Well seeing as I am officially on my holls now til the 28th, I've taken advantage of the past few days to try and pry myself into the holiday spirit. I have to say that for some reason, I have failed miserably so far - but it is not for want of trying.
I am trying to blame the lack of festive cheer on the fact that we are having a lean-ish Christmas this year, with next to no pressies because of the new house - but even I know that Christmas isn't just about what's under the tree.
I've tried blaming it on the unseasonably warm weather we are experiencing, the fact that everything is green as can be and I still have one stubborn rose bush in the garden still in flower - but after years of Christmases in England I know it's not the lack of snow. I just can't put my finger on it - and it's driving me potty.
Friday, after a day of tree trimming and hanging stuff from every conceivable place, I headed over to visit J. We had a girl's evening planned - quick one for the road at her place and off to a local pub that was having a singles karaoke night. It didn't happen however. I arrived at her place, we got settled, got nattering...and before I knew it, it was almost midnight and we'd spent the whole night gabbing (mainly about men - my lack of , and her new boyfriend of 2 months). She had work in the morning and I headed off home...actually almost wishing to run into a R.I.D.E. seasonal spot check, just so that I could truthfully say that all I'd had to drink was diet caffeine free coke all night. The boys in blue however obviously had better places to be - gah!
Saturday was my long awaited date with O. We have been trying to schedule a get together since the last singles dance I went to in November. Between my shifts however...and his (he works in the control room of a local TV station)...and the fact he lives on the other side of the metropolitan area to moi....well scheduling this date has taken almost a month and a half. He's a super nice guy, decent, hardworking, fun to be around, easy to talk to, considerate, thoughtful but...(and you knew there was going to be a 'but' in there somewhere)...I just don't see him as anything other than a friend. This was our 4th date since we first met in mid summer. As you can see we don't rush things up here in the great whi...er...green north.
We had an interesting time ....he wanted to check out the local flea market, so we browsed there for a while, (naturally I ran into someone from work - only ever happens when I least want to see someone)...then he suggested we hit Costco...so we browsed there some more (hitting the sample ladies up numerous times). It struck me how comical it was....the makings of a classic date from hell..."He was so cheap, when we went for dinner we ate at Costco's sample tables!" But we were actually having a good time and laughing ourselves at the lameness of it all. Finally dinner at a local family restaurant. No candles or violin soloists...just a Swiss Chalet Festive Special ...and then we headed next door to the pub. I was having a great time, due in no small part to his obviously interest in yours truly, and it's nice to be the centre of attention once in a while - but still I couldn't muster any interest or desire along the lines of looking at him as a potential boyfriend.
Today has been a relatively quiet day. The boy had a late night as he was at his birthday concert in Toronto to see Alexis On Fire - which apparently was excellent - his first ever mosh pit - and then he and his bud decided to hit the local race track/casino, where he won $125 on the slots from a single quarter. He was smart at least and cashed out his winnings immediately and came home. I can't help but think however how much he has done since his birthday. Where do they get the energy?
He still has time for mum however and early this afternoon whilst he was out Christmas shopping he called and suggested we go to the movies - which is why at 4 in the afternoon he and I enjoyed a little quality time at the local Cineplex watching Eragon. 4 thumbs up from us.
Tonight I am still searching for my Christmas spirit ,so we're having an ample helping of holiday tv programming. Mickey's Christmas Carol and Elf , to start the ball rolling. I'll let you know if I find it!
Showing posts with label Movies and TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies and TV. Show all posts
December 17, 2006
November 26, 2006
They don't make 'em like this anymore.
I finally watched that old Gene Kelly classic "Singing In the Rain" over the weekend. I have long been a fan of the old Hollywood musicals, but had never seen this one from beginning to end. Made for a nice evening of nostalgia.
I wonder what Gene would have thought about this updated version of his famous song and dance routine.
"The song has ended, but the melody lingers on."
I wonder what Gene would have thought about this updated version of his famous song and dance routine.
"The song has ended, but the melody lingers on."
November 13, 2006
If you really knew me....
OK....I'm still waiting for my friend to email me the photographs from Saturday night, so in the interim, I thought this fit in rather appropriately.
Oprah Winfrey (yes, I do seem to be quoting her a lot lately)...had a show last week that basically had me in tears from beginning to end. It was very touching, heartfelt - and had me wishing that this workshop was available in all schools as part of the curriculum.
Part of the workshop entailed teenagers in a group, finishing the following sentence..."If you really knew me, you'd know that I...." Initially it was all very polite and predictable and uninspiring. I am a member of the band, I am a cheer leader...etc. But then it moved on to more personal relevations that moved everyone. I am my invalid mother's caregiver. I am still grieveing for my father. I am frightened. I am lonely.
So I wondered briefly what some of my "If you only knew me" statements would be.
If you really knew me, you'd know that I....
...hate people who are unreliable and don't follow through.
...hate people who are tardy.
...have trouble trusting people.
...prefer my own company to that of many people I know.
Oprah Winfrey (yes, I do seem to be quoting her a lot lately)...had a show last week that basically had me in tears from beginning to end. It was very touching, heartfelt - and had me wishing that this workshop was available in all schools as part of the curriculum.
Part of the workshop entailed teenagers in a group, finishing the following sentence..."If you really knew me, you'd know that I...." Initially it was all very polite and predictable and uninspiring. I am a member of the band, I am a cheer leader...etc. But then it moved on to more personal relevations that moved everyone. I am my invalid mother's caregiver. I am still grieveing for my father. I am frightened. I am lonely.
So I wondered briefly what some of my "If you only knew me" statements would be.
If you really knew me, you'd know that I....
...hate people who are unreliable and don't follow through.
...hate people who are tardy.
...have trouble trusting people.
...prefer my own company to that of many people I know.
November 8, 2006
Future Maury Povich Show guests??
Brit and K-Fed - can anyone honestly say they didn't see this one coming?
Sometimes I think maybe it's not such a bad thing being single.
ok ok ok it's a lame post I know, but it's day 8 at work, I am mentally and physically mush.
...if I come up with something more interesting in the next little while...
...in the meanwhile talk amongst yourselves and feel free to ask questions...
Sometimes I think maybe it's not such a bad thing being single.
ok ok ok it's a lame post I know, but it's day 8 at work, I am mentally and physically mush.
...if I come up with something more interesting in the next little while...
...in the meanwhile talk amongst yourselves and feel free to ask questions...
November 7, 2006
Fat guy walks into a bar...
A couple of people had the "Oprah Show" on the lunchroom TV yesterday, when I came in on a break. They were already mid-way through the show - I had missed the big Kirstie Alley bikini reveal, so I asked my co-workers how she had looked.
My co-workers were far from kind. Some suggested that Kirstie may have fibbed a little on her starting weight, that she had been far bigger than the 220lbs that she is claiming. Deciding that she must have initially mislead the public (and I am not aware if the 220lb claim is true) my co-workers immediately discounted the reported 75 lb weight loss as "nothing".
Regardless of her true starting weight, the woman deserves to be highly commended for not only losing 75lbs...but losing 75lbs in the public eye. Sure, she has been compensated for being a Jenny Craig spokesperson - as have many other celebs who have promoted one diet or another over the years - but that in itself doesn't make the actual feat of losing the weight any easier. At the end of the day, be you Duchess, actress or the average Jane Doe, when you close your front door at night it's just you, your demons and the fridge, home alone all night long.
Oprah's second guest was a young lady who had once been over 300lbs...and was now down over 170lbs. My co-workers consider her a "cheater" though as she'd had gastric by-pass surgery. They totally dismissed the struggle this poor woman had endured and assumed that the surgery was the "magic cure". Assuming that she would've had to have done no work at all to attain her results. I know there are people out there who would have been only too quick to disagree that losing weight via gastric by-pass is any walk in the park.
By now I had stomached all the fat comments from my co-workers that I could handle (pun intended) and I needed to find a more peaceful place to complete my break before waddling back into the frey of emergency calls.
That more peaceful place could have been this fat girl sitting on my co-workers windpipes until they turned blue...but I was taught to play nice, think before speaking and consider other people's feeling, when I was growing up.
Too bad.
My co-workers were far from kind. Some suggested that Kirstie may have fibbed a little on her starting weight, that she had been far bigger than the 220lbs that she is claiming. Deciding that she must have initially mislead the public (and I am not aware if the 220lb claim is true) my co-workers immediately discounted the reported 75 lb weight loss as "nothing".
