First sentence from the first post of each month in 2006.
Borrowed from Clara

January:
Who Knew?

February:
Thursday Funnies

March:
20 things from MyLuc's Auntie

April:
Awesome!

May:
Itsa Tuesday...I just have to remember to breathe

June:
You are 25% bitchy

July:
The five love languages

August:
Ten thoughts to ponder for 2006

September:
Not quite a quote a month but close

October:
(Nada...didn't post at all...I think this was due to my back issues)

November:
November 2, 2006..Holy Smokes! Time Flies

December:
Same girl but....

Boy I'm something or another...thanks to y'all who have kept reading.

So a post that's been draft almost a month since my awesome birthday.

Spoiled Huge!

So much has happened to already make my 30th year or 31st depending on who you talk to awesome.

My Mom arrived Thursday, November 27, 2006 amidst a torrential downpour. She really, really wanted Tim Horton's coffee and we decided to go to the one in Richmond, and then missed the turnoff, so the one in New West but the traffic was horrid. So we went for breakfast at Amelia's on 12th. It was pretty good. Luc left to run errands and mom and I walked home. She kept repeating I don't know how you can live in this (meaning the rain) and pointing out that "that's horrible" that we still had green grass. After vegging for a bit we headed to the mall. mom wanted to pick up a Camelback as an xmas gift for one of their atving buddies. I only wanted to head to Walmart.

Yup, that's it. That's the draft.

The gist of spoiled huge is that Friday the 24th of November, 1976, I came into the world and that on Friday, the 24th of November, 2006 I had a family dinner with my best, my mom, Luc and his immediate family. Minus his bro Matthew cuz his mom forgot.

The Saturday my best went home I hung out and played games with my mom and Luc's family and about 4 that evening his entire family showed up! Everyone. Girly Girl and Chin Chew braved the weather and my night Rocked!! I got so many awesome gifts and to top it off people braved the weather for me. Me. I'm so loved.

Warm fuzzies abounded for November.

Same girl but ....

First Name: Phoebe
Last Name: Baxter
Female
The Great Archives determine you to have gone by the identity: Alice Drown
Known in some parts of the world as: Scourge of Whores
The Great Archives Record: Beautiful, evil, seductive and dangerous!

First Name: Melissa
Last Name: Seifrit

The Great Archives determine you to have gone by the identity: Goddess of Moldovia
Known in some parts of the world as: Haunt of The Vile
The Great Archives Record: Vile, foul, filthy and greedy: this creature knows nothing of light.

Spoiled Much?

My friend Girly girl aka Elizabether totally made my day. For my birthday gift she took me to see Lisa Marie Presley at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam. It was totally awesome!!



We started the evening with a little Cranberry and Lemon Vodka...I know, it was a little lemony but I can explain. I was a little excited when I was making the drinks at 7 a.m. and it went a little more cranberry nope, more vodka...sip...*gasp* drinking before 8 a.m. I'm going to Hades! So we caught a cab and headed to dinner.

We went for an awesome dinner at Applebees where we shared the appie platter and each had a salad washing it all down with a ginormous Brewsters glass of Sleeman's. For dessert we were going to have the chimichanga..instead...which I figured out while typing this the waiter Byron came and sang Happy Birthday to me in a Scooby Doo voice. A little embarassing yes totally...but fun nonetheless. With the song came a mug of icecream and chocolate syrup with a cherry on top.

We each had some of that and then o'course for dessert and to top off heading into Coquitlam and Lisa Marie shots of tequila. Finishing that we each stopped by our respective banks before heading to the Red Robinson Theatre. Another cab as it was still pouring rain.

Upon arrival at the Boulevard Casino we did a walk through..me with an eye on the gamblers and how some were "plugged in" and Elizabether watching the tellers. We agreed that they did indeed look like those on CSI LV. And o'course we splurged a bit with a $5 and a machine with which we pushed some buttons, pulled the handle and just waited to see what happened. Weird but cool.

11th row left centre. We were sitting between Lisa, who we shook hands with and met because we kept stepping over her and a couple. The husband had seen Elvis when he came to their school in Grade 4 and o'course was at the concert because he thought it looked like a good idea.

The open was Shawn something. I can't remember the spelling or even his correct name. He was okay. The most memorable part of his opening was the song about the Moore Hotel in Seattle. That's where Strongarm and I stayed when we went there. That was cool.

And then Ms. Presley came on. We both think she's tiny. Maybe 5'4. Her hair was dark with red chunks, she had a whack of energy, totally played to and with the audience and rocked!!

I am such a bad fan though, she has two CDs out...I have one. My bad.

I had such a good evening with Elizabether and thank her with all my heart for thinking of me and doing something that was totally me.

*HUGE GINORMOUS HUGS* 

Bananarants: I'm Bert to your Ernie...tee hee

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

A woman, standing nude, looks in the bedroom mirror and says to her husband, "I look horrible. I feel fat and ugly. Pay me a compliment."

The husband replies, "Your eyesight's damn near perfect."

He never heard the shot ......................

Friends

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself (and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your goodie drawer with her foot!)

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Addictions

I don't know when it happened but it did. I always liked salad as a snack, with meals, just cuz and now cheese and rice I want it all the freakin' time just so I can shake that bottle of Renee's Asian Sesame dressing. This dressing is so tasty that I mentioned to MyLuc just pour it into a shot glass. I mean c'mon now....I've like french, ranch even with the occasional vinagrette but now I can't get enough of the Asian Sesame. I'll eat my salad last so I can savor the veggies and swipe through the dressing on my plate. I'll even run my finger along my plate to get that last drop...sad really.

Tonight is family dinner at an East Indian restaurant in Vancouver. Family being MyLuc, his 'rents, sis and fiancee and perhaps his bro. Now Matthew shows up occasionally at family dinners at restaurants but not often. I think it might have something to his sleeping during the day when he isn't in school so he can be up at night on his computer playing games or perfecting his poker skills. *shrug* Something like that. Also invited but not yet confirmed is MyLuc's uncle J. Now uncle J and MyLuc work together at the wonderful company of Xantrex. uncle J I guess is one of the workers and the first aid guy. If you stood MyLuc, uncle J and MyLuc's dad together you'd guess wrong which one is his dad. Just cuz. MyLuc takes in height from his mom's dad, Grandad Mel and his features from his dad's side, example uncle J. Weird really.

It's the first day of the long weekend and I want to play. Play cards, play bunnies, play gamecube or xbox...just play. No tv, no movies (although last night we did watch Nanny McPhee (which I quite enjoyed which MyLuc was bored) and this morning a Korean revenge flick Lady Vengeance (interesting but not enough for me to watch again). So far...no playing, no games, no laughter just wake up, eat breakfast, veg, eat lunch...tadahh...here I am.

MyLuc went out this morning and purchased a 4gig (I don't know if that's correct but it's got more memory than my 1 one) and now is situated at his computer downloading music, surfing Itunes and well...at his computer.

*sigh*

My week was okay. I've had some rough patches since being back with my boss Tom and the girls. It's like when I was away everyone clicked and now I have to get back 'in'. It sucks really. We had a staff meeting and they were talking about what had happened while I was away...to each other...whenever I tried to speak up I'd be spoken over. There are only 4 staff, three secretaries/assistants and reception/whatever that word is. That's it. 4 of us and 2 were the talkers, I was trying the other really....trying not to fall asleep in her chair. Did we get anything accomplished...nope...nada...zip. It sucked.

Other than my getting into a size 18 jeans (from a size 26 sept 05) and trying not to wear them each and every day, nothing much has happened. I will keep trying tho' to update as much as I can be it early at work, during work, or at home. I'm thinking the first two would work the best.

*HUGE HUGS*

Read at Shasta McNasty

"Every single relationship you have is a reflection of how you feel inside you. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings. Every relationship you have and every interaction with every person, is a reflection of your own thoughts and feelings in that very moment."

