Hmmmm.......

G'day peeps...Christmas update is due, I know...I've procrastinated and do have something planned, including some pictures of my favourite prezzies...but first I have to take said pictures. It is on the way, I promise.

I felt the compelling need to post though - one of those things that make you go, 'Hmmmm'....How, without any real explanation available, does one wind up with an annoying song stuck in one's head, and this song, in turn, gets stuck on repeat for hours of the day?

Today's musical entertainment for me is Gillette's "Don't Want No Short Dick Man".

Merry Christmas!!!

Nothing like a little Mr. Bean to ring in the holidays:

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=8426419043568771345&q=merry+christmas+mr+bean+pt+2&total=2&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!!!

Santy Paws

A borrowed LOLCat image. It's seasonal...and cute :)

TGIF

Hi. So I made it to work...and I still feel like poo. I've got the cold chills, my throat is a major phlegm pit and so far 2 people have asked me if I was crying because when I'm talking my voice is graggly from the phlegm. I paint such a pretty picture, don't I? I want some chicken noodle soup and a huge blanket. Unfortunately I'm stuck at work until 8:30pm. Tomorrow, we have to get up early to head up West for Steve & Olivia's wedding (gawd I have to dress up and look presentable tomorrow.....). Happy Friday, peeps.

Still paddling...

Because I'm feeling like poo, I thought a cute post was in order. I hope you can see it ok - it went pretty small when I saved it. Isn't life grand as a kitty - no cares, no worries, and a simple sock causes so much pleasure and glory?

What else does a girl do when she's not feeling good? Why, she buys something new to make her feel better, of course! I've been looooong overdue for an upgrade on my cell phone...so I opted for this one. Apparently it's a good phone - and there are a lot of new cool features so I look forward to playing with it :).

I still feel like poo...but I'm working through it.

But I WANT to be invincible!

Well I mighta known it...as soon as I stop running around like a mad woman getting prepped for Christmas...as soon as I slowed down and sat down...as soon as I was finished.........I'd get sick. *whimper*...Yesterday I woke up with a scratchy throat and itchy ears - I tried to tell myself it was just 'dry air'. This morning, my throat is now raw...and my ears feel 'full', and I feel, overall, like CRAP. Merry Christmas - here's a cold.

*whimper*

A Christmas Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? For Christmas, I try to wrap everything - I save the gift bag thing for other occasions, like birthdays. If I have to bag something, if it's odd-shaped or something, it's sure to be wrapped inside the bag. I also wrap the 'sock' gifts too.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Going to have to say artificial - although I love the smell of a real tree, it's undetermined if I may be allergic, and I'm not willing to 'test' the theory as yet. When I was young I was sick every year at Christmas (I'm talking puking/lying down/can't enjoy your presents sick), until the year we put up the artificial tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? I try to get it up 1-2 weeks before (since it's artificial).

4. When do you take the tree down? It usually stays up til at least New Years day...I think it's been Jan 6 the past few years. The room always looks so bare without it once it comes down.

5. Do you like egg nog? Yep, especially with a shot of spiced rum inside!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? The year I received an array of "Sindy" furniture. Sindy was the size of Barbie, and that year I had a bedroom set, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom set. Oh how I loved my Barbies! "Santa" had laid it all out, set up & ready to play on the living room floor. I was ecstatic (that is til I felt nauseous and had to lie down :S)

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Nope.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Hands down my brother Todd.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom, although it's getting more difficult as the years pass...as her little house runs out of 'knick knack' room.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both - I hand make my Christmas cards now, and for those I'm more 'electronically' close to, I send them off an e-card or at least an emailed greeting. I love to receive cards. I usually never get back as many as I send though. :(

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The K-mart jeans from Wes...stone-washed and pleated. They were something else.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone I guess...I'm more a fan of the half-hour specials, and try to catch Frosty, Rudolph, & The Grinch every year.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually pick up a little throughout the year, but there's never a November/early-December time-frame that I'm not out picking up the most of it.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? On a rare occasion, yes. Those who say 'no' are lying :P.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The biggest 'Christmas' eat that is nostalgic for me and that spells "Christmas" is "Dad's" homemade stuffing -fried up in butter in an omelette at breakfast time on Christmas morning........*drool*. I always asked him to make extra.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear...and I'm not loving the new LED ones -at all....

17. Favorite Christmas song? "Oh Holy Night" - I think Boys2Men do a version that's soo pretty. Even Kelly Clarkson's version is nice. I also adore "Please Come Home for Christmas" by my Jon Bon Bon Jovi.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Well, between my family and Chris', we're usually going back and forth between homes...fortunately, we do live in the same province so that's the most travelling we do. If we moved away, I'd have to come home for Christmas...

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Lemme see......Dancer, Prancer, Donner, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Blitzen ...and Rudolph (how'd I do?).

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Definitely an angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Oh definitely Christmas morning - though as a child, we always opened just one on Christmas Eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When people are made to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" ... sending "Holiday" cards instead of "Christmas cards", putting up a "Friendship or Peace Tree" instead of a "CHRISTMAS tree'. It's CHRISTMAS, people!!!!!!!! This year, one of the stupidest things I heard yet was the idea of changing Santas call from "Ho ho ho" to "Ha ha ha". Stooooooooooooooooopit.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I'm a big fan of homemade ornaments. All the ornaments on my tree are handmade, or they're from my collection of Carlton ornaments that I collected over the years. They all mean something to me.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Again, Dad's stuffing.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Heaping quantities of love and happiness - and something pretty or sparkly never hurts, either. :)

Wrapping Up

Today marks the end of my vacation....back to work tomorrow. The time passed so quickly...

So in the past few days I:
-completed my Christmas wrapping (yeah!)
-watched the Survivor finale - glad to see Todd won, as he was the smart schemer, so a deserving win, methinks.
-joined the scrappy girls for our Christmas gift/sweet swap - despite a nasty drive to and fro (I was very glad to get home). Due to the poor weather, it was a short stay, and a rather hasty retreat, which I found disappointing. The treats are/were yummy, and the homemade gifts are lovely. Thank you, thank you lovely ladies!
-went to Chris' staff Christmas party Saturday night. We had dinner at Piazza Joe's followed by 'sneaky Santa' at Jim's. Next year, it's Chris' turn to drive.

