Shoes

I need new shoes in a very, very bad way. I loathe the shoe-break-in-process. It's the sole reason I don't have a closet full of shoes, like most women do. I cringe at the thought of new footwear and the blisters and discomfort that follow the first wear. I hear the reason I suffer so stems from my inability to fork over $100.00 on a good pair of footwear. Yeah, I'm frugal when it comes to my toes. Apparently a shoe should feel good from the first wear. Apparently a good shoe shouldn't give a person blisters? Really? Is this tried, tested, and true? I landed on a pair of expensive shoes from Chris' mom, who used to work at Wrights...I figured they'd be comfortable, as did she...they're not. Maybe my tender tootsies are just very delicate? Regardless, I think it's time though to surpass my inner cheapskate and go to a good shoe store instead of the shoe department at Wal-mart. Can my reading public help me out? What is your absolute favorite shoe brand? I'm being very picky here...I want a shoe that feels like a slipper but looks trendy, and has enough of a heel or platform that I won't be waltzing all over my pantlegs.

*Sigh*

Being a girl is so complicated!

Round 2

Jasmine Murray - it had good moments, and it had bad moments (I SWEAR I typed this before Randy started his commentary, even though it was word for word). Next.....
Matt Giraud - oh I hate it when they make 'runs' like that. Meh.
Jeanine Vailes - wish my legs looked like that. However, as we're grading singing and not legs...nope. She sure thinks she can sing. She's wrong.
Norman Gentle - it pisses me off that he has come as far as he has. He has a voice, but he belongs on broadway...or...something. Don't vote him in, America. You're making a mockery of the show. Jebus H. Chrisco! Wasn't the Sanjaya debacle enough??
Allison Iraheta - she's only 16?? I liked it. She can sing.
Kris Allen - Kris who? Forgettable.
Megan Joy Corkrey - Is it just me or was her pitch all over the place? I really liked it in spots, but I winced in others...I really wanted to like her because I do like her...but was it good enough? Guess we'll have to wait to hear the others...
Matt Breitzke - his movements during the beginning of the song reminded me of the Six Million Dollar Man in slow-mo. He can sing. He won't win, but he might make it to the 12.
Jesse Langseth - she aced the song itself...but why not sing something a little more current?
Kai Kalama - he can sing - did well, but forgettable.
{I really could be sleeping right now.......*yawn*}
Mishavonna Henson - maybe if she sang a different song I'd like her more?
Adam Lambert - he just looks the part, doesn't he? They left the best for last. Welcome to the Top 12, Adam.

Picks to move on: Allison & Adam, and wildcard - Matt or Mishavonna.

More snow...

The Maritimes got hit with yet another winter storm. I believe it's the 11th of the season? It hit overnight too...just when you want it to hit, especially on a Sunday night/Monday morning. My work never closes...but today we actually had a delay in opening. What prevented today from being a full out snow day was the point when the snow turned to rain. The temperature is supposed to drop again later this morning, though, and drop another 10-15 cms... I'm sitting here waiting for the plow to get here before I can actually make it in to work. Hopefully it won't get dirty again once I do make it there.

Chris & I went snowshoeing yesterday - at Brookvale Ski Park. It was my first time on the things, and I had really kinda hoped that my first time would be on a flat terrain til I got used to it. Yet, he takes me to a ski park. As you might well assume, there wasn't many 'flat' areas! Nothing like throwing a baby into the water though, huh? I did well, though - only losing footing once, and I didn't actually fall on my arse - my hand just went down into the snow. We trekked for a good 4kms we suspect - after getting off course from the 2km hike that was intended. It's apparently a pretty good workout, too...so perhaps I'm not all that upset about there being more snow today.

