Chaotic Serenity

I Have No Words To Describe The Pain

2007-07-24T16:52:00.000-04:00

My Jake passed away this morning, of kidney failure.

My Best Friend Is Very Sick

2007-07-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

Just after my last post my dog, and constant companion for the last 8 years, Jake became very ill. I've been spending all my time with him. He seemed fine and then suddenly started vomitting and diarrhea. He just steadily and swiftly went down hill. He's been at the vet for the last 3 days and is still in very serious condition. His kidneys seem to be shutting down and we have no idea what is causing this. He is sooo weak he can't even stand up. They will keep him on IV for a few more days and then if he isn't improved or his kidneys are damaged too much I will have to make a very difficult and heart-breaking decision to put him asleep.

I don't know what I'll do without him.

Still Kicking!

2007-07-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

I'm still no closer to my surgery but I'm feeling much better. Hopefully that will be the last flair-up.

I actually took some time to take a little vacation while recuperating. I haven't loaded the pictures into the computer yet. Once I get them on the computer I'll post a few.

Daughter and Future Son-in-Law have moved back here now. Daughter and grand-kitty lived with me for the last three months while F-SIL finished up his course and gave his notice at work. Daughter has a job at the hospital here so she stayed with me and used my truck to get back and forth to work until F-SIL finished work where they used to live. As of last night they are all moved into, but not unpacked yet, their own apartment in town. As of this morning they took grand-kitty with them. Princess Sophie and I are so lost. We miss grand-kitty very much. Sophie is moping around the house, crying and looking everywhere for grand-kitty....ok that's me but Sophie is very upset too!

The house does seem so quiet now that Daughter and Grand-kitty have moved out. I'm really going to miss them. I just might have to go to the SPCA and find another playmate for Sophie because she is just heartbroken. She won't even agitate Jake today like she usually does. Jake, of course, doesn't mind in the least. As far as he's concerned it's one less cat to bug him. He's having his morning nap right now and as soon as he's up from his morning nap he'll head into his afternoon nap and then right to his evening nap. He's soooo active! LOL

I can't wait to read all your blogs and get caught up again. After that I'll have to go do some yard work. It's a beautiful day and perfect for gardening!

I wish you all enough.

Back...For A Minute

2007-06-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

I'm so sorry for not updating here lately. I haven't run away from home or anything that drastic...well at least not yet! I haven't been feeling well and I've been doing exactly what my doctor told me to do...nothing! It's nothing serious...well nothing that a surgery can't correct but I can't find a surgeon! It's just a flair-up that will pass soon. I'm feeling a bit better right now but decided to take it easy the rest of the week so I'll be back next week to write again and to catch up on all your sites.

I wish you all enough!

UNBELIEVABLE!

2007-06-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

I don't usually write about things like this but I'm making an exception today. I've been following this story for a while now and the more I read and learn the angrier I get. I'm not normally subject to fits of anger. I'm a very even keeled person and I let a lot of things just fall off my back rather than waste my time with anger but this is something no one should let roll off their backs.

On Jan 6 a 15 year old boy entered the men's washroom in the Miami Airport and proceeded to the urinal. A man walked in behind him and situated himself in the next urinal to the boy. The boy said this man started to masturbate and make strange noises and then reached into the boy's urinal. The boy ran into a bathroom stall and locked the door. The man entered the next stall, reached under the stall and tried to grab the boy. The boy ran out of the bathroom to where his parents were waiting for him and told them what happened. The police were alerted and the boy identified this man to the police. The man was arrested immediately.

Earlier this year the man was charged and pleaded guilty in Miami to "lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16". Last month a judge sentenced him to 5 years probation with the condition that if he ever returns to Florida he has to report to the police.

Sounds normal right? (Personally I feel jail time and probation, and castration would have been justice but that's just me and obviously not the judicial system.) Well not exactly normal, you see this man is from my area. I don't want to mention his name due to g**gle hits but he was the Conservative Member for our area between 1982-1987 in former Premier Richard Hatfield's government.

Here's the kickers.
1) American authorities have alerted our police about his sentence and informed them that the probation conditions are ONLY enforceable in the US.
2) The probation conditions of this man who PLEADED GUILTY to a sex crime involving a 15 year old boy in Florida carry NO weight in Canada.
AND
3) Because the judge sentenced him using the words "withold adjudication" he will have NO criminal record if he completes his probation.

So this man who admitedly commited a sex crime is living free and clear in our area. As long as he is in Canada, which is his home, his probation is not enforceable so he has NO probation, he lives free and clear and he has NO criminal record.
HE GOT AWAY WITH IT!! SCOT FREE!! How can this happen? An American or Canadian can hop the border, commit a sex crime, be convicted and then hop back home over the border and live his/her life free, no probation, no criminal record. That just screams injustice! That's just un-fucking-believable!(sorry) U.S. and Canadian authorities HAVE TO come up with some sort of policy when it comes to crimes such as these so that sentencing actually means something!

California Governor, Arnie, visited Canada last week. One of his discussions with our idiots was how Canada and the U.S. should band together and crack down on movie piracy. Yes I can see how important this would be. If I pirated a movie I would definitely get a jail time, yet monsters who prey on our families and loved ones get off scott free. It's too bad Arnie and our top brass couldn't have talked about something more important than pirated movies, you know, something like...oh just off the top of my head....CHILD PREDATORS GETTING OFF SCOTT-FREE!!

Our two countries can not let this happen again! They have to form a cross-border policy on child predators! Why is there not a policy now? How can this happen?

HAPPY TIMES & A FEW TEARS

2007-05-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

Yes Monica, I did shed a few tears.
You see, the beautiful headstrong daughter that graduated University is the same tiny little girl I almost lost a few times throughout our lives together.

When I was only a few months pregnant with her I almost lost her. I weighed only 94lbs when I got pregnant with her and once pregnant I started to lose weight no matter how hard I tried to gain or maintain it.

When I was a few months pregnant I started to lose her. Through the grace of God and great medical care I managed to keep her but I had to be on total bed rest for quite a while. Of course, Mrs. Murphy's law would state that you only get ordered to bed rest right when you've already given your notice to move from your apartment to your new house and you only have two weeks to do it in. It was a stressful time, I was ordered to bed rest, the packing and moving had to be done, I couldn't hold any food down and was losing weight, worry about the baby etc. Through the help of family and my ex we managed to get moved and the baby managed to hang in there.

The pregnancy was touch-and-go for a while. Although I ate everything that I could the baby was taking all the nutrients from my body and basically starving me. I became sicker and sicker as the pregnancy went on but I was determined this baby would be born healthy and strong no matter what happened to me. I remember the doctor refering to the baby as a human parasite...I wasn't pleased! I eventually carried the baby past term...10 months! I looked like human skeleton with a huge huge belly! My belly was so big that if I laid on my back I couldn't get back up again so naturally my nickname became "turtle". Now wouldn't that make a sick pregnant woman feel terrific?! LOL Before ex could leave for work in the morning he had to help me get out of the waterbed or I'd be stuck there for the day! I couldn't sit at the table and reach my plate so I had to put my plate on my stomach to eat my meals! I couldn't reach the steering wheel past my stomach so driving was out. No one, least of all my doctor, could believe how huge my baby tummy was and how skinny I was everywhere else! I could handle it though, it meant my baby was growing and healthy and that's all I wanted. I could deal with the bad stuff.

After ten months I went into silent labour. I had no idea I was in labour and would have had her at home ( 1 hour from the hospital) had I not gone in for my weekly check-up that morning. The doctor was surprised and alarmed that I was dialating and in labour. He sent me straight to the hospital so I went home first, packed my bag, cleaned up a bit and told Dad that his grandbaby was on it's way. I was very calm, Dad was not and I was quickly transported to the hospital. I will admit I really wanted to have the baby at home but Dad, Ex and the doctor caught on to me and I was forced into the hospital. I was checked in faster than a blink of an eye and then settled in for what I was told would be a long labour. The doctor came to see me and explained that I probably would stop dialating soon and the baby would be born sometime the next day. He said he'd go get something to eat and he'd come back in the morning to see me. For a half hour before this I was having little pains, like little twinges, and doc told me that was the beginning of the labour and it would get a lot worse.

15 mins after he left, beautiful headstrong daughter decided to try to sneak into the world without the presence of a doctor. The doctor was frantically paged and I was told under no circumstances was I allowed to push this baby out. I tried not to...I really tried not to but as soon as the doc ran in, bouncing around trying to get his scrubs on and looking hilarious doing so, I laughed and then beautiful headstrong daughter made such an fast entrance to the world that the doctor almost didn't catch her! Such a beautiful 8lb 1 ounce baby she was. I had been told if the baby was any more than 5 pounds I couldn't have natural child birth but she fooled them all. My labour from the time of the first little twinge I could barely feel to the birth was 45 mins.

When she as 11 years old she was having seisures and it was discovered they were caused by a 2 1/2 diameter tumor in her right temporal lobe. The surgery was very risky but necessary. The surgeon and I made sure she knew everything about the surgery and it's risks and benefits and then I asked her what she wanted. She told me she wanted the surgery because that was her best chance, and she was right. What I didn't know is that she thought if they cut through her brain she'd die. That tiny little girl bravely went into surgery, without a tear so she wouldn't upset me, thinking that she would die. That just breaks my heart. I so thought she understood and yet there was some piece of the information we, the surgeon and I, gave her that she misunderstood. She never asked why, she never cried, she just went bravely into what she thought was going to be her trip to heaven and she didn't want me to cry. I still cry at the thought of what that poor tiny little girl went through. I so wish I had known so I could have talked to her about it but I never knew until she told me when she was older. Such a brave little thing.

It was another touch-and-go situation but she made it through. The tumor was removed but she wasn't classified as tumor or seizure free for ten years after surgery. We all celebrated when her ten years were up. She's a very fortunated little girl who had probably a whole host of Angels watching over her.

This same little girl graduated University. Yes Monica, I did cry. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness for her making through a very difficult life, most of which will not be written about here. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness for the good Lord sharing her with me. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness for the love she has for me and for the love I have for her. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness for the woman she's become and for the child that she was. I cried tears of laughter and felt overwhelming love and recognition when she was standing in the line of grads and she leaned back so I could see her and stuck her tongue out at me. I realized then that tiny brave little girl I was missing was not lost but still a part of her forever more.

I cried tears of remembrance as I watched her on the stage accepting her diploma and suddenly felt the weight of her in my arms as a tiny little 8lb 1oz baby.

These arms are empty now but I know someday beautiful headstrong daughter will fill my arms with the tiny little being born out of the love she and future son-in-law share.

I can't wait to shed those tears of joy and thankfulness.

I am sooo blessed.
I wish you all enough.

Finally Home!

2007-05-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

Well, all the grad festivities are finished and I'm finally home. I actually have some time today to visit all my favorite blogs! Well I will have enough time if I don't spend too much time writing this. lol

Beautiful Headstrong Daughter's grads were fantastic. The only regret I had was my Mom and Dad couldn't be there to see her. I'm sure Dad was there watching her shine but it's not the same when I couldn't hug him or hear the love in his voice or see the pride sparkle in his eyes. Mom couldn't be there because she's still not fully recovered from the strokes. She's doing better but it would have been too much for her to take the trip.

I think things might just slow down for a while around here....at least I'm hoping they do! It will be nice to have some free time but for the free time I find myself in right now I'm going to use to visit all my favorite blogs!

I wish you all enough.

Back again!

2007-05-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

Well I'm back only for a few minutes then I'm off again. I'll be gone for another five or more days. Another graduation for Beautiful Headstrong Daughter so I decided to make a little vacation out of it.

I'm actually on highspeed!!! Can you hear those sirens? I think I'm gonna get pulled over for speeding! I don't know how I lived without highspeed before. I just love this. My researching this morning went so fast! I actually finished hours before I usually would have!

I'm still in the process of moving things over from my old computer to this one. It's going slow because I am a packrat on the computer. I really have to get disciplined and delete some of this stuff but you never know when I just might need a document on New Brunswick Weather or Loyalist Cooking! I'd hate to have to dig around on a disc if anyone needed info on Loyalist Cloud Bisquits! LOL

Well I hope everyone has a great long weekend! I'm off to get packed up and clean the house up so that Handsome Number One Son doesn't have any trouble finding things to mess the house up again while I'm gone. I wouldn't want him to go through tooo much trouble to mess the place up now would I? LOL I can't wait to get back and visit all your sites to catch up on you all.

I wish you all enough!

Getting High-Speed!!!

2007-05-09T21:32:00.000-04:00

I finally found a high speed for country hicks like me! I'll be offline for a while because I also bought a new computer and will be spending a lot of time switching everything over to the new computer. Who knew I was such a pack rat when it came to computer programs?! I have TONS of things to move to the new puter and then I have to wait for the high-speed to be installed. I don't know how long that will take. It could be a few days to a week. I'm not going to complain though. I'm just really excited about being able to get off dial-up!

Well, I'm off to work on these computers and get the new one up and running.
Take care all!
I wish you all enough!

Grad Tomorrow

2007-05-02T10:35:00.000-04:00

Beautiful head-strong Daughter is graduating from University tomorrow! It's been a long seven years for her and she's soooo ready to get out of there! She's been very fortunate to have a job ready for her so she can start her career as soon as she's finished. She actually has two graduations, one from the program she's in and one for her bachelors of science. The later will be in a few weeks.

As you can probably guess things have been very busy around here getting ready for her grad. Motel rooms to book (both grads are in different cities), dresses, shoes to buy, and all that stuff that comes with having a life event. She's put off setting a date for the wedding until she's finished with these grads and I can totally understand that.

I have a secret. Shhhhhhh...You can't tell anyone or I'll be booted out of the Female Species Association. You have to promise not to tell anyone but.......

I HATE SHOPPING!

There I said it. Just please don't tell cause I really like being part of the Female Species Association...well except for the shopping bit. I don't like the crowds in the malls or the people who seem to think a shopping trip isn't complete unless they put themselves and others around them in a bad mood. I don't like hearing people treat the mall employees with disrespect. I don't like having to buy something and have to cut off a foot of material and hem it so it's not too long. Why don't they make clothes for the vertically challenged like myself? Yes I buy the petites but I still have to hem them so they aren't too long. It would be heaven to just walk into a store, find something I like and not have to cut a foot or so off of it!

Now don't laugh when I tell you this...well at least don't laugh too hard, coffee through the nostrils can sting! Anyway, the only pants I can buy that I don't have to hem is Capries! Yes, I can buy a pair of Capries and they are long enough as pants! Oh that is soo sad. I'm the runt of the litter. I think I was in the wrong line up when they were handing out height. It's not that my legs are too short for my body, they are short but symetrical to my body...I'm just vertically challenged and nothing is going to change that....unfortunately. Oh well, at least I never have to worry about bumping my head on cupboards, door frames, lights etc. My head is relatively bump free. Another good thing about being vertically challenged is I'm the last to get rained on! LOL

Well I better get off this puter and get my skirt hemmed. I'd hate for my mini skirt to drag on the floor! LOL

I wish you all enough.

Beautiful Weather!

2007-04-24T11:49:00.001-04:00

I'm actually afraid to post about how beautiful the weather is. We all know what happened last time I did that. The NB government found out that I knew about the weather plot and I ended up wearing a tin-foil hat so the NB government couldn't read my thoughts. Not to mention we had horrible weather after that! No, today I think I'll skip the weather talk.

I just sat down for my first cup of coffee today and it's almost 1pm! I've been making enough lasagne to feed the entire Canadian and US Military! I had to get an early start on it and I've been cooking and doing dishes since I got up this morning. Talk about dish pan hands! I did three sink loads and two dishwasher loads of dishes.

Peanut and Princess Sophie are getting along...ok well they are getting along as long as I'm there. Once I leave the room Sophie sits near the cage and stares at Peanut. (Peanut says she also licks her lips! Sophie says 'You gonna believe a budgie over me?!')She stares so hard and so long that I'm afraid poor Peanut is going to get a complex! As soon as Sophie tries put her paw on the cage Peanut starts an uproar you can hear downriver and I have to go chase her away from the cage. I'm not Sophie's favorite person right now. She just doesn't understand why I'd bring such a cute toy into the house and not let her play with it!

On the wild animal front, I now have a moose living in my back yard by the river. He very undelicately trodded through my front and side lawn and of course sunk right in so this weekend I'll be mending my lawn. In the meantime I'll be trying to get some pictures of him. I have to think of a name for him if he stays any longer. Friend wants to name him "Indafreezer". I don't think so! There's also a wild Malmute that comes around now and then. The moose isn't afraid of the dog at all and the dog has a healthy fear of the moose and stays away from him so all is well. At least now I know where all my wild rabbits and wild cats went!

I not only have a zoo inside the house but now I have one outside too! I should just get a business licence and open a zoo and charge admission!

I wish you all enough

I Went Deer Hunting!

2007-04-19T13:51:00.000-04:00

Yep! I decided the other day to go deer hunting. I haven't done that since last year around this time so I figured I'm due. I shot approximately 30 deer and I could have shot more but the daylight ran out. Wanna see the pictures?

Ok, before you get too upset, I only shoot with a camera! LOL

There is a place not far from my home where the deer linger in the spring. I've never seen so many deer in one place in my life! The deer are fairly used to humans driving up in a car and but most will not let a human get close to take pictures. When I got close to them they would stand perfectly still. When they freeze like that they think you can't see them. They will stay perfectly still until they feel you are getting too close and then they bound away, usually stopping a few feet away to see if you are following. Some get very curious about me and if I stand very still they will come close and sniff to see if I'm carrying any oats for them.

I took way too many pictures to post them all but here's a few...

This was the smallest one I seen that day.

Ooops! I've been spotted!

Such a pretty face!

I could almost reach out and touch this one!

Last year I spent days trying to get a good picture of the Half Albino deer but wasn't able to. I didn't see her this year. I hope nothing happened to her. I do know the survival rate of an Albino deer in the wild is not good but I really hope she made it. Maybe next year I'll be able to get a picture of her or her offspring. :)

I wish you all enough!

Introducing......

2007-04-17T13:01:00.000-04:00

the newest member of the family....Peanut!!

Here's Princess Sophie introducing herself to Peanut. Judging by those pretty green eyes I don't think she has good intentions!

The other day I accidently on purpose just happened to walk into a pet store. It's a good thing I didn't have any more money with me because I would have bought that really cute Gecko who winked at me, and the Cameleon who waved at me through the glass and the Kitten that purred, and the Puppy that licked my finger and the ....well I just would have walked out with the whole store!

I wish you all enough!

Paraskevidekatriaphobics

2007-04-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

Paraskevidekatriaphobics: People who are afflicted with a fear of Friday the 13th.
Are you a Paraskevidekatriaphobic?

Where did the superstition of this day originate? Some believe it originated in the fact that the Crucifixion took place on a Friday. Others believe it originated long before this.

I find that although some people have a deep rooted fear in Friday the 13th they can offer no logical or illogical reason for this fear. Some people just fear this day without any need for a reason. There are some who will not get out of bed today and there are some who will refuse to work or travel today.

In Norse mythology 12 gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla. Loki, the Evil One, was not invited but crashed the party bringing the guest number to 13. Loki incited Hod, the blind god of winter, to hurl a spear tipped with mistletoe at Balder the good and killed him instantly. Thus began the superstition of 13 people at a dinner party is bad luck. Myself, I would have concluded “beware of dinner guests bearing killer mistletoe!” ;)

There were 13 at the Last Supper, Jesus and his 12 apostles, where Judas betrayed Jesus. The Crucifixion took place on a Friday. Ok, so here’s a double whammy, 13 at a dinner party and a reason to believe Friday is not such a good day.

Some scholars believe Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on Friday and Cain killed Abel on Friday the 13th and that Satan was the 13th angel.

In the middle ages on Friday the 13, 1306, King Phillip of France had the Knights of Templar arrested, tortured until they “confessed” and then were executed.

There are 13 witches to a coven.

Friday, in the Roman Calendar, was the day of Venus the goddess of Love. When Vikings accepted the calendar they renamed the day after Frigg, or Freya, the goddess of love and sex. Both these strong females posed a threat to the male-dominated Christian Society. They celebrated celibacy and viewed sex as inherently evil. The Christian church then vilified the day named after these goddesses.

In Britian and Ancient Rome, Friday was known as “Hangman’s Day”, the day when the condemned would be hanged. Tradition says that there are 13 steps to the platform and the hangman’s noose.

We all know of the tragedy of Apollo 13.

Regardless of where we believe this superstition originated Friday and the number 13 are considered unlucky.
Many buildings avoid having a 13th floor.
Cities avoid naming a 13th ave or 13th street.
Many airplanes do not have a 13th aisle.
Many airports skip the 13th gate.
Many hospitals and hotels have no room numbered 13.

I'm certain there are hundreds of children around here who feel this is a very lucky day! They have the day off from school because we are having a snow storm! As for me, this day is a happy day, it’s my brother's birthday!

I wish you all enough!

No More Future-Future Son-In-Law

2007-04-10T11:09:00.000-04:00

Well, this weekend brought about a change. I no longer have a Future-future son-in-law. This is not a sad change. I am not sad at all at no longer having a future-future son-in-law (ff sil). It was time. This was inevitable. There is no sadness over losing such a wonderful ff-sil. I loved him dearly, like one of my own but the time had come I guess. This was a decision made between beautiful, head-strong daughter and wonderful ff-sil. It was not mine to make but I do agree with their decision. It was the only option available to them at the time and they made the decision with much thought and love.

!!!!!THEY ARE ENGAGED!!!!!

I no longer have a ff-sil! He has graduated to Future Son-In-Law!! I'm so happy for them both. I know he adores her and she adores him. They are made for each other. I was so excited when he asked me permission to ask her. We all knew I wouldn't say no because he's a great guy and she loves him more than anything. I can't even express how happy I am.

