Nothing at all

What a nice weekend – we did sweet nothing! Didn’t even do laundry or cooking, nothing I tell you! …and it felt good!

Saturday we did the “Earth Hour” thing, turned everything off (computers, printer, etc) and went for a walk. We were happy to see that some big corporations did take part of it. We noticed that the big Q of Hydro-Québec was turned off, as well as the logo of Complexe Desjardins, even City Hall had turned down their lights. Here’s a picture of it we took while on our walk. It was too dark to actually take pictures, go figure!

I was surprised not by the dark buildings, but the friggin’ cold! It didn’t feel like spring, yet again! Yesterday was a beautiful cool day. But it still gets cold at night. This morning more crap came down, and the roads are, again, snow covered. This is ridiculous! I’m wondering if this is how the dinosaurs felt when the Ice Age started… Every morning, looking out, and wondering when in hell the snow would melt and if spring was on its way? Is it Global Warming or Cooling that’s coming our way?

As you know (if you’re a regular reader) I’m doing the Relay for Life again this year, and I’m happy to see how well people are responding. I’ve raised my fund raising goal twice already! This is fun for me. I just love doing things like that!

Must run now, laundry to do, some work as well… Have a good one!

Earth Hour!

Today, people around the world will be joining together to turn out their lights for Earth Hour, taking a stand against climate change.

Canada has one of the highest participation rates around the globe with over 150 cities participating! Many buildings and landmarks will turn off their lights. These include the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Toronto Eaton Centre, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Honest Ed’s in Ontario; the Olympic Flag, City Hall Clock and all buildings in which the City of Vancouver operate; and the MacDonald Bridge, City Hall, and Parade Square in Halifax.

Montreal to is taking part in this event, at least that's what a news cast said today on TV, but we haven't really heard anything about it... anyway, we are!

Tonight, at 8 pm we will turn off our lights, computers, and as many electric devices as we can for one hour.

If we all did this, I'm sure it woud help is some ways...

I've already been more careful of unplugging unused things, like the toaster. If it's not being used simply unplug it, it will safe some energy and contribute in saving our planet, a little...

Turn off your lights, unplug everything and go for a walk in the dark! That's what we'll be doing!

What better way.

Whenever I feel like crap (like I've sort of been feeling lately), or when I need a little boost, what do I do to cheer myself up?

I either go shopping, but that's not what I did, because I don't want to add to my stress by spending too much, 'cause I tend to do that at times... or I go get my hair done!

That's what I did today! yay! I got a new color and hair style! It's Spring (so they say) so let's "clean" this mess (that is me) up!

I present you the "new" me: Short and sweet!
Just the opposite of me!

Your Friday Smile!

A little one, just right for this time of year...

A little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened.

Then he decided to write God a letter requesting the $100.00. But when the postal authorities received the letter to God, USA , they decided to send it to The President.

The President was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5.00 bill.

The President thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy.

The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you note to God, which read:

Dear God,

Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington D.C. and those assholes deducted $95.00 in taxes !!!

Respectfully,
Drew

***

If you've read this blog, earlier this week, you know how I've been feeling...

I was depressed last night so I called Lifeline.
Got a call center in Pakistan.
I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...

C'mon! It's a little funny! ;-)

Have a great weekend!
If you haven't yet, please click on my sidebar link "Bloggers' Birthday"
and tell me when your birthday is!

Doing it again!

This year again we will be doing the Canadian Cancer Society “Relay For Life”. This year, though, I’ve decided to be a team captain. Team "Vigilant" is our name!

Last year’s “Relay for Life” was a moving experience, and because cancer is still taking too many lives around us, we feel that we must try to do something to refrain this disease. I know that some feel that no matter what there’s not much money that does go towards research as such, but I do think there is some progress being made. I want to believe that if we all did a little it might amount to something big, just like the “butterfly effect”.

Funds raised through “Relay For Life” do make a difference. They help the Canadian Cancer Society fund, the most promising research projects in the country, provide information services and support programs in the community and advocate for public policies that prevent cancer and help those living with it.