This morning, I had a day of productivity planned, including several loads of laundry. I got up early, swept the kitchen floor and tidied up the living room/kitchen, and started my first load at around 8:30. The washer loaded up, per normal, and then quit. A full drum of water and nothing. I tried a few different wash settings, and nadda. I tried to trip the breaker, and nadda (who even knows if I got the right switch anyway). I called and called and called different numbers for repair, only to be greeted by answering machine after answering machine.

Being the 'girl' that I am I was a little afraid that possibly the plug was loose, but I couldn't reach it to adjust it. For a brief moment I thought a pussycat might have been the culprit - possibly falling behind the washer/dryer as he so often does since I couldn't find him. I frantically searched the house for him...yet only to discover him sitting pretty under the coffee table watching me silently the whole time, almost mocking.... So, in disgust, I gave up, & wrapped my remaining presents. I finally reached a live repair man, who said he'd try to make it this afternoon, and advised he'd call ahead. Afraid of missing his call, I didn't even shower because I waited for the call. Finally going on 4:30 he called, and I said I'd wait til Chris came home to see what he could figure out, and advised I'd call him back if there was still a problem. Chris landed home, pulled a 'Fonz' on it, and lo and behold, we have a working washer again. He figures the timer is going on it...I'm currently on my 3rd load and I've never been happier to do the chore. Who needs a major appliance going fubar this close to Christmas?? Not us.

Typical Monday?? :P

Umm....where'd December go??

Holy crap it's been 4 days since my last post.

Holy crap it's now December 14.

Holy crap!

The past few days I've been prepping for the scrappy girls Christmas party, which is Sunday evening - finishing up the homemade project and actually 'baking' something for the swap. Mine's a no-bake, and some may think it's too simple, but I don't care. They're not Rice Krispie squares, they're not chocolate chip cookies, and they're freakin' good. Soooo....despite my best intent of having EVERYTHING completed for Christmas by now, that party took up a big chunk of time (the homemade gift, although itsy-bitsy took AGES to do). I did start my wrapping - but it's not finished, and I do *gulp* have to venture out to a store to complete a few things I've left to buy for. And my vacation is nearly over.......bah!

Chris' Christmas party is this weekend, my scrappy girls is this weekend. Steve & Olivia's wedding is next weekend...then Christmas is 3 days later. Then it'll all be over.

It's like a whirlwind for everyone, I'm sure. Time to count to ten....relax.... Try to take a moment, with family or friends and hold them dear for a minute, and try to find the true reason for Christmas.

The stockings were hung by the chimney....

Sooooo......a busy weekend behind me....Here's a quick back-track:
-Friday night after work I joined the girls at Julie's house for a Christmas party. There was yummy munchies, including a chocolate fountain! We exchanged a $10 gift, and gabbed the night away.
-Saturday I wrapped and packed up Cathy's presents, and Aunt Barbara Ann's. Normally I'm lucky enough to squeeze them into Mom's outgoing parcels, but unfortunately this year there was no extra room, thus, my own procrastination and now I can finally say they're ready for mailing. Saturday night, Chris & I went out to visit Kim & Kevin for munchies and beer/wine. We talked and talked...and by the time we looked at the clock is was going on 2am. Thanks lovelies! We had a fantastic time, and we can't wait until our next stop at the "Pepperoni Palace"!
-Sunday I completed my cards - and there are only 4 with outstanding requests for a mailing address, so I hope to get the addressed ones in the mail today. While I was addressing, Chris busied himself with the setup of the tree. I helped decorate it once the cards were finished - and now the living room is a 'winter wonderland' (well, not really....desperate attempt at finding my Christmas spirit).

Now we're at Monday - I am on HOLIDAYS all week and I'm going to try to finish my Christmas wrapping/shopping in this week. Today though, I have to pick up Mom for a hair appointment, then we're going to shop around a bit for some stocking stuffers, and tonight I have my stamping class, so today is veering toward a write-off day. Here are some pics of the weekend:

"Wearing nothing but a smile........"

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2007/12/05/az.naked.shoppers.ktvk

My question is --where'd they keep their money?

Fa la la la la la la

The onset of a little bit of Christmas cheer compliments of:
-the potential of a white Christmas for the first time in many years
-driving through the streets and looking at the Christmas lights with a blanketing of snow atop them
-listening to the Boney M Christmas album
-watching a "Charlie Brown Christmas" on tv

Now......if only my Christmas cards would address themselves and all the wrapping would complete itself I'd be a happy girl.

V-Dubbin!

So I'm all approved! I picked up my VW City Golf last night after work. With the onset of our winter weather and another storm today I haven't had any time to drive around. I really like it!! I'll post pictures as soon as I have a chance to take a few. The VW cookie was shot on the day that we first went in to VW. They had a big promo day with free t-shirts and cookies/coffee. I thought the logo on the cookie was too cute not to share, and now that I drive a VW, I figured it more appropriate :) Although I'd love to say the big house in the background is my house, I have to admit that the picture of the car itself is a borrowed image courtesy of the 'ol inkernet, ...but that's what she looks like. Ain't she purty?

The Landlord

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/74

So you should watch this video....it made me laugh...and you all know how much it takes to make me laugh.

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...

Well Mother Nature gave us one 'ol bitch slap today, now didn't she? It was a very nasty drive this morning when I left at 9:00am to visit the boys at VW. Oh yeah, did I tell you? I changed my mind about the car thing....worry-free and maintenance-free driving are too important to me, and I decided to get a new car instead of buying out my own. Soooo...now just waiting for approval on my application for a VW City Golf - should know Monday. And the reason the ride there was so nasty? Lola's tires are b-a-l-d. It was like going for a walk on the ice with sneakers on. Least I made it home without hitting any more guardrails. After making it home I made the conscious decision to NOT leave the house...called BR and said I wouldn't be making it in. I said I wasn't feeling good (truth be told, I really didn't, but the main reason was the driving and the bald tires...if they suggested a cab ride I would have laughed out loud, since the cab fair to and fro would have cost me more than I would have made there today).

