2008 in Review

Here we are, NYE...time to reflect on the year behind us, and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead for the year in front of us. I can't say that I have any major regrets this year - aside from maybe not tackling my laziness, leading to my worse than ever health & physical state...but that's what resolutions are for, isn't it?

Some highlights of '08:

-Chris turned over a milestone birthday, finally joining the 30-club.
-PEI had a historic ice storm that resulted in major power outages in Western PE and a bajillion downed trees.
-A sad farewell to many people, including Heath Ledger & Paul Newman, and closer to home, Gwen, Jeff, Sid, Harold, and Nannie.
-It was a big year for Chris with regards to transportation - first a Honda Spree, and then a Honda Element. Quite a jump :)
-Gas was up as high as it's ever been, and finally, it's lower than it's been in years (and I have every appendage crossed that the trend will stay as it is now).
-I celebrated my first blogiversary...one whole year of consistent blogging. Betcha never thought I'd surpass a month? I even surprised myself.
-We befriended Steve & Wanda, our 'hood neighbors, and had many a summer night curled up by the summer fire, beer in hand.
-I attended my very first Matt Andersen concert, and it was love at first sight. We've followed him all over the Island, even catching a concert in CB.
-I'm the proud owner of my very own laptop, and I'm not sure how I lived and breathed without it before.
-We had two road trips - travelling to New Brunswick and the Hopewell Rocks, and Cape Breton to drive the Cabot Trail once more.
-I *finally* changed my hair.
-Christopher & I made it to 5 years, and counting...

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year :)

This guy makes a good point...

This was written by a construction worker in Fort MacMurray - he sure makes a lot of sense.

"I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to earn that pay cheque, I work on a rig site for a Fort Mac construction project. As a condition of employment, I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem.

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to passa urine test to get a welfare cheque since I have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand that I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their ass drinking beer and smoking dope.

Can you imagine how much money the provinces would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance cheque?

Please pass this along if you agree or simply delete if you don't. Hope you will pass it along though, because something has to change in this country, and soon!"

Well, sir, I do agree, so I'm posting this on my blog to pass it along. I hope my readers do too.

All things cute and cuddly

If you ever have a bad day, click on the following link:

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=3510825

Nothing like a silly video of a cuddly animal to make you feel better. I strongly suggest you watch the "Santa Cat in Boots". It's adorable.

He's approved!

Chris picked up the keys to his 2004 Honda Element today. The reconsolidation on the consolidation loan went through without a hitch. The update on the loan doesn't change our immediate ins and outs at the bank...but it pretty much cements the fact that we'll be stayin' in the 'hood for a few more years. I'm happy for Chris because he's SO happy about his new toy. The exterior is still ugly, but the inside is pretty neat. It'll grow on me :).

Keeping you up to speed...

I trust everyone had a lovely Christmas? How sad that it passes so quickly... :(

Christmas Eve I got out of work early, and lucky for Chris that I did, since he put on the puppy dog face (not to mention offering mild bribery via a bottle of Bailey's in return), asking me to wrap just a few more presents for him. Christmas Eve evening was spent visiting with family and friends. We stopped in to see Steve and Wanda for a bit; we headed to Mark & Rhonda's annual Christmas Eve party (Rhonda your hospitality is second to none!); and finally, we ended up at Chris' Mom & Dad's house, joined by Todd and Mom. I was literally falling asleep on the couch by about 11pm so we made it an early night.

Christmas Day we woke up at a respectable hour (unlike any other morning I couldn't get back to sleep after the initial wake up), and opened up our stockings from each other. Chris got me a nice pair of leather gloves, a scarf, a new travel mug for my coffee, a laptop cooling device, and two front-row tickets to see John Pinette in March at the Confed Centre! I was so very excited! His parents got me a flat iron and the most awesome pair of mittens that I've ever seen! We quickly got ready for visiting, heading to Mom's first. Todd replaced our bum kettle, and Mummy completed the awesomeness with a new pair of jammies, some melting pots, Lindor chocolates, and Seasons 1 and 4 of Greys, which now completes my set. Thank you to everyone - you're all so awesome, and I feel so blessed :).

After the gifts were opened, Chris visited for a bit with us but then left to go to his own house for turkey supper, and I stayed back with Mum & Todd. Todd & I watched episode after episode of Three's Company while sipping on beer and snacking on chips and dip (whatdidItellya?). The turkey supper turned out fantastic...even the stuffing was superb :). After supper, Chris picked me up and we headed back to his parents for coffee and dessert. Chris demonstrated his thoughtful gift to Shawn...an Airzooka. What a hoot! I pray that the gift doesn't get replicated for Chris though...the poor cats would never be the same. After we left the W-homestead we drove around Charlottetown and Cornwall to look at the Christmas lights before finally heading back to our humble roost.

The next two days were pure relaxing days for us...lazing around in our jammies, watching movies and surfing the web. Boxing Day I didn't even get out of my jammies!! On Saturday I joined Lori and Darlene at Denise's for a night of munchies and catching up (feel better Lana!! We missed you!). 'Twas lovely, girlies :). Darlene, I'm BEYOND impressed with your I'll-make-them-believe-there-is-a-Santa-skills! Hoof prints on your hands & knees in the snow and apple juice 'reindeer pee'....wow. Very impressive! :) I am sure your boys will continue to believe for years to come. Thanks, as always, for the giggles.

Yesterday was a repeat of the 'do nothing' thing. I did 3 loads of laundry, showered, and remained in my jammies once more. It was glorious. I have no excuse for the late update, aside from the fact that my supreme laziness sometimes takes hold of me when I'm having a 'do nothing' day. It should also be known that in my 'do nothing' slumber that has been my recent past, I've discovered just how delicious a little shot of Baileys is in a cup of coffee. Mild addiction, perhaps. Don't judge. I know I said I had some resolutions in my midst. It's not the New Year yet. I'm still working on my 'before' pic.

Now you're up to speed. Phew. That took a lot of energy. I might post a few pics tomorrow of my most favorite of prezzies. Ta!

The Magic is over...

I know I owe you all a huge update as to how my Christmas was. It'll have to wait til I have a few seconds to breathe and think about what to write. Work today is insane. Perhaps after work if I feel like being in front of a pc again I might. For now, back at 'er...and only wishing I could shimmy myself back under the covers....

A Christmas List

Apparently my last post wasn't long enough for some of my readers so I'm sitting here trying to think up something witty to say. Despite prompts from Craig to write something about g-spots or g-strings or some such thing, I thought it best to keep this blog a bit more g-rated (sorry Craig, I know this disappoints you greatly ;)). Herein, I will make a list of things that remind me of Christmas:

• chips & dip -Ruffles with garlic flavored cream cheese dip specifically. Growing up, Mom & Dad never kept chips & dip in the house, but every year for Christmas and New Years it was always present. There were times I wouldn't be hungry but would eat it anyway because it was there (no sh!t, eh? Perhaps case in point for why I need to make some resolutions?) ....aaaanyway....
  
