S2T: Stinkypaw's

Strange

2012-01-26T17:57:00.000-05:00

I've been playing with different posts ideas since yesterday, and as I logged in to write this post, I read an email from a fellow blogger informing me of a sad situation.

Strange creatures we are. We think we are strong. We think we're ready and yet when the day comes we still get slapped in the face. Hard.

What is even stranger is how we create bonds over the internet, with complete strangers, people we've never seen and in many cases never even heard. We got to meet because of what we've shared on our blogs. How strange is that?

I care about my 'blends'. I do think of them as friends. Blogging has this family quality chemistry: there is always a favorite, one this has this little something special. It saddens me to read about a sick blend.

Test for Dementia

2012-01-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

Below are four ( 4 ) questions
And a bonus question..
You have to answer them instantly.
You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately .

OK?!

Let's find out just how clever
You really are....

First Question :
You are participating in a race.
You overtake the second person.
What position are you in?

Answer:  If you answered that
You are first, then you are
Absolutely wrong!
If you overtake the second person
And you take his place,
You are second!

Try not to screw up next time.
Now answer the second question,
But  don't   take as much time
As you took for the first question,
OK   ?

Second Question :
If you overtake the last person,
Then you are...?

Answer: If you answered that you
Are second to last,
Then you are wrong again.
Tell me, how can you
Overtake the LAST Person?

You're not very good at this, are you?

  Third Question :
Very tricky arithmetic!
This must be done in your head   ONLY
Do not use paper & pencil
Or a calculator.. Try it

Take   1000   and add   40   to it. Now add another  1000  ... Now add 30 ..
Add another   1000    . .. Now add   20     .... Now add another   1000
Now add   10     ... What is the total?

Did you get 5000 ?

The correct answer is actually 4100.

If you don't believe it,

Check it with a calculator!
Today is definitely not your day, is it?
Maybe you'll get the last question right...

Fourth Question :

Mary's father has five daughters:

1.Nana, 2.Nene, 3.Nini, 4.Nono.

What's the name of the fifth daughter?

Did you Answer   Nunu?

NO ....  Of course it isn't.

Her name is   Mary.

Read the question again!

Okay, now the
Bonus Round :

A mute person goes into a shop
And wants to buy a toothbrush..
By imitating the action
Of brushing his teeth
He successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done.
Next, a blind man comes into the shop who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses; how does HE indicate
What he wants?

He just has to open his mouth and ask...
It's really very simple !

KEEP THIS GOING

TO FRUSTRATE THE

SMART PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!

I don't know, but I don't think this is heathly...

2012-01-11T19:19:00.001-05:00

When one has always lived a certain way, they assumed that's the way the world is. You can hope for better things, better environment, but until you've had experienced some goodness, you won't really know how bad things are.

A child growing up in an abusive environment thinks parents are the same every where, until the day he gets exposed to a nurturing parent. Usually, parents divide their roles: one is the good parent and the other is the bad one, or rather the disciplinary one. Sometimes some parents assume the submissive or the dominant role. Being talked down to is a common thing in an abusive family. The father screams, hits, degrades. The mother endures, doesn't talk back and supports her husband's behavior and decisions, because that is what wives do. The kids see, feel and live violence on a daily base. They don't really know any better and live in fear of being hit. They have to follow the rules, oblige by them and never question them. If they do, it can not be said, especially not to the father. Observe and remain quiet.

The kids become adults, fairly adjusted despite everything. They realize how things were and that there are other options out there. They choose to apply and live with these less abusive ways. The mother chooses to stand by her man. It might be due to her lack of courage, her habits, or because that's where a wife is supposed to be? The father (may) also sees, as he's getting older, that his ways were not always the best. He reproduced what he had received and knew rather than improving or changing. It could be based on his lack of education, his inability to open up and, or simply fear?

One day the father takes his life. The mother is at a loss. The one person who controlled her every moves, her life, is now gone. She could, if she wants, take this as an opportunity to grow, to better herself, to become the person she didn't have a chance (or didn't let) to be. She has too much anger to work on herself. She hangs on to that anger, to those years of frustration. He fucked her up big time, and it's all his fault.

The kids want change. They work on themselves, seek professional help, they want to understand and move on. They don't blame it all on their father. Their mother had her share of responsibilities. There is anger there. There is also hurt. They think things can only get better from there, they will help their mother and it will get better, they will heal together.

Time does go by. The mother says and acts as if she's trying to better herself, but her actions at times show her children her true color. Having been exposed to abuse and lack of respect for so many years, one could argue it makes it hard for one to know better. Maybe it is the children's expectations of their mother that is too high? Maybe it is a simple generation gap? In her times, a parent was meant to provide a roof, food and clothes to their children. For a child to feel loved by his parents after the essentials were supplied was almost a luxury. Maybe it is a recent thing this "feeling the love" thing?

The children are adults. Mature adults. The mother is elderly. They visit each other, they talk, but (of course) not as much as the mother would expect. There are still some unspoken issues between them. The father's suicide, even if talked about openly, has never been really accepted by the mother. She feels abandon. She has lots of anger. Her anger isn't always directed at the right person. Despite being seen as a victim by many who were exposed to the family when the father was around, the mother is not.

A parent who says they would do anything for their children, would protect them in case of danger. Shouldn't a parent whose spouse is abusive protect them as well? Why would a parent stay in a house where one is being put down, screamed at, and at times hit chose to remain there? Why would a mother choose to stay with a man who would hit their children, take pride in saying that her husband never hit her, because if he had she would have left him? Should the children think of this statement as how little value they represented for their mother? Why would a parent who knows are much words can hurt, would choose to say such words to their children? How can a mother tell her own children, that she says to love more than life itself, to go fuck themselves? As adults, shouldn't the parent and kids respect each other, or at least respect the fact they are related to one another?

I'm not a parent, but those of you who are, what do you think? Besides not being a healthy relationship, do, like I do, still see abuse in the mother-children relationship?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-12-31T14:40:00.000-05:00

This is the last Friday Smile of 2011. Sorry for being late, we traveled all night, and with the time difference, I'm just a little more off than usual.

Yet another year closing - which is a good thing, I'm guessing, that we get to see it. I'm always amazed at how fast it went by.

For this last post, I leave you with this nice thought about friendship.

A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...

Hard to Find

Supportive

Comfortable

Always Lifts You Up

Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging

And Is Always Close To Your Heart!

Wishing all the best for 2012!

Hugs & Kisses

Closing 2011 nicely

2011-12-29T00:16:00.000-05:00

Our week in Napa is coming to an end, and so is 2011. I've repeatedly told my husband that because I led a good life we'd have good weather while in California. It seems that I was right (once again, huh, Hubby?). We've had beautiful sun every day. It does get cool once the sun goes down, but compare to snowy weather like what is happening back home, this is a breeze. I'll take this type of weather any day over snow and slush, but that's me. Maybe it is a sign of me getting older, and if it is, darn it, I assume it!

Before coming here, I can't say I've drank wine. I would, on a hot summer day, enjoy a few sips of Ernest & Julio's White Zinfandel - I've been told not to mention that name while in Napa - but that's about it. Coming here wasn't my idea. I've kept an open mind and did try some pairings of wine and food, and yes some were delicious. We've been on wine tastings at different wineries and I have to say that I'm discovering new tastes. I will say this, I'm not a red wine drinker (little steps!), but I did taste some really good whites, to the point that I've bought, not one but two bottles to bring home.

Napa is a beautiful region, there's lots to see and oh so many wines to taste and discover. It was a good trip of exploration. We rested some, ate well (most places), saw some beautiful scenery and enjoyed our time away from home. This was a good way to wrap up 2011, I'd say...

What a way to spend Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T05:05:00.000-05:00

We followed the concierge's suggestion and went to Cuvée for diner, and this despite the bad reviews we read online. Hubby was tempted to cancel our reservation, but I suggested that we'd give it a try. What a pleasant surprise that was.

The look of the place was nice (a fire pit in the middle of the courtyard, trees decorated (Christmas lights). After about 20 min of waiting, we were offered a private room rather than wait longer. We didn't mind being by ourselves and thought others would join us. We (read I) picked a table closest to the fireplace, and that is how started our very nice Christmas Eve diner.

It was a four services meal which started with "Marinated King Salmon Cluster" - deliciously fresh. Then I had the "Wild Mushroom Arborio" - great taste of mushrooms and creamy. For the Main dish I had chosen "Pan Roasted Sea Scallops" with white truffles, but the Sky Hill Chevre on top didn't do it for me, so Hubby, being the great husband that he is, swap with me for his "Durham Ranch Hanger Steak" which was really good and more in my palette of taste. Finally, for dessert I had "Hazelnut Pot de Crème"; a chocolate hazelnut custard with a crunchy praline bark and some whipped cream - very yummy. Since I don't drink, I didn't take their wine pairing, but Hubby did and really enjoy it all. I will say this, after this trip and after visiting some wineries in the days to come, I might be coming home with a new appreciation for wine... time will tell.