So it was a fairly productive day - I finished up Anja & Jackson's present, finished Cathy's, and made Steve & Olivia's wedding present. Chris took me out for supper at the Churchill Arms; it was my first time there. It was just fair - the smell of curry was overwhelming as soon as I walked in and that turned me off. I realllllly dislike curry. Dessert was a shared deep-fried Mars bar. It was my first time for one of those suckers too. Wow. It tasted deliciously-horrible-for-me...but I felt pretty gross after. From the restaurant we headed to Canadian Tire to pick up some shovels and cleaning supplies. Tomorrow is going to be a deep cleansing day for the mini-home.

As I type, I would like nothing more than to curl up under a warm blanket with a good movie or a book, but alas, I have more presents to complete, then I have to wrap what needs to be sent off, and then I have to make more cards. *sigh*. Least with the snow today it's feeling more "Christmas-y". Who'm I kidding?? Bah humbug!

Dear Mr. Horton

I appreciate your team members' efforts in getting the most bang for my $1.58 buck on today's large coffee...however, there is a point where it gets TOO FULL. Shall I send you the bill for my dry-cleaning? What about a copy of the receipt for getting my car detailed?

Back to Busy-ness

Well whaddya know it's now Tuesday and I'm just getting 'round to updating. So the weekend was busy. I didn't complete all I wanted to, of course...I wonder if I would have accomplished more if I felt better?

Here's a run down:
-Friday night I met with Angela for munchies (Brandi couldn't attend), then onward to Michaels to take advantage of their 'Friday only' coupons. From there, we then went back to her place and I attempted some card crafting for my next BR card class (Dec 1). Creativity failed me, and I only managed to do 2 cards and headed home to the comfort of my bed.
-Saturday I got up early (well, early for a Saturday), and continued with the cards, and ended up with a total of 5 (pics to follow). They're not stellar, but they're completed. From there, I headed to BR to post them, and was extremely disappointed to find that there was only one piece left of one of the pattern papers that I had chosen to make said cards (there had been a ton, of course, the day I took it off though). Based on the 'interest' as of late, there shouldn't be a problem, however. After BR I headed out on a bit of a shopping spree, stopping at 4-5 places and picking up a few items for Christmas (can't elaborate because that would give some of my readership a one-up on some surprises, and I'm just not cool with that). After my shopping spree I came home, crafted up a birthday card for Todd, wrapped his present, finished a small item for my aunt and sister to add to their presents, started Jackson's, then had to leave to go to visit Todd for his birthday. Upon returning home, I went right back at crafting...this time starting my 'homemade' craft for my scrappy girl Xmas swap...and at 3am I finally finished one of them.
-Sunday I worked on the homemade craft all day...they're cute, but the amount of effort I put into them totally doesn't reflect in their outward appearance.
-Back to work, time to make the donuts...yadda....working nights this week, which undoubtably will decrease any possibility of productivity Monday-Friday. I'd totally be happy with putting a hold on Christmas for a few weeks.

And how was YOUR weekend?

Talking Cats

Happy Sunday folks. BUSY weekend - I'll fill you all in about it tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy the talking cats:

http://www.break.com/index/talking-cats.html

I totally think it's a close look at what goes on when there's no humans home at my place.

Cause and effect

So I think I know what caused Wednesday's "vertigo"...upon waking today and still feeling like poo I also noticed that both of my ears felt 'full' and they were starting to get sore, so an inner ear infection seemed to be the likely cause. Luckily I was able to get in to see my doctor at a moment's notice and he confirmed my suspicions, writing up a prescription for an antibiotic and a nose spray. I'd so prefer to be in my bed, waiting for the drugs to kick in, but there's too much to do...I'm meeting up with Angela & Brandi after work for half-price apps at ESM's, then to Michaels to use our coupon (girl math), then on to Angela's to get crafting. I have a number of things that have to be done before the end of the month so I can get them shipped out with Mummy's. I have to get my next batch of cards done by tomorrow for my next Saturday class, and I have to finish making my own Christmas cards so that I can get a start on them too...None of this is inspiring me though....and I still yearn for the comfort of my bed :S. I still feel like poo...and did I mention there's a full moon tomorrow night so that's just the 'explanation' for the way the rest of my day is going?

If you think you're day is bad, watch this

Seeing as I feel like poo, I thought I would post something that at least makes me feel like 'things could be worse':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjxOt2u2BGM

I don't even want to surmise what happened to this girl or where, at whatever time in her life she had a pickle stuck.

The cold chills have started. But I'm not getting sick. I don't have time to be sick.

Blarg.

Damn you, vertigo!

Greetings...no post yesterday because I was flat on my back all day yesterday...doing absolutely nothing other than sleep. It was a sick day, and I'm reconsidering my decision to come to work today, too, as the morning progresses. I simply cannot be sick...I do not have time...this weekend alone I have a list of things as long as my arm that need to be done - by the end of the weekend. Yesterday morning I woke up through the early morning hours (4:30am) and the bed was spinning...when my alarm went off my bed was still spinning...so I got up, peed, walked sideways back to bed, and attempted to get back to sleep, and then when Chris' alarm went off got back up, walked sideways to the phone to call in sick, and then went back to bed. I slept on and off all day; the dizziness finally subsided mid-afternoon, but I still felt blah. The dizziness has been replaced by a full-throttle headache, my whole body aches...and I'm beginning to wish for my bed......But I'm not sick. I can't be sick. I do not have time to be sick.