Regardless of her true starting weight, the woman deserves to be highly commended for not only losing 75lbs...but losing 75lbs in the public eye. Sure, she has been compensated for being a Jenny Craig spokesperson - as have many other celebs who have promoted one diet or another over the years - but that in itself doesn't make the actual feat of losing the weight any easier. At the end of the day, be you Duchess, actress or the average Jane Doe, when you close your front door at night it's just you, your demons and the fridge, home alone all night long.
Oprah's second guest was a young lady who had once been over 300lbs...and was now down over 170lbs. My co-workers consider her a "cheater" though as she'd had gastric by-pass surgery. They totally dismissed the struggle this poor woman had endured and assumed that the surgery was the "magic cure". Assuming that she would've had to have done no work at all to attain her results. I know there are people out there who would have been only too quick to disagree that losing weight via gastric by-pass is any walk in the park.
By now I had stomached all the fat comments from my co-workers that I could handle (pun intended) and I needed to find a more peaceful place to complete my break before waddling back into the frey of emergency calls.
That more peaceful place could have been this fat girl sitting on my co-workers windpipes until they turned blue...but I was taught to play nice, think before speaking and consider other people's feeling, when I was growing up.
Too bad.
November 5, 2006
900 channels, and bugger all on!
My local cable company is a multimillion dollar corporation covering not only cable tv, but high speed internet services and more recently venturing into the home phone market. As a result I will often get promotional materials in the mail advertising specials, incentives and "bundle prices" to switch from Bell Canada (my phone and internet provider) to Rogers. Thus far I have resisted.
A few days ago I got a visit from a door to door salesperson from the aforementioned cable company. They had a special offer...(no thank you)...Was I not interested in their internet services? (no thank you)..They also had their home phone services...(no thank you)....and they could bundle all three of them for me at a cheaper rate...(NO, thank you). Would I be interested in additional cable tv channels free for 3 months? (NO, thank....er free?)
I already subscribe and pay out the ying-yang for cable tv. We get all the local cable stations, and Buffalo NY...plus the feeds from the stateside mega stations....plus the Movie Network...plus plus plus. It's not cheap...and I still don't get "all" the channels, there are a few more "specialty" channels that I wouldn't mind getting, but the next package up would take my cable bill to well over $100 a month, and I am sorry I refuse point blank to pay that kind of money for TV channels. If anything, I was actually considering canceling a few of the extras to bring the bill DOWN from it's current level.
This doorstep temptress however had a cable package offer, all sports, all movies, all specialty channels. EVERYTHING up to channel 900...free for 3 months. Free History Channel...Free Biography Channel...Free MTV...the list goes on... Unbeknownst to her she dangled the proverbial carrot. The temptation I could not resist. My Achilles heel.
I signed on the spot.
I've sold my soul to the devil - and the next 3 months promise to be heaven. I will have to be strong enough at the end of January to call them to cancel the extras or they will start billing...and naturally they are gambling though on the hope that I wont be able to give up the extra programming. I am made of strong British stuff though - and we will sob, wring our hands and wail in grief when the time comes...but for now let's celebrate, for there is much to watch, catch up on...and the Christmas TV season is just around the corner...raise a glass and a cheer for I have BBC Canada for Christmas!!
A few days ago I got a visit from a door to door salesperson from the aforementioned cable company. They had a special offer...(no thank you)...Was I not interested in their internet services? (no thank you)..They also had their home phone services...(no thank you)....and they could bundle all three of them for me at a cheaper rate...(NO, thank you). Would I be interested in additional cable tv channels free for 3 months? (NO, thank....er free?)
I already subscribe and pay out the ying-yang for cable tv. We get all the local cable stations, and Buffalo NY...plus the feeds from the stateside mega stations....plus the Movie Network...plus plus plus. It's not cheap...and I still don't get "all" the channels, there are a few more "specialty" channels that I wouldn't mind getting, but the next package up would take my cable bill to well over $100 a month, and I am sorry I refuse point blank to pay that kind of money for TV channels. If anything, I was actually considering canceling a few of the extras to bring the bill DOWN from it's current level.
This doorstep temptress however had a cable package offer, all sports, all movies, all specialty channels. EVERYTHING up to channel 900...free for 3 months. Free History Channel...Free Biography Channel...Free MTV...the list goes on... Unbeknownst to her she dangled the proverbial carrot. The temptation I could not resist. My Achilles heel.
I signed on the spot.
I've sold my soul to the devil - and the next 3 months promise to be heaven. I will have to be strong enough at the end of January to call them to cancel the extras or they will start billing...and naturally they are gambling though on the hope that I wont be able to give up the extra programming. I am made of strong British stuff though - and we will sob, wring our hands and wail in grief when the time comes...but for now let's celebrate, for there is much to watch, catch up on...and the Christmas TV season is just around the corner...raise a glass and a cheer for I have BBC Canada for Christmas!!
October 8, 2006
After dinner conversation
Dinner was delicious. Well, by my standards at any rate. The turkey was a little dry - I am so paranoid about food being fully cooked that I guess I overdid it a little. The boy (bless his cotton socks) tells me that's why we have gravy.
Our Thanksgiving dinner tradition is to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. This year with just the boy and I at the table it didn't take long for us both to find something to be thankfsul for. The new house naturally! It dawned to me that after today, I will have just one more Thanksgiving meal to cook in this house.
So whilst I finish the wine - well it's open already, we can't waste it - and the dish washer is swooshing away in the background, let's have a little relaxed after dinner chit chat. (Yes, she's in a talkative mood and is already halfway through a full bottle of red).
More to follow...
1918hrs: Pleasant 20 minute chat with Maybe. He's still engaged to the lovely Sam and I am truly happy for them both. He however still loves to chat/cam with a variety of female friends. Call me cynical but I can't see him staying happily engaged for long if she ever finds out. And no, I am not one of his webcam buddies.
So speaking of exes...we were? Yes, we were. N. has moved in with his new girlfriend. He dropped the news to me in an email about a month ago. Yes, I am happy for him...but it did make me wonder briefly. We broke up at the end of May...and by early/mid September he was already dating and MOVED IN with a new girlfriend. Bloody hell. No moss growing under his feet eh? (before you start to do the math...that's less than 3 months).
1954hrs: Just thinking how nice it would be to snuggle up to someone right now and watch the telly - yes, it's the wine talking. Guess the cat will have to suffice. Speaking of telly I happened to catch the omnibus edition of Coronation Street this morning. I used to watch it religiously, but over the last 3 years I have fallen away from the church of Newton and Ridley. Today however...the birth of Sunita's twins (yes, we are behind in Canada...don't spoil the storyline)...I am suddenly feeling sucked in by those ancient cobblestones. Admittedly it's a soap - but it's a show that has been on the air since 1960....longer even than I have been alive (no comments from the peanut gallery) ...but it's a link to home for me and I need that so badly.
2024hrs: OK...break out the kleenex...my weepy moment of the week...Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. ...Wine is done...now on the voddy...more chatter to follow.
2130hrs: Moved onto Shallow Hal...seen it before, but I wanted something on the boobtube that didn't require any actual thought...and believe me this fits the bill. There are times I feel like Rosemary...just wish there was a Hal out there for me that could see beyond the fat.
2148hrs: OK...just me again. The boy got a piercing last night. He originally wanted to get his lip pierced...but personally I don't care for that look. It's too tacky for my tastes. So I suggested an eyebrow...not thinking that he would ever go for it...and he did. My goodness it really suits him to be honest, but I think what is blowing his mind more than anything is the fact that I am not freaking out over it. Personally....not that I would ever admit the same to the boy...I would love to get my nose pierced...but with this beak I don't think that would be a great idea. A 40 yr old with a nose piercing? Nah.
Did I mention he has a possible new girlfriend? They had their first date last night...and she's an older woman (23yrs)....so I have emphasised the need for safe sex...and he has rolled his eyeballs in the appropriate places.
2204rs: Jen and I hit the local country bar on Friday night. I was telling her I was seriously thinking of joining eharmony....but in truth I am trying to hold off...after all "normal" people surely must be able to meet new friends without resorting to coughing up the old credit card #. Alternatively my thinking is ...on a "paid site" obviously the members would be considered to be more serious/non-fickle. Thoughts?
As far as the bar is concerned...there was one fella I was talking to...then Jen asked him to dance. Grrrrr!