Just this year alone we have lost loved ones to cancer. It has, is, and will touch almost all of us in some ways. Last year we walked in honor of my MIL, this year it will be in her memory. Help us in this fight against cancer and support (sponsor) us.

Also, the Canadian Cancer Society is selling luminaries. They are little candles placed in bags and carry the names of cancer survivors and loved ones lost. In a moving ceremony after sunset, luminaries placed around the track are lit In Honor of cancer survivors and In Memory of those who have lost the battle against cancer.

If you so incline to support me in this fight, simply click here. Every amount do count! Thanks!

Spring? Where?

I just tried to catch up on a few of my regular reads, and I can’t help but noticed that a few of you are lucky enough to feel the warmth of Spring. Oh how I wish! It doesn’t really feel like Spring is on its way over here… nope… not even close! Yes there is sun, and yes it is warm, if you’re sitting in your car! See what I mean? I must say that the last few days have been really nice and sunny, but man, it’s been cold. The snow is slowly melting… at least I think so… Doesn’t really look like it is when I look out our bedroom window. There is about eight feet of snow back there! I can only anticipate the mess it will be when it does melt. Let’s hope nothing will be flooded.

I’ve been busier than I really want to. I’ve been feeling like I am in a continuous loop, where rest doesn’t really exist. Did you ever feel like no matter what, or how much you try there’s always something, some event, or someone extracting your juices? It seems as if, despite my best effort, something won’t work, something will go wrong, and yet, I have to remain on top of things.

It might all be due to the time of year. I don’t really think I’m in a funk as such, but I’m sort of doing a mental Spring Cleaning. Yeah, that is it!

I need to clean certain things. Like any other chore the tough part is getting started. Or where to start? A recent family situation occurred and I don’t really know how to feel about it. A part of me feels worried for that person, and at the same time for us. I don’t want it to be a problem. It is not at the moment. It might be selfish of me, but I so not want it to become an issue for us either. I’m all for one assuming their responsibilities, but what to do with someone who doesn’t even realise that they might be creating a situation because of their actions and/or choices?

A friend of ours lost his dad to cancer this past week. Like every death, it makes us appreciate how good we have it. I wonder if that is why we do have to experience pain or death? I’m sure it’s all part of the “big plan”… What do you think?

Our Special Day!

Today is International Disturbed People's Day

Please read this encouraging message posted here for all my disturbed friend...

I don't care if you lick windows, or take the special bus;
You hang in there sunshine, you're special.

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happines you'll never get back.

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short,
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Love truly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you smile.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

Happy Easter!

On this fine Easter Sunday Morning......and to all my peeps, enjoy this ultimate peep show...

Happy Easter!

Your Friday Smile!

Since today is "Good Friday", I'll try to keep it clean...

Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.
Finally fed up, God said, 'THAT'S IT! I have had enough. I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job.'
So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.
They moused.
They faxed.
They e-mailed.
They e-mailed with attachments.
They downloaded.
They did spreadsheets!
They wrote reports.
They created labels and cards.
They created charts and graphs.
They did some genealogy reports
They did every job known to man.
Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.

Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off.
Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld.

Jesus just sighed.
Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming:

'It's gone! It's all GONE! 'I lost everything when the power went out!'

Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work.

Satan observed this and became irate.

'Wait!' he screamed. 'That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don't have any?'

God just shrugged and said,


JESUS SAVES

***

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

Happy Friday!
Hope you'll have a great long weekend!
Don't eat too much chocolate!

Sorry 'bout that.

I didn’t mean to upset anyone with my food snobbism post. Once again, I think I didn’t get my “point” across, must be related to me being French and writing in English, or something. I think it has more to do with my brain being fried, but that’s a post for another day.

Let’s see if I can explain myself a little better. I do know that not everything in cans or jars are bad for us. But I also know, that when you look for better quality ingredients, the price is also higher. I do read labels, for the few cans we do buy, and I try to find the lowest carbs, sodium, cholesterol, etc., and it’s not always obvious.

