is absolutely gorgeous!

I take a lot of pictures of the sun rising. I think its because I'm just really happy to see the darn thing come up. I mean really, that we can see the sunrise is a good thing, right? Think about it, you'll get what I'm saying.

Anyway, that was the view from the front deck this morning. As I was standing out there, freezing my arse off because, as we all know, it's brutally cold here in the middle of Canada these days. But what should we expect? It's January for crying out loud.

I will tell you that when I go out to get some fresh air I now take my phone and my keys. Even though I'm just standing on the front deck. This is a result from the other morning, Wednesday I think it was when I found myself locked out.

With only my coat and slippers on.

You see, I let the dogs out when I get up in the morning. Because if I don't, they get a little rowdy and barky and stuff. Not to mention they really need to go do their business! Some mornings, when the weather decides to be somewhat tolerable, I will bundle up and we'll all go for a stroll in the back. Gives them a chance to get their blood moving and me a chance to get in some cardio. And yes, I said cardio. You try walking through deep snow with big old snow boots on, three layers of clothing, a big heavy coat... yes, you get some cardio going! We'll go for a walk and they'll run and play and fight and do their business and then we'll come back in. Sets us all up for a nice day.

Anyway, I'm off track here. Oh yes, locked out.... it's been cold so we haven't been partaking in our morning stroll. I've just been letting them out and they go and do their thing and then I beg them to come back in. Seriously. I have to beg them. I have to get two of their dishes, put some kibble in one and then stand out on the deck and pour the kibble from one dish to the other so it makes a "kibble being poured from one dish into another" kind of noise and they come running in. Works well. If they come right away, they get the kibble. If they don't, I have to get my winter wear on and actually go off the deck and get them.

The other morning, Wednesday it was, three of the four came in. And, I'm not naming names here, but that one little girl who seems to think she's a little princess.... was not coming into the house for anything. So I tossed my coat on and headed out to try and get her in the house.

Now, when you leave three of the four dogs in the house and you're outside, they get a little jumpy on my front door. This drives me crazy. However, they seem to think that they need to look out the window to see just what it is you're doing. And no sooner did the door close did one of them jump up. I'm not naming names here but that little beansie... she's a jumper! As I moved towards the stairs to try and get the other dog interested in coming inside I hear jump... jump.... scratch... jump... and then, what sounded to me like a clicky type noise.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, because it was a tad cold ... I was shivering... but I'm sure was only about a minute and half, the dog came up, ready to go back into the house.

As I opened the door, it didn't move. I pushed a little harder. Still, not opening. While trying to not let panic set in, I stood back and thought "what the hell?" I tried again to open the door but it definately was not going to open.

I was locked out. At 5:00 am. With only my coat and slippers on. Great.... just great.

Running various scenarios through my head as to just what kind of reaction I would get if I woke SG up to let me back in, I figured there had to be a better alternative. A couple of minutes passed and I can feel my ankles starting to numb over. I needed to make a decision. Wait! maybe the back door is unlocked... did I let the dogs out the backdoor first? Okay, go see.

Off the deck I went, through the freshly fallen snow, in my slippers to work my way to the back of the house. I nearly took a header as I navigated my way up the stairs (slippers don't have too much traction in case you were wondering) and found myself chanting "please open please open please open please open" as I reached for the handle.

And yes!! The door opened. I was back inside. Where it was warm.

I really have no stellar way of ending this story, so I'll leave it there. All I know is that my keys are now in my pocket, rather than my purse, at all times!!

Ciao!

Red Mittens, Road Rage, And

2010-01-06T19:34:00.004-06:00

Other miscellaneous banter.

Oh, and I have a pair in case you were wondering. Red Mittens that is. Sure, they don't have the Olympic logo on them, but I know someone that could do that for me if I wanted....

I also have issues with what they call Road Rage. A strange feeling for me. Normally I'm a relatively calm driver who, you know, takes the fact that the road is riddled with complete and total idiots, into consideration whilst traversing her way, oh.... about an hour and 50 minutes a day. I know that I will encounter those that have no clue what they're doing and really shouldn't be behind the wheel. I also know that there are those out there who have some sort of complex about something or other in their life.... I mean, why else would they have to drive some big ass truck or other kind of huge vehicle, unless they were inferior in some other aspect... just sayin'....

For the most part, I deal well with this crap during my travels. I recognize that these idiots are out there and I know that they are, potentially, well, assholes. I say "potentially" because, far be it for me to paint everyone who drives a big ass truck an asshole. They all might be, but I'm not going to be the one who tells the world that!

And ... I just take it in stride and do my best to stay the hell out of their way.

But, sometimes I do get the feeling that they want to bully people. Yes, you read right... They want to BULLY people!!! I'm thinking, that they're thinking, that, since they're the biggest one on the road, they should rule it. Cut you off. Ride your back end in an attempt to try and make you go faster. Shine their mis-alligned headlights in your mirror and flash the brights every now and then, you know, just trying to get you to get out of their way.

Someone should tell them about Maggie.

She don't move for anyone! And she will not be intimidated! Oh, and by the way, she also possesses a manual transmisson. And, in case you were wondering, her driver knows how to downshift in such a way that you will never, ever! see her brake lights come on and therefore YOU! will be the one who gets a little freaked out when you figure out you and your big ass truck might just take out a hot looking Mazda.... just sayin'....

Let's see... What else did I want to go on about???

Oh yeah, teenagers.... particularly the second teenager....I always thought that he would be my tough one... and he's proving me right. Mother's intuition I'm guessing. The first one, rough coming into the world.. the second, a piece of cake. Now ... yeah, not so much. I'm experiencing role reversal!

I am also having some issues with the lack of #1's presence in my life. This new found thing he's got going on since "insert name of female friend here" has come into his life really has me in a bit of a tailspin. Well, not tailspin per se but.... well, but, well, nevermind.... that's another post.

That's enough for this post. Don't want to use it all up in one shot!

But there's plenty more to come! Oh yeah... plenty more!

Stay tuned!

Ciao!!

So far, so good

2010-01-02T23:50:00.000-06:00

It's the 2nd... and it's almost over.

I'm pleased to say, that I've pretty well accomplished nothing. Which was exactly my plan for the first few days of this year they're calling 2010.

In keeping with my resolve to do nothing, my creative juices have been turned off.

I did, however, manage to unload the camera. And, because I started this post with nothing in mind, I'm going to share some of them with you. Nice of me, I know....

This was the scene on a downtown street one morning, a couple of days before Christmas. #2 indicated that, because of the way the trees looked, he felt we could now commence with Christmas.

We headed out to the bush this year to cut our tree. And while we saw, on our drive out, many a pretty tree, we were fairly certain that the owners of the yards we saw them in would not appreciate us cutting them down.

The Christmas Eve munch out... after the hustle and bustle of the days previous, it was nice to sit and nibble. I'm aware the shrimp ring is less than impressive, but it was the first thing to disappear, which just goes to show you... bigger is not always better.

Oh technology, it truly is a wonderful thing. I got in a little face time with the family on the west coast on Christmas day.

The tree, adorned in all its glory. The boughs were laden with decorations, many of which were all the ones the boys had made at school.

Oh look, a few gifts magically appear! I'm guessin' someone must've made it on to Santa's nice list!

The stockings are normally hung on the railing with care... but Ms Claus was very tired and apparently had issues with finding the string...

Got out to play in the yard after the snow finally came and made the season a white one. We then proceeded to shovel and shovel and, well, you get the point.

The homemade centerpiece for the Boxing Day gathering. Rather than make gingerbread, the sleigh and reindeer (yes, there are reindeer pulling the sled!) are hand cut out of Cream Cheese Cookie dough, glued together with Royal Icing and then bombarded with candies.

Full moon, December 31, 2009. They called it the "blue moon" and it was truly amazing. It was so light out and the snow did actually look blue.

And here it is on January 1, 2010 heading towards the horizon in the morning.

Turn around and you got this beautiful eye full as the sun rose on the first day of this year they're calling 2010.

So there you have it. The first post of the new year. I'll be back with more in a few days. And maybe, just maybe, something with a little more substance.

Ciao!

2009 .... In Review

2009-12-31T18:15:00.003-06:00

What a year it was.

Actually, it was quite the crappy year. Well, until the last quarter. Then it got a little better. But only in a couple of aspects.

I thinking here that you can tell that I'm really happy to see it go.

It wasn't an easy year by any stretch of the imagination. Filled with waaay too many challenges, too much bullshit, disappointments and not enough fun.... yeah, I'm thrilled to watch it walk out the door.... don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out....

THAT!!! being said, I can say that 2010, while not so fun to type on the keyboard or number pad (kinda awkward) is looking to be just as challenging.

But challenging in the best sense of the word.

Really. I mean that.

And while I'm sure that there will still be some crap to be dealt with, I also know that, for the most part, it will be good. Great even!!

As far as the blog is concerned, I do hope, now that things are somewhat, sort of, kinda, maybe a little better and a tad more certain, that I can once again get back to posting a little more normally. I know that many of you keep checking in and there hasn't been much. But you keep coming back. And for that, I shall reward you!! At least that's what I'm hoping will happen.... rewards!!! all the way around. Don't be mis-interpreting that as in financial gain or special favours... that ain't going to happen!! I'm thinking more reading, more laughing, more posting here people... sheesh.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you! May your 2010 be filled with love, health and happiness. May the challenges you face be minor and may the year bring you nothing but joy!

Not that there will be any of that going on!!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!

Ciao!

Season's Greetings

2009-12-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

And Merry Christmas!

Okay, it's started

2009-12-16T15:32:00.006-06:00

I finally got it going on...

Being on a few days of vacation, with the intention of relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, I've managed to accomplish something!

Did a little baking. Made a few lists. Bought a couple of things.

Oh yeah, Christmas is coming and I'm gonna pull it off...

During my baking and/or cooking adventure today I grabbed the camera so I could chronicle, in a visual sort of way, just what happens when Jodie finally gets the lead out and starts prepping for the holiday season.