Kinda gives me shivers and makes me glad for the uniqueness that is me.

Countdown = 18 Days

In 18 days I will turn 30. In 16 days *fingers crossed* my Mom will fly from somewhere either in the Kootenays or Alberta and join me for this occasion.

Having my Mom come down/over/up from the Kootenays has been in the works for 3 years. We speak every second Tuesday either her calling me or vice versa. It's the general how ya doin' conversation with the ending. See you (now... in November). I made the executive decision to call her every Tuesday. I am super paranoid that she isn't going to come down and that would be totally disappointing.

I know that in other entries I have mentioned how things go wrong and how I try not to act too disappointed when they do...cuz I know they will.

This birthday will hopefully be a good one. My 27th I had to put my cat down...on my day. My 28th my little bro Sprout disowned me and my 29 I had a hiatus with a good friend. I am really really hoping that this one will be a good one.

Everyone wants to know the plans and it's really quite simple. Tentatively if my Mom comes in on Thursday we're taking her for sushi. Quite the experience for my Mom and I good one I hope. Friday, I'm going to take my best friend and my mom on the West Coast Express out to Mission where MyLuc's Mom will pick us up. Friday and Saturday we'll be out with MyLuc's family. My Mom will meet them for the first time and I really hope that things go well. Sunday back home for a dinner MyLuc will cook (I hope) and then Monday she's going home.

That's the plan. *fingers crossed*

The Weekend

Saturday was my get up and go day. I was up by 8. 5 loads of laundry. Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom spick and span. Then I wanted to veg. We had our friend After Eight (although I need a new nick now...her phone deal has changed and After Seven doesn't work) and her beau Cliff came for dinner. Steak, garlic mashed potatoes, veggies and Bumbleberry pie and ice cream for dessert. I admit I didn't eat the pie or ice cream, I waited and had a fruit popsicle. Much better for me.

I had some blue moments on Sunday, I am trying to lose weight and get somewhat toned for the cruise in February and o'course for myself. I decided that I needed to shop. So away Strongarm and I went. I desperately needed jeans. I grabbed the 24s and the 22s and the 20s. I didn't have a clue what size just that the 20s I was wearing were too big and o'course low cut and sometimes the stores sizing is weird. I walked out of the store in 18s and they were a little big but I didn't want to push it too much and get the 16s...they'll come. I was/am ecstatic. Strongarm and I talked and honestly if I can get back to the size at prom 13 I'll be at a healthy size. Weight wise now I'm at 235...down from 265 last September. I admit I'm not doing as much exercise as I like but the eating healthy part...very easy. I know that if I crave something tho'...give in...otherwise the craving will overtake you and then you'll feel totally guilty. Yep, I've been there.

I'm going to be going on a mini-shopping spree come January. I need an outfit for the wedding and o'course clothes that will fit properly without suspenders and a belt. *fingers crossed* Here's hoping.

Thanks for reading and thinking of me.

*HUGE HUGS*

This Sunday I celebrated my friend Chin Chew's 26th birthday. He had it all planned out by email. Hiking, Boston Pizza and then bowling. I decided on dinner and bowling and was told that I was not to push it bowling...the first really physical thing since I hurt my back. Dinner was great. Shared and appetizer and then dinner...had two double Long Islands and then off to bowling. $14 for 3 games and shoe rental. I only made it 2 games and 2 turns into the 3rd when I decided to stop. I was starting to ache.

November 2, 2006

Holy Smokes time flies. I was working too much to blog but had a ton of blog fodder in my heard til the "next time" I was on the computer. Was on the computer but unable to use the internet. Couldn't use the computer for a few weeks and ta dah.....it's November 2, 2006.

The last couple of months really haven't been that good to me. First my Gran dies...though that was kinda expected and then o'course when it happened noone expected it. Then I get so stressed out at work that I kinda head into that "blue" area that I said I was never going into again and then o'course once I was feeling better I rolled over in bed to snuggle MyLuc and two discs in my lower back squish nerves heading down both my legs and I'm unable to work or sit for about a month. *Phew*

This is my second week back at work...thank goodness. I didn't get paid when I was off work because I had used all of my vacation and sick time earlier this year. I didn't get EI because naive me didn't know you have to submit more than I did. Appeal it...nah...I'm back at work. We didn't think I would be back before the cat scan on Nov. 22, but lo and behold here I am at work, sitting at a computer...tho' my typing speed is sucking and of course I'm making a ton of errors.

So what'd I do to heal you may ask...or if not...anyone who knows me knows that I'll tell you anyways. I went to this awesome Neurostructural Technique (NST) person named Valerie. THe only way I can explain what she did is to say she pressed nerves and rolled my muscles across my bones. She is a or was a student of the Bowen Technique which MyLuc had told me waaay back when I was hurt to try and go see a person. I didn't. I suffered and then one of his aunts called and said go see this person. I've now seen Valerie about 4 times and I feel amazing. Little to no pain in my lower back and legs. Valerie also studies a few different types of alternative therapy. MyLuc and our friend Girly Girl have gone to see her. MyLuc says she didn't do too much and my Girly Girl...I haven't talked with her.

So that's what's been going on. I'm going to try and blog more not only cuz I have a lot in my head waiting to be typed out but also because I'm on the computer more now.

*HUGE HUGS*

Thanks so much to those who emailed and texted me wondering what's going on. I like that I have made so many friends.

Question:

What is a man's Ultimate embarrassment?

Tee Hee…


Answer:

Running into a wall with an erection and breaking his nose.

Not quote a month but pretty darn close.

It's been quite a hectic few weeks.

My Gran passed away August 27, 2006. Almost 10 years to the day her husband my Papa died...July 31, 1996. The same date as her father's birthday. Her Memorial was held in Rossland at the Legion on the 31st. This was my Papa's birthday. Kinda weird and cool at the same time.

I received the telephone call at 1:51 on Friday August 25. I had been having a horrid headache all week so I was kinda grouchy and then the telephone call came from my Unc. D. He said do what you have to but get home asap. Gran is in the hospital and not expected to make it. Call the family.

Now in my family we had all been prepared for the telephone call. Prepared is one thing, actually receiving it is another. I immediately called MyLuc who had taken the day off to take his car in. He said he'd be home as soon as possible but it'd be rush hour so he didn't know when that'd be. I called Mom and left a message. I called Sprout and didn't get through. I called Robin, Sprout's bf, and he said he'd get ahold of Sprout. I called Stretch and left a message.

The rest of the hours passed in a blur of crying and telephone calls and trying to figure out how I could get home.I made it home and waited for MyLuc. I just wanted a hug. I took Sarah from the closet where she's been since Mel, Luc's Grandad passed end of May. I held her and just lay on the bed.

MyLuc came home and he held me and we tried to decide what to do. We could leave early Saturday getting there in the afternoon or I could take a bus tonight and get there early Saturday morning and he'd come down later..after he'd made arrangements for care of the critters. It was a tough decision. Have us leave early Saturday morning and be too late but he'd be with me or leave asap and have him come down after.

I chose to leave that night. I had 1/2 an hour to pack and I opened the closet and emptied it into my suitcase, my dirty clothes from the hamper as well. Got organized with my backpack giving MyLuc instructions on grabbing me fruit and stuff to eat, my books, my chargers for my cell and o'course my camera. It was done so quick. We made it with tons of time to spare and then I was alone.

I waited it seemed for hours for the bus to come. When it arrived my cousin Dyll was in the seat behind the driver, he's underage so although we are cousins we couldn't sit together. It was a very full bus and I woke some huge guy who was stretched out. And away we went. The bus ride was long, the guy wiggled alot, I cried and I hoped that my cell wouldn't ring that I was too late. The guy got kinda fresh and then got off the bus. Good thing because I would have punched him in the 'nads. He was being an ass.