I don't feel like coming up with creative paragraphs of prose; here's some point-form:

-Christmas is 33 more sleeps away. Holy crap. Can we just put a hold on it for a few weeks so I can get stuff done??
-If Dad was still with us, he and Mom would be celebrating 49 years today.
-the coffee was much better this morning; I ground it a lot finer.
-my ears are doing much better now with the gold sleepers in...virtually infection-free, I'm thinking.
-my envelopes arrived for my Christmas cards. Too bad I'm not finished the cards yet.
-I think my car 'heard' me when I was considering a swap out for a new model...the auto-pop button for my trunk no longer works.
-my baby brother turns 33 on Saturday. That makes me even closer to 36. Boo on that. Happy (early) Birthday Toddles.
-Do people who laugh hard enough to snort actually snort on purpose or is it involuntary?
-I have to do a 'homemade craft' for my scrappy pals, as well as *bake* for them as well, with a craft/bake swap party planned for Dec 16. Please send me all of your easy, peasy dessert recipes...keep in mind I do not own a blender, a mixer, or a food processor. I do however, own a few wooden spoons and a whisk. As for the craft thing, the girls are going to have to look at my grade-school-like Christmas craft and pretend to love it.

Slight relief

I took the earrings out completely.

I dislike pain.

Guess I'll try the 10K gold earrings again...way back in the day, that's all I could wear anyway.

Running on fumes.....

Well I'm reciting the Serenity Prayer today to get me through...I'm soooooo tired......Chris' bladder called him at 3:30 am last night...and I guess the cats figured it was 'morning' with the stir...so commenced their play hour...from 3:30 to 4:30 am. Just as I started to drift back to sleep they took the horseplay into the bedroom and started 'fighting' on top of me. I was sooo unimpressed. Yeah. So. Rough start this morning. To add to it, I eff'd up the coffee this morning...toooo weak. Our new beans are a lighter roast and I didn't grind them enough....course I didn't see the difference until I went to make my coffee and saw how quickly she changed color when I poured the cream. Gonna be a long day.

So I've been neglecting a 'real post' it seems...not intentional, but so busy lately! Lemme see if I can backtrack a bit...
-after about a week-long period of utter mental turmoil, I've decided to buy my own car out when the lease finishes up in February. The tempation to swap it with a brand new car was very very very very tempting...and I almost signed on the dotted line, but my primary goal was lowered monthly payments, and with the buy-out stretched out over a 5 year term, it works out to be $250/mo, and a new car payment just can't get as low as that *(please please don't do the math...I KNOW I paid more than I should...I KNOW I shouldn't have leased. I've learned...). The intent is to put new tires on it, eventually get the bumper fixed, drive it thru the winter (it has a starter on it, after all!), and then try to sell it for profit as the summer approaches, and then go in with a bit of a down-payment for a new car purchase. Wish me luck.
-I did have my card class on Saturday. Thanks to Theresa, the one sole sign up. It was great meeting a new 'scrapper' though...and I hope she comes back for future classes! Heather takes the reigns for this coming Saturday, and then I have one more card class for the following Saturday. Pics to come (when I actually get the cards done).
-I got a meager start on my Christmas shopping...emphasis on the 'meager'. I also have 4 projects to finish before the end of the month because they're the gifts that need to be mailed out. When I say 'projects to finish' I also mean 'projects to start and finish'... Belinda, Fred & Kaitlyn are coming to PEI for Christmas, so at least I can put their gifts on the back burner til the other 4 are completed. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend??
-I'm pretty sure I made a new hole where my earring once was on my right ear yesterday....I had only had my earrings out a few days...could I really have started to 'grow over' the hole that quickly?? Seriously. It took some jamming in for sure, and now it huuuuurts so bad :(. I did get the hoop in yesterday but when I went to turn it, well,...it was stuck. Ewwie-oooow.

Ha ha Ho ho

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58692

Christmas trainees in Australia are being told that the "ho, ho, ho" phrase could frighten children and possibly be derogatory to women. They want to change it to "ha, ha, ha".

Beyond laughable...downright sad, if you ask me. I guess we're just waiting for the dwarfs' chant from "Snow White" to change too?

Cards

Cards...cards...cards....I'll be teaching these cards at BR tomorrow...for anyone interested. They are also posted at the store if you want a closer look. If you do go you can also see my upcoming class page scheduled for next Thursday night, a 2-page LO using new "My Minds Eye" papers...very girlie. Here's a 'close-up' view of the 5 Christmas cards for tomorrow:

Happy Birthday Dad

You would have been 71 years old today.

Even though a few years have passed not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Dad. I miss you so very much.

Happy Birthday. I'll love you forever.

And the rain, how it fell, and the winds, how they did blow...

Another weekend has come and gone...lest we forget those men who fought for our freedom, those who have given up their lives for us, and those who are still fighting today.

Full weekend; here's the highlights:

-Friday night Chris took me out to Swiss Chalet for supper after work, and then I came home and crafted up 5 cards to do for my card class next Saturday. They're cute, I guess. I don't know if anyone will sign up...Lisa had nobody this week. Sooo trying not to take it personally!
-Saturday Chris & I went for a breakfast bagel & coffee at Timothy's, and then headed to test-drive some 'cheaper' cars. With my lease on the 'Rolla coming to a close in February, I'm looking for other options...cheaper options. We drove a Hyundai Accent, a Kia Rio5 (exact same car), and ended with a VW City Golf. Hands down, the Golf tops the day. By the time we finished up at VW, it was too late to get to other dealerships. I hope to have something decided upon soon, though....my tires are in baaaaad shape, and if the weather gets colder I'm going to find myself in the ditch. I reaaaaalllly loved the Golf though....
-Saturday night another 'Nor Easter' started its way through, and it was downright nasty outside, so we stayed in, watching tv and snuggling on the couch.
-Sunday was a stay-in day...the storm continued all day....really high winds and heavy rain (had it been snow, it'd been quite the storm).
-Today I joined the scrap girlies for a day of scrapping at the Brackley Commons. It was a great little spot for us to gather for some crafting. I finished up a 2-page layout with new My Minds Eye papers for my next class attempt, and then did some Christmas cards. The cards were very basic, but as they were very basic, I got quite a few done.