As to what else I am doing to meet new friends (ie: men) ...dance class....dismal failure...primarily female participants...thinking of joining "Toastmasters" group. Went to Chapters (notorious "pick up" book store)....didn't dare look at a single person who stood next to me...but found a number of books to add to my wish list. Hit Home Depot on Saturday...a) to check out possible new fridges/stoves for my new kitchen....and b) men for my new bedroom. Found a few possible new appliances....but nothing for bedroom decor.
2236hr: Watching a show basicallly entitled "Hastings -1066"...yes Shallow Hal didn't hold my attention...and after all...apparently Harold was a redhead. RAWR! *methinks my mr wonderful will need to be a history geek.*
Our Thanksgiving dinner tradition is to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. This year with just the boy and I at the table it didn't take long for us both to find something to be thankfsul for. The new house naturally! It dawned to me that after today, I will have just one more Thanksgiving meal to cook in this house.
So whilst I finish the wine - well it's open already, we can't waste it - and the dish washer is swooshing away in the background, let's have a little relaxed after dinner chit chat. (Yes, she's in a talkative mood and is already halfway through a full bottle of red).
More to follow...
1918hrs: Pleasant 20 minute chat with Maybe. He's still engaged to the lovely Sam and I am truly happy for them both. He however still loves to chat/cam with a variety of female friends. Call me cynical but I can't see him staying happily engaged for long if she ever finds out. And no, I am not one of his webcam buddies.
So speaking of exes...we were? Yes, we were. N. has moved in with his new girlfriend. He dropped the news to me in an email about a month ago. Yes, I am happy for him...but it did make me wonder briefly. We broke up at the end of May...and by early/mid September he was already dating and MOVED IN with a new girlfriend. Bloody hell. No moss growing under his feet eh? (before you start to do the math...that's less than 3 months).
1954hrs: Just thinking how nice it would be to snuggle up to someone right now and watch the telly - yes, it's the wine talking. Guess the cat will have to suffice. Speaking of telly I happened to catch the omnibus edition of Coronation Street this morning. I used to watch it religiously, but over the last 3 years I have fallen away from the church of Newton and Ridley. Today however...the birth of Sunita's twins (yes, we are behind in Canada...don't spoil the storyline)...I am suddenly feeling sucked in by those ancient cobblestones. Admittedly it's a soap - but it's a show that has been on the air since 1960....longer even than I have been alive (no comments from the peanut gallery) ...but it's a link to home for me and I need that so badly.
2024hrs: OK...break out the kleenex...my weepy moment of the week...Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. ...Wine is done...now on the voddy...more chatter to follow.
2130hrs: Moved onto Shallow Hal...seen it before, but I wanted something on the boobtube that didn't require any actual thought...and believe me this fits the bill. There are times I feel like Rosemary...just wish there was a Hal out there for me that could see beyond the fat.
2148hrs: OK...just me again. The boy got a piercing last night. He originally wanted to get his lip pierced...but personally I don't care for that look. It's too tacky for my tastes. So I suggested an eyebrow...not thinking that he would ever go for it...and he did. My goodness it really suits him to be honest, but I think what is blowing his mind more than anything is the fact that I am not freaking out over it. Personally....not that I would ever admit the same to the boy...I would love to get my nose pierced...but with this beak I don't think that would be a great idea. A 40 yr old with a nose piercing? Nah.
Did I mention he has a possible new girlfriend? They had their first date last night...and she's an older woman (23yrs)....so I have emphasised the need for safe sex...and he has rolled his eyeballs in the appropriate places.
2204rs: Jen and I hit the local country bar on Friday night. I was telling her I was seriously thinking of joining eharmony....but in truth I am trying to hold off...after all "normal" people surely must be able to meet new friends without resorting to coughing up the old credit card #. Alternatively my thinking is ...on a "paid site" obviously the members would be considered to be more serious/non-fickle. Thoughts?
As far as the bar is concerned...there was one fella I was talking to...then Jen asked him to dance. Grrrrr!
As to what else I am doing to meet new friends (ie: men) ...dance class....dismal failure...primarily female participants...thinking of joining "Toastmasters" group. Went to Chapters (notorious "pick up" book store)....didn't dare look at a single person who stood next to me...but found a number of books to add to my wish list. Hit Home Depot on Saturday...a) to check out possible new fridges/stoves for my new kitchen....and b) men for my new bedroom. Found a few possible new appliances....but nothing for bedroom decor.
2236hr: Watching a show basicallly entitled "Hastings -1066"...yes Shallow Hal didn't hold my attention...and after all...apparently Harold was a redhead. RAWR! *methinks my mr wonderful will need to be a history geek.*
September 30, 2006
Feeling frumpy
So I am sitting here on a Saturday afternoon, feeling more than a little bit sorry for myself. Probably premenstral - but regardless.
I am on holls, stuck at home with no car (the boy's car is in the shop, hence he is using mine)...but come to think of it even if I had the car today there is nothing to do and nowhere to go ...unless one goes shopping that is ...and I think I detest crowded weekend shops only slightly less than the idea of a root canal...plus add to that I am technically supposed to be saving like mad for my first ever house, so shopping really is out of the question. So even if I had the car I would probably still be sat here on my arse feeling ....h'mmm...what exactly am I feeling? Not down perse...or blue..just kinda "blah".
I woke up this morning and was disappointed to learn I have only lost 2lbs this week...after being pretty damn good if I say so myself. Still I have another two days before the official "Monday morning weigh-in". It's maddening how one can gain 5 lbs just at the sight of a box of Milk Tray ...but it takes a bloody fortnight to lose it again. So I treated myself to a luxurious shower. I had picked up a couple of new hair products yesterday at the drug store and was eager to try them out. One promised to make my hair shine like no other and the other promised to make my hair frizz free.
After careful washing and styling I had to admit both products had done exactly as they had promised - I was just horrified to realised I am currently sporting what was known back in the day as a cross between a pageboy and a bob. Add to that it's the same hairstyle more or less as my mother. Don't they warn chaps that all girls turn into their mother's? Seems they were right. This is around the time my daytime blah's settled in. Not that there is anything wrong with mum. Far from it...lovely lady, intelligent, fantastic sense of humour, very independant - to the point of being stubborn....omg I am describing myself....devoted to family (rode 2 buses both ways twice a week to visit her ageing parents), hard working, single mum....ahhhh, yes another thing mum and I share...our singledom. Problem is she's dead. Died at 49. Snuffed out in what was supposed to be the prime of her life. Bugger. So as I am looking in the bathroom mirror at the shiney frizz free hair - looking very Joanna Lumley in a redheaded chubby kind of way and on the verge of turning 40 a cross between Marion Cunningham and Carol Brady...just without all the cutsie husband and happy family stuff ...I wondered is this all there is? I am not ready for sensible shoes and twin-sets ...am I? Feck...who'd date a woman in what my grandmother would call "sensible knickers"? (Despite how comfy they are).
I take my thoughts to the livingroom...after all there's not much else to do today...laundry done, house as clean as it's gonna be and I have already taken a couple of chops out of the freezer for tonight's dinner. A quick perusal of the TV guide shows sod all on... well it is Saturday morning afterall....most normal people - read couples - are out driving their perfect suburban children to their hockey games, or ballet practise...they are doing grocery shopping or browsing the malls. Me? I decide to dig out a few DVD's.
Today's line up includes, Bridget Jones's Diary, The Wedding Date, Hitch, Love Actually and Shall We Dance. Admittedly all chick flicks, all guaranteed to throw me into the depths of ...well let's not go there. Suffice to say it's best not to leave any sharp edged objects nearby at the moment.
So time to settle in with my endless supply of coffee, cats who insist on sitting on my lap and digging in their claws and my latest crochet project. I am not actually any good at crochet - marginally better than I am at knitting...but if I say that all I have actually crochetted so far in my entire life are 4 afghans of varying sizes, you will hopefully realise that my skill level is practically non existant. I once knitted a baby cardigan for my half-sister's first born. The arms were orangutang-ish, armholes so tiny and tight it would have cut off circulation within 20 seconds and I am not 100% certain if the lovely "holey" pattern was exactly pattern perse or dropped stitches. My cousins were wonderful knitters. All three of them. I remember seeing them wearing their creations proudly, wonderfully complex Aran cable patterns. I think I managed a scarf at one point...or rather an over large doiley because it certainly was too short to be draped around anyone's neck.
