The importance of editing

Happy Friday! Sorry I missed posting yesterday. I don't have a really good reason why I didn't post yesterday. We'll call it lazy.

I was typing a message to a friend today, and the sentence was "the only good thing about it" (poignant, isn't it?). SO often I catch myself typing too fast when typing "about it", and it comes out "abou tit". One of these days I'm not gonna catch it...and one of these days it'll likely be in an email going to somebody pretty important. I also have to watch myself typing the name Bobbi Jo...very often it first comes out as "Boobi Jo". You'd think I had a fetish or something.

OMG just as I was typing this post I had to issue an order at work...on our order instructions we frequently abbreviate where we can, and one word frequently used is the word "contact"...which I abbreviate as "cntc"....um...thank God I noticed because the word that was typed wasn't "cntc", it was the C word!! YIKES!

Yeah, so the weekend is upon us...YAY! Happy weekend peeps!! I'll post more later!

AI - The Top Ten, et al

AI - the quick 'n dirty on last night's Top Ten:

• Ramiele: I was a little late tuning in so only caught the last bit of her performance - I didn't think she was that bad, but the judges really seemed to cut her up.
• Jason: I've ran out of patience for him. He doesn't take it seriously. Too much pot'll do that.
• Syesha: She sang well, technically, but I still think she's a biotch and I don't want her there.
• Chikezie: Not as fun as the past two weeks - his serious side is not my bag, but I think he did well, for his style, nevertheless.
• Brooke: I still adore her. Like Simon, I, too, liked the first part of the song better. I think she tried taking past week's advice and picking up the pace mid-way thru her song...but "Every Breath You Take" is NOT the song to do that to.
• Michael: FINALLY he nailed it. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
• Carly: I enjoyed her performance. I have always loved that song. I sorta sang along with her so I think she did well :)
• DavidA: Meh - technically, he was sound. I'm over him. I knew the cutesy stuff would eventually bore me. I was bored.
• Kristy: Hmmph - she pulled that performance out of her anus, now didn't she? All patriotic and stuff...who's not going to vote for the one who sung the patriotic song with all that's going on across the ocean? She saved herself another week *sigh*.
• DavidC: Loved it. Love him. He is the next American Idol. Enough said.

Bottom 3: Ramiele, Jason, & Chikezie. Leaving: Ramiele or Jason

It was a pleasure seeing Dick back at the BB house last night - and I'm glad he got to keep the guitar :). I laughed out loud when he commented that they didn't get a new frying pan from last season. Oh how I miss him.

I have a new crush...I mentioned before that the new Bachelor was uber-yummy....the more I see.......the more I adore...he's brilliant!!

P.S. I found one more egg last night, and 2 more this morning. That waskly wabbit :)

I'm hearing voices.....

Actual conversation via MSN between Chris and I tonight:

Amber says: are you playing something in there with voices?
Chris says: No, they're in your head.
Amber says: seriously I'm hearing shit.
Amber says: it's coming out of my speakers.
Amber says: but I have nothing turned on.
Amber says: SERIOUSLY
Amber says: come the eff here

I'm hearing voices talking. My computer speakers are playing 'something'. It's coming and going. Thank God I just finished watching American Idol and nothing scary. For a brief second, I thought about blaming the beer...but I only had 1. I have absolutely no computer windows open...I have no radio in my room...yet I can hear faint voices... Thinking back to watching the movie White Noise I start getting a little freaked out. I turn up the volume on the speakers and realize it's not English.

Apparently, my computer speakers are picking up AM Radio signals...or at least that's what Chris told me. He said he had a pair that would pick up both local radio stations at the same time. Weeeeeirrrrd.

AI recap will have to wait til the morning...now that the mystery of the voice seems to be 'solved' I need to get to bed.

PoF

Sometimes, when Chris is bored, he will amuse himself by torturing our cats. Zoe looked up at me, in desperation, appearing violated...no doubt wondering why I'm holding the camera instead of helping her.

Just another night in the 'hood:

God reveals himself in a lot of different ways....

Seeing as I had a few cutesy posts already about Easter, I felt compelled to post something more 'religious' on this very religious holiday:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2008/03/22/desel.jesus.cheeto.khou?iref=videosearch

"Though I walk through the valley of crackers, I fear no evil for Cheesus Crust is with me" (courtesy of urban dictionary)

Suddenly, I have a craving for Crunchits.