First up, making the dough for the perishke. I've made them before. Well, not my dough recipe, my friend Carol's dough recipe. Actually, she made the dough and I just helped stuff them. And SG has made them before but he lost his dough recipe. Well, not lost really, just can't remember which cookbook he got it out of. Which is too bad, because they were almost as good as my friend Carol's. But I got the recipe of the oh-so-close-to-perfect from my sister in law and whipped me up some dough. And then I cooked me up some middle stuff. And then I baked them.

Turned out absolutely lovely in the bowl.... it really did! Silky smooth, elastic-y like it should be...

I thought that I would try filling them with a little something different than the usual sauerkraut or ground beef type filling. That there is a curried chicken breast.

Mix it up with a little garlic mashed potatoes.... oh yeah.... we are thinking these are gonna be good, good, GOOD!!

Cut the circles in the dough. I discovered later that its much easier and far more efficient to just pull the dough off, fiddle with it in your hand and then stuff and close the ball.

Place on a well greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

That is the same garlic mashed potatoes mixed up with some farmer sausage. I loooove farmer sausage in the Perishke!

There's your finished product, brushed with some melted butter to make them soft and sweet.

And there's your insides.... note the festive type plate... oh yeah, I know how to holiday it up!

In all honesty, they turned out pretty good. Not quite as good as the sister in laws as far as the dough is concerned but still good.

Good enough that I ate a dozen and still want more....

Up next? The baking.......

Ciao!

December...in all its wonderfullness

2009-12-13T08:25:00.000-06:00

You know, I really can't wait for this month to be over.

It has been hell on wheels and we're not even at the half way point yet!

Not that it has anything to do with Christmas.... I mean, just because I really haven't come close to preparing to even think about the big event later this month... You know, the decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping, cooking, eating, drinking.... haven't really given it a thought.

Well, except when I think about how I really do need start thinking about it.

But then it gets a little over-whelming and I stop thinking about thinking about it.

I've left SG in charge of the shopping this year. He has been dispatched to purchase gifts for #1 and #2. "Here you go honey, have at it. I'll do the stockings..." He too must be feeling the same as I because he's only been out to the mall once. Which, to give the guy credit, is more than I've been.... Wait, I did go to the dollar store, you know, just to scope it out and see what my loonies will get me. That counts, right?

Anyway, back on track here.

What the hell were we thinking when we decided to have three female dogs live inside the house with us and the boy dog? Someone please tell me that!!!

We've spent part of the first part of the month playing the love dance as our newest little girl Synder has grown to the point where she is now thinking that maybe she might just want to have puppies. And first off, she's too young, but most importantly, we've not yet found the perfect male to add to our clan of canines. So keeping her and her daddy apart has been the focus of life around here. She's almost done, which will have me breathing a HUGE sigh of relief but it has been a challenge.

And now that's she's on the tale of end of the desire to commence gestation, her mother is heading down that path. Which brings us to the time where we need to make a decision. Do we? Let them I mean. Or do we not? It would be okay. Girl Dog has rested one cycle. She's good for another two or three litters. But it would mean another in house delivery, and at least four weeks of pups living in said house. In my basement. Which I DO NOT WANT!!!! Sure they're cute as hell, but with history running eight pups a litter, sorry, that's just a few too many dogs.

Then there's the Princess. There is no doubt in my mind that once Girl Dog is done, whether bred or rested one more time, our little Nikki girl will decide that the other two did it, why shouldn't I? And then avoiding the love dance one more time will be all consuming yet again!

All this BEFORE!! the big event later this month!!

Is it any wonder that I'm not in the holiday frame of mind?

Ciao!

Bad Bad Blogger

2009-12-05T16:15:00.002-06:00

Hey, it's me.... you know? The chick that writes this thing.... albeit rather inconsistently of late... yeah...me.... Hi! How are you?

I've been trying to find it in me to actually sit my ass down here and write something to post. And... as I guess you've probably figured out .... well, I haven't quite managed to find it... whatever "IT" is! that will get me to park the arse and write. I'm starting to think that I've hit the wall.

And, I'm feeling rather guilty about it.

But you know, when all the stories you have to write about are bitching and complaining about the same old stuff, over and over and over again.... well I figure that would turn away more readers than it would keep. It makes sense to me that if I don't have anything funny or touching or hell, even entertaining to write about, then why write. Why risk losing readers by writing about the same old crap?

If the truth be told, life hasn't had much fun in it lately.

I'm not going to go into details here, because quite frankly, why should I depress you as well with the doom and gloom and non-fun life I'm living? I won't do it. I will not subject you to the hell on earth that is currently my life. The scraping the bottom of the barrel that is a daily ritual.

Ha ha ha.... just kidding. Rather dramatic though, wouldn't you say? I'm testing out descriptive phrases... could you tell?

While some of the stuff that I could write about would be entertaining, I won't do it. Not because its not worthy of being posted here on the blog (because, you know, .... everything is worthy of being posted on the blog) but I do have some morals and scruples and, well, some other descriptive words that are currently escaping me at the moment.

I also have a family that would positively kill me if I was to write some of these stories. Well, maybe not kill me per se, but they would be pretty pissed if I did. I soooo want to tell you, but the repercussions would not be good...

Think about it. They could possibly hack into the blog (snicker snicker.... good luck with THAT!!! the password is so locked down and tight that no one, and I mean NO ONE! would ever figure it out!) and then who knows what they would do!! Or even worse yet...start their own blog and link it to here and well, then all hell would no doubt break loose!

But I do have some stuff that is in the preliminary stages of potentially being quite possibly suitable for posting. Like, oh let's just see... time travelling back to my youth now that #1 is older. Not that I don't time travel with #2, but #1 has stepped up into a life where there are girls and drinking and partying and stuff.... kinda tough to deal with but only because I tend to be somewhat controlling (who? me???) where my kids are concerned and really don't think that *insert name of female friend here* should really be trying to over-rule the mama bear ... just sayin'!!! But I'm sure she'll learn, she'll have no choice!

Wait??? Did I just write that? hmmph! go figure...

Actually, she's a nice girl. She just needs to be instructed on how to be a very nice girl. Okay, shut up now Jodie! I will tell you that the youth of today certainly are different than the youth I lived 30 some odd years ago... wow!

Nothing else. Just WOW!

And let's see.... what else do I have in the works? Tales from puberty with #2. Talk about night and day between him and #1. It boggles the mind how the two of them can be so different. Do they not share the same DNA and thus have the potential of being even remotely the same? Do the hormones not do the same in the same sex? I thought that once I made it through the first puberty (or at least on to what I'm hoping is the tail end!) the second I would have nailed. Yeah, about that.... wrong was I.

There's also some other stuff that I'm hoping I'll be able to share with you a little further down the road. Like the winning of the lottery. Oh I know, you're laughing. But you won't be laughing so much when you come asking me to pay off your mortgage now will you? Or buy you a new car? Or take you to Japan with me. Or France. Or on what I'm calling the "yes, I'm stalking you while you're on tour John" trip.

Hey?

You won't be laughing then will you?

Ciao!

What's up?

2009-11-28T09:17:00.004-06:00

Did a little housekeeping on the blog this morning in case you didn't notice! It's time to start getting into the seasonal spirit!

Which has been difficult.

Normally by now, the house is done, the baking has been started, the shopping (or at least the lists!) have begun.

This year? Nada. Nothing. Zip.

But you know, it'll happen. It always does. No need to add to the already prominent stress level by letting the pressures of society and the media get to you. Never mind hearing that some family members have already finished their shopping. Or are getting close to finishing it.

Sheesh...

So, I won't get all tizzled up and worried. I won't get stressed. The baking will be done. The house will get decorated. The shopping will commence.

Right after I finish having my nervous breakdown....

Ciao!

A conversation

2009-11-27T06:20:00.001-06:00

Me: Oh, by the way, you're going to your Aunt's on Friday night

#1: Huh? Why?

Me: It's her birthday and we're going for cake

#1: Oh.....(lengthy pause).... can *insert female friend's name here* come with us?

Me: I'll have to ask

#1: Wait...who's all going?

Me: All the family

#1: Really? ....... that could get a little awkward...

Ciao!

Stress Leave

2009-11-26T21:03:00.003-06:00

That's what I'm classifying my absence as.

The only good thing I have to tell you is that I won tickets to see my boy John when he plays here next spring!!

Which is a good thing because one, I didn't want to spend the $99.75 for that second row center, on the floor! seat....but I would've! and two...well there really isn't a two.

I'll be back on the weekend....

Ciao!

Today's the day....

2009-11-17T17:13:00.001-06:00

The Perseids start.

Go figure eh?

Things could get interesting....

Ciao!

Edit.... Okay, it's the Leodnids...not the Perseids... all I know is that there's a lot going on, both up in the sky and here on the ground!

Sneeze sneeze...sniffle sniffle...

2009-11-15T16:36:00.003-06:00

Hey, I'm sick. No excuse for the lack of posting last week, but just putting out there for the upcoming week....

I'm somewhat certain its not H1N1 as I already had that...just a pesky little head cold that will no doubt turn into something absolutely horrible that will enable me to take a week off of work without using up vacation....not!!

I do, however, love that it is now professionaly and socially acceptable to "when you're sick, STAY HOME"... it eases my guilty conscious somewhat.

Not mention that I can log in from home and work from here.... if I can think past the congestion!

See you when I'm better!

Ciao!

Let's be tossing words this way instead!

2009-11-10T21:53:00.001-06:00

Okay, turns there may or may not be some dissention among certain people in the life of this blog writer. And it has to do with the blog writing.

Which is kinda weird.

I mean, I've been very up front and honest with those that really count with regard to my writing and this blogging thing I do. Not that you all don't count, but... those that are close to me.... well, they know me.

They know of what I write about.

They also know that what is written bears a very strong resemblance to my real life. Some of it more fact than fiction. And some of it more fiction than fact. They know this. But it still is a mirror of what goes on with me. In my life. In my thoughts and feelings.

So you can imagine the look on my face and the disbelief that was going through my mind when a previous post of mine was thrown back at me. Really.... just go ahead and try and imagine! Here, I'll help you out... It's not like I am slightly off centre with all the menopause shit I've been going through for the last how ever many frickin' years!! let's add to it stressed beyond belief with the many other aspects of my life ... you wanna throw a previous blog in my face???? You wanna talk about how it made you feel????