Now according to beautiful head-strong daughter there are steps to follow in this situation.
Step 1: Graduate from University
Which she does next month and already has a job lined up with a generous sign-on bonus!
Step 2: Move home.
Yes! They are moving home! They didn't live too far away and they did come home almost every weekend with their cat, my grandcat, Sassy in tow but still it will be so much nicer to have them closer. Of course we will have to plan play dates with Sophie and Sassy when they move home because Sophie will really miss Sassy's weekend visits. lol
Step 3: Wedding
They plan to wait a year before getting married and that's alright by me. Just because they are engaged doesn't mean they have to marry right now. I'm ok with this.
Step 4: Children
Yah Hooooooo!!!! I can't wait!!!! All I want to be when I grow up is a Gramma!!! Ok so I have to wait a few more years...that's ok...I can do that...I hope. LOL

Now wonderful Future Son-in-Law has a different agenda.
Step 1: Marry tomorrow
Yep, he's been ready to marry her for two years now but he's bowed down to her agenda.
Step 2: Tons of kids!
He's been ready to start a family for a while. HIS biological clock is ticking and he would love to have a family as soon as yesterday! LOL

I kinda like his agenda better. It means I'm a gramma so much sooner but beautiful, head-strong daughter will do things at her own speed and no one will be able to change her mind and that's a good thing! Truth is, although I tease her alot about grandbabies etc., I am very proud of her for finishing her school and getting a career before she married and had children.

I'm sure you can all see how happy I am about all this. My entire family is happy about this. I am so blessed.

I wish you all enough.

Happy Easter!!!

2007-04-05T14:22:00.000-04:00

I've only got a few minutes here before I'm on the run again. I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a Happy Easter. I'm off to a concert tonight and then the weekend is filled with family, friends and tons of cooking and baking! By the time Tuesday comes around I'll be exhausted!

I'm suppose to go to a concert tonight but that's weather permitting. Right now we are under a heavy snow fall warning and it looks like we might get about 20-30 cm. It will make for difficult driving conditions so I hope I can still make it into town for the concert! Oh well, if I can't get through the roads tonight I'll just stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet before the big weekend starts. I probably won't be back to blog until Monday or Tuesday when things slow down a bit around here.

I wish you all a happy healthy Easter and
I wish you all enough.

Piano

2007-04-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

Well here's the piano picture I promised Jac. It's a 1950 Bentley upright. I had started out to buy an electric or digital keyboard but when I seen this in the store I fell in love with it. Nothing else would do, I just had to buy this one.

Right now I have the piano in my living room. Once I finally get the games room finished downstairs I'll be moving the piano into the sun room. The kids have their video games in the sun room right now but I can't wait to get them moved downstairs and take my sunroom back!

The piano stool infront of it belonged to my grandmother and possibly her mother. I used to sit on gramma's lap while she played her organ and I'd pull all the little knobs and hit random keys thinking I was making her songs sound so much nicer! It's no wonder she didn't toss me out the window! LOL I also used to spend alot of time spinning around on the stool. Sitting on it and spinning, laying across it and spinning, putting toys etc on the stool and spinning them. No wonder I'm a dizzy blonde! LOL

Mom has been making small progress in her physiotherapy but she is making progress. Her short-term memory is still a problem though. She seems happy and healthy now that she's home and I'm glad to see her enjoying her home rather than be in a hospital but sometimes I feel they released her too soon. We just muddle along as best we can for now. We finally got a proper ramp built for her back door so now she can go out anytime she likes. It worried me that should something happen, for instance a fire, she would not be able to get out of the house on her own accord. I made sure she had life-line but I still felt it extremely important for her to be able to get out if no one is there. Later this spring we'll be building a ramp out her front door so she can sit on her porch and enjoy the nice weather while fighting off the black flies and mosquitoes that will try to carry her away. LOL

Well I better sign off for now. I have piano lessons tonight and a concert, Julian Austin, tomorrow night. Should be fun!

I wish you all enough.

Deadlines and Piano Lessons

2007-04-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't been online lately due to a major deadline I had to meet. I've been writing day and night to make my deadline and I just managed to make it by the skin of my teeth! Serves me right to leaving things until the last minute. It is unusual for me to procrastinate but I've had so many other things to do that I've hardly had the time to sip my morning coffee lately. Breakfast lately has been a couple of crackers that I manage to grab as I'm racing out the door or racing to the word processor. No wonder I feel so tired. I really need to start clearing out the unneeded chores in my life. I'll start with housework! Who needs a clean house? If I stop doing housework I'll have much more time to do the other obligations in my life! Wait! Why stop at housework?! I'll drop cooking AND cleaning from my day to day duties! Yes! That's it! I'll have much more time now!

Well, I guess I'll have to wait until after this weekend considering I have to make three large family dinners. A roast one night, a turkey the next and of course the usual ham for Easter as well as enough baking to feed the entire Canadian Military. I think my family would disown me if I don't feed them. I'd hate to have that happen since I'm banking on the fact that one day they will look after me instead of putting me in a home somewhere. Actually, if the truth be known, I'm hoping the kids hit it big on the lottery and one day when I'm too old to be of use they can put me up in a hotel somewhere nice. Three meals a day, housekeeping to do the work, room service, no dishes, just me, the TV., computer, piano and a beautiful view of some tropical beach where I can look at all those lovely male species tanning on the beach.

I've taken two piano lessons now. My instructor is very good! He's recommended all over the Atlantic Provinces so I was lucky to get him. He says I'm doing fantastic but we all know I'm paying him....what else can he say? LOL I do really enjoy the lessons and now that the deadline is met I'll have more time during the day to practise.

I'm taking the evening off tonight. I don't know what I'll do with the time but I'm sure I'll fill every available second of it so that I really don't relax and enjoy it at all. LOL Oh well, like I told the kids, if I wasn't trying to squeeze every available second out of a day it would mean I was sick and then we'd have something to worry about. LOL

I wish you all enough.

I Feel Sooo Blonde!

2007-03-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

Oh, wait, I am blonde! lol

In the midst of bringing Mom home and settling her in I switched my blog over to the new blog. The switch-over went without a hitch....the only problem was I forgot my sign-in name and password! That's why I haven't been blogging, I just couldn't find that little piece of paper that I wrote the info on....you know...that little piece of paper you always write important information on just in case you forget it? That little piece of paper that ALWAYS goes missing just the day that you do forget the information? Well I finally found it and here I am, just a little worse for wear but here in any case.

During my forced exile from blogging I've been very busy with Mom. I've been going to physio with her three times a week and arranging home improvements to help her live as independantly as possible. I've also been doing something I've always wanted to do....learn how to play the piano. I play the guitar and have a beautiful antique Fender accoustic but I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano. These last few weeks were hard for both Mom and I and I just decided I was going to do it now. The things that have happened to Mom have shown me that there's no time like the present because you just don't know what's around the corner. On Friday I travelled to Southern New Brunswick and purchased my piano. I didn't want an electric keyboard, I wanted a piano. The sound just isn't the same on the keyboard. I found a piano and was about to purchase it when I caught sight of an antique upright. It was love at first sight and I just couldn't refuse. I just love it and although I do feel a bit guilty over doing this I am glad I did it.

Poor princess Sophie is in a royal tizzy over the piano. First I had the nerve to leave her alone ALL DAY Friday while I went to get the piano. Then I had the nerve to bring the piano into the house and not let her jump on it but the worst is that I had the NERVE to rearrange the furniture in the living room to fit the piano and I MOVED HER CHAIR!!!

Yes, I am in the dog house. Princess Sophie is royally peeved. I think I should take a trip to town today and pick her up a treat and try to make friends again. No...Sophie isn't spoilt! LOL

I wish you all enough.

I Miss Her

2007-02-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a weekend!
I brought Mom home and her homecare worker didn't start until this morning so I was caring for her. Mom is doing so much better with her personal care now than she was at Christmas but there are so many things she can't do yet.

The one thing I've noticed since surgery is that Mom is not the same as she was before surgery. Before surgery she loved to read and practically inhaled books, now she rarely ever picks up a book. When she does read she reads for about 10 mins and that's it. She just can't concentrate. She is having trouble remembering things, little things. Her long term memory is good but her short term is not. Before surgery she was a confident, capable woman who made her own decisions. Now she's like a sweet elderly woman who will try her hardest to make you happy, do anything you ask to make you happy, but can't make a simple decision. She wheels herself into another room to get something and then asks what she was getting because she's forgotten. She feels she doesn't need homecare yet she can't reach her stovetop, wall oven or even a glass to get a drink of water. No matter how many times I show her how to work her TV remote she forgets and has to ask me. She can't leave the house yet because I haven't managed to get ramps made. (I'm not a carpenter, I just attempt to be one. LOL) There are areas of her house she can't get to in a wheelchair including the back door. There is so much work I need to do to get her home wheelchair accessible and to get her life back to as normal as possible but the fact is she needs homecare even if she thinks she doesn't and even when the house is completely wheelchair accessible she will still need homecare.

I'm finding caring for my Mother very difficult. The work part is nothing, I don't find that hard at all. It's not hard to love her that's for sure but it's so difficult for me to become the "adult" and in some ways she's the "child". I don't like the role reversal that happens when our parents become ill. I don't like taking over and making decisions for her. I want her to control her own life like she used to, even if it is from a wheelchair. There are thousands of people who live a normal life from a wheelchair and this is what I want for her if we find she will never walk again. I want her to say what she wants not be afraid she's creating more work for me. I would work myself right into an early grave for her and never ever regret a minute of it. I want to help her be everything she can be. Family is everything to me and I'd do anything to make sure my family is healthy and happy, never lonely, never alone, never afraid. I want her to want for nothing but she can't tell me what she needs. It's so difficult.

I know my Mom has had a stroke during surgery. From the time she first woke up from surgery I knew she wasn't the same and it took me 3 months to get the docs to listen to me and do the appropriate tests. They said it was a small stroke in her brain and a larger stroke in her spine. The spinal stroke is why she can't use her legs. The small stroke in her brain has caused the problems of not being able to make decisions, forgetting things etc. The damage the stroke caused in her spine could possibly improve enough for her to walk again although it will take a long time. It's the stroke in her brain that I just can't get anyone to tell me how much damage was caused or if it will improve, was it a mini stroke and these problems will improve or was it much more damaging and will not improve. I just have so many questions and very few answers.

I think this is bothering me so much because I don't have Mom to ask advice from like I always had before. I need to accept this and adapt. I've always been good at adapting, I'm an army brat and I've grown up adapting, so I'll again have to step up to the plate and adapt to my new surroundings.

I wish you all enough

How I Spent Ms. Vickie's Time

2007-02-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

As you all know I've been very busy with getting things ready for Mom to come home. She was suppose to come home last Friday but the center decided to keep her one more week to work on some things with her. She's scheduled to be released this Friday. I was disappointed but it also allowed me more time to get LifeLine installed, her hospital bed set up and her bathroom renovated for wheelchair access. I am looking forward to bringing her home on Friday. I really hope it doesn't snow!

Well Vickie, I don't know if you'll approve of the time I spent for you but here goes anyway!

Thursday evening I spent my time watching Survivor. I didn't know if you liked the show so I didn't want to waste your time watching so I wasted my time instead! LOL

Now Friday was a different matter. I took the entire day off just for you. Friday the weather was only minus-damn instead of minus-omg so I grabbed my camera, bundled up, put on my snowshoes, dragged Jake out of his hibernation and went for a walk in the woods on my property. It was beautiful, relaxing and a great stress reliever...for me anyway. Jake felt a little different. He really just wanted to go back into hibernation but I kept telling him this wasn't for us it was for Ms. Vickie! I don't think he was all that pleased but he did stick with me. I really think I should get him his own little snowshoes one of these days.

After hours of wandering through a beautiful winter wonderland I allowed Jake to go back into hibernation and I prepared a huge supper for the family. The kids came home this weekend along with my brothers. We had a hectic but hilarious family dinner while missing Mom terribly.

You actually picked a good weekend for me to spend your time because it was the White Gold Festival and there were plenty of things going on in town including snowmobile trails, parades, snow volleyball, ice fishing and much more. I did go to the dance for you on Saturday and you danced so much I discovered muscles I didn't even know I had but had to medicate them with Advil the next day! Now Vickie, I really think you enjoyed yourself dancing with all those handsome men but I was a bit surprised to hear you turn down a few that wanted to take you home! They were cute! You even turned down a Valentine's Day Date! Though I really don't blame you for turning down the invitation of marriage to an elderly gentleman who became infactuated with you. You hardly knew him!

Sunday I grabbed the camera, jumped in the truck and headed into town. Part of the festival is the creation of ice sculptures in the town square (which is really a circle. I never did figure out why they called it a square! LOL) I love going there and taking pictures of the beautiful sculptures as well as pictures of people enjoying them. I think you did enjoy yourself again because you kept me there spending your time until my nose and toes were ready to fall off from frostbite! Jake was happy he was able to stay at home and hibernate though. He said to tell you that viewing ice sculptures are really not his thing and he tends to enjoy turning them yellow so he stayed at home just so he wouldn't embarrass you.

So now you know how I spent your time. I hope you approve! Let me know if you ever want me to spend time for you because there are alot more festivals and activities coming up this summer that I think you would enjoy!

It's C-C-COLD!

2007-02-06T10:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a wimp when it comes to minus omg temps and today is one of those days! It's a beautiful sunny day but with the wind chill it's definitely in the minus omg temps! I knew it had to happen but I really thought if I didn't acknowledge that winter could hit with a vengence, after all that beautiful weather we had, it just wouldn't happen. Man, what world do I think I live in?! Oh, right, I live in my own little chaotic serene world. I can only see one tiny little bird in the tree outside the window and he's begging to come in, cat or no cat, just to find some warmth. I think Jake is hibernating, he hasn't moved all morning. I'm thinking I better check him for some sign of life! That's easy to do. You just ask "Who wants a hotdog?" and he miraculously comes to life! His new obsession is hotdogs, mine is tacos.

I haven't had a chance to write for a while. Things are pretty hectic here. Mom is getting released from the rehabilitation center on friday so I've been very busy trying to get homecare, a hospital bed, wheelchair, ramps, lifeline, transfer boards, etc. I also have to have a surgery and since I refused the local surgeon my Doc told me to find my own surgeon out of town so that's what I've been trying to do. So needless to say I've been pretty busy lately.

I think for the rest of the afternoon I'm going to find some time for myself. I'll take a page from Jake's book and learn how to hibernate. I'll take the phone off the hook and just relax.

I wish you all enough!

Routine Maintenance?

2007-01-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

There's a routine power outtage in my area today. It is suppose to be from 10am to 2pm for routine maintenance.

WTF? It's winter people! You can't plan "routine maintenance" in the summer months when we won't freeze our butts off?

It's minus omg outside. I'm sitting here with two sweaters on and I'm wrapped in a blanket. There is frost on my eyelashes and I'm afraid to blink incase my eyelids stick together and I won't be able to finish this post. My lips are blue, without the aid of lipstick, and I pray I don't sneeze or I'll have to chip it off my nose!

Princess Sophie is complaining very loudly, "Turn up the heat in here will ya? It's freezing! MOM! Turn up the heat! I know you can do it. I've seen ya! Would ya just turn up the heat for Pete's sake!"

Jake is wrapped in his blanket, moaning every few minutes just to let me know he's still alive and not a frozen Jake-cicle. Every now and then he lets out a deep grumble letting me know he's about to pack his blanket, toys and cookies and move somewhere warmer.

AND the power hasn't even gone out yet! We are just anticipating what it's going to be like! Preparing ourselves! LOL

Ok, I guess you've figured out my now I still have my power. The power company phoned me and told me it would be out but for some reason it never did happen.
It really is omg temps outside right now but the sun is shining and the house is warm and Sophie is really complaining because she wants to play and I'm on "that darn computer" and Jake is groaning just to let me know he hasn't quite received his quota of cookies for the morning (He's on a diet) and Sophie is keeping him awake.

This really could have happened this way but it didn't. I can't lie. See! This is what happens when I have nothing to blog about! LOL

I wish you all enough.

Conspiracy Theory

2007-01-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

I figured it out! I'm so S. M. R. T.

We all know the Canadian winter has been very strange this year. The Western Provinces, where I had the pleasure to live for many years, have been having a particularly harsh winter. They've had many horrific storms, snow, ice, many of the things that I never witnessed while I lived there. I have never heard of Stanley Park being shut down before! That is more like how winter is suppose to be on the East Coast! The Eastern Provinces have been having an unusually mild winter. We've been having very mild temperatures, rain, lots of sun and very little snow. We are usually buried in snow and omg temperatures by now.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about my weather at all. I'm just saying I have it all figured out!

Many people in the Eastern Provinces have moved out west for work. Having talked to many who were home for Christmas I got a wider view on how harsh the weather really is there. Our government has been talking about doing something to bring our people back to our Provinces. Creating jobs, etc. Well I finally figured out what the "etc" meant.

I really didn't think they would do it. I didn't think they could do it but they did! How? I don't know but I do know it was done.

Are you sitting down? Oh ya! Of course you are cause you are sitting at your puter! Silly me. Anyway...

You ready?

The NB government changed the weather around to freeze our people into coming home! The West has our weather and we have the Wests' weather! All the people from the East will soon be coming home when they hear about how great it is here! The NB government has done it!

Now I don't know what will happen this summer but for now I'm going to be busy trying to figure out how the government turned the weather around! I mean really! If they could turn the east and west coast weather around why can't they change this to a tropical place? Now that would really bring the displaced NBers home!

I wish you all enough. ;)

************************************************************************************

Update:
I've been discovered! When I wrote this post a few days ago the weather was beautiful! Very mild weather and tons of sunshine. Since then we've been thrown into a deep freeze and now experiencing a Weather Bomb!

The government found out that I knew what they were doing and they changed the weather again so that my word would not be reliable! Nothing I can do now to prove my theory! The government has covered their tracks. We are now experiencing a "Weather Bomb"! Snow up to 30 cm expected, high winds, rain this afternoon turning back to snow again, and who knows what else this Weather Bomb has in store for us. Unfortunately information on a huge Weather Bomb like this is totally unreliable. When they say 30 cm we could get double or triple that. No one really knows. The government really covered their tracks this time!

As for me, I'm just a little nervous regarding the speed the government found out about my knowledge of what they were doing! I don't know how they read my mind but for safety sake I am wearing my tinfoil hat so they can't read any more of my thoughts!

I wish you all enough. ;)

Booster Seat? Me?

2007-01-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

I was crocheting in front of the TV last night and just happen to hear that Nova Scotia is implementing a Booster Seat law. I thought to myself, "It's about time!" as I continued crocheting. Then something on the news cast caught my full attention...
"Anyone 4ft 9inches and under in height would be required to use a child's booster seat."

Wait! Stop the presses!

I am Vertically Challenged. I've been vertically challenged as long as I remember. Grade Four students are taller than I am! I've heard every short joke that was ever thought up. But as of last night I can actually say...

I'M TOO TALL! for a booster seat!!!

I beat the law by 3 inches! If I was 3 inches shorter I'd have to drive while sitting in a booster seat!

I just sold my car a few months ago and I bought a truck. I thought I should have something a little more able to take these winter roads...although we really haven't had much winter this year. It's different driving my truck than my car. The main difference is connected to my height. I have to pull the seat right up so I can reach the pedals! I made sure the truck had separate front seats before I bought it so that I could reach the pedals and anyone riding with me wouldn't have to sit with their knees stuck in their ears.

Now imagine if I had been 3 inches shorter! In some Provinces I would have to drive while sitting on a booster seat! I'd have to put extensions on the pedals so I could reach them because my legs wouldn't be long enough to reach while sitting on a booster seat. The circulation in my legs would be cut off from the knees down so after driving 45 mines to reach town I'd slide out of the truck (I'm too short for a dignified exit from the truck, I have to slide out) and then just crumple to the pavement as my legs wouldn't work from lack of circulation.

It would be just mortifying! How much self-respect could an adult have in this situation?!

But I'M TOO TALL for a booster seat! (by 3 inches)

That felt good.

Of course if the truth be known I don't meet the age and weight requirements either. I'd have to be under 8 years of age and under 80 pounds and I'm not but that didn't seem as funny. LOL

I wish you all enough.

Looking for a new pet

2007-01-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

On November 30 when I wrote about the demise of my beloved dust bunnies, Monica left a comment that I really had to follow up on. Sorry I don't know how to link to past posts. :)

I've been reading Monica's site for a long time and I know her to be a very sensible, logical, intelligent woman. For those reason I knew I really had to do what she suggested. What did she suggest? Well after losing my beloved pets she suggested...

"You know, Chaotic? I think it might be time for a pet? Such as a boyfriend? Maybe?"

Well now! I think she may be right so I decided to get right on that! This morning I got up early, showered and gulped down my coffee, excited to see what the day will bring. I peeked outside at the bright sunny day, no snow in sight, and decided to start looking for this new pet. No better time than the present I say!

I slipped and slid out the gateway and stood by the side of the road. It wasn't long and a truck pulled over.
"Hey there! You need any help?" inquired an older man with white hair and a cigar hanging out of his mouth.
"Well actually I've been told by a friend that I need to find a pet."
"A pet? Hmmmmm...well now...I just might be able to help there. My old dawg had pups a few months ago and I'm still looking for a home for one. He's six months old but cute as a button! Are ya interested?"
"Well actually I don't think that was the type of pet my friend was referring to. You see I think she means I should get a man as a pet."
"A MAN! AS A PET?! Well I'll be...a man" He chuckled. "That wasn't what I was expecting!"
"Well, yes, a man. I need a pet for a boyfriend who can cook, clean, do laundry, look after me and Jake and Princess Sophie. One who doesn't mind my children and their friends popping in at any hour and staying as long as they like, eating me out of house and home. One who will give me massages, and fullfill my every need or want. One who spoils me rotten. Do you know where I could find one of these pets?" I asked.
Laughing as he drove off he replied, "Sorry lady, I'm already someones pet for the last 30 years!"