We (Dyll and I) made it to Castlegar and into trail by 5:30 a.m. I had made arrangements for my best's hubby Chad to pick me up and also Dyll and take us to Aunties'. Auntie was there though. She hadn't got the message and had expected me later that day. Needless to say she didn't see me until I pointed to the car when I was talking with Chad and said "Well, there's my Aunt soo...".

Auntie, Dyll and I headed to 7-11 where we loaded up on coffee and snacks to take to the Hospital. That's where everyone was. We walked in and everyone was totally surprised to see me.

Gran was lying in the bed so small and wrinkled. She had gotten pneumonia and along with her advanced lung cancer and Parkinson's she was in pretty bad shape. The family rotated. 7 of her children, 10 of her grandchildren and o'course some of her greats. Although they are pretty young and probably don't remember what was going on. The whole family made it. The "Call to Arms" went out and asap we responded. My Unc. Larry who lives in Saskatchewan made it in just over 9 hours.

As the day went on we (the family) traded shifts, told stories, Gran came awake and was coherent and said "Don't cry", "Don't be sad", "I don't hurt". We talked to her and she responded as best she could. I admit I confused her once because I took off my sweatshirt and she thought I was someone else. It was hard but it was okay. I went down to Aunties and showered and changed in record time. We went and got pizza for the kids and to bring up to the Hospital. They moved us to the Family room which had a room and kitchen/couch area.

Conversations varied, TV was watched, emotions ran high. My cell was forever in my hand talking with MyLuc and updating him and talking with my best T. Errands were run. Auntie went up and lay an angel ornament on Papa' s stone saying "An angel was on its way". We talked and laughed and cried. For such a sad time it was good to see everyone.

Saturday evening everyone decided to get some sleep, go for showers and just stand by. I had set my cell to ring alarm for an hour at a time so I could spell the Uncles. They weren't leaving for anything.

Sunday morning, we were getting kicked out by the nurses so that they could bathe Gran. Mom and I decided to have a shower and change after staying at the Hospital over night. We went to Aunties for a super quick shower and change. I finsihed, we had a quick coffee and talked about how someone would be sleeping, in the shower, on the way, etc...and the telephone rang.

Back to the Hospital we went. Gran had passed when the nurses were bathing her. The theories vary on why then. My two favorites are that she wanted to go to Papa clean and that she wanted a moment when family wasn't around. A breathe all her own.

Arrangements began that night for the rest of the week.

It was a very long week. My family are alcoholics and they drink Bud *shudder* lots of Bud. We laughed, we talked, we cried, we made new memories and talked about old ones. We remembered Gran.

Lots happened that week. Wednesday, the day before her Memorial, Mom, Sprout, Stretch and I went up to visit Papa and let him know that Gran was on her way. MyLuc came down on the Wednesday afternoon and we stayed at T's. T-,man remembered Luc and wanted to show him everything. Q-girl, who had never met either of us just stared and stared at MyLuc. And then she'd grin and it was awesome. I was telephoned and asked if I could read a poem. I said I would try.

Thursday came early. MyLuc and I headed out to Tim Hortons. The coffee was horrible. My father was there. That was horrible. Back into town to pick up T. Up to the graveside where I had an attack of the funnies about how people were acting. MyLuc holding me tight because he thought I was sobbing...nope...T and I had the giggles. Back to Trail to pick up Q-girl (T needed to feed her and bring her along). Back to Rossland to the Legion. Up the stairs. The Legion Padre giving a really really long religious talk about Gran (so not Gran). Read the poem which was really long. Down stairs to do the meet and greet and I'm sorry about your Gran thingy. Too much so fast.

I decided that I needed to come home. Right then. We drove T back home. Went to Gran's so I could say goodbye, to Aunties for our gear and off we went.

We made it to Princeton, got a room at the Best Western, had a nice dinner and drinks and then MyLuc held me. Home on Friday where Matthew, MyLuc's bro had been staying at the apartment caring for the critters.

It was a long week.

Adventures of Strongarm and ummm....Me

Friday night I decided that I didn't want to spend what was going to be a gorgeous weekend indoors. I knew I had to do laundry and dishes and normal clean up the apartment kinda stuff but I really wanted to go outdoors.

So I called my friend Strongarm and we decided to hook up at 9 a.m. at the PNE (cuz it was free entrance until noon) and go from there. She knew that she had to donate blood about 1130 so she wouldn't have to stay but I decided we'd wing it. Sooo...to bed early. Up early and out the door by 730.

I met Strongarm and a whole bunch of other people who decided that it'd be a great idea to get the free entrance and we did a quick walkthrough. It was awesome to see that the V-slicer stand was there again and o'course my Hubcab (stovetop grill). There were a bunch of other booths and o'course my friend and her son were entered in the 4H competition with their sheep so I wanted to stop by and see them. We checked the map and decided to come back after she donated blood.

Off we went. We made it to the donation centre and I thought...what the heck. The last date on my card was September 2000...shortly after that I moved out of living with Strongarm and hadn't gone back. And then o'course I got my tattoo and well you have to wait. I passed through, did the assessment questioning and donated my pint.

Off we went again. We went to a mongolian grill type of place where you fill the bowl, they cook it, and bring the cooked food with rice and soup for $6. It was awesome and totally filling.

And away again we went. To Science World where they were holding the Flugtag. I have to tell you...there were so many people down there you couldn't squeeze yourself through the crowd in some areas. And it was hot and sticky and Strongarm was wearing jean capris so she wanted to go home and change. After getting my Sugar Free Red Bull away we went.

To Strongarms so she could change. I swear...that girl changed into 3 outfits before deciding what she wanted to wear.

Back to the PNE we went. We looked at the schedule and decided to check out the high dive. On the way we o'course following tradition had to stop for mini-donuts. I had three. Not a whole bag which was horrid because 1 for $3 and 2 for $5 but Strongarm was happy and fulfilled...minus the 3 that I ate o'course. The high diving was awesome. They totally played to the crowd and it totally helped that one of the divers was HOT!!! After that we went to the 4H showing and I found Alison and Markus. I haven't seen them for 3 years and o'course they were very surprised. I found out that Lisa and Darren welcomed Tyler Joe Colin into the world on August 3rd and was teary in a happy kind of way. I mean I only found out she was having a baby on February 3 so being told later in the game...to borrow a phrase from a friend "Meh"

To the Marketplace. I purchased a bowl for my V-slicer and a waffle blade, a hair clip (Made in Africa), a very cool nail kit (cuz I am a girl), a new crystal nail file (cuz I lost mine), some popcorn spice and dip mix and a Sushi Master.

I watched the live infomercial, asked questions, walked away, came back, asked some more questions, "Can you use brown rice"being the main one. I thought...you know...$29.99 for 3 sushi thingys and a knife...why not. This will totally cure my sushi craving.

Strongarm and I decided to go to one more show...We headed for the Illusion something or other. It was a really awesome magician with a dance troupe for entertainment. Weird and cool at the same time.

I think I made it home by 930. It was a very long day.

Thanks for reading! *HUGE HUGS*

**Sushi Master story to come

18 pounds in 6 weeks

Yep, you read that correctly. After my last doctor's appointment wherein he said "Either lose it or you're going to go somewhere where they'll help you lose it" and suggesting strongly "The Okinawa Program" with some notes on a scrap piece of paper....18 pounds in 6 weeks.

No cheese *sigh*
No red meat *gasp*
Limited amounts of alcohol *shrug*
Go Vegetarian *wince*

MyLuc and I now have a schedule where Monday's I go to Shallow Water Aquasize (I seriously didn't know you could sweat in water until this class) and he cooks, Tuesdays I cook and he goes for a run after dinner (Yep, he's taken up running...and so proud of his "super fast" sneakers to quote DaMamma and Mare), Wednesdays we're on our own for dinner (I have steamed veggie potstickers and tofu fried with a little bit of asian spicy sauce and red pepper flakes and he has steak ) before going to Deep Water Aquasize (I LOVE the float belts...so much fun!!), Thursdays, I cook and the he goes running, Friday's he cooks and we go for a walk after dinner. Saturday and Sundays vary so far. He goes running one of the days and the other we go walking.