• beer & clamato juice - Dad would always pour a glass of this every Christmas morning while we unwrapped presents. The thought of it makes me gag, but he liked it.


• Brut cologne - speaking of Dad, each year I would always buy him a bottle of this to go with his present. Traditionally he was an Aqua Velva man, but on special occasions, he rolled out the good stuff...Brut, by Mennan. Hilarious, I know.


• Dad's stuffing - any other stuffing I've ever tasted PALES in comparison to Dad's stuffing. He made it with potatoes, bread, diced up ham, mushrooms and onion...garlic and likely other seasonings....so moist, sooo delicious. Every Christmas morning, after the gifts were unveiled, we'd feast on stuffing omelets, bacon and toast, and you'd be full til suppertime. My mouth is salivating now just thinking of it. Todd seems to have the mixture down to a science now so I again look forward to a healthy serving tomorrow :).


• Mr. Bean's Christmas - no holiday season is complete without watching the hilarity that is Mr. Bean at Christmastime. Without question, the turkey scene is my favorite.


• artifical trees - I know they 'aren't the same'. I know it's all about how a "Christmas tree smells"...but to this day the only thing that I can recall about Christmas with a real tree was being ill. Every year I'd be laid out on the couch with a bucket by my side because I'd be a puking mess. The year we got the artificial tree I suddenly was upright and puke-free. We assume that I may have been allergic to the real thing...and I'm not really ready to test the theory.


• the homemade elf- Todd made this craft in kindergarten or grade 1 I believe. It's a little green elf with the eyes and lips colored in crayon. It's cut out and the limbs are secured with brads so they move. Dad hung it on the wall every year, and every year he'd insist that Cathy had made it. Every year we'd correct him, but alas, he kept believin'. It's obvious that it was Todd's handiwork. Anything Cathy would have constructed that long ago would've long since deteriorated from age ;). Todd still puts it on the wall as part of the Christmas decor to this day.

What are some of the tell-tale signs of Christmas for you?

'Twas the day before Christmas...

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the year ahead hold many surprises, and much happiness. Give your loved ones a little extra squeeze on this special holiday season, and may the magic of Christmas last the whole year through.

One step closer...

So Chris and I went in to the bank today to apply for a new consolidation on the original consolidation loan. The papers are signed, and now we are just waiting for approval. It will likely be next week before we know anything. Chris is like a kid in a candy store after being told not to touch anything.

I'd just like to say I'm sighing huge sighs of relief today that I'm done of my Christmas shopping...on account of yesterday's storm a lot (apparently) of people didn't get out to shop...so today every Islander was at the Malls or between one or the other and sitting in traffic between University Ave and Queen St. Holy diabolical Jebus - the traffic was insane!!! (Update - it made the news...).

Chris bought us supper, and after eating I cleaned up the house and did a few loads of laundry. I've never seen Chris more tired, so in light of the Christmas season I wrapped some of his presents tonight. Basically anything not coming to me, that is. I'm such an awesome GF.

Hope you're all ready! 2 more sleeps!

Snow day

So we got a bit of snow overnight. Actually, we're amidst quite a substantial 'weather event', with at least 10 cm of snow falling overnight, and another 10-15 cms expected today, combined with hurricane force winds. If I lived farther away from work, there's a possibility I might have had a snow day....but pray as I did, I had to leave the warm comforts of home to go out into the elements today. Sorta wishin' I had winter tires...aaanyway...

A busy weekend has passed us by. Friday night Chris & attempted to head to Rustico to look at the Christmas lights, but had to bail half-way there on account of poor road conditions. The roads were beyond slippery and you couldn't see a foot in front of you. We drove around Charlottetown & Stratford instead. If anyone in my readership is local, and had been in the habit of going to the house out toward the airport that had his lights programmed to music, and is wondering why the house isn't lit this year, fear not, he's in a new house now. He was the winner of the dream house, so has his lights set up at the new house in Stratford. Very cool. Check it out.

Saturday night we attended the Ostridge's Annual Saturday Before Christmas party. A great time was had by all! Thank you, thank you for your kindness and hospitality, Ostridges!! As it was a late night at the party we slept in to an embarrassing hour on Sunday, finally rising and getting out of the house by about 2pm. Our original plan was to head to Maggie's for breakfast, but they had stopped serving breakfast a few hours prior to our arrival, so we had to have lunch. We didn't deserve breakfast getting there so late in the day anyway! After fueling up with some lunch, we headed to Canadian Tire and Sobeys. The crowds weren't as horrific as I'd imagined, but I was happy to get home anyway. We didn't stay home long though. After making a pot of coffee we left with travel mugs in tow, and headed back toward Rustico. This time we were successful. There are some homes that go all out for the occasion... Very, very neat. I don't envy the guy with the largest display today...it appears he's changed over to LED so he'll have a heck of a job brushing the snow off all of the display.

Update: I ended up leaving work early - at 2pm - because the winds were relentless, making visibility nearly impossible. I left my car at work, and Chris came to pick me up. Looks as though it will indeed be a white Christmas :). I hope everyone was safe on this blustery, stormy day.

Riding along in my automobile...

There may be some new wheels in the 'hood if Christopher gets his Christmas wish... I just received a text from him after test driving a 2004 Honda Element - "Amber the Element is so awesome!!!". Personally, I think the vehicle is ugly as sin...and very reminiscent of the old Sesame Street garbage truck. However, as a photographer, it will provide him a bazillion little conveniences, apparently. Besides, it's not all about looks. Hondas are known for their dependability, and he's not going to be dealing with the local dealer in Charlottetown, so it's all good (do I dare even go into my Sunbird rant??). I haven't heard Chris this excited in a long, long time, so I hope it works out for him. The Suburu has seen better days...and it pains me to think of him putting more money into it to keep it road-worthy. I guess a call to the bank on Monday and subsequent begging and pleading to follow are in the works. I'll be sure to let you know how he/we get along. As long as they allow him to reconsolidate our existing consolidation loan it should be nothing but a paper change and another 4 or 5 years of the same payment he's been paying all along.

Reading public - start crossing your fingers for our dear little Christopher.

Side-by-side, you can't really deny the resemblance...can you?










He's looking at a copper one, so at least it won't be green...

And if anyone starts calling me Bert if this deal goes down, I will be unimpressed (unless you catch me on a 'pre-pluck' day). ;)

Tired...

This picture aptly describes how I feel today. Every punch of the keys on the keyboard is an overall effort. I wish with all my might that I, too, could lay my head down on my own computer and have a little cat nap. I slept horribly last night. It was cold in the bedroom, and Chris came to bed later than me, so by the time I actually had fallen asleep he came to bed, which woke me. Zoe then decided she needed some attention so she started purring up by my ear (she sounds like a power tool). Then I finally got back to sleep...I think it was going on 3am and Chris woke me up again to tell me I was snoring. I can't even say TGIF because I work again tomorrow morning. Needless to say I think it'll be an early night tonight.