Sorry to say, but this blog is about how I feel... not anyone else.

But, rather than get pissed off, which by the way, was my first reaction, well, actually... I did get pissed off.... but not as pissed off as I could've got! I decided to write about it. You know, easier to type it out and vent this way rather than risk bodily harm and home displacement! Oh, and such harm and displacement would not be me if you dared to wonder.... I kid, I kid!

It's important to remember that, in this land of blogging, you really do need to take it with a grain of salt. You really need to understand that just because I've threatened to do harm to someone, doesn't necessarily mean I'm actually going to do it.

Just because I said that I love someone and what they've done even more now, doesn't mean I really love them in that kind of way. (I'm guessing you figured out the fuel for the fire here eh?) It also doesn't mean that I wouldn't mind ... uhmmm... okay.... never mind that part!

Just because I talk about something that happened and gave my perspective on what went down doesn't really mean that was the way it actually happened.

All this was made very clear right from the beginning, when I embarked on this outlet for writing and venting. Remember... you know the way it really is. You know the way it really goes down. You know me.

Okay, back to normal. I feel better. And really, that's all that matters now isn't it.

And no one got hurt ~ bonus!!

Ciao!

Just to give you some perspective

2009-11-08T07:52:00.005-06:00

We've all seen the words "objects in mirror may be closer than they appear" right? They're usually found on the mirror on the passenger side of a car.

And they're pretty accurate. I know I've been surprised a few times that the car in the next lane was actually right there and not further back.

#2 was begging, and when I say begging, I mean really begging!! He was going on and on and on non-stop about how he absolutely had to try the twins. He thought that they looked so cute and in his mind figured it to be a pretty good deal. Two smaller sized burgers for less than the price of the namesake that they came from.

You're probably asking yourself "what the hell does this have to do with the writing on the mirror?" Well....I've got a new one for you. Actually, I'm sure it's been used before... as a matter of fact, I know it has, but whatever. It suits.

Objects may appear larger on TV than they do in real life.

And like the blog title indicates, here's the reality

To give you an idea of how big they actually are.... But hey, they're tasty little morsels I'm told!

Ciao!

Grumpy McGrumpster

2009-11-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

I probably shouldn't be writing a blog.

I'm in a real pissy mood. Downright bad and nasty if I do say so myself.

And for those that know me, this kind of mood doesn't happen often. Rarely actually. Incredibly rarely.

But when it does, it really does!!

I thought that if I sat at the computer, poured myself a glass of grape (nevermind the time...I'm in a bad mood!!!), and attempted to vent some of my mood out through my fingers, (rather than through physical violence) then, well, maybe I might be able to salvage what could be a pleasant evening ahead of me. #1 is working. #2 is going to a buddies and, well, yeah...home alone with no children.... just imagine the potential!!

A foul mood, however, does not make for a fun time. And try as I might to figure out what has got me ticked right off, I can't really put my finger on it. Could it possibly be that the amount of stuff that has pissed me off and triggered the bad mood is so much that I don't even know where to begin? Possibly I've harboured it all for so long that I don't have a clue what's got me bugged....

If I was to try and find a place to start, it would probably be the state of my bathroom. I mean seriously.... ??? Do they not know how to hang up a towel? Put TP back on the holder? Quit pissing on the seat (it lifts you know...and it also goes back down!!!) I know, I know, same old shit, just a different day. I've griped about this before, and while I know it could possibly be getting old for you readers, imagine how old it's getting for me??

I LIVE WITH IT!!

Or that not one of them knows how, or when, to do the dishes? Or where the freakin' dishes belong once the yelling that took place for them to do the damn dishes has subsided and everything is said and done and put away and then I attempt to find the frickin' things? Hello??? What part of "this is where the plastics go, this is where the glass dishes go" do you not get??

Maybe it might be the laundry that gets washed, dried, folded and stacked, waiting for them to put it away, that still sits at the top of the stairs, or at the end of the bed, that inevitably finds its way back into the laundry because they were too lazy to put it away and when they were advised that I wanted all the laundry brought up, they brought the clean stuff up too. I'm getting kind of sick of washing clean clothes by the way. I'm sure Hydro loves me, but yeah.....

Or is that they do not have a freakin' clue of how to put something back where it belongs? I pick up and put away and then they say "oh, look what I found...I thought I lost this" and then leave it laying about, waiting for me to put it away....again!

I'm in a really bad mood. But I might be feeling a little better now.

Leave your emails and comments to yourself if they're nothing but supportive. I know you all have teenagers that are just like mine. And if not yet, you will have. And I promise to be supportive and keep my mouth shut when you bitch!

Ciao!

And the Star fell....

2009-11-05T21:39:00.005-06:00

I like to say that they're shooting, but this time, it was most definately falling.

Right there, in the southwestern sky.

I looked up and saw it. And I watched it.

Watched it fall....

You see, I hold these astronomical signs in high esteem. Very high esteem.

The moon. The planets. The stars. What happens with them always seems to have some kind of impact on my life.

Sometimes a very large impact.

Just like dreams. The ones I can remember anyway. They all mean something. They re-direct my life.

They all hold meaning.

After I saw the star fall.... I waited.

I knew that there would be someting that would happen.

Whether it be a dream I had coming into reality, or something that was actually conscious, finding a resolution.

The star fell tonight.

Bright as bright could be....

Ciao!

ps....this was posted from my couch....from my laptop....without an internet cable attached to it.... how cool is this???

Lessons Learned

2009-11-02T21:19:00.003-06:00

So.... SG wanted the camera the other day.

I relented and let him use it.

By doing so I missed many a photo opportunity.

But it was okay. I got over it.

The camera was returned to my possession and I was happy.

Click click click went I.

Plenty of photos later, all with a blog theme in mind, I was content.

Except all the batteries were gone.

As was the USB cable.

So.... you get me griping and not the visual experience you knew had to be coming.

Guess what Santa's bringing SG???

Click click.

Ciao!

As previously stated....

2009-11-01T07:18:00.001-06:00

I am soooo weak!!

I couldn't resist it. I really, really, REALLY!!! wanted to... but I'm sorry, you can't put this kind of temptation in front of me and not expect me to do it.... my self discipline (or lack thereof)... well, it all goes to shit.

This is not the raw cuts or the live recordings.

This is the real deal!!!!!

I tried... but I couldn't.

I did it.

I clicked.

And you should too! I think that I am more in love with this man and his music than I have been with anything else this boy has done....

Go ahead, do it.... click!

And listen.

Then... on November 17th, get your ass out to the store and buy it!

Ciao!

October 31, 2009

2009-10-31T16:54:00.002-05:00

What more is there to say?

Seriously....are you okay?

2009-10-30T20:20:00.006-05:00

I'm not really sure if I should be concerned or not.

I know we're all given moments when we're in a non imaginative state or are experiencing a complete and total lack of motivation to use our imagination, or maybe we're just plain bored and don't want to bother.

I can understand. Believe me! I CAN UNDERSTAND!! I've been there!!

It takes a lot of effort and creativity to come up with some sort of awesome idea to head out on, what I consider, one of the biggest and bestest nights of a kids life.

Halloween.

Trick or Treat!! Halloween Apples! Getting dressed all up in some sort of costume and heading out to holler at houses in an attmept to fill your pillow case with candy? What more could a kid want?

When #1 was 14, he was a big kid. A bigger than your average sized kind of kid. As Halloween approached, we were tossing around ideas for his costume. He didn't really have a clue what he wanted to go as. Then, about three days before the big night, he came home and said he was going to go trick or treating dressed as a girl.

Oh....okay...

It frightened me how beautiful a "girl" he was. He was gorgeous. Blue eyes. Long blond hair. Makeup by Mom.... he was absolutely stunning. The hair was long enough that I could curl it and make it all Farrah Fawcett like... he was gorgeous! Or maybe I should say "she"? He looked that good! The small amount of effort required was soooo worth it!

Fast forward three years!

#2 is now 14. Well, almost.... he will be in 6 weeks or so... and is heading out tomorrow night to holler at some doors and try and grab some free grub. Then he's off to a party. And once again, the discussions were endless, what to dressup as? How about this? How about that? Nothing seemed quite right. And then, a couple of days ago, the decision was made.

He decided that he really wanted to dress up as...

You got it....

A girl!!!!

Oh my...

Ciao!!

Isn't it Ironic

2009-10-25T07:22:00.009-05:00

I've been travelling to Cleveland for, oh, about 10 years now. Not every year. Usually every second year or so. This year, I've been twice. To do computer type stuff. Learning software. Learning more about the software I already know about.

I know a lot of software! But its not the kind of software that I can use in my world outside of the thing that pays the bills. However, it sure makes the thing that pays the bills easier to do now that I have all this knowledge about the software!

And when I go to Cleveland, its always very intense, with lots of learning crammed into a short space of time. This time, well, it was really intense. They crammed into two days what easily could've been put into four, and then still be very intense!

They always treat people very well when we're down there. They wine you, they dine you. I've been to some pretty fine dining establishments down there. And some not so fine! You know, mix it up a bit.

This trip however, brought an opportunity to do a couple of things that I've not done while down in Cleveland. One of them being something that has been on the "to-do" list for a long time.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Yes!

From the minute I stepped off the corporate bus and on to the steps that would lead me into this absolute cornucopia of history I had shivers. I really didn't know what to expect when I walked into the building, but I did know that it was going to be an experience I would probably never forget.

I wasn't wrong.

As we made our way into the building, I was tuning out our host and what he was saying. This was an easy task by the way. This guy could go on and on and on for hours (I know, I've been subjected to his ramblings before!!) and if I was to fully appreciate what I was about to see, I didn't need to be listening to him!

They don't allow cameras in the main exhibition halls was about the only thing I heard that could be considered useful.

When I entered the main hall, I wasn't really prepared for what I was about to see. There is so much history there of the artists and the music and the technology. It was overwhelming. And somewhat emotional. I continually experienced shivers every time I turned a corner and came across something else that made me go "wow".