Hmmm, well that didn't work out too great. I waited for the next person. It wasn't long and an older chev pulled over.
"Do you need help?" he asked. Do I look that needy that everyone thinks I need help?
"Well, I'm looking for a pet, a man pet. My friend thinks I should get one so I'm looking around to see what's available."
"Am I on Candid Camera or something?!" He excited asked.
"No, I'm looking for a man pet!"
"A man pet eh? Hmmmm...and what should this man pet look like? Do you have any preferences?" he inquired as he scanned the trees behind me, looking for the Candid Camera crew.
I gave him the same speel I gave to the 1st man.
"That don't sound like me so I'll be on my way" He said as he drove away.

Two down, I wonder what is wrong that keeps chasing these men off? I showered!

The next car pulled up, again asking if I need any help. I told him why I was standing at the side of the road and he just looked at me like I was growing a third arm out of my forehead. He never said a word as he drove away.

Hmmm...I don't think I'm doing this right. Maybe it's the housecoat and fuzzy bear slippers I'm wearing. I was so excited about looking for a pet this morning that I forgot to get dressed! Back in the house I went and got dressed. I gulped down another cup of coffee because I needed the caffine kick. Looking for a pet is hard work!

I decided that I really needed the added sugar rush of an English Toffee Cap from Timmy's so I jumped in the truck and away I went to town. After going through the drive-through at Timmy's a light bulb flicked on in my head.."The Mall!" That would be a good place to find a pet! So off I went with determination. I know I can find one there!

I positioned myself in the mall entrance and as men walked by I attempted to find my pet.
"Excuse me sir.." He didn't even stop.
"I'm looking for a pet" I tried again as another man walked in.
"The pet store is just over there." Another man growled.
"No, I'm looking.." He just walked away.

After several attempts and not even getting the whole story out to them I gave up and went to the pet store.

"Excuse me," I said to the clerk, "I'm looking for a pet, a man pet."
"Well you're in luck! We have many male pets in stock. A few male puppies and kittens, a male chinchilla, a few male budgies, and even a male iguana!" She beamed.
"No, I'm looking for a man for a pet. I've tried everywhere I can think of to find one but people aren't taking me seriously or they think they are on Candid Camera! I just don't know where else to look!"
"Ummm, lady I don't think we can help you here. We don't carry Men in stock." She eyed me like she thought I was going to pull a gun on her or something!
"OK, well thank you anyway, I'll keep looking." I sighed and left the pet store.

Now what do I do? I don't know where else to look. There should be a store that just sells Men pets! That would be so much easier. You could go in and special order whatever type you like! Someone should start this business, as for me, I'm far too busy looking for a Man pet to start this business.

I wish you all enough. :)

Oh, so tired!

2007-01-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Christmas season and New Years was very hectic and exhausting but so wonderful. Mom came home and we decided to care for her ourselves rather than have someone come in to care for her. We knew it was going to be difficult but no matter how exhausted we became I kept reminding everyone that we could have been getting over a funeral right now rather than this. It was a miracle Mom survived the surgery, it could have turned out much worse. It put everything into perspective.

I know it must have been extremely difficult for Mom because she was a very independant person before this. It must have been so hard to suddenly be in the position where she had to have someone help her with everything. Mom loves to cook. She'd cook and bake all day long and feed anyone including those who just happen to be walking by the propery. I swear she'd run out the gateway and drag people off the road and into the house to feed them. There was no such thing as being full, she'd feed you anyway. Now she can't cook at all. She can't reach her dishes, the wall oven, the stove top. I cooked for her, following her instructions so she would feel involved in the cooking and baking. Mom and I have different cooking styles so I had to bite my tongue, take a few deep breaths and do as I was told, which was difficult for me. I had to put my stubborness away and think of her. It all worked out.

Although I was very busy between the two houses and families, starting at 5:30am and falling into bed around midnight to one am, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Mom is now back at the rehabilitation center and I miss her so much. I hope they will allow her to come home soon for a visit.

We are having a winter storm right now. Schools and most businesses are closed and there is angel poop everywhere! The weather station said we should be getting at least 20cm of angel poop today but this storm is very unpredictable so they aren't sure what will happen. I guess I can't complain because we've had such a mild winter so far. It's been almost Spring-like here. We've broken records for the mild weather but I think Mother Nature was lulling us with all this and now the angel poop is going to hit the fan!
I'm going to catch up on some blogs and watch the angel poop fall because for once it's storming and I don't have to go anywhere! I get to sit back, sip my coffee and enjoy it!

I wish you all enough.

Great News!

2006-12-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mom is coming home for Christmas! The Therapists agreed that she can come home for two weeks and I am so excited! It will be so good for Mom to be in her own home again. She hasn't been home since September!

I couldn't find a suitable homecare worker for her on short notice so I've decided to care for her myself, with the help of my family. I will be trained in exactly what she needs so there won't be any problem caring for her. I guess, if the truth be known, a big part of the reason I couldn't find a suitable homecare worker for her is I felt that it would be more comfortable for Mom if I cared for her rather than a stranger. Besides she cared for me for many years now its my turn to give back.

The biggest news is that Mom was able to walk the balance beams (with help from the therapists) and her feet are not dragging and having to be lifted up by the therapist! The therapists don't know what happened but something did which allowed her to move her feet with her legs. Up until now Mom's feet wouldn't move and when she moved her leg to walk her foot would just drag uselessly under so the therapist would have to straighten Mom's foot out so she could take a step. She still can't put her weight on her legs but by taking her weight on her arms on the balance beams and having a therapist hold her waist, she was able to walk the entire length and back! This is the best Christmas present ever!

I don't know if I'll have much time to update this during Christmas because I'll be pretty busy with Mom but I'll try.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years!
And....
I wish you all enough

Ancient Computer

2006-12-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

I found this very interesting! Scientists have something they believe to be the earliest known mechanical computing device at the Archaeological Museum in Athens. It was found in 1901 on a shipwreck and estimated it to be about 2,000 years old. Up until now they had no idea of its purpose. Now they believe it tracked the movements of astronomical bodies and used in navigation. It was created between 150 and 100 BC!

Amazing

Happiness Poll

2006-12-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

I was just surfing through the Provincial news the other day and came across this..."Happiness poll finds bliss in New Brunswick"

This is something I already know. I've lived on the West Coast, middle Canada and the East Coast. I've lived in Northern Canada and about as far south as you can get. I've been to every Province, except Nunivik which is next on my list. In all my travels this Province has pulled on my heart. It's the one place I truly felt at home and at peace. I don't know if that is because of the people or the landscape or the fact that my ancestors have been here on this land since 1763 and their ghostly presence can still be felt, but I suspect it's all of the above.

It's the home, life and friends I have always dreamed I would one day settle down to. I love life!

I wish you all enough.

A Sad Day

2006-11-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

It's a very sad day in my household. I am in mourning.

It all started as a very innocent day. I got up, fueled myself with coffee...ok I fibbed...I fueled myself with English Toffee Cappuccino. Yes I know I shouldn't have, after all it has tons of fat and sugar but after what happened today I'm glad I was sugared up and raring to go!

Anyway, after fueling up on my favorite beverage and foregoing breakfast.....
Hey! Maybe that's why this thing happened?! I forgot to eat breakfast! Maybe I was so weak from no food and too much sugar and fat.....No, I'm only kidding myself. I'm just looking to lay blame somewhere for what happened next. I know it was no ones fault but my own and the sooner I accept that the sooner I'll be able to get over this unfortunate accident.

So back to the horrible accident that occurred today. As I was saying, after I was all fueled up I pulled out my trusty vacuum cleaner and went to work. Maybe I should have started with something else to help wake myself up first...like dishes...but unfortunately everything else was done. So off I went with the vacuum. It's not a small house, not a mansion by any means, but it does take time to get all the nooks and crannies vacuumed. My mind wandered as I ran the vacuum around, thinking of Angel Poop and the fun that winter brings....ok I wasn't thinking that but for the sake of this blog I'm sticking to that story!

With my mind preoccupied with other thoughts I ran the vacuum right under my bed in one huge lunge! That's when it happened! The horrible accident that claimed the life of Gertrude and Hebear, my pet dust bunnies! Oh, I feel so horrible. Just yesterday I spied Gertrude under the bed and she was so happy to see me. She looked pretty and slightly plump with a strange glow about her and I suspected she was pregnant but she didn't even give me a hint about it! I think she was going to surprise me when her brood was born. Old Hebear was just as lively as ever sitting there staring back at me. But in one swoop they were gone!!! GONE!!!

I'm just beside myself. How could I have forgotten about them?! How could I have forgotten they lived under my bed?! They were so small, so helpless, and so trusting and in one careless moment they were gone and it's all my fault! They tried to fight the suction but they were just too little and couldn't save themselves. I'll never forget the tiny cries for help as they were sucked into oblivion! Oh how could I be so careless!

My daughter tried to console me by saying, "Don't worry Mom, they had a great life and I'm sure that their offspring are growing at this very moment under your bed. You'll have a piece of Gertrude and Hebear in their offspring for many many years to come."

Although it doesn't make things any easier I can only hope she is right.

I wish you all enough
;-)

Photo Friday

2006-11-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

I'm a little lazy today and can't think of anything to post so I decided to change this to Photo Friday.
I took this picture in the botanical gardens in northern NB. I'd really like to do something like this in the brook on my property. I think I'll definitely have to ask for help doing this project eh? LOL
This picture doesn't seem to be very clear once I've posted it to the blog. Anyone have any suggestions on what I did wrong?

Wheelchairs & Kittens

2006-11-21T10:04:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a busy time around here lately. We found out that Mom may be able to come home for a short visit around Christmas time. She'll probably be moved to our hospital and, if all goes well, we may be able to bring her home for short periods of time over Christmas.

I am so excited about bringing Mom home for Christmas! It was more than I could hope for just a week ago! I've spent the last while running around to find a wheelchair for her because the hospitals won't lend her one on her day passes. We have to have one for her or we won't be able to bring her home Christmas day. I had no idea even where to look for one so after numerous calls and numerous medical supply store visits I managed to get a wheelchair for her. Now if her doctor allows it we will have Mom home for Christmas Day! It will only be for a few hours but I think it will do Mom AND us a world of good!

Now anyone who has read this blog for a while knows that animals just seem to find me. I don't go looking for them, they just find me! A small little kitten needs a good home. I, of course being the ~~sucker~~ softie I am, have fallen completely and totally in love with this little bit of white and black flea biscuit! Now comes the problem, little Princess Sophie would most definitely take to the kitten just fine and would love to have a playmate but could my house stand up to two kittens terrorizing it? Could poor Jake and I withstand the onslaught of two wildly rambunctious kittens?
Would I stop at just two kittens? LOL

I know Sophie would love a companion. My Daughter brings her cat home with her almost every weekend and the two cats get along great. Sophie actually waits at the living room window every Friday night watching for her ~~fellow conspirator~~ friend. They play and terrorize and destroy and torture Jake just like two cats should. They know their job and they do it well but then most weekends there would be three little terrors in the house!

I think I should ponder this mystery very deeply before I make a decision.....too late...decision made! If the little flea biscuit doesn't find a home by Friday I'll be adding another baby to the family! Oh why can't I ever say NO! and mean it???

I wish you all enough!

Princess Sophie

2006-11-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

Poor little Sophie, my kitten, had to go to the vet last week and get spayed. She was not very pleased about this at all and it took me a half hour to get her into her carrying cage! She made it known the whole way to Dr. Vet's (45 min drive) that she was not happy at all.

I found Sophie at the horse race track just outside of town when she was about 5 weeks old. She's the strangiest little kitten I have ever seen! She doesn't meow she says "Owie" or "Ow", especially since she's had her introduction to Dr. Vet! When she purrs, which is very often, she makes these funny little noises in her purr like she's trying to talk while she's purring. I've never heard a cat do this! When the oil man came into the house to wait while I wrote the check out, he picked her up and heard her make those strange noises and begged me to let him take her home! He was fascinated with her and instantly fell in love with her. I can't blame him because the same thing happened to me when I first saw her.

Anyway, to make a long story even longer... LOL...Sophie didn't like Dr. Vet at all and she really didn't like what he did to her. It's going to take a long time for her to forget as I found out today! Jake had to go to see Dr. Vet today because his ears are bothering him. Now Jake is an over-protective, over-weight Tri-Color Sheltie on a diet. He's not exactly in the best mood to have things shoved into his ears and drops put in them but he did behave very well and only barked at the gas station attendant when he came near my window. He knows that Dr. Vet is gonna do what he has to do and there's nothing Jake can do about it so he settles in, grumbles and lets Dr. Vet do what he has to do then demands a two "cookies" afterwards. Not one but two!

When I brought him back into the house little Sophie came running over to him. They are the best of friends and little Sophie doesn't like to be far from him so she was beyond herself with worry until we got back. She sat in the window the entire time we were gone and watched for us. As soon as Jake came through the door she ran right up to him and gave him a big kiss then suddenly fell back on her haunches in shock! Her eyes were huge and she fluffed herself out like a huge black Michelin Tire man! She smelled Dr. Vet's office, and probably the medicine used on Jake, and flipped out! Her tail was puffed up twice as wide as she is! She's spent the rest of the day watching him with ther tail fluffed out but not going near him! Silly little thing has parked herself on me every time I happen to stop for a few seconds and tells me how upset she is with her little "Ow, Ow, Owie" meow!

I wonder how long it will take for her to forget?! Poor old Jake just can't figure out why she's reacting like that but true to his over-weight self he just curled up and fell asleep. He'll worry about that when he's rested I guess. LOL

Awww...you just gotta love crazy pets!

I wish you all enough!

I hate gravel!

2006-11-08T12:51:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week so far and it's only mid-week! My driveway has been one big mud pond with the angel poop and rain we've had lately. The floors in my house are just covered in sand and mud from Jake's constant in-and-out game he plays all day long. The sand and mud just cling to his beautiful long fir. I swear he goes outside and the dirt is attracted to his fur like a magnet and once he comes inside the poles reverse and it falls all over my floors! If I've washed the floors once this week I've washed them a hundred times!

So I decided it was time to gravel the driveway and cut down on tracking dirt into the house. Seems pretty easy eh? Just ask some nice man to dump it in the driveway a little at a time to spread it from the garage to the road. Then with a little raking the driveway is done right? Well right up to "a little raking" is true but man does it ever take a lot of back work to get this long of a driveway done! Not just raking but shoveling and pushing a wheelbarrel! What was I thinking to build my house so far from the road?! I have muscles hurting that I didn't even know existed! Is it possible to have that many muscles to hurt? It can't be! I thought I was in pretty good shape but now I think it's time for me to go back to the gym and beat on my trainer! How can you hurt this much if you are in good shape? It's all my trainer's fault right?

Ok, ok, yes it's my fault. I decided to do the driveway without any help. I'm like that. I won't ask for help from someone if I was lying in a ditch bleeding to death. I've always just done things myself. It's not a matter of not asking for help because you don't think they'd do it the way you want it done, it's simply because I'm stubborn and can't ask for help. I think this is an area of my personality I really need to work on before I start landscaping 5 acres next spring! LOL

Well back to the grindstone...or gravel spreading. *sigh*
Take care all! I wish you enough!

What the Heck?!?!

2006-11-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

There's white stuff falling from the sky! What can it be? It can't be snow because I just won't have that this early in the season! I just won't have it!

Of course it could be some of that Angel poop my son, in his 4 year old mind, once believed. He had never seen snow until he was 4 and was observing his first blizzard. In his mind he decided it was Angel poop. When asked why he thought it was that he explained in a very knowing tone of voice, "Well Mom, even Angel's gotta poop sometime!" Oh, how stupid Moms can be eh?

I'll have to keep this post short because I, in my extremely organized little world, haven't had my snow tires put on my car yet. I figured I had at least another month before I had to worry about that! I took the cat, Sophie aka"hairy munster", into the vet this morning and have to pick her up in a few hours so I better figure out some way of getting those tires put on the car!

I'll just keep repeating to myself, 'It's not snow, it's not snow. It's Angel poop!' Yep, the Angels are pooping on me! ;-)

I wish you all enough
Chaotic

Sooo Tired!

2006-11-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

This week has been very hectic. I've been running back and forth between this Province and Nova Scotia to get Mom settled into rehab here in NB. I haven't had much sleep and very little time for anything. The good news is Mom is settled into Rehab and is now working hard to get her strength and health back.

I'm extremely proud of her. Now that she's off all medications from the surgery her positive attitude has returned and she's gaining her health back little by little each day. The nurses and doctors say she's a pleasure to be around and to work with. The nurses in rehab fall over themselves to help her in any way they can without taking any independance from her. If she is able to do something herself they will stand watch while she does it and only step in if she needs help. The only thing they are not doing is giving her any hope of gaining back the ability to walk. We still don't know what will happen with that.

While Mom was in her wheelchair she took me down to the cafeteria and introduced me to her friends, the cooks and servers in the cafeteria as well as many residents. I loved seeing her out of her bed and moving around even if it was in a wheelchair. It gives me so much hope for her future, whether her future includes a wheelchair or not. It makes me feel that no matter what she'll make the most of her situation and continue life in her positive way.

Now that I know Mom is safe and well looked after I think maybe now I can sleep. As a matter of fact I think I'll sneak off right now, while the house is quiet, and take a quick little capnap.

Sweet dreams all, I wish you all enough!
Chaotic

Great News!

2006-10-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

We received very good news about Mom yesterday. She's finally being moved to Rehab! She's so excited about this. The move to rehab not only means she will be able to begin work to hopefully regain her movement but it means she's closer to home so friends and family can visit more often. She really misses her home but she doesn't want to come home until she can walk in the door. I can understand that and I'll do whatever I can to make it happen for her.

The hospital she's been in for a month now did not have the staff to give her any form of rehab and we've been very worried that the longer she goes without it the harder it will be to get movement back. While I'm at the hospital I work with her, moving her toes, feet, legs, massaging to help blood flow etc. but I can't be there everyday because it's so far from home. I'm so glad she's getting moved to Rehab on Monday.

The strange thing is her Surgeon has been trying to get her into rehab in NB all month. Each day comes and goes and all the news we got was they will move her as soon as a bed is available or as soon as they have their Tuesday meeting. Yesterday one of the nurses that look after Mom got tired of not hearing anything so she decided to phone them and ask them for an approximate date. By the end of the call she had the whole move arranged! She had talked them into taking Mom on Monday, arranged the ambulance trip and everything! It took a nurse to do what a top Surgeon couldn't! That nurse should be extremely proud of herself. I know we appreciate what she has done more than words could possibly say. She said all the thanks she wants is to have Mom walk in to see her after her rehab. It's a trip Mom will definitely be taking!

This week has shown us some encouragement. She has been moving her feet just a bit more and she's getting to be a real pro at getting in and out of the wheelchair. She calls it her convertable and three times a day she wheels herself around the floor for exercise.

Now if we can just keep the doctors from giving her any more drugs she'll do great.
I'm in awe of the courage this woman possesses!

Well I'm off to do some research and maybe get time to visit some blogs.
I wish you all enough
Chaotic

Descrimination?

2006-10-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

Those of you who have been reading here a while will remember a rant I had when I was trying to build my home. When I tried to hire a contractor the contractor would take one look at me and raise his rates. I found that they all decided that since I was female taking on building a house alone I must have tons of money and they decided to try to get a share. Unfortunately for them I have been building houses on the West Coast for many years so I knew a thing or two about it. I decided to be my own contractor. When it came time to hire sub-contractors most would not work for a woman. If my brother told them what I wanted they would listen but if I told them what I wanted they would smile and chuckle and tell me I was wrong and it shouldn't be done that way, or they'd ask me out. So to make a long story short I hired friends and family and built the house that the contractors and sub-contractors said would be impossible and too costly.

Now I've decided to start my own business. This type of business has in the past been a male dominated business or so I've been told. After handing in my business plan I was called in to discuss some "problems". Here's a little of what I've been up against.

Director 1: Ms. Serenity, it's so nice to see you again. Please take a seat and we'll begin.

I shake his hand (firmly) and take a seat.

Director 2: Now, Ms. Serenity, there are a few questions we have for you before we present this to the board. It shouldn't take too long as we know you must be very busy.

Director 1: Ok, now there is a question that we need answered, just where did you come up with the idea of opening this type of business?

Me: You mean a retail/wholesale business or just this type of business?

Director 1: This type of business. We don't see many women coming in here with this type of business plan and we were curious on how you came up with the idea.

Me: Well sir, there is a need of this type of business in the area. In my business proposal you will see letters from many potential customers asking for this type of product. There is no other business in this area that sells these. The need is there and my business is willing to fill that need.

Director 1: Most women we've seen come in here are opening up craft stores, florist shops, hair salons, things like that. Who gave you the idea to open this type of business?

Me: First, before I answer that I'd like to know why it's important to know that?

Director 1: We are just curious as to why you decided to run this type of business.

Me: So, this has nothing to do with the business proposal?

Director 1: Oh yes, it does, but it's more our curiosity.

Me: To be honest with you, I have noticed a need for this type of business in the area. I keep my ears and eyes open for potential business ideas and this is what I came up with that would enable me to pay off the funding in 3 years and show a profit from the first year on. The idea is mine, the business proposal is mine, it is all me.

Director 2: Impressive.

Director 1: Hmmm...ok. Well I think that's all the questions I have, do you have any questions Director 2?

Director 2: Well yes I do. Now Ms. Serenity, how do you intend to run this business by yourself?

Me: In the business proposal you will see a schedule for hiring employees. As soon as the business is open I will be hiring one employee. Within six months two more employees will be hired. In the second year of business it should be supporting three more employees and by the 5th year there will be a total of 10 employees or possibly more.

Director 2: When you open this business you will only have yourself and one employee?

Me: Yes, for the first little while, then two more will be hired.

Director 2: Do you know who you will be hiring?

Me: Yes I do. She has already been screened and is very excited about coming to work for me as soon as I open.

Director 2: She? You will be hiring a woman?

Me: Yes Sir, I will be hiring a woman.

Director 2: Well, I was wondering, (long pause) your inventory is quite heavy.

Me: Yes it is.

Director 2: Umm...well...can you lift it?

