this post brought to you courtesy of Lou Bega

I've been a little neglectful lately. The weekend passed me by in a blur. There was a ton of things I should have done that went undone. I'm working the late shift this week, so even though I have huge ideas, plans and expectations that I will fill my morning hours preparing for Christmas with finishing my cards; finishing the decorating of the tree; starting to wrap; heck, even doing a load of laundry or two, in actuality, the pull of the warm bed sucks me in every time. This morning, just as I had flipped my pillow over to the cool side to snuggle in for that final hour before I had to get up, Mambo#5 started on the radio, and I immediately jumped out of bed. I figured it was a sign from a higher power. Words cannot express how much I deeply loathe that song. Unfortunately, the Christmas preparations went untouched, but I was able to clean up the kitchen and make the living quarters a tad bit more liveable.

Tonight, I'm meeting up with the girlies after work at P&W to celebrate Erin's birthday (birthday post dedicated to her on the way!), and tomorrow morning I have to leave the house early for an appointment before work, so you can guess that I will continue to leave the Christmas preps untouched for yet another day. The weekends before Christmas seem to be filling up with invitations and goings-on... before I know it, the day will have come and gone. The overwhelming sense of panic is starting to set in. It's time to breathe. It's time again to focus on the real meaning of Christmas...that, and perhaps playing Lou Bega on repeat every early morning til the day before?

TGIF!

Man it's going to feel good being able to sleep in tomorrow.

sh!t my mom says...

Sometimes, I just about consider writing a book or creating a site entitled "Sh!t My Mom Says", akin to the uproariously funny and viral, Sh!t My Dad Says (which I absolutely adore btw. And, for the record, the site only. The show? Big fail if you ask me). However, my gal Ellen already thought of it for her show, and I don't want her thinking I'm stealing her idea or anything ;). Aaaanyway, so I guess I'll have to just add a story or two to the blog whenever the moment arises.

And it rose last night.

Chris & I, and Mom & Todd were out at a local pub for supper, celebrating Todd's birthday. A week or so ago, Todd had a bout of some stubborn cold sores, preventing him from shaving his chin for a few days until they healed up. Mom was admiring Chris' fabulous handlebar moustache he's been sporting for Movember, and I guess that's what made her remember Todd's health issues. So, in the voice that is my momma's (ie, not overly soft, delicate or quiet), she says outloud, "Did you tell them about your herpes?".

Well, yes, technically, a cold sore is a form of that particular ailment, but it's not normally called anything other than a cold sore. Especially in public. At a restaurant. Where other patrons were in earshot. And bar staff.

As we were getting our coats on to leave, after a pleasant and quite delicious meal, Mother made a comment about how cute the waitress had been (she was a complete doll). Todd muffled under his breath in the dry tone that he's known for, "Yeah, too bad she thinks I have herpes".

one mo' time!

In case there were any that missed the shoot last weekend, you have another opportunity to support a fantastic cause, and have a lot of fun! This Sunday, November 28, between the hours of 3pm and 9pm drop by 105 Queen, Suite 5 (just upstairs from Jems Boutique (where Just Us Girls used to be)) for another opportunity to show your support for the fundraising effort for prostate cancer research. Your generosity will be rewarded with a fun time, and a great keepsake. You can choose to have a print of a formal "portrait" session, or print off a few pics of yourself sporting one of our fancy fake moustaches. The possibilities are endless :)

Happy Birthday Todd!

Today is my 'baby' brother's birthday. Age is just a number, right? And seeing as I'm the older of us, I don't feel like mentioning the age itself. However, if you look carefully at this vintage pic of the two of us -- our outfits, the high chair motif, the kitchen table & chairs, those curtains, you'll know it was taken circa forever ago.

Well Todd, we've had our share of moments. The fights between us were many, some of the words, harsh. However, there's always been a friendship underneath it all. You've been Mom's rock over the past few years, and Dad would be so proud of you. Thanks for all you've done for her, and for the family. Wishing you a fantastic birthday today, and I hope the year ahead of you has many happy moments, and special surprises for you. Love you much xoxoxox.