It was one of the nicest meal we've had in a while. Our assigned waitress was super nice, and added to the success of it all. Hubby was concerned that being in a room by ourselves we may be forgotten, but it really wasn't the case, quite the contrary. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it for sure. Yep, this week in Napa is boding well...

We got away!

2011-12-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

While everyone is getting ready to spend time with family, we (Hubby and moi) decided to get away, just the two of us. We left Friday morning at 4am (YUL time), direction San Francisco, CA. It is now 5:30pm (SFO time), we made it safe and sound, but man oh man, it's been a long day! We'll be hiding in Napa, and once again, our timeshare ownership is paying off - our unit is gorgeous! It will be a good week!

Now, if you'll excuse me, the whirlpool is calling my name and a little dip in the heated pool because it is quite nippy tonight, but it is much better than the snow we left behind!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-12-23T00:33:00.002-05:00

If you are cooking the turkey this Christmas, here is a new recipe to try. Just thought I would pass on this great cooking tip.

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing -- imagine that. When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out. Give this a try.

8 - 15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacher's low fat)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for the popping sounds. When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done.

And, you thought I didn't cook!

Enjoy this Christmas weekend!

Please, don't drink & drive!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-12-16T00:09:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this on because it worked for me today.

A Dr. on TV said to have inner peace we should always finish things we start & we all could use more calm in our lives.

I looked around my house to find things I'd started & hadn't finished, so I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiuminun prscriptuns, an a box a chocletz.

Yu haf no idr how fablus I feel rite now.

Sned this to all who need inner piss. An telum u luvem.

Don't drink and drive, but you can drink and type!

Have a good one!

C is for... ...Cookies!!

2011-12-14T00:26:00.000-05:00

I've been busy, like the rest of us this time of year, and have this strange feeling. I know Christmas is coming and will be here before we even have time to get in the spirit of it. As I get old...er it feels like it keeps coming back faster each passing year.

I've decided not to put up our tree this year. It will be my second year without a tree. I've been hanging the cards we're receiving, and those will be the only Christmas "decorations". Maybe it is because we don't have any snow (yet), or because I feel it is too much work or to avoid Hubby's bitching about having to get all my crap from storage... but whatever the reason, there will be no tree in the Paw's household this year.

I've mailed all of our cards, and parcels. I've baked and decorated with my dear friend from high-school the cookies I wanted to offer our clients this year. I've made beautiful boxes for them and started to distribute them. The responses are very good. People love them - they are so pretty how can they not?

This year, I've decided to decorate them in our company's colors, i.e. blue (for technology), green (for being environmentally conscious) and grey (for the knowledge or to match Hubby's hair). As you'll see below, my friend is an artist, and it shows...

Hand decorated by my artistic friend

Then, here is one of mine... can you tell I'm no artist? Despite her encouragement, I can't help but feel somewhat self-conscious...

Hand decorated by me

I find mine have this childlike quality... I'll say this though, I may not have my friend's skills but I bake darn good, that much I know!

While I decorated one cookies, she would do three. No matter, I'm glad she came and for the second year in a row, we've done our "Cookie Extravaganza" and the end results were, once again, amazing!

Thanks sweet buddy of mine for all your help, it wouldn't be the same without you. It was a blast, as always!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-05:00

A new priest, born and raised in Texas, comes to serve in a city parish and is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks the older priest to sit in on his sessions.

The new priest hears a couple of confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.

The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest, and rub your chin with one hand and try saying things like 'yes, I see,' and 'yes, go on,' and 'I understand.'

The new priest crosses his arms, rubs his chin with one hand and repeats all the suggested remarks to the old priest.

The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, "No shit, what happened next?"

Intimidating he was, and this despite his size.

2011-12-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

Here's what I think: we all have been victim of it at some point in time and I also think we've been the intimidating one for someone else as well.

It's been all over the news and the social medias. That is all we hear about since this teen girl committed suicide recently. I've been wondering if intimidation has become worst for the kids nowadays? It's always been and (I believe) will always be.

When I grew up, in a very rough and though neighborhood, it was a common thing to see fights. People would settle their differences with their fists often. I don't think "my time" was worst than today's. It was different. People stood up for what they believed in, and mostly for themselves. My parents (read, mostly father) pushed me to defend myself. I had troubles with some bullies in school, and my father would make sure I would stand up on my own. If I'd come home crying after being beat up after school, I'd get yet another whack from my father for being weak. He believed I had to learn. I did.

It may seem harsh (or even worst) for some, but I think that my father's technique made me stronger. If I had problems, I had to find a solution rather than cry to my parents. I would talk about it with them, and sometimes, without me knowing, my father would talk to my teachers or principal. He interfered once, with me by his side, and it wasn't pretty.

Picture this, mid-seventies, I was eight or nine. At recess, in the girls' bathroom, there were always 2 or 3 girls hiding in stalls. I would go in for a pee and they would climb on the toilet in the stall next to where I was and watched me. Until the age of eighteen I didn't wear jeans, and very often wore skirts or dresses. My father had a girl, and girls didn't wear pants that much (yeah, he was a special man). I was often teased for being dressed different. One of the girls, the leader of the pack, would often flicked my skirt, so I started wearing shorts under it. She was a real meanie. The things she would say and do to me. I will say I was also a bit dumb. She'd tell me to wait for her after school (to beat me up) and stupid me, I would! I had reached a point, where I would avoid going to the washroom at school. My mother started asking questions when I complained of belly aches. I told her I was being watched when going to the bathroom and how I was teased. She (naturally) told my father.

One morning as I was getting ready to leave for school, my dad told me to wait for him. He walked me to school. I remember being so nervous. When we arrived in the school yard, he walked towards the head office and told me to follow him. We made our way to the Principal's office. Our principal was an older nun, who was very strict looking and didn't smile much. When she welcomed us in her office, my father explained to her he had taken time off his work in order to address a situation and asked me to tell her what had been going on in the bathroom. Sister Gertrude wasn't happy to have her morning start this way and it showed. I told. My father then asked Sister Gertrude if she ever had to pee in front of someone or in fear? I still can see the look on her face. He asked her what needed to be done so that this matter be resolved. She reassured him and promised to take care of it all. My father then said: "If I have to come back because of this, you will know how my daughter feels, trust me on that". Let's just say I was hoping my father wouldn't come back to school. Ever.

From that day on, at recess, two teachers were in the bathrooms and the bullies were talked to. I was called many things, but the worst of it was behind me and my skirt never got flicked again. I did continue to wear shorts under it until later in high school...

That would be just too obvious...

2011-12-03T16:28:00.000-05:00

A while ago I've read a joke about this man looking for parking for a while and having to get to his appointment, decided to ask God for help. He said he would go back to church, made all sorts of promises if only God would grant him a parking spot near where he was going. A spot opened up right by him, so he parked and then told God, to forget about it, he'd find parking. That is so typical.

I know many of us don't believe in God, or whatever else we wish to call it. We all have or reasons for believing or not. I was raised Catholic and at some point in time, realized I didn't really believe in Church. I served mass until the age of 18, and then distanced myself from it all. I guess a part of me believed in something but couldn't (and still can't) say what. I've been on the spiritual path for a few years. I'm still not a big Church person. I've always believed there is something, don't know where, or why, but I've always thought the dead weren't completely gone and were still around to help us. I know, I'm weird (as if you didn't know that by now!), but I chose to believe that those who loved me alive still do so once dead.

Tonight I have two parties: one with people I see twice/week and one at a client's. I wanted to attend both. More than one person told me it would be hard, and Hubby insisted that I wouldn't really enjoyed neither one, since I would leave one to go to the other. His argument made sense. I didn't know what to do. Yesterday morning, while taking my shower, I was debating what I should do and if I should only attend one.

I've decided to ask for a sign or something. In the past, I've done this and it worked. I know, some people, like Hubby, say it is just coincidences, but I don't think so. My biggest proof was in 2004, when I'd lost my father's diamond ring on the beach in Tsambika (on Rhodos, in Greece) and found it the next day.

Yesterday, when I asked for a sign as to what to do, I did say that if I should attend both parties, I should have two exact things in our mail - weird I know (told you I was!). After my shower, I got dressed and went to get our mail. When I got everything out of the mailbox, I almost started to laugh when I saw there were two exact info letters in our mail. What are the odds, really?

So... tonight, I'm not going to one, but two parties!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-12-02T00:52:00.001-05:00

The seven dwarfs go to the Vatican , and because they are the seven dwarfs, they are immediately ushered in to see the Pope. Grumpy leads the pack.