A night out at the Vinyl Cafe

You all know how I love me some Matt ... so!... how delighted was I when I heard the announcement last December that he'd be touring with Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, and one of the stops was Charlottetown? My tickets were purchased that very night - front row, centre, in fact. The show was last night. I'd never been front row at the Confed Centre before, and for those that don't know, it's the orchestra pit. All seating in the theatre is squishy at best (as Chris said, "when they built this thing were people smaller?"), but it seems the orchestra seating was especially tight. It didn't help that I'm not a skinny minny...nor was the lovely lady alongside of me, whom I felt a lot closer to than I should have - for not knowing who she was. Her right hip was resting snuggly alongside, on top of, even, my left hip. To top it off, there was a noxious odor that was quite apparent. I'm unsure if it was emanating from the lovely lady beside me, the gentleman beside Chris, someone from behind us, the orchestra seats themselves...but I felt like I was mashed up inside an old sweaty gym locker or hockey bag.

No matter - I was going to see Matt...

In all honesty, the main reason we attended was to see Matt. Neither Chris nor I had tuned into the Cafe on CBC prior. We had seen one special on TV which was Stuart's Christmas special, which didn't impress us (but from what I've heard, that wasn't 'his best work'). However, we were pleasantly surprised at just how entertaining the show was. I laughed; I cried; I laughed til I cried... He engaged the audience, who ranged from age 7 years to 90 years. I'd definitely recommend this show to anyone.

For those readers who have not heard of the Cafe or Stuart McLean, he's a story-teller. He animatedly tells his own stories, and also reads aloud stories which have been sent to him. In addition to his storytelling, Stuart also showcases local talent to incorporate an, "I saw them before they were famous", type-thing, and give them an opportunity to have others witness their talents. In addition to Matt Andersen, Stuart had Meaghan Smith join him for the entertainment part of his show. I dunno about Matt on that aspect (and if the cheering from the crowd was any indication, I believe I'm not alone in this)...he's pretty famous in his own right, but as far as Meaghan is concerned, she had a beautiful voice, I enjoyed her performances immensely, and I think she's on a swift road to making a big name for herself.

Bravo team, bravo!!
Stuart on stage - recounting stories of Dave and Morley...hilarious :)

And here we have Matt - although he was only on stage to perform 3 songs, he put his all into every note. I had goosebumps on my goosebumps, and though I've seen him perform multiple times, I'm still awe-struck every time...

Meaghan Smith - she has a folksy, vintage flair, with soft, sweet tones.

The final performance was "In the Sweet By and By", where Stuart himself joined Meaghan and Matt in singing.
A bow from the entertainers to a standing ovation**. From left to right: Dennis Pendrith, bassist; Jason Mingo, Meaghan's husband, who accompanied her on guitar; John Sheard, pianist; Meaghan Smith; Matt Andersen; Stuart McLean

Chris and Matt; Chris insists on getting an autograph and picture at every opportunity we hear Matt play. As every one of our CDs is signed, this time, he had him sign his iPod. Stalkerish?
Of course I, too, had to get in on the action :)

**this picture cracks me up every time I look at it. All the performers had locked hands to bow together, and the way the bassist's hand was turned makes it look like he's giving the audience the f-finger...the look on his face doesn't help. Teee heeee...

A happy hump day past

I'm off today on account of working Saturday, waiting for yet another snowstorm to hit. The curtains are drawn so I'm unsure if the snow has started to fall, but the winds have picked up. It's a perfect opportunity to have a do-nothing day, no? I know I said I needed to start gutting out my closet...but I've needed to do that for so long, what's another day? I might get the gumption up to straighten up a bit, I might not.

So far I've caught up on some blog reading and facebook, and I've been watching the special news report from Ottawa on President Obama's visit on Parliament Hill. He chose Canada as his first international stop, and as a Canadian with huge respect for the new American President, I feel great pride in that. The news coverage of the event itself was more newspeople talking about the event, with a few sparce clips of Mr. Obama and Stephen Harper waving to the crowd and posing for very brief photo opportunities, but a very momentous occasion nevertheless. I honestly feel he will help turn things around in the world....