I wasn't sure why... but I was immediately drawn to the above display. It made sense to me when I read the display card.

One of the things that made me tear up, definately the most, was the stuff about Michael. Seeing his shoes and clothes and his stuff made it hit home that he was gone. And despite all the crazy stuff that was out there about him, we lost a musical genius.

And this was another thing that got me. I tell ya, seeing this stuff and reading everything... quite emotional.

I'm so glad I had the chance to experience it at this place and time in my life. It really seem fitting that it was this trip that it happened. And the next time, I'll spend the six to seven hours they recommend. There is that much there.

Oh, and I'll bring some tissues!

Ciao!

Would you like a "takeaway" box??

2009-10-24T08:20:00.009-05:00

So I'm back home... Oh, yeah, I was gone. For a week. Five nights away from my bed and my pillows and my bathrobe. Away on a highly intense business trip that taxed just about every remaining brain cell that holds space in my head.

It felt good. The brain cell thing. I haven't had to think like that in a very, very long time. That's the thing about having a job that you could basically do in your sleep. Your brain gets lazy. It forgets how to string together the stuff that makes other stuff make sense. So yeah, it was good practice... I needed it.

But, just because I was busy during the day utilizing my brain until the point where it hurt and was threatening to shut right down and not do anything more thinking (it came close I tell ya and thank goodness it didn't because who knows what might have happened then!!) doesn't mean I didn't get to enjoy the evenings. Which I did. Along with 14 other people.

Shopping not being a huge attraction for me, I almost opted out of the planned event. We were going to an outlet mall and a quick search on the web indicated that, well, no, not so much. For me, visiting the stores that were being offered wasn't really something I wanted to do. And then, someone else said they were going to a different mall and asked if I wanted to join them. Another web search and it was a definate maybe...

And, being the touristy kind of girl I am, and one who isn't afraid to do what she wants, when she wants, no matter how good or bad it is, I took my camera. Not really, we all know I take my camera everywhere!

Who knew when I'd ever get to go to this store again. And judging from what's inside of it, uhm, yeah, it won't be too soon! Talk about out of my league! But, my fellow Canadian friend and I, we entered. We were slightly intimidated, but that only lasted for about thirty seconds. I mean really! its not like they were going to try anything on! They probably wouldn't let us! But we might touch something....

Like this.

I really liked the green one, but the shade was just a little off to properly blend with my skin tones.... Not to mention that I could buy a really good used car for what the price tag had on it. I was kind of surprised that these weren't behind glass. Locked glass. With sensors that would sound an alarm if touched.

Now these were a little more in line with what I like. Tasteful. Classy. I'm assuming the desk is where you sit down to negotiate just what kind of interest rate you'll have to pay in order to get the money to buy the trousers! Or sign the documents handing over your first born!

After spending time in fantasyland, we headed out for dinner. And that's one of the things that, when travelling for business and trying to toss in a little bit of pleasure, really wreaks havoc with, well, life and its digestive system. Late dinners, food that you wouldn't normally eat, drinking that you wouldn't normally do... well, okay, maybe not the drinking part, but you get what I mean. Having dinner at 8 or 8:30 at night just doesn't sit well with this old body. So when we decided to have something to eat we thought, nice and light and maybe a glass of white grape rather than the red.

OH.MY.GOSH!!!!.... Not the place to go when you're looking for a small meal a little later in the evening!

This greeted us as we walked in the door. Now, I am not a huge dessert person. But I certainly wanted to be one after looking at this display of total decadence. As we were being led to our table, I took a look around to see what other people were eating. I was absolutely dumbfounded by what I was witnessing... Huge plates. Huge portions. So big were the portions, it was kind of sick actually.

Making the healthy and appropriate decision for the sake of my digestive system, I thought "salad it will be!"

Yeah, about that!

My Chicken Caeser Salad was delivered on a plate that was about 17" inches wide. And the picture doesn't really do it justice due to the angle that it was taken at.... the lettuce was stacked about 6 inches up. We were figuring the kitchen used probably 2 1/2 heads of romaine...

When it was all said and done, this was what was left. I tried. I really did. But there was no way that another morsel would make it into this body. One of our fellow diners had this:

She couldn't finish hers either. Such waste... Anyway, as we were where we were and with what we were greeted with when we first walked in the door, it was decided that one piece of cheesecake between the five of us would probably be the smart thing to do.

That there is a Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake with fresh Whipped Cream. And with five of us digging in for two or three forkfuls, we still managed to leave some on the plate. All I can say is that the next time I go there (there's a better chance of me hitting this place than the other place!) I'm going to be very hungry and am going to be there very early.

Up next: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I shed tears, I really did.

Ciao!

Red lights & crosswalks

2009-10-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

A little update on #1 and the driver's license.

He still hasn't got it. You know, the one where he doesn't need to be chauferred here, there and everywhere. Hasn't even made an attempt since the last time he made an attempt and well, didn't succeed.

And as such, every week I get to drive him into the city on the weekend (which, by the way, I'm not fond of. Who am I kidding, I don't like it...I'm in the city five days a week, why would I want to go to the city on the weekend?) so he can play water polo. Yes, he's on the water polo team at school. Which is a fabulous thing. But it means every Sunday in the city. At the pool.

Because he doesn't have his driver's license. I mean, I'd probably go anyway to watch, but that's not the point. The point is, I have no choice, I have to go!

So anyway, I let him drive the last time. Which for me, is a big thing. We're talking the highway here. At speeds of 100 km/hour. For a fairly long distance. And then, the city! I've never been in the car with him while he drove in the city. SG has... or so I thought.

The highway was fairly uneventful. He did good. I mean, he's been driving for well over a year and is a pretty good driver. And as we approached the city, I was calm. Relaxed. Hell, I was even texting while he navigated his way to the city centre. Not that there was much to navigate. Straight ahead, no turns, just drive.

Then we started getting into the thick of things. Traffic got a little heavier. There were more signal lights to take notice of. Not to mention the pedestrian crosswalks and red light cameras. And as we approached the famous intersection of Portage and Main, he was getting a little edgy.

"You're making me go through downtown? Do I have to take this way? Isn't there a side street or something I can go down instead?"

"No. This is the best way to go. Just be careful, pay attention, you'll do fine. It's not like it's your first time driving, you're doing good."

"Mom... it is my first time. I've never driven in the city before.... I can't believe you're making me drive downtown."

"What??? You've driven in the city before...with your dad...haven't you?"

"Nope. And here I am, right smack in the middle of it, with all this traffic and people and stuff."

Apparently I needed to put the text messaging on hold and pay a little more attention... my kid had never driven in the city before!!

"You're doing great." I said and really tried to mean it. I looked over at him and he had a little worry action going on in his face. "This really is nothing. This is just church traffic. Can you imagine driving through here in the thick of the morning rush? I do it everyday. You're doing great. Really, you are. You're just fine...whoops...that was a crosswalk, you need to watch for those so you can stop to let the people...hey, don't follow so close to that car, you need to leave stopping..."

"MOM! Can you quit talking? I'm trying to pay attention to the driving here...."

"Okay, I'll be quiet. But make sure you watch all around, just not straight ahead. There's lots going on with the side streets, and the crosswalks, and the traffic lights... not to mention the red light cameras that the city has..."

"MOM!!!!!"

Okay, I get it. I shut up. And let him drive.

We made it to the pool in one piece, without any incidents. Well, other than my stress level having been raised up through the roof. And #1 was pleased. He was very proud with what he had just accomplished. And I was very proud with what I accomplished. I didn't freak out... well, at least he didn't see me having a small freakout in my head. Which is good. For him. Not me.

When the game was over, I asked him if he wanted to drive home. I mean, he'd just come through the city for the first time and I couldn't very well not let him drive through it again. This was going to happen every week and I best just be getting used to it I thought.

"No, you can. I'm heading for lunch with the rest of the team and I'll catch a ride home with Bill."

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Ciao!

Just messin' with ya!

2009-10-17T20:37:00.003-05:00

Here we go... let the fun stuff start!

I sooooo want to tell you what's rattling around in my head. I do.

I really, really DO!!!!

But I can't.

Not here.

Not in an email.

Not even on the phone....

Hell, I'm not even going to write you a letter! Nor talk about it over coffee. Or beers.

I may relent slightly if offered grape... wait! no, not even grape!!!

I will, however, say this....

I'm getting closer to tasting it!!

Ciao!

Well, this is different

2009-10-10T08:08:00.004-05:00

No no no, not a Saturday morning blog. You've come to expect that. Or maybe not. Blogging has been down on the priority list as you've probably noticed. I have anyway. Readership has dropped off. Which is to be expected when the writer can't find the time or harness the creative juices that spill out through her fingers and into the keyboard. And when there's nothing new here, well, people just move along. You need to know that those creative juices just keep rolling around in my head. Not going anywhere. Bouncing back and forth, up and down. It's actually making me crazy. Or crazier maybe? And given everything that's been happening, I probably should've been writing. You know, to try and keep me somewhat sane.

But if I was able to tell you everything that has been happening in the last month or so, (which I'm not going to by the way, I'll just drop subtle little hints here and there to make you wonder, keep you curious and coming back for more thinking that there might be something here), you'd probably fall off your chair. Well, maybe not really, but you'd be surprised. And impressed. Well, maybe not that either.

But I am. And really, that's all that matters.

On to what I can talk about.

#1 turned 17 a couple of days ago. But you knew that already. It's kind of weird for me. I mean, I knew when I had the child that he'd grow up. At least that's what I prayed for. And he has. And is. Growing up. He's turning into quite the man too. It seems that sometime in the last 6 months or so, a switch has been turned over. Not a light switch type of switch. That would be instantaneous. and God knows this hasn't been quick by any stretch of the imagination. But one of those big 'it takes two or three people to push the heavy metal bar over so the lights go on' kind of switch. And then it takes a little time for the light to get brighter and brighter. And I'm seeing the light! By the way, he has an awards night coming up where he shall be noted as an outstanding student for last year's school year. Which had me shaking my head somewhat going "huh?" I then puffed up and strutted about like a proud peacock!