Monkey Day.

G.D. Monkey Day.

Right now I'm in a public environment which limits what I can do, but inside I'm screaming my effing head off.

You spin me right round...

Some days I want to bang my head into my desk as hard as I possibly can. Today is one of those days. So, I felt a little retail therapy was needed. On my lunch break I went to Cotton Ginny and lucked out - buying a new winter jacket with a scarf and mittens to go with it, and a sweater, and all were on sale (girl math rocks once more). The jacket was 40% off, the scarf/mittens were 15% off, and the sweater was 20% off an already marked-down price. All together, the bill came to about $112. Pretty good for what I got, I think. And it certainly made me feel better. From there, I then went to the Bulk Barn and purchased some gummy bears, chocolate covered almonds and some Oriental rice cracker mix and a little bit of all of them has been my 'lunch'. AGAIN my scrap class has been cancelled for another night....finally they decided to change the night, and on the 20th the classes will be Tuesday instead of Thursday. I was inches away from just calling the whole thing off, but Lisa talked me into pulling through til the holidays are over. Maybe with the new night things might improve...maybe once the holidays are over interest will come back. I still have to try to create some smashing cards to put up for my Saturday class...here's hoping some inspiration comes to me..... Off to do laundry. Night off from class doesn't mean night off from 'home' work, unfortunately. Happy Thursday!

No hugs for you!

Detention for hugging: ...administrators in the school east of St. Louis were following policy in the student handbook. It states: “Displays of affection should not occur on the school campus at any time. It is in poor taste, reflects poor judgment, and brings discredit to the school and to the persons involved.”

Full story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21661718/?GT1=10547

Guess this school hasn't heard the slogan, "hugs not drugs"....completely ridiculous!

Happy Birthday Lana!!

Today is Lana's birthday. Happy birthday 'ol girl. I won't make jokes about age, because I'm right there behind her. This is a picture from Sunday's birthday supper/dessert.

Stormy weekend

So another weekend is behind us. Friday night after work I met with Ang & Brandi, and we dined on half-price apps at East Side Marios, before moving on to our Stamp Club night. It was a great time, per usual, and we made 4 lovely Christmas cards. From there, I headed on to BobbiJo's place for a nightcap and some laughs with some co-workers. It was a hoot!! Thanks ladies, I truly needed that!

Saturday I had to work at BR, and was hoping to have some time to 'create' but had to price stock instead. Oh how I *love*the grunt work. It truly makes the minimum wage worth it. I was also very disappointed to see that my papers that I had been saving for a class were put out, and some sold, so therefore I couldn't use them for the class (it was the class that ended up being cancelled for no sign-ups, but, because so many said they 'liked' the page but couldn't make it that night, I thought I'd try it again. The heck with busting my patoot off for hours to post a new page that might not go either). So I ended up taking the backing paper off of the sample, and replacing it with another paper that I had 'reserved' for yet another (yet to be) page. Arrrgh!

Saturday night I dined on a frozen dinner, and Chris on oven fries. We stayed in for the evening, awaiting the pending storm. We rented two movies to help pass the time....Transformers (I slept through the entire show, and meant to), and The Zodiac (looooong, boring movie....I fell asleep before it ended, but according to Chris I didn't miss much). If anything, I guess I got caught up on some much needed rest :).

We survived Noel - and thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and it wasn't as bad, overall, as it could have been. The wind gusts were pretty scary though - and Chris & I were sure to park our cars inbetween our house and George's rather than under the pretty tree we normally park under. Some of the gusts shook the house...and one even shook the bed (and I was in bed alone...heh). We did lose power in the morning hours of Sunday, and once it was back on, it kept flickering for a while after, which enabled the decision to leave the ominous laundry pile alone. I didn't venture outside until about 3:30pm, but Chris took off earlier in the day to survey the damage. The picture in this post is one of the ones he shot.

Sunday night, I took Lana out to Cedars for her birthday schawarma - and like always, they didn't disappoint. We dined, we laughed, we ate, and we ate some more, even ending with tea and a cheesecake dessert. It was a lovely time. You're a great date, Lana *muah*.

Trying to stay sane in an insane world

Guess I'm due an update, especially after the woe-is-me post that I did last.

Halloween night, Steve & Olivia joined us at the house and the 4 of us got suited up in our outfits to scare the local kids in the neighborhood. Chris had rigged up a black curtain on the deck, and Steve & Olivia hid behind that. Their costumes were great...decked out all in black, and their full head/face masks were skeletons with a long black wig. Chris put on his coveralls, gloves and "Candy's" wig, but backwards, so you couldn't see his face. I layered up with a blanket over my shoulders, scarf over my face, sunglasses and the big pimp wig. The idea was for me & Chris to remain as still as possible, to have people question if we were real or 'stuffed', and S&O were to pop up from behind the curtain once they were concentrating on the task of figuring out our status. Chris would also follow them, silently, and sometimes Steve would chase after them. It worked quite well...with several squeals, some even cried, and I'm pretty sure we made one pee himself...the trail on the deck being evidence of something 'liquid'! We're already scheming for next year's scare. I'll post pics as soon as I get them off my camera, so read back later to see some. (Update: et voila!)
So it's November. It totally snuck up on me. Tonight, I've got my stamp craft thing, followed by wine at Bobbi Jo's, working tomorrow at BR (if the compelling urge to quit doesn't overtake me), and then Sunday night I am taking Lana out for her birthday schawarma (honey I really didn't forget about you...the calendar screwed me over...November came too quickly and I'm totally discomboobulated). A real treat to look forward to this weekend.......clocks go behind an hour...one more glorious hour to sleep. Yeehaw! We're also on the path of Hurricane Noel...it's predicted to be downgraded to a storm by the time we get it...but it ought to be a crappy day regardless. My knee is throbbing like crazy due to the pending moisture. Have a safe weekend, everyone.