52 years ago

Today would have been 52 years for them, had Dad not passed on.

52 years ago today, a man married his best friend.
52 years ago today, a woman, hers.
School mates.
Soul mates.
Forever loved.
Forever missed.
Now an empty pillow lays where his head used to lay.
Today she pours one glass, not two -
As she thinks about her best friend,
And the day two became one.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad.

Movember -- it's in you to give

Cancer is everywhere. In some capacity, it effects everyone, directly, or indirectly. I hate cancer. I loathe it with every fiber of my being. I can only hope that someday there will be a cure for all the dreaded cancers out there. Sadly, in 2010 alone, more than 4400 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer.

The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember.

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

This year, Chris and our friend Matt decided to get involved for the cause. Not only have they set aside their razors, but they (along with the lovely Nicole) are putting themselves to work for the cause as well. Full Frame Media and Spin Photo are joining together tomorrow to donate their time and talent to put on a photo shoot, a mini portrait session, to donate to the cause. The Mo'Photo Shoot, hopefully the first year of many, will take place tomorrow.

How can you help? If you're in the area, drop on by to 102 Queen St, Suite 5 (above JEMS), between the hours of 11am and 5pm, and join in on the fun. For a $20 donation, you'll be able to take part in a photo shoot, and leave with an 8x10 sheet of photos. So, you get to decide if you want a full 8x10 pic of yourself and you're carefully groomed 'stache, or as many wallets that an 8x10 sheet can hold, to share with your friends. Don't have a 'stache? Don't worry! Fake ones will be on hand. Put one on a pet, a child, your wife, or daughter. Don't wanna wear a 'stache? Don't! Just smile prettily for the camera! All proceeds are going to the Movember Foundation.

If you're not local to the Island, and you still want to help, feel free to click on the following link to donate via PayPal or credit card: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/1019488/

I have to remember how proud I am of Chris for helping to come up with such a great idea for such a great cause...especially as that 'stache gets thicker and thicker. At least November is almost over ;). Hope to see you tomorrow!!

A sign

Tim Hortons have their Christmas cups out.

That can only mean one thing, I guess. It's now officially time to start the frantic, mad dash that is pre-Christmas. (I borrowed the side image from the Interwebs on account of my inability to post pics yet on account of my storage issues on my craptop. Thanks Interwebs.)

Last night, as the wind and rain pelted the living room window, I actually cut some paper to prepare for this year's new Christmas cards. I'm not sure why I actually started them this early (even though in previous years I'd started them even earlier), but I will blame Carolyn for the little push with her message requesting my address. Thanks, Carolyn!

And, I may be flogged for saying this, but...I was kinda wishing it was snow pelting outside rather than the pouring rain.

This weekend: project Christmas tree.

A party in Heaven

Today, on what would have been your 74th birthday, I send greetings Heavenward. There is not one day that passes, not one, that I don't think of you at some point or another. Today the ache is a little heavier. Today there are a few more tears that hide behind the smile in my eyes as I think about you. I hope that there's a party in Heaven today for you. A party where all the good people who left before and after you will gather, and celebrate the great man that is you. I know you'll be standing straight and proud. There will be no limp, no pain in your eyes. Perhaps you'll dance to a special tune to honor this special day. And I'll know you're dancing as I go outside, and feel the soft breeze pass by my face.

I love you so much Dad. I miss you more than words.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.
~John Gregory Brown, Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994

weekends are for wining & dining

After a week or more of constant rainfall, wind, and overall dreariness, we were finally met with glorious sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures (yesterday at least) this weekend. I should have taken advantage of it yesterday, but unfortunately, there were things that needed attending to in-house. Rosanne & Craig's wedding photos were finally done (a la Christopher), so I was finally able to add the finishing touches to their wedding gift. I also had to make up a few birthday cards. Because we were invited over to Rosanne & Craig's house for the evening, with the prospect of helping her polish off a few bottles of the wedding wine (oh sweet baby Jesus, Georgie's homemade wine), I knew I wouldn't feel like sweeping floors and loading and unloading the washer today, so I did my Sunday clean up on Saturday afternoon. And, now as I type, curled up on the couch under a blanket with a large glass of hydrating water by my side, I'm so thankful that I decided to do that.