Last night I met up with Tanya after work for a long-overdue night out. We had supper at Boston Pizza and then went back to her house to exchange our "February presents" (as has been customary the last few years, we're late exchanging our Christmas gifts to each other). It's become a habit for us, and I think it's rather nice to do it after the holidays are all over. We get an opportunity to get out, just us (which we really must do more regularly, girl!), we share laughs, reminisce, catch up on our respective lives, reality tv, and each get to walk away with a present. What could be better? I had a fabulous time Tan! I love my new purse & ornament, and my magnet is now atop my fridge. Love you to bits! xoxoxo

P.S. So I got two out of my 3 predictions correct on the first stage of the Top 12. I'm slightly confused as to why Michael is there, yet delighted that I was wrong about Tatiana :)...and yes, Tanya told me so!

A step back in time

Lori and I had a date last night. We went to the movies to see the 'new' Friday the 13th - it was purely for nostalgic reasons. Lori introduced me to the horror genre. The two of us met when we were 12, in grade 7. Routinely I would go to her place on a Friday after school and/or spend the day together on Saturdays. I always liked the idea of scary movies, but wasn't allowed to watch them at home. When she had the idea of renting a scary movie I was all for it...the danger of it all, and oh such rebellion ;). We'd rent the movie, then go down into her basement to watch it, with all the lights out and curtains drawn on the windows - huddled under a blanket. And for a 12 -13 year old, the movies we watched were damn scary!

Birthday parties spent at her place were generally a sleepover, and scary movies were always on tap for the entertainment. Sometimes her older brother would jump out at us from his bedroom just to get a laugh. That just added to the suspense of our scary afternoon or evening (it didn't help that there was a suspicion that her basement was haunted...unexplained noises...pool balls entering the corner pocket when no one was playing...). One of the most memorable was at a birthday party - the basement was full of girls keenly tuned into Friday the 13th part III (which I believe was in 3D?). The final scene in the movie was playing...the peaceful music in the background, Jason was "dead" and all was right with the world...until the very last second when he jumped through a window and from behind a curtain to allow a 4th chapter, of course. If that wasn't scary enough, at the exact same instance that Jason jumped out, Lori's cat jumped out from behind the basement window curtain. The entire room of girls screamed...and I'm pretty sure I led the squeals, and don't know to this day how I restrained from wetting myself. It was terrifying and hilarious at the same time. *sigh* Good times ;).

So the Derby basement was where I got my first taste of true horror/slasher/blood-letting/gorefest movies...and Lori was always my movie partner. I still enjoy "scary" movies, but not the bloody gory ones. However, I could think of no better person to accompany me to the new movie when I saw it advertise, for old times sake. We both looked at each other and giggled when the familiar "ch ch ch ah ah ah" sounds could be heard. The movie itself turned out to be pretty bad...gratuitous violence and blood-letting, of course. There was the token teenage sex scenes (and my biggest laugh of all was the line, "your tits are stupendous" during the token scene), and the token suspense with the victims running away and taking too long to get there, all as Jason walked toward them with his machete. There were a few jumps to be had, and we laughed out loud repeatedly. I had a good time, for all - the company was superb, and I'm glad that we went - for nostalgic reasons. :)

And so it begins......

This is likely waaay too early to post my commentary...but I seem to be rather opinionated this evening...so hear it goes. From 36 to 12...Night One:

Jackie Tohn - Ok, number one, she looked ridiculous in that outfit (and omiGOD did she look like Cindy or what, Lana?). She was...um...entertaining?...I guess...But this isn't American Entertainer. Next.......
Ricky Braddy - not my style, but he seemed to do well.
Alexis Grace - fantastic.
Brent Keith - Why do AI contestants try to turn it into "Rising Country Star Opry" anyway? He gets a big 'meh' from me.
Stevie Wright - winded & off-key. Horrible. As Simon might say it - "Insipid".
Anoop Desai - gotta admit this guy surprises me. He's not bad; poor song choice but he did ok - that is, until he hit the high register...*shudder*.
Casey Carlson - why do people try to sing Police songs? (swear I had this written prior to Kara's comment). Yuck. She's pretty, but so far hasn't proven she can sing a lick.
Michael Sarver - meh, he was ok.
Ann Marie Boskovich - I'm so *tired* of this song. Yes, I'm sure you're a natural woman. Now entertain me, would you? Karaoke much?
Stephen Fowler - I like this guy. I wasn't crazy about his pic of songs; felt it was a little lounge-y...and that last note? Dude....maybe you might luck out in a wild card?
Tatiana Del Toro - I really wish this girl couldn't sing. The thing is, she can a little bit, which means she may have to stay longer than I want her there. She seemed slightly subdued tonight though, which has me very confused. Did someone slip something in her drink? And how dare the judges encourage her to return to her former giddy self? When I expressed my distaste, of course, Chris had to ask why I be hatin'....so I explained, only to have him Google her and play a clip of her former, giddy self. Forget Japanese water torture...if you want to drive someone crazy play that freak's laugh on repeat.
Danny Gokey - He is my official early pick as America's Next Idol. Even though I detest Mariah, he sang the crap out of it.