In Christmas news...it has remained cold since our Wednesday snowfall, so the snow is still blanketing everything. Last night, I managed to get all of my wrapping completed, but I can't help but think there is stuff I've forgotten to do. Maybe I'm feeling sympathetic stress for Chris, who has yet to even START his shopping. I would make fun of him with a loving 'HA HA!', but my own stocking stuffer gifts are also un-purchased! I'm not doubting whatsoever that he will land with an armload of gifts at some point on Sunday (or even Tuesday or Wednesday!) and coyly ask if I would mind wrapping... How anyone waits til this late in the game to get started is beyond me. I remember one year waiting til just a few days before Christmas...I walked aimlessly through the aisles of the mall, in tears, alone, wondering what to buy everyone. It was on that night I vowed I'd never be in that situation again, and I haven't.

Here's hoping you're all closing in on your own holiday preparations. Try to take a moment to hold your family and friends close to you and remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

I think I'm almost there...

I had a wonderful time at Julie's last night for our annual Christmas Gift Exchange party. The idea behind the gift exchange is as each person opens their gift, the next one in line has a choice to steal something already opened ...but for three years running, each person has kept their original gift. We're good little shoppers. There were laughs, yummy snacks, thoughtful presents, and did I mention yummy snacks? Thank you lovelies. I'm so glad we're keeping up this yearly tradition. It snowed - a lot - fitting for a Christmas party, and the landscape looks so much more festive! I also have to officially thank Chris for shoveling the walk-way and deck for my return home last night. Thanks hunny ;).

A BIG congratulations go out to Erin! Last night she shared some wonderful news with us all...a new job is on her horizon! A well-deserved and exciting change, and I couldn't be happier for her. I know this new phase of your life will be all you ever dreamed of and more. Congrats girl!! I raise a glass to you :)

Today I had the day off on account of working Saturday. I started it early with a hair appointment. The greys are gone, and I'm already anticipating the 'gingerkid' comments to return when Christopher gets home. Bobbi-Jeane thinks we're one cut away from the official 'look' she has been preparing me for. When looking at the original pictures I brought in for her in July, it would appear that we're very close to something. I had a little nap this afternoon so I had to fix it up a bit before taking the picture. Excuse the poor quality photo. The back is cropped up in the middle, and the two sides are longer. She hasn't taken a thing off the sides since July. Track back to the original 'cut' here.

After my hair cut I stopped at a few stores and picked up some final stocking stuffers for Chris' sock...and I think I can happily say that I'm now 'done'...aside from the wrapping. Instead of napping I really wish now that I'd done that wrapping... I was pretty tired though, so I cannot live with regrets :)

On that note, I'd best get busy...I will leave you with a stocking stuffer idea that is getting rave reviews. For those in my reading public, if you have found yourself in a pickle - unsure of what to do to top off the stocking of that special guy in your life, fear not...I've got the answer here for you. It's cheap too, for those on a budget:

http://beat.bodoglife.com/entertainment/burger-king-cologne-smells-beefy-51338.html

Nothing says "Merry Christmas honey" more than the hint of a little flame-broiled meat. Mmmm...

When the mood strikes...

Ok - I've just consumed my very first Quality Street chocolate of the season. We're also forecasted for 15 cm of snow today/tonight, and if the snow 'keeps', I have an unofficial date on Friday night to go for a drive to look at the lights. I'm officially in the Christmas spirit.

As you were - I'm going to get another chocolate ;)

Pounds

Ok - all jokes aside - I'm fat. I know I'm fat. I know I eat horribly. I know that the amount of 'exercise' I've done in the last year is embarrassing. I know that I'm not happy with myself the way I am. I know that I've disappointed myself for getting to this point. I know every time I glance in the mirror and do the side-profile-whilst-sucking-in-stomach, my disappointment grows. I know that I avoid having my picture taken with every ounce of my being. I know that when I do see a photo of myself, I try to see it as 'the camera just adding the extra 90-100lbs', but I know that's just me trying to excuse it away and trying to avoid reality. I know that I'm not healthy. I know that I limit even my leisure activities because of my size. And, I know that I need to do something about it.

I'm torn between attempting to make some changes on my own or seeking the help of a professional weight loss program. Obviously I haven't been very good at doing this on my own, because I've envisioned this great big 'plan of attack' a number of times, and haven't acted on it any of those times...(read between the lines...LAZY). So, the reasonable answer, then, would be to seek professional help. They are the experts - it's what they do. They will ensure that I succeed....right? One of the reasons I'd prefer to do it 'on my own', though, is wanting it to be a "life change". I want to change my ways and change my life - permanently, instead of trying a 'program' that eventually ends, and with it ending, having the pounds just come back on when I fall off the program wagon. However, perhaps a program of sorts would be a good stepping stone for me, as I do have such a long road ahead to lead me to this 'life change'. The biggest hurdle of joining a program honestly, is the cost.

I hate being limited to what I do because of money. I know I'm 'worth it'...but irregardless of my worth, there still needs to be the extra funds in the bank to support it. I will admit that I do need to learn to budget better as well - so if I attempted a budget and stuck to it, I should be able to juggle something. The thing that REALLY boils me in all this though, is the fact that programs to educate a person on how to eat better/improve their health/life cost so much money. It's unfair; it's unjust. It's wrong. It's preying on the feeling of inadequacy that comes with being overweight. It's rapacity on behalf of the creators of these programs, and it just disgusts me.

I smell some major, difficult, painful resolutions in my future.

Monday - Let's b!tch, shall we?

Oh Monday - how you snuck up on me and drop-kicked me in the backside. I got to bed later than I wanted to last night, and this morning, woke up later than I wanted to. For reasons unknown to me I woke myself up - albeit about a half hour after I had intended. In looking at the alarm clock I realized I'd set it to wake me up appropriately, but I forgot to actually turn the alarm function on. Whoopsie. And of course today is my first day back after vacation, so the day c-r-a-w-l-e-d.... I'm going to assume the blinding headache was aftershock from the weekend's Christmas party and not an allergy to work itself. And don't even get me started on how my drive home was with more mother-loving CONSTRUCTION on the North River causeway. Wasn't the entire summer enough, Mr. MacKinley!? On vacation I did my best to avoid it...now it's a reality and it sucks. And it's going on for at least another month and a half, and that sucks even more.

To any Survivor fans, who all wants to join me in publicly bashing Corinne Kaplan? To revel in being a bitch? Seriously. Her comments last night to everyone, including her little speech as she advised who she was voting for, were all-out rude...but the comment she made to Sugar? That was just sadistic, mean, vile, inappropriate, and uncalled for. She must live a sad, lonely existence to be so cruel. I shouldn't allow myself to get so wrapped up in a tv show, but there you have it. She hit a nerve. She reminded me of all the snotty-nosed, preppy, stuck up snobs in school who made my first few school years here practically unliveable.... One day all of them, Corinne included, will get their comeuppance.