'Grumpy, my son,' says the Pope, 'What can I do for you?'

Grumpy asks, 'Excuse me your Excellency, but are there any dwarf nuns in Rome ?'

The Pope wrinkles his brow at the odd question, thinks for a moment and answers, 'No, Grumpy, there are no dwarf nuns in Rome ...'

In the background, a few of the dwarfs start giggling. Grumpy turns around and glares, silencing them.

Grumpy turns back, 'Your Worship, are there any dwarf nuns in all of Europe ?'

The Pope, puzzled now, again thinks for a moment and then answers, 'No, Grumpy, there are no dwarf nuns in Europe ...'

This time, all of the other dwarfs burst into laughter. Once again, Grumpy turns around and silences them with an angry glare.

Grumpy turns back and says, 'Mr.. Pope! Are there ANY dwarf nuns anywhere in the world?'

The Pope, really confused by the questions says, 'I'm sorry, my son, there are no dwarf nuns anywhere in the world.'

The other dwarfs collapse into a heap, rolling and laughing, pounding the floor, tears rolling down their cheeks, as they begin chanting...

'Grumpy screwed a penguin!'
'Grumpy screwed a penguin!'

Happy Friday!

Let the good time roll!

2011-11-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

What a month November was. Not only did it contain my 45th birthday, but it was also Movember - for those two things alone, it doesn't end a moment too soon. I've been noticing men wearing mustaches a lot more, and let's just say it doesn't suit every males. It's for a good cause, but man oh man, a lot of them looked like they were competing for a Ron Jeremy Look-A-Like or that creepy uncle look... eurk!

I will say this for November though, it's been nice weather wise. We only had snow once, and within two days it was all melted due to clement temperature.

It is also the end of my daily posting - yay me, for doing it! It was somewhat rough at times, but I did manage to get in something daily. Won't be doing that again soon. I'll keep on posting, but because I want not because I impose myself some obligation to do it.

Last night show was pretty good. I enjoyed it. He sounded just like he does on CD. He seemed to enjoy Montreal as well, he also seemed like a nice guy who does enjoy his job. It's nice to see a performer enjoying himself.


James Blunt surfing the Montreal crowd to get to see his fans, Bell Centre, Nov 29, 2011

A nice way to close a month that is too often referred to as a deadly month. Now, let's the festivities begin!

Let's keep those fingers crossed

2011-11-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

Tonight, I'm going to see James Blunt. A gift from a client. I didn't really know his music, a few (popular) songs here and there, but thanks to my Hubby, I've been exposed to more of it, and I'm liking what I've heard so far. I find in some of his intonations he sounds a bit like the Bee Gees... maybe it's just his high pitch or the treble in his voice. Anyway, it should be interesting... me hope.

That's not right and knowing it makes it worst.

2011-11-28T14:14:00.001-05:00

I need to get something off my chest. It's not easy, but maybe you can help me in dealing with this.

My mother and I get along. We do. We don't see eye to eye on many things, but when we're together just the two of us, we get along. I don't think of her as a friend. She's my mother, and want her to remain in that role, and this despite the fact she is getting older and I've had to parent her some. She's the type of woman who must have a man in her life in order to feel complete. She can't be alone. I've come to term with this, that's her way and that's that.

For over six months now, she has a new man in her life. They've been traveling together, have common activities and seem to get along well. He seems like a good man and my mom seems happy. One of their activity is to hunt together. My mother has been moose hunting for many years. She would go with my dad and kept on going after his death. She's been lucky and killed most years. I grew up on games meat. My father was a fisherman and hunter. Moose meat is something we ate regularly at my folks. I went, as a teen, for my firearm permit. We used to practice fairly regularly, target practice was fun. I'm also an animal lover, and was never really interested in going hunting as such. I like moose meat, but not enough to go kill one.

Yesterday, my mother and her new beau came by for a visit. (Brief parenthesis here: I'm also realizing my mom pops up when she needs something from me: yesterday's visit was for me to post 2 items the beau wants to sell on the web. She didn't know how, so she asked me.) While I was working on his posts and searching his camera chip for pictures of his items, he showed me pictures of their last hunt. He had taken pictures of two beautiful young lynx and their mother. I did ask a few questions because they (mom and beau) seemed pretty close to them, but I could see my mother was somewhat embarrassed. Turns out, the beau killed them all, just like that. When I asked why, I was told they ate the partridges. Wow! My mom shyly said she knew it was cruel, but they were many of them in the area they were. A few minutes later Hubby showed up, and beau showed him the pictures.

After they left, I told Hubby how uncomfortable I was feeling with his need to kill for the sake of killing. Hubby wasn't there when I asked the questions, and had not realized that the pictures were of dead animals. They were beautiful, and my stomach is turning as I'm typing this.

I understand hunting. I have no issue with killing a moose (or any other animal) to feed ourselves. I get that. I don't like it, but at the same time I won't pretend not to enjoy my meat. I'm a carnivore and I assume it. But killing animals just because they are there and doing what their instinct dictates them is wrong. I want to address this with my mother, and I really don't know how to go about it. I want her to know that her behavior and her beau's are disappointing and just plain cruel, as far as I'm concerned. I don't think it's right to kill at random like this, and I know they both know what they're doing is wrong. I have a feeling that when I'll talk to my mother about this, tempers will rise and it's not really what I want. A part of me feels like I should report them to the Hunting Police or something. Any suggestion?

I can't hold on much longer...

2011-11-27T22:20:00.000-05:00

... I haven't posted today. I have nothing (positive and uplifting) to write about... not that life isn't good, it is, but I just don't know what to write about at this time. I'll keep it for tomorrow. If I think of it.

Deal with it, it's coming!

2011-11-26T10:31:00.001-05:00

The countdown has started, and I don't care what you say! Christmas is in a month less one day, deal with it. As soon as my birthday is done, I know Christmas is around the corner. I will say it is weird to hear Christmas music in malls when it's warm outside, and with barely any snow left from earlier this week. I've done Christmas in Florida once, and I can't say I truly enjoyed it. It didn't feel like what I've known all my life as Christmas. I've lived the white Christmases and all that, so being on a beach didn't feel like Christmas at all.

Christmas, for me, has always been about family time. Unlike my American friends, Christmas is way more important (here, for us French Canadian, at least) than Thanksgiving. I don't remember really celebrating Thanksgiving growing up, but Christmas that was always a big deal. Lots of family time, get together and food up the wazoo.

As a kid, we always spent Christmas at my grand parents on my mother's side, up North (six hours from Montreal). On Christmas Eve, they would send us to bed early and would wake us once they were back from midnight mass. Every year Santa came by. Some years he was a little tipsy, but he always came. One year, he looked really strange. He had blue eye shadows! When I mentioned it to my mother, she told me to be quiet or I wouldn't get any gift. Being the eldest, I kept quiet, but I remember thinking it was really strange. Turned out the uncle who was supposed to be Santa was too drunk, so his wife did it instead.

The parents always made a big production of it all. One year an uncle climbed on the roof and made noise, as if Santa was on the roof. One year they made noises in the basement, Santa was coming in that way.

One time, they had deer prints in the snow around the house... all type of exciting things to make us kids really happy and quite hyper about it. Needless to say, the grown ups were just as excited as we were, but it was all for us... of course!

I miss those days. It was fun to wonder if we would get what we'd asked for (we often didn't, but were happy nonetheless), to see cousins we'd only see then, to stay up late playing with our new toys and eating a full meal after it all and just before going to bed. On Christmas day it was either really quiet, kids playing together and adults playing cards, or it was a party. I remember how neighbors would come by during the day for a short visit, just long enough to enjoy a shot of gin, how there was always someone coming in wishing everyone "Merry Christmas" and how there was always food to be had and jokes to be told. It was fun. That's how I remember it at least...

How about you? How were your Christmases growing up?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-11-25T00:04:00.000-05:00

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them.

He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn't paid for them.

Hellloooo, just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid.

So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told me last year, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!

Helllooooo, It's been a year! I told him.

There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up.
He never called back. I bet he felt like an idiot.

Enjoy your weekend!

Talk about a Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

To all my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with your loved ones. If you don't do it now, when will you do?

Today is also my birthday (thanks Mousse for the lovely kitty), yep, I'm turning 45 today.

I can't believe how fast it went. Time does fly when you're having fun!

Winter has arrived!

2011-11-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

Everything is wearing a white coat this morning, it looks like a Christmas morning moment outside, it's pretty and yet I feel this urge to roll up in a ball, under my desk, suck my thumb and cry some...

I could be doing much worst.

2011-11-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's post was about social medias keeping bloggers busy from blogging, after all there are so many hours in a day and between Bacefook and Twitt and whatever else people play with these days, there's not much time left to actually do some work, take care of ourselves and our family, and let's not forget to watch some TV and have a social life. I'm out of breath just writing this, and I'm starting to feel a little stress creeping up my neck muscles.