Meal of choice was homemade pizza (it's awesome as you can see) and Ice Cream cake.

I was handed a promotion a couple of weeks back. I am now what they have determined to be a 'customer service/quality manager'. Came with a raise. And a laptop. And an expense account (of sorts). Remote access to the office network and a staff of four reporting to me. Big responsibility I know. But not as big as its gonna get. One of the other perks, and probably the bestest perk of all, was the high speed internet installation that took place here. Yes, I now have a thing on the roof of my house, not very pretty either, that brings in the internet at speeds that have never been seen here. SG, who absolutely had no use whatsoever for the internet, has found that it really isn't all that bad after all. At least that's what I'm assuming as he's turned his attention from the hunting and fishing channels on the TV to the hunting and fishing stuff on the internet. Think kid in a candy store... yeah, good thing I have the laptop! I just need to figure out how to get the wireless router working and we're golden! #2 is particularly thrilled as now he can play his Halo ODST live, with other players who aren't in my house, on the big screen... I tell you, there is no end to the joy in this place...

And it snowed last night. And snowed. And snowed. A little too early and I know it'll melt (it better friggin' melt!!) but really? October 10th I wake up to white? Considering a mere three weeks or so ago it was 32C out. This is just whacked.

I'll leave it here. A little short I know, but I've got me some internet surfing to do. There's a whole world out there that needs me to take a look at it. Finally a true appreciation for the blogs that I regularly read. The waiting for the photos or videos to load, well, there really isn't one anymore. And the downloading. There is a plenty of downloading to be done!! oh, and by the way... family members ~ go ahead and send the pictures and those big ass video clips that used to piss me right off as I waited, sometimes hours, for them to come in... I won't get mad!

And give me a call. The phone will ring.

Ciao!!

Say what???

2009-10-08T01:03:00.000-05:00

Seventeen years ago, at the exact time of this post (thank you for the scheduling ability Blogger!) #1 entered this world and blessed me with, well, just blessed me.

All 8 lbs, 11 ozs and 22 inches of him.

It was an adventurous labour to say the least. Not to mention a veeerry long one. I'll spare you all the gory details.... But one that I would never, ever, EVER!! trade or change for anything!

And to quote a friend in a recent email...

"F*#$in' hell, you have a kid who's graduating high school? How did that happen?"

I'm asking myself the same thing.

And now, my little baby is 6' 7" and topping the scales at, well, he's big. My personal bodyguard.

Happy Birthday to you my first born! May life give you all that is good. Great things await you and I hope you embrace them with everything you have! You are one of my reasons for being.

I Love You more than you could ever possibly know.

Love Mom xoxoxo

Okay, mushy I know....deal with it!

Ciao!

Picture Story

2009-10-03T07:41:00.003-05:00

Mission?

Accomplished!

Ciao!

A Conversation

2009-09-27T18:00:00.004-05:00

At 5:32 am this morning.

#1: Mom...mom....wake up

Me: Huh...what?

#1: We have to leave soon

Me: Oh

Fast forward 7 minutes.....

Me: Oh, and just so you know, the guys usually find their own way to the hunting spot. Mommy doesn't usually deliver. Just so you know.

Ciao!

Who Says

2009-09-26T16:05:00.008-05:00

Soooo, my boy John is getting ready to release his newest CD. I'm very excited. But you knew I would be.... He's been hard at it for about a year now. It's called Battle Studies. Well... today it's called that. Tomorrow? You never know with this guy.

Anyway, he leaked what will be the first single on Thursday. On Twitter of all places!! That boy, he is indeed a marketing genius! With well over two million followers... yeah, he knows what he's doing.

And, as is his style, he's been playing secret shows at the Hotel Cafe down in LA. Sort of getting a feel for performing in front of people again. As well, he does like to play "raw" versions of what he's working on and has written. With his taping policy being very liberal, there has been plenty out there for the listening pleasure.

But I made a decision this time. I wasn't going to listen to any of it. I wasn't going to download anything. I would wait, like the all other non-obsessed fans, for the actual CD to come out, listen to it in the car (by the way.... Maggie likes John too), by myself and formulate my opinions. I was going to be surprised. Entertained. I was going to stand strong!!

I am soooo weak!!

First chance I got, away I went... "right click to save to your computer" was I. With everything. I even emailed a person who is a more dedicated fan than I. She actually does the majority of taping that is done in and around LA. She has a library of John stuff going back for what seems like forever. I thought that as long as I just "saved" them, I didn't have to listen. I had them. That was all that mattered. I could listen if I wanted to, but I'm wasn't going to this time.

Again.... I am soooo weak!!!

I have this rather verbose dialogue going on in my head that has all these opinions and thoughts. I won't share with you now, I'll wait until later. But it should be stated that if he was serious and wanted to shed his "Wonderland" reputation, I think he may just have accomplished it this time around. Those that want him to head back to his RFS roots, well, you best be moving along now. Battle Studies, from what I've heard raw, will be nothing like RFS.

The first single is called "Who Says". Here's the lyrics.

Who says I can't get stoned
Turn off the lights and the telephone
Me and my house alone
Who says I can't get stoned

Who says I can't be free
From all of the things that I used to be
Re-write my history
Who says I can't be free

Its been a long night in New York City
Its been a long night in Baton Rouge
I don't remember you looking any better
But then again I don't remember you

Who says I can't get stoned
Call up the girl that I used to know
Fake love for an hour or so
Who says I can't get stoned

Who says I can't take time
Meet all the girls in the county line
Wait on fate to send a sign
Who says I can't take time

Its been a long night in New York City
Its been a long night in Austin too
I don't remember looking any better
But then again I don't remember you

Who says I can't get stoned
Plan a trip to Japan alone
Doesn't matter if I even go
Who says I can't get stoned

Its been a long night in New York City
Its been a long time since twenty-two
I don't remember you looking any better
But then again I don't remember, don't remember you

It's really quite a catchy little tune. Here's a link if you want to download it and listen to it for yourself.

As well, here's what the boy had to say about it.

Per Rolling Stone, John says,
"When I sing it, I do not think about marijuana - I think about walking around your house naked with a guitar," Mayer says. "It's about being in control of the pleasure in your life."

I concur.

I like it.

And, I am, apparently, really weak.

Ciao!!

If this is Tuesday???

2009-09-23T21:54:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up before the alarm clock lets loose its assault on your ears and the oh so wonderful slumber you were thoroughly and completely enjoying and find yourself looking at it and saying "What day is it?"

Yeah, I've been doing that the last few days.

I'm not sure why, because to tell you the truth, I'm always cognizant of what day it is when I wake up. You know, the old "that was a lousy sleep... oh yeah..shit...it's Monday" or "Thursday, we are sooo on our way to the weekend!!". My fave is the "YESSS!!....it is indeed Saturday".

And after coming out of the twilight zone that you've just spent the last 6.5 hours (if you're lucky!) in, and you realize what day it actually is, you ask yourself "Is today the day?".

Will this be the day I've been waiting for? Is it decision time? Will it happen? Will I find out?

Man.... I am not liking this much at all.

I won't elaborate on my complete and total distaste with the state of my sleep this last little while. I will say that when I wake up tomorrow, I want to say to myself "Yes, it's Thursday, we are sooo on our way to the weekend!!".

Ciao!!

Monday

2009-09-21T03:42:00.000-05:00

I'm up too early but can't sleep. I'm in for a helluva week, I can just feel it. It's going to be busy busy busy and filled with all kinds of new and interesting things.

Great. Just great. I mean, ugh.

And I'm feeling like a horrible mom as I didn't bake a damn thing this weekend. Which means, the kids have craptastic options for lunch! Maybe tonight I'll get something in the oven.

Who am I kidding? I'll crash by seven as I've been up since 2:42....

Wish me luck, I think I'm gonna need it to get through it!

Ciao!!

Note To Self

2009-09-17T21:37:00.001-05:00

You!!....yeah you!

The one who feels like they're going to internally combust if the freakin' "flash" you're currently managing to survive doesn't end, sooner rather than later, because, seriously...., you will blow right the hell up and set everything within a three mile radius on fire!!!!

Yes, you're the one...

Do not decide, while driving, down the highway at speeds of 118 km...I mean 102, with all four windows down and the moon roof open, because it really is cooling the inferno down, to reach over and close the moon roof....

DON'T!!!

Because it's very difficult to shoulder check when your head is being held hostage by your hair.

Stuck.

In the moon roof.

You just closed.

Signora Calda!!

Boy, those look good!!

2009-09-14T19:35:00.005-05:00

And please, don't ask me what happened...I have no freakin' clue!

But, what I do know is that, despite the appearance, the flavour flave was still there so I kept them. It's highly unlikely the boys will take them to school, dare someone comment and ask them "what the hell is that?"... so... it just means more for me!!

Needless to say, I was a tad shocked. So shocked that I had to take the shot at a different angle.

The frickin' things rose and then fell. I know this by the way they're sagging over the edge and splayed across the baking pan. And I'm blaming the dogs. Whilst these were in the oven, we had some company. They barked (the dogs, not the company!). And barked, and barked. And then, barked some more. It appears that four Shepherds barking have more of an impact than two teenage boys chasing each other around the house where the rise and fall of muffins is concerned.

But give me a quiet house with no such noise, it works! Which is good, because, well, the boys need muffins!

Oh, and because pictorial evidence would indicate such, and I know y'all were thinking that I'd been tipping the grape, I wasn't.

But I will say this. It's expensive, but worth every penny when you need to sit back, celebrate, sip and enjoy. A blend of three grapes, the melding of them all together works. And works well!

I'd be willing to part with the muffins recipes if you're so inclined. Just let me know! But I'm not springing for the grape!

Ciao!!

Stuck

2009-09-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

I know it sounds like I'm a serious excuse monkey, and maybe I am. But I don't think so. I'm just stuck.

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty going on that would be make for outstanding blog fodder. The lint house is a hoppin' place right now. The pockets are filling up and, well, I'm out of catchy little phrases to continue on describing life and how it is, based around the blog name, so I'll stop.. Or I'm just tired and can't think creatively right now.