For fear of this becoming a ginormous post no one wants to read I'll now reduce it to point form:
-the snow has all melted; it's very much un-Christmasy
-my face is a few zits shy of an acne galaxy. What the Jesus? Really. It's never been so bad - ever...I've actually broken down and ordered "Proactive"...and can only pray that it gives me some relief. Not only is it an ugly mess but it really hurts.
-from what it looks like, I might be on the hunt once more for another doctor...and that REALLY sucks.
-my cat(s) keep knocking my mini-tree off the tv stand. It's to the point that I'm sure that at least half of the ornaments that were on the tree are now a broken mess behind the stand.
-my laundry pile hasn't learned to clean itself yet, and that makes me very, very sad. Plus my cleaning fairy hasn't returned. How I miss my cleaning fairy.
-my remaining presents are still unwrapped and I had a personal goal of having all my presents wrapped, and all prepping complete prior to the return to work.

BAH! I think I'll go hunt down some chocolate.

That's a wrap!

Well the rain finally stopped; I found a cheap waterproof jacket, and Julie & I had a fantastic time on our "date". We supped at the Gahan before the show, splitting delicious nachos and a chicken & cheese wrap. Yum! Canada Rocks Christmas was fabulous. Wade Lynch was hilarious and the musical entertainment was first-class. In my opinion, the true stars of the show were Matt Minglewood, Joey Kitson, and Stephanie Cadman (holy crap can this girl step!). If you have an opportunity to see the show - go. You won't be disappointed.

Last night, Chris & I attended his annual staff Christmas party. We were treated to supper at Piazza Joe's, and then all went back to Jim & Marie's for dessert and another installment of "sneaky Santa". There were "spirits", many laughs, and even a small bit of Christmas karaoke. Good times. A special thank you to Mark and Rhonda for making sure we got home ok. It was a very, um...entertaining...ride home ("Holy hell it's got built-in blinds!"). Christopher fared out a lot better than I expected ;).

So far today we've watched two movies - Wall-E, very cute, and Shutter, just fair. It's been a very lazy Sunday. I really should do some laundry and wrap some gifts...Tonight, I meet up with my scrappy gals for a bite to eat at ESM's and a little $10 gift swap. I'm starting to feel a bit more festive. We even had a little bit of snow last night, so it all seems like it's coming together. I think the forecast is indicating more rain this week though - I hope it changes.

I hope you all are enjoying a great weekend :).

Rain, rain GO AWAY it's the 12th of DECEMBER!

Overnight we had layers and layers of freezing rain. Today's high is forecast to be 13 celcius. At least that will melt the layers of ice accumulated by the freezing rain. However, with the higher temperatures also comes heavy rain and winds, with gusts possibly reaching 90kms. Oh, and there's also a chance of thundershowers.

It's the 12th of DECEMBER. This just isn't right. Also not right - snow in Louisiana....wtf?

As much as I would love to loaf around on the couch in my jammies for another day, I have things to do today. Many errands that need to be done today, plus it's payday so I was hoping to finish my Christmas shopping. And, I have a date tonight with Julie; we're attending Canada Rocks Christmas. It's her staff Christmas party thing, and as Brian isn't going to be home, I'm going along for the ride. I'm very much looking forward to it - notsomuch looking forward to the day ahead to get me to the party, however.

As it is not apparently a good umbrella day, believe it or not, I've spent the past 45 minutes searching local stores online for 'outerwear', even calling a few places to see if they still have raincoats stocked at this time of year. Of course they don't. One place did...just one, and they were even on sale. Too bad I'm FAT so I can't fit into their meager 'largest' size, however. I have an old yellow raincoat that makes me look like a beacon...it closes, but just barely. Not really theater-worthy, either, if you ask me.

I'm cranky.

In finding my inner Martha...

Ok so I do dapple a bit in the crafty arena. I love to scrapbook, with my specialty of course being scrap 'lifting'. I've made albums, framed pages, name signs, decorated letters, gift cards & tags, and even sewn my own little gingerbread men ornaments last year, when pushed to 'make' something for a gift swap. Being that it's that time of year, I can even sit in front of the Martha Stewart show and watch the full 60 minutes (I can't stand the woman, but I do enjoy her ideas). I really do enjoy Christmas shows of any kind, especially when they feature crafty stuff.

From today's show I was inspired to visit her website. On the site, there is a place where the fan base is encouraged to submit their own Christmas crafty ideas for a chance to win a prize (and I have to admit I'm kicking myself for not taking photos of the few projects I did make for Christmas - not that I'd win, and if I was considered, they'd no doubt find my blog and see my comments about 'ol Martha, which would take me out of the running altogether, but I digress...). I like to see other crafty people's works, so I opted to run through the gallery of pictures of said projects. Most were your typical things, ornaments, and such...a few wreaths, a lot of stockings...but I stared in awe at one project in particular, and I just can't not post about it. If this person was silly enough to think of such an idea, much less post it on the world wide web, she deserves some heckling, if you ask me.

Here, take a boo, would you?

Yep, you read it right, folks (if the picture didn't prove obvious enough)...."Lovely Kotex Slippers". Slippers, made out of...er...feminine hygiene products! Stellar, no? This, if you ask me, is taking recycling to a whoooole new level. Suppose they would be good for small spills on the floor, though?

The stockings were hung...

Bah I'm at hump day already. It's amazing how quickly a week away from work can pass...yet how slowly the same amount of time goes by when a person is at work. Ah well, all good things must end. I don't look forward to the emails facing me at work at all, though.

As for the Christmas prepping, I'm happy to report that the tree is finally up. There's nothing outside yet, but I'm leaving that to Chris. We walked through a tree lot last night (the sole purpose really for Chris to smell the trees). We might get a small tree to put on the deck. I also visited Mr. Postie yesterday to mail away all the parcels and bought stamps for the cards. $80 later. Yep, you read that right. I almost pooped my drawers. Next year I'm thinking gift cards. Good grief!

Yesterday I had a lovely day out with Mummy. She's completely done of her shopping now. I, on the other hand am limited by my overdraft balance...or lack thereof...and must wait til payday to pick up my last few presents. Chris and I are going really light this year - not exchanging actual presents; we're still exchanging stockings (I can't have Christmas without my stocking). It's just not worth all the expense to try to fill the space under the tree with things we don't really need. It's not what Christmas is all about - and I'm trying to get back to a place where we're really celebrating the real reason Christmas is coming. We've all grown up into a very commercial, materialistic world, and it's very sad. So, in your own hustle and bustle, please take the time to think about what Christmas is all about...and concentrate on that while holding someone you love, very very tight.

It's pouring rain...all the snow we had over the weekend is completely washed away. I've got the bedroom window open, and it's Dec 10. That's just wrong. I do hope we have a white Christmas. It's the only time I really want to see snow...and as the festive season is so quickly approaching, I do have to admit I was a bit saddened by this rainy forecast (not to mention my aching joints). Happy hump day, folks!