I will say that because of Bacefook, I've been able to find long lost friends. Well, let's be honest, if there were really friends, they wouldn't have been lost in the first place, right? Huh. Anyway, I've found people I knew from way back when, people I went to primary school with and some from high-school. For that I'm enjoying Bacefook, for that and for the fact I'm now able to poke someone just to say hi, or to see what's happening with them. Like blogging, people do have to post in order for the rest of us to know what's happening with them, dah. Let me tell you, if you're not on Bacefook, some people do. They post about what they had to eat, what they wear that day, oh yeah, the real important stuff, just like what I've been posting here. Teehee.

This morning I've received a one-liner email, from a friend (let's say he is) I haven't seen in many years and with whom I rarely have any contact. He sent me a birthday wish (a few days early). I'm pretty sure it is not because he remembers my birth date, but because I must show up in the "Upcoming Events" box in Bacefook. It's a nice thought. He didn't have to do it, I recognize that.

That's one thing, on birth days, one will get their wall filled with wishes. It's a nice feeling, even if we know they were reminded, because even if with the reminder some people will not. Among my 352 "friends" on there not all of them will take the time to write my a line when the time comes. I don't expect people to do it either. It'd be phony. But then again, I can't help to think why is it I can not de-friend someone? I don't accept all requests. I have a few pending from people I've never even met. They sent me a request because I did the same style of martial arts they do. Nah, don't know you, sorry. I see people in the "People You May Know" box I went to school with. I'm guessing they would see me as well. I didn't really know them in school so why now? Yes we went to the same school, but that didn't make us friends. I'm not in a quest to have the biggest amount of friends.

I was looking for an image representing Bacefook Friends, when I saw this... If this app really exists, I'm sure some people got it, because we all want to know who left us... Strange! Check it out, if you're interested. Bacefook is a time waster, I'll admit that, and yet I enjoy it. What do you like about it?

Too many social media or too little time?

2011-11-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

I almost missed my daily post... geez wouldn't want that to happen!

It's weird how things work out sometimes isn't it? Yesterday, I lurked around and while cleaning some of my blogs listing, I've realized I didn't use some of the traffic tools the web offers like I did when I first started blogging. Granted, I'm not blogging with the same passion I once did. Bacefook ruined it all for most bloggers, I'd say. We've put faces to avatars, and now we keep in touch through Bacefook. Weird huh?

I've been debating if I should come out on Bacefook about this blog. Most of my friends (and relatives) know I blog, but very few do read me. For some it is because of the language (I write in English and they only read French), for others it is for lack of interest, or they just don't know about it. Somehow I like this place being mine, and somewhat incognito, but at the same time I want more readers / comments, so what is a girl to do?

A few minutes ago I received an email from BlogFlux. I used to use them when I started this gig, back in April 2006. I had a look at what they now offer, since it had been severely mismanagement which led to the site decaying and becoming a shell of its former glory (as they put it in their email), and when it came to me categorizing my blog I felt stumped. I don't know what to write, or even how to write, since I post about anything, I vent, bitch, joke around, name it I've done it and will most likely do it again!

What can I do to increase my traffic to this blog? Post more? Well, I've been posting daily for the last 21 days, can't really post more than that and, by the way, I can't wait for this month to be over! I'll keep on posting when I want to rather than because I've committed to doing it daily - that wasn't my brightest idea!

What can I do to make this blog better (besides removing myself!)? Any suggestion?

Rude much?

2011-11-20T11:27:00.001-05:00

Because I work from home (most days), I'm always easily accessible and I have my computer on all the time. I do have a cell phone, but the old fashion type, i.e. the flippy kind. No, I don't own any Blackberry or iPhone or any gizmo like that (I'd love to, but my IT department (read Hubby) isn't too keen on them). I have a phone that I only use as a phone, yes that also means I don't text. Crazy, huh? Somehow, I'm still easy to reach no matter what.

Last week I had lunch with a client and a new hire of his. While we were sitting at the restaurant table, within minutes of getting our menus, client took out his phone and started to check his messages. I couldn't help myself and asked him to be in the moment and to try to enjoy his lunch since he wasn't obviously enjoying the company. He apologized and put his phone away. The new hire was surprised. He was looking at me as if I had said something really outrageous, so I asked him why he was looking at me this way. His answer: "You know you're aging yourself by saying something like that, right?" Really? Wow! My answer: "Don't care, if it means that I have manners and know how to behave in public, then and I'm old and proud of it!"

It started an interesting conversation. I believe in living in the moment, and by this I mean to enjoy the life I have, the little things that (sometimes) do make life special, and worth living. I do believe if someone asked me to join them for lunch, it was because they wanted to have company, my company. They didn't mean to sit at a table alone, reading the paper or their phone, therefore, they should show me the courtesy of 'being' with me and not surfing their phone. Yes, it is old school but I find it so strange to see (many, many) people sitting at a table, in a restaurant, and both on their cells. Why bother coming together? There was a couple sitting at a table next to us, who were on their cells the whole meal, both of them, they barely spoke to each other, they ate and played with their phones. My client actually said that watching them made him think how little they communicated and how sad it was. New Hire actually said he had just realized he was actually addicted to his phone. He even confessed the last thing he does before falling asleep is to check his phone... how sad is that?

I think it lacks respect to people you're with when you're semi-listening or looking at because of that thing in your hands. You're physically with them, but mentally you're obviously somewhere else. And then we complain about how impersonal we've become... ah.

What ever happened?

2011-11-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

I just hate this time of year... It's too dark too early, it's getting colder and it does nothing for my morale. I need light, warmth, sun for me to at least feel happy. Being happy is a whole different thing. I feel like I should be sleeping or something. Having to add more clothes or to put on longer pieces of clothing is a nag. I'm not even going into having to switch from shoes to boots...

What happened to the girl who enjoyed her birthday month (mostly because it was her birthday month), and didn't care if it got colder, wetter and darker? Where did this carefree gal went to? When did the thoughts of snowflakes turned her into wanting to become a snowbird?

Is that what aging is all about? I wonder...

Your Friday Smile!

2011-11-18T00:06:00.000-05:00

What's in the Box?

A little old lady went to the grocery store to buy cat food. She picked up four cans and took them to the check-out counter.

The girl at the cash register said, "I'm sorry, but we cannot sell you cat food without proof that you have a cat. A lot of old people buy cat food to eat, and the management wants proof that you are buying the cat food for your cat."

The little old lady went home, picked up her cat and brought it back to the store. They sold her the cat food.

The next day, she tried to buy two cans of dog food. Again the cashier said "I'm sorry, but we cannot sell you dog food without proof that you have a dog. A lot of old people buy dog food to eat, but the management wants proof that you are buying the dog food for your dog."

So she went home and brought in her dog. She then was able to buy the dog food.

The next day she brought in a box with a hole in the lid. The little old lady asked the cashier to stick her finger in the hole. The cashier said, "No, you might have a snake in there."

The little old lady assured her that there was nothing in the box that would harm her. So the cashier put her finger into the box and pulled it out. She said to the little old lady, "That smells like shit."

The little old lady said, "It is. I want to buy three rolls of toilet paper."

So... Don't mess with old people.

Have fun this weekend!

Already?

2011-11-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

Last year when the time came for me to put up our Christmas tree I didn't feel like it. It turned out to be a good thing since I hurt my back during the holidays and didn't do anything. It didn't feel quite the same, but in the end I was happy I didn't have to take anything down.

Since we live here, all of my Christmas goods are in storage, a few streets over. I have a lot of stuff. I use them all. Hubby has to do a minimum of two trips to get everything here, and another two to bring everything back. Then, in the new year he has to make another four trips. The things this poor man does for love - teehee.

Two years ago, because he really hates all of this and only does it for me (yes, I have a good husband), he informed me that he would not be making these trips after he hits 50. At the times I didn't too much of it, but in February he will be hitting 49, so my time is up, almost. He did give me a one year credit since he didn't haul anything last year, but still, it's coming fast.

This year I'm not sure if I want to put up our tree. More and more, I find it all to be a lot of work for a few weeks. I love it when it's all done, but doing it, isn't all that fun (anymore). This year (again), we agreed to a no gift Christmas. I don't mind too much, since I do exchange gifts with friends. For the past eight years, my Christmas really happens early December, at my meditation group. We pick a name and do a gift exchange, but most of us also give a little something to others. Even if it's little somethings, it does add up fast. This year, I've decided to bake goods for the little somethings. So far, I've baked over three hundred cookies. I'm running out of space in our freezer to store them. I'm enjoying it though. It's fun.