I seriously didn't know how much I enjoyed coming home to a glass of wine until I decided only on Fridays and Saturdays and only two. TWO! That was a horrid number in the beginning but now it's a piece of pie...errr..slice of pie...piece of cake. Something like that.

And I've been so totally not cheating that I had a really good night a few weeks ago and then banned myself from any treats, dessert or alcohol for two weeks. A friend recently asked if I could join her for DQ. I decided sure...why not. It was Monday so by Saturday when we're at MyLuc's 'rents I may have some dessert or a drink. One or the other but not both.

I'm very proud of myself for what I've done and it really hasn't been too totally of a change other than I am kinda getting tired of chicken and fish recipes. But the veggies and fruits are easy.

At work the other day to celebrate finally moving into the office and having things mostly organized they want to go to DQ and buy an Ice Cream Cake. I was asked what they could purchase for me. It's awesome that they are thinking of me. I said a fruit bowl.

I do miss steak tho' and cheese. Soy and Tofu cheese just don't do it for me...it's like licking plastic (no offense to the lovers of such cheese it's just my opinion).

I never realized how much variety you don't get when you are looking for certain ingredients to avoid. I can't have table sugar. I can only have whole wheat flour. No more whites. No more ketchup or mustard. Although Dijon isn't too bad. I am so loving the different varieties of hummus I'm trying and o'course MyLuc is being awesome. Last night we had burgers and he picked up 3 white kaisers for him and his meat burgers and 3 whole wheat buns for me and my garden veggie burgers. I have to admit. This brand (which I can't remember the name) wasn't terribly bad.

All in all by the deadline of September 14, 2006 I hope to be closer to where the doctor wants me to be and o'course I'll keep working on it because I really really want to lose some of the jiggle that I've go going on.

Ifn' you've gotten this far...thanks for reading.

*HUGE HUGS*

MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION : Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. .

Rants, Raves, Catch Ups

Too long has it been since I've been able to do a really good entry. Here goes:

I went with Strongarm to Cirque de Soliel = Varakai (sp). It was awesome, amazing, jaw dropping, drooling and definately a must see...if not Varakai then another show. The aerobics, music, costumes, makeup, set led to me getting a crink in my neck and back as I tried to gather everything in. Although Strongarm and I were sitting side by side we weren't spending our time looking in the same areas. We both saw different things and overrode each other trying to tell all we saw.

MyLuc and I had a huge fight which almost let me to telling him to "get his ass outta my house". We were attending a concert and I was amazed at the Pianist and whispered to Luc that it kinda made me want to go back to playing the piano. He whispered back "Why...you'll just quit it like everything else". Needless to say I was PO'd major. I didn't even want to sit in the car with him I was so angry. The concert ended at 11 and I so was going to take the bus even if it meant me not getting home until the next day. I ended up giving in and crying and being angry we drove home and had a discussion and I told him what was bothering me. Now MyLuc in the first year we were living together had enough of my "nagging" and "issues" and went for a walk. I did as well. The second year I think we were at two walks apiece. This year...we argue mostly in the evening when all is supposed to be calm and quiet until the wee hours of the morning. We made up and all was well.

My cousin Dyll came to Vancouver and I thought, why not be a good cousin and take him to "Celebration of Light". The fireworks were something that he wouldn't see in Trail and o'course the crowds might *fingers crossed* keep him with me. We met up with Sprout and Robin for dinner and luckily they were cool with Dyll and I staying with them after the fireworks instead of fighting the traffic of people to get back to our respective homes. Dyll was staying with our Uncle. I swear Dyll's jaw dropped and it stayed that way throughout the 25 minute show. He kept saying that his twin bro Dan would definately want to switch him next year and come to Vancouver. And being the generous person I am, although I really didn't have the money I bought my cuz a pair of shoes. The deal was that they had to be under $100 and from the first shoe store we found. Champs it was and $90 give or take later he was sauntering with his Size 11's down the street. Now the reason for the generosity was that when we met at the Skytrain I was amazed that his mom (Anti R) even let him come to Vancouver with his shoes. The soles were loose and I swear he could scoop sand and gravel with the flap and flick it. They were so gross.

Our office move was horrible. The three secretaries packed up an office of what was 8(?) lawyers and 4 support staff an Accountant and a Helper in 3 freakin' days. While working our butts off. Steph and I stayed late waay too many evenings to get it done and organized. During the workroom pack up we were "brutal" in our decision of what to keep and what to throw of the tabs. Now the tabs number 1 to 90 something and then the alphabet ones and o'course the coloured and clear ones. The ones who weren't in a home were thrown, another colour, thrown, crinkled, bent....all thrown. Needless to say we still ended up with 6 boxes of tabs and the recycling bin was overflowing.

More to come....

Ten Thoughts to Ponder for 2006

Number 10= Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 9= Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 8= Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.

Number 7= Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Number 6= Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

Number 5= Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

Number 4= All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 3= Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00 and a substantial tax cut saves you 30¢?

Number 2=In the 60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

AND THE NUMBER 1 THOUGHT FOR 2006= We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located among the millions and millions of cows in America but we haven't got a clue as to where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are located. Maybe we should put the Department of Agriculture in charge of immigration.

Thursday Funny (for me anyway)

2010 OLYMPICS questions from all around the world about CANADA

Now that Vancouver has won the chance to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people the world over are asking!!!! Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website. Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were really asked!!!!!.

Q:I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow?(England)
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.

Q:Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.

Q:I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto-can I follow the Railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q:Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q:It is imperative that I find the names and addresses of places to contact for a stuffed Beaver. (Italy)
A: Let's not touch this one.

Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (England)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q:Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? (England)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? (USA)
A: Only at Thanksgiving.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round?(Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada, but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. (USA)
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.

34% Yankee...Who Knew

http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/yankeetest.html

The Five Love Languages

My primary love languages are probably
Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.

Complete set of results

Physical Touch:		8
Words of Affirmation:		8
Acts of Service:		7
Quality Time:		7
Receiving Gifts:		0

Information

Unhappiness in relationships, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. Sometimes we don't understand our partner's requirements, or even our own. We all have a "love tank" that needs to be filled in order for us to express love to others, but there are different means by which our tank can be filled, and there are different ways that we can express love to others.

Take the quiz

Thursday Funny

A guy with a black eye boards his plane bound forPittsburgh and sits down in his seat. He notices immediately that the guy next to him has a black eye, too. He says to him, "Hey, this is a coincidence. We both have black eyes. Mind if I ask how you got yours?"

The other guy says, "Well, it just happened. It was a tongue twister accident. I was at the ticket counter and this gorgeous blonde with massive breasts was there. So, instead of saying, I'd like two tickets to Pittsburgh ,' I accidentally said, 'I'd like two pickets to Tittsburgh'. So she socked me a good one."

The first guy replied, "Wow! This is unbelievable! Mine was a tongue twister, too. I was at the breakfast table and I wanted to say to my wife, "Please pour me a bowl of Frosties,honey." But I accidentally said, ' You ruined my life, you evil, self-centered, fat-assed, bitch.'"

*shakes head* what a coinkidink huh

Paths/Decisions

I have been thinking lately of the paths/decisions I have chosen and what might of been if I had wondered down the other one.

If I had not decided at 15 to tell my parents I would move in with my Grandparents because I was tired of being beaten by my father would my mom have decided to stay "for the kids".

If I had not decided to confront my father and tell him what I thought of him what would I think of him now?

If I had not decided to move in with my Grandparents instead of moving back to Elkford would I be working at the Coalmine, have a few kids, be an alcoholic and single?

If I had not decided to move in with Paige where would I be? Still working in Trail *sigh*

If I had decided right then when my Uncle L said come to Lillooet and work with me instead of saying I'll call you back...would I still be there?