At this point I have had enough. I take a deep breathe and very calmly say:

Ok, let's just take this off the record for a minute (I look at their name tags)Bill and Bob, (not their real names of course! LOL)if you are asking me how a woman like myself can run a business like this in a male dominated industry then you'll see by my business proposal that not only is it possible but very profitable as well. If you are asking me how a mere woman can lift and tote the type of products this business will be selling then I assume you haven't heard of dollies or lifts or things of that nature that help MEN in their businesses and lines of work. Yes, I barely hit 5 feet tall but I didn't know there was a height and weight restriction on starting a business. I also didn't know that there was a restriction on starting a business if I'm a woman. Frankly, I find this line of questioning very insulting. Had I been a man standing here (yes I was standing at that point) these types of questions would not be asked. I prefer you deal with the business proposal itself from this point on and ask me anything you'd like pertaining to starting and running this business regardless of how strong I am or what sex I am.

Bill and Bob speaking at the same time apologizing profusely.

Bill: Ms. Serenity, your business proposal is above and beyond what we normally see and it's well written and laid out. It has answered any questions we may have had about the business itself but we were just a little curious. I guess we both owe you a huge apology. Please accept our deepest regrets.

Well, there is really nothing I can add to this. They will either accept me or not. This is a viable, no a hugely profitable business, and if I'm turned down there will be hell to pay. I'm not an angry person and I don't like confrontations but I will stand up for myself if need be. Keep your fingers crossed! I'll know next week if they will fund me or not.

Take care all and I wish you all enough!

Chaotic :)

Home Again!

2006-10-18T10:33:00.000-04:00

Oh it's so good to be home again but on the other hand it's so hard to leave Mom by herself in a city where she knows no one. Mind you, Mom has been pretty busy winning over all the nurses. They just adore her and she adores them so that makes it a little easier.

The prognosis for gaining movement in her hips and legs at this point is up in the air. Only God can determine what will happen. The Doctors say that it's a very small possibility that Mom will walk again where Mom has a different story and is determined to walk out of rehab. We just don't know at this time. She's had no real rehab since the surgery and they want to move her back to NB to get rehab as she's costing the NB government large amounts of money the longer she stays in NS. I want her to have the best rehab which fortunately does exist here in NB so it will be better for her and easier for us to visit. Getting a bed is a huge problem so we are waiting for one now. I pray the bed comes available soon because the sooner she gets rehab the better it will be for recovery.

I did find her in good spirits and that helped my spirits. She has many people praying for her right now and I do believe in the power of pray. If it is meant to be it will be. She does have many months or years of hard work ahead of her but she's determined and she knows I will move mountains if it would help her as would her many friends and family.

It is so nice to be home again! To shower in my own shower and wander through my house with my morning coffee looking at how the river and the property changes with the seasons. Fall is such a beautiful time of year and here in the Atlantic Provinces its especially beautiful with all the glorious colors in the trees. I usually take my morning coffee and wander around the property while Jake, my sheltie, finds the perfect spot to do his business but it was raining this morning and Jake finds the comforts of a warm dry home much more appealing then getting wet so it was a quick walk this morning. He's such a wimp sometimes but he's my baby. :)

Well I'm off to catch up on some blogs! Have a great day all and I wish you enough!
Chaotic Serenity

Friday the 13th?

2006-10-13T11:32:00.000-04:00

Not being superstitious I actually handed in my business plan today to see if I can get the funding I need to construct a building and start my business. I should hear in two weeks if I get the financing or not. If I'm turned down I told them that I would just revamp the business plan and keep handing it in until either their shredder blades break and they can't shred it or they get sick of seeing me in there, either way they will give me the money. They laughed and I said "You laugh now but you have no idea how determined I am!" I think they get the picture that, like my Mom, I am a very determined woman.

Speaking of Mom, she's doing very well emotionally. I was able to talk to her nurse again last night and she said Mom had a good night and was very upbeat and determined. That's my Mom! Apparently Mom kept at the nurses until they gave her a wheelchair and she spent an hour "beetling around" learning how to use it and getting used to it. She's still very determined to walk again and the nurse said if she keeps that determination through rehab she'll do great. The nurse said that's not saying she'll get movement back in her legs but if she doesn't get it back she'll still be determined enough for the long term work she will have to do to learn how to be as independant as possible.

I'm so happy her determination is back again. I'm so happy to hear she's back to being the Mom I know and love, the Mom who never let anything stand in her way or bring her down. She taught me a lot and through my adult life I've had to use that determination to keep my own children alive through many medical problems and keep us all safe and happy through a difficult marriage. I was so fortunate to be loved and raised by such a woman as she is. One of these days, when I have more time, I'll write a post on her life so you can see how her hard life shaped who she is and why she never dwells on the past and why I'm so proud of her.

I will be going to see her tomorrow and I can't wait!

I wish you all enough.
Chaotic

PS
I can't seem to leave any comments on Walker's and Brian's sites. If anyone knows why the comment section won't load let me know and I'll try to fix it. Walker and Brian, if you visit here, I'm really not lurking! I'm trying to post comments but some computer glich is preventing me from doing so.

Take care all!

Feeling a Little Better

2006-10-12T12:32:00.000-04:00

I called Mom's nurse last night. Mom has a phone in her room but she can't get to it so I have to call the nurses to get updates.

Her nurse said her spirits were up yesterday and she's more positive now. That's my Mom. I was hoping she'd come around. She's a stubborn woman and when she sets her mind to something she'll move heaven and earth to do it. She's always been a positive person so I felt so much better to hear she's coming back.

She's still paralzed but she talked the nurses into letting her sit in a chair twice yesterday and she's asking for a wheelchair so she can "beetle around" the ward. This is what I needed to hear. It's so difficult being so far away from her when I know she needs us most. I'll be going back on Saturday for a few days and I can't wait for Saturday to get here! I miss her so much.

She's had a rough life and it's not fair this has happened to her or to anyone but I will take her anyway I can. I'm just not ready to lose her yet. Are we ever ready to lose a loved one? No, I don't think so. I pray her positive attitude will continue. She has many months or years of work ahead of her and she'll need all the strength she can muster. I just have to learn how to help her.

Maybe now I'll be able to sleep.

I wish you all enough

Good News, Bad News

2006-10-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Halifax last night. I was there close to two weeks with Mom while she went through a very difficult aneurysm surgery. The good news is Mom came through her surgery fine. The aneurysm was repaired and she was out of surgery in 3 hours. The bad news is she can't move her legs and will be in the hospital for a few months or more.

It seems that during the surgery her spinal cord was damaged and she lost the movement in both legs. The doctors feel that it is unlikely she will gain back the use of her legs. The surgeon said this type of aneurysm is the most difficult surgery they do and there was a 33% chance of her coming out paralyzed from the waist down. She has feeling but can't move her hips and legs. There hasn't been any improvement since surgery in her mobility so they feel that she won't ever walk again. They also discovered she has one blocked artery and the rest are as bad as a 90 year old.

Right now I am just scared that Mom will become depressed. I don't want her to give up just yet. It killed me to leave her there alone and come home but I had to. My bills said I didn't have much choice in the matter. She's not talking about how she's feeling about this which is not a good sign. She seems to have given up. Mom is such an independant person that this must be just killing her. As for myself, well I just don't know what to think. I haven't slept much in the last month or so and my brain seems to have all but disappeared. I just don't know what to think or how to feel. Do I help her resign herself to the fact she will never walk again or do I encourage her to keep fighting and working to gain more movement if that is possible? Will encouraging her to work at trying to gain more movement just frustrate her in the end when we find it will never happen? I just don't know what to do.

I know that if given the choice between not having her here at all or having her live but paralyzed well I'd pick having her here in any which way, shape, or form I could have. There's no question in my mind I'd take her any way I could to keep her with me. But what does Mom feel about it? What is going through her head? Will she give up completely or will she bounce back and learn to live a new life or will she really gain movement back in her legs. I know the chances of her walking again are slim to none but I just don't think I can ignore that there may be a possibility, if slight, of her walking again or at least gaining a little more movement in her legs.

My heart aches for her and I've shed a lot of tears on many a sleepless night over how she will take this. I just don't know what to do.

Aneurisms and Birthdays

2006-09-25T12:13:00.000-04:00

I was away this weekend when I got the call that my mother has her surgery date booked in Halifax. She'll be admitted to the hospital on Thursday and will have her aneurism surgery on Friday. She actually has 5 aneurisms but they will only operate on the largest one, the other 4 are small enough to leave them for a while. If they start to get larger then she will have to have more surgery but for now the largest one is the worse concern. They are worried about her coming through the surgery on just the largest one so I can see why they will wait the others out for now.

She didn't know she had this problem until she underwent tests to find out why her feet kept swelling. The largest aneurism was discovered then and the others were discovered in later tests. The largest one is in a difficult place and the surgery could result in her waking up paralyzed, as well the mortality rate is high for an aneurism in this place. I'll be going with her and staying in a hostel nearby until she is able to come home so I won't be able to blog, after tomorrow, for at least 10 days. Unfortunately the hostel doesn't have internet access.

She's upset because she will be in the hospital for my birthday on Sunday! As far as I'm concerned the best birthday present ever will be her coming through this. I wouldn't ask or wish for anything else.

I'm putting up a strong front but to say I'm scared would be an extreme understatement.

Missed you all!

2006-09-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

Well, life has finally settled into a nice safe environment filled with the chaos and serenity I so need to survive. It's been a long scary ride but isn't that what life is about?

I had to change the name of my blog for obvious reasons. During my "disappearance" from the blogging world I met a wonderful man. I don't know if he's really "The one I haven't met yet" or not but we'll see. The serenity side of my blonde brain tells me he's the one, the chaos part of my brain says to just wait and see. I'll keep you posted on which side is right! lol

He's a very gentle soul. He wouldn't hurt a flea if his life depended on it. He's kind and considerate and absolutely adores me. The fact that he can last 3 hours in bed (no prescription help in that area!) is a definite plus! lol He has his faults as I know I do but we seem to just fit. He's had a rough life and yet is not bitter. He has baggage, as we all have at our age, and yet keeps it folded away neatly. He knows it is there and treats it as it should be treated, lessons learned but not to be used as an excuse.

We have many of the same interests and many different interests of our own. Those different interests can sometimes compliment the other. For instance, he loves the outdoors and I love photography, so we spend alot of our spare time travelling the Province. He explores and I take pictures, it just works. He gets as excited about an "excellent picture" as I do and I get as excited about a new place to climb and explore as he does. He's taught me alot about the plants and animals that I've often seen on my own travels but knew little about. It just works.

Of course the fact that he thinks I'm the most beautiful woman who ever walked the earth doesn't hurt either! LOL I keep telling him he's a silly man who needs an eye exam so he can see exactly who he is in love with but I think I'll put off letting him get his eyes examined. For now I'll let his bad eyesight continue to see me in the flattering yet blurry light it now experiences. ;)

Well that's enough for today. I think I'll travel the blog world for a bit and catch up on everyone's news. I've missed so much!

Take care all and I wish you enough.

Finally!!

2006-09-20T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm finally able to blog again!!
I'm back, safe and sound, and everything is great. I can't comment on the reason I haven't been blogging but its safe to say that has all be taken care of.
I had to change the title of my blog for reasons I'll explain in a different post. This is just a short post to let you all know I'm still kicking and will be back later with more news.

I have a question for anyone who can answer me....how can I post pics in the blog that are protected so no one can copy or download them?

Anyway, I hope you all have had a great life while I've been gone and I look forward to visiting all my favorite sites and reading about you!

I wish you all enough!

Stop The World And Let Me Blog!!

2005-10-06T00:25:00.000-04:00

It's been so busy around here lately that I've had no time at all to write here! Now, I think that's totally unfair of Life to be so selfish and keep me so busy that I've no time to blog! I think I'll have a little talk with Life. This just can't be tolerated!

I had a fantastic time this weekend! I celebrated my birthday with friends from outside work on Friday night. Saturday night I celebrated with friends from work and Sunday I saved for quiet celebration with my family. A great time was had by all and I'm now another year older and no wiser. I don't feel any older but I'm sure it will catch up to me eventually. One morning I'll wake up and everything will have headed south. My face will be a road map of wrinkles and I'll have gray hair (I don't have any yet and it's not for lack of my children trying! And no I don't color my hair.) and my breasts will be in a race to see which one will meet my knees first but for now everything is as it should be.

I'm sure I told you before about my luck, or I should say my BAD luck, with my cars. In April or May of this year my transmission blew in my car and I had to take it off the road. My brother had a car he was going to use for parts so I've been driving that while I saved the money for a transmission. That car was unreal! It had a gas leak so you could only put $10.00 at a time in the tank or it leaked out. Ten dollars only lasted me from home to work then to the gas station so it cost me at least $60 a week for gas. It had an oil leak so I was constantly putting oil in it at a cost of $20 a week. The tires were bald so if it rained I had a heck of a time keeping it on the road. The fumes from the exhaust leak and gas leak were so strong I had to drive with my window down, rain or shine, (the only window that worked) so I could breathe in a bit of fresh air with the fumes to dilute them a bit. In spite of all this I was thankful to have a vehicle to drive. I live too far out in the country so there are no transit systems. Actually there isn't even a transit system in town! Had I not had this "piece of sh*t" car to drive I would have lost my job so I didn't complain.

Once I had saved up enough for the transmission I couldn't find one anywhere! My car is like a belly button...everyone has one yet I couldn't find a transmission to fit it anywhere in the Province. I had begun looking outside the Province when something extremely touching happened.

Daughter and Future-future Son-In-Law (they still aren't engaged as they are waiting for Daughter to finish university so that's why he's Future-Future) arrived home Saturday night in time to celebrate at the club with us. They had requested that the family not celebrate until Sunday so they could be there as it was very important to them to be there. Sunday morning Son and Brother disappeared, which is nothing new since they are constantly working, and Future-future Son-in-Law asked me to come outside with him while he had a cigarette with his coffee. It was such a warm and beautiful day I grabbed my coffee and went outside.

After I got outside I noticed everyone came out. I didn't think much of this as the day was just gorgeous and not one to be wasted inside. As we sat outside chatting a car pulled into the driveway. I looked at it wondering who it was and thought "wow, that car looks just like mine without the rust." and continued chatting with Daughter. I glanced at the car again and noticed Brother and Son sitting in the front seat and I did a double-take. That is my car!

For three weeks Friend, Brother and Son have been sneaking around while they fixed my car! They not only put the transmission in it and fixed some minor things but they gave it a new paint job too! It's beautiful! I couldn't believe it! I was stunned! Daughter snapped a pic of me looking totally stunned while I stared at the car. I won't post it cause it's really not that flattering! LOL I just can't believe they did that for me. That was a lot of work to fix it and to hide it from me. I almost caught them a few times and they thought the gig was up but something always intervened and they got away with it. I was so touched I cried. I still can't believe it. I don't think I could ever explain how much that meant to me.

I am blessed to be loved by such a wonderful group of people.

Just Another Day

2005-09-19T23:01:00.000-04:00

Today I spent eight hours in a large room with 600 people all waiting to get interviewed for jury duty. Eight hours and still no one got called because they weren't prepared for the amount of people who showed up. We all have to go back again tomorrow and possibly the next day as well.

They sent out 600 summons and expected 300 people but 600 showed up. Ok...halt the presses....if I sent out 600 summons I would expect that 600 would attend especially since I've told them if they don't attend a warrant will go out for their arrest and they will be put in jail! Makes sense to me that 600 would therefore show up right? Well I guess that's easy for me to figure out but not so easy for the court system here.

Anyway, I have possibly two more days before I find out if I will be on a jury for a case lasting almost 5 months.

So as I was getting ready for bed tonight my mom decided to take the dog out for his bedtime pee. She always offers to take him out at night so she can sneak a cigarette but I'm not suppose to know this. Somehow my beautiful Sheltie got away from her (could be because she left the leash inside? Just a thought. lol) and got sprayed by a skunk! I guess Mom kinda panicked because she brought the dog back in the house. So now the dog and the house stinks horribly. Not only that but I have to sit with 600 other people tomorrow.

Oh dear Lord, please don't let me smell like a skunk tomorrow!

Just another day in my chaotic serene life! LOL

Onion and Orchid letters

2005-09-14T12:25:00.000-04:00

Do you know what they are? I didn't until I read an article in a magazine while waiting in the doctor's office. The article was about a woman who many years ago had worked as a flight attendant. She said the company's policy was that the customer was always right. It didn't matter what the problem was or if the problem was even something the company or employees could control, the customer was always right and immediatedly received an apology. If the passenger got angry and wrote a letter of complaint, it was placed in the employee's file. It was called an Onion letter. If the passenger wrote a complimentary letter, it was also placed in the employee's file and called an Orchid letter.

Whenever this woman was treated badly in a restaurant or was treated rudely by any company she wrote them an Onion letter. In the letter she was very explicit with names, dates, times, comments etc. and sent to the appropriate person. If she did not receive some recognition in a specific period of time she sent another followup Onion letter until she received some acknowledgement. She wasn't doing it for free food or service. She did it because she felt she, as well as others, deserved to be treated with respect.

When she received good service she wrote an Orchid letter. She wrote the date, time, location and names and told the company how wonderful their service/employees were. Again she didn't do it for anything but the fact that the company or employee should know that they were treating their customers right.

How often do we write, or think of writing, letters or emails to complain about the mistreatment we receive in restaurants, stores, offices etc? I know I've thought of doing it a time or two but I have to admit I've come up with my own way of dealing with it. No matter how rude they are I calmly smile and say thank-you or "You seem to be having a bad day today, I hope it gets better for you", or something to that effect. It seems to really p*ss them off more than my getting angry or complaining to their boss so it works for me. :-)

The one thing I never really thought about was the Orchid letters. Have you ever written to the head of a company to tell them about the wonderful service you received? I have never thought of doing this. When I receive good service or an employee goes out of their way to help me I thank them profusely and usually leave a good tip. I've never written to the company about this and after reading this article I wondered how many people do this. Do you?

Many people I know are always ready to yell and complain when treated rudely but I've never heard many of them say even "thank-you" when they've been treated good. It seems we are ready to jump right in when we are treated badly but what about when we are treated great? Shouldn't an employee or a company who has gone the extra mile for us have that moment knowing what they did was appreciated? When I show the employee my appreciation it really doesn't get the news to the top so no one but you and the employee ever hears about it.

After thinking about this for some time I know that I for one will never be good with Onion letters. I deal with them a different way and that way works for me. I don't get worked up about it, I just deal with it in my own way. (Besides it's highly hilarious to see their faces when I respond that way to their rudeness!) But I do think I will be writing a few Orchid letters from now on. When our children exhibit behavior we are not really overly joyed about we tend to down play our reactions and try to show it doesn't affect us in hopes the child will drop the behaviour when they haven't received any reaction. When they exhibit behaviour we want repeated we show reaction and let the child know how pleased or excited we are and the good behaviour is usually repeated. Why wouldn't this work for the service we receive as well? If the employees are praised more maybe we wouldn't have to have as many Onion letter moments?

Just some thoughts from my chaotic serene world.
Have a great week! :-)

Pics From The Road

2005-09-07T16:20:00.001-04:00

I had an unexpected 5 day weekend. You know what that means! ROAD TRIP!!
Yep, I went on another road trip. I thought I'd post a few of the millions of pictures I took. Remember now, I'm not a photographer! Don't laugh at my attempts! Ok you can laugh but not too hard! ;-)

2005-09-07T16:20:00.000-04:00

When I saw this I had to take a picture. How often do you still see this nowdays?

2005-09-07T16:18:00.000-04:00

A small brook I stumbled upon while looking for a place to have a picnic.

2005-09-07T16:17:00.000-04:00

Grampa used to say, "Everyone should stop everything they are doing to enjoy the picture God paints just for us every night."

2005-09-07T16:16:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist taking this one.

2005-09-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

I visited a beautiful garden but I'll only post one of the million pics I took.

2005-09-07T16:14:00.000-04:00

I love covered bridges.

2005-09-07T16:13:00.000-04:00

Some friends I made along the way.

Tales From The Road - The Brothers

2005-09-02T02:29:00.000-04:00

In my many travels this summer I met numerous people that will forever be in my memories. This story is about 4 of the people I met. The four brothers are bachelors. When asked why, they all chime in with, "I just never met me a woman good enough." The real reason they have always been single became apparent to me as I learned more about them.

They were all born one year apart. "Mama wanted a girl baby bad so she kept Daddy busy for a while there." Their ages are 72, 73, 74, and 75. They live in identical houses all built side by side on the property their family settled on many years ago. Their houses, like their lives, are simple. The brothers "have all we need and want for nothing". They say they "ain't no longer workn" but they are busy from sun up to sun down.

They share one vehicle which is only used to drive to town for groceries once a month. On "grub day" they all put on their best clothes and "gussy up to go to town". You won't find any junk food in their homes. As the 75 year old said, "Mama fed us good so we know how to cook without eating that stuff they call food now days." I'm sure their Mama would be proud.

They are up before the birds in the morning and work all day at their chores but they never turn down an opportunity to "chew the fat" with anyone they happen to come across. They aren't aware of many things happening in the world as they have no TV, telephone, computer or radio. The only news they hear is from the people they "chew the fat" with. They sound pretty interesting by now eh? Just wait!

The brothers are extremely polite to women. They made sure I had a chair, tea, biscuits and all the dogs had been shooed away as they began what they are famous for...arguing. These men act like they can't stand each other! They fight and argue constantly. I don't know how they've managed to live next to each other all their lives and haven't committed murder!

Here's just a small sample of what I witnessed:
74 year old: WELL 72 IF YOU ANY SLOWER WIT BRING'N THE LADY A CHAIR WE BE DEAD AN GONE FOR SHE GOT TO SIT! Now don't you worry Miss Chaotic, we'll have ya sitting right dandy in a sec (turning towards 72 year old) IF THE LAZY ARSE WOULD GET A MOVE ON!