Moving forward: Danny without a doubt, Alexis, and Tatiana (I can't believe I just wrote that).

Happy Birthday Cathy!

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison

Today is my sister Cathy's birthday. She was the first born, and 12 years separate us. She left home at a very young age, so due to this, I don't have a lot of memories growing up in the same house with her, unfortunately. I do, have, however a few distinct memories. I recall two distinct birthday presents she gave me growing up: a puzzle she had completed and then framed. The puzzle was a picture of a collection of old dolls and teddy bears; and, a rug hook wall hanging she made of a brown-haired girl, from behind, sitting on a stool. The girl had long hair that she had put in a braid. She said it reminded her of me (the only few years I had long hair).

Cathy was always the distant sibling, but always just a phone call away. Our relationship grew a lot stronger when Dad got sick. She was able to come home for his final days, and my roommate Tanya gave up her bed in our apartment for her. It was so nice to have her close for that difficult time in both of our lives, and we're much better friends than we ever were before after having gone through it together.

She's had a rough few years, but has remained very strong through it all and I can only hope and pray that better times are on her horizon. She's independant, thoughtful and caring. Her family remains, and will always be, the top priority in her life. Today I raise a glass to you, my sister, and friend. I hope the year ahead brings you more happiness than you know what to do with. Love you much ~ xoxo.

C'mon......show me the love....

The lovely Sizzle has posted this idea on her blog again this year. It's the 3rd annual for blogdom, but my first go at it. The premise is to encourage self-love, and you're to post something that you love about yourself, and in so doing, your friends, virtual or not, will share the love and comment on what it is they love about you. It's all very lovey-dovey isn't it? And not even in a touchy-feeling sorta way for those with your minds in the gutter.

The hard part is to capture something that I love about myself...

I guess my compassion is worthy of tooting my own horn. I care deeply about my friends and family, and I'm very true to them. I like to think that the compassion is evident...I think I'm looked at as being a pretty darn good friend to those who matter. I am always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder when it's needed.

Here’s how the whole thing works:

1.) You’re gonna grab yourself a banner. If you don’t like the one I've used, you can use this one. If you prefer the one on this post, you can find it here.
2.) You’re gonna post that banner and then tell us all something that you really like love about yourself (thus, the “self-love” portion of our program).
3.) Ask or beg your readers to post one thing that they too love about you!!! If your blog friends are nice, you shouldn’t have to beg…much.
4.) Enjoy yourself and spread the love by doing this on your blog! If you want to, drop me a line or a trackback so that I know you participated too!

A stupid distraction

So a guy goes through the drive-thru at Burger King and he's not serviced to his satisfaction. What does he do? Why he calls 911, of course.

I can't make this stuff up.

Follow the story below - if you so desire, the recorded 911 call is also there, along with a copy of the police report where the patron was charged for misuse of the 911 service:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0209092burgerking1.html

Steak please, but hold the meat!

Tell me, what do YOU expect when ordering a steak off of a menu? I would expect the more 'meat', the better, no? I'm not a huge fan of red meat, so I wouldn't find myself in such a situation. I guess this gentleman, however, had another expectation. Suppose perhaps he liked to chew on the grisel?