I'm really not a heathen - just thought this was worth a giggle-post ;).

Easter Weekend

Those of you who know me, know that Easter isn't my favorite holiday anymore...on account of it being Dad's last holiday with us, and him passing away so close to Easter. Yesterday morning, I awoke to an egg hunt that "Easter Bunny Chris" prepared for me...which brought back the 'fun Easter' memories and helped me enjoy the day all the more. The "Bunny" also left me a personal egg frying pan, a bag of mini eggs, and a little white stuffed bunny that 'bawked'! (like the white bunny on the Cadbury commercials). Adorable!

Easter was so much fun for me as a child...the 'Bunny' would hide so many eggs in the most inconspicuous places...it was nothing to find a stray egg months later...and that was with both me and Todd hunting them down. I told Chris how much fun I had as a child, and this is the 2nd year he's recreated this nostalgia for me. The first time was a few years ago, so this year I hadn't been expecting it, and that made it all the more special. Thanks hunny...you don't know how much that meant to me....

So yesterday we visited Mummy for a few hours in the afternoon, and then headed on over to Chris' parents place for Easter supper. I can never refuse homemade turkey dinner! Mummy, of course, spoiled us again this year with an array of Lindt chocolate. She also got me the cutest little white bunny (every year there's a little bunny included with my treats. She only duplicated once, and even though it was the same bunny, it was still a different color), and a purse-sized hand lotion. After supper we came back home, resting our full bellies, and watched BB and Family Guy's 100th episode (can't wait til Tuesday's episode and the special return of Evel Dick!!!!! Lana thinks he may be coming back to compete...I wish she was right, but I think he'll just be there to wake up the house in his ED fashion with the pots and pans, and then will likely host the Veto competition. Tune in Tuesday night folks!!).

Happy Easter

Photo courtesy of Chris Wilkinson. This was taken a few years ago for a photo contest looking for entries that depicted "spring". It's Bosco's Easter hunt :)

Spring Hasn't Sprung

Spring is upon us - well, on the calendar anyway - with the first day of spring being two days ago, and me hearing the familiar sounds of the snow plow going by at 6am this morning. The joys of living in Eastern Canada. It's been a rather quiet few days. I was off Thursday, and yesterday for Good Friday. I work til 5pm today, and off tomorrow. My days off were pretty low key ....chillaxing more than anything. On account of a forecast of freezing rain I had to postpone my day with Mummy, and therefore stuck home Thursday since Chris took my car to work. The sad thing is if I did have a car home, I likely would have done the exact same thing and thought nothing of it, but because I couldn't go anywhere I felt trapped. As I type, Chris is likely still toiling away trying to fix the problem with the Suburu...

In my time off I was able to watch my recorded episode of the new Bachelor season...this time the show going to England to find the most eligible soul...and I must admit, I was smitten. He's hot, tall dark 'n handsome, and I'm a sucker for an accent. Yum. The premise of the show is horrible, but I can't help it, it sucks me in every time. One of my guilty pleasures. I adore the Brits' use of the words 'brilliant' so regularly, as well as 'sublime'. Two words, I feel, that are not said enough in my daily life. Perhaps I'll have to try to incorporate them into my daily speech.

Another big thing to report - I quit. Yes, I finally got up enough nerve to quit the BR. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I just wasn't getting anything out of it. My presence there was almost laughable...hired as the new "scrapbook instructor" in September...without a class being taught. A little too ironic? Yeah, I really DO think. Now I hope to get back into the habit of scrapping for me again. You might ask if finally doing the dirty deed pushed me to clean up my scrapbook room....um...er...unfortunately not.

Birthday Girls!

Happy birthday to two dear friends of mine - Lori & Tracy. Lori's birthday is today, and Tracy's was a week ago. They are two of my oldest, dearest friends...part of the 'bench gang' from high school. You may hear me talk of the 'bench gang' in later posts, so you'll hear who the rest of them are eventually. We're trying to get a night together organized in the next while, so I shall take pics of all my lovelies and write a special "Bench Gang" post and tell you about them all. For now, the shine is on the birthday girls -- love you, girls....Happy Birthday!!

Blackbird singing in the dead of night...