75 year old to 74: NOW DON'T YOU BE CUSSING IN FRONT OF MISS CHAOTIC! (To me) Mama would string him up she would! (To 73 year old) DON'T JUST STAND THERE WITH YOUR MOUTH OPEN! GO GET THE LADY A TEA AND SOMETUN TO EAT!

73 year old to me: Now you just sit here and relax, I'll be right back with a nice pot of tea and biscuits (To 75 year old) I'M GETTING EM! HOLD YOUR BLOODY HORSES! (To me)Oh my, please accept my apologies for my language! I sometimes forget myself. (To 72 year old)WELL GODDAMN TIME YOU SHOWED UP WITH A CHAIR!

72 year old mumbling to no one in particular as far as I could see: I just don't know why we's all gotta sit on 75's porch. We's always on 75's porch. Why can't we sit on my porch? Would be easier to bring chairs cuz I got some on my porch. (To the brothers)STOP YOUR GO...I MEAN STOP YOUR CATERWALING! I GOT THE CHAIR! DOES YOU ALL GOTTA YELL IN FRONT OF COMPANY?!

73 year old: Here's your tea Miss Chaotic. I brung you some biscuits too just like Mama made. (To 75 year old)THEY'S LIGHT AND FLUFFY BUT IF 75 HAD OF MADE EM YOU COULD USE THEM FOR BULLETS IN THE SHOTGUN...WHICH I'M ABOUT TO GO GET CUZ I'M NOT TAKN ANY MORE OF THIS SH....I mean, stuff!

75 year old: YOU'S ALL BETTER STOP YOUR YELLN OR I'M GONNA WHOMP YOUS UPSIDE THE HEAD!

Of course that statement didn't stop the yelling, cursing or fighting but I did understand why they were still single. What woman would get any attention from any of these men? They were so busy fighting with each other they wouldn't have had time to spend on a woman and what woman in her right mind could put up with that day after day?! Regardless of how they treated each other, they treated us with the utmost respect. When talking to me they talked in a soft low voice. They constantly concerned themselves with my comfort while I waited for my car to be repaired. In between the arguing we even got them to sing, dance a little and play the spoons!

I have to admit that although my ears are still ringing from the yelling and arguing, they are loveable characters...just not to each other!

I almost forgot! I don't have pictures of these characters or their houses because they couldn't agree on which house for me to take a picture of (although the houses are identical!) or which brother to take a picture of (because they wouldn't be in the same picture together!)

Tales From The Road

2005-08-28T17:34:00.000-04:00

In my last post I told you that I had been traveling through NB this summer so I thought I'd post some of the experiences I had. I think I may have figured out how to post a picture but I'll find out for sure after I finish this post and try it.

One of the many trips I took led me to two islands at the North East point of New Brunswick. I had no idea they were even there but I have an excuse or two...I haven't lived here long and I'm blonde. ;)

I have always had a fascination with the ocean. It is a strange fascination to have because I don't swim but it's always been a part of me. I love being near the ocean in a storm. The crash of the waves on the rocks beat through my chest like the repercussions from a bass drum. The strong winds batter my body and whip through my hair. My heart beats faster; my mind fills with awe as such a majestic scene. The force beats through my veins and invigorates my soul. Standing before such a force of nature I am reminded of the grand scheme of things and I feel so humble and small yet strangely significant.

On a calm day it soothes me. I stand before it and look out over the horizon and feel the sand between my toes, the sun on my face, the warm wind caressing my body. The gentle lapping of the waves onto the sand relaxes and soothes me in a way that no man-made substance ever could. My mind clears and again I am reminded of the grand scheme of things and although I'll never know how significant I am in it I do know I'm exactly where God wants me to be in life.

I found an island on my travels that hold all this for me. It's a beach at the very tip of a lightly populated island. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. No one lives there. There is only one house and it has been abandon for many years. It adds to the beauty of the area. This is where I plan to retire someday. This is my quiet place.

2005-08-28T16:42:00.000-04:00

My quiet place.

Hey all!

2005-08-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I posted anything on here! I have today off so I'm going to kick back with a English Toffee Cap (some things never change) update this blog then catch up on all my favorite people.

It's been a very busy summer for me. Since my last post I managed to cross the line from Bronchitis to Pneumonia, from Province to Province, from friend to....haha kidding, still just friends although I did cross a line there too but I'll blog about that another time.

I took my computer in to Dr. Puter and found that I had done everything right and the computer was given a clean bill of health. The only problem was that life became so busy that I just never went back to pick my computer up until recently. I did manage to get online a couple of times from my daughter's computer when I was traveling through her town. I checked on some of my favorites but didn't get to catch up on everyone. I'm hoping no one will know I have the day off today and I'll be able to catch up. shhhhhhh...I'm not here.

I've spent most of the summer working and traveling. When I lived in BC I was so busy working and raising a husband and children (yes the husband was as much a child as the other two) that I never managed to see all the beauty in that Province. I found from talking to friends that we are so busy in our lives that we just don't take the time to see the beauty that surrounds us. The tourists had more knowledge of the area I lived in than I did. I had to work to afford to live in such a beautiful place and wasn't able to experience what they experienced. I swore when I moved to NB that I would see all there was to see, everything the tourists pay to come see and more. So in keeping with the promise to myself I've spent every weekend and every available moment traveling New Brunswick. I've taken hundreds of pictures, traveled roads that were not even on a map, met and made friends with people from all over the world, visited historic sites, discovered islands that I didn't even know NB had, seen more wild life and country side than I thought possible, shopped in major city malls (not my favorite part of my travels), visited lighthouses and beaches not found on a map, learned of different cultures, partied with friends and strangers, and had so many more experiences that it would take me weeks to blog them all.

I took a map with me and I highlighted every highway and dirt road I traveled on. I even had to draw in many of the roads because they weren't on the map. Most of New Brunswick is now highlighted. I have a few more places to go but that will have to wait until next year. My boss must have found out that I was thoroughly enjoying myself in seventh heaven, and he changed my shift so I only have one saturday off a month IF I'm lucky. He has this sick sense(it's not a sixth sense) about when we are happy and he does everything in his power to stomp that out. I have to feel sorry for him though because no matter what he does he can't stomp my happiness out. It must be frustrating for him.

I'm still hoping to get a few more day trips in before the winter sets in, maybe even be lucky enough to get a weekend off. There's still so much to see and experience in this beautiful province. Now I understand why people come from all over the world to visit here. Next year I'm hoping to go further and discover more of PEI, Cape Breton and Newfoundland but those will be longer than weekend trips. I'll have to save up some money and buy a laptop to take with me on my travels so I can post from the road. I'll accept donations! LOL

I hope you all are having a fantastic summer. If you aren't, you better get busy because there's not much time now until hibernation weather sets in! LOL
Take care and I wish you all enough!

Virus

2005-07-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not keeping up to date on this site but I do have a good reason! Well, it is a reason if not all that good! LOL

My computer came down with a virus. I don't know what the name of it was but it was nasty to get rid of. I did manage to clean it but I'm taking it in to Dr. Puter ( a friend of mine) so he can make sure the computer gets a clean bill of health.

As for me, well I'm a little peeved because I've managed to catch some sort of flu virus that went right into Broncitis. Can you imagine? Broncitis in the summer? Not only that but this coming weekend I had plans to travel the Acadian coastline and now I may not be able to go! If I thought about it I'd just sit down and cry but I'm not giving up hope yet. I have a few more days before the start of the trip to try and clear this up. Even if I can just clear it up a tiny bit I'll be going. I have a Doctor's appointment tomorrow morning so we'll see what kind of junk he'll try to put into my body this time. Last winter he gave me some sort of cough medicine that knocked me out for 4 days. Let's see what he has in store for me this time!

So tomorrow, bright and early, Computer and I are going to our Doctors. I don't know when we'll get back online but it shouldn't be too long.
Until then I wish you all enough! Take care! :)

Need a Life Coach?

2005-07-14T16:49:00.000-04:00

I found an interesting article about Life Coaches . After I had read it Daughter, Son and I were discussing it.

Me : So what did you guys think of that article?
Daughter (with a big grin): It's pretty interesting but I'm sure it's just more fodder for your writing right?
Son: Yep, now Mom has a new career to add into her stories.
Me (sigh): Oh come on now, it was interesting, but yes I'll admit I could weave a story around that one. But really, what do you think about having a Life Coach? Someone to help you keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds? Someone to help you in a difficult situation discover that you have the answers deep inside? Someone to listen to you talk through situations where you don't know which way to turn?
Daughter and Son looked at each other.
Daughter: We have one.
Son: Yep, the best there is
Me: What do you mean you have one? Do the universities have them to help students or something?
Son: It isn't the universities that supply them.
Daughter: Nope it isn't
Me: Oh come on now, don't keep me in suspense! You know how curious I am so spill it!
Daughter: We both have a very special Life Coach. She's the best I've ever seen. She works for free, is always available and even works days, nights, weekends, holidays, just whenever you need her.
Son: Even works overtime!
Daughter: Ya, we call her Mom.

Awwwwww...what sweeties they are! I wonder what they want?! LOL

Cars and Jokes

2005-07-12T11:55:00.000-04:00

The Nationals weekend was a hit. I couldn't believe how many vehicles were there on Saturday! It took ages to walk around to see them all. Of course it took me a little longer than most as I was still limping from my disagreement with the car door.

There was a dance Saturday night that we all went to but before we went to the dance we decided to go down to the hotel bar. I met a man there that I swear knew every joke ever written or told! He never missed a beat, just joke after joke, and never forgot the punch line! I have never seen anyone tell a joke like this man. It was amazing and my ribs still hurt from laughing so hard. At one point I was begging him to stop or I just might have an accident! LOL

I also met a woman who was just had a military transfer to the area. Her furniture and clothes were still in transit so they put her up in a hotel until her belongings caught up to her. She was having the time of her life and she had a few jokes of her own. I talked to her for ages. Being an Army Brat myself, we swapped stories inbetween rolling on the floor in laughter from the Jokester guy. Another man moved from Niagra Falls. He told us a hilarious story. One evening a group of Japanese tourists approached him and asked what time they turn the Falls off for the night. Never skipping a beat he told them the Falls were turned off at midnight but for $20 each he could persuade them to leave them on all night! The tourists excitedly paid their $20 and settled in to watch the falls and take pictures. LOL

There were so many people I met this weekend that I'd love to blog about but if I did this post would be much too long and would put you all to sleep. I wish I knew how to make my pictures smaller because I have a picture of a car in the show that had a real bird's nest under it's hood, complete with two little eggs! Oh well, I'll figure it out eventually and post it for you.

Sunday I didn't go back to the car show. Brother, Daughter, Future Son-in-law, and Friend were a little worse for wear from Saturday night and decided to for-go the car show. We drove the long way home through back roads that were only wide enough for one vehicle. The scenery was gorgeous! Beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers, and I even got a picture of an old covered bridge as well as many other pictures. I'll see if I can figure out how to make them smaller and post a few later this week.

I suppose walking through a huge park looking at vehicles and dancing Saturday night was not one of my brightest ideas considering the condition of my foot and ankle but with a bit of Advil sprinkled with a ton of determination I made it just fine and had a fantastic weekend. I would have posted last night but I was trying to catch that ever elusive beauty sleep people keep talking about. lol

Next year you'll all have to come to visit for the Nationals and the Rock n Roll weekend!
Have a great day all!

Accident Prone?

2005-07-06T23:06:00.000-04:00

I've been hobbling around this week. My ankle and the car door had a little disagreement as to how fast I should have gotten my entire body inside the car. Of course the car door won. As I was getting in the car the wind caught the door and while I was looking the other way the car door swung shut on my ankle. My ankle and foot are swollen to twice the size and I have the ankle wrapped for support. I don't think I broke anything, maybe one toe, but the bruise on my foot and ankle sure is colorful!

I can't believe this happened just before my big weekend out of town! I'll be darned if it will stop me though. I'm still leaving Friday right after work and not coming home until late Sunday night. The only difference will be that I'll have a very colorful and painful foot and I'll be walking funny. My wiggle just won't be the same I guess. LOL

There is a brook that runs right down the side of my property to the river. Tonight I curled up by the window and listened to the birds as they all came home to roost for the night. The songs they sing, the twitters and tweets, are just so beautiful. It's like they are all telling each other what kind of a day they had out in the world, sharing stories, sharing close calls, greeting friends and sharing where the best food was found. As the night rolls in I'm sure they start saying goodnight to each other. This goes on until one sound quiets them suddenly. It's like a song stopped in mid chorus. One bird, much louder and shriller than the rest screams out,
"WILL YA JUST SHUT-UP! I'M TRYING TO SLEEP HERE! SHEESH!"
and they all fall silent for the night. This happens every night and I'm sure that's what he's saying because not a sound is heard from the birds for the rest of the night.

Well I guess it's time for me to force myself into bed and get some sleep for work tomorrow. Only two more work days until the weekend!

Sweet dreams all!

Canada Day

2005-07-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

What is Canada Day? The Wikipedia describes it as follows:
July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 183 days remaining.
Canada Day (French: Fête du Canada) is Canada's national holiday. It is celebrated on July 1.
It celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada through the British North America Act 1867, which came into effect on July 1, 1867, uniting three British territories — the Province of Canada (southern Ontario and southern Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — into a federation. (See Canadian Confederation.)
The holiday itself was formally established in 1879 and was originally called Dominion Day, making reference to the Canadian-originated term 'dominion' to describe the political union, at a time when the Fathers of Confederation were hesitant to use a name such as the Kingdom of Canada. The name was changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982.
It is a mandatory holiday across Canada for all federal institutions. It is also celebrated by all provincial governments and businesses across Canada. Quebec provincial governments under the Parti Québécois refused to recognize the celebration. In Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 is also recognised as Memorial Day and commemorates Newfoundland's heavy losses during World War I in the Battle of Beaumont Hamel as part of the Battle of the Somme.

Activities
With the exceptions noted above, Canada Day is generally marked by patriotic celebrations. Most cities have organized celebrations, often featuring fireworks. Entertainment usually has a Canadian theme. Canadian flags abound, and some go as far as to paint their faces in Canadian colours.
The celebrations in Ottawa are particularly lavish. Every Canada Day, hundreds of thousands gather on Parliament Hill to celebrate Canada's birth.

Quebec
Due to a particularity in colonial New France, Quebec celebrates Canada Day by mass movements of people changing residences. This is known as Moving Day.
Moving Day is a tradition in the province of Quebec.
Moving Day started as a humanitarian measure of the French colonial government of New France. It stipulated that the seigneurs of the seigneuries could not evict tenants before the winter snows had melted. In law, this date was placed as May 1st. Later this evolved into leases that had to start on May 1st and end on April 30th.
During the Quiet Revolution, the government of the day decided that it would be better to move Moving Day into the summer, to avoid disruption of school by students moving during the school year. The law moved Moving Day to July 1st, but by law, there was no longer a set term for leases. However tradition has carried on, and the vast majority of home leases still start and end around Moving Day.
Moving Day is a boon and a headache for commercial moving companies, and people must reserve their services at least 3 months in advance. Moving companies start moving at midnight, and keep doing it to midnight, with moving charges often being 3 times the normal rate.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day"

Here is a list of the order in which the provinces and territories joined Canada.

1867
Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

1870
Manitoba, Northwest Territories

1871
British Columbia

1873
Prince Edward Island

1898
Yukon

1905
Saskatchewan, Alberta

1949
Newfoundland and Labrador

1999
Nunavut

*Manitoba, the Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut were created out of the Northwest Territories; the remaining provinces joined Canada as separate and previously independent colonies.

So what is Canada Day to me?
Canada Day is a celebration of who I am, who and where I came from, and the freedoms I enjoy. I love that I belong to a country that, for better or worse, stands out in the world. Canada is a nation of many different cultures, standing and working together to make Canada a unique country in the eyes of the rest of the world.

My family left their country when their human rights no longer existed. They were persecuted in their home land and again in the new land they adopted as home. A tired family crossed into this land with nothing but hope, strong backs, good hearts, and love. In 1762 this country gave them the freedom to prosper through hard work and dedication. No one took their land, their money, their wives or their children in this country. No one beat or murdered them for their beliefs. Here they never witnessed a neighbour tarred and feathered on the main street or farms taken or home burned because of their loyalty or beliefs. Here they were safe.

I am proud to be Canadian. I am proud that so many generations of my family were born and raised on the land I now reside on.

J'aime vraiment mon pays. I really love my country
J'aime ma vie. I love my life.
Je vous souhaite tout une bonne vie remplie de rire et aime. I wish you all a good life filled with laugher and love.

Note:
I'm not that good at French yet so please forgive any mistakes in the translations. :)

PS:
Here I was worried about my French translations and it looks like I really need to worry about my English! Look above at how I spelled "laughter"! LOL

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go

2005-06-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

Yep, I talked the doc into letting me go back to work early. Today was my first day back since surgery. Doc isn't too pleased but he knows me by now and he knows that if I feel I can do it I will.

I probably should have stayed home for the rest of the week as today was a little uncomfortable but I managed to put the day in and nothing terribly bad happened to me. Just a little tired and sore but a good night's sleep will fix that up. Besides I really don't think I could take another day of daytime TV without going crazy. I mean really, where do they come up with this stuff and more importantly...WHY? Do they get paid to go on national TV and have 20 men tested to find the father of their 5 children and still not find a match? What good is it to announce on national TV, "Baby I love you but I've been sleeping with the babysitter, the milkman, the cable guy, the mechanic, the school Principal, the hydro meter reader, the bus driver, your four brothers, two of your sisters, your father, fourteen of our neighbors for the last year, and had a threesome with your aunt and uncle last night, but it meant nothing! I never felt a thing for them! I love you! But now I have a secret to tell you...you may not be the father of our ten children."

AND the one that really gets me is the person who has fooled around on their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend coming on TV to take a lie detector test to prove their innocence? What is that?! They know they did it why would they take the test and why on national TV? Do the guilty ones think something amazing will happen to the lie detector and it will lie and show they are innocent??? It DETECTS lies not creates them! I just don't get it.

As you can see I really needed to get back to work! LOL Don't get me wrong, I do realize that sh*t happens in life and love and I don't judge anyone on their actions, heavens knows I'm not perfect nor do I expect anyone else to be. I just wish there was something a little more...ummm...mentally challenging on TV when I'm home recuperating from surgery! LOL

Speaking of a good night's sleep, I better do some reading on my favorite sites and then make myself go to bed and get some sleep.

Sweet dreams all!

Can You Believe It?!

2005-06-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

I'm home on a Saturday night! There's a good reason for it though. I'm recovering from a minor surgery I had yesterday. I can't remember the last time I was home on a Saturday night. Mind you, right now I'm so high on pain killers I can't remember an hour ago let alone yesterday!

I've been so busy lately that I'm sure Life decided to slow me down with this surgery. That's ok cause I'll be up and running again soon...just don't tell Life or Life might hand me something else to deal with to slow me down! LOL

I'll have to keep this post short, mostly because I can't remember what I was going to write about! LOL I'm off work for a little while so I'll have a bit more time to recover and spend some time surfing my favorite sites.

I think I'll surf around a few blogs and then head back to bed and sleep off these drugs.

Have a great weekend all!

No p*nis, no brains

2005-06-22T18:38:00.000-04:00

Things sure have been hectic around here lately. It seemed I had a bit of free time on my hands and that would NEVER do so I decided to become a contractor and hire sub-contractors to finish a house I started a few years ago. That's why I haven't been around much lately. Between being a contractor and a professional spooner I'd pick the latter every time! That reminds me, now that I have a growing client list, I better get busy setting up that company and looking into franchising etc.

I really never thought I'd run into a problem like this in this day and age but I'm having a hard time getting sub-contractors to take me seriously. As soon as they heard a female voice on the answering machine they didn't bother phoning back. I actually had to get my brother and Friend to make some of the calls for me and every message they left was returned the same day! Once my brother or Friend gets the contractors to the house and I take over they treat me like I don't know anything and they will talk to my brother or Friend instead of me!

One man refused to talk to me. He treated me like I was some dust on the floor, turned his back to me and talked to my brother instead. So I very sweetly said, "Sir, he's not the one hiring you. This isn't his job, it's mine, so if you want a job you should turn back around, face me and tell me why I should hire you for MY job." My brother almost choked he was laughing so hard and he said to the man, "She may be small and blonde but she's some ornery!" LOL
Needless to say I never hired him. I won't hire anyone who feels that because I don't have a p*nis I'm not capable. The other problem is as soon as they see it's a woman contractor they will actually raise their price! They are very surprised when I call them on this. I guess they figure people without a p*nis have no clue about measurements, material costs and labour costs.

I really have to wonder why I got myself into this. Can I really do it? Can I pull it all together and get the sub-contractors working together to get the job done if they feel I should be in the kitchen or the bedroom rather than the construction site? I don't really know but I guess I'll find out soon enough if I can as I'm not about to give up yet.

So if I'm not around much in the next few weeks you know where I'll be...using my "free time" to get a lesson in how I should remain in the kitchen or bedroom!
Good thing I still have my purpose in life from G**gle! LOL

I guess I should add here that in no way do I think all men are like this so please don't take offense. I'm just talking about these particular men not men in general.
Maybe all they need is a Professional Spooner? ;) LOL

Finally!!

2005-06-18T01:16:00.000-04:00

I finally know what I'm good for! It took G**gle to show me! Imagine that! I now know why I was placed on this earth, my purpose in life. Everyone needs a purpose, a reason for being and I always thought I knew what mine was. All these years I've been wrong! G**gle has taught me who I am and why I'm here...well G**gle and a very chilly internet surfer.

Someone arrived at my site by searching "what to use for heat in cold weather" and there I was! After all these years I finally know I'm something you use for heat in cold weather! Imagine that! I was put here to heat people up in cold weather.

It gets fairly cold around here so I'll have to start a company, rent myself out. I better incorporate so I'll have little or no liability. A sole proprietorship is just too much liability should global warming hit our Province and I'm out of work. Yep, definitely incorporate because you just never know, the poles might shift, then there's that pesky El Nino and global warming. I'll sell some shares but of course hold voting rights. I wouldn't want someone else to vote on how to warm people in cold weather! Ol Hoss you really should have thought of this to make your pile!