If I decided not to work as a nanny for my cuz Dakota and move back to Sparwood would I have moved to Vancouver all the sooner?

If my aunt had not been so convinced that I was abusing Dakota knowing my history and how I so would not hit a child...would I have stayed his Nanny?

If Tami had not called and said we're moving to Prince George c'mon down...would I still be in the East Kootenays?

If I had found a job right away...on my own...would I have not ended up on welfare?

If I had chose cooking over security would I be still in Prince George?

If I had decided to go with Tami to Peace River instead of trying on my own to stay stable in Prince George by myself would we have stayed in Upper Alberta?

If I had not missed my Mom so much I dropped/quite everything to go back to Elkford would I still be in Prince George doing security at the Pulp Mill?

If Mom's husband hadn't been such an ass and Erin hadn't called telling me come to Vancouver they're jobs here...would I still be in Elkford? working at the Coal Mine. Single. With kids?

*phew* And that's the beginning. I've been here in/at the Lower Mainland since 1997.

Long List of Questions
1. So far who did you talk to the most today? My boss Tom
2. What is the best name for a butler?Charles
3. What is the thing you are picked on most about?My hatred of math
4. What was your last weird encounter?Hmmm…
5. What’s the weirdest story of one of your scars?Hit in the eye with one of those pump up rocket toys
6. Do you remember the part from Bambi when Bambi learns to say bear?Nope
7. What color is your toothbrush?Green and white
8. What is your middle name?Danielle
9. Can you eat well with chopsticks?Totally
10. What odd things creep you out?When MyLuc tries out accents…it’s just not right
11. Have you ever felt an earthquake?Yes
12. What do you do with the hot grease when you’re done cooking bacon?Dump it down the drain and run hot water for a few minutes
13. How many good friends do you have?Too many to count
14. What’s the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?Chocolate covered grasshopper
15. What color are your socks today?No socks
16. What is your favorite word that starts with the letter G?Great
17. Who do you blame for your mood today?Myself
18. If Ricky Martin had a trademark what would it be?She bang. She bang.
19. What is something scientists need to invent?Donno
20. What is the closest object to your left foot?Dictation Peddle
21. Who is your favorite Golden Girl?Rose.
22. Do you have an inside joke that has to do with numbers?Too many to count
23. What is the longest amount of hours you have slept in a row?10 or 12
24. What story do you tell most often?How washing Sara upset me
25. How do ugly people make you feel?What ugly people?
26. Where was your mother’s hometown?St. Stephen New Brunswick
27. Where was your father's hometown?Casino, British Columbia
28. What are the posters on your walls?Some Unicorns, some Ducks and some Elvis and o’course my Girl
29. Say two words that rhyme.Ring Thing
30. Do you use online terms in real life?I don’t think so
31. What do you think people think of you?Honest, quiet, funny, maybe just a little bit wise.
32. Do you think this year will be better than the last?I really, really hope so.
33. Who is the 1st person on your incoming call list and how do you know them?Whaa?
34. Do you know who Salad Fingers Is?Nope.
35. What is the stupidest thing you have ever done?Booked myself up too much and didn’t want to choose just one so I cancelled them all.
36. What is your favorite commercial of the moment?"Hands In My Pocket" some bank commercial I think
37. What does it take to make you cry?Not much
38. What are you looking forward to?Every day
39. Have you ever cried because you thought you were ugly?Yes
40. Who did you kiss today?Luc
41. What do you like to do when you are alone?Read. Internet. Try and Play Neverwinter, Bug the Cats
42. Who are your 2 favorite characters on Full House?Probably Joey and Uncle Jesse.
43. What is missing from your life?Laughter
44. Would you be ashamed if you wore hippie clothes?Nope
45. Grab the closest book, what does the 7th sentence on thethird page say?"…of the Department of Justice" from the 2006 Federal Courts Practice
46. When was the last time you slept with a stuffed animal?When Luc’s Grandad died
47. If it was your last day on earth what shoes would you wear?My duck slippers
48. Do you own a Super Nintendo?Nope
49. What do you think of Law and Order?I don’t
50. Can you name all 7 dwarfs?Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, Sneezy, Bashful, Doc. It's the rhyme.
51. Who is the hottest drummer you know?Donno
52. Have you ever pretended to be Jewish?Nope
53. What was the last thing you thought you lost, but ended up finding it?My hairbrush. It was in one of my many bags
54. What were you doing at midnight last night?Staring at the ceiling waiting for the cats to settle down
55. If you had a ball of clay what would you mold it into?Tupes
56. What does your Milkshake bring to the yard?Whaaa?
57. Do you have any famous relatives?I don’t think so
58. Chicken nuggets or chicken fingers?Fingers. Buffalo style. Mmmmmmmmmm
59. Pirates or Indians:Pirates
60. Pulp OJ or No Pulp OJ?I like to chew my OJ
61. Drive or Ride Passenger:Passenger
62. Regular Hot Dogs or Cheesy Hot Dogs:Cheesy.
63. Beach or Pool:Pool.
64. Renting a movie or Going to the theater:Depends. Renting is much cheaper but you don’t get the air conditioning or the movie popcorn.
65. Ever push all the buttons in an elevator?Totally
66. Ever bake with an easy bake oven?Nope
67. Ever gone to school when you didn’t remember you had the day off?Yes
68. Ever "Jungle Boogied"?I don’t think so
69. Ever owned a Spirograph?I don’t think so
70. Last TV show you watched?Take Home Chef
71. Last food you ate?Oatmeal Breakfast Bar
72. Last thing you bought?Shoes from Walmart
73. Last thing someone bought you?I don’t recall
74. Last thing you laughed at?Horrible…a coworker imitating another person
75. Last person that spent the night at your house?Linds
76. Last thing that gave you chills?Spiders on the ceiling
77. Last song you sang out loud?The Muppet Song
78. Last time you ate ice cream?Last night. Breyers Vanilla with cut up strawberries
79. Who was the last person to text message you?Linds
80. How tall are you barefoot?5'8"ish
81. Have you ever been unfaithful in a relationship?No
82. Do you own a gun?No
83. If you had a mental disorder, what would it be?Chronic Worry masked by an Obsessive Compulsive something or other
84. How many letters are in your crush's name?7 or so
85. What do you think of hot dogs?I don’t
86. What's your favorite Christmas song?Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
87. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?OJ
88. Do you do push-ups?Not if I don’t have to
89. Have you ever done ecstasy?Nope.
90. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?Tons of girlfriends and a few boyfriends too….
91. Do you like the rain?Yes, without the thunder and lightening
92. Do you own a knife?Yes.
93. Do you have A.D.D.?I don’t think so
94. Full initials?MDS
95. Name 4 thoughts at this exact moment.
1) This is very long
2) Manumana Do Do Do Do….repeat over and over and over
3) Can’t remember to forget the bike..wtf.
4) Work right…get to work…in a minute…or two
96. Name the last 4 things you have bought today and how much they cost.So far nothing…Last Night
1) Sandals from Walmart
2) New vitamins from Walmart
3) Ice Cap from Tim Hortons
4) Weightwatchers magazine from Walmart
97. What time did you wake up today?530 with Luc
98. Can you spell?Sometimes
99. Current worry?Do people forget me if I don’t talk to them for a while?
100. Current hate?Worry. Stress.
101. Favorite place to be?With family
102. Least favorite place to be?Right here. Right now.
103. Where would you like to go?New Zealand, to see my Mom, to see my Gran
104. Do you own slippers?Yes, duck slippers
105. Do you burn or tan?Burn.
106. Green or blue?Blue.
107. Last time your cell rang?Yesterday.
108. What songs do you sing in the shower?It depends on what's stuck in my head at the moment.
109. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?Earwhigs
110. What's in your pockets right now?Paperclips, my cell phone
111. Last thing that made you laugh.Watching Luc laugh at the new soccer game he bought as a coworker asks like one of the players on the game
112. Best bed sheets you had as a child?Strawberry Shortcake
113. Worst injury you've ever had?This year, my leg fell asleep and I stood up and rolled over on my ankle…tore most of the ligaments
114. What is your GPA?No Idea
115. How many TVs do you have in your house?2
116. Who is your loudest friend?Wow. Jules
117. Who is your most silent friend?Erin
118. Do you wish on stars?All the time
119. What is your favorite book?Journey of Nattie Gann
120. What song did you last hear?Fleetwood Mac – Chains (something or other)
121. Do you have a bad reputation?I don’t think so
122. What song do you want played at your funeral?No funeral
123. Where will you be in 5 years time?
Hopefully still working with Tom. Perhaps married to Luc. Own my own home.
124. What is your favourite thing to wear?*blush* Nothing..