I will spend two hours (including cooking time, that is!) preparing a big batch of spaghetti sauce, that I will freeze, rather than buy a pre-made sauce from a jar that often doesn’t contain that many vegetables and might be full of salt and sugar. Last week I made Sheppard’s Pie, it took me less than one hour and made 4 meals out of it. We ate one that night and the other three are frozen, ready to be thawed and heated. I do the same for lasagna, meat pies or chicken potpies.

When I lived alone for two years, I would prepare food in advance (on weekends) and freeze it so that instead of eating a frozen dinner I would have my “home cooked meal” and enjoy it. It was better, tastier, and also cheaper. Trust me, if there’s one lazy person around, after a day at work, it’s me!

I meant to say that I’m a snob when it comes to ingredients, for myself. You’re right (Kara) I wouldn’t snob a reader on account of their liking Spagettios, and I would NEVER walk out of a dinner party because of the food they serve because I love food. I’ve had some pretty “interesting” meals, things I’ve never thought I would eat, but like I wrote on my previous post, I will try everything at least once. And Canadian "cuisine" isn't really my favorite. I much rather enjoy any good "ese" cuisine (like Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese, Vietnamese) than Canadian, that's for sure.

I’m a snob when comes time to choose between olive oils. I like the good one, the one where you can really taste the olives, the one that is green. Same for good olives. I’m a snob for bread. I love crusted bread, and I will make a detour to get the right baguette. Same thing for cheese, I’m willing to pay more for good old cheddar. And yet, I’m also known to enjoy a good slice of Kraft Singles in a grilled cheese. It’s all about taste and money, because to eat well with fresh ingredients it is costly, but it is so worth it as well!

Food Snob Baby

A few weeks ago, Kara upon her return home from a trip to Europe did a post about being hungry and she wrote this:

“We may judge you based on your clothing, musical taste, political leanings, sexual orientation, choice of accessories, movie rentals, charities affiliated with, coffee addictions, home decor and sport teams supported...but not what you eat. It's just not done.”

When I read that we weren’t judge upon what we eat, I just had to disagree with her. Of course we judge people on what they eat. I know I do. Don’t you? Don’t we all have some prejudice about what people eat, or how they eat it? I think we do.

We’ve all, at some point, commented on the junk people eat or how much. I’m not even going to write about the obesity problems increasing in the world, but it is also flagrant that it’s not all about the quantity alone. That is part of the problem, but the quality is also a big part of it. We much rather go for the fast and easy than for the healthy choices. It’s sad to see that what is affordable for most, is crap. It’s almost like a vicious circle. You can only afford so much, so your options are not the healthiest ones. No wonder we go for junk food, or pre-made. It has, sadly, a lot to do with our budget.
I’ve been called a food snob, and often it’s self-proclaimed. I can assume it. Some of my snobbism does come from my childhood. My mother used to cook. She would prepare our food. She wasn’t a “can opener” as my father used to call women who would pop open a can for dinner. Maybe because of that, I’ve always cooked myself.

I can’t believe some people will eat sauce from a jar instead of making their own. It takes so little effort to do, and yet some people won’t even consider that option. Whenever we do groceries and I see someone buying a can of Chef Boyardee or a jar of pre-made sauce I almost get upset! I admit that, at times, I do enjoy a good old box of Mac & Cheese, but it is a seldom treat. Once in a while I do crave my Wendy’s Onion Rings or my A&W Teen Burger. Yes, I do have those cravings. But there is nothing as comforting as my own mashed potatoes. That is pure taste buds pleasure. Or a batch of cookies, not the Dough Boy type, the ones made from scratch! Yuuummmy!

I enjoy food. A lot. Food isn’t there only to fill us up, it should be savoured. I love to taste new things, discover new flavours, and new texture. I’ll try everything at least once. I also enjoy cooking, baking, etc. and I do; for others as well as for myself.