I get stuck into Bridget Jones, with the marvelous, Renee Zellweger - who has probably never had a "fuck my life sucks" moment in her entire life - when I suddenly realise the entire movie is set on Pride and Prejudice (that classic Jane Austen novel, which I have never actually read, but I saw the movie - god how lame is that?) I actually laugh out loud at a scene where the main character muses that she may end up an ageing, fat, spinster, living with cats, whose only serious relationship is with a bottle of wine and when she dies her body will be discovered in her flat weeks later, half eaten by wild dogs. Yeah, Brig and I share the same flair for the dramatic at times.
So I am killing time watching movies, Jen and I are going to a concert this evening to see Terri Clark. I am not actually a Terri Clark fan, but when Jen phoned me all excited several months ago to say the tickets had gone on sale I agreed to go with her, basically because I had/have nothing better to do. It will actually be my first night out in months, and it beats sitting home all night watching the telly.
I am on holls, stuck at home with no car (the boy's car is in the shop, hence he is using mine)...but come to think of it even if I had the car today there is nothing to do and nowhere to go ...unless one goes shopping that is ...and I think I detest crowded weekend shops only slightly less than the idea of a root canal...plus add to that I am technically supposed to be saving like mad for my first ever house, so shopping really is out of the question. So even if I had the car I would probably still be sat here on my arse feeling ....h'mmm...what exactly am I feeling? Not down perse...or blue..just kinda "blah".
I woke up this morning and was disappointed to learn I have only lost 2lbs this week...after being pretty damn good if I say so myself. Still I have another two days before the official "Monday morning weigh-in". It's maddening how one can gain 5 lbs just at the sight of a box of Milk Tray ...but it takes a bloody fortnight to lose it again. So I treated myself to a luxurious shower. I had picked up a couple of new hair products yesterday at the drug store and was eager to try them out. One promised to make my hair shine like no other and the other promised to make my hair frizz free.
After careful washing and styling I had to admit both products had done exactly as they had promised - I was just horrified to realised I am currently sporting what was known back in the day as a cross between a pageboy and a bob. Add to that it's the same hairstyle more or less as my mother. Don't they warn chaps that all girls turn into their mother's? Seems they were right. This is around the time my daytime blah's settled in. Not that there is anything wrong with mum. Far from it...lovely lady, intelligent, fantastic sense of humour, very independant - to the point of being stubborn....omg I am describing myself....devoted to family (rode 2 buses both ways twice a week to visit her ageing parents), hard working, single mum....ahhhh, yes another thing mum and I share...our singledom. Problem is she's dead. Died at 49. Snuffed out in what was supposed to be the prime of her life. Bugger. So as I am looking in the bathroom mirror at the shiney frizz free hair - looking very Joanna Lumley in a redheaded chubby kind of way and on the verge of turning 40 a cross between Marion Cunningham and Carol Brady...just without all the cutsie husband and happy family stuff ...I wondered is this all there is? I am not ready for sensible shoes and twin-sets ...am I? Feck...who'd date a woman in what my grandmother would call "sensible knickers"? (Despite how comfy they are).
I take my thoughts to the livingroom...after all there's not much else to do today...laundry done, house as clean as it's gonna be and I have already taken a couple of chops out of the freezer for tonight's dinner. A quick perusal of the TV guide shows sod all on... well it is Saturday morning afterall....most normal people - read couples - are out driving their perfect suburban children to their hockey games, or ballet practise...they are doing grocery shopping or browsing the malls. Me? I decide to dig out a few DVD's.
Today's line up includes, Bridget Jones's Diary, The Wedding Date, Hitch, Love Actually and Shall We Dance. Admittedly all chick flicks, all guaranteed to throw me into the depths of ...well let's not go there. Suffice to say it's best not to leave any sharp edged objects nearby at the moment.
So time to settle in with my endless supply of coffee, cats who insist on sitting on my lap and digging in their claws and my latest crochet project. I am not actually any good at crochet - marginally better than I am at knitting...but if I say that all I have actually crochetted so far in my entire life are 4 afghans of varying sizes, you will hopefully realise that my skill level is practically non existant. I once knitted a baby cardigan for my half-sister's first born. The arms were orangutang-ish, armholes so tiny and tight it would have cut off circulation within 20 seconds and I am not 100% certain if the lovely "holey" pattern was exactly pattern perse or dropped stitches. My cousins were wonderful knitters. All three of them. I remember seeing them wearing their creations proudly, wonderfully complex Aran cable patterns. I think I managed a scarf at one point...or rather an over large doiley because it certainly was too short to be draped around anyone's neck.
I get stuck into Bridget Jones, with the marvelous, Renee Zellweger - who has probably never had a "fuck my life sucks" moment in her entire life - when I suddenly realise the entire movie is set on Pride and Prejudice (that classic Jane Austen novel, which I have never actually read, but I saw the movie - god how lame is that?) I actually laugh out loud at a scene where the main character muses that she may end up an ageing, fat, spinster, living with cats, whose only serious relationship is with a bottle of wine and when she dies her body will be discovered in her flat weeks later, half eaten by wild dogs. Yeah, Brig and I share the same flair for the dramatic at times.
So I am killing time watching movies, Jen and I are going to a concert this evening to see Terri Clark. I am not actually a Terri Clark fan, but when Jen phoned me all excited several months ago to say the tickets had gone on sale I agreed to go with her, basically because I had/have nothing better to do. It will actually be my first night out in months, and it beats sitting home all night watching the telly.
September 13, 2006
In twenty-five words or less...
I watched a cable-tv movie this evening called The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. I was struck how we don't have contests anymore that actually use skill. I remember being a horse-mad 9 year old, back home in England, and entering the WH Smith "Win a Pony" contest (numerous times). For one whole summer my spare time was filled with schoolgirl dreams of my very own pony...and trying to find the words to complete a catchy phrase "in twenty-five words or less". Something to attract the attention of the judges, something that would say "This little girl deserves to win the pony, with a year's supply of feed..."
I remind myself of Ralphie and his desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun (the one with the real sights and a compass in the stock).
Needless to say I didn't win - my hat is off to my mother who was suitably disappointed to my face, although no doubt privately rejoicing. Well, c'mon - I was 9 years old, she knew who would have been the one "mucking out" but didn't stand in the way of my daydreams.
I entered again the following year, and this time my entry won one of the runner-up prizes. It was a one of first ever television game consoles that played such classics as "Pong" and a half dozen other games. I was thrilled! I never did learn which of my entries was the actual winning slogan - but it was a prize I had actually worked for...and earned at least. By comparison today's contests seem to be merely ballots filled in with name, address and telephone number (oh how the telemarketing companies love them!) - occasionally there is a "skill testing" mathematical question - but other than that, the only skill needed is knowing which side of the stamp to lick...and even those are self-adhesive these days.
I remind myself of Ralphie and his desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun (the one with the real sights and a compass in the stock).
Needless to say I didn't win - my hat is off to my mother who was suitably disappointed to my face, although no doubt privately rejoicing. Well, c'mon - I was 9 years old, she knew who would have been the one "mucking out" but didn't stand in the way of my daydreams.
I entered again the following year, and this time my entry won one of the runner-up prizes. It was a one of first ever television game consoles that played such classics as "Pong" and a half dozen other games. I was thrilled! I never did learn which of my entries was the actual winning slogan - but it was a prize I had actually worked for...and earned at least. By comparison today's contests seem to be merely ballots filled in with name, address and telephone number (oh how the telemarketing companies love them!) - occasionally there is a "skill testing" mathematical question - but other than that, the only skill needed is knowing which side of the stamp to lick...and even those are self-adhesive these days.
September 1, 2006
Blogger ate my post...
...or at least that's my excuse and I am sticking to it. Needless to say there would have been a wondrous post in this very spot 12 hours ago had I a) remembered to save as draft periodically and b) if I hadn't ballsed it up. Oh well.
[well bugger me, I just saw that "recover post" icon on my edit screen...I wonder if that would have...? No, I wont torment myself with the thought.]
So yesterday was my first day off - no work, no overtime and no demands on my time. It was truly luxurious to be able to lounge in bed, waking up without the alarm clock screeching in my ear. My feline alarm clock however was persistent. She didn't care what day of the week it was - all that mattered was her dish was empty. She doesn't miaow disdainfully at me, on the contrary she has learned that if she wants something the best method is to be overly affectionate. (A true female in every sense of the word). She has developed a habit of walking across the top of my pillow, purring loudly and nuzzling. This whole nuzzling thing is very new behaviour for her, but she seems to have developed a thing for my hair and will nuzzle her whole head against mine, pressing her furry face into my hair for extended periods of time. Purring non-stop. I have taken it as a sign of affection. The first time the boy saw her do it, he suggested it was a failed homicide attempt. With a wicked grin, he told her that she just needed to move her entire body 6 inches lower. Brat!