Seattle Adventure 2006


This was as close to the Space Needle as I got. I wanted to go up but Erin didn't. So...we didn't.






I bought a half pint of chocolate milk. It was so little and cute. I don't see these in Canada so I had to indulge.





Erin's $1.75 (or something) two scoops of chocolate something or other and my $2.50 little cup of dippin' dots. We definately don't have this in Canada. It's freeze dried icecream...banana split flavour. It was awesome.



And o'course the little 6 pack of Tabasco that I picked up because it was too cute. Good for one or two lunches only tho'. 

Seattle Adventure 2006

For those that know me and those that don't I am not a fan of 'Girl from Ipanema' no matter if Blue Eyes sings it or not. MyLuc whistles it if he wants to be annoying. I mentioned that he must have been thinking of me. We saw this sign on the Friday and Saturday the song was playing in the Pike Place Market.


I wish rooms were this cheap. Erin and I went through the Underground tour which is sort of like Storeyum in Vancouver although not a play but an actual tour of the Seattle downtown underground. We found this sign on one of our walkabouts.


This statue was in one of the dog parks. It is actually one of three crouching dogs. I thought it looked cool.






Ride the Duck! I so wanted to do this. It was a tour with a on land boat that went through Seattle and then the inlet. It was a bit pricey but it would have been so much fun. And o'course the funky duck is really cool. 

Seattle Adventure 2006

This is my new wooden windup duck. He has quite the pucker and o'course goes and goes. I have to keep him away from the cats tho' or he'll be picked up and taken to their toy hideaway.




Coke Blak. I haven't seen this in Canada. Coffee flavoured Coke. Tastes like a coffee candy and was oh so yummy. They were handing out samples and I picked up quite a few. Only one made it back to Canada to MyLuc. He didn't enjoy it as much as I did.






My Myokki! Just like a Chia Pet but smaller. I can't wait until my office moves and I can try and grow my little Chick some hair. I have to admit I thought it was a duck until on the Amtrak ride home Erin and I read on quite a few places on the packaging that it was a Chick.





Buddy Christ! I picked this up for MyLuc. He's a huge Kevin Smith fan and o'course thanks to Dogma I was able to find this for MyLuc. 

Thursday Funny

Never Argue with a Woman

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decidesto take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides totakethe boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.

Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading." "Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.

"That's true,but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at anymoment."

"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

It's Hump Day!

It's been too long and I've forgotten some of my really, really great blogging ideas, thoughts, rants, etc...so here's what you get:

• At the Dentists: Dr. Guy (cuz I can't remember his name) and I discuss him not telling me how I MUST floss at least twice a day and possibly after eating anything that will stick in my teeth. He does the thing that those who aren't Dentists do before the Dentist comes in (I can't recall what they are called at this moment). The Dentist comes in and does her thing and says I'll need a new nightguard because I'm an aggressive grinder. As she leaves Dr. Guy speaks up and says "and I'll remind her to do the effin thing at least twice a day before she leaves". The Dentist turns around, Dr. Guy goes red and says "Floss...I meant Floss". Typing this and reading this you get the idea but the real time was much funnier.

• Talkin' with my Mom about when we should get her plane ticket she informs me that Sprout and Robin might be coming up and she can stay at the condo while she's here...for my birthday! WTF!!! She is coming down for me, to spend my birthday with me, and stay at my house and meet MyLuc's 'rents. Not to come down and go shopping with Sprout and Robin as they play tourguide. The plan for her to come down for my 30th has been 3 years of me telling her every second Tuesday that she's coming down for my 30th. *sigh* Little bro better not wreck this birthday.

• Doing dishes as MyLuc was watching one of the Stanley Cup playoff games, I walked into the room kinda disgruntled to say "Why don't they ever play the Canadian Anthem first?"... and it was. More ammunition for MyLuc and those that know him know that he uses all the ammunition he has on me all the freakin' time.

• Attending the Celtic wedding of my friends this weekend as a Bridesmaid (and the dress fit with inches to spare Woohoo!) only to find out that they had been married by a Justice of the Peace a month previously. Now that was just totally dishonest. They told the wedding party the night before the Celtic wedding.

• After the wedding drinking Joe Stiff's (Adult Rootbeer), climbing into the tent about 3, talking til 4, closing the tent opening about 430 which freaked the 3 of us out (all girls), listening to the storm rage and the wind blow, my listening to them fall asleep, about 5 remembering that we were next to a cemetary, about 6 listening to the birds wake up, about 630 listening to the campers get up, about 7 calling MyLuc's 'rents (that's where he was) and Virginia saying we were wondering when you were going to call, 830 MyLuc and I loading the car to go home, 10 arriving home, having a shower and trying to stay awake, 12 going to bed until 4, and I think I stayed up til 9 but I can't remember.

• Picking up the Amtrak tickets and confirming the reservation at the Hotel for StrongArm and my adventure in Seattle this coming Thursday to Sunday and wondering what the heck we're going to do there. This will be the first trip we have taken together that doesn't involve going home to Trail. I will write down my adventures and hopefully will have some funnies for those who read this.

Okay, *HUGE HUGS* More to come later...if'n I can think of it and even if'n I can't.

The evolution of dance

MyLuc showed me this tonight. I almost peed my pants.

You Are 25% Bitchy

You're a pretty sweet person, and you're definitely not prone to bitchy outbursts. Sometimes, though, you can't help thinking mean thoughts about people. But at least you don't act on them!

How Bitchy Are You?

Found over at Izzy Mom, an "I Am" meme:

I AM: tired of some people. People who don't understand that I need time too and it's not reasonable for me to not have time for me.

I WANT: to move out of my one bedroom apartment really really soon instead of a few years from now.

I WISH: for more patience.

I HATE: time. There is just not enough of it.

I MISS: my mom. She's coming down in November for my 30th but I miss her everyday and my 2nd tuesday calls sometimes are just not enough.

I FEAR: bugs. They are all icky.

I HEAR: everything. If you don't want me to know and if it's confidential. Talk quieter with the door closed and

I WONDER: what the future...the next day, the next hour, the next minute will hold.

I REGRET: not seeing more of my older friends. They are leaving this world so quickly.

I AM NOT: stupid. I may be a bit slow sometimes but I am not stupid.

I DANCE: with people, by myself. I love the medieaval dances I have learned through the SCA although I still blush through the flirting ones.

I SING: only when I'm alone. I was in Choir with Strongarm but that was a loooog time ago.

I CRY: when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm scared. I admit it. I am a Cryer...not a Crier.

I AM NOT ALWAYS: Happy. I am sometimes angry and confused and an emotional elevator.

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: delicious treats that melt in your mouth. I have to make a few hundred chocolate mounds for the wedding in a few weeks. I then won't make them again until Christmas.

I WRITE: lists and more lists. I think too much and my lists sometimes have lists.

I CONFUSE: everyone. The conversation thread sometimes begins in my head but starts halfway through once out of my mouth. You know?

I NEED: Time. Money. Love. Hugs. Friends. Laughter. Sarah Sue.

I SHOULD: forgive. Sometimes it's really hard.

I START: a new book every hour, day depending on my speed reading and time.

I FINISH: conversations with good friends with a hug. Although I greet and leave everyone with a hug in actuality.