Waiter assaulted; steak was 'too meaty'
By THE CANADIAN PRESS

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - A Newfoundland diner is in trouble for apparently liking his steak with plenty of marble.
A 58-year-old man is facing an assault charge in St. John's after he allegedly slugged his waiter for serving a steak that was "too meaty." The incident occurred Thursday night at a downtown restaurant.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary alleges the man pushed the waiter and punched him in the face on his way out of the restaurant.
He has been released from custody and will appear in provincial court at a later date.

Source: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2009/02/06/8292171-cp.html

An overdue update

How'd it get to Monday already? I guess I'm overdue for an update. My apologies. This past weekend was lovely. On Saturday, Lana came over in the afternoon and we scrapped for a few hours. I was really beginning to feel like I'd lost my scrappin' "mojo", so it was nice to get a project completed. I did a scrapbook page which I framed for Steve & Olivia for a baby shower for little Aiden. I had done something the same for them as a wedding gift, and they really seemed to like it, so I hope the baby frame is just as popular with them! The saddest part, though, being all that I did accomplish was the one scrapbook page and a card to go with it. At least the craft room is now cleaned up instead of a dumping ground for junk like it's been for so long. I'll have to get in there and start/finish some projects that I've been putting off.

Saturday evening, Lana & I headed onward to Mavors, where we met up with Tracy & Lori and had dinner together. The food was sub-par, but the wine and company were superb. Thanks girlies :) We should really make it a point to do that at least once a month. After supper, Lana headed back to my place for the night since Bruce was having a jam back at their house. We watched several episodes of Sex & the City before the two of us were falling asleep, so we called it an early night. I guess we really aren't as young as we used to be. *sigh*

Sunday was my traditional 'do nothing' day, and I enjoyed every morsel. Laptop and hours of TLC were on the agenda and then I caught myself up on the taped tv from the week prior. I'm now officially up to speed on PP, Grey's and the Bachelor, and I wish I could say well-rested. Least the tv junkie in me is sated.

I hope you all enjoyed a good, relaxing weekend.

Laughing Guaranteed

I stole this from a friend's Facebook post (thanks Blair!). I laughed til I cried...multiple times.

Click and enjoy:

http://www.break.com/index/stoned-little-kid-after-dentist-visit.html

You can't teach an old dog new tricks...

...but can you teach a cat to clean its bum? To give you some background, Zoe has never been very adept at cleaning her...er...back region. I'm not sure if it's just a skill that she never 'learned' (is it a learned behavior or natural?), or if perhaps her little belly is a little too big which prevents her from reaching the exit spot. In any event, it's nasty, and there've been times I've actually had to wipe her up a bit, and it's a chore that I deeply despise. I've even seen Bosco go toward her to help her out in that area, but she'll have none of that.

This morning, after I put the coffee on to perk, I saw her walk past me and out of the corner of my eye I saw something that didn't look right. She's an all-white cat. I noticed something dark in the...nether area. "NO!", I thought to myself..."It can't be!"....I followed her. She thought it a game...running away from me. I reached her...grabbed her by her front leg pits and waltzed her back to the litter pan...praying she'd complete her business. Obviously, she couldn't feel the now drying up turd (or didn't care), and quickly leapt out of the litter pan, and back across the house, heading toward the bedroom door, turd-in-toe, so to speak. The last thing I wanted to happen was for her to make it into the bedroom and hop on the bed with Chris and deposit it somewhere there. I went to the bathroom and she followed me there. This was one time I was lucky that she has a water fetish, and it took no convincing to entice her in there with me. I turned the water on...she leapt up on the toilet seat to then brace herself to leap up to the sink and awaiting water stream. The turd escaped the nether region upon her leaping, falling to the bathroom floor. I quickly disposed of the evidence in a piece of toilet tissue and flushed it away.

Needless to say, I then had to complete a chore that I deeply despise.

Group Date

Oh how exciting it would be to return home from a long day to a clean house. How do I ever manage that? Any ideas? Damn you cleaning fairy...why'd you up and leave me without so much as a note? So unfair. The TRAIL of items just keeps getting longer...from dishes to bottles to strewn flyers to change to bottle caps to dirty drawers to ....ENOUGH! Would begging help?