I'd love to write about the feelings of glee and sadness I felt, both at the same time, when it was discovered that the full-time thing I do is changing. Or the extreme disappointment I have in myself for not setting a good example and having someone follow my lead down a path they should've never taken. Or about the irons in the fires I have going on and the frustration I'm feeling with the way the wheel turns so horribly slow and my wondering if I can put up with slow moving wheels should things go the way I'm wishing and hoping they will. Or how it seems that others are moving on and up and forward and I feel like I'm just standing in the same spot, not going anywhere. But I can't. Not yet.

And that is frustrating!

But what I can do is get back to the basics and the humour and the pictures and the conversations and the randomness that I am oh so very capable of. For example. Friday morning, text message comes in from SG and it went like this:

SG: You should get chicken
Me: I was going to
SG: what kind
Me: tits and legs
Me: and wings
Me: Survivor starts on Thursday
SG: ???

Kinda weird? In my head it wasn't. It was the next thought in the progression whereby wings are purchased and prepared for specific occasions. And we do this thing in our house where every Thursday we gather together and sit and watch Survivor. I know, need to get a life but we've been doing it ever since the stupid show started. It's kind of like a family game night, except without the game. We do survivor instead. And I usually make homemade pizza. But that got a little taxing, not only with the time (more times than not the show would be almost over and we'd be just settling in to eat) but homemade pizza gets a little expensive, what with the price of cheese these days.... So we changed it up and now we alternate between pizza and Wings and Salad. Caeser Salad. Probably THE. BEST. EVER Caesar Salad you could ever dream of eating.

Anyway, I suppose I should be less worried about what I shouldn't write about right now and concentrate on getting back to the basics. Regular postings, random items that make you shake your head, funny stuff that makes you laugh, and, when I'm thinking you're getting a little sick of reading about stuff, a little look at life in pictures.

This is what I'm thinking. I'm not promising, but I'm thinking. So I'll leave you with a pic or two right now to tide you over. And know that I'm planning on getting back to basics while the complicated shit continues to rent space in my head.

It's been a pretty wet "summer??" this year and we've had more than our fair share of mushrooms growing in the yard. Apparently you're suppose to pick them in order to keep the spores from spreading, but I've just been mowing them over with the lawn tractor.

Sunrise as I was leaving one morning last week. I thought it looked like a big fire ball in sky, which, technically it is, but I also thought is was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in a long time.

Okay, I'm out. Have baking to do, floors to wash, toilets to clean (yuck, yuck, YUCK!!!!) and then, what will no doubt end up being yet another disappointment, a football game to watch. If it's that bad, I may just end up floating in the pool. Speaking of which, we've never been in the pool in September...this is weird....

Ciao!

You heard it here first....

2009-09-06T19:26:00.006-05:00

The Art of Teenage Interrogation.
by...Me!

THAT!!! my friends, is the name of the book.

I've changed my plan and have put the first book on hold. Because it looks likes I will have to continue to write this "how to get right into the inner core of your kids mind and totally blow him away because you actually do know it all (or at least more than he does) as you lived it yourself and he's just too naive to figure it all out and understand this" book.

Yeah, it's been a fun ride around here this past summer. And...as they say, "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger".... Bring on the heavy weights!

I'm thinking a best seller here folks!

Ciao!!!

Can you say "fruity"?

2009-09-05T22:03:00.004-05:00

What a day, what a day...

The weather was absolutely gorgeous.

Which of course prompted me to grab the camera and take some pictures.

Cherries. I know, I know...I showed them before but I'm still amazed that they actually grew and tasted allright. Well, they tasted like sour, but not like crap, so essentially, they tasted okay. The last of the batch is coming off tomorrow...

My girlfriend and I were out taking a walk in the back bush...her's, not mine...and we stumbled across a hidden treasure. I noticed the red patch, she didn't know it was there and we picked every single one of them off, split them in half and made some lovely apple crumble!

Front yard apples are few and far between this year but what is there is very, very tasty! They're just coming ready now and I will say, there's nothing like a "new crop" of apples to regenerate your appreciation!

Progress is amazing! These are the grapes that for the last two years have been trampled by too many puppies. This year, as you've seen if you've been reading, we got grapes! They blossomed, they grew, they grew bigger and now they're turning colour. While I thought we had red and green, turns out we have two red! (go figure eh??!?!!). Might be able to pull enough off to make some grape jelly, but watch out next year!! Me thinks I'll be making wine!!

Ciao!!

Gone Fishing????

2009-09-03T21:33:00.004-05:00

That's sort of what it feels like. I'm anywhere but here. Too much stuff going on and the inability to co-ordinate it all to one place, then categorize it, classify and edit...yeah, it's easier to just toss the line out there.... and reel it right back in.

But, I give you this.

- the new television season is starting and I'm 'anticipating' and thinking "we need a PVR..."

- my almost 17 year old is very different than when I was at 17.... yeah... not coping so well with that

- three times in the pool in this so called "summer season" does not cut it

- my sooner rather than later 14 year old is nothing like I've ever seen before... not coping so well with that either

- pins and cups are pretty cool ... more to come on my acupuncture and cupping (think Chinese medicine people, do not go where you were going!!)

- the TV needs to be bigger...

- the computer needs to be faster.... just saying...

- heading back to the gym after such a long time away (whoops...who knew you had to keep it up in order to keep it off?) is not quite as easy as one thinks it is

And there's more, but .... I'm going fishing .... Back soon, I promise.

Ciao!!

Hi

2009-08-25T05:47:00.000-05:00

Judging from the emails, apparently people wanna read the blog... who woulda thunk it. Blogger allows you to invite 100 people.... I'd like to say I ran out of invites, but that wouldn't be quite true. But it was getting rather daunting trying to keep up with who wanted to read and who they were and did I want them to read it. So, I just said screw it. Too much of a hassle and I got enough going on....just sayin'!

Anyway, I must apologize for putting it on invite only. Turns out that there are ways to sort of hide it from those that don't regularly read it. Has something to do with something or another and anyway, it's here again, open for ya'll...provided you figured out how to find it! Unlike the Facebook...that puppy is still in hiding but one day will surface again.

I'll do my best to get back to somewhat of a regular posting schedule all the while trying to keep up with everything that's going on. But for now, I'm off to the shower. Have a real job to go to you know!!

Ciao!

The marbles are all out of whack

2009-08-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

I know I should be blogging. Believe me, I know this. And I really don't have any reason why I haven't been. Well, I have lots of reasons...but are they valid? I think so. Do you need to hear them? Probably not.

There has been an incredible amount of trivial dribble babbling its way through my brain lately. I was sitting on the deck last night, watching the grass grow and mosquitoes rise up, looking for prey, and my mind was all over the place. It was like I couldn't finish anything I was thinking about. I couldn't get to the point where I could say "okay, now that I've taken care of that." I just kept having thought after thought after thought, run through my head, bouncing off the walls. And nothing was getting accomplished or completed. Then I said to myself, "Why are you not writing this shit down?"

I got up with the intention of doing just that, writing the meanderings of my mind down on a sheet of paper. I got myself another drink, the camera, my smokes and my sweater (it was chilly, which is a whole other post, the one where I bitch and complain about the summer we didn't have).

I did not, however, get a pen and paper.

And I should have. Because at 4:32 this morning, I was awake. Wide awake. Running some of the same crap yet again, through my head. I tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but for some reason, thinking about the state of my fridge was winning the battle over me being able to shut off my mind and go back to sleep.

So I got up. I tried to sneak out of the bedroom without the dogs hearing me which is not an easy thing to do when they're sleeping right there. In the same room. Spread out all over the floor. And it's dark. And you accidentally step on one of their noses as you try to avoid bumping into the broken ankle (unsuccessfully I might add) that is hanging over the edge of the bed, all the while hoping like hell that you'll be able to get out of the room without slamming your face into the floor as you trip over one of the dog beds. Oh yes, my bedroom, a hotbed of activity...!

I headed outside to try and clear the clutter. As I sat on the deck, I listened to the world around me start to come to life. The birds were starting, even though it was still dark. I could hear traffic off in the distance and asked myself who would be out driving at this hour? Were they just heading home? Or heading out? It was cold too. A measley seven degrees (how the hell is a garden supposed to grow when the nights are this cold? not that I have much of a garden this year, but some people do.) I went back into the house and put some clothes on. Well, more clothes. The "chinooks" have been taking their toll lately and as such, I wear as little as possible these days....too much information maybe? Anyway I headed back out and thought to myself "Why the hell is your brain doing this right now? Does all this crap really warrant using the space in there?" Well, it's not all crap. There is some serious stuff going on in there too. It's just that the random stuff is so much more.

And, as I consciously made a decision about what was running through my mind at that moment, I looked up to the sky and saw big, long, bright, beautiful streak of light.

A falling star.

I think it was a sign. I know, I know, you're thinking I'm nuts. But I do believe that that star needed to fall through the sky, at that precise moment, with me witnessing it, to confirm that the decision I had been in the process of making, in my mind, was the right decision to be making.

Only one problem with this.

I can't remember what it was I was thinking about.

Ciao!

Love, Hate, The Whole Damn Thing

2009-08-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

Right now, this very minute, my oldest son hates me. He started hating me about 2 hours ago. And, I’m certain he’ll continue to hate me for at least the rest of the day and probably tomorrow too.

And you know what? I love him even more for hating me.

It all started innocently enough this morning. A few of them were heading out to some mud-bogging thing that’s going on in the next town over. They had convinced one of the buddies to enter his truck into this competition where, I’m guessing, they have to traverse their way through water and mud and sledge and sludge and he who survives, well, is the winner.

They were all pretty pumped about it. And I was excited for them. Because it sounded like fun. Well, not my kind of fun, but certainly fun for a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds who are starting to make their way in the world. Figuring things out. Living a little more.

And while incredibly apprehensive at first, I also know that we’ve raised our kids pretty good. I trust that with everything we’ve instilled in them, despite what seems to be never ending evidence that none of it has sunk in, I’m certain that we gave them the tools to make good decision, be safe and sound.