It's all HUMBUG, I tell you, HUMBUG!

Ok - so inbetween relaxing a few moments here and there with friends, I spent the rest of my weekend prepping for Christmas. I cut, I pasted, I wrote and wrote and wrote. I completed a few crafty gifts. I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped. And I boxed, boxed, boxed. My back aches; I have paper cuts all over me; I ran out of scotch tape; and, I'm quickly running out of good wrapping paper. The saddest part? All of my efforts are ready to be shipped to Ontario and Nova Scotia. It doesn't look one bit Christmas-y in here. The tree never got put up. The two sole cards hanging on the card string Chris felt needed to be hung look slightly ridiculous. And, it's icy and just not so nice outside, so I think the parcels are going to sit another day, mocking me, while I wait for better weather to visit the post office. So perhaps I can cozy up with Zoe on the couch and not feel totally guilty? All I can do is try :). You see, I'm on va-cay all this week. After slip sliding (and almost smucking my gargantuan arse on the walkway) as I made my way to the car to move it for the plow, methinks I'll just have a lazy day. I might get around to doing a few loads of laundry and perhaps a few more cards...maybe.

For now, please pardon me while I loaf around in a non-Christmas-looking house, in a non-Christmas spirit.

Elfin' around...

A little progress has been made...the majority of the cards are made and addressed. There will, of course, be a few that I've forgotten, so I fortunately have a pile of made cards from Angela's class to get me through a few more in a pinch. Progress has been made for the 'away' projects...and tomorrow I have to wrap and box all the away stuff to hopefully allow for a trip to the post office Monday. That is if we get through the storm that is forecast, unscathed...

I had a charming breakfast today at Outriders with Erin, Tanya, Julie, Amanda, Pam and little Nate. We were out celebrating Erin's birthday. 'Twas lovely seeing you all today, girlies :). I very much look forward to our Christmas gift exchange party! After breakfast, I came home to continue with the card production, and tonight, I'm joining Lori over at Lana's for supper. I've skipped lunch in preparation :).

Tomorrow, if time allows, we hope to at least get a start on the tree and decorations...let's face it Christmas is coming, whether we're prepared or not. To quote my wise cousin: "I think I'm almost done. Except for all the things I still have to do". Happy weekend, peeps.

I'm here...

Sorry I've been slacking in the post department. Mom and I spent a few days in Nova Scotia to be with family and say a final good-bye to Nannie. The days spent there were filled with good food, many laughs as we listened to various yarns about the 'good old days in Whitehead', and a few tears, recollecting the happier days spent with Nannie and Poppie.

Nannie was my last living grandparent - Mom's last living parent. There's an emptiness that comes with that. No matter how old a person is when they pass - or how expected his or her loss is, it doesn't take away the hurt that comes with the realization that we will never see him or her again. Our biggest consolation is Nannie is now with Poppie, and they can dance again.

Now that I'm back home and back to 'reality' I have to look around and realize just how much I have to do to prepare for Christmas...everything - from the creation of the Christmas cards to the writing of the cards, to the wrapping of the "away" gifts, to the making of a few "away" gifts to the shopping for the "closer" gifts. By this point in December, usually the majority of things are done, or I'm just tying them up...not starting them.

On that note, I guess I'd best get crackin...

Happy Birthday Erin!

I met Erin in the mid-90's; we both worked at our community drug store and became fast friends. She's become one of my closest, and dearest friends. We joke about her being the 'Mother Hen' of the group because she's always the one to ensure everyone is doing ok, and has, on a few occasions, 'taken care' of us. She literally carried me up the stairs the night of my Fireball debaucle and stayed with me until I fell asleep. She's a natural mom. It broke my heart to see the trouble she went through to have a baby...and I'm so thrilled that finally her life has been blessed with little Nate this past February. I stole the picture on this post from her FB page (hope you don't mind Erin ;)) - it's one of my absolute favorites of mom and son. The true love between them jumps off the screen.

Erin, Happy Birthday. I'm so happy that you now have everything you've ever hoped, dreamed and yearned for. You're a wonderful person, and a wonderful friend. I hope the year ahead brings you nothing but happiness and much love. xoxo

Farewell to Nannie

My Nannie passed away this morning. She was 93 years old.

She had entered a nursing home the same week that Dad went into the hospital, so was in ailing health for quite some time. She kept having 'mini strokes', but always bounced back, much to the surprise of her doctors and family. The last time I'd seen her she was rather unresponsive, aside from a few smiles. There was no 'recognition' in her face when we came to visit. She had lost so much weight she was barely recognizable. The woman before me was definitely not my Nannie that I had remembered - with her apron on, telling me there were fresh cinnamon rolls in the pantry before we got a chance to even sit down.

She gave the best hugs. She squeezed til it almost hurt.

She was an awesome baker - never measuring, but her chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls always tasted the same - always delicious.

She was very crafty. She loved to knit, crochet, and most of all, she loved to sew. She made her own clothes, and was an avid quilter until her eyesight got too bad. Growing up, each Christmas all the grand-girls would receive a homemade nightie, reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie", made out of flowered-print flannel. I can remember it being one of my favorite gifts every year. Each year thereafter I missed (and still do) getting my new homemade nightie. I still have a few quilts that she made for me, which I will truly cherish.

Good bye Nannie - I will miss you. xoxo

Wherein I express my distaste for the Mall....

Greetings - I was off yesterday, on account of working this coming Saturday. It was a busy day indeed, and I didn't accomplish half of what I wanted to, unfortunately. I did get a few Christmas gifts purchased, however, and got over to Mom's to see Todd for his birthday and give him his gift. I had a lovely visit with Mummy, and a lovely treat with supper bought for me too. Am I feeling any more festive, you ask? Um, NO.

Picture it: Our above-normal-seasonal temperature, the Mall with it's automatic-it's-November-now-so-let's-blast-heat thermostats...and me, who hates to be warm. I only wore a vest for outer wear, thinking that would be a benefit. Turns out I should have worn my bikini. (I kid, I kid, NO ONE needs to see this bodacious bod in a bikini).

I go in search of the "Garage" store, that has since moved to the other side of the freaking Mall since I'd last been there. By the time I get to the store, I'm already in a lather. There are teeny-tiny outfits all in my midst. The girls manning the cash are all in a huddle discussing some boy or another... I find something, to my surprise, on my own, and make my way up to the cash. By this time, the huddle has dissipated, but now I'm in the back of a humungous line-up (and I wonder where the other two girls from the huddle went to, since there is only 1 of them manning the cash). The lady in front of me left the counter to look at the watches. She comes back, watch-less, to her spot in line. She changes her mind, goes back again to look at the watches. She again returns, empty-handed. It's now her turn to have her purchases rung in. After a few shirts are ready to be bagged, she goes back to the watches, and this time brings it back to be rung in... but as the girl goes to do so, she asks a question about the band on the watch. The girl has to open up a sampler to show her (by this time the sweat from the back of my neck has dripped all the way down my back, and has formed a pool at my waistline). The opening of the sampler seems to take forever...when the girl finally gets it open, the lady then turns her nose up at the closure of the watch, and decides she doesn't want it after all (I wanted to make her eat it).