First stop of the morning was to pick up a few groceries. I had stubbornly refused to make a list, as usual, my habit of phoning home from the middle of the cereal aisle to check on our need for certain items was of no use seeing as the boy was at work...so this time I had to rely entirely on memory. This may explain why we now have duplicate jars of unopened jam, no fresh kitty litter and we're almost out of peanut butter. Guess I will be hitting the store again today.
Next stop was the builders to pick up my copy of the signed amendment to the purchase agreement - which in turn was dropped off at the lawyer's office. I took the time to pick up forms for a Will and Power of Attorney whilst I was there. Something I have procrastinated over for more years than I care to remember. I guess we are all in denial when it comes to our own mortality. We feel we are as bulletproof as the 9 year old wearing the Superman cape standing on the shed roof. Hindsight is 20/20 and I can see how irresponsible it was of me, as a single mum, to not have had a Will in place all these years. Better late than never, it looks like I may finally be growing up.
Home via Blockbuster, I picked up "Take the Lead" with the very yummy Antonio Banderas - and home to prepare dinner.
Here we come to the interesting part. Ballroom dancing and cooking - two things I am unable to do (or do well) and two things I am actually signing up for classes for. This past Monday I registered for a 10 week class for ballroom. It's something I have long had an interest in - and never had the time or nerve to pursue (long story I will save for a future blog), suffice to say come mid-September you will all be treated to weekly updates on my progress (or lack thereof) in the waltz, quickstep, tango and swing. As far as cooking is concerned...well all I can say is that I used to be quite good in the kitchen. Passed my O'level in Home Economics, used to make everything from scratch, pastries, cakes, soups, you name it. It seems however to be a skill that hasn't aged well. Years of convenience meals that go from the freezer to the oven to the table in under 45 minutes (curse you frozen lasagne) have dulled my culinary artistic bent shall we say. Suffice to say, this evening's meatloaf, lovingly prepared from scratch wasn't exactly burnt, but it did have some interestingly crunchy bits. My local grocery superstore runs evening cooking classes covering everything from Italian to French cuisine. Now I am not suggesting that with these courses I am about to become the next Ginger Rogers or Delia Smith, but it gets me out of the house, meeting new people (new people who are also lousy cooks with two left feet), and it's something I am interested in.
The boy - obviously equipped with "OMG Mother is cooking" radar - called home to advise me that he was heading out straight after work to help a friend move apartments - and would probably "grab a bite" whilst he was out. That's fine, the left-overs are in the fridge in case he needs something to crunch on later - thankfully he has a dental plan.
[well bugger me, I just saw that "recover post" icon on my edit screen...I wonder if that would have...? No, I wont torment myself with the thought.]
So yesterday was my first day off - no work, no overtime and no demands on my time. It was truly luxurious to be able to lounge in bed, waking up without the alarm clock screeching in my ear. My feline alarm clock however was persistent. She didn't care what day of the week it was - all that mattered was her dish was empty. She doesn't miaow disdainfully at me, on the contrary she has learned that if she wants something the best method is to be overly affectionate. (A true female in every sense of the word). She has developed a habit of walking across the top of my pillow, purring loudly and nuzzling. This whole nuzzling thing is very new behaviour for her, but she seems to have developed a thing for my hair and will nuzzle her whole head against mine, pressing her furry face into my hair for extended periods of time. Purring non-stop. I have taken it as a sign of affection. The first time the boy saw her do it, he suggested it was a failed homicide attempt. With a wicked grin, he told her that she just needed to move her entire body 6 inches lower. Brat!
First stop of the morning was to pick up a few groceries. I had stubbornly refused to make a list, as usual, my habit of phoning home from the middle of the cereal aisle to check on our need for certain items was of no use seeing as the boy was at work...so this time I had to rely entirely on memory. This may explain why we now have duplicate jars of unopened jam, no fresh kitty litter and we're almost out of peanut butter. Guess I will be hitting the store again today.
Next stop was the builders to pick up my copy of the signed amendment to the purchase agreement - which in turn was dropped off at the lawyer's office. I took the time to pick up forms for a Will and Power of Attorney whilst I was there. Something I have procrastinated over for more years than I care to remember. I guess we are all in denial when it comes to our own mortality. We feel we are as bulletproof as the 9 year old wearing the Superman cape standing on the shed roof. Hindsight is 20/20 and I can see how irresponsible it was of me, as a single mum, to not have had a Will in place all these years. Better late than never, it looks like I may finally be growing up.
Home via Blockbuster, I picked up "Take the Lead" with the very yummy Antonio Banderas - and home to prepare dinner.
Here we come to the interesting part. Ballroom dancing and cooking - two things I am unable to do (or do well) and two things I am actually signing up for classes for. This past Monday I registered for a 10 week class for ballroom. It's something I have long had an interest in - and never had the time or nerve to pursue (long story I will save for a future blog), suffice to say come mid-September you will all be treated to weekly updates on my progress (or lack thereof) in the waltz, quickstep, tango and swing. As far as cooking is concerned...well all I can say is that I used to be quite good in the kitchen. Passed my O'level in Home Economics, used to make everything from scratch, pastries, cakes, soups, you name it. It seems however to be a skill that hasn't aged well. Years of convenience meals that go from the freezer to the oven to the table in under 45 minutes (curse you frozen lasagne) have dulled my culinary artistic bent shall we say. Suffice to say, this evening's meatloaf, lovingly prepared from scratch wasn't exactly burnt, but it did have some interestingly crunchy bits. My local grocery superstore runs evening cooking classes covering everything from Italian to French cuisine. Now I am not suggesting that with these courses I am about to become the next Ginger Rogers or Delia Smith, but it gets me out of the house, meeting new people (new people who are also lousy cooks with two left feet), and it's something I am interested in.
The boy - obviously equipped with "OMG Mother is cooking" radar - called home to advise me that he was heading out straight after work to help a friend move apartments - and would probably "grab a bite" whilst he was out. That's fine, the left-overs are in the fridge in case he needs something to crunch on later - thankfully he has a dental plan.
August 21, 2006
Overtime in Hollywood North
I've been pulling all the overtime I can grab over the past few weeks - for obvious reasons. This morning we received a frantic 911 call from a citizen reporting four men, all dressed in orange prison jumpsuits and chained together running down the street. Thankfully it was just a film crew for the latest episode of Prison Break. Wonder if the officers who caught up with these famous convicts got any autographs?
I had a giggle myself whilst taking some information from a young man calling in on behalf of his brother after an assault.
Me: What's your brother's name?
Caller: Steven
Me: Is that Stephen with a "v" or a "ph"?
Caller: No, Steven with an "S".
Me: ... [banging head slowly on the keyboard]
Colleague sitting next to me for our 8 hour stint shared the following exchange he heard on an ambulance call.
Caller: My mother has fallen and injured her hip.
Ambulance Dispatcher: Is that your mother I can hear screaming in the background?
Caller: Yes.
Ambulance Dispatcher: Is she conscious and breathing?
(Yes, you have blonde jokes, I have ambulance dispatcher jokes.)
On the back of my current favourite T-shirt:
"God created police officers, so that firemen could have heroes.
Then he created dispatchers, to show them who God really is."
I had a giggle myself whilst taking some information from a young man calling in on behalf of his brother after an assault.
Me: What's your brother's name?
Caller: Steven
Me: Is that Stephen with a "v" or a "ph"?
Caller: No, Steven with an "S".
Me: ... [banging head slowly on the keyboard]
Colleague sitting next to me for our 8 hour stint shared the following exchange he heard on an ambulance call.
Caller: My mother has fallen and injured her hip.
Ambulance Dispatcher: Is that your mother I can hear screaming in the background?
Caller: Yes.
Ambulance Dispatcher: Is she conscious and breathing?
(Yes, you have blonde jokes, I have ambulance dispatcher jokes.)
On the back of my current favourite T-shirt:
"God created police officers, so that firemen could have heroes.
Then he created dispatchers, to show them who God really is."
August 17, 2006
What would you say to your younger self?