So, I’m standing at the sink, doing up some dishes and I’m watching the guys pack up the truck. Gettin’ ready to do the “road trip!” thing and have a great day. And then I see one of the guys grab the cooler and take it to his car. Needless to say, some red flags immediately popped up. “Hhhmmm….wonder what’s going in there?” I asked myself. More than likely it was NOT Iced Tea or Lemonade! I patiently stood at the sink and watched. It wasn’t like I was spying…I was at the sink first!

I went out and gave my index fingering a wagging as I motioned for #1 to come inside the house. He looked at me, shook his head and reluctantly came inside. He sat down. He knew what was coming.

“What’s in the cooler?”

“Beer”

“Oh really? Do you think it’s a wise idea for you guys to take a cooler filled with beer to a public event?”

“Sure, why not?”

“Well, first off, none of you are over 18. Secondly, it’s considered open liquor. You can’t drink alcohol in a public venue like, and most importantly of all….someone has to drive home even if you were legal and you could drink there!! The place is going to be packed, the police are going to be there and there’s nothing more obvious than a bunch of guys with a cooler. You don’t really think they’ll believe it’s full of egg salad sandwiches and Diet Pepsi, do you?

As he hung his head and headed outside to break the bad news to the buds, I could hear the cursing under his breath. A tough thing for a 16 year old to do, break the bad news that the beer can’t go, his mom won’t let it.

With what seemed like an hour but was really only about 10 minutes, he came back into the house.

“We’re not going to drink it at the mud bogging, we’re heading to so and so’s house this afternoon and will drink it there.”

“#1…. You’re not getting it. I can’t let a group of 16 and 17 year olds leave my property with a cooler full of beer that they plan on drinking who knows where! I can’t.”

The conversation carried on for about another 5 minutes with him saying “But mom….” And me saying “It’s not going to happen.”

“Well, it’s not my beer so I can’t make the final decision” he stated as he made his way to the front door.

“#1….. you, or your friends, do not have permission to take that beer with you” I said. And turned and walked away.

A few minutes passed and I made my way back to the kitchen sink. After all, the dishes weren’t going to wash themselves! As I stood there, I watched #1 talk to the buddies. Then I saw him take the cooler out of the back of the truck and carry it over to the car. He opened the door and put the cooler on the front seat. Locked the door (I assumed anyway) and got in to leave. I stepped out on the deck and hollered “Be smart, be safe!” and was treated to a dirty look.

I wanted to smile and do the happy dance. But I couldn’t. I was still too busy running various scenarios through my head. I mean, you all know how my imagination works; it gets a little wonky and wild sometimes! I wouldn’t be able to fully experience any joy in the decision that was made until I made sure the cooler actually had beer in it. That one of the buds hadn’t stashed it under the seat of the truck.

I made my way out to the car and reached to open the door. It was locked. I figured it would be. A two door Cavalier, there was only one more chance to try and get in. I went around, reached the handled and pulled. It opened. Kids… so smart yet so not so smart! I hesitated before I opened the cooler, trying to decide if it was a good thing to do. In a manner of about 7.2 seconds, I lifted the cooler lid and saw that it was full. I breathed a big sigh of relief.

I didn’t smile right away. But I’m smiling now. Sort of. But with reservations. Did I cross the line of trust? Or was I just being smart? Should I have just known that the cooler was full and that they had listened? Or was I right in going to check?

I don’t know. I’m new to this parenting of teenagers! And as #1 gets older, I’m facing more and more decisions on just what is the right thing to do. It’s not that I don’t trust him. I do. I think I can even trust his friends. But it just seems that the envelope keeps getting pushed harder and further, every time I turn around.

And to think there’s another one right behind him….sheesh!

Ciao

Eye Candy

2009-08-16T08:28:00.006-05:00

Check it out....been having a great time with the camera...

The flowers and the garden suck, to say the least, this year.

In the pasture however there is plenty going on.

There's a spider coming up out of the hole.

Pretty interesting colours on this. I also have yellow ones.

The grapes are doing well! Amazing when you don't have a boatload of puppies chewing and trampling on them!

Whether the form is good or not, this resulted in a 170 yard drive and shortly thereafter....a 25 foot putt to the cup. Have I mentioned I love this game???

Unfortunately, a warehouse casualty.

Cherries. First year we've had enough to actually eat and prepare them! The apples on the other hand, well, they suck donkey balls this year.

Super bubble wand and the camera... fun fun times! really, I mean it!!

A bird. What else can I say. Oh, wait, maybe, "a yellow" bird!

Ciao!!

Last Night's Light Show

2009-08-13T18:25:00.000-05:00

Risking the chance of getting West Nile from the mosquitoes, this was the view from the deck at about 11:15 last night.

Rumour has it there will be another one tonight.

Top Secret...ssshhh!!

2009-08-08T17:10:00.006-05:00

Hey guys, sorry about the invite thing. I mean, really, I am.

It's just that there's some "stuff" going on here in the background of my life that might not be beneficial to me if everyone was able to read about me and my life.

And really, as I've said before, it is all about me!!

So, I'm hiding. Well... as best as one can hide when they put themselves out on the internet for God and everyone to see... I hope to be back to letting all my loyal readers read again real soon...but for now, this is the best decision.

And don't worry, I'm certain that the "stuff" going on will be done and finished with sooner rather than later. At least I'm hoping so! It wasn't my idea and because it wasn't, I'm figuring, it's all good baby, it's all good!! Dive in head first and see what's at the bottom after the fact... what a way to live...

Ciao!

Wanna go on a date?

2009-08-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

You know… I haven’t been slacking. Really, I haven't been.

I’ve been writing in my brain. And that counts for everything!!! lolol

All these incredibly funny, sad, stupid posts. And completely random thoughts that go through my head and, that I feel anyway, need to be published. Right here, on the blog.

I’m going to sound like I’m making excuses when I say that I’ve been busy. Well, maybe not busy, but continually and constantly side-lined.

“Life” has been getting in the way.

And every time I sit down to write a blog, something else happens that takes me away from it.

For example…. The other night I was going to post about how crappy the weather has been this summer. A somewhat humourous narrative on this whole thing we Manitobans call “summer”.

But something happened. And I didn’t.

And then I was going to tell you about the last “gathering” #1 had and how one of the attendees decided that he would attempt to tackle SG and… well, that didn’t end so well so that went to the back burner…

And there were more….

But for now, I’m going to tell you about my night… last night.

It started with a text message that asked, “Wanna spend about 5 hours together tonight? And was quickly followed by “I have a place for us to go…” I will say, my imagination was peaked!! What did he have planned? Five hours? No kids? Many scenarios ran through my head, but.... because I have family who read this blog, yeah, well, I'm not going there!!!

Turns out, he had ulterior motives. He needed a ride to the hospital.

You see, SG had a bit of an accident yesterday. While trying to help out some friends.

And there it was….a broken ankle.

But we did take solace when we were told “It’s not broken on the weight bearing bone, so I don’t think you need to be casted.”

Judging from the text I got this morning… I know a ‘script for some kind of painkiller would’ve been nice....and appreciated!

"It's just stupid"

2009-08-02T09:11:00.003-05:00

I had a bit of chat last night with #1. He worked and had made arrangements with his buddy to pick him up, rather than have SG or I do it. We had been at friends for the evening, and well, tipped a few bevvies and, while I'm sure one of us could have gone to pick him up, it probably wouldn't have been the wise decision.

Whilst perched on the front deck looking at the moon and the stars, he said that his buddy has turned all weird and stupid. I asked him why he thought that and he said that ever since he (the buddy) has been hanging out with this "Lindsay" girl he just hasn't been the same. He never wants to come over and hang out in the barn (which has been turned into #1's "shop") anymore. Has no interest in doing much of anything at all...just wants to hang with Lindsay.

I asked if they were what we used to call "going out with each other" and he said no, they usually just sit at buddy's house and don't do too much of anything. Which he thinks is really boring and stupid. Apparently I should've been a little clearer with what I meant, but I didn't.

As I tried to supress my giggling, I needed to come up with something to say that wouldn't make him give up on his buddy, but let him know that this will probably be him once he finds a "lindsay" that he wants to spend time with. A lot of time with. Probably more time than he could ever imagine.

I tried to explain that once a person finds someone that they like and are interested in, they start to change. They want to be with that person, more than anyone else. It's sort of like the beginning of a new chapter in the book of life where, while they still like their guy friends, they've started to expand their circle to more than just the guys. An invisible switch goes off and then the girls come along. And sometimes, the girls become more important than the guys.

And you know what he said to me?

"Mom, I know that. I'm not dumb."

"It's just stupid, that's all."

And while part of me wanted to go further into my explaination of the dynamics of a teenage relationship, the other part of me didn't even want to go near it!!

"You're right. It is stupid."

Ciao!!

August already

2009-08-01T08:13:00.005-05:00

Hey hey!! Where to start? There's been tons going on and I have ooodles of stuff running through my head that I need to entertain you with. But I guess I should start with the summer holiday that was...

As you've read (or not as there's been nothing!), I was away doing some vacationing type stuff. Resting, relaxing, camping.

The resting was good. When I wasn't being ruthless in gathering and getting rid of years and years of various types of stuff that has been collected and saved because "you never know when we might need something like this!"

The relaxing, well that was hard to come by. The first week included 4 phone calls from the office and one trip in to the office. I was really pissed off at that, as the solution to the problem was advised over the phone and the solution that was provided by my visit was the same one that was provided over the phone. Anyway, I think I finally relaxed and stopped thinking about the work thing Friday of the last weekend off. Kinda sucks. Still hoping for a do-over, but don't think I'm going to get it.

The camping was awesome. I forgot how nice it was to sleep outside in a tent and cook on a campfire. Some of the best meals come from that cast iron pan over the heat of burning wood. And some of the sorest backs come from sleeping on the ground. But it's a good sore. And it wasn't actually "on the ground"... there was an airbed involved!