I get to my 2nd destination store, where I had called ahead to hold a piece of merchandise. I tell the girl at the counter who I am, and why I'm there. She looks very confused, but leaves the counter to go out back to search for my held item. While she's gone I see something by the cash that might make a good stocking stuffer so I place it on the counter. She returns, places my held item right beside the item I placed down. She rings my purchase through, and bags it, but leaves my impulse item on the counter. I thought of just plopping it in the bag, but I'm too honest, so asked her, "Did you get this, too?". She looks a little stunned..."uh...no, no I didn't see that". (It was right there, beside the item you did ring in, you numb nut). So I again have to pull out my debit card to get a 2nd purchase complete. It's just a good thing I pay a fee for unlimited debit entries.

I then left the Mall.

I almost got hit 3 times leaving the parking lot because people don't LOOK or care...arrrgh!

Oh how I prefer online Christmas shopping so much more...no line-ups, no dumb cash tellers, no indecisive old ladies, no dumb drivers, no sweat. I can just feel my Christmas spirit building as I type...

When the panic starts to set in...

Dare I mention today's date to you? Dare I even fathom to speak of it being 1 month to the day? Do I bother to even tell you that I've not yet STARTED my actual Christmas shopping, aside from one online order? Is it too much to ask that we put a hold on Christmas this year? Baaaah humbug! I thought with the snow dumped on us, that might 'get my Christmas mojo going'...but nope. I thought perhaps attending Jingle Bell Rock this past weekend might have as well. Again, another nope. I suppose I could dig the tree out of storage and put that up. To do that, however, I really would have to scrub the floors, launder the ginormous pile of dirty laundry, and clean the kitchen up before I felt like I could even open the tree box. And I just don't wanna do that.

*sigh*

I am taking Mom out to finish her shopping tonight after work. Yes, finish her shopping. And this is really late for her. Maybe that will give me a push in the right direction? I hope to grab a few things myself. I've just written out a list of things that I need to buy. Instead of making me feel like a jolly 'ol elf, I'm now in a panic-state...which quadrupled when I looked at my bank balance.

Seriously people, can we cancel Christmas this year?

I kid, I kid... And honestly, the true spirit and magic of "Christmas" is not what is under the tree...and I think the more we think about the true meaning, the closer we will be to feeling the Christmas spirit. I will get there. I always do ;). Happy Tuesday.

Happy Birthday Todd!

Today marks my baby brother's 34th birthday.

We shared a typical brother-sister relationship growing up, fighting like cats and dogs, and no doubt wondering what Mom & Dad were thinking by having the other. We've grown up and with that maturity we've learned to stand one another a lot more :).

Todd is a very kind person, with a dry sense of humor and wit. He likes to make others laugh, even if it's at the expense of making fun of himself. He's taken on the role of the 'man of the house', taking care of Mom since Dad passed away without a second thought. Raising a glass to you on your special day, dear brother. May the year ahead bring you much happiness.

All good things must come to an end...

Christopher and I were very social this past weekend. After work on Friday night we headed over to the "Pepperoni Palace" for a night of laughs, munchies, and catching up with our dear friends Kim & Kevin. Thank you, thank you my lovelies for a wonderful evening. The second 'winter' storm started Friday night...just as we were driving back into town from the PP. The drive was a little hairy to say the least, but we had the Suburu and it's all-wheel drive (I was just glad to not have been the driver).

This is what we woke up to on Saturday morning:
Saturday night, we joined Erin & Shane, Tanya & Jared, Julie & Brian, Pam & Tyler, Rosanne & Craig, Sue Ellen & her friend, Julie and her friend (sorry 'friends', I'm terrible with names) for "Jingle Bell Rock". We all met up prior at Pam & Tyler's gorgeous home for a pre-party, with snacks and drinks before heading to the event. Needless to say I successfully managed to put a huge dent in my daquiri mix, and woke up extremely heavy-headed today. It was wonderful meeting up with everyone - how I've missed them all.

Here are a few pics from the night:

A would-be milestone

Today would have marked 50 years of marriage for Mom & Dad if Dad was still with us. I've no doubt that he's raising a glass from Heaven.

From the mouths of babes...

I couldn't have been more than 13 years old. Darlene and I were hanging out, and we'd met in grade 7, so it was likely somewhere between the age of 12 and 13. If you know me now, you'll find it awfully hard to believe that at one point I didn't cuss all that much...but at that age, I was pretty 'green'. Darlene used a few words rather freely, and me of course being young and impressionable, I picked up a few words here and there. (I by no means whatsoever blame Darlene for my current potty mouth). We lived very close to one another growing up, so we spent a good deal of our time at each others' homes.

The details are a bit fuzzy -it was 23 years back after all...but I remember a day where Darlene was over at my house. We were in the living room and Dad was in the living room or kitchen area. He was teasing me or acting a fool, perhaps, as he was wont to do when he had an audience.
I looked at him, smiling, and said, "Dad, don't be such a tw^t!".

I could see the blood rush from his neckline up to his temples.

He stammered, "..Er.... wh..wh..wha....WHAT DID YOU CALL ME???!!"

I, unwittingly, remarked, possibly a little louder this time, "Well, I said, don't be such a tw^t ".

By this point he was purple.

I couldn't at all understand what he was getting upset about. Darlene, on the other hand, was doing her very best to discreetly mouth to me to shut up...and at the same time, looked as though she wanted the floor to swallow her whole. You see, Darlene had used the same word around me a number of times. I'd learned it from her. I didn't know what the word meant. But she did, and she would never be using the term around her father. I thought it was rather endearing; cute, even.

I guess my innocence was rather apparent - so Dad couldn't get mad at me. Eventually the color in his face evened, and Darlene quickly explained to me what the 'endearing' term meant once he was out of earshot.

Needless to say I didn't call my father that name again.

In which you may equate me with a teenage boy...

Did I grow up in an unusually perverted era? Did growing up with an older brother & sister in my formative years perhaps have something to do with it? Maybe I'm just an ultimately sick individual? In any case, I can't help but giggle when I see or hear the word 'pork'.

As you were.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

I guess Old Man Winter has decided it's time to visit the Maritimes. While it's not much accumulated snow, and in a few days it may be all gone, walking/driving conditions were compromised this morning. I hope you all got to your destinations safely today (and last night).