I'll need an assistant to keep the client list and appointments straight because I'll be too busy cuddling people to keep them warm. I really wouldn't want to miss any appointments! What a great job! Work all winter and take the summers off, or I could just open up a branch of the company on the other side of the world, where its winter during our summer, and work all year round!

Hmmm...this could be interesting...to say the least!

I can just imagine some of the comments for this one! LOL

I Stubbornly Held My Ground!

2005-06-13T22:10:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! Daughter and Future Son-in-law came home for her birthday and brought the kitten and 10 loads of laundry! Daughter had just finished all her finals and was exhausted so you know who did the laundry. I think I'm too soft for my own good! LOL

We celebrated Daughter's birthday on Saturday. It's strange but whenever I have a birthday I never get depressed about it but when the kids have a birthday I get a little misty-eyed. I'm just so happy to have survived to see another one of my birthdays that I'm actually excited about them but when the kids have a birthday I think back on the birthdays before and how fast they grow up. It just seems like one minute you are cuddling that new-born to your breast, blink and you're crying cause they said "mama", blink again and you're walking them to the first day of school, blink again and they are driving, graduation, university, boyfriends/girlfriends. Maybe it's time to have another baby.

JUST KIDDING! LOL

After we stuffed ourselves with a huge birthday dinner Daughter, F-Son, Friend and I decided to go to the races. It was the first race of the season and my brother was racing so we had to go. We had a great time although it was a bit cold. They all worked on me to go to the club after the races but I kept refusing. They had to listen to me anyway cause I was driving! LOL Brother had a great race...HE WON 1ST PLACE in the feature and in points! Since I absolutely refused to go to the club Daughter, F-Son and Friend decided we'd all go to the camp and play cards. I guess Friend had suspected he wasn't going to be able to get me to the club because when we got to the camp his fridge was filled with liquor and being the thoughtful friend he is he remembered the Rum and Coke! LOL

We had a great time playing crib. As usual I knew who to pick as a partner and Friend and I won. A few more people dropped in and we never got home until 5:30am Sunday. A great time was had by all although I only had 2 hours sleep Sunday morning. So if getting more sleep was my objective going to the club or going to the races didn't make much difference at all.

BUT...I never gave into them! I held my ground and I didn't go to the club! LOL
I think I may have to leave town on the weekends to get any sleep!

I'm finding it a little difficult to find time on the computer now that Son is home doing a work-term for two weeks. Whenever he's home he's on the computer talking to all his friends or playing games. I actually had to send him on a few errands so I could grab the computer and get this post done! Hopefully I can get around and visit all my favorite blogs (oops..sorry Ol'Hoss)before he gets home.

Have a great day tomorrow!

************************************************************************************
I wonder what I'll pull out of the jar of inspiration tonight...

If I choose to bless another person, I will always end up feeling more blessed.
- Marianne Williamson

************************************************************************************

Birthday Girl

2005-06-09T20:01:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is my Daughter's birthday. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I still see her as that tiny little girl with the huge blue eyes, dressed in her Sunday best, looking up at me and smiling while covered from head to toe in mud. The tiny girl snuggling up to me and asking all those questions that we really have no answers for. The little girl who was born turning 40, with a quick mind and huge heart. I just can't believe how fast time flies when you're having fun! She was an absolute pleasure to raise and I'm so thankful she was loaned to me to raise.

That's not to say she was an angel. We had our moments. Quite a few moments, as any parent and child has, but we were always able to talk and that's why we are so close today.

Tomorrow she turns 24 years old and she and her boyfriend are coming home so she can spend time with her Mama on her birthday. Her father will probably not bother to phone or email her. She hasn't heard from him since Christmas. That breaks my heart. I wanted her to have the type of relationship with her father as I had with mine. I adored my Dad. He was, and is still, my hero even though he's been gone since 1993. I always knew he loved me. Daughter will never have that and that is a shame. Her father has no idea what he's missing out on and that breaks my heart too. Any male can be a father but it takes a man to be a Dad. He's hurt her too much for her to ever be close to him again. I guess I made the wrong choice for a Dad for the kids. Sorry kids.

Well, it's been a long week. There's been overtime at work so when I haven't been working I've been catching up on my sleep. I've already told Friend that I'm not NOT, NOT, NOT going to the club this weekend but for some reason I don't think he believes me. Maybe it was the deep belly laugh he gave that made me think he doesn't believe me or the wink or the "We'll see Chaotic, we'll see"! But I'm NOT going to the club this weekend! I'll have to be hog-tied and dragged the whole way cause I'm not going willingly!

I still have until Saturday to convince everyone, including myself. LOL

***********************************************************************************
And from the jar of inspiration....

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
-Unknown

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Love At First Sight

2005-06-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

What a weekend!
I have slept a total of 1 hour since Saturday morning. I had to get up for the early shift on Saturday and then Friend and I went out after work. I manage to sneak in one hour sleep around 6am this morning before Daughter's birthday present decided to try and nurse on my earlobe!

Daughter turns 24 this week and all she asked for was a kitten. Actually what she asked for was a female kitten, short hair and perferably see-through fur so that when the kitten sheds on the furniture no one will see it! I searched everywhere and couldn't find a female kitten. No I didn't bother looking for one with see-through fur! LOL It must be just before kitten season or everyone is spaying or neutering their cats because I couldn't find one anywhere! I asked Friend to keep an ear open to see if he could find one and he pulled through for me! He found the cutest little female kitten and brought it to the house for me. I was going to visit Daughter next weekend and give her the present then but I had to give it to her today.

It seems I'm not as tough as I thought I was. I really thought I could keep the kitten with me until I went to visit Daughter and I wouldn't become too attached to it. Why do I keep trying to fool myself? As soon as Friend walked in the door with it I was attached to it! One look into it's beautiful gray eyes and I was lost. One little purr and I was in love! I knew if I didn't give the kitten to her today I'd end up keeping it so I forced myself to give her the kitten early. To say she was excited would be an understatment but I so miss that tiny little critter!

Friend wasn't much help because he kept saying "Well you keep this one and I'll find another one for your Daughter" but I stayed strong (if you call crying and clutching onto that tiny soft body as strong LOL)and I gave her to Daughter. It's a good thing really because I'm already owned by two cats, adding a third to the mix wouldn't have ended up good for me I'm sure! LOL

I haven't had much chance to visit everyone's site but hopefully this week will be back to the normal chaotic serene life I lead and I'll be able to visit everyone. For now I think I'm going to ~~crawl~~walk down the hall and see if I can make it to my bed before I fall asleep!

By the way, please excuse any spelling/grammar mistakes (We interrupt this program for a little of Chaotic's daily sarcasm..."Like I never have those errors on here!LOL")I'm tired and I'm sure there's a ton of mistakes in this post!

Sweet dreams all!
************************************************************************************
And from the jar of inspiration....(sorry still too lazy to add the color)

May the desire of your heart come true, and may you experience peace in everything you do.

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AWOL

2005-06-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

I'm so sorry I couldn't post and let you all know I was ok. It's been one h*ll of a week. It was the kind of week that just proves I'm still alive and able to kick back!

The first thing that happened this week is I decided to go get that warrant cleared up. I put on my best smile, marched into the Sheriff’s office and said,
"Hi! I'm Chaotic Serenity. I was called for jury duty so here I am! I'm a little late but you know what they say...better late then never!"

Well he hummed and hawed and punched keys on his computer then he said,
"Ms Serenity, just take a seat, I'll be right back."

I didn't like the look on his face but I sat my butt down and waited. It wasn't long and the man returned followed by the Sheriff and two police officers. The Sheriff went over to the desk and the man showed him the screen. The Sheriff then turned to the other two cops and just nodded his head. The two cops started towards me, my smile dropped onto my shoes and I knew I was sunk.

"Are you Ms. Serenity? Ms. Chaotic Serenity?" The Sheriff asked.
"Ummm, maybe?" I ventured while frantically searching for an escape route past the two policemen that were now on either side of me.
"Are you or aren't you Chaotic Serenity?" the Sheriff asked again, this time not so calmly
"Well, you see, I might be but I'm thinking that it doesn't look like it might be a very good idea to admit to it right now"
"May I see some ID Ma'am?" Cop 1 politely requested.
"I don't think I have any that will get me out of here safely" I replied.
"We just want to see you're ID Ms. Serenity" the Sheriff said.
I took out my wallet and passed him my ID. By this time I'm thinking Mom better be busy baking me that cake with the file in it!

The Sheriff took the ID and I watched as a big smile came over his face.
"We've got you now, Chaotic Serenity!" He crowed!
"What? You asked me to be on the jury and here I am! What did I do?" I cried
"You know you have a warrant out for your arrest! Don't act all innocent with us! Now stand up, turn around and put your hands behind your back." Cop 2 reached behind him, unsnapped the leather case and brought out his handcuffs.
"Oh no you don't! You aren't putting those on me! I demand my lawyer!" I cried.
"Stand up and turn around Ma'am. Don't make this harder than it has to be." Cop 1 said in a low voice as he wrapped his hand around my upper arm.
"No way, you aren't putting those on me! I want my lawyer! I want my Mamaaaaaaa!" I cried.

Ok...so I'm fibbing. It didn't really go anywhere near like that but it's much more exciting than what actually happened! ;)

I walked in, introduced myself, and explained why I was there and why there might possibly be a warrant out for my arrest. I had my cell phone clutched tightly in my hand with my lawyer's phone number on speed dial. He checked his computer and asked me to have a seat and said he'd be right back. He did come back with the Sheriff and one Police Officer and my finger started twitching against my cell phone but I held off putting a frantic SOS call into my lawyer just then. The Sheriff checked the computer and asked me to show some ID. You can bet I was sweating pretty badly by then but I co-operated nicely. They ran my ID or whatever the heck they did while I stood there wondering if I was going to be sharing a cell room that night. Then the Sheriff said, "Well, I'll be darned! There really is a warrant out for your arrest! Now be careful Officer Goodfellow (not his real name obviously! LOL) she looks dangerous and look how she's holding that cell phone! She's armed and dangerous! We may have to call for backup!" I gave a nervous laugh, which I'm sure they caught and Officer Goodfellow winked at me.
Then the Sheriff brought me some paperwork, which I had to sign, and resign and initial in my own blood, which effectively erased the warrant from the computer and from my record. So I'm no longer a fugitive of the law! I'm a free woman!
No, not that kind of free!

So, yes, there was a warrant but it's gone now. I'm not behind bars just yet. They will have to catch me on something else but it was comical when the Sheriff said, "Oh man! What a horrendous mess that would have been had we arrested you on that charge! The media would have slaughtered us!" LOL

The rest of the week I was needed elsewhere and wasn't able to post here or email. It seems that when it rains it pours and when life wants to cause chaos with family and friends it really knows how to do it. There's been a lot happening with a couple friends and a family member so I've been helping as much as I could to ease things. And there's been Someone watching over me this week too. Things seem to have settled down for now and I'm back, for better or worse! LOL

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From the jar of inspiration
(no color tonight, I'm too lazy! LOL)

For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
- Psalms 91:11
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The Warrant

2005-05-27T20:46:00.000-04:00

Ok, here's the warrant story, the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

I've owned river front property in New Brunswick for many years before I moved here. The property was part of an original land grant given to my family in 1763. When the land was transferred to my name I still lived in British Columbia but dutifully paid my taxes for the NB property.

Just as I got my children off to school one morning my Mother (who lived in NB) phoned me and told me I had a very official type letter delivered to her house and wanted to know if I wanted it sent out to BC. I told her she better open it because I was pretty sure it was Ed McMann telling me I had finally won the 10 million dollar sweepstakes. Well, needless to say it wasn't Ed McMann at all. I had been called for jury duty in New Brunswick.

My Mother immediately starting stressing out..
"Chaotic! What are you going to do?! If you don't show up you're in big trouble! You'll be arrested and thrown in jail!"
I tried to calm her down with "Awwww Mom, don't worry about it. Just remember to bake a file into the cake you bring when you visit me ok?"
Mom: "Chaotic! This is NOT a laughing matter! This is VERY serious! What are we going to do? You only have 3 days to show up here!"

I really didn't think this was a big problem. I told her to phone the Sheriff’s office and get the form faxed to me to release me from jury duty. She seemed calmer when she finally hung up the phone and I went back to my morning rituals and never gave it another thought....until the phone rang an hour later..

Mom: "Oh Chaotic! You are in such trouble! I phoned the Sheriff’s office and found out that the only person who can excuse you from jury duty is the Sheriff!"
Me: "Ok, no problem, just give me his number and I'll give him a call"
Mom: "It's a huge problem Chaotic! The Sheriff is on vacation for a month!"
Me" "Well there must be someone else to excuse me. I'm suppose to be there in three days so there must have been someone taking over for him if I was found not worthy of being on the jury!"
Mom: "They've already picked you. You aren't going through the normal questioning, you are already on the jury."
Me: "Did you ask what happens if I just don't show up?"
Mom: "Yes, they said if you aren't here in three days a Canada Wide Warrant goes out for your arrest."
Me: "Is this an April Fools joke? Am I on Candid Camera? Stuff like that doesn't really happen."
Mom: "It's serious Chaotic, it's very serious"

Well, not being a person to scare easily (Hey I have kids!) I just simply refused to go. I phoned the office myself to see what the heck was going on and how they could make someone who lives on the West Coast show up on the East Coast for jury duty. Their explanation was that since I owned land in NB and paid land taxes I was able to be called upon to do my duty...jury duty. I was warned that the warrant would go out for my arrest. I was even told the day it would be issued and told that the only person who could release me was the Sheriff and he wasn't coming back for a month. I asked if I just hid out in woods somewhere for a month and became a fugitive of the law would the Sheriff drop the warrant when he got back. I was told it would be too late then. Once the warrant was issued it was issued. So I told the nice man giving me all this information exactly where I lived, my phone number, what hours I would be home, my license plate number etc and told him to come and get me but to be very prepared for the media storm that would hit once he locked me up. I asked him what the TV and newspaper reporters would say about the New Brunswick Police arresting and locking up a person living in BC, a mother of two small children, for not showing up for jury duty in NB. He stuttered and stammered and agreed it really wouldn't look good on them but the law was the law. So I just politely told him that I would not be showing up and to do whatever it was he had to do.

To this day I have no idea if that warrant has ever been dropped. I've been stopped by the police since then but they never ran any info on me. I was just warned and let go, no ticket, no lecture, a few jokes and smiles and I was on my way. For all I know it's still out there floating around. An RCMP friend of mine told me that it could surface someday if I was ever pulled over. I'm really not that worried about it at all.

So there you go Ol' Hoss! Turn me in. I understand the money before friendship thing so here's your chance! LOL

And you all thought I did something really really bad! Shame on you! LOL

I get to tag three people! Ok now that's one less thing on my never-ending To Do List!
So Jenny, Brian and Karen you've been tagged! I can't wait to read your lists.

Not only do I get to tag three people without upsetting them too much I also get to practice what I just learned, making HTML links!! I've also learned about XML but I can't figure out what the heck it is so I've moved on to XHTML. Hopefully I'll understand that one better!

Walker tagged me!

2005-05-26T22:34:00.000-04:00

Well I suppose there's no way I can hide from this so I guess I'll have to just give in. I'm suppose to write 10 things I've never done before. I read Walker's so I'm not sure if it's suppose to be 10 sexual things I haven't done before or just 10 things. I'll start with just the 10 things and Walker can let me know if it's the right one or not. I'm not sure I could do the 10 sexual things without having a very red face! LOL

Ok, here goes!
10) I've never traveled outside of Canada. (Definitely on my To Do List! Anyone wanna go for a road trip? LOL)
9) I've never purposely hurt anyone. (Oh wait, yes I did, I pushed my brother down the stairs but I was very little so that doesn't count! LOL)
8) I've never lived alone. I've always had family or kids living with me.
7) I've never run my own company although I've run someone else's company. (Another To Do List item)
6) I've never had a one-night stand.
5) I've never been arrested although I did..or still do... have a warrant out for my arrest. (I guess I should write about this so you all don't think I'm a mass-murderer or anything. Maybe next time)
4) I've never conquered my fear of bees or wasps. I have been face to face with a bear and didn't feel the amount of fear I feel when I just hear a bee or wasp!
3) I've never gotten a speeding ticket although my family nick-named me the Rushin Rocket for good reason.
2) I've never won the lottery. I hear if you actually buy the tickets you have a chance..although a very slim one..of winning. I guess I'll have to test this theory.

And the number one thing I've never done....(drum roll please)

1) I've never written an interesting "10 things I've never done" list!

Ok..fess up here...who hasn't done one of these? I need to tag three people.
I need three brave people to leave a comment on my site saying they haven't done this so I can tag them. Come on! Fess up or I'll just have to go to your site and search through your archives to find out for myself! You know I will! LOL

Huh?

2005-05-24T22:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around lately. After this weekend I really needed some sleep. I think I'm getting too old for this! LOL I did have a great time, as always.

Friend and I got together with a group of friends and went to the camp before going out to the club. I don't drink very much so I never get drunk and Friend does the same so we waited until the others were drunk then challenged them to a game of crib. Friend has always been the champion, unbeatable, so I always choose him for a partner! (Hey! I'm blonde not dumb! LOL)
Well, needless to say, we skunked them and had a hilarious time. Then my brother piped up with the idea that Friend and I should play each other to test the theory that Friend is unbeatable. I have a fun time whether I win or lose so I was game. Friend was game because he knows he's unbeatable....well he thought he was unbeatable! I won! He had to pay my way into the club and buy me a drink! LOL

I managed to get home around 10:30am Sunday morning because we went back to the camp after the club and hung around there. No one was tired so we chatted, they drank, we laughed, joked, and just had a great time.

Just out of curiosity I decided to check my stats to see who's been visiting and it seems this blog has hit g**gle. Here is the list of searches that have been used to get to my site:

French chicks (Someone was looking for some french chickens? This is a bilingual province! All our chickens are bilingual!)
Interesting things to put in about myself (Hmmmmm)
Verbally abusive wife (ok I can understand this one because of the post about Friend that I wrote)
Henry Morgan's Birthday (Understandable considering I wrote about my date with him)
Skinny Dip seduction (Hmmm...I could write a very interesting story about this one but I suppose that's for a different type of blog. LOL)
Met yet (My title attracted this one)
Cross Stitch Army Brat (this directed to my 100 things post)
Crazy Conversation Photo (Ummmm...don't know about the photo part but I did have a story titled crazy conversation)
Interesting things about Oceans 12 (the most interesting thing was George Clooney! LOL)
Meet my date (Captain Morgan again)
How do you know when you met the one (I don't know but let me know if you find out!)
I met that with a question (and I'll meet that with another question...huh?)
Bigfoot kidnapping (Has something happened that I don't know about?)
Daughter and friends sunbathe nude (Now I'm sure this person was very disappointed to get directed to my blog! LOL)
Conversation guide in French (I have no idea)
How to know if you broke your wrist (Oh I really have to feel sorry for this person who is obviously in pain)
Funny writing blizzard (huh?)
Smash a snowman (I repeat, huh?)

There were others too but I'll post them another time.
**********************************************************************************
And something from my jar of inspiration...

Great men are those who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force,
that thoughts rule the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Angels

2005-05-20T15:04:00.000-04:00

Can we really live our lives without the love and encouragement of a good friend? Can we live a good life without this? I don't mean just a friend but I mean a close friend, one who you'd do anything for.

I've moved many times in my life and I have many friends scattered across Canada, a few in the States and in New Zealand. Some are people who have touched my heart over the internet and others have touched my heart in life.

I have no enemies. I don't think I know what the meaning of hate is. The people in my childhood who have done me physical harm have all passed on and will have to answer for what they did. The one in my adult life that caused me emotional harm, well let's just say I cleaned house and he no longer can do that. I don't give them any room in my life or my soul. My life is too full of love, wonder, curiousity and awe to let them into it anymore.

I couldn't have done this without the help of a very close friend. We met while taking a Sign Language class when my son was 3 years old. We've been friends ever since. She's one year older than I am and her children are one year older than mine. She left her abusive marriage one year before I left my marriage. She's been there for me through thick and thin and I am so grateful to have met her. She's the sister I would have pick if I could have.

We are as different as night and day. She's of German descent, tall and model thin, I'm of Scottish/Irish descent, vertically challenged and have an hour glass figure. She's a brunette with brownish green eyes, I'm a blonde with blue eyes. I'm spiritual, she's wiccan/pagan. I'm addicted to Pepsi, she's addicted to tea. I love rum and coke, she loves wine. She loves to shop, I don't like shopping. We accept and love our differences.

We are also so much alike. We both married the same type of man.(fools that we were! LOL) We both had daughters first then our sons. We think alike, we can finish each other's sentences. We both have many of the same interests. We both love animals and would never be with anyone, ever again, who didn't allow us to have our "babies" or didn't allow us to be us.

We've cried together, laughed together. Our husbands didn't like us to have friends so we used to sneak around to see each other. We would wait until the husbands had left for work and after a quick phone call to make sure the coast was clear we jump in the car and off to the beach or a tourist attraction our husbands wouldn't go to or just anywhere. Then before the kids got home from school we raced to the bakery, picked up baked goods, raced home and unwrapped them and placed them in the cookie jars or cake tins so that it looked like we had been baking all day. No one caught on! LOL

She helped me through some very difficult times and I hope I helped her through hers too. Although we now live thousands of miles apart(for my friends not on metric system! LOL)we still have "tea time". We phone each other and talk for ages. We've never lost track of each other and I know we never will. There are just some people who don't just walk through your life but settle deep within your heart and soul.

Thanks Trish for all that you are.

*************************************************************************************

We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another.
Luciano de Crescenzo

1000 Marbles

2005-05-18T22:23:00.000-04:00

I got this in my email and thought you might enjoy it.