Ok getting home I was cranky to begin with, so tuning into AI and hearing the whining and drama that was 'group night' just added salt to a wound...Oh the begging and tears. Oh so many tears. No one died, folks...you didn't make it on American Idol. Move on. Sore losers p!ss me off. I wasn't even going to blog about the show, in fact I almost went to bed at 9:30 but Facebook kept me occupied while the show ran. I think Danny was the only one that I heard that made me look up from my laptop...that, and Bikini Biotch's excuse for not working with her group. Imagine!! She was wearing heels all day. What were they expecting? How dare they be so hard on that poor, poor girl *eyes rolling into head*. I'm elated that they finally booted her sorry a$$. Bravo, judges. Bravo.

JEBUS enough with the prayers to Jesus to make you sing better. If you can sing, you can sing. If you can't you'll not go farther. 20 seconds of prayer surely won't help you. I really liked that Duffy song before they murdered it.

I think Amber needs a good night's sleep. Night all.

Idol Tuesday

And now we've reached the point where the good get weeded away from the not-so-good...
-Dennis, the wide-eyed-wonder showed such professionalism and decorum, didn't he? I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure how he made it to Hollywood after the first line of his song. Adios, amigo.
-Nathaniel's weepy, dramatic reaction to the judges' very constructive criticism was slightly pathetic. No, actually, really pathetic.
-Rose, dirty feet girl, impressed again. Not sure how far she'll get - even Bird seemed to question her talent in the warm up. And Bird's seen a lot of talent.
-Nick/Norman Gentle...perhaps Broadway? Unless he puts on a more serious show next time? I'm not loving his 'character' at all.
-I enjoyed Danny and his rendition of that Seal song.
-the Bikini Biotch has proven her level of suck ... and if you ask me, Simon is horny.
-WHY do people beg to stay? Who cares if this is all you've ever wanted in your entire life. Who cares if it's your husband's birthday? They didn't put you through because you're not a good enough singer. Do you really think your whining will change the vote?

We can blame Mr. Groundhog

So the little furry bugger saw his shadow, eh? Delightful. And right on time with that prediction, there's a winter storm advisory out for tomorrow. It's not supposed to start until tomorrow afternoon, so a nasty drive home from work is likely in my future. People who read the Almanac are anticipating tomorrow's storm to mirror the big storm of 93. I can't recall it myself, but apparently, it was a big'n. I wonder if the school boards have schools closed already in anticipation? Seems to me, they weren't as quick to close when I was a young girl learning my reading, writing and 'rithmetic. If you denote a little bit of jealously in this post, you'd be right :)

Tonight is Bachelor night, but I've opted to stay in. I didn't sleep that great last night, so I don't want to have be out late tonight and get to bed late. There's a very big possibility that I will be taping tonight's episode. Girlies, next week, for sure :)

While eating supper, Chris & I watched Ellen, and one of her guests was an exercise trainer to the stars. He had Ellen and Heidi Klum demonstrate a few different moves. Now that was a sight to behold indeed - Heidi Klum doing lunges in high heels. How she didn't at least sprain an ankle is beyond me.

Happy Monday~

Superbowl Weekend

I don't watch football. I just don't quite understand it. My older brother sat me down when I was a little girl, trying with all his might to explain, and instill some sort of excitement, in the game. Then, and 20-some years later, I still see it as large armored men wrestling around on a lawn and patting one anothers' bums. So yeah, does it matter to me who wins today? No. Will I be watching? No. However, as it is Superbowl Sunday, as a compromise, I thought I would acknowledge the momentous occasion with a few links to the Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl.

Here we have some highlights of the Puppy Bowl IV:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-iv-puppy-play.html

And if that wasn't cute enough, click this to see the kitty half-time show:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-iv-kitty-half-time-show.html

To lead the way to this year's Puppy Bowl V, please rise while Pepper the Parrot sings America's national anthem:

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-v-pepper-sings-the-national-anthem.html