I just realized I have to prep our Christmas cards as well. Geez. It never stops, does it?

He's done Windows. Really!

2011-11-16T10:05:00.004-05:00

Over the weekend, my IT department (read Hubby) decided it was finally time to update my computer.

I've been running Windows 2000 until a few months ago when he upgraded me to 2003. I had memory issues (not me, but my PC), so he decided to bite the bullet and get me a new machine with all the bells and whistles.

He/We knew it would be a nightmare for him. Hubby is a geek, but a Unix/Linux geek, not a Microsoft. He doesn't do Windows ( really he doesn't!). He kinda has to when I'm involved, since I don't do Linux.

Last night I had to scan some documents and figuring it out with my new tool - Office 2010/Windows 7 (thanks flurrious for pointing how little I do know about this!) is somewhat different than what I'm used to - has been challenging. When things don't work the way they used to I will ask Hubby (that is after I've tried many different options, of course!) and depending on his mood and answer I will do my best to just shut up and try to remain calm. It doesn't always work.

Unlike many people, I don't mind change. Change is good. Really. It's all part of the process, I get it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some file sorting to do...

Maybe you can help?

2011-11-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

I'm facing somewhat of a dilemma. I've been working for a client trying to get him a better service for his clients, through a connection I've made recently. For the last month, it's been a constant back and forth in regards to this matter: first with my client since he wanted different scenarios, at different costs; then with the misc. suppliers about their respective costs, services, etc. Finally, the client agreed to go with my suggestion. I was happy and thought it would be relatively smooth sailing from there. Error!

What started out as a pleasant exchange with an old gentleman is slowly starting to make me feel as if someone is running their nails down a blackboard. You know that feeling? Yeah, that's it!

I've explained my client's needs. They were said to be understood. I was asked another question. It made me realize it may not be a smooth a sail as I thought. Another form to sign was sent my way. I had to fetch more signatures and provide more explanations to my client. Then a few days later, oops, something wasn't quite right, so if I could provide something else. And I did. All along I've remained calm and pleasant, and this despite my building aggravation. I wanted it to work so I shut up.

This morning he replied he was only doing his job. This is where you come in. I just received yet another email from him, asking me to sign yet another form and provide more documents when two weeks ago he said he didn't need that type of documents for what my client wanted. I've composed an email in which I remind him of previous exchanges we've had and how I feel that maybe I'm not getting the services I thought I would. My question is, should I copy his manager who initially was my contact for this service who did "pass me along" to one of his staff (old gentleman)? What would you do?

Too many things

2011-11-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

There are too many things to post about. Imagine that! Nah, not really, I'm just busy, teehee.

Yesterday, my swim partner wasn't coming due to another commitment, so I didn't really feel like going by myself either, but I put on the swim suit and drove to the Big O. (that's how we call our Olympic Stadium, vestige of 1976). As soon as I turned on the street of the stadium I could see lots of cars, and people. To add to my pleasure, there was a freakin' football game! Finding parking was impossible, so I turned around and headed home - so much for my effort!

I told my mother we wouldn't be here for Christmas... I was a little worried about her reaction, but she just said "Oh, ok" - Funny what a man in her life can do!

Curiosity did not kill this cat.

2011-11-13T01:12:00.000-05:00

We watched "Milk" (I know, our movies viewing isn't up to date) and I really enjoyed it. I still can't get over the fact that to this day we're still fighting about gay rights. Watching the movie, and seeing old footage of arguments about some bills and how (like always) God is brought into the mix (it's nuts the things we do in His name), and how stupid it all is... one would think we would be more advanced or something, but no. We still argue about the same things, we're still stupid. It's ridiculous.

Why should I care what others do, how they live their lives or with whom they have sex? It is their business. As long as they don't hurt anyone, who cares, really? Thinking about it all, I'm realising I've never really felt fear or anger towards someone because they were/are different. On the contrary, I often felt/feel curiosity. I want to know about what makes them that way. I've asked gay friends how or when they realised they were gay. Like I've asked questions to a Buddhist friend. I want to better understand them, so I ask question.

At a client of mine, there are a few Muslims. One day I walked in a room, and one of them was doing his prayers. After he was done, I asked him if we could talked about what I'd walked in in. He agreed and we talked about his religious practise and beliefs. It was very interesting to have this chat with him. He seemed surprised at first about my curiosity, but since then told me I was the only one in the office who actually asked him anything.

Sometimes when I think of how Black people were treated only fifty years ago it seems so foreign to me. I've always been curious of others, different cultures, traditions, colors, religions... name it I have a question about it. I want to know.

Hubby's grand mother used to tell him "you are as many people as you speak" (or something like that), I totally agree with that and I also believe the more you expose yourself to others the more you have to gain from it. It must not be easy for anyone having to battle stereotypes, having to fight to be who you are... I feel for them. I guess because of the type of society we live in, I've had it easy. I just had to fight some (in martial arts, mostly a man's sport) and that fight got to me. I can't even imagine having to do this on a daily basis...

I wonder if we were all minding our own business, if things would be easier?! What do you think?

Numbers only or not?

2011-11-12T01:56:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, I didn't honor veterans yesterday. I did in my own way, just not publicly. Yesterday was also all about the fact that it was 11-11-11... What's the big deal about that? This phenomenon has been happening for the last eleven years (at least) and it did before and it will again. Woohoo, all the digits in the date are the same, and we should all do something also when the time is all on ones. Come on people, don't you have anything better to do?

If one makes a big deal about this 11-11-11 and chose that date to get married so that their spouse would easily remember their wedding date, fine, I get that. Hey, we got married in 2000, so that Hubby could have easy maths to do when asked how long we've been married. But other than that I just don't get it.

I'm somewhat superstitious, but when it comes to numbers, not so much. I know for some it is cultural. Chinese people care a lot about numbers.The number three is important somehow. I found that out at dimsum. Do you care about it all or it's just a fun fact?

Next year the big date will be 12-12-12, wow, can't wait! Oh no, but then we'll be in 2012... oh crap, we're in for some serious shit, no?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-11-11T00:06:00.000-05:00

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Well, for example, the other day, my wife and I went into town and visited a shop. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.

We went up to him and I said, 'Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?' He ignored us and continued writing the ticket.
I called him an “asshole”. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.

So my wife called him a “shit head”. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing more tickets. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home.

We try to have a little fun each day, now that we're retired.

It's important at our age...

Can't wait to get there!

Enjoy!

My shadow

2011-11-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Since our time away in Sept. Tobi has been doing "new" things like, sitting on Hubby's lap. He never used to do that before. He would sit next to Hubby or lay really, really closed to him, but never sat on his lap. That was something he did with me, and only on the recliner and if I had my throw covering me. He's been following me around like a dog, worst than before, every time I get up from the office to go somewhere in the house, he's following my every steps. He's never been so much in the way.

As I sit here, Tobi is watching me, sitting on top of my computer. That's also a very new thing of his. He's so cute, with his big yellow eyes. All I see are his Batman ears and eyes - too cute! I love him so much! He's becoming so frail and such a little whining bastard, and yet, when he does his little "vrrruing" when I talk to him, it warms my heart. I just love my kitty cat.

What am I saying?

2011-11-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

This morning I caught myself thinking like a real Montrealer and that was somewhat surprising to me. I was born in a little town (some would say village, but it's a town, officially) eight hours north of Montreal. I grew up in Montreal, but every chance we got we went back to "Meeting Place" (translation of its' Native name), we had relatives and friends there. In doing so regularly, distances were never a real big issue for me. I drove to Florida a few times, and didn't mind the hours in the car. Drove to PEI as well (about thirteen hours), enjoyed it. I will admit that I can easily sleep in a car. Distance is not an issue. Especially when I need to sleep.

When we lived in the suburbs, it was about thirty minutes to come to town, on a good day and traffic is good. This morning I had to go to our old neck of the woods. Strange things is, since we're downtown, we regularly go to the suburbs to shop. While I was getting ready to leave I thought "argh, drive to the West Island". That's the first sign that I'm turning into a city mouse. I'm getting used to having everything near, and yet, even if we don't do much shopping in town. Weird.

I've been evaluating our living arrangements, we need more space since we have too much shit. Everything in town is exorbitant so maybe the suburbs are the way to go (back)... argh.

Three Strikes, You're Out!

2011-11-08T11:45:00.001-05:00

Anybody who knows me can vouch for the fact that patience isn't my middle name. I accept that fact about my character. At times I see it as a flaw and at other times I don't. I do try to stretch it and I have to say it works. Sometimes. I know I can be patient, like when I do scrapbooking, it takes a lot of it or even in my work. I guess once I'm done with those there is little left to deal with the rest of life's dailies.