We headed out to the Whiteshell where we got ourselves a gorgeous campsite. Tucked into the bush with access to the lake right behind us. It was very very nice. Other than the yahoo's that were camped right next to us. Four guys, probably 19 or 20 (I know, watch what I say here, I've got a couple of those of my own coming up), who were relatively well behaved during the day...I'm assuming this as they weren't there. But come evening and the return from the liquor run, yeah, well, a little bit rowdy. But I remember (well, sort of) being that age and just sort of took it in stride.

Until about 2 in the morning when it was getting a little out of control. The language. The booze. The "funny smelling" smoke... Before SG flipped, which was going to happen, I asked them to please keep it down a bit, there were families with children all around who were trying to sleep. They obliged. But only after they roasted their burritos and perogies (not my idea of camping food but whatever) tripped over the pile of beer cans (at least they used their heads and didn't bring bottles), fell into their tents (imagine the sound of ripping) and went to sleep.

My tendency to rise early came in quite handy at about six when I was up, whistling, humming (I don't sing...that would've been horrible and cruel revenge), chopping wood and making a fire. The sounds of pots being washed, the smell of bacon in the air and the voice on the radio filled the air... They were all up shortly after that, looking a little grey around the gills. They were quiet though. And I have to hope that they too will get even the same way when they're in their 40's! And find appreciation the mid morning nap because of it!!

This was right behind out campsite... our own waterfront! It was lacking a little on the sandy side of things. But, believe it or not, this is an asset for the camping mom!

One match, one 4 x 6 piece of notepaper and I got the fire going. Yes, once a girl guide, always a girl guide. I'm giving credit to the Army Cadets training back when I was thirteen.

That's me holding the fishing rod...got a few bites (amazed I remembered what they felt like it's been so long) but the Loon in the background is the more important feature of this photo. I love Loons!

Litte Chippy was a frequent visitor. Which was fun... but only when I was sitting with my feet up on a chair! He climbed right into #2's hand and had a good munch. Then the squirrel came along and ruined the whole thing...

Our last day there, the beach was desserted and #2 was doing his "dude running on the beach" thing.

We're thinking next year that we'll get outselves one of the sites that have water and electrical, bring one of the bar fridges and perhaps our small toaster oven and set up house for a full week. Why not? If we do it the first week of my holidays there will be no way the office can get a hold of me and I can get the relaxing thing down by day 3!

Ciao!!

Back In The Saddle...

2009-07-31T19:18:00.000-05:00

Sort of.

I'm back. And I'm busy.

But I promise a boat load of stuff for your reading pleasure over the weekend.

But for now, I'm going to get drunk at my girlfriends down the road (remember ~ don't drink and drive ~ I'll be staggering).

We may, or may not, get naked and do some kitchen comedy.

There will be no pictures!

Ciao!!

Bathroom Etiquette

2009-07-16T18:33:00.003-05:00

If there's one thing I've discovered with living in a house full of boys... all bets are off when it comes to the bathroom. Really. They are.

When SG and I designed the house, we drawed (drew? drawn?? penciled in???) an ensuite off the master bedroom. We thought that we would share it. I thought "how cool is that?" Right there, in the bedroom, our own private little three piece bath. It was an awesome idea! And that was the plan. We'd share the "can". Well, you'd really have to understand what we were coming from in order to understand how excited we were about what we were going to...

That was until the day he headed to jobsite where they were building the house. Without me.

And told the plumber to raise the shower head to seven feet.

Okay, okay, okay...he's 6'6" (actually, I think he's shrinking but is in denial) and why should he have to hunch over to have a shower? I get this. But we were supposed to share the bathroom. It was supposed to be for both of us. Do you have any idea how much the water cools when it has to drop eleven inches before it hits you? Significantly!!!.... particularly if you're a lover of hot showers.

So, left with no choice, I claimed the "big" bathroom. The one with the mirror that is so big you have no choice but to look at yourself as you open the shower curtain. The one that holds the washer and dryer and all that laundry that I continually bitch about not being in the hamper, that just lays there on the floor, right beside it. The one that has the toothpaste (or toothpastes), on the counter, with the lids off.

The one that I am continually paranoid about using in the middle of the night.... Seriously, I am. There's nothing quite like the feeling of cold porcelain on the back of your legs as you ... well, never mind... ladies, you know what I'm talking about! And, no matter how much you clean it, you never know what is on said porcelain.... just sayin'....

The same bathroom that I have to share with #1 and #2.

I've learned that locking the door is totally irrelevant. I have no idea who thought it would be smart to show the boys how to use various implements to violate a locked door.... A bank card, a knife, hell, if they're creative enough, they could even use a spoon to dislodge the lock and barge right in. It appears that it doesn't matter who's in there, if they want in, they're getting in.

But I've learned a few things myself in sharing a bathroom with a couple of teenage boys.

Yes, yes I have.

The things I've learned are all really quite, well.... I really shouldn't tell you about them. I should keep them to myself. Revenge is sweet. And I can tell you that some of it includes razors and shaving gel... but that's all I'm giving up here... lol

I've also learned that it's a smart thing to yell "Don't look!!!... I'm coming out of the shower now....." before you open the curtain.

Not as you open the shower curtain...

I hope they'll be okay....

Ciao!!

Hope you giggled. I'm going away to do some vacationing type stuff... See you in a bit!

Summertime

2009-07-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

And the living is easy....

Ha ha ha, yeah. That's only when the weather is on your side. And if, by some unbelievable twist of fate it is, can you really trust it?

I'm on vacation in case you're wondering. Two weeks baby!! Two weeks! SG is off. #1 booked some time and well, #2, he gets to enjoy summer for the entire two months... well, until next year when I force him to get a job and start paying for his own video games!!

The males in the house went fishing and camping last week. Their weather was lovely. It rained on the day they were coming home, which was okay. They got in three solid days of fishing and caught some pretty nice fish. Here, take a look.

So, the plan was to head out and do it again. This time with me in tow. Which really pleased me. Really, it did. I love camping. I'm not sure my 47 year old body will love it when its all said and done however. The boys said I had to come because they needed someone to do the dishes and to keep the camp clean and tidy and cook for them too... Nice to know I'm needed. Oh, and apparently appreciated!

But... you knew there was going to be one... Weather reports indicate rain for the next three days. And, well, living in a tent, with 4 dogs, in the pouring rain (they're saying a 80% chance) for three days does not sound like my idea of a good time.

As a matter of fact, it sounds like a living hell, right here on earth!

So, now we're back to the drawing board for this week. Today, nice and hot, hot sun, will be spent poolside, checking out the tourist books and planning to head out and do something first thing in the morning. Even if it is raining. And of course, the sun will come out on Friday, right when #1 needs to head back to work.

As tempting as the thought is, I now need to figure out if it's okay to leave my almost 17 year old home alone on the weekend, with the dogs, if we should decide to re-book the campsites...

And, as it is almost noon, I think it's time to get off the internet and go and open that "beverage"... Ha ha ha I am on holidays after all...

A Message

2009-07-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

You know, sometimes life sends you a message.

A message that makes you stand up and go "uhmm????... hang on a sec here.... wait a minute... " Makes you realize that maybe you haven't been doing it right. Maybe you need to be making some changes. And soon.

I got one of those messages this week. As much as I'd love nothing more than to get all sappy and stuff right now.... I won't.

You're welcome by the way....

This blog was originally started for family. A way to keep them up to date with my life. My life here in rural Manitoba. Then, I gave it to some friends. Everyone said it was good. Well written. Enjoyable. Funny. Maybe they were shittin' me, maybe they weren't... who knows. Then... I started putting it out there. And more and more people started to read it... It's read, by more than you would think, but still not enough to garner that cheque from google....yet!!!

And it's right here, right now, that I want to say to those that read this blog for pure entertainment purposes... carry on my faithful readers! I'll try to keep it light, funny and entertaining.

But for the family, and the friends, aaahhh yeessss....there are some changes coming.

It won't be through the blog you'll be getting the 411 on my life.

Expect phone calls. Expect personal emails. Expect more phone calls. Expect more visits.

Expect me. In your life. For real. Not via the internet.

And for you blog readers that like to read about my life.... there will be more creativity, more story telling, more laughs.

Stick around, it could get a little rowdy....(sorry Dad!)

Ciao!!

Who's that girl?

2009-07-04T10:20:00.008-05:00

In keeping with my plan to have the second half of the year be a wee bit more fun than the first half...I had myself a makeover yesterday.

When SG and I first got together all those years ago, it was very clear to me that a brunette was not his first choice for a girl. He had a real soft spot for blondes. But I won him over with my charm, wit, intelligence and .... well, never mind!! I spent years listening to his requests that I change up the ole hair colour. These requests continually fell on deaf ears and eventually he gave up and quit asking. It was right about that time that I started to contemplate changing it. I mean, the "silver highlights" were starting to surface and I needed to do something. Going blonde was an option. Well, lighter, not really blonde per se.

Yesterday, I did. Go blonde that is. Well, not totally blonde, but blonde highlights.

Armed with some "liquid courage" I headed over to my girlfriends where the transformation of me was going to take place. She had plans for me, yes, yes she did.

I sat perched in the chair as she began to mess with my face. Well, not "mess", but put stuff on it. Stuff that doesn't normally go on my face. Liquids, powders, creams...it was insane!! And then she started in on the hair. A little teasing here, some combing over there. I swear she used a whole can of spray on it.

And then came out the extensions.

You have to understand, my friend is blonde. Very blonde. As are her extensions. I suggested to her that the really blonde extensions were not going to look good in the very reddish brown hair. She requested I be quiet as she poured me another drink. I obeyed.

About an hour later I was allowed to go look in the mirror. I was a tad nervous because I knew that I was going to look very different and what if I liked it? The whole process took about 2 hours and quite frankly, I just don't have that amount of time in the morning to re-create it. Not that I could.... I mean, I'm talented... just not that talented.

And while we took photos of the whole process, right from freshly scrubbed, makeup free face to "how much stuff did you put on my eyes, they feel heavy"... I'm going to show you only a few. And only some of the better ones. Because you don't really need to see what I look like first thing in the morning!

And, after it was all said and done, the blonde extensions came out, the hair was fixed and I was back to looking like myself... sort of...

And yeah, I was kinda liking the blonde thing...

Ciao!!