How about you? Do you enjoy food? Would you rather eat out or prepare yourself a good home cooked meal? Do you enjoy cooking or is it too much trouble? Do you judge others on what & how they eat?

Overheard this morrning

Montréal will be having its 184th, consecutive, St-Patrick's Parade on Sunday. It's said to be one of the biggest in North America along with New York's. People come in from all over the world for this... party...

This guy flew in from Dublin, big Irish accent (which I won't even try to reproduce):

"Montréal is a lovely city"

- 'Don't mind the cold too much?

"It's not so bad"

- 'Seen anything interesting yet?

"I sure did mate! The strangest thing!"

- Really? What was that!

"Trucks taking away snow!" I just had to take pictures!"
"I'd never seen trucks taking away snow before in my life!"


When I heard that I couldn't help cracking up. Funny what a visitor will see that so differs from where he's from, sights we don't even see anymore.

Seeing those big trucks loaded with snow is such a "normal" winter thing here, that I've never even consider that for some it might be strange or even unusual.

I just can't help to smile when I think of this Irish guy and his surprise about the snow trucks... too funny.

Your Friday Smile!

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, "You're really doing great, aren't you?"

Morris replied, "Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'"

The doctor said, "I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful."

***

As Irish woman of advancing years talked to her physician to solicit his help in reviving her husband's flagging libido.

'What about trying Viagra?' asks the doctor.
'Not a chance,' she said. 'He won't even take an aspirin!'
'Not to fret,'replied the doctor. 'Give him an Irish Viagra.'
'What's an Irish Viagra, Doctor?'
'That's where you just drop the Viagra into his morning coffee. He won't even taste it,' replied the doctor. 'Give it a try and call me in a week to let me know how things went.'

Not even a week had gone by before she called the doctor, who directly inquired as to the progress of the experiment. The poor dear exclaimed, 'Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah! T'was horrid, just too terrible, doc!'

'Really? What happened?' asked the doctor.

'Well, I did as you advised. I slipped the Viagra into his morning coffee and it took effect almost immediately. He jumped hisself straight up, with a twinkle in his eye and with his pants a-bulging proudly! With one swoop of his arm, he sent the cups and tablecloth a flying, ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there, making wild, mad, passionate love to me right on the tabletop! T'was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!'

'Why so terrible?' asked the doctor. 'Do you mean to say the sex your husband gave you wasn't any good?'

'Oh, no, no, no, doctor, the sex was fine indeed! T'was the best sex I've had in twenty-five years! But sure as I'm sittin' here before you, I'll never be able to show me face in Starbucks again.'

Have a great weekend, & a great St-Patrick's Day!
Don't kiss too many Irish, but have fun!
If you haven't yet, please click on my sidebar link "Bloggers' Birthday"
and tell me when your birthday is!

A Cool Walk

A few days ago I wrote about the snow they (those darn weather forecasting people!) were predicting, remember? (Have a look below if you don't). This time their prediction came true. A little too much, but hey, they weren't wrong. For a change. Hubby was itching to go for a walk in all this fresh snow, so Sunday afternoon we did. Because the roads were so bad we decided to walk around our neighbourhood. We headed for Old Montréal and the Old Port.

This is from the field at the end of our street, under the Notre-Dame overpass. That building is where the Cirque Eloize has its offices (check out the link, it a performance of theirs).
Yep... there's lots of snow... and yes those are stairs next to the building, unusable stairs for now.

Despite being a beautiful sunny day, it was a bit cool, and to my pleasure there weren't many people out and about. We took a few shots to show how bad it was, but the pictures don't do nature justice; far from it.


This is St-Paul St. (in Old Montréal), near Marché Bonsecours. It looks deserted, doesn't it?

Walking around in the uncleared streets and sidewalks was challenging. It was almost like walking in soft sand, for the exception that under it all was a nice layer of ice.

I was surprised to see "l'allée des artistes" (the artists alley) snowed in. I had never seen it emptied nor closed. That was really weird, since this is one of the busiest street in Old Montréal, right of Place Jacques-Cartier, especially in summer. You can get food, jewellery, t-shirts, painting, etc. and on Sunday it was completely empty...