As I'm writing this, I'm wondering if there's a difference, really, between patience and tolerance? I know it's all about what we decide, the choice we make, the interest we have vested, what we do get out of it. Sometimes things happen and this without really trying, or at least consciously trying we make a decision which will change many things to come. At some point I decided to live by this baseball rule "Three Strikes, you're out!" and I have to say it has helped me. I don't have to make the decision as such, if there's a third strike, that's it, it's done. I've been applying this basically to everything.

I've been friend with M. for over twenty years. We've had our ups and downs, but despite it all we both knew the other was there for us. She was single for a long time. Then she met her husband. We would often do lunch just the two of us, and regularly do dinner the four of us. The boys got along so it was always a pleasant time. Then they decided to get kids. Our visits were a little more occasional, but we kept in touch. They were overwhelmed and the girls had serious issues so their lives took precedent over socialising. I get that. We still managed to keep in touch.

About five years ago, it started getting harder to see my friend. Between her work, the girls, the house and life in general she didn't have much spare time left. It got to a point where we would send each other birthday and Christmas cards. We live about 30 min. from each other. I would send her emails from time to time, trying to keep the connection going. About a year ago, she sent me a "thinking of you" card and had written a long message in which she said that while in town with the girls, they walked by our place (since we live in a touristic area of town) and realised our different our lives were. That was the last I've heard from her.

I get the family life versus ours. Does the fact that one has a family excludes those who don't from their lives? I don't think so. I have other friends with kids, and we still manage to work around that. We may not see each other the way we used to, but we still do, sometimes with the kids and sometimes without. After receiving her card, I had called her a few times, leaving messages, sent her a few emails and even sent her a post card or two. Didn't hear back from her at all. I've bought her a birthday card and was going to mail it to her this week. I was reaching my limit, this was most likely going to be my last try.

We all know the saying "Great minds think alike", right? I think things do happen for a reason. I do believe in magic if you will. I don't think everything that happens is random. She actually sent me an email Sunday night, explaining what has been happening with them lately and how we should get together. Weird huh?

No barrier with us.

2011-11-07T12:37:00.002-05:00

Hubby's cousin regularly sends me jokes (Thanks Mousse!) some of which I use here for my Friday Smiles. Last week she sent me this one:

When I watched it I couldn't help but laugh. For some reason it reminded me of my couple with Hubby. I don't remember if I ever told you the story of the first time he came to my place (if I did sorry). We weren't really dating yet, and after a karate event he drove me home. He came up to my place and asked if he could use my bedroom. Yes, you read correctly, he asked to use my bedroom. He needed to lay down for a few minutes. I thought it was a somewhat strange request, but I pointed him in the direction of my bedroom.

I lived in a small 4 1/2. It was old, but it was mine. I did enjoyed the few years I spent there. I lived alone and did things my way. I order to have "more space" I had the bedroom door removed by the landlord. I didn't really see the use for a door, especially since it would have had to be left opened at all times, and it couldn't swing properly since the foot of my bed was in its way. The bedroom gave out on the kitchen.

Hubby came in, took off his jacket and lay face down on my bed. He stayed there for a while, when I heard a nice ripping sound. I was in the living room and was somewhat surprised but cracked up. (It seems that laughing is something I do often, and even at odd moments.) He came back to the living room and explained he just had to let it out, since it had been building up for a while and he was really uncomfortable.

Often in comedies or with stand up comics they talk about the "fart barrier", and each time Hubby and I look at each other and smile, we've past that barrier ages ago, that one and many others actually. I've recently saw, in a women magazine, an article which stated that if a man farts on the first date, the woman should call it quits. It never even cross my mind, because if we're honest with ourselves we all do it, and this with or without someone around. It's called bodily functions and they're there for a reason. Loosen up people and let the good times roll or is that rip a good? No matter what, you'll feel much better after! Ask Hubby!

Can you see the flames from where you are?

2011-11-06T00:54:00.008-04:00

Back in 2007, after receiving an email I had made a post requesting people to let me know their date of birth. I thought people would participate (for one) and that we would fill out everyday of the year. Seems like I was wrong. Every now and then, someone will comment and add their name and date. I've been keeping the list up to date, as much as I can, but since some bloggers disappeared from the Blogosphere their link doesn't work anymore.

Because of that list, I can tell you that today is Princess Slea and Daddy Papersurfer's birthday! I take this time to wish the both of them a very happy birthday! May your day be full of good times and field with love. All the best to both of you!

If I was to add friends and relatives, that list would be a lot more completed, but they are not bloggers necessarily, so... If your name isn't on the list yet, please do tell, I'd really like to fill it up with bloggers from all over the world.

You don't really need imagination.

2011-11-05T00:15:00.001-04:00

Only the 5th day and I'm running low on inspiration, this is promising.

While in Vegas in September, the conference organizers had asked the "newbies" like me to let them know via email, what our impression were. I wrote a little email and send it away. Imagine my surprise yesterday when I received an email informing me that a $50. Visa Gift Card was on its way to me. I won! Me! Wow! I very seldom win anything. This is a nice treat!

Some day during the past week, we had a note in our mail box from the Cinema Bureau informing us they would be filming in our area. That normally means our street will be closed, there won't be any parking and there will be a lots of people around. They also mentioned some gun shots. Well... they didn't lie about that. It was not only a few, but many and it also involved some fire back shots as well. Let's just say I don't know how people living in a place where there are guns being fired on a regular base manage it. It was somewhat stressful. I was hoping to see Eric Roberts or Eddie Izzard, but no such luck. I only saw the crew. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for the TV Series "Bullet in the Face".

I love to see a movie and realised it was shot someplace I know. Last week, while watching Hawaii 5-0 they had a scene near the beach where we got married. Both Hubby and I were all excited to see our beach. Magic Island will always be our special place, that's for sure.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-11-04T00:04:00.000-04:00

Somehow this seems right to me...

Happy Friday!

I haven't changed that much...

2011-11-03T00:03:00.002-04:00

Looking at my scrap pages, I've once again came to the conclusion I still have the same face. I haven't change much, unlike some people who you can barely recognize from kids to adults. Last high school reunion I had, in October, a guy showed up and I did remember his name but I could not remember what he looked like in school. His eyes looked familiar, but not enough for me to say I knew who he was. We talked about who he used to hang with, etc. and I just couldn't picture him back in those days.

When I got home that night, I took out some year books I had and went on Bacefook to look at old pictures people had posted from school. When I came across his picture I knew who he was, and besides his eyes, he wasn't the same guy at all. In school he was this skinny, not too tall boy with bulging eyes. When I saw him in October, he was this well built, relatively tall man, with the same eyes, but somehow I guess he grew into those eyes of his, since they didn't seem so bulging anymore.

Looking at me on this page, for my first birthday, I'd say it's the last picture I'll post of me, without blocking my face. Plus, it's pissing me off that I can't scan my pages correctly. I should take a picture of the pages I want to post rather than scan them, but to be honest, I'm thinking it will be enough of an effort to actually post daily this month without having to add picture taking, resizing, etc. Call me lazy!

My First Steps

My mom stood me by the TV set, before she could take a picture of me on my first birthday, and that is when I started to walk. Looking at this picture (bottom) I guess I was happy to be walking! The card next to my pictures, is actually I card I had received from my grand parents on that day. It's a beauty, a card like we don't see nowadays. Do I sound old or what?!

I'm so cute. What happened?

2011-11-02T00:39:00.017-04:00

I don't know if this will interest anyone, but since I said I would, I will. I'm funny that way. Ah!

Here's the first page of my scrapbook album. My scanner isn't wide enough, but you get the idea or should I say the picture?

On my birth day, in hospital nursery.

I have to say I do feel proud when I look at my album - I've put in a lot of time, money and love in making these pages. When I sit at my table and start a page it is as if the world slows down some... I go into my bubble and let my creativity run wild. I truly enjoy every moments of it and this even if it may (will) sound tacky to some. I have fun scrapbooking.

If you look under my picture, you'll see my hospital bracelet - my mom kept it. What can I say I was her first child and turned out to be her only one. I was the first grand child on her side of the family as well. It came with lots of benefits but also some burdens to carry. To think I was such a little thing... how times change...

It has begun.

2011-11-01T00:37:00.000-04:00

This idea of daily posting for a month is making me break out a little... where do I start? I don't think I have that much stuff to tell left in me... Oh, I have plenty of useless information, but interesting facts I'm not so sure.

This past weekend I drove to Québec City to surprise a cousin of mine who was turning sixty. It was a dinner party organised by her daughter, for women only. Cousin was so surprised and moved to see sixteen of us who made their way to Québec just for her. It was a pleasant evening. During the evening, I talked with Cousin who was saying that turning sixty was really the first time she ever felt something about her age. I have to say she does look great, and doesn't look her age at all. Talking with her got me thinking about my upcoming birthday. I don't think aging ever really bothered me since I've always felt young and being pleasantly plump has the advantage of dissimulating wrinkles. I do see that I'm aging. Typing just now, and looking at my hands, I can see that my skin changed. I see my mother's hands on my keyboard. When I put on my face in the morning I see the skin around my eyes, and it's not as fresh as it once was. I won't even talk about how the body feels, what's the point, you get my drift.