1000 MARBLES
The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement ham-shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net... Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say.

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital he continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a thousand marble theory.

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about Seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime."

"Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail" he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the sack next to my gear."

"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focus more on the Really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time." "It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band.
This is 75 Year Old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey,I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile.
"Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles....

Sorry

2005-05-16T21:29:00.000-04:00

I am sooo tired today that I just can't think of anything to write! I really have to start staying home on the weekends I think.

My friend, the one I wrote about that was having some marriage trouble, picked me up after work on Saturday and we went out to the club. We met up with more friends there and had a fantastic time. I never got home until 6am. I only had a few hours sleep and I was up and out of the house again on Sunday.

What I don't understand is Friend's wife never wonders where he is or cares where he is. Every weekend he leaves home Saturday morning and doesn't come home until late Sunday night and she really doesn't care. She never calls him or asks him where he was. I don't get this at all. Well, actually I do. The only way someone could act like this is if they really didn't care so I guess she doesn't. She's lucky to have him. All the time he's been going out he's never once slept with another woman. He's never crossed the line. He knows he's married and he'd never fool around on her even if she didn't care. I admire that. Believe me he has a lot of opportunities to sleep around! There are women who literally throw themselves on him and he turns them all down. That's something I'm not used to seeing in a man. Please don't take offense to that comment. I know not all men will sleep around and my experience is different. I don't, in any way, mean to imply that all men do.

I think him and I can be such great friends because I know he won't cross that line and he knows I won't so we feel comfortable with each other. We can relax and just be friends. I'm his shield against aggressive women and he's my shield against aggressive men. It works for us. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he keeps me laughing so hard my sides hurt! LOL

I hope you all had as great of a weekend as I did. Now I'm going to go cuddle my teddy bear and get some sleep. I'm still chasing that elusive beauty sleep. One of these nights I just might catch it!

My Life With Vehicles

2005-05-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

I have very interesting luck with my cars. I’ve lived here for 5 years and in that time I’ve put 4 cars into the field. (I’m working on my fifth now) Each car had its problems and really liked to leave me stranded on the side of the road with no help in sight and no cell phone. Now, I am a very even tempered person and it takes a lot for me to have a temper tantrum but after being left on the side of the road in the middle of winter and having to walk a few country miles to find a house to use a phone my temper sometimes shows itself.

My very first car, that was all mine, was a older blue buick. I loved that car. Not only was it cheap but it was a tank on the road. I was rear-ended and the other car was a complete mess. My blue buick although written off continued to run for a while longer with the help of my miracle mechanic(my brother). Towards the end of her life she started getting into the habit of leaving me on the side of the road. I didn’t have a cell phone at that time and it really made me nervous to walk to a stranger’s house and ask them to phone for help for me or ask to use their phone. Coming from a city it was just not something I was comfortable doing. It scared me to have to do this but when you’re stranded in the middle of winter you have to do something or become a Popsicle and since becoming a Popsicle was not my idea of fun I forced myself past my fear and knocked on a stranger’s door.
Eventually my mechanic could perform no more miracles with my blue buick and he gave her the last rites and with a heavy heart I placed her in the car cemetery (the junk car field).

From there I purchased an older red buick. Now you have to understand that I couldn’t afford newer vehicles as I was under-employed with no child support so my purchases were older vehicles and with the help of my miracle mechanic I was able to keep them on the road much longer than they should have been. Well back to my red buick. That car went through parts like there was no tomorrow! Every time I turned around she was on the side of the road. She just decided she was going no further. Again I was stuck with the unpleasant task of asking strangers for a phone. Due to a lack of money I had no choice but to keep letting my mechanic perform miracles on her until the one day he informed me it was time for the last rites again. So in the second year of being here I put my red buick into the car cemetery too.

The third year I was here I drove one of my brother’s old cars, a sunbird, until I could save up enough money to buy another car of my own. He bought the sunbird as a parts car so you can imagine that it wasn’t exactly a reliable car. Again the side of the road was beginning to look like home to me! I was beginning to think that standing on the side of the road, kicking your car, swearing up a blue streak and promising if you could just get a hold of a sledge hammer,(well you know what I would have done with it if you have ever been in that position more than once! LOL)was the norm. I really thought that must be part of everyone’s life because it happened so frequently in mine! Eventually the sunbird got the last rites but I wasn’t so unhappy about it as I was my first car. I think I had been frozen enough times by then to be able to say goodbye without a tear.

The fourth year seen me driving an older Taurus. I picked it up for a few hundred dollars as that was all I could afford then and let my miracle mechanic work on it for a bit to get it road worthy. After being left on the side of the road a second time I placed a sledge hammer in the trunk to use the next time it broke down. My brother found it and removed it and said that we, as a family, have some reputation to uphold and my reputation is to put cars in the field not smash them on the side of the road. Well, you know the story, eventually in the fourth year the Taurus was retired but this time at least the last rites were not needed. I just retired it when I was able to afford another vehicle.

This one is my white car or as my mechanic calls it “that white piece of sh*t” but even he admits it’s a pretty good car. It's newer but it just has some problems that are common with that type of car and he just shivers when he sees it pull up in front of his garage because it's built so that to fix one tiny problem you have to take the whole car apart. It's a real headache to work on. Of course once I knew his reaction when he sees it pull up, I just have to drive there at least once a week to make sure he sees it pull into the garage so I can laugh at the look of fear in his face! It keeps him on his toes! Gives me a good chuckle too! LOL

Now my white car was not without problems and again I tried to pack the sledge hammer in the trunk but my brother removed it. This continued until I could finally afford a cell phone to call for help. Once I had the cell I’ve never had another break down. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I really am tempting fate aren’t I? LOL

At least now maybe no one will say “Oh I didn’t recognize you. I’ve only ever seen you standing on the side of the road cursing up a blue streak and yelling for a sledge hammer!” LOL

I wonder why my brother won't let me drive his 58 caddy or his 72 cuda? ;)

Guess What?

2005-05-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

I have no idea what to write tonight! I have blogger's block!

I guess I could tell you about Future Son-in-law moving in with Daughter. This is their first official full day of living together. All together now...Awwwww...the honeymoon period!" So far no phone calls that begin with "Mom! What the h*ll?!" or "If you don't talk to him/her I'm gonna scream!" Neither one of them have even had a roommate before so the first few months should be interesting to say the least. LOL

I guess I could tell you about my fish Wilson that refuses to eat yet is still living. I don't know how he's still living. I have to poke him now and then just to make sure.
Naaaa...not interesting.

How about that my brother has his 58 Cadillac on the road now that the good weather is here? Naaaa...still not interesting.

The weather was so nice here today! I have a sunburn on my nose and cheeks, the ones on my face not my bottom! I really wish my skin was darker so I didn't have to walk around with a red face all summer. Oh well, such is the summer life of a blonde who forgets to pick up sunscreen. I just couldn't stay inside at work today so I took all my breaks outside. There really should be a law against having to work on such beautiful days. I really wanted to go to the beach but my boss has this thing about us having to actually do work, in the office, to get paid. Strange man eh?

Ok, how about...damn, I'm out of time. I have to go finish my laundry for work tomorrow. Would anyone out there do me a favor and convince my boss that I'm just too busy with the fun things in life to bother coming in so just send my paycheck in the mail? I'd really appreciate it!

Mother's Day

2005-05-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend is Mother's Day and both of my children are coming home from University to spend it with me! They have never missed a Mother's Day at home yet, unless they were in the hospital and then I was with them.

Every Mother's Day I think back on the past Mother's Days I've been blessed to experience. The burnt toast, the coffee, made strong enough to stand a spoon up in, the sunny-side-up eggs that became black scrambled eggs, the doughy pancakes, all served to me in bed by smiling, proud children. The excited faces sitting on my bed watching me try to swallow the breakfast creations while exclaiming how good it tasted. The flour all over the kitchen when they decided to make me pancakes, the icing or glue I had to scrub out of their hair when they decided to make me a cake or a present. The cards made with love, the hugs, the kisses, the smiles and laughter.

But there is one thing I miss the most. One thing that I'll never get back. Every Mother's Day my children would pick me the biggest bouquet of dandelions they could possibly fit in their little fingers, in their shirts and pockets. Every vase in the house would be stuffed full of the dandelions. Of course the ones they gathered in their shirts and pockets didn't fair as well but it was the thought that counted. The neighbors loved it because my children would rid their lawns of the horrible weed they fought so hard to destroy.

I'm so thankful and feel so blessed to have been allowed to be their Mom but I so miss those little baby faces with their dirty fingers wrapped around a bunch of dandelions. I know they had to grow up, even though I told them that under NO circumstances were they allowed to grow up (kids! they never listen!), but I have my memories of their childhood and memories made everyday of their adulthood and a tiny dried dandelion in my Bible.

Still have the hand!

2005-05-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

I've finally been cleared for typing and other things!!! My hand is almost back to normal. Of course, if I hadn't raked the front yard, which is HUGE, it would have gotten better a lot faster but I just couldn't resist.

Last week, on a very sunny warm day, the family was fool enough to leave me home alone. I had the day off work and looked out over the ~~field~~ yard and decided that the new shoots of grass would come in faster if the dead grass was raked off. So I took a quick look around and confirmed the fact that I was home alone. I grabbed the rake and out I went. It was a gorgeous day! One of those days that just begs in that seductive sing-song voice, "Chaotic! Do yard work! Do yard work!". I couldn't disappoint it!

It didn't take long raking before I realized that this was probably not a good idea but by then I figured the damage was done so I continued. The yard was half finished when my brother pulled in the driveway and spotted me. I tried to tell him that the rake was actually left on the front yard by some diabolical person out to harm people or animals walking across my yard by laying rake-traps. Since I'm such a responsible person I thought it best to remove the trap before anyone got hurt!

He didn't buy it. I don't know why he didn't buy it! I thought that was a very good story cooked up in a moments notice! So it must have been because I can't keep a straight face if my life depended on it. Then again maybe I need to work on my fibs to make them more believable even if I can't keep a straight face.

Oh well, I was caught, the rake was confiscated, I got a lecture from brother and doc. The doc actually wrapped up my hand so that I couldn't hold anything in it at all! I couldn't even move my fingers! Really, how much faith can you have in your Doctor if after he wraps your hand and wrist up like a mummy he says, (and with just a touch of sarcasm I might add!) "That outta fix you!" I think it's time to find a Doctor that doesn't know me as well!

But I'm back!
Thank you all for the messages and emails while I was away from blogging. It was really nice to read them even if I couldn't type back a response. You all are very sweet, thank you. :)

Doc's orders

2005-04-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

I won't be posting too much this week or I should say I'm not suppose to be posting this week. My doctor has laid down the law and told me "No typing with that hand!" Apparently I was suppose to "rest" my wrist! Rest it? What the heck? Who rests their wrist?! I know I sprained it but, really, as long as it's wrapped up tight in this contraption, what's the difference? His answer..."Chaotic, if you had just told someone when you broke your hand years ago this would not be happening to you now. So was it really worth not telling?"

"Ummmm...YES!"
I broke my hand when I was a teenager and I'm extremely fortunate I didn't break my neck. I was hiking...alone, which I was forbidden to do...in an area I was forbidden to hike in...and I fell down a cliff. Devil's Nose to be exact.

I can just imagine how the conversation would have gone.
Me: Ummm...Dad?...I love you!
Dad: What did you do now Chaotic!
Me: What?! I have to have done something just because I said I love you?
Dad: When "I love you" starts with "ummmm" I know you've done something.
Me: Well, you see, I seem to have broken my hand. There's this bone sticking straight up on the back of my hand. See?
Dad: Mom, we'll have to call for the float plane and fly Chaotic to the Doctor.
Mom: Again??
Me: What do you mean again?
Mom: Never mind that, just how did you break your hand?
Me: You really want to know?
Dad: Spill it!
Me: Ok ok! Well you see, it happened this way...
Mom: Oh man, she did something she wasn't allowed to do!
Me: Why would you say that?
Dad: We know you! When you start a story with "It happened this way" we know you'll either give us the "abducted by aliens" story or one of your many other scripted stories designed to make us laugh or sigh and forget that you've been disobedient again.
Me: But...
Dad: I thought girls were suppose to be so easy to raise! What happened?
Mom: Well she definitely doesn't take after me!
Dad: Oh? So you're saying she takes after me?
Mom: Well it wasn't the milkman and if she doesn't take after me, and she doesn't, then she must take after you!
Dad: Are you sure the milkman wasn't blonde? She is the only blonde in the family.
Me: Ummmm...I'll come back later k?
Dad: Don't move an inch. I have a feeling this story is going to cause me to use the "grounded til you are 80" law and I doubt very much you'll get off early for good behavior!

Ok, this conversation has happened but not because of my broken hand. I have no idea what would have happened because I didn't tell. Well, I do know that the "grounded til you're 80" would have happened. I would have been skinned alive, dipped in hot tar and feathered and then grounded until I was 80. So I wrapped my own hand and didn't tell a soul. Unfortunately the bone didn't heal straight. When I sprained my wrist I also hit the back of my hand where it had been broken so I had to immobilize my wrist and hand for a little while. Good thing that rarely happens!

So, yes Doc, it was worth it!

PS:
Don't you guys go telling my Doc I'm typing! What he doesn't know won't hurt me!

Otter-ly Good Time!

2005-04-21T01:38:00.000-04:00

When I was a teenager I lived in a tiny remote village on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I used to go down to the airplane dock to watch the Otters playing in the ocean. They are so funny and they seem to know it too! They loved to show off for us and we loved watching them.

My brother and I decided to go fishing one nice sunny day so we grabbed our poles etc and headed down to the ocean. We were sitting on the dock, chatting, with our legs hanging over the edge and our feet dangling in the water. We were very relaxed and just soaking up the sun which was rare as we lived in a rainforest! The Otters had been curious but eventually left to play elsewhere...or so we thought.

Each time we caught a fish we'd take it off the hook and lay it on the airplane dock behind us. The dock was about 5 feet wide and was used to tie up the tiny float planes that brought in our supplies. Suddenly a very strong odor assaulted my nose and I gave my brother a dirty look but he didn't seem to notice. A few minutes later the same odor hit me and I told my brother to stop eating what he's been eating cause it smelled like a fish had crawled up his butt and died! He, of course, muttered a few colorful words but claimed he didn't know what I was talking about. When the odor hit again he smelled it this time and as I was holding my nose he loudly proclaimed he had nothing to do with it. I didn't believe him at all! Anyone who has brothers knows they are not the most wonderful smelling creatures at times.

The odor hit us again a few minutes later and by this time I was ready to push my brother into the ocean! On the fifth assault of the odor I felt a tug on the tie of my halter top. Knowing there was no one else on the dock I was more than a little surprise to feel something behind me pulling on the tie of my top! I turned around and there was an Otter with the last of the five fish we had caught! I swear he gave us a mischievious little grin and chuckle as he slid off the dock with our fish! I also swear that the only reason he tugged on my halter top was so that he could show the stupid humans that he stole their fish! He would never have had any fun to just steal the fish and slide back into the ocean. He had to let us know just how he had bested us!

So when I did the "What animal are you?" quiz and came out as an Otter I really had a good laugh!

An Otter?

2005-04-20T01:01:00.000-04:00

Once again I'm up past my bedtime because I just can't tear myself away from my favorite blogs so before I head off to find that ever elusive beauty sleep I just gotta ask...

What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla

Blizzard!

2005-04-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

We are caught in the middle of a snow storm. I am SO GLAD today is my day off! I'll let you in on a little secret...I am terrified of driving when the roads are snowy or icy. I mean REALLY terrified. Where I moved from (The ~~wet~~ west coast)we really never had snow and when we did it never amounted to much and most places including my work would shut down until the rain washed it away. I've never had much experience in winter driving in these conditions before. I don't allow that fear to take completely over me. I still force myself to get in the car and drive whenever I have to but oh how it scares me! Once I get to where I'm going and turn off that car my whole body starts to tremble and I lay my forehead on the steering wheel, close my eyes, take a deep breath of relieve and give thanks. I'm getting better with the fear though as I stop trembling much sooner than I used to! No one knows but you so don't say anything! shhhhh ;)

My inner child loves to take over and run wild on days like this. I want to make snowmen and snowangels. Make snow forts and have snowball fights. I love to go sledding or some call it tobagganing. I love to stand in the field, lift my face to the sky, stick my tongue out and feel the snowflakes melt on my tongue and face. I love to take the dog and the camera and go for a walk in the woods or along the river. Even the dog has an inner child! He's a sheltie so he's not that tall (like me)and when it snows he sticks his head into the snow and starts running really fast while keeping his head buried under the snow. It's so funny to see him running and pushing up the snow like a little furry snowplow. He thinks this is just one of the most fun things to do in the snow and I have to admit it really is a good laugh to watch. What's even funnier is when he's running with his head in the snow and he hits a hard part in the snow! He actually flips over, ass over teakettle! His whole back end flips up and over so he's laying on his back! The first time I saw him do that I was so scared he hurt himself but he just gets up, shakes his head and looks at me like "Hehehe, gotta watch out for those!" Then he's off and running to do it again! He's such a goof!

My almost grown up side is still in the back of my mind. It whispers promises of cuddling up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and gazing out the window to watch the absolute beauty of a snow storm from the warmth of the house. It begs me to capture the inner child and send it to it's room, just please please please come in the house!

I might listen to it later but for now I'm off to play in the snow!
Have a great day everyone!

So what's your love style?

2005-04-12T11:37:00.000-04:00

Your Love Style is Agape

You are a caring, kind, and selfless partner.

Unsurprisingly, your love style is the most rare.

You are willing to sacrfice your world for your sweetie.

Except it doesn't really feel like sacrifice to you.

For you, nothing feels better than giving to the one you love.

What's Your Love Style?

My seduction style? What's yours?

2005-04-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

Your Seduction Style: The Natural

You don't really try to seduce people... it just seems to happen.
Fun loving and free spirited, you bring out the inner child in people.
You are spontaneous, sincere, and unpretentious - a hard combo to find!
People drop their guard around you, and find themselves falling fast.

What Is Your Seduction Style?

Meet My Date

2005-04-10T14:09:00.000-04:00

Last night I had a wonderful night (and morning). We went out last night to celebrate my brother's birthday and had a blast. No, I didn't dance on the speakers although I'm sure my date would have encouraged it if I had let him. After dancing at the club until it closed down, we went to A’s camp and had a great time. I finally crawled into my bed at 8am this morning. But you don’t want to hear about that so onto my date…

I had a date with a man I've known most of my adult life and part of my teen years. Every now and then we spend an evening together and it's never boring! Henry had a Naval career and in all honesty can say he’s been everywhere in the world. He knows many people from all over the world and from different walks of life, rich and poor. He never discriminates. He’s been a friend to some and an enemy to others.

He is daring and successful. He can lift your spirits or bring you down to your knees. Henry was born with a passion for fun and adventure. He’s a smooth talker and can loosen you up in no time at all. When I first see him I have to tell myself to take him in moderation. Just being with him for a short time can cause you to get into the spirit, become more daring and maybe do something you’ve never done before. It’s all in how you treat him.

He can warm you up, envelope you in a warm fuzzy feeling. He intoxicates, he liberates. But there’s a dark side to Henry. I’ve seen it with others but luckily never experienced it myself. I’ve seen how he can ruin a person so I know to take Henry in small doses. I partied with him through the night last night but I kept him at bay. I didn’t completely give into his charms, didn’t allow him to fully take over, so this morning I have no pain or regrets.

So here’s to you Captain Morgan!

Withdrawals

2005-04-08T19:29:00.000-04:00

My computer broke down and I was without my internet and blogs for TWO DAYS!!!

The beginning of the first day wasn't so bad. My fingers twitched a bit to type but I calmed that withdrawal symptom with coffee. I thought these symptoms aren't so bad, I can handle this. Wrong! By the end of the first day my fingers were twitching and my eyes were whipping from left to right trying to read when I didn't have a book in front of them!

I worked frantically on the computer that night. Hours and hours of trying to figure out what was wrong with it. Remember now, I only have two brain cells left, one is half dead and one is blonde so I don't really stand much of a chance but I try. Eventually I had to grab myself by the scruff of the neck and make myself go to bed so I could get up for work in the morning. Boss doesn't like it if we fall asleep at work. Strange man eh? I kinda like the "keys embedded in the forehead" look but boss doesn't.

The morning of the second day found me trying to fix it before I went to work. I begged it, I promised it the moon, I promised it massages every night for a month (hey it always worked on the men in my life so why not my computer?) I assured it it was the only one in my life and the other computer at work means nothing to me! JUST PLEASE WORK! But nothing. So with my fingers twitching, my eyes darting from left to right and my knees weak I made myself get to work on time.

I spent the day sedating the withdrawal symptoms with English Toffee Capuccino from Tim Horton's. (I love that extremely fattening drink! I just may have to marry the guy that owns the local Timmy's!) Ok, it really wasn't a sedation as it kept me awake all day and I managed not to wear the "keys embedded in the forehead" look because I know how unattractive boss finds that.

I rushed right home from work....well actually I hung out with friends for a bit after work but rushing home from work sounds better! After supper and dishes my legs forced me to the computer, my fingers settled themselves in their places on the keyboard and started typing and my eyes darted from left to right reading. Then I had to remind my blonde brain cell that the computer wasn't on yet. I spent a few more hours attempting to fix it and after uttering some very unflattering remarks about the computer I asked if I could use my "phone-a-friend".

I called my brother's friend. He's the one everyone goes to when we have computer problems. He really could make a mint but he refuses to take any money for helping. He was a little shocked that I phoned for help because I've always managed to fix it on my own before but this time was way beyond my half-dead and blonde brain cells. He talked me through fixing it and now I'm back online! Gotta love that man! I never realized how addicting reading and writing blogs could be!

So computer, just remember, you are the ONLY ONE in my life. The other computer at work means NOTHING to me, I promise! Just PLEASE DON'T EVER break down on me again!!!!