I must admit that I felt a little glee today as I turned off the alarm, not needing a wake-up call tomorrow because I have the next two days OFF. Yay me. Sucks that I have to work Saturday when everyone else in the world is off on a 'long weekend'. At least tomorrow I can smile slyly thinking of them having to get up though, as I flop over to the other side and snuggle back in for more slumber...er, that is, if I don't need my car tomorrow. Chris' car is 'broken'...springing a nasty leak in the line that feeds the anti-freeze. When questioned, he said this malady would be akin to him driving around with virtually no radiator. No rad = bad....so at home, Scoobie sits. And tomorrow I had planned a Mummy & me day too...so I will no doubt need to rise early to drive Chris to work in order to keep that arrangement. The weather may put a kybosh to that too...freezing rain/snow expected...we'll see what tomorrow brings (though I will be bummed if I can't get out with Mummy).

So a rather lackluster Idol last night, hmm? Down now to 11 contendors, here is my humble opinion about what I witnessed:

• Amanda - It's. Time. America. To. Send. This. Girl. HOME!


• Kristy - Ok, so she may just be Amanda's ticket to staying one more week, because she too, has come to an impasse... While I'm still wincing at her turning one of my favourite Journey songs country, last night's performance didn't buy her any more time in my book. Last night was just terrible.


• DavidA - the kid is back - while his performance was no "Imagine", he was much more 'on' than last week. I'm starting to tire of his cutesy-blushing bashfulness though.


• Michael -I was very disappointed in Michael's performance...the arrangement of the song was all over the place and there was one note that made me think, wtf?? ...and though it was nice to tribute it to a dear friend, singing it for him rather than the 'competition'...I think he really needs to hike his socks up or he may be in deep doo doo.


• Brooke - she's a cutie patootie and has been very strong all along, so she has no worries. Last night paled in comparison to the last few weeks though - and, she really shouldn't dance ....


• DavidC - I love this guy. Our relationship was a wee bit rocky at the beginning...as I didn't care for his cocky attitude...but lately...my love has grown leaps and bounds. I'm a sucker for a rocker (hellllo, Chris Daughtry!!) anyway, but his last 3 weeks have been a-w-e-s-o-m-e.


• Carly - I disagreed with Simon whole-heartedly on her performance (for the most part me 'n Si are pretty sync'd). I thought she did a great job, and I feel she's very much a contendor for the win.


• Jason - Ok...at first I thought he was kinda cute, but I'm thinking his time is also nearing an end. I don't think he'll be going tomorrow...and maybe, if he can pull out a few more good performances (ie, lay off the weed pre-performance) he may stick around a little more. I'm over stoned-Jason, though.


• Syesha - well, if I closed my eyes and listened to her performance last night I'd be enraptured. Trouble is, I.can't.stand.her. so that tarnishes last night for me. She's too conceited for her own good.


• Chikezie - he's an odd little fellow, now isn't he? From the start, I really hadn't taken much of a shine to him at all, but I did really enjoy last week, and this week, aside from the wtf harmonica, found him very entertaining again. He'll be around for a few more weeks. His smile is adorable.


• Ramiele - while I do very much enjoy her - and I think she's cute as a button at her 'four apples tall' height - she's boooooooooring me...time to step it up....Entertain me, Ramy...you've got it in you...now DO-IT, for the love of the baby Jesus.

Bottom 3 picks: Amanda, Kristy & Jason (I refuse to write Michael's name here)
Going home: KRISTY.

BB was good :) Chris and I disagree on our thoughts about James. I won't miss Matty - at all. :)

Happy National Awkward Moment Day!

I am wearing the wrong underwear today. The bra I'm wearing is making me feel like my boobs are going to pop out - the straps keep falling and it's too tight. Add to this - my skin is itchy...that winter itchy...and the more I scratch the more itchy I get. TMI? I'm painting a rather unsavory picture, aren't I? Sorry. Just one of those 'uncomfortable in my own skin' kinda days, and as it's "National Awkward Moment Day", I felt it sorta fit right in. In honor of this day, I figured I may as well embarrass myself and write about a few of the more 'awkward' moments of my past:

• At a young age I discovered the reason why girls don't stand up to pee - the evidence blatant as it ran down my leg.
• The very first time I lost a tooth I thought I was dying. I had been playing with friends in an old car...not sure how it all came to pass, but I do recall discovering that there was blood in my mouth and I freaked out and cried like my world was ending - so much so that I was inconsolable, and my friends had to walk me home. Did those friends continue to hang out with me? I don't remember.
• My group of high school friends used to camp every July 1 weekend. We would camp for one night and many many brown pops were consumed. When you drink many brown pops you tend to need to pee pretty regularly. Not known for any geographic prowess, my friends were smart in coming to find me after I hadn't gotten back to camp in a timely fashion. I was known as the 'girl who got lost going to the bathroom'.
• At my very first 'adult-free-under-age-drinking party' (Lori's parents had gone away for the weekend), I managed to spit all over Darlene's face after taking a long swig at what I thought was my beer and having my tongue encounter a cigarette butt.
• As I walked up to accept my grade 12 diploma on Graduation Day, I adeptly walked out of my high-heeled shoe as I approached the podium.
• My first, and last, encounter with a body shaper. More accurately, removing said body shaper. I quickly learned that it is a very bad idea to try to remove this type of clothing article by attempting to pull it over one's head. A very very bad idea.
• I was told off by a bum on the street the night of the Fireball Debaucle in front of Myrons (that was after puking all over the tire of my friend's car--sorry Al!)

So, what are some of your slightly embarrassing, awkward moments you'd like to share?

P.S. Happy Birthday Jeannette!!

Kiss me, I'm not Irish, but kiss me anyway!

Daily damper: coming to the realization that your shift ends at five-thirty instead of 5:00 sharp as you had thought all day long *sigh*.

Happy St Pattys Day to my readership. I'm not Irish, but I did wear green to work, and that's about where my loyalty to this holiday ends. So far we've escaped the traditional "St Patrick's Day storm" that hits our region very regularly...but it sure is windy out there!

I had a very carefree, lazy weekend - and I ate up every freaking crumb of it...loafing in my jammies, sharing the couch with my kitties, watching entirely too much television, and even reading a bit of the novel I started. Some people may say I wasted my free time. I disagree. Sometimes, the body needs an opportunity to re-fuel, re-charge, in preparation for the week ahead. Those claiming I'm 'wasteful' are likely just jealous :). I hope YOU all enjoyed a very stress-free, relaxing weekend!

WHOOO!!!!!!!!!

Do you ever get the urge to squeal "WHOO!!!" outloud at the top of your lungs? That urge overtook me today at my work place...when all was quiet, and all of my co-workers were busily working away.

I didn't squeal.

But I sure wanted to. Not quite sure why.

"She was not glued. She was not tied. She was just physically stuck by her body"

Kay, now this is just sad...

Cloistered in the bathroom for two years ... when found looking like her legs had atrophied...her boyfriend claiming, "she moved around in the bathroom during that time, bathed and changed into the clothes he brought her. He brought food and water to her. They had conversations and had an otherwise normal relationship -- except it all happened in the bathroom." The rescue responders advising that it "appeared the Ness City woman's skin had grown around the seat" ... For the love of all that is holy and mighty, WHY would he wait two years to seek help for this poor girl? I hope they check his mental state, too....

Boooooooooooooo!

No, we're no closer to reality.

No, Virginia, as it turns out, there is no Santa Claus.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=116695&sc=98

The latest news indicates that my Bon Bon is unavailable for the rumored concert.

That makes me very, very sad.

How to Dance in the Rain

Usually I don't pay a lot of attention to email forwards...but I thought this one really had a nice message that I wanted to share:

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

...a little closer to reality?...

Ok...so now the headline doesn't include the word, "rumor":

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=116276&sc=98

Eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!! I have every appendage crossed...

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus....

Oh.

My.

God.

I think I just peed a little.

Now, it is only just a rumor...but...a girl can dream...:) Reviewing the fan site it would appear that they're touring with Daughtry. Man, oh man do I wish I could wiggle my nose and transport my buttocks to TO tonight. *sigh*

Quote of the day

Todays quotation: "Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege."
- Unknown

From my window seat...

...ok so dude across the street in his cool leather jacket and cowboy boots is talking on his cell, pacing back and forth on the curb that attaches the two parking lots. He struts back and forth, back and forth, cowboy boot in front of cowboy boot...it's almost rhythmic. Suddenly, he misses a step, stumbling off the curb. He doesn't fall, but he does move on to solid, safer ground. I laughed.