I happened to be watching Oprah yesterday, whilst preparing dinner...and this item stuck in my mind long after the credits had rolled.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
Well that thought in itself was sobering. I certainly don't think of myself as a grown-up with advice to pass along to anyone. Heck, I am still dealing with my own issues! Regardless, cup of tea to my right, oldies playing in the background, and a gentle summer breeze coming through the window, I gather my sage advice to share with that flame haired youngster of yesteryear.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
Well that thought in itself was sobering. I certainly don't think of myself as a grown-up with advice to pass along to anyone. Heck, I am still dealing with my own issues! Regardless, cup of tea to my right, oldies playing in the background, and a gentle summer breeze coming through the window, I gather my sage advice to share with that flame haired youngster of yesteryear.
Don't be in such a rush to do everything all at once.
Take time to listen, take time to love, take time to live.
If it was meant for you, it wont go by you.
Cherish loved ones and family members - they won't always be here.
Listen to gut instincts, more often than not they are 100% correct.
Be open to opportunities and new experiences.
Despite outward appearances, physical beauty is only skin deep - and what is perceived as beauty changes with the fashion and trends of the time.
Listen to gut instincts, more often than not they are 100% correct.
Be open to opportunities and new experiences.
Despite outward appearances, physical beauty is only skin deep - and what is perceived as beauty changes with the fashion and trends of the time.
What's inside you, is beautiful beyond words.
Preserve your inner self: nurture your spirit, nourish your mind and learn to love yourself.
You are worth it.
No man is worth degrading yourself for.
Stand up for yourself.
Have conviction in your beliefs.
Live each day with passion.
...and finally invest all your pocket money and allowance in a little known company called "Microsoft"....
Ahem, what do you mean that wasn't the idea of this exercise?
Now I just wish my 60 year old self would write to my 40 year old self with some words of wisdom - because lord knows she still needs help.
August 15, 2006
Calling all Armchair Siskel and Roeper's
Over there on the right >>>>>
You may notice my Flixster Ratings. Only slightly more addictive than crack, I have spent unmentionable time (hours) browsing, rating and writing mini reviews of my favourite - and some not so favourite - movies. I even got the Boy hooked. For trivia buffs they even have something called the Never Ending Quiz - my ratings are pretty darned pathetic, but it's good for a giggle.
Check out the MCT - it's a short movie compatibility test, and we'll see if we are truly "friends" or if our views on "what's hot and what's not" at the movies has us heading to divorce court! lol
You may notice my Flixster Ratings. Only slightly more addictive than crack, I have spent unmentionable time (hours) browsing, rating and writing mini reviews of my favourite - and some not so favourite - movies. I even got the Boy hooked. For trivia buffs they even have something called the Never Ending Quiz - my ratings are pretty darned pathetic, but it's good for a giggle.
Check out the MCT - it's a short movie compatibility test, and we'll see if we are truly "friends" or if our views on "what's hot and what's not" at the movies has us heading to divorce court! lol
August 14, 2006
Reading the fine print
The past few days have gone by in a flurry. Nothing earth-shattering to report perse, but enough to keep me busy. For saying I am supposedly on holls right now, I certainly don't feel like I have been laying around and taking it easy.
Wednesday evening I got a call from the sales agent at the building site to advise me that the builder had signed his acceptance of my offer. I picked up the documents Thursday morning, and headed straight over to the lawyer's office for him to go over the agreement. I am glad I did, as Saturday morning the lawyer called to point out a couple of items that had been missed. Nothing major, but items that still needed to be addressed, added or re-worded.
The lawyer was actually very helpful and he asked if I had already gone through all the documents myself. I confessed I hadn't. There is a pile of 2 inch thick legal documents sitting on my dining room table and as we talked I mentally promised myself that at some point I would sit down with a highlighter and go through them all. That "some point" is going to be today. I foresee endless pots of tea in my immediate future as I try to wade through the legaleese.
Saturday night J. and I headed out to the local dance to celebrate. The music was terrible (new DJ), cute guys were in very short supply or already taken, she was exhausted (she's renovating at home and had spent the day painting her bathroom) and I really didn't want to waste money (for obvious reasons) - so it was no surprise when just before midnight we decided to call it a day. I was home, face freshly scrubbed clean of makeup and in bed by 12:30! Wild party animal eh?
Sunday was spent cleaning. As most will know, I truly see housework as a chore. There are actually people out there who enjoy it...my god you need help. On the flip side, there is nothing I love more than a fresh, clean house however, so I knuckle down and suck it up. I did try to mentally calculate however, how many more times I will be scrubbing this bathroom before I move. (75 - based on an average of once a week - sigh)
Sunday afternoon I ventured out on a second date with the "prospect" from a few weeks ago. I had decided to give this one a second go, simply because we'd had such a good time the first time we went out, and perhaps I was being "too picky" when I had decided previously that there was no zing and cancelled our date. We went to see the new 9-11 movie, "World Trade Centre". I had a marvelous time. We can chat up a storm, I am very comfortable and relaxed with him - but still no zing. I can see him as a fantastic friend, but definitely not a love interest.
OK I have procrastinated for long enough...time to hit the legal papers....
Wednesday evening I got a call from the sales agent at the building site to advise me that the builder had signed his acceptance of my offer. I picked up the documents Thursday morning, and headed straight over to the lawyer's office for him to go over the agreement. I am glad I did, as Saturday morning the lawyer called to point out a couple of items that had been missed. Nothing major, but items that still needed to be addressed, added or re-worded.
The lawyer was actually very helpful and he asked if I had already gone through all the documents myself. I confessed I hadn't. There is a pile of 2 inch thick legal documents sitting on my dining room table and as we talked I mentally promised myself that at some point I would sit down with a highlighter and go through them all. That "some point" is going to be today. I foresee endless pots of tea in my immediate future as I try to wade through the legaleese.
Saturday night J. and I headed out to the local dance to celebrate. The music was terrible (new DJ), cute guys were in very short supply or already taken, she was exhausted (she's renovating at home and had spent the day painting her bathroom) and I really didn't want to waste money (for obvious reasons) - so it was no surprise when just before midnight we decided to call it a day. I was home, face freshly scrubbed clean of makeup and in bed by 12:30! Wild party animal eh?
Sunday was spent cleaning. As most will know, I truly see housework as a chore. There are actually people out there who enjoy it...my god you need help. On the flip side, there is nothing I love more than a fresh, clean house however, so I knuckle down and suck it up. I did try to mentally calculate however, how many more times I will be scrubbing this bathroom before I move. (75 - based on an average of once a week - sigh)
Sunday afternoon I ventured out on a second date with the "prospect" from a few weeks ago. I had decided to give this one a second go, simply because we'd had such a good time the first time we went out, and perhaps I was being "too picky" when I had decided previously that there was no zing and cancelled our date. We went to see the new 9-11 movie, "World Trade Centre". I had a marvelous time. We can chat up a storm, I am very comfortable and relaxed with him - but still no zing. I can see him as a fantastic friend, but definitely not a love interest.
OK I have procrastinated for long enough...time to hit the legal papers....
July 30, 2006
I know I haven't posted in a while...
...but I have kind of been holding back waiting for some news to come in.
Life here at Chez Sue is good. The summer so far has been gloriously hot and sunny, work has been busy - and I got recognised for another award (if never rains, but it pours).
On the love front, nothing new to report I am afraid. The gentleman whom I met for coffee (a month ago) and I finally made arrangements to go on a date last Friday....but I cancelled. He's not the one for me, there was now zing...no chemistry...and on reflection it seem silly to continue - best to quit now before feelings come into play, and people get hurt.
My social schedule for the next couple of months is packed. Pool parties, bbq's, house warmings, day trips to Niagara, concerts...the list goes on. Be sure to check back throughout August and September...I will endeavour to update more often!
That's the end of this Suzie update...I now return to my previous waiting...waiting for news to come in.
(I swear this has been the longest weekend of my LIFE! GAH!!!)
Post Script:
....it's Sunday 849pm and I am crying....
....Yes, it's Extreme Makeover - Home Edition. I am such a SAP!!!!! *sniff*
Life here at Chez Sue is good. The summer so far has been gloriously hot and sunny, work has been busy - and I got recognised for another award (if never rains, but it pours).
On the love front, nothing new to report I am afraid. The gentleman whom I met for coffee (a month ago) and I finally made arrangements to go on a date last Friday....but I cancelled. He's not the one for me, there was now zing...no chemistry...and on reflection it seem silly to continue - best to quit now before feelings come into play, and people get hurt.