We had a great night at the MacLeod's. Chris, me, Sue Ellen, Kellsay, Jyl and Pat came over to help with the wine polishing, and many laughs and stories ensued. We started the night with a 'slide show' of the wedding pics, since Craig was able to hook up the computer cable to the TV to view them. The overall reception of the photos seemed fairly positive, so Chris and I breathed a big sigh of relief. It was too bad that the rest of the gang couldn't join in. We missed you guys! Thanks so much for your hospitality, newlyweds!! We look forward to many nights together :).

Last night also gave us the opportunity to meet Miss Molly, Rosanne & Craig's new chocolate Lab puppy. She's a ball of energy and completely adorable. And, she's young enough that she doesn't stink. I was in-like with her, and even held her in my lap for a bit and gave her some scratches. It goes without saying, but Chris was beyond infatuated, and I fear the meeting only pushed his need for a dog even closer to the forefront. The thought of being disturbed from sleep every night in 2 hr intervals and looking out for all of my belongings suffering incessant chew marks makes me want to vomit a little, but if I'm going to stay with Chris, I don't know how much longer I can hold off on the 'no dog in my house rule'. I'm reading Marley & Me to try to soften up to the idea, and I suppose, ample visits to the MacLeod home might help me along. But I will make this official by posting it out there on the interwebs: I am NOT responsible for ANY part of anything canine. I will NOT be getting up in the 2 hr intervals to take it out to pee. I will NOT be picking up its piles of poo. I will NOT tolerate doggy kisses or doggy drool on any part of my face. Regular bathing will be required, and I will NOT be the one responsible for doing said cleanings. And a bigger house, with a fenced in yard, is preferred. And the dog has to be a golden Lab puppy. And it should be a she. Yeah. Anyway.

Tonight is Lana's belated birthday shawarma at Cedars where there will be absolutely no puppy talk, and we will undoubtedly leave there with very, very full bellies. I should probably rest up a bit in preparation for the big indulgence before me, so off to enjoy a little more TLC. Happy Sunday, folks!

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month...

I urge you all to watch this video, and may each and every one of you take your own two minutes of time to remember.

To all the brave men and women who fought for our freedom, and for those who are still at battle, THANK YOU.

I dedicate this post in particular to Merle McNutt, and Charles T. Wilkinson, veterans of WWII.

Did you hear the one about....

I'm overdue for a post. This is an old joke, so you may have already heard it. I think it's cute. And no, I'm not trying to increase traffic to my blog by posting something with the word "erection" in it.

An old man goes into a drug store to buy some Viagra:

'Can I have 6 tablets, cut in quarters?'

'I can cut them for you', said Dan the pharmacist, 'But a quarter of a tablet will not give you a full erection. '

'I'm 96', said the old man. 'I don't want an erection, I just want it sticking out far enough so I don't p!ss on my slippers!!'

Happy Hump Day!

Happy Birthday Lana!

True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable.

--Dave Tyson Gentry

This quote reminds me of a lot of my really good friends, especially my long-time girlie, Lana. Though, there aren't many times when the two of us are silent together in the literal sense, we can go many weeks without talking and pick up like we just talked the day previously. That's a special friendship that needs to be cherished. We've shared many a laugh, and many a tear. She's always got my back, and will fight any giant to uphold something she believes in. She's strong, caring, has great depth of character, and an uncompromising will. She's a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother to her fur-baby, and a wonderful friend to so many.

Happy Birthday, Lana! I hope the year ahead will be fulfilling, will have much contentment, and will be overflowing in love for you. Love you, girlie!! xoxox

If I close my eyes, will time stand still?

My work schedule just came out for the first week of December.

How is that even possible?

Where did the last 8 months go? How depressing.