We made our way to the end of Quai Bonsecours, in the Old-Port. Being by the water (St-Laurence River) was even cooler. The wind was strong, but the sun was also present.

The Clock Tower (on the left hand side) is basically at the end of our street. That's Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and below it, on the right is "La Ronde", Montréal's Amusement Park.


Right across the river, is Ile Ste-Hélène, which was also the site for Expo 67. You can see the Sphere and a sculpture left from that (among many other things, on site).

Now, that's a snow bank!

In Quai Bonsecours area they also have a skating ring (on the left) where a few stupid courageous souls were skating & right next to it stood the Winter Bar. We "had" to go in for a beer for Hubby and a good "spiked" hot chocolate. That "bar" is nothing more than a tent, with some disco balls, a nice bar, and a DJ on Thursday nights.


I took this shot from inside the bar/tent. It's blurry a little because the wind was blowing a lot of snow and it was through the "window" of the tent. The toilets were porta-potty, outside! Brrr.

I must say, it was cool to see yet another face of Montréal, of our new neighbouhood. We walked for almost three hours and were happy to come home with rosie cheeks and happy to have made that decision to move here when we did...

Me, drink?

Brave Astronaut, invited me to post on this "other" blog "Take Me Drunk, I'm Home" of his, thinking that I would have a good drunken story to tell... because you know, I have just that, stories to tell. Yeah, right!

Poor man, little did he know. I don't drink!

Anyway, I couldn't refuse him and decided to take part in his "March Drunken Madness".

If you're curious to read about my drinking experience; check it out, here.

AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME!!!

Now, that's impressive!

This pooch is amazing! I just had to share this. Did I tell you that when Tobi's time is up I would love to get a Jack Russell? I know they are "high maintenance" and little balls of energy, but there is something about their faces... they have that little spark showing that they understand, and that I just love!

IWD, DST and Snow!

First and foremost, let me wish all ladies out there a very Happy Women's Day!

They are saying that this year their global message is all about "shaping progress". As we were doing errands, Hubby asked me if there was an International Men's Day, to which I answered: "Yeah, every other day of the year that isn't Valentine's, Mother's, Father's, etc." He thought I was funny.

I've never really considered myself a feminist. I just do what I need to do and don't wonder too much about who should be doing what etc. I'm all for fairness, for equal work we should get equal pay. I'm also very aware that there are differences between men and women, and those differences can't be ignored, no matter how much we fight about them.

From personal experience I do know that some women are as strong as men, and I also know that size doesn't always matter ( I can't believe I just wrote that! What is wrong with me? Of course size does matter! Oh wait, I'm not writing about "that"...) it all about how bad one wants something, how much are we willing to fight for it, to be heard. Yes, there is more power behind a group than individuals, but in order for things to really change, we need to really want it and be willing to do something about it, to stand up for ourselves, individually. I believe that each individual is responsible of how she is treated. I've seen big guy with less guts than smaller women. It's all about will power, determination, want... even passion.

There are fundamental differences between us, and to me, those are the things I do value and appreciate. Anyhoo, if you'd like to read more about IWD, you can visit their website, maybe you'll find something that will interest or motivate you.

Second, I was surprised to hear on the radio on our way home, that we have to "spring forward" this weekend. Already? I googled it, and yes, this Sunday we will have to adjust our clocks yet again. Check out this website for more info.

Third, I know I live in Canada, and yes it is the big white North here, as so many of you think, but in fact there is whiter and colder than here, but this year winter is a real b*tch!

Just this week it snowed as if we were in December! On Tuesday we had yet another good snowfall, about eight inches, and because they were announcing another storm on its way, the City decided not to clear the streets, nor sidewalks because they are facing a little challenge... We've had so much snow this year, that they don't know where to put it anymore!