My social schedule for the next couple of months is packed. Pool parties, bbq's, house warmings, day trips to Niagara, concerts...the list goes on. Be sure to check back throughout August and September...I will endeavour to update more often!
That's the end of this Suzie update...I now return to my previous waiting...waiting for news to come in.
(I swear this has been the longest weekend of my LIFE! GAH!!!)
Post Script:
....it's Sunday 849pm and I am crying....
....Yes, it's Extreme Makeover - Home Edition. I am such a SAP!!!!! *sniff*
July 16, 2006
Wise beyond years
The boy got his wisdom teeth taken out this week at the dentist. (Yes, that dentist - sigh) Sadly I had to work, so couldn't be on-hand to take care of the patient - thankfully he has a loving girlfriend who happily stepped into the role of Florence Nightingale. She sat and waited the hour it took for all the extractions and drove his drowsy, groggy ass home when he was through. On the way they picked up his prescription for painkillers, she gave him a bouquet of balloons to cheer him up, made a dozen single servings of jello, and picked up a couple of movies at Blockbuster. What a great girl!
I was very grateful that she was there - as I had a funeral to rush to straight from work. One of my very best girlfriends - a cadet mom - lost her father-in-law at the end of last week. Sadly this is the third male family member she and her sons have lost in the last 18 months. First her husband after a brave battle with cancer. A year later her father, and now her father-in-law. I needed to be there for her, if only briefly.
The rest of the week was busy with work and trying to stay cool in this heat. I don't mind the heat so much as the humidity. I've pretty much give up worrying about my hair and makeup in this weather. Spend 20- minutes taming my hair, just to have it frizz up like a wild bush woman the minute I step out the door, and the makeup melts and just slides off my face...yuk. So I am afraid folks are just gonna have to get used to me "au naturel" until the weather breaks - or winter...whichever comes first.
Friday night the boy and I went to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest". Excellent movie, although I do recommend that you see the first movie before going to see the sequel. Too many character and story tie-ins - especially at the very end.
Saturday J. and I headed to Peterborough to see Emerson Drive in concert and then camp overnight with some folks she knows from the singles parties in our area. Nice group of people, total party animals - and definitely not my type. Oh well, made for an interesting night out that's for sure.
I have come to the decision I like all aspects of camping with the exception of four.
1. the damp/dew - ewwww just gross walking across the campsite at night or first think in the morning and everything is wet and damp.
2. the bugs - they look at me and think filet mignon I swear!
3. the dirt - I hate feeling grimey.
4. Washroom facilities - or lack thereof.
I have decided in future I'll go for the day - enjoy the campfire, the stars, roasting weenies and singing corny campfire songs...and then head home to my own clean shower and bed!
Two more days off before I head back into work - but it's too hot and humid to do anything other than sit and try not to melt. I really should go wash and vac my car - but just the thought of anything more strenuous than sitting at this keyboard has be perspiring already. If I had a swimming pool and a vat of SPF500 to dip myself in, I'd be out there floating on a lilo or something equally cooling. At the moment even the thought of just dowsing myself with the garden hose is starting to sound appealing!
I was very grateful that she was there - as I had a funeral to rush to straight from work. One of my very best girlfriends - a cadet mom - lost her father-in-law at the end of last week. Sadly this is the third male family member she and her sons have lost in the last 18 months. First her husband after a brave battle with cancer. A year later her father, and now her father-in-law. I needed to be there for her, if only briefly.
The rest of the week was busy with work and trying to stay cool in this heat. I don't mind the heat so much as the humidity. I've pretty much give up worrying about my hair and makeup in this weather. Spend 20- minutes taming my hair, just to have it frizz up like a wild bush woman the minute I step out the door, and the makeup melts and just slides off my face...yuk. So I am afraid folks are just gonna have to get used to me "au naturel" until the weather breaks - or winter...whichever comes first.
Friday night the boy and I went to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest". Excellent movie, although I do recommend that you see the first movie before going to see the sequel. Too many character and story tie-ins - especially at the very end.
Saturday J. and I headed to Peterborough to see Emerson Drive in concert and then camp overnight with some folks she knows from the singles parties in our area. Nice group of people, total party animals - and definitely not my type. Oh well, made for an interesting night out that's for sure.
I have come to the decision I like all aspects of camping with the exception of four.
1. the damp/dew - ewwww just gross walking across the campsite at night or first think in the morning and everything is wet and damp.
2. the bugs - they look at me and think filet mignon I swear!
3. the dirt - I hate feeling grimey.
4. Washroom facilities - or lack thereof.
I have decided in future I'll go for the day - enjoy the campfire, the stars, roasting weenies and singing corny campfire songs...and then head home to my own clean shower and bed!
Two more days off before I head back into work - but it's too hot and humid to do anything other than sit and try not to melt. I really should go wash and vac my car - but just the thought of anything more strenuous than sitting at this keyboard has be perspiring already. If I had a swimming pool and a vat of SPF500 to dip myself in, I'd be out there floating on a lilo or something equally cooling. At the moment even the thought of just dowsing myself with the garden hose is starting to sound appealing!
June 14, 2006
Holls so far...
Well my holls so far have been wonderful. Relaxing, restful and therapeutic - just what the doctor ordered!
Or just what the dentist ordered at any rate...I was in to see my dishy dentist yesterday for my bi-annual check-up. I think I have had a crush on this guy for at least the last 6 years. It's one of those silent adoration from a-far type silly school-girl crushes. He checks my teeth, smiles seductively, invariably asks a personal question that leaves me stumbling for an answer - and he's gone onto his next patient. Sadly great genetics and good oral hygiene mean's I wont see him again for another 6 months for my next check up. Sigh. ["Look mom! No cavities!"]
Today was a couple of firsts - my first hair dye, and my first solo trip to the movies. I decided I had referred to my strands of grey as my "natural highlights" for far too long and took the Lady Clairol plunge. Well, L'Oreal to be precise - copper blonde - which ironically isn't blonde at all - but seems to match my natural red to a tea. My hat's off to the drug store cosmetician who recommended both the brand and the shade. The grey is gone, which is wonderful - but I miss the natural tint of my hair - this new "all over shade" seems flat. The irony to all this is I have hated my hair colour for as long as I can remember. Growing up a gingernut in the UK was not the kindest - for some reason it really is a colour you either love or hate. If I had a dollar however for every hairdresser and well-meaning family members that oooed and ahhhed over my natural hair colour and told me about people who paid a fortune to have my colour I wouldn't have any issues over downpayments! I always replied that they obviously had more money than sense and swore that I would never be a "dyed redhead". Goes to show you shouldn't use the word "never" lightly.
My first solo movie originally was going to be a mother and son night - but I assured the boy that I would be just fine going alone - and I am sure he was secretly relieved to stay home for a WoW Guild raid evening. I am touched that he was willing to come with me - he makes me so proud at what a wonderful young person he has become. His thoughtfulness touches me daily. In fact the whole way he responded when N. and I broke up just made me feel so loved and cared for. He's a great boy - correction - a great young man.
The movie I saw? The Da Vinci Code. I read the book earlier this year and I have to say I really think both Ron Howard and Tom Hanks did a fantastic job. Religious arguments aside.
The book I am reading right now? Dr. Phil's "Love Smart" - I know my Mr. Zing is out there somewhere, and I intend on finding him. Preferably before my next checkup with Dr. Wonderful - before I have to touch up my roots however may be pushing it a bit!
Or just what the dentist ordered at any rate...I was in to see my dishy dentist yesterday for my bi-annual check-up. I think I have had a crush on this guy for at least the last 6 years. It's one of those silent adoration from a-far type silly school-girl crushes. He checks my teeth, smiles seductively, invariably asks a personal question that leaves me stumbling for an answer - and he's gone onto his next patient. Sadly great genetics and good oral hygiene mean's I wont see him again for another 6 months for my next check up. Sigh. ["Look mom! No cavities!"]