Money talks

In a world of uncertainty, violence, inhumanity, and lack of goodwill toward thy neighbor, it's refreshing to know that there are still a few good people left. I was completely astounded to read of one couple's recent generosity:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/885532--couple-gives-away-11-2m-in-lottery-winnings

There aren't a lot of people out there who would even consider giving up a quarter of his or her winnings to a charitable cause, much less the whole prize. The fact that they were able to bring so much happiness to so many people is heart-warming. The sentence in the article that resonates within me the most is, "'People who know them just know that’s the type of people they are — they’re just happy to have each other”'.

Money can't buy everything.

Oh, and just for the record, though I love him dearly and all, if I won the 649 I'd still be happy to have Chris, but you can be sure I'd be also hanging onto that cash ;).

Sweet talkin'

Actual email exchange:

Chris: "All the good candy is gone :("

Me: "Am I to interpret that you ate ALL of the chocolate bars from the candy bowl?
~ or ~
All of the good candy in the stores is picked over, and you couldn't get more good candy at a discounted price?"

Chris: "From the bowl. Only one pack of runts - I saved the banana for you."

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...perhaps I have the mind of a 12 year old boy...but...this made me laugh. Out loud. One of the many reasons why I love him, of course. The attached picture was a secondary message. First, I laughed at the actual message. Then, I laughed again when I opened the picture. He's such a goof. He even saved the Kitkats for me (moreso because he doesn't like them, but still).

Spooktacular!

Well folks, another successful Halloween is behind us. There is always a costume contest at work. Usually I don't bother, but this year, I decided to dress up as Velma, from Scooby Doo (the old school version, not the new, svelte one of the recent Scooby movies). Let's face it, it wasn't that much of a stretch. All I had to do was don a pair of dark frames and I was instantly transformed. I use the term, "transformed" rather loosely, because, really, I pretty much look just like her. I had the turtleneck and frames at home, and I found the red skirt for a mere $2.36 at a local thrift store. I almost bought a cheap pair of red shoes, but since my quest for orange/rust colored knee socks went unrequited, I opted for black socks to match the black Mary Jane's which I already owned.

I didn't win the contest, but most people knew who I was, which was a relief ;). Some might not have recalled her name, but at least I got, "Hey aren't you that girl from Scooby Doo?". Seeing as how closely Chris can resemble Shaggy after going a few days unshaven and a few weeks past a haircut, you probably haven't seen the last of this particular costume idea.

The attached pic was one my manager took of the costumed group. The two boys peeking around me in the pic are Alex & Chris -two of my favourite work peeps. Alex toughed himself up...even shaving his head for the occasion (now that's dedication to the holiday!). Sadly, he didn't win the contest either, but he got an honorable mention.

Halloween night, Chris & I dressed up a little bit scarier, and were sure to instill a bit of trickery on the unsuspecting (well, some were suspecting, and made sure to "come to that house after dark cause it's better after dark") hoodlets. We had a few helpers this year. Many thanks and kudos go out to Matt & Nicole, who are just as twisted as Chris and I, and I think they equally enjoyed themselves :). We already have thoughts running amongst our head for next year, which could possibly include a fog machine. Be sure to stay tuned ;).

(I am currently having storage issues with my laptop...and my geek has warned me not to download any of my new pics from my camera card until he comes up with a solution for me. I will add pics to this post as soon as I can).

As in previous years, our deck was full of 'greeters'. The darker it got, the harder it was to discern which of our greeters were real, and which were merely taking up space. I was the holder of the treats, but we tricked a few into thinking the rigged candy bowl was 'real' (Chris took an old plastic bowl and covered the bottom of it with wrapped gum pieces, spray-gluing the whole thing to trick them. It was so funny to watch their faces when they saw him go to dump them into their treat bags and they didn't move). The standard soundtrack of screams, howls, a chainsaw and a heartbeat, along with the rustling of the dead sunflowers surely helped in setting up a spoooooktacular setting, and a few squeals from the passersby confirmed it.

Our final tally of kids is not known, for a few always come back for a 2nd scare, and I know a few passed by without stopping in for their treat.

I hope you all enjoyed a safe and happy haunting, too :).