Don't pee on my leg & tell me it's raining!

Well, I just completed a huge waste of my time and a 2 hr interval of my life I'll never get back.

Bear in mind that this all began last December when I first reported my wrist pain to the doctor I was seeing, and he did his own little 'test' and bent my thumb down to my wrist (which hurt like hell) and said there was "extensive damage"... immediately referring me to a specialist. And so it goes:

...first being referred to the wrong surgeon... finally to the right surgeon who then referred me to a neurologist for nerve tests before recommending surgery...to a wait to see the neurologist...to a real appointment with the neurologist...to a cancellation of this real appointment....finally today, I had my official 'nerve tests', after my regular doctor pulled the string along and they "squeezed me in". They shot me up with electricity through both of my arms, wrists and hands to test whatever they need to test ...and the doctor looked at me with the same sympathetic face as one would give a "special" person, claiming the tests were 'basically normal'. So I questioned him on the constant pain I feel in my right hand/wrist, and the numbness that is now the norm in my last 3 fingers on that hand, and he basically told me that I was in control and that I have to make the necessary life adjustments to work through it. Can someone set me up with an appointment for Dr. McDreamy, please?

After the nerve tests I then had to continue to wait to have blood drawn for some blood tests my doctor ordered regarding the constant heartburn thing I've been experiencing, and then I paid my $3 for 'visiting' the hospital and rushed to work. The whole thing upsets me...I hate going to the hospital in the first place...since everything about it reminds me of Dad...the sights, the sounds, the smell....even the Commissionaire's badge when I was paying my parking dues....especially after he greeted me with, "hello young lady", so kind, just like my Dad would have said if he was in the Commissionaire's booth.

So I sit here, in my lonely little place, not wanting to be where I am at all...preferring to be ANYWHERE else, sad, frustrated, still in pain with my wrist, feeling helpless because now there doesn't appear to be a 'fix' out there for me. My arms feel heavy and sore and it's an effort to pull them up to type (I assume from the electrodes) ...and it's Halloween, and my co-workers are bringing in their cute little costumed-kids inside to trick or treat, and I just want the floor to swallow me up.

Is it Friday yet??

So yesterday didn't get much better (traditionally if it starts as a monkey day, it ends a monkey day). I did, however, try some retail therapy, settling on two sweaters and a shirt. Maybe next retail therapy lunch hour I can look for the bottom half. I'm pleased to report that the new sweater nicely hangs below the backfat and I'm not experiencing any drafts. However, can someone tell me something? Why is it that you can buy a pair of dress-pants and they fit nicely - you may even have a little room around the waist -- but the minute you sit down, you feel the waistband digging into your midsection? I guess the 'rolling up' of the rolls envelops the waistband, forming creases from the 'extra' fabric that makes one feel they have 'room' in the new pants while standing up -- and after time, the creases continue to dig in, making it uncomfortable, even painful, at times. I've often hoped to entertain the idea of a uniform at work --free of binding waistbands, bands, wires, elastics...free in all places...like a work muumuu. Thoughts?

Last night Chris & I took in the "Haunted Theatre Tour" at the Jubilee in Summerside. It was more 'kid friendly' than scary, but very well done. Kudos to the crew there. I think they could easily step it up a few notches next year and have an 'adult' version at a later hour, which could have some real spook potential. Alas, I guess that's the only 'haunt' we'll manage to visit this year, which is very disappointing, but what can you do? Maybe next year I'll have to volunteer at one of the 'haunted places'. I am a good screamer. I think that'd be a hoot.

Busy week ... tonight I'm picking Mummy up after work and we're going to do a bit of shopping and then out for supper, and hopefully make it back home in time to help with the pumpkin carving. Wednesday of course is Halloween, I have to work Thursday night, and Friday night there's a crafty night planned with scrapping and eating (two of my most favourite of things), followed by a 'night cap' at another friend's. Saturday I have to work at BR, and I think I'm free Sunday. Again, since when did I get so popular?

Unimpressed

Oh it's a day of monkey.

My head is pounding, everything is irritating me from the clothes on my back to the background noise around me, to the fly on the window buzzing around. I feel like I'm inside of a kaleidiscope... I'm am SO sick of hearing who has what team in what sport pool, or who is trading for who....or what star player is this and that. Enough! Mr. Horton's sugar hand was too heavy - my hands are freezing cold - my shirt is too small so it's riding up my back and I have a cold draft going up there (not to mention the unsightly backfat that must be escaping) - every person I speak to doesn't understand, or some can't even hear me, so I'm either on repeat, saying the same thing over and over, or yelling. Arrgh. Is it too late to pull the covers up over my head and go back to sleep??

I think I would deeply benefit from some retail therapy at lunch time.

Never too old for Halloween

Well, I certainly feel my age - head's wee bit heavy from the 'witches brew' from last night's Halloween party; it was a concoction of lime jello, 7up, pineapple juice and rum. It was very good...and I'm pretty sure Lana and I were the only ones coming back for more - and we finished the punch bowl. The party was a lot of fun, and everyone who attended was dressed up, which was even better....we had everything from the Cat in the Hat to the Paper Bag Princess. There were witches, biker dudes, a ladybug, Zorro, a church lady (who really was a man), a clown, a few 'dead people', and of course, a doctor and "Candy Lane", Miss Arkansaws (spelling wrong to emphasize how she said it) :

Updates!

Good evening readership - feel free to track back on all posts throughout the blog...where I promised photos 'to come' I've finally delivered! Enjoy! I'm procrastinating...should really finish packing for the crop, since Laurie-Anne is going to be here tomorrow at 8am.
(Update: photo added from the crop; it was a good time....though I really wasn't overly productive, and just made a few cards, but the company was lovely, thanks girlies :))

Shout out for Friday

The scrap class was again cancelled last night...no sign ups. There were a few girls at work who were thinking of attending, and a few others had voiced how much they liked the page, but due to other obligations couldn't make it.... I'm holding on to Thursday being a bad night. I dunno. It's getting hard not to take it personally 2 classes in a row! Anyway, suffice it to say I was at home watching the Thursday TV line up last night, regardless. I could have joined Angela's new class she was hosting at Michaels, but by the time I made the decision to cancel my class it would have been too rushed, and I wasn't sure if there was even room in her class.