Today was a couple of firsts - my first hair dye, and my first solo trip to the movies. I decided I had referred to my strands of grey as my "natural highlights" for far too long and took the Lady Clairol plunge. Well, L'Oreal to be precise - copper blonde - which ironically isn't blonde at all - but seems to match my natural red to a tea. My hat's off to the drug store cosmetician who recommended both the brand and the shade. The grey is gone, which is wonderful - but I miss the natural tint of my hair - this new "all over shade" seems flat. The irony to all this is I have hated my hair colour for as long as I can remember. Growing up a gingernut in the UK was not the kindest - for some reason it really is a colour you either love or hate. If I had a dollar however for every hairdresser and well-meaning family members that oooed and ahhhed over my natural hair colour and told me about people who paid a fortune to have my colour I wouldn't have any issues over downpayments! I always replied that they obviously had more money than sense and swore that I would never be a "dyed redhead". Goes to show you shouldn't use the word "never" lightly.
My first solo movie originally was going to be a mother and son night - but I assured the boy that I would be just fine going alone - and I am sure he was secretly relieved to stay home for a WoW Guild raid evening. I am touched that he was willing to come with me - he makes me so proud at what a wonderful young person he has become. His thoughtfulness touches me daily. In fact the whole way he responded when N. and I broke up just made me feel so loved and cared for. He's a great boy - correction - a great young man.
The movie I saw? The Da Vinci Code. I read the book earlier this year and I have to say I really think both Ron Howard and Tom Hanks did a fantastic job. Religious arguments aside.
The book I am reading right now? Dr. Phil's "Love Smart" - I know my Mr. Zing is out there somewhere, and I intend on finding him. Preferably before my next checkup with Dr. Wonderful - before I have to touch up my roots however may be pushing it a bit!
June 6, 2006
The Mark of the Beast
I think most people of my generation associate "666" with the Hollywood movie trilogy of "The Omen." I remember first seeing the movie back in the very early 80's and being both totally intrigued - and at the same time totally terrified.
Here was a movie, that played on the rituals and superstitions of the Catholic Church - which has become a life long interest for me, as a non-Catholic. And in addition it ingrained an absolute fear of chanting monks. Nothing sets the goosebumps running down the length of my arm like the atmospheric chanting from all three Omen movies.
I think the one thing that appealed to us with the Omen films was that deep within our Christian hearts, this was something that could really happen. Many of us went straight from the movie theatre and straight to our family bibles to look up the references of the Beast and his mark in Revelations. Hollywood had created something that was far more believable and terrifying than zombie flesh eaters or aliens attacking.
Ironically a remake of the movie is being released today. The release date coinciding with the only time in the next 100 years that the date will be 06.06.06. Somehow I think the movie will be just a trashy remake of what was a classic cult horror movie in 1976 with Gregory Peck. Just Hollywood cashing in on the date.
Needless to say I will venture in the dark shadows of the theatre, clutching my popcorn, hoping to be proven wrong. (And hoping not to bump into any monks on my way home).
Here was a movie, that played on the rituals and superstitions of the Catholic Church - which has become a life long interest for me, as a non-Catholic. And in addition it ingrained an absolute fear of chanting monks. Nothing sets the goosebumps running down the length of my arm like the atmospheric chanting from all three Omen movies.
I think the one thing that appealed to us with the Omen films was that deep within our Christian hearts, this was something that could really happen. Many of us went straight from the movie theatre and straight to our family bibles to look up the references of the Beast and his mark in Revelations. Hollywood had created something that was far more believable and terrifying than zombie flesh eaters or aliens attacking.
Ironically a remake of the movie is being released today. The release date coinciding with the only time in the next 100 years that the date will be 06.06.06. Somehow I think the movie will be just a trashy remake of what was a classic cult horror movie in 1976 with Gregory Peck. Just Hollywood cashing in on the date.
Needless to say I will venture in the dark shadows of the theatre, clutching my popcorn, hoping to be proven wrong. (And hoping not to bump into any monks on my way home).
May 23, 2006
Holiday Weekend
This past weekend was Victoria Day Weekend here in Canada - more commonly known as the "May Two-Four" weekend as it generally falls on or around May 24th - the first long weekend of summer - and probably because a case of beer equals 24 bottles! The roads have been choc-a-block full of weekend travellers. Summer cottages are being reopened for the season, campers realising that perhaps it's still a little too early to be out under canvas (the temperatures this weekend hovered around 10 celcius).
And for once I had the weekend off! Woot!
The weekend didn't quite go the way I had planned - initially I had thought N. and I would spend a little time together - perhaps check out the garden centres for some flowers for the garden, a road trip, dinner somewhere nice... I had even picked up a nice roast for Sunday.
N. however decided he was going to head over to visit his friends a couple of hours drive away to party for the weekend. He generally does this on the weekends that I am working - which doesn't bother me, after all it can't be much fun being home alone all weekend when I am at work. On the weekends I am home however (two out of every five) I do prefer that he stay in town and we at least can have some semblance of a normal dating life together. Needless to say I felt a little miffed that he had not only buggered off again for the weekend ...but the first long weekend of summer no less....and with virtually no notice - so bugger any plans I had had for us.
I am starting to think that our time together is starting to wind down. The past 10 months have been fun, but we're not in love - we care about each other, we've had a lot of fun together, but for me that "zing" has never been there, and I suspect the same is true for him.
Gah! Men! Who needs 'em?
My weekend wasn't a dead loss however. My girlfriend J. and I spent an evening at a local country bar, enjoying the music and hooting with laughter as we "people watched" some of the most interestingly dressed people we have seen in a long while. It was a great evening and long, long overdue.
Monday I headed out to the garden centre and picked up flowers for the borders, the hanging baskets and planters. As usual I bought far too many flowers for my pocket handkerchief sized garden - but the way I look at it the extras can be used to replace any casualties in my war with the squirrels.
On the home front, I got an approval from a local bank on a preapproved mortgage for a quarter million dollars (I just like saying that, a quarter of a million dollars!! - $225,000 to everyone else) - which they would happily give me providing I can ante up the downpayment. Anywhere from 5-25% preffered, thank you very much! Nice to know I qualified - a nice little pat on the back for having a good credit rating blah blah blah. I am talking to a broker however about a 100% financing at the moment. I am curious as to how much more it would cost me should a decide to go that route (and providing of course I qualify).
I am back at work - a week of midnight shift looms ahead, but for now I am going to sign off to go watch the final of American Idol. H'mmm who do you think will win this season? Taylor Hicks or Katherine McPhee.
And for once I had the weekend off! Woot!
The weekend didn't quite go the way I had planned - initially I had thought N. and I would spend a little time together - perhaps check out the garden centres for some flowers for the garden, a road trip, dinner somewhere nice... I had even picked up a nice roast for Sunday.
N. however decided he was going to head over to visit his friends a couple of hours drive away to party for the weekend. He generally does this on the weekends that I am working - which doesn't bother me, after all it can't be much fun being home alone all weekend when I am at work. On the weekends I am home however (two out of every five) I do prefer that he stay in town and we at least can have some semblance of a normal dating life together. Needless to say I felt a little miffed that he had not only buggered off again for the weekend ...but the first long weekend of summer no less....and with virtually no notice - so bugger any plans I had had for us.
I am starting to think that our time together is starting to wind down. The past 10 months have been fun, but we're not in love - we care about each other, we've had a lot of fun together, but for me that "zing" has never been there, and I suspect the same is true for him.
Gah! Men! Who needs 'em?
My weekend wasn't a dead loss however. My girlfriend J. and I spent an evening at a local country bar, enjoying the music and hooting with laughter as we "people watched" some of the most interestingly dressed people we have seen in a long while. It was a great evening and long, long overdue.
Monday I headed out to the garden centre and picked up flowers for the borders, the hanging baskets and planters. As usual I bought far too many flowers for my pocket handkerchief sized garden - but the way I look at it the extras can be used to replace any casualties in my war with the squirrels.
On the home front, I got an approval from a local bank on a preapproved mortgage for a quarter million dollars (I just like saying that, a quarter of a million dollars!! - $225,000 to everyone else) - which they would happily give me providing I can ante up the downpayment. Anywhere from 5-25% preffered, thank you very much! Nice to know I qualified - a nice little pat on the back for having a good credit rating blah blah blah. I am talking to a broker however about a 100% financing at the moment. I am curious as to how much more it would cost me should a decide to go that route (and providing of course I qualify).
I am back at work - a week of midnight shift looms ahead, but for now I am going to sign off to go watch the final of American Idol. H'mmm who do you think will win this season? Taylor Hicks or Katherine McPhee.
May 20, 2006
A word to the wise...
Never watch tear-jerker movies at "that time of the month". I accidentally got sucked into watching "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants" this morning...and bawled my head off.
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