Last night it started snowing again, as they had predicted, we are expecting yet another six to twelve inches! Earlier it looked like we should put up Christmas lights or something, really big flakes were falling, fast. The roads conditions aren't that good, and the temperature is so strange it goes from nice big flakes, to freezing rain, to flakes again; it's really strange! Friday was such a beautiful day, it felt like spring was actually on its way. I could see the actual asphalt in some places, the air was fresh but things were melting in the warm sun, and today... snow AGAIN!

Your Friday Smile!

A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, "You know, we have a wonderful system at the fire station: BELL 1 rings and we all put on our jackets, BELL 2 rings and we all slide down the pole, BELL 3 rings and we're on the fire truck ready to go."

"From now on when I say BELL 1, I want you to strip naked. When I say BELL 2, I want you to jump in bed. And when I say BELL 3, we are going to make love all night."

The next night he came home from work and yelled "BELL 1!" The wife promptly took all her clothes off.

When he yelled "BELL 2!", the wife jumped into bed.

When he yelled "BELL 3!", they began making love.

After a few minutes the wife yelled "BELL 4!"

"What the hell is BELL 4?" asked the husband?

"ROLL OUT MORE HOSE," she replied, "YOU"RE NOWHERE NEAR THE FIRE"!

***

Happy Friday everyone!
If you haven't yet, please click on my sidebar link "Bloggers' Birthday"
and tell me when your birthday is!

Now, that's life!

Thinking about this made me realise that I truly am getting older… I do see things differently. I remember when I would hear my parents complain about “today’s youth”. I’m at that age now I think. I’m sad to realise that but then again, I can’t seem to shake it off. I’m at a place in my life where I can see how the younger ones behind me are doing things and at times I can’t help to think “kids’ nowadays…”

My parents worked hard all their lives, and from a very young age incite me to do just that; work hard. They also showed me to have respect for others, to respect my elders, and take pride in whatever I did. I often feel people don’t have pride. They lack that little spark that will make then try a little harder. They do the minimum necessary and that’s that. I don’t want to generalize but at the same time it seems to be affecting a lot of younger people. They don’t want to take responsibilities, to be held accountable for anything and always have a valid excuse. I wonder if this is due to the fact that parents aren’t parenting like my parents did. I’ve lived first hand the effects of hitting a child, and I don’t think it’s the best way, but at times, a good smack on the bum does a child good. This I do believe. When I hear parents negotiating with their child it infuriates me. Come on people, it’s a kid who can’t formulate full sentences and you’re negotiating?! We went from one extreme (“what I say goes, and that’s that!”) to the other (“What would you prefer, please tell mommy?”). Kids need structure that much I know. I taught kids. They need discipline. With those two things they also learn respect. We now live in a big free for all, and nobody respect anything.

I can’t believe that a twenty plus years old person would still live at their parents’ house and expect their mom to do their laundry, prepare their meals, etc. Often, those same people tried living on their own and then came back to their parents because they couldn’t afford it. I just don’t get that. Don’t they have any pride? When I left my parents’ house I knew darn well that I would not be back. I would have been welcomed if I needed to, but my pride told me otherwise. I had rough times, but I stuck it out. I worked a little harder. I wanted to show my parents I could manage, and I did. I also think that parents have their roles in this lack of responsibilities thing. They allow their kids to come back and live in their home as if it was their own place. They feed them, and of course complain about it, but yet they tolerate a lot of things.

Granted I don’t have a child, so I do not know what it is to have one. But I can’t help and wonder does the fact that I didn’t give birth makes me less capable to think and see things for what they are? Or is that a function (you know, thinking using one’s judgement) that generally kicks in effect by giving birth?