I totally slept through the end of ER and missed all of Greys last night...boooo...so they're now waiting in the VCR for me (gosh I hope my old VCR stays alive a little longer til I can find a replacement...it's starting to squeak and the tape is stuck inside so I'm afraid it's going to snap since I only have the choice to re-tape over and over on the same one...!) For some odd reason, CSI was a repeat last night, so instead of cleaning the house or something crazy like that, I just flicked through the channels (I swear I'm part male with the way I flick the TV channels). We have the IFC channel free til the end of the month, so I saw the decription The Real Blair Witch and tuned into that. While it wasn't anything about the Blair Witch movie as the title lead me to believe, it was an interesting story, indeed!!! If you get an opportunity to see it, you should.

So at lunch I went to the Dollarama and picked up a few items to use tomorrow night for Chris' costume, and then to Michaels to pick up an organizer for my scrap 'tools'. I figured since I have to get in that craft room and clean it so I can organize for the crop tomorrow, it might be a little extra incentive to do a good job by buying a new organizer :) Besides that, I had a 40% coupon, so it was practically free. (Girl math rocks)

Honorable mention

Shout out to Heidi, a fellow blogger, scrapper, coworker and friend. Her latest entry was actually a dedication to me (*blush*). She, *ahem* doesn't appear to update *ahem* as often as I, and I razz her about it continually. In fairness, however, I do normally wait until she meets the 1 month mark between posts. One would think with a fantastic camera, new lappie, and a serious amount of creative energy, she would post a little more often though. Love you, dolly *muah*. (For the record, I had the template first! :P)

Cat Scratch Fever!

The sweet kitty depicted here was the doer of much bloodshed last evening. Zoe was inbetween Chris & I, between our two pillows, purring up a storm, and very accepting of Chris' scratches under the chin. All of a sudden she flew off the bed like a bat out of hell, launching off of my forehead and Chris' arm. We're unsure what spooked her...but something certainly spooked her. I could feel something wet on my forehead so put my hand up to my face to see a spot of blood. "She got me", I said to Chris. He bemoaned his arm a little, and then took a better look at my head. All of a sudden he jumped out of bed, raced to get me a towel, exclaiming, "OH MY GOD, look at your head!" There was a large drip of blood down the side of my head, my hair had blood in it in two places....it was crazy. At the start, Chris figured we'd be at outpatients getting me stitched up. I stood up to go to the bathroom and felt dizzy (I really really don't like the sight of blood). Once I was cleaned up it just ended up being one long, normal cat scratch and a smaller, deeper puncture, but the blood I cleaned up looked a lot worse than a few 'scratches'. I'm guessing the puncture was the one that bled like a sonofabiotch. Little bugger!

Spinning in circles...

Okay...I've started a few posts in the past few days but they seemed to go nowhere. Here's another attempt.

Busy times, busy times...here's the quick & dirty point-form again:
-Tuesday night after work, Chris & I went out to supper with Mummy & Todd (pictured). We dined on BP and it was deee-lish. They just got back from Ontario, visiting Fred/Belinda & Cathy & families. Mom had her 70th birthday while in Ontario, so it was also an opportunity to give her gift to her. I framed a scrapbook page for her (pictured), with a picture of her and Dad when they were dating. It is my favourite picture of them. She really seemed to like it and that I'm so happy.

-Last night Chris & I went to Value Village & Froggies to search for Halloween costumes. We had a plan to go as Scully & Mulder from the X-files, but couldn't really find the proper outerwear to pull it off. Instead, we're going to mix it up a tad. I'll post pictures, I promise, and if it's anything like I picture in my head, it will be well worth the wait. We're attending a Halloween party on Saturday night so there'll be pictures by next week.
-This week marks a major milestone for me: I officially filled out a form for automatic payroll RRSP contributions. My first RRSP experience. Step 1 in becoming an adult.
-My 'first' scrap class is slated for Thursday - I had been scheduled for my 'first' already, but no one signed up. I really feel Thursday night is the wrong night for a class. It's TV night, and it's not just me who is a TV freak out there.
-2 months away- Christmas day. Holy crap. Where'd the year go?
-Saturday day I'll be joining the Paper Attic crew's crop, and slipped in at the last minute due to a cancellation. Should be a great time!
-Halloween hauntings...traditionally this is a very busy time for Chris & I...I hope to report some successful spooks when I post next week.

The Cat Came Back!

Such a heartfelt post...I'm so overjoyed for this little boy, and I can't believe that his beloved kitty made it back to him after such a long time. See full story here:

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=73658&sc=98

{Perspective}

I found out today that a co-worker lost her battle with cancer. She passed away yesterday. She was in her early 40's, single mother to a young daughter (12 years old), and a positive joy to all who had the fortune to meet/know her. It was a brief battle, but to my understanding, she wasn't the 'same' person after just a short while; it was brain cancer, and it was very aggressive.
I heard co-workers saying she was at work, at her desk on July 27, and now, Oct 21, she's gone.

I can't stop thinking of her little girl...not yet a teenager, and now, without a Mom to go to for advice, a shoulder, a helping hand.... I guess her daughter gave her a big hug and told her she loved her, and after leaving, that's when she passed. Her daughter is fortunate to have had the opportunity to have the last words be, "I love you". Even though our loved ones 'know' we love them, it helps to heal knowing we've said the words that one last time. I worry that she'll regret not being there to see her mother go...mind you, at her young age, it's really for the best. Knowing I missed Dad's passing though, there's always a piece of me that regrets going out to supper that night...regrets not going straight to the hospital to see him. Regrets not saying "I love you" just one more time. Mind you, maybe he 'waited' until I wasn't there too, and in this case, perhaps my friend waited for her daughter to go, too.