Saturday, while sitting around with my cousin's friends, who were all closer to my age than hers, they started talking about their age. Looking at them I realised that I'm aging well, all considered. Some of them were even younger than me, and yet they looked more like mid-fifties than mid-forties.

I've often heard older folks say "aging is in your head" and somehow I think it's true. The way one acts plays a lot with the way one looks, I'm sure. I'm not talking about dressing too young for ones age, dating younger men (which is not a bad thing, ...just saying!), or trying too hard to remain young. If one really feels young at heart I believe it will show it.

I don't mind those lines around my eyes due to my laughing a lot. They are the proof that life has been good to me, and that I've enjoyed it, so it's all good and worth showing I'd say.

From NaBloPoMo to MyWoBirMo... should be interesting!

2011-10-29T00:54:00.000-04:00

Aging

Next month I'll be hitting a digit (which I had to substract my year of birth to the current year, to be sure of!) I'm not too crazy about... and therefore decided to do my own personal NaBloPoMo thing which I will call "MyWoBirMo"(My Whoa Birthday Month).

I've been toying with some ideas, like posting about how I got here to that number, along with pictures. I even thought of using those pages of scrapbooking I've been doing, since my album is from the time I was a wee Stinky baby to now.

Yeah, I think I'll do that! I don't know how good I'll be at posting daily, but I've done the NaBlo thing in the past, so what's once more?

___
Photo: K. Kendall

Your Friday Smile!

2011-10-28T01:06:00.000-04:00

Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, 'I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!'

'IMPOSSIBLE !' said the groom broom.

Are you ready for this?

Brace yourself; this is going to hurt!

'WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!'

Oh for goodness sake... Laugh, or at least groan.

Life's too short not to enjoy... Even this silly....little cute... and clean joke!

Sounds to me like she's .......
......been ....sweeping around!

Happy Halloween!

Even if it's crap, just had to post.

2011-10-24T23:57:00.000-04:00

Can you believe this will be my 1,054th post? I know!

Life in Stinkyville is good. Oh, it could be much better, but as my father used to say "it would have to be more expensive". I've been keeping myself busy with work, and trying to fight the Fall blues that usually gets me this time of year. I'm managing. I'm back into swimming, which really helps my back. I can't believe that in two months it will be Christmas, it's crazy. Where did 2011 go? Really? Bought a 2012 agenda last weekend - which is the cutest little thing, smaller than most cell phones, just perfect for my purse - and this despite me feeling it wasn't that time of year yet. I'll be turning 45 in a month and that too doesn't seem real... I don't feel it - most days - and yet it will be happening. I guess it's true that old age comes at an inconvenient time...

By the way, aliens are coming to Earth tomorrow...

Their mission is to abduct all good looking and sexy "old" people.

I'm just posting this to say goodbye.

I've got to go pack.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-10-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

A mother is driving her little girl to her friend's house for a play date.

'Mommy' the little girl asks, 'how old are you?'

'Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age,' the mother replied. 'It's not polite.'

'OK', the little girl says, 'How much do you weigh?'

'Now really,' the mother says, 'those are personal questions and are really none of your business.'

Undaunted, the little girl asks, 'Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?'

'That's enough questions, young lady! Honestly!'

The exasperated mother walks away as the two friends begin to play.

'My Mom won't tell me anything about her,' the little girl says to her friend.

'Well' says the friend, 'all you need to do is look at her driver's license. It's like a report card, it has everything on it.'

Later that night the little girl says to her mother, 'I know how old you are. You are 32.'

The mother is surprised and asks, 'How did you find that out?

'I also know that you weigh 130 pounds.'

The mother is past surprised and shocked now. 'How in Heaven's name did you find that out?'

'And,' the little girl says triumphantly, 'I know why you and daddy got a divorce.'

'Oh really?' the mother asks. 'Why?'

'Because you got an F in sex.'

Enjoy your weekend!

Sorry to disturb you... but someone has to churn those turds.

2011-10-17T01:01:00.001-04:00

Back in September, I've sent the email bellow to some friends and relatives’, thinking it was a nice thought. I will admit to have chosen to whom I've sent it, because I do know some people don't believe in God and I try to avoid conflicts when it comes to religion or beliefs. I'll give you time to read what I've sent:

~The 'L I T T L E' Things~

As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One's car wouldn't start.
One couldn't get a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today..
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me, I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..
Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; it may be just that God is at work watching over you.
May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

I've received two emails back in which people wrote, in different ways, but conveying the same message: God must have a huge grudge to have saved so few people and let so many die.

My first reaction was to think: Ah fuck! First, I will say I'm not sure I believe in God (as it is described in the Bible or such), but I will admit to believe in something bigger than us, some type of force, power or energy which covers everything, good and bad, equally. I believe in spirituality, or the spiritual way if you will.

As sad as it may be, I'm thinking somehow the people who died on 9/11, ten years ago already (and yet it seems much closer than that), had come to a point in their life when it was time for them to die. They had (or would) completed, by their death, what they were supposed to for this lifetime. This does also imply we have a destiny and doesn't exclude freewill. We make a choice to call in sick one day (freewill), and that day a big accident occurs on the route we take (destiny). It was our destiny to be safe, but it was also the result of our freewill, which affected our destiny.

I don't think God, as so many of us sees him/her/it, is ALL good. If he/she/it created all things, then he/she/it also created evil and all it entails. I don't think of God as a person, as someone like we are, because in doing so I would limit him/her/it to a human realm or reality. I believe in something way bigger than that. In something which created everything, so that we could experience everything, not just the good and happy stuff, but everything. Anyway, we're so dumb, we wouldn't know we are happy until something bad happened and then we'd realized we actually were happy before. I guess it is true that saying "everything happens for a reason". We may not understand that reason, but its part of the game of life. It doesn't have to be fair (as we see it), or should I say it doesn't seem fair, and yet it is.

The death of a loved one will very often seem unfair, and yet it is the only thing (death) that has no discrimination whatsoever. We all are here to learn something. Young and old die, it is part of life. Some people are meant for a short life, others a long one. It never feels right for a baby to die and yet, his death will often push his parents to do things they never thought they could or would. We all wish for a peaceful death, but we also all know it doesn't always happen that way. We all work hard to have a good life, not everyone succeeds. Pain and suffering are as much part of life as joy and happiness and we must experience all of them while we're alive.

Because of our freewill we make decisions, choices, which are not always filled with good intentions. For example, a fanatic who believes in his cause (whatever it may be), and believes that killing people is something he should be doing for the love of his God is exercising his freewill. It may not be right, but it is so. I don't think it is God's decision to have made him become a fanatic. We choose the actions we take. We will also experience the consequences of these actions. On the spiritual path one will become aware of how responsible one is. I do believe in this thing we call "Karma", (the law of cause and effect and the determining factor of how one’s life should be lived).

God wasn’t holding a grudge against those who died on 9/11, nor was he/she/it protecting the others. I think it is a good thing for those of us who do need his/her/its presence to think he/she/it is behind those little things, but it could also be simply because it wasn’t in the Big Plan (our destiny).

We, as human, fuck up daily. We make bad decisions and hope for the best. If reading a text like “The Little Things” inspires someone to remain calm when stuck in traffic, thinking that it was God’s will, who are we to take that away from him/her? He/She’s not hurting anyone and who cares what, or even why one chooses to believe in something or someone? If it works for them we should learn to respect that. I truly believe if we all would mind our own fucking business, the world as we know it would be a much nicer place… but that’s me, and what do I know really?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-10-14T00:06:00.000-04:00

BURGLARY IN FLORIDA
(You just can't make this stuff up!!)

When southern Florida resident Nathan Radlich's house was burglarized recently, thieves ignored his wide screen plasma TV, his VCR, and even left his Rolex watch. What they did take, however, was a "generic white cardboard box filled with a grayish-white powder." (That's the way the police report described it.)

A spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale police said, that "it looked similar to high grade cocaine and they'd probably thought they'd hit the big time." Later, Nathan stood in front of numerous TV cameras and pleaded with the burglars: "Please return the cremated remains of my sister, Gertrude. She died three years ago."

The next morning, the bullet-riddled corpse of a local drug dealer known as Hoochie Pevens was found on Nathan's doorstep. The cardboard box was there too; about half of Gertrude's ashes remained. Taped to the box was this note which said:

"Hoochie sold us the bogus blow, so we wasted Hoochie. Sorry we snorted your sister. No hard feelings. Have a nice day."