How can one learn to be clean when there’s always someone behind scooping up the mess? How can one learn to fly, free, when only flying with a net? Sometimes one needs to crash, hard, to get back up and try again. Sometimes one will get help, but other times one has to figure things out on his/her own. Is that so hard? I don’t think so, since for ages we’ve been doing it and somehow it seemed to work… Look at where we are today. We’re not doing anyone a favour by “mothering” everyone the way we are today. If someone messes up, it should be ok to tell him/her, without being afraid of being sued or hurting his/her feelings. That “politically correctness” is bull. We’re now afraid to call things by their names because of this; it’s ridiculous. Everyone isn’t nice, perfect and good at what they do. And it’s ok to be faced with a refusal. No, Mom and Dad won’t always be there to fix things up or to get you out of that jam.

The one thing we should really teach our kids is that life is hard; we should all learn to deal with it!

OK feeling a little bit better now…

Don't feel much

Like so many other bloggers before me I think I’ve reached a “plateau” in my blogging. I do think about it daily, but can’t seem to find the time nor the inspiration to actually sit down at the computer to write something interesting. It’s almost as if I had no more stories to tell. It saddens me. All day I thought of topics, but today was a real lounge-day for me. I got up late, very late actually, and started my day very slowly. I felt like crap. Yesterday I sneezed so much and blew my nose so often, that today my ribs hurt. I think I broke my cold though. All that sleep was what my body needed. Did I tell you how much I love my current husband? I do. He’s such a loving and good care-giving man. One of my comfort food is Hot & Sour Soup. Since we now live walking distance from Chinatown, Hubby went for a walk this afternoon and brought me back some soup with Orange Beef (one of my favourites). He’s such a good husband. He loves me and takes care of me when I’m sick. What more can a gal ask for, really?

Here are some of the pictures we took while snow shoeing on Monday in Val-David, QC. We went to a nice place where the trails were well indicated, the weather wasn’t too cold and since it was Monday there was nobody around. We enjoyed those trails a lot; some parts were quite steep and worked the old ticker, but that’s the fun of it all.

This picture, right, was taken by Hubby on top of Mt-Condor. You can see the forzen lakes below, and some of the snow.
A nice scenic area with a little heated refuge. I went in to change. Since my surgery last year, or my “insta-pause” as Hubby calls it, I’ve been having some serious trouble finding the right clothing to wear while snowshoeing. Pre-surgery I would sweat a lot, I always did as soon as I did anything physical, but now I’m soaking wet. I’ve tried many different things, like layering, etc., to no avail. I even changed my jacket! I’m still sweating bullets. It’s making me mad because I’m starting to dislike doing anything physical because of it. Because I sweat so much I get wet and then I freeze. I’m not comfortable, and often I’ll stop on the trail to either add or remove a layer.

Hubby took this picture of me, in front of the little refuge, as I was putting my snowshoes back on. Notice the pic-nic table stucked in snow? There's been lots of snow...


Along the trail, I saw this sign, which was a good thing at this point in time. Hubby was ahead of me on the trail (behind the tree).

When I saw this little cabin, I decided that my “urge” wasn’t so urgent after all. I could hold it a little longer. I just had to take a picture of it though. It was so cute, alone, in the middle of the forest… Cute but not inviting enough for me to go in!


As we made our way back down, we saw a few walls of ice. I’ve always been fascinated with those rock walls covered with ice. As soon as we leave the city heading north, you can see that some of our roads have been carved out of the rock and in winter those rock walls are often covered with ice.

In the summer there's the possibility to do some rock-climbing there. As we walked around I had notice a "P" in a circle like a "parking" sign, but soon realised that it actually meant P as in "paroi" (rock face). Where I took this picture we could hear the sound of water running (which didn't do any good to my need to go) as some of it was melting.

I just can’t help to think how amazing it must be to see a glacier. One day I’d love to go somewhere where we can see and feel the power of ice, one day which should be soon… Because if we listen to all those reports before long there won’t be any glacier left…

But then again, this year in Québec, I don't think many of us are believing this "global warming" effect, since this is the most snow we've seen since the 70s... I just can't help to think that spring will be messy and that we'll have lots of mosquitoes in the summer...

One thing for sure, despite having a good time snowshoeing, I can't wait for the time where I'll be able to walk around in flip-flops and wear shorts! And they're still announcing more snow! Argh!