Please, please, those who are reading this now...go straight to the ones you love and give them an extra squeeze...tell them that you love them... Call those people that you've been meaning to call but can't get around to it - tell them how much they mean to you. If you can't call, email them, write them a letter... Life is so precious, and so fragile...and we never know how much time we have left with those we love. Live life with no regrets......

RIP G.L....you will be sadly missed.

Time to make the donuts.......

Back to work today - back to a "normal" routine. I felt like it was my first day all over again...flitting and fluttering, stuttering and stumbling over my words like a fool. It was so un-cute. On a side note, my car temperature gauge indicated a balmy 23 degrees Celcuius today as of 1pm, and I'm bedecked in my sandals on Oct 22....w00t w00t!

So the rest of the weekend passed pretty quickly. Saturday night we rented a movie, "Hard Candy". Being October and preparing for All Hallows Eve, we do try to rent spooky/scary movies, and this movie was categorized under "horror". I recall a friend advising she and her husband had rented it, and her husband was 'very disturbed' by it. It should have been labelled a "drama", but I can understand how a man might find it a little horrific. I'll say no more, to avoid spoiling the significance of this horror in the event any of my readership decides to give it a chance. It was ok. Not my favorite, but not the worst I've seen.

Sunday, Chris & I took advantage of the beautiful weather and set out for a drive around town and a walk through the woods at Victoria Park. We took some "fall foliage" photos, and by the time we got home the sun had long set and it was going on 9:00. I had an awesome day. We stopped at Jumbo before heading home and rented "Dead Silence"...the label indicating it was from the makers of "Saw" and promised to be frightening. Meh. Not so much. A select few jumpy parts, but, in all, just a movie about dolls. 2 out of 5 if you ask me. Can anyone recommend a good, spooky, suspense movie to us?

(BTW, if anyone is confused about the title to this post, you may be too young, but it refers to a "Dunkin Donuts" commercial where the donut guy is bemoaning another trip to work, and says to himself, in a drony fashion, "time to make the donuts....time to make the donuts".)

No, really, I AM still here...

Oops I did it again...I left my reading public high and dry for days with no update. Shame on me. You will all be happy to know that the vacation is over and the normal routine will return, so regular posts should ensue.

Since my last post....
-I got caught up on some rest...totally vegging for the week...snuggling under a big blanket with my kitties by my side...watching daytime TV & taped TV in-between naps.
-I cleaned house (not totally top to bottom, but the living room got dusted, so that's a major feat)
-I worked my 2nd Saturday shift at BR, instructing 2 Halloween cards for 3 people, when I'd planned ahead for 10...is it really worth the 4 hrs pay on a minimum wage scale....NOT in the least. We're down one instructor too...so if there's not a new one to replace her, that's going to mean extra Saturday shifts and more classes. I'm quickly learning that the prep time to prepare for the classes far outweighs the meager pay that comes back.

What I did not accomplish this past week that I would have liked to accomplish:
-start on my Christmas cards
-clean the bathroom, bedroom, & scrap room
-clean the bedroom closet (it's SUCH a job it gets its own header)
-arrange to fix my car's bumper
-take the car in for an oil change
-get new tires for the car
-vacuum out the car
-shop for a Halloween outfit
-scrapbook for ME
-eat healthy
-start an exercise routine
-lose a pound or two from aforementioned eating healthy and exercise routine
-go on a day trip off-Island with Christopher

Yeah. Such high hopes. Despite the lack of fulfilling these hopes, the week passed remarkably quick...and back to the 'real world' on Monday. Yahoo. I had a dream one morning this past week...a recurring dream, that kept picking up where it'd left off in-between waking up and drifting off to sleep...a dream where I lost my job. No warnings, no prep, just one day we were all called in by Kevin who advised we'd all been laid off and this was our last day, and we had to clean out our desks. I do need the job, and I know I cannot and will not work for minimum wage, so I'm glad that it was just a dream.

I'm still here...

Hi, so you're likely wondering where I've been. Nothing major to report...nothing overly exciting, unfortunately....Lemme see if I can back-track......

-Friday was very uneventful - I was tired and cranky pretty much the whole day, and nothing blog-worthy to report.
-Saturday I had a supreme lazy-ass day, and enjoyed every minute of it - tv, napping with Zoe, more tv. Saturday night we watched "The Blair Witch Project" on tv. It didn't creep me out as much as the first time I'd seen it, but put it this way, I didn't fall asleep...and I walked extra quickly to the bedroom in the dark when it was bed-time.
-Sunday was a continuance of the following day's laziness...home-brewed coffee...pancake brekkie....tv, napping...followed by supper out at Hunter's Ale House (believe it or not it was my first time eating there). It was good...I just got nachos...pretty standard nachos...and it certainly won't replace the Gahan on my list of "best place to get nachos", but I enjoyed my supper just the same. Very quick service, and very generous portions as well. We rented a scary movie after supper (this will be an October 'thing' for us, as we prepare for Halloween - a bit of a tradition as well). We rented "The Grudge 2". Don't waste your money...if you liked the first "Grudge", leave your memory on that one.
-Monday....here we are!.....DAY 1 of VACATION!! I had a doctor's appointment at 9:30, and got in and out of there verrrrry quickly (so freakin' surprised) ... and about a 1/2 hr after returning home my doctor's office called to let me know they arranged a booking ("squeezed me in") for my nerve tests that I've been waiting on a rescheduling of since Aug 1. Yay Dr. M!!!!! From there I continued a bit more laziness...and I think that will finally end the napping and I just might get enough gumption up to DO something around here tonight....the house is a disaster zone...I must clean it up.

I'm out. Ciao.

Joy Ridin'

Crazy!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2007/10/11/morroni.3yo.driver.stopped.wisn

Holy crap!

Riiiiight outside my window...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2007/10/11/car-fire.html

Thankfully, all involved were able to get out safely before the explosions.

This could have been much, much worse.