There's hustling and bustling going on around me with Christmas decorating. That coupled with the white stuff that is on the ground, not to mention today's date...I'm being forced to start thinking about Christmas. With only 35 sleeps til the Big Fella in Red appears, I'm starting to panic. I've not finished my cards, let alone addressed any of them. I only have 2 gifts started that need to be sent out by the end of the month, and I have to shop for 5 more presents that also need to be mailed by the end of November. I know the true meaning of Christmas isn't at all about the gifts...but Christmas, to me, is about giving, and the smiles on the faces of the receiver's.

To get all my readership in the mood for Christmas, I give you this:

http://www.zippyvideos.com/7007159622501826/a.peter.griffin.christmas/

Enjoy (and thank you Craig).

It's THURSDAY! And y'all know what that means...I can hardly stand the wait between now and this evening to find out what happens with Izzie and Denny... while the storyline is a little far-fetched I just melt when Denny is near. I'm happy they've incorporated him into this season's storyline.

Enjoy your Thursday - we have 1 more sleep til our weekend starts!

It's raining...it's pouring...

Today is a perfect day to be curled up on the couch, under a warm fuzzy blanket, with a good book. Today is a perfect day to be alone, with no responsibilities, with no one to answer to. Today is a perfect day to have called in sick or taken a 'personal day' at work.

I didn't, though.

It's so windy and rainy...and cold! I've discovered that my ugly black flat cheapie shoes have a leak after trying to dodge the puddles getting something for lunch (Lana will be so happy to see these puppies replaced, though). I had a bad sleep last night; I woke up late; I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast. I've got to admit that I'm grumpy and eaily irritated.

Perhaps it's the weather. Those who are closest to me know that's a big crock of donkey dung, but that's where I'll leave it.

Happy Hump Day. Hope it's not raining where you are.

Tuesday

This about sums up my Tuesday rather adequately.

Recapping the weekend

Ugh, it's Monday again. Instead of griping over the day at hand, I'll fill y'all in on my weekend, since that puts me in such a happier place.

Friday night, Chris and I went out to supper at BP. We then shopped at Michaels til they closed, and picked up a few things at Sobeys before heading home. When we got home, we put a movie on but I wasn't long falling asleep after the movie started. My poor 'ol body sure knows it's at the end of a work week.

Saturday, I attended a Christmas card-making class hosted by the lovely Leanne. At the end of the class we had enough pieces of paper stamped and cut that we could put together 50 cards. Her class included lunch as well, where we dined on homemade lasagna, garlic bread, and mini cheesecakes for dessert! It was lovely! I'm glad to have had the chance to do cards in a class, too. Between this recent one, and another I attended at Angela's, I should be able to send everyone a 'homemade' card this year. (Needless to say, I'm *not* anywhere near started Christmas preparations. I think I say this every year...can we postpone Christmas a few more months?? Gosh it's sneaking up on me).

Saturday night, I had some girlfriends in for a night of munchies and b!tching. It was fantastic. We laughed; we vented; we ate bad-for-us treats; we drank. It was fun; it was theraputic; it was needed! I can hardly wait for the next one. I personally consumed an entire bottle of wine (thank you Mr. Gallo), yet still managed to clean up the kitchen before bed. Girlies - thank you. I love you all; you're the reason I keep on keepin' on...and that's all I'll say about that.

Sunday I took Lana out for her birthday shawarma supper. Let's just say our eyes were bigger than our bellies, and we likely would have felt a lot better had we just consumed the birthday shawarma instead of the appetizer and the dessert along with the shawarma. Jeepers. It just tasted so frickin' good. Despite my sore belly coming on the end, it was lovely getting out to see you Lana. I hope you were still able to put a few notes together at choir practice ;).

And on a sad note - I now have positive confirmation that it indeed was Weasel at Shoppers the other day, having popped in there with Lana after we had supper last night only to see him again. There is no questioning now who I thought the guy was. Guess I will have to find a new place to shop for my everyday toiletry needs. Perhaps it was the weasel-sighting that made me feel ill rather than the 2 tonnes of lebanese food I consumed? Perhaps.

5 more sleeps til our next weekend folks. I'll end this post with a new fun song that I'm quite enjoying right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgeWb5v7Z3w

My Greys friends will recognize it from last week's episode. The name of the song is "Trouble is a Friend", and it's sung by Lenka. Loves it.

Disney's Desperate Housewives

I do *not* watch Desperate Housewives, but I know a lot of people out there do, so you may get a kick out of this. I received it from a co-worker:

Dance with my father...

"Playground in My Mind" ~ Clint Holmes

When this old world gets me down
And there's no love to be found
I close my eyes and soon I find
I'm in a playground in my mind
Where the children laugh and the children play
And we sing a song all day.

"My name is Michael, I got a nickel
I got a nickel, shiny and new
I'm gonna buy me all kinds of candy
That's what I'm gonna do"

See the little children
Living in a world that I left behind
Happy little children
In the playground in my mind.

Oh the wonders that I find
In the playground in my mind
In a world that used to be
Close your eyes and follow me
Where the children laugh and the children play
And we sing a song all day.

"My girl is Cindy
When we get married, we're gonna have a baby or two
We're gonna let them visit their grandma
That's what we're gonna do."

"My name is Cindy
When we get married, were gonna have a baby or two
We're gonna let them visit their grandma
That's what we're gonna do."

See the little children
See how they're playing so happy
In the playground in my mind.

Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
La la la la la la la.

This song was popular in the 1970's, and Dad had the 45 for it, and he would play it all the time. Sometimes, he would wrap me in his arms, place me upon his feet and we'd 'dance', penguin-style, while singing the words of the song to one another. He'd sing the main parts, and I'd sing the Michael & Cindy parts. These are some of my most favorite memories of my childhood.

Today, Dad would have been 72. Happy Birthday to the best father a little girl could ever ask for. Thanks for the many dances. What I wouldn't give for just one more dance...

Friday WTF

WHY does this happen?

Words can't even come close to expressing how much this story disgusts, enrages, and saddens me:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/13/waugh.ga.cat.used.as.football.wjxt

I didn't even want to watch it, but I had to find out if the kitten survived. HOW can anyone do such a thing? The only bright spot to the story is the kitten did indeed survive, albeit one leg short - I can only hope that she will be able to find a loving home, and live a long, happy life from this point on.

The person who did this deserves corporal punishment. Hasn't cruelty to animals been proven, over time, to be the precursor to delinquent/psychotic behaviors? There's nothing that angers me more than someone hurting a defenseless animal, who cannot defend itself. Stiffer laws/penalties must be put in place for behaviors such as this.

Lost in unreality...

I *heart* *heart* *heart* Grey's Anatomy....

STUPID!

Boy, oh boy, oh boy, do I hate working on a full moon day. Everyone is a little extra stupid. Processes and systems take a little (or a lot of) extra time. The world itself is just a little 'off'. And these symptoms are standard 'full moon' expectations. Today? Well, today seems to be more of a challenge than normal...

On top of the standard stupidity, there are men atop the roof here at work. Apparently, they are replacing a water meter or something. They are welding and banging and thumping over top of me. My head is pounding. The fumes of the welding are nauseating.