I wonder if someone saw me make my graceful entry into my car today when I left to get lunch...I didn't really stumble, per se, but let's just say my voluptuous booty intercepted the side of the seat before it landed down into position. I would have laughed.

Mmmmkay - convertible with the top down...it's warmer out there, yes, but not that warm (the driver is wearing just a t-shirt).

TGIF

Happy Friday! And what a beeaaauuutiful day it is. I left work to pick up some lunch and didn't wear my coat and almost rolled the window down. I didn't want to come back inside (needless to say!). We'll not discuss the pending weather warnings for freezing rain this weekend...freaking groundhog.

I have a busy weekend ahead...work at BR tomorrow - and I guess I'll try to pull together another class page to post. Even if it means another class doesn't happen, if I can at least get them done during work hours I don't feel as 'used'. And then it makes the day there go a lot faster. I just wish they'd realize that we *need* to get some new product through those doors...Sunday, there is a baby shower for baby Nate - Erin and Shane's new addition.

Did anyone see the result show for AI? I'm thrilled to report that both Luke and Kady are now a memory (as predicted, I might add). I was a little surprised that Asia'h and Danny left before Amanda and Chikezie, but I can't predict with 100% certainty - that would be just boring. And, for anyone that still watches Survivor what'd you think of last night's show? I'm kinda ok with Joel getting the boot - though a strong competitor, he terrified me. I do, however, think Chet really needed to be the one leaving. He needs a rest. The whole survivor thing is killing him slowly. Did you see the beating he took when he was tethered to Joel in the challenge? It was like a dog who sprung loose from his leash, running free, letting the leash bat into anything it encountered. Where would I be without my tv?

Quickie

Greetings...quickie as I'm just about to jet. I didn't post today for a few reasons: a) not feeling overly 'bloggy' today. I'll get over it. Not worth getting into. And, b) I discovered a new blog that I've been stalking the archives of. I just love blogland :).

Last night on AI - the girls...paled in comparison to the guys...Going home....for the love of the Baby Jesus, SEND KADY home....she should have been gone weeks ago, and last night's performance didn't help her plight - at all. Amanda seemed to do ok last night, in the judges' eyes...still not my bag....but whatever. Did anyone else seem to get the idea that she was a little disappointed that the judges gave her kudos? Maybe it's that 'tough girl' exterior. Pu-leeze.

BB - exciting twist!....Man I hope America brings back Parker!!

Toodles.

American Idol - as I see it

Oh gosh, I forgot to unveil my thoughts on AI - so you get yet another post. I'm making up for missing Monday and Tuesday.

So, the boys sang last night. I worked nights again the past few nights (days again tomorrow and Friday), so I missed the beginning of the show. I tuned in just in time for David's rocked-out version of Lionel Ritchie's Hello, and I loved it. Here's Dave's version....You decide! I also very much enjoyed Jason Castro's version of Hallelujah. I only got to see Luke Menard's 3 second clip at the very end when they do the recap and I hated it. Had I seen it in full, I would have hated it. It was 80s night...and he picked Wake Me up Before you Go-Go....that alone should be enough to get him booted Thursday night. I thought I might be being too harsh by judging my thoughts on the 3 seconds from the recap so I YouTube'd it - and I couldn't listen to it all. I hated it.

Going home: LUKE. Chikezie is the next one.

Just another night in the 'hood....

....when you have two white cats. And the Master of the cats decides it's time to brush said cats.

Bosco really isn't especially fond of this ritual. Zoe puts up with it a little more, but not much, both vocally displaying their unease.

Proof positive that you may not want to visit if you're allergic to cat hair....:S

At least they say "please"...

It's that exciting time of year - when Tim Hortons have their "roll up the rim" contest. I'm always up for a good challenge, so I faithfully stop for my daily coffee during this contest (we'll not bother recounting my selfishness and its results from last year's contest), thinking happy, "secret" thoughts as I am about to unfurl my fate...always to see the 'REESSAYEZ S.V.P' message greeting me. So no free coffees, no donuts, nadda. I keep winning an opportunity to play again.

No worries - I'm going to win the car. I guess 'ol Tim is making me purchase a number of coffees prior to unveiling my winning car. It wouldn't be fair to give me the car on my first roll up, after all.