To top it all off I tried to post this late Thursday night but blogger went down! I could get online and I managed to visit two blogs but I couldn’t post at all! Hopefully this will work now.

Me? Go out? Naaaaa...

2005-04-04T21:32:00.000-04:00

I had the weekend off so I made plans. I really should know better but maybe I have a thing for last minute changes. Good thing I'm adaptable.

Friday the girls from work decided that "we" were all going out on Saturday. Every once in a while, oh heck who am I kidding, almost every second weekend the girls decide to have a night out. I ran through the list of excuses and their answers...

- The dog is sick.
(Feed him gravol, tie him outside where he won't make a mess and get your a** here)
_ The cats with the extreme girths decided they wanted me to say home so they had a lap to sit on
(Just put a heating pad on the floor and get your a** out here)
- The car broke down...admittedly not a good excuse since I drove it home from work but none of these are really good excuses
(OH no problem! So and so's brother will come pick you up!)
- George Clooney is coming over to...ummmm...play cards
(Just bring him with you so we all can have a shot at...ummm...playing cards with him)
- It might rain and I'm made of sugar, I might melt
(snort...get your a** out here!)
- Mom says I have to stay home
(Like when did you ever start listening to anyone?)
- I need my beauty sleep
(One night isn't gonna make or break you! Now get your a** out here!)
- Loud music scares me
(Ya right, you were the one dancing on the speaker now get your a** out here) Just for the record I only threatened to dance on the speaker, I never really did it!
- I don't know how to dance
(ok right, ya, we believe you since you're always the first one of us on the dance floor!)
- I have no designated driver and you never leave home without one
(No problem, so and so's brother will pick you up)
- It's against my religion to party with wild women
(You ARE a wild woman now get your a** out here!) Ok again just for the record, I most definitely am not!

After many more excuses that were all shot down I did go out with them. Now you probably are wondering why I wouldn't want to go out with them. Ok you probably aren't wondering but I'll tell you anyway. They are constantly trying to set me up with someone's brother, uncle, dad, nephew, cousin, friend and they never let up!
I decided this time I'd come with a body guard so I brought my brother to be my designated driver. I knew I wouldn't drink very much but just to be on the safe side and besides no man is willing to go through my brother to get to me...well a few very brave souls do but it doesn't take long to convince them they may have an easier time hitting on someone else.

I had a really good time! Only two men got through my brother and that was only because they were friends of his. Now these two men had me laughing so hard my ribs were still sore on Sunday! One of the men has a wickedly evil sense of humor (I'll call him A) and constantly plays practical jokes on the other one (B). The other one related some of the stories and had me just in stitches! B just never knew what A was going to do to him or what trouble A was going to get him in. "A" goosed a woman who was standing beside B and made it look like B did it. B had no idea what was going on and couldn't understand why he was turning on his charm to pick her up and she's looking like she's going to clock him! Or the time A told a woman that B wanted to sleep with her while she was standing by her very large boyfriend! I can't really tell you the rest of the stories as they are a little racy for this blog! Good thing I have a very strong bladder or I might have peed my pants I was laughing so hard!

So I danced, sang, had a couple drinks, laughed until my sides hurt, watched all the wild women give up and go home one by one and then went for something to eat with A after the club closed down. I never got to sleep until 8am Sunday.

Sunday I actually got out for a bit with my camera. I didn't take many pics but I loved the walk through the woods. The dog actually wanted to come with me this time instead of sleeping at home and trying to widen his girth to show up the cats.
But today it was back to work. I think I'll buy some more lottery tickets. I'll leave you now while I go fantasize about how I'll tell my boss I quit when I win the millions!

I Am Loved Owned By...

2005-03-31T21:16:00.000-05:00

Two extremely large cats. I really have blogger’s block so I’m going to bore you and tell you about the animals that own me.

Bubble-butt is a Siamese cat. She was my birthday present in 1993. I don’t have a picture of her because I couldn’t get all of her in one picture! Bubble-butt is not her real name, it’s her well earned nick-name. She’s the old lady and she demands respect and everything else she can think to demand. Bubble-butt is getting old now and sometimes she’ll forget what she’s doing but she never forgets a meal time. She’s very picky about her food and lets you know if she likes it or not.

Her claim to fame, well besides her ample girth, is that she’s afraid of mice. I live out in the country and once in a while a friendly little rodent will decide to move in and not pay rent. You’d think owning cats would prevent this but every couple years a ~~dumb~~ smart one will try to move in. Bubble-butt was in the basement with me while I was doing the laundry and she busied herself complaining in that Siamese twang about how I’m just not living up to my part of the agreement and if I don’t smarten up I’m outta here. I wasn’t listening of course because after a while the nagging all sounds the same..meow meow meow… and I tune it out while I completed my slave labor. I suddenly heard Bubble-butt gasp in fear and I turned to see what was going on and there sitting right in front of her was a little mouse. I can only assume he had a death wish to fulfill for him to plant himself in front of a very large cat but who knows what goes on in their little heads. Anyway, I waited for Bubble-butt to do her job but instead what I saw still cracks me up today. She arched herself up as far as her mighty girth would let her, let out an ungodly hiss then took off like a bat outta hell! She jumped over the mouse, tore up the basement stairs and ran right into my room and under my bed! I don’t think she has ever moved that fast in her life! She stayed under there for the rest of the day and only came out that night for her supper! Nothing would make her miss her supper!

As for the mouse, I put on an oven mitt just in case he wanted to bite, scooped the little guy up, carried him outside and told him if he has a death wish he’ll have to find another cat to help him. He scurried on his way and I haven’t seen him since so he must fulfilled his wish.

The other owner I have is Sumo-kitty. Sumo-kitty was born in an old car in the field, one of a litter of four to a wild cat. When she was a day old the father cat found them and attacked. He killed two of the kittens and I never did see the mother cat again so I don’t know if he killed her too. It was in the fall and the remaining two kittens were freezing so I phoned the vet and asked what their chances were if I brought them in. He basically said there was no chance of survival at a day old and that I should just leave them and let them die on their own and save myself some heartache. I waited another half day then couldn’t take it anymore. They had very little body temperature at that time and I just had to try. I scooped them up and put them between my breasts in my bra…yes I really did!…to get some warmth back in their bodies while I set up a box with a heating pad. As soon as the heating pad was warm enough I put them in the box and sped over to the vet’s for bottles and formula. The vet just shook his head but as he said, “I knew you’d bring them in Chaotic. Thats why I stayed late tonight and waited, but you do realize that it will be close to impossible for them to survive no matter how well you look after them?” Well I had to try and try I did! I bottle fed them night and day every hour at first. Then I had to do what the mother cat would do which is turn them over and wipe their tummies with a warm cloth (well she would have used her tongue but come on! I think turning my bra into an incubator was enough! LOL) to make them go to the bathroom and to make them burp after every bottle feed.

I almost lost them both at about 2 weeks old but we got over that hurdle and they both survived. I found a home for one but I just couldn’t part with Sumo-kitty. Ok, I lied, my cousin ripped the other kitten out of my arms to take home because I couldn’t part with either one of them and I couldn’t keep both. Sumo-kitty of course wasn’t her name then but she’s definitely deserving of it now! She grew and grew and grew and has no trouble wrestling with the dog! The strange thing is I always thought that purring etc was instinctual with cats but it isn’t, it’s a learned action/reaction. She really didn’t know how to purr or spit or growl. She was over a year old before she had finally p*ssed Bubble-butt enough for her to expend some energy into a growl and spit and Sumo-kitty was totally shocked! She didn’t know what that was! She was over two years old before she could make some semblance of a purr, spit without scaring herself and growl in a way that sounded somewhat menacing. She’s still not very good at it but she tries now and then when she’s not busy eating. Her hunting skills are enough to make anyone laugh but at least she does try and doesn’t run away and hide under the bed.

So these are the two critters that own me. The rules I have to follow by are…
-provide a never ending supply of only the best cat food
-provide a warm lap whenever one is required even if it means I have to immediately drop what I am doing to provide it
-be the doorman to their never-ending game of “I want in!” “I want out!” Again these..ummm requests must be acted upon immediately!
-provide at least 3/4ths of my bed and all my blankets
-make sure the litter box is always clean, preferably clean right after they use it. Although we have about 200 acres for them to use as a litter box they prefer to laze in the sun outside and come in to do their business.
-be a good companion and supply plenty of pets and massages on demand…again must drop everything to provide this
-make sure their toys are picked up and put away as soon as they are finished playing so they can take them out of the box to play again.
-do not bring any more of those horrid dogs in the house! I’m not sure they’ve forgiven me yet for bringing my dog home.
-and never…I mean NEVER…take them back to Mr. Vet. They really don’t like him much as he doesn’t bend to their demands at all.

Now as long as I follow all the written rules and many many unwritten rules they will allow me to live here. Should I get uppity and decide not to follow them, my bags will be pack and left in the ditch, my new home, and they will look for another more worthy slave to deal with their every wish and whim.

(The dog and I are planning an uprising! Shhhhh!)

Good Food, Good Music, Family & Bacardi Breezers

2005-03-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

What a wonderfully chaotic weekend! Just the way I like them!
Friday started out with me thinking I was going to have a whole day off to do with as I wish. The kids weren't scheduled to be home until that evening so I had the whole day to myself. I made plans, fun and excitment were in store! I really should know better than that and like the saying, life is what happens while you are making plans.

Daughter's boyfriend, my future Son-in-law (although they haven't made it official yet but we all know where they are headed) was bringing Daughter home from University for the Easter Weekend. Friday morning I went online to check my email before I started out on my planned day of fun and excitement and Daughter IM'd me. Future Son's truck broke down and they can't get any parts or tools as it's Good Friday and nothing is open. They will be home on Saturday after the stores open and they can get the truck fixed. Ok, no problem I'll just see them Saturday right? Nope, Gramma decided to have Easter Dinner on Friday night because my brother won't be in town on Sunday. Brother is going to the Eagles concert (brat)so we have to have the dinner Friday night. New catch to this story. So I IM'd Daughter and told her to get Future Son online and got a list of what he needed to fix the truck. At this time Son came home early so I packed him and all the tools etc that we needed and drove to Daughter's University City so I could get the kids home for Easter Dinner.

We actually managed to get the truck fixed and home for dinner at 6:30pm! I still don't know how we managed that but we did. It couldn't have been because I was driving WELL OVER the speed limit and my nickname is the Rushin Rocket. No, that definitely wasn't it. Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner with all the family.(Future Son is considered family) After everyone stuffed themselves we all relaxed and laughed, teased and tormented each other for the rest of the evening. It's a family tradition.

Saturday Mom had a list of places she needed to go to. Mom doesn't like to drive outside her safety zone. She drives only about 20 mins from home but won't drive in town at all. I can't make her because if you could see her when she has to drive in town you'd be begging to drive her next time! She shakes and her face is pure white and she feels and looks like she's going to "lose her cookies". She's absolutely terrified so I drive her where ever she needs to go. I just can't stand seeing her like that. Seems that although I drove her to town 100 times Easter shopping she still managed to forget things. After two trips to town (45 mins one way) and numerous stops in town we finally had Mom ready for Easter. Most of Saturday was shot but it still was a great day. Saturday evening was a nice quiet night with the kids. Ok I'm fibbing, nothing is quiet with the kids but it was fun anyway.

Sunday, of course, the EASTER BUNNY CAME! Yes no matter how old we get we still have a visit from the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus etc. Seems the only one to fall by the wayside of adulthood was the Toothfairy. We hopefully will not need her services again! We also had a second Easter dinner...why?...Mom couldn't decide if she wanted a ham dinner or turkey dinner for Easter so she had both! Oh well I'm not complaining, all that cooking, baking and cleaning went down really well with a couple Bacardi Breezers. By Sunday afternoon I had eaten the ears off of the kids Easter Bunnies, which is tradition. I really had to do it! If I don't eat the ears off the bunnies they will hear the kids coming and run! The only way the kids are going to be able to eat their bunnies is if they can't hear them coming! Ya, that's my story and I'm sticking to it as I have for 23 years and as my Father did before me. My Father used to eat the whole head. I don't think my brothers and I knew Chocolate Bunnies come with heads until we moved out of the house!

Today has been a flurry of preparations to get the kids back to University and College. I had to get Daughter up early to catch the train back and it was an hour and half late. She says it's never been late before so she jokingly said I'm not allowed to drive her to the train any more. No problem! LOL Son got a ride back to College with a friend's Dad so all I had to do with that one was answer the "where's my socks? (is this something guys are born saying?)where's my coat? Where's my keys? Where's my PS2 game? etc" but I managed to get him out the door for his ride on time.

The house is sure quiet without them.

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful warm day out. I think I'll grab my camera and wake the lazy dog up and drag him out for a walk in the woods.
Have a great day!

Crazy Conversation

2005-03-24T23:17:00.000-05:00

I had the strangest conversation today. While a co-worker and I were outside soaking up the Spring warmth a couple friends of hers came over to talk to us. She introduced me to everyone and we all chatted for a while. Normal stuff but then it got strange.

One of the men came over to me and started talking to me. He was talking in French so I told him that my French was not that good but he just smiled and kept talking. He was very expressive with his facial expressions and his hands. He'd say something and put both his hands on the left side of his chest then throw his arms out then bring them back in and settle his hands over his heart again. He talked and talked and I understood nothing! Absolutely nothing!

I didn't want to hurt his feelings and obviously he didn't understand English well or he would have understood when I told him I didn't understand French. I glanced over at my co-worker and she was smiling so I figured he must be harmless and what he's saying doesn't seem to be bothering my co-worker so I just smiled and nodded throughout his conversation. Then he said something to me and paused, I smiled, he repeated it and although I still didn't understand I smiled and nodded again. Then he laughed out loud and said "oui!" By this time I glanced at my watch and realized if we didn't get a move on we'd be late for work so I politely said, "Well you'll have to excuse me. Lunch break is over so I have to get back to work. It was nice meeting you." His reaction was just a big smile and "Oui, Oui"

I turned to walk back into work and my co-worker followed me a little while later laughing so hard tears are running down her cheeks.
"Chaotic! Do you have any idea what he was saying to you?"
"Ummm...no but you didn't seem worried so I just smiled and nodded!"
"I thought you weren't dating anymore?" She said
"I'm not, why?"
"Because he asked you out on Saturday and you smiled and nodded so he took that as a yes, as anyone would, and asked for your phone number to get directions to your house to pick you up for the date and you said you had to get back to work! You left him there!" She took one look at my mouth hanging open so far my chin was on the ground and doubled over laughing, holding her ribs while tears rolled down her checks.
"You have got to be kidding! Really, you're kidding right? Please tell me you are kidding!" I gasped
Well she laughed for some time while I stressed and fretted and wondered how I get into such messes then finally she let me off the hook.
"Don't worry Chaotic, he's a friend of mine and I explained to him that you had no idea what he was saying so you are off the hook....for now."

Really now, someone please tell me how I get into these messes! I'd really like to know so I could avoid future embarrassment! Was I suppose to frown and shake my head no while he was talking to me? Ok, now that my face isn't as red from blushing as it was I really do find it funny. As Daughter would say "Only you Mom, only you."

No Laughing At The Blogger

2005-03-23T19:11:00.000-05:00

I was finally able to see the movie "The Notebook" No one was home so I grabbed my blankie and curled up on the couch to watch the movie.

I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THIS MOVIE AT ALL!

Now don't you start laughing at me but it really didn't take very long for this movie to reduce me to a blubbering mess with a red nose! I bet I went through a whole box of tissue. I'm so glad I watched that movie when I was by myself. That way I could just let go and cry without anyone seeing me. I'd never live it down if the kids had seen me crying like that!

I'm definitely buying the DVD. I loved this movie! I'm also buying the book because if the movie was that heart wrenching the book will kill me! I'll have to remember to read it when no one is home.
Oh, I'm such a wimp!

Why I Love Payback...

2005-03-20T21:02:00.000-05:00

I really do look for little ways to "get back" at my kids for some of the things they put me through while they were growing up. (I'm sure all parents do this but at least I'm admitting it publically! LOL)This may sound mean but let me tell you about just one time and then maybe you'll understand....

When my kids were little (1 & 3 years old) I had to fly from the west coast to the east coast. At that time Son could only be fed through a nasal gastric tube. A container was attached at the end of the nasal gastric tube and I poured his formula into it and let gravity pull it down the tube and into his stomach. No one told me that on the plane this gravity wouldn't be working as well!

I didn't have much money then as Son had a lot of medical expenses so I booked a flight for the three of us on the cheapest airline I could find. Little did I know that it was a milk-run, meaning it must have landed in every airport from Vancouver to Quebec! About over Alberta Son needed a feeding so I poured his formula into the tube and found it wouldn't flow through. I stood up and held the tube up higher and it very very slowly started to make it's way down. Meanwhile the plane decided to land in Alberta and I was told to buckle myself in. It took a while to convince the Stewardess that if I lowered the tube his stomach contents would drain out so I had to stand and hold the tube up to avoid this. Good thing I had taken many years of gymnastics because it took everything to keep standing through the landing!

As soon as we landed and they opened the doors Daughter yelled "Gramma's House!" and took off out the door. Again I couldn't lower the tube but the Stewardess ran out after her and brought her back onto the plane. I explained to her we really weren't there yet and she was a little sad but she settled back into her seat. I tried to stay out of the way of the people getting off and on the plane without lowering Son's tube.

We were on that plane over nine hours and I really don't remember how many more landings we made and I was still holding that tube. Each landing Daughter would scream and run off the plane and the Stewardess would grab her and bring her back. I wanted to cry I was soo frustrated but I didn't. I just stuck my chin up in the air and continued on.

My parents were picking us up in Montreal and I was never so thankful to land before in my life! Now that the feeding finally went through I could cap off the tube. I put Son on one hip and his bags on my shoulders, grabbed Daughter's hand and proceeded to follow the others since I had no idea where to go. Well 3 year olds don't walk very fast and it didn't take long for the crowd to lose us but fortunately I saw the door that they went through so I figured we were ok. When we got to the door I saw that there was an escalator. Daughter had never seen one before, I never thought about it and just stepped onto it with Daughter in tow. Well she got scared and she dug her feet in and would not step on it at all. I walked back up and talked to her and explained what was going on but each time I tried to get on it she'd refuse. She started crying, Son started crying, the crowd started building up behind us and I calmly tried to talk Daughter into getting on the "fun ride".

A man stepped forward in the crowd and with a smile on his face, he reached down and scooped Daughter up in his arms and started down the stairs. It scared me and I grabbed the back of his shirt so he couldn't get lost in the crowd with my child! But we all managed to get down the escalator. He asked me if someone was waiting for me and I told him yes. He said "Follow me dear and I'll show you where to wait for them." He was still carrying Daughter so I really didn't have a choice and I followed him. He found us some seats and put Daughter down (much to my relief)and told me that this was where to wait. (Just a little side note, it was very hot in Vancouver when I got on the plane so all I wearing was a blouse, no bra, and jeans)

Daughter was still crying, Son was crying, I was almost in tears but so relieved he didn't try to run away with Daughter. I looked up at him and said
"Thank you so much for helping me get Daughter down the escalator and for showing us where to wait." As I looked up at him I saw the biggest grin on his face and he said, with much enthusiasm, "That is definitely thanks enough!" I was very puzzled but just then I felt a breeze across my breasts...What??? across my breasts????..I looked down and Son had undone every button on my blouse and there I sat with my blouse open for a full view...no bra!!! The man grinned and thanked me again and then left.

I was mortified! I couldn't believe it! I had just bared my breasts for all to see...well Son did actually...in the Montreal airport! I couldn't help it, all the tears I had held back on that flight from hell starting falling. When my parents found us, there we were, all three of us crying!

Ok, so now you know JUST ONE story of why I look for little things to do to embarrass my children. I had to keep telling myself, someday I was going to be able to have payback. Don't get me wrong now, I would never do anything really bad to them. I couldn't do that. I just do little things like bring out the nudie baby pics, or take off my shoes and stick my feet out the window while Daughter is driving, acting goofy, etc. I think I deserve it! So that little story below that Son wrote in elementary school will definitely be seeing the light of day just when the time is right!

What I'd really like to hear is that man's side of the story. Imagine getting flashed in the Montreal airport by a 23 year old! LOL I'll never forget that grin as long as I live! LOL

Orgasms

2005-03-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

I found one of Son's assignments from elementary school...

*********************************************************************

Orgasms

Orgasms are very important. We all have them. They are the things that make the world go around. They are everywhere. There are big orgasms and little orgasms but the big orgasms are more inneresting. We cant live without orgasms. Without orgasms there would be no people and that wouldn't be fun.

*************************************************************************

Good thing his teacher understood the spelling mistake (organism) but he did give me a very hilarious phone call to tell me how he and his fellow teachers enjoyed Son's outlook on life. LOL

Honestly! I really overheard this!

2005-03-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

A conversation I overheard in Tim Horton's this morning....
Names have been changed to protect poor Bob.

1st woman: How are things going with you? I haven't heard from you in a while.

2nd woman: Things are going great. I've just been really busy lately.

1st woman: Have you made up your mind about your little problem?

2nd woman: *laughs* My little problem! How true is that?!

1st woman: Well it can be a little problem no matter how you look at it.

2nd woman: I just wish Bob was a little bigger in that department. Size is sooo very important! Charlie is above average, he's got it all, but poor Bob fell a little short in that department. Charlie is perfect and preforms like a champ and totally pleases me but he's a little stuck on himself. He knows how good he is. Bob on the other hand tries so hard but just doesn't have what Charlie has. He's just too small to do the job.

1st woman: So are you going to dump Bob cause he's too small or are you going to keep both the boys?

2nd woman: I really love Bob but he just is too small. He just doesn't give me the satisfaction that Charlie does. I think I'll probably end up dumping him and keeping Charlie. It's a very difficult decision but size really does matter so I guess I'll have to do it.

Bet you can't guess what they are talking about!
Shame on you! Get your mind outta the gutter!
They are talking about 2nd Woman's show dogs while she decides which one she'll keep showing! LOL