The serenity prayer doesn't help. Calgon wouldn't help. I've eaten copious amounts of chocolate, and that doesn't help. I'm pretty sure retail therapy wouldn't even help. I couldn't even try that today as I'm in overdraft as it is, and running on fumes (pardon the pun) until pay day. Oh, and my quick trip to Shoppers while on my lunch break to pick up kitty litter and ibuprofen to get me through this full moon day - that doesn't count as "retail therapy". Especially after witnessing who I'm pretty sure to be my ex-ex-ex weasel. I looked quickly so I can't completely confirm if it was him. The thought alone of him being back on the Island and not out west is enough to make me lose my lunch. I guess we can also blame the full moon on the weasel-sighting, too.

The pluses...I'm almost at the end of the work day. It's Thursday so I've got the Thursday TV line up to look forward to...and I still have a bit more chocolate I can eat. It doesn't help the full moon day, but it still tastes good :).

Blarg...it feels like a Monday...

So - having a Tuesday off in a work week basically means there are two "Mondays" to deal with. Two mornings where you force yourself out of bed. Two mornings after a less than stellar sleep, filled with hourly wake-ups, where you see each hour on the clock. Add a full moon to the mix and you're off to a terrific start.

The only good thing...we're actually at hump day, so after today, there are only 2 more days left, instead of 4.

And I pray that they pass quickly.

Happy Birthday Anja!

Today my beautiful niece, Anja, turns 15 years old. Isn't she gorgeous? She is poised, lady-like, mature, compassionate and kind-hearted. I don't often get to see her because she lives in Ontario. She's never far away from my thoughts, though. I hope the year ahead brings you much love and happiness, Anja. Happy Birthday.

In Remembrance...

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

I don't like Mondays...

It was so warm in the bedroom last night to try to sleep. By some miracle I fell asleep at first rather quickly, but then woke up 3 hours later to both cats cocooning in my knee pit to the point that I was trapped from moving to a different sleeping position. The combined body heat of them didn't help matters at all. So I got up to pee and tried to get back to sleep. I don't think I slept that great after that. I tossed and turned a bit, and had weird dreams. Typical Sunday night I suppose? And how did you sleep?

So after work on Saturday I made sure to advise Christopher of my unhappiness with him for his nasty little prank. All he could do was sit there and giggle at me. He thinks this means we are going out to get a dog. No. If he brought me that exact same, identical dog I might have a problem saying no. But only that exact same, identical dog.

Saturday evening we did little more than eat supper, watch TV and sleep. And it wasn't long after settling down to watch TV that I actually fell asleep. Let's just say that I was well rested by the time Sunday rolled around. Aside from maybe an hour in between, I estimate I had approximately 11 to 12 hrs of sleep (may also have something to do with my trouble getting back to sleep. Maybe). Exciting times in the 'hood, let me tell you.

Yesterday Chris' parents visited in the morning for coffee. I let them read Saturday's post about the puppy, and we all had a good laugh about it. Why is it the only times the "in-laws" land unexpectedly, the house is in shambles? I was literally waving cat hairs away from Rose's coffee mug in hopes of re-routing them away from going inside it. After the visit, I went into high cleaning mode, and cleaned the bathroom, kitchen, swept the floors, did about 6 loads of dirty laundry, and cleaned up the floor of the closet, folding enough clothing to suit up a small country (a pet peeve that may not have made it to my previous lists, but should - my closet. I hate, hate, loathe, despise, hate my closet).

It's now Monday; we didn't have any milk for cereal, little to no cream for coffee, and have very little toilet paper.

I don't like Mondays...

Puppy Love

I'm at work today. I would like to share a little email exchange between myself and my darling Christopher that has just recently transpired:

C: How's your day going?

A: Slowly. And yours? Did you get up after I left? Did you make yourself some coffee? Did you clean the house? Make the bed? :P (I KILL me!)

C: I didn't do any of that! Been busy...

This reply has an attachment added to it. So I open said attachment, to find this:

So to give you a bit of history, I hate dogs. They smell bad; they drool. For as long as I've known Chris he's said, "one day we'll have a dog". I keep telling him NO. A few years back, our friends Cody and Jool got a new golden retriever puppy. We went to visit so I could meet said puppy. The next day a picture of a golden retriever puppy occupied my computer desktop. I still hold steadfast that I hate dogs and I won't have one. However, after meeting Sammy as a pup and the reaction I had to him I came to the conclusion that if you brought a puppy into my home I'd have a hard time letting him/her go. So Chris knows this loophole. When I first saw the picture I immediately thought he likely had a friend visiting with a new pup, or even was taking photos of one for someone he knew. But look at that face! Who wouldn't want him? (her?)? I felt butterflies in my stomach for a moment....wondering to myself...did he? Would he? Noooo. Maybe? No...but then I kept looking at the little smoochie face...and I kinda hoped that he did.

The emails continue:
A: Um. That is a recent picture of our living room because I see my old coat hanging. (We'd cleaned out an old closet and he'd taken the old coat into the living room the other day. I'd not yet done something with the coat, and I knew that he'd never have put it away. The coffee table was just as I'd left it this morning). That is a rather wonderfully cute puppy. Who does it belong to?

C: :)

A few more butterflies form.

A: That wonderfully cute puppy cannot belong to us. We would not be able to afford such a wonderfully cute puppy right now. You must be taking photos of someone else's wonderfully cute puppy. Right?

C: :)

A: *narrowed eyes* CHRISTOPHER!

C: *puppy eyes* AMBERFER!

A: If you're joking with me, this isn't a very nice joke!

C: :)

At this point I'm convinced that I'm the mom to another furbaby. I wonder how the kitties are reacting to the new addition. I wonder if Bosco is cowering in the corner. I wonder if Zoe is hiding under the bed and if I'll ever see her again.

A: Will this wonderfully cute puppy be present upon my return home from work this evening?

C: I think so

Now I just want him to fess up and confirm things for me. I wonder how he pulled this one off without the least bit of suspicion on my part.

A: This isn't fair. TELL ME.

C: :)

Yep, I thought, "He did it. He went behind my back and got a stinky, drooly puppy - but the puppy is so darn cute I can't help but already love him/her".

A: CHRISTOPHER! Do we have a puppy!!??

C: Do I detect some a level of excitement?!

A: Well. The puppy is deliciously wonderfully cute. SPILL

C: Ok. I don't actually know who owns that puppy.

My emotions take an immediate fall. The butterflies start to die.

A: Oh. So you found him/her around the park?

C: It's photoshopped. I wanted to see how well a puppy would fit in the living room. I have pulled a fast one on you.

I couldn't believe how angry I was. The jerk! That was so mean!

A: I hate you.

C: Not enough to throw me out if I brought a puppy home. Now I know. ;)

So now I sit, mourning the loss of a puppy I never had. Chris has confirmed his loophole, and life continues as it already had. I was duped. And it's not even April 1.