I've been tagged by Elizabeth for 10 things regarding the letter "C".

Colour - I love the colours red, yellow and blue. Primary colours rock. Pastels...not so much.

Camera - My very expensive gift to myself. I take it everywhere and sometimes even take pictures with it. It rocks!

Chicken - Chicken parmesan and butter chicken are two of my favourites. You name a recipe with chicken in it and I've either made it or eaten it.

Chloe - My cat with attitude errrr cattitude. She is one of my favourite things to cuddle. I could do without the comfort licking tho'.

Cologne - The smell of a good cologne can almost make me salivate. Other times I gag.

Cars - Specifically the Studebaker or a Mustang. I like'm old and I like'm fast.

Cuddles - I could not live without a cuddle a day...even two. I like to be held.

Costumes - In the SCA I love my gowns. They really are costumes from another time period. I love my gowns and bodices and corsets. Now all I need are new shoes/sandals/boots and a belt to hold a dagger. Yup, I'm a wench!

Chuckle - I wouldn't be me without it. Gotta love the Thesaurus! I wanted something along the lines of laughter and this "crow" "cheer" "clap one's hands" "chirrup" were some of the C definitions.

Canada - I am Canadian and I even had a hat made that says "Canadian Girls Kick Ass" You Betcha!

*phew* I didn't realize I'd have to think so hard. Thanks again Elizabeth for letting me be part of this. *HUGE HUGS*

Robert Frost: In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.

I so totally agree with this quote from Mr. Frost.

Thursday evening I talked MyLuc into heading out for a walk. We needed some Jolt and a new brita filter. Ice Cream from Dairy Queen and people watching in the park totally cleared some of my head space.

Friday MyLuc headed out to join his dad and uncle in cleaning out Grandad Mel's room at the Home. I was at my end not knowing what to do but totally not wanting to come to work. I headed out to visit Glamazon for bit and ran into Mairin...I was an attendant at her Handfasting last year. She was out with her two stepsons 5 and 8 for a picnic at the Quay. I joined them for a bit. MyLuc and I headed over to our friend Elphin's for dinner. I had volunteered MyLuc because Elphin had injured both wrists and forearms at work and was kinda lonely. I can't recall what he made Creole Chicken or something and o'course I made Greek Salada. Killer Bunnies followed. It was awesome.

MyLuc and I went to his 'rents Saturday night. MyLuc made an awesome lamb curry dish and noone noticed too much the crunchy rice. My job and instead of two cups rice four cups water it was two to two. *shrug* I also picked up some super awesome pastries from a new bakery/deli that's opened on 6th street...err...6th avenue...I live in New West but I still don't know the streets...other than my own. We laughed, we all cried, we told stories, we got angry...and o'course we cried some more.

Sunday I helped Virginia in her garden and planted 60 or so various types of sunflowers and 5 each of pumpkins and squash and two planters for the front step. I am so glad for my Ipod. It was a good mix of country and rock and it was awesome. Sunday evening we all went into town for dinner with Larry's Mom and Dad at the Bavarian House. The dinner was a late Mother's day gift for Jean (Larry's Mom) that Virginia didn't want to cancel. It was a good dinner followed by pie at our apartment. I had made sure that everything was clean but after everyone left I really felt like the apartment was something that a bachelor would have or someone just starting out. It was kinda depressing.

Monday I met up with Strongarm for breakfast/lunch at Denny's followed with The DaVinci Code. I admit, I liked the book better and I did have a mini nap for about 5. Strongarm gave me a good whack and I came to but the talk about the past....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I made swiss chicken enchiladas that tasted very white. It's hard to explain but that's the only thing I've got. It's like a white sauce that hasn't any flavour. I know that the swiss cheese was supposed to be front and foremost but it was kinda blah. MyLuc liked it tho'.

Tuesday - Here I am at work. Doing catch up. Thanking people for their hugs and saying "I'm okay" Over and over and over.

and the rest of the week....

Wednesday - I have to figure something out for dinner.

Thursday - Grandad Mel's funeral and then the wake. I guess the family has also decided to go over to one of the Aunt's afterward so we all can have a toast to Grandad Mel.

Friday - More work...kinda... MyLuc is headed out with Glamazon for a night of Tower of Power and I'll be heading over to Miss Kitty's (my seamstress) for a new corset. Maybe I'll also work at making my name 1st in all of the Memory Card slots for MarioKart.

Saturday - Dentist appt, maybe I'll attend Eat Vancouver and the the Bachelorette beginning at Boston Pizza. Twelve or so females in a variety of corsets and bodices. I'll try and get some pictures. We'll look fabulous.

Sunday - We're celebrating MyLuc's cousin Shawna's 11th bday. A picnic in the park and happy thoughts. Shawna and her family lived across the street from Grandad Mel and Iris. Shawna was finally getting used to Iris living in the home and she is not taking very well that Grandad Mel isn't coming home.

*phew* busy just a bit.

*HUGE HUGS*

Sincere apologies for not blogging. I've had some tremendous stuff jotted down waiting to be typed for your reading pleasure and it's been put on hold.

We've had a tragedy in the family. MyLuc's grandad Mel passed away Wednesday evening. Monday Grandad Mel had surgery, Tuesday he was doing well, just had to clear up some breathing problems and Wednesday the family was told to attend at the hospital because he was sliding downhill. Wednesday dinnertime MyLuc came home and said things were looking up and at 8 Wednesday evening we got the telephone call.

This is the first death for this family. MyLuc was numb. I was numb. It was shocking. It is shocking.

It's Friday now and MyLuc and his dad and uncle are going to clean out the home where Grandad Mel has been staying. They moved him in at the beginning of the month so that professionals could keep an eye on him and make sure he's taken his meds and is eating properly.

Next Thursday is the Funeral and the wake.

~~~~~

I moved in with my Grandparents when I was fifteen and out when I was almost nineteen. When Papa Cameron passed away I was in Prince George and a family friend paid for a plane ticket to get me back to Castlegar and then drove me to Trail. His passing was quick. It began at home and ended in Vancouver when he held on until my Gran could be at his side. Being the oldest of 10+ grandkids I took charge and took the little ones out of the house away from grief. Some of them understood what was going on some of them didn't. My memories of that time aren't fond because my Papa's name was mispronounced at the Memorial and I got angry and then we placed this teeny tiny box into the ground and everyone placed carnations on/around it. I did not. I was angry. Papa would not have fit into that teeny tiny box. He was 6'3" and 250+ pounds...the box was like a bakery box. Tiny. During the time following I was horrified to see just how much a key Papa was to the family. It's been almost 10 years and the family only sees each other maybe once a year and that's to see my Gran who is just waiting until her body gets tired enough.

~~~~~~

MyLuc has been so strong and my worry is that I have nothing to do to help him. I know that I'm his fiancee and that being here is helping but the grief that I feel that he won't show because "someone" needs to be strong is scary. We've cried and talked and laughed at stories that we have of Grandad Mel. MyLuc's mom has been telephoning every few hours to let MyLuc know what's going on. It's hard for me because unintentionally he's referring to "I" and not "we". I don't want to be in the way but I want to be there for this family. I can hug. I can listen. I can cry. I can just be there. I don't feel it's enough.

A good friend told me that I was being silly. Being there for MyLuc, holding his hand, hugging him, crying with him. Being there and letting him know that I am here can do so much.

I don't like feeling helpless.

~~~~~~

I just keep thinking that I won't hear "Hello Beautiful Eyes" and hear his raspy laugh as I tell him his Grandson's a goober. I will no longer be squished into a chair beside this Man who gave MyLuc so much. He will no longer laugh at being "trained" to kiss my cheek because it was totally grossing me out when he kissed me goodbye on the lips. I will miss so much Grandad Mel and his really really strong rye and gingerales.

Miss Linds...now you know where MyLuc got his "Drink" making skills from. It's not intentional really...its how he learned.

~~~~~~~

Work has been awesome. I let the bosses know and gave my keys to one of the secretaries because I "might" not be in. I telephoned my lawyer and his wife answered. She seemed surprised that I was calling. It was almost 9. She asked if everything was okay and I said no and burst into tears. She immediately called for Tom. He understood. He said take the time to heal. Be there for MyLuc. Take care of each other. "HUGE HUGS" to you both. It was awesome.

Tom telephoned today to make sure I was doing okay. He called at 730 this morning. MyLuc and I were up. We haven't slept that much. Tom wanted to make sure I was coming in on Tuesday. I said yes. I think by Tuesday things will have settled down and perhaps MyLuc will go and stay with his Mom and give her a hand.

Tomorrow we're heading out there, returning on Sunday. It's going to be hard. We will survive.
~~~~~~~

*HUGE GINORMOUS HUGS* If'n you've gotten this far. Thank you.

I'm a 4...kinda sorta

Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.

To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth Date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.

Example March 20, 1950 3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit number.

2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example. _________________________________________________________________ #1 THE ORIGINATOR #2 THE PEACEMAKER #3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE #5 THE NONCONFORMIST #6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL #8 THE BIG SHOT #9 THE PERFORMER ===========================================================
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR

1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded.

Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raque l Welch.

#2 - THE PEACEMAKER

2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off.

Famous 2's: President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view.

Famous 3's: Alan Alder, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Karen Roundbutt, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster.

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE

4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.

Famous 4's: Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey.

# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST

5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.

Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC

6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.

Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep,Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn.

#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL

7 's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what is not in the world at large.

Famous 7's: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana.

# 8 - THE BIG SHOT

8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people They viewpeople objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss!they should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.
Famous 8's: Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus.

#9 - THE PERFORMER

9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.

Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley.

Wake me up before you go go...

But please don't put your cold hand on my nice warm shoulder and say my name too loud...it's not my fault I hit your nose with my head...hard.

Pet Peeves

Just a few I promise:

Going to bed all warm n' snuggly with my fuzzy blanket and waking up to a cold ass/feet/hands/body as you try to "warm up" because you're cold. Start wearing pjs!

Having to contort my body into strange positions because you and the cats are taking up the whole freakin' bed. They are cats for freakin' sake and I don't want to wake them cuz then it opens a whole other can o' worms.

Walking into the kitchen after a shower only to step into coffee grounds that didn't make it into the garbage after your espresso.

Sitting on the skytrain a woman sits in front of me wearing too much perfume and I and the others sitting in that end of the train, open windows and head to the other end and the woman acts like that was her plan all along.

Getting to work and my clean desk is not so much. If you're going to use something, put it back. If you're going to eat all of something, refill it or let me know. Those Maynards cravings are hard to control.

*sigh*

It's Thursday, I woke up thinkin' it was Friday. I dawdled getting showered, getting dressed, getting out to work. I'm here, I'm bloggin', I have too much work to do and I am so unmotivated.

It's a day.

I still have a headache...

It's from lack of sleep though.

I worked late on Friday getting home at 7 to have a dinner of something. I can't recall. Going to bed at nine tho' cuz my ass was draggin'.

Saturday I did six loads of laundry. Yup, six washes and six dries all carried down to the laundry room, from washer to dryer, back upstairs to be folded or hung away...all by myself. MyLuc came up to me afterwards and said why didn't you tell me that you were back up. My response was that he was sitting at his computer, I wasn't quiet, he just didn't want to help or he would have realized. I washed two sets of dishes ... the ones from the night before and MyLuc's breakfast dishes..cuz they were there. He came up to me afterwards and said I didn't have to do them because he dirtied them...whatever. They were dirty there was room in the drainer I washed them. I've realized with respect to apartment stuff that if I pretend he's just a visitor it doesn't make me creep into that black hole of depression when he doesn't give a hand and the anger is fleeting and brief.

Saturday afternoon we attended Beazer's garden party where I introduced MyLuc to Beazer, his wife and two kidlins and we had a very wet walk around the garden and yard. It was pouring. It didn't help that it was the rain that is all misty n' stuff but soaks right through. We stayed for about an hour...sitting in the kitchen by the food outta the rain. One of Beazer's guests brought some coolers and was looking for an opener. I reached for it saying we drink these at home, opened it with my sleeve and handed it back. He looked very surprised. Did I do a faux pas? I also was able to introduce MyLuc to Barb...our ...hmmm...what do I call her. I work with her and she's supposedly retired years ago, this being THE year and she does our closed files. Let's just call her Barb from work. MyLuc also met one of the lawyers who I don't really like and who he described as a "real lawyer you know...one of those skeevy ones". We escaped the garden party without a plant or flowers, for which I was grateful. We aren't garden people but had received an invitation and I wanted MyLuc to meet my work people.

After heading home I loaded up my very rusty bike, which has been upside down on my deck for a year and headed to the bike shop. Next Saturday I am attending a "Learn to Ride your Bike in the City" workshop with my friend Strongarm. She had her bike attended too for $75 and an "undesireable" comment. After walking my bike to the bus stop, loading it into the bus bike rack, riding the bus for about 10 min, unloading my bike and heading to the bike shop the first comment I heard was "ummm...here to buy a new bike". Nope I said, I need this one looked at so I can ride it in .....above. Now the repair guy said, I can oil it but I can't upgrade it. It's about 10 years old, in crap condition and well, you really need a new bike. For $25 he oiled all the pieces that are supposed to move and it's okay for next Saturday but if I'm going to start riding I seriously need to consider a new bike. Okay..maybe next month. So I walked my bike back to the bus stop, onto the bike rack it went and off for the 10 min drive back to my stop where I unloaded it and headed home. Why didn't I ride it you might wonder, I didn't bring my helmet and you can be fined...or so I've heard. I did ride it down our alley and around the corner only to wheel it back to my apartment onto the deck where it awaits next Saturday and it's probably final outing.

After all that adventure I had a nap. For an hour and a half.

Saturday evening MyLuc's sis Laura and her fiancee Brian showed up. We headed off for dinner, with Laura and myself in the lead. Going the wrong direction. MyLuc only piped up when I stopped in front of the restaurant and the name of the restaurant was wrong. I had gone two blocks in the opposite direction. Dinner was awesome. Laura had Lamb Mirakahni (or something like that) which she loved and kept saying I don't like lamb. As usual there was a ton of sauce left over. Brian ended up with the leftovers. Back home we went to a rousing game of MarioKart on the GameCube. MyLuc and I are horrible. We totally lost. Into bed about 1130 wondering about AfterEight and how awesome her party was. Can't wait for the details.

Sunday I came to work. Worked 9-5 with a one hour break in which I met up with Sprout and Robin for lunch at the Keg. I said we might as well make it "The Spot" when they come to town as this was our second time there. I had a french onion soup which cheese grabbed onto the hangy thing in my throat and caused an almost panic in which Sproutnik whispered I think I remember the heimlich and the waiter and hostess coming by to see if I was okay. Very embarssing.

Sunday evening MyLuc made a new dish for dinner and we watched Ultraviolet. I much preferred the one with Charlize Therron (sp?) in Aeon Flux but I love Mila Jovich (sp?) so we watched it. It was very much a CGI flick. To bed at 10 because o'course it's Sunday night.

And now it's Monday, I've been at work since 730 and I'm still here. Beazer is working on his paper, which he is presenting on the 11th and o'course he started it yesterday. Yup, my boss is a procrastinator. Plus he's long winded so I'm approximately 50 pages in and he's still going. My other boss Suz told me today her last day working here is the 26th. This only came about because I had a file question. Her reply, don't worry about it. I'll deal with it after I leave, the clients coming with me. Okay....just wondering is all.

Tomorrow is another day, a day in which I hopefully get off early because I want to and o'course I have an eye doctor appointment at 430.

*HUGE HUGS*

How was your weekend?