Have a great weekend!

Still trying...

2011-10-13T00:24:00.000-04:00

What can I say? I think I'm failing to succeed in getting back into it, whatever it may be...

I'm all over the place, and my office looks like a tornado hit it. I've actually reached a point, yesterday, where I told a client that I was ready to let her go. That is a good thing though. I'm aiming for better clients, so letting go of a bad one is good.

I thought my lack of enthusiasm was caused by the time difference and the funeral, but I also think it very well may be related to the seasonal change. Having to wear socks sucks (even if they are nice and colorful ones knitted by a dear blend)!

I've been wrestling with a sore throat for the last two days, and even if I did go for a swim earlier thinking it might help (it actually helped my nose, funny what a little chlorine up the nose can do to clear up your sinuses!) I feel blah, and need to crash like this little guy...

Trying to catch up...

2011-10-07T18:58:00.000-04:00

I somehow feel like I'm miserably failing. I just can't seem to catch up. Isn't it always like day after any time off? Why bother going away if upon our return it's just worst? Before we left for the conference, which was great thank you for asking, by the way, I was all good. I was up to date in my work, with house chores, etc. We were gone fifteen days. That is all. We left on a Sunday and came back two Sundays later. The first week was all work (training, conference, etc), the second week was a little more relax, we got to shop some, visited some things, caught a few shows... I only got to swim twice in the first twelve days, and not because the weather wasn't good, it was freakin' hot, I just didn't have time and when I did the pool was closed. Can you believe the Bellagio closes its pools at 7pm? I couldn't! It seems odd to me... maybe it's to avoid the drunks falling in the pool at night or something... oh well.

The to add to our enjoyment, we flew to Hawaii for a funeral. A dear friend passed away, so being half way there, we made it to the funeral. We arrived in Honolulu on Thursday afternoon, the service was on Friday and we came home Saturday - that was a real quickie! I haven't caught up to our time zone yet. My body is all messed up. I need a vacation from my time away from the office.

Since we've been back, I've been catching up with emails and mail - we get so much mail it's unreal. Work is busy and between everything else, I had planned a reunion with school mates since one was going to be in town for a short visit from Holland. That was last night. It was nice catching up with people, but by 10pm I was ready to go home, so I did.

I did manage to get actual work done today, not bad, after a week of being home!

There are things I want to implement in our business, things I've learned at the conference, but I haven't had time to sit and really think about it. I swear at times, I can't help but wonder how you parents do it. My hat off to you guys! Seriously.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to breathe some, so I'm off to my meditation class. If I don't relax at worst I'll sleep - teehee.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

One day my Gramma was out, and my Grampa was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift, and it was one of my favorite toys.

Grampa was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Gramma came home.

My Grampa made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' Gramma waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Grampa, and she watched him drink it up.

Then she said, (as only a gramma would know), "'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water, is the toilet?"

Happy Friday!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-09-30T00:06:00.000-04:00

A successful rancher died and left everything to his devoted wife. She was a very good-looking woman and determined to keep the ranch, but knew very little about ranching, so she decided to place an ad in the newspaper for a ranch hand. Two cowboys applied for the job. One was gay and the other a drunk.

She thought long and hard about it, and when no one else applied she decided to hire the gay guy, figuring it would be safer to have him around the house than the drunk.

He proved to be a hard worker who put in long hours every day and knew a lot about ranching. For weeks, the two of them worked, and the ranch was doing very well.

Then one day, the rancher's widow said to the hired hand, "You have done a really good job, and the ranch looks great. You should go into town and kick up your heels." The hired hand readily agreed and went into town one Saturday night.

One o'clock came, however, and he didn't return. Two o'clock and no hired hand. Finally he returned a round two-thirty, and upon entering the room, he found the rancher's widow sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, waiting for him. She quietly called him over to her...

"Unbutton my blouse and take it off," she said.

Trembling, he did as she directed.

"Now take off my boots."

He did as she asked, ever so slowly.

"Now take off my socks."

He removed each gently and placed them neatly by her boots.

"Now take off my skirt."

He slowly unbuttoned it, constantly watching her eyes in the fire light.

"Now take off my bra.

"Again, with trembling hands, he did as he was told and dropped it to the floor.

Then she looked at him and said, "If you ever wear my clothes into town again, you're fired."

(P.S. - I didn't see it coming, either)

Have a good one!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-09-23T00:05:00.000-04:00

A mother and her very young son were flying Westjet Airlines from Ottawa to Calgary. The little boy (who had been looking out his window) turned to his mother and asked, "If big dogs have baby dogs, and big cats have baby cats, why don't big airplanes have baby airplanes?"

The mother couldn't think of an answer and told her son to ask the flight attendant. So the boy went down the aisle and asked the flight attendant the same question.

The flight attendant, who was very busy at the time, smiled and said, "Did your mom tell you to ask me?" The boy said, "Yes she did."

"Well then, you go and tell your mother that there are no baby airplanes because WestJet always pulls out on time. Have your mom explain that to you."

Happy Friday!

Viva Las Vegas!

2011-09-21T11:32:00.000-04:00

I've been in Vegas, baby for a few days now. My second day in training, for work, it had been a while I had to sit for 8am to 5pm, listening and learning... either I'm getting old...er or my attention span is shorter, but still, I think this will be a good learning experience.

The weather here is amazing, especially if you like it hot and dry, and I do. But man, oh man, is it hot! It's going to be rough coming back to the Montreal chill.

Last night we went to see a show. I had wanted to see that show for the last two years. It wasn't all that, but what can I say I'm an Elvis fan, so if only for the music, I enjoyed the show. I must say though, at the end of it all, I kind of felt sad for the performers... the level of "appreciation" from the crowd wasn't all there... oh well...

Your Friday Smile!

2011-09-16T00:09:00.002-04:00

While Tim Cameron was sunbathing naked at the beach in Florida for the sake of civility, and to keep it from getting sunburned, he had a hat over his private parts.

A woman walks past and says, snickering, "If you were a gentleman you'd lift your hat."

He raised an eyebrow and replied, "If you were better looking it would lift itself."

Ah! Have fun this weekend!

What a day...

2011-09-09T00:22:00.000-04:00

Interesting how fast things, even life, can change. This morning while waking up I thought it was odd Hubby didn't kiss me a third or fourth times, like he often does. I had this strange feeling when I got up, and hoped nothing bad would happen. Within thirty minutes of being up, Hubby called me to let me know he had been in a cycling accident: another cyclist cut him off, on the bike path, and they collide.

I made my way to pick him up (not knowing the extend of his injuries), but after seeing him and the look of his knee thought we'd better go to a hospital. Since he was still on the scene of the accident, with two police officers, I asked them if they could call an ambulance. One of them asked if I had a cell phone. I did. I should call 911 myself. I couldn't believe my ears. WTF? One cop then 'reminded' me that earlier, when the ambulance came and took the other cyclist away Hubby had refused treatment. I was livid by then, and asked if he was allowed to change his mind, and if his knee was that size when they first came. He answered he was entitled to change his mind. He then went saying that him calling 911 or me was equivalent, to which I answered "Our tax dollars at work" - he did not like that. By that point I was helping Hubby put his bike in the car. I still can't believe how nonchalant those cops were. Maybe it is the wife in me reacting, but their answer to my request for a second ambulance was out of line, I think.

It was a day spent in the emergency room waiting for triage, to see a nurse, then a doctor, for x-rays, for the doctor again, then x-rays again... The x-rays showed how bad his left ring finger was, so he's schedule to see an orthopedic surgeon next week. The x-rays of his knee didn't show much, so he'll have to go back once the swelling comes down for a MRI. According to the clerk we saw, not before eight months! That is how long it takes for an appointment in this province. Ridiculous!

Hubby is furious, to say the least. The other cyclist pulled a boneheaded move (and might be actually hurt) but since they are both cyclists there was no police report or anything of the sort. We don't even know the name of the ~~moron~~ cyclist. According to Hubby, while they were waiting for the first ambulance, he kept saying it was his fault. It doesn't make up for the damages Hubby occurred today: he'll most likely will have to change his bike (there's a good thousand dollars right there), he'll be losing a few days of work (being a contractor that comes straight from his pocket) and he got hurt in the process. Depending what the surgeon will say next week, we might have to cancel our upcoming trip. If that's the case, it will be an expensive accident and this despite our travel insurance. Hubby's bike is broken, his right knee is at least two to three times its normal size, the left side of his face is scraped and swelled up and his left ring finger is shattered.

I wish I knew how to help my husband to let go of his anger. I wish I could make him see how his negative ways are attracting negativity his way. I understand his anger, I really do, and it is justified, but I also wish he could see how true it is that we reap what we sow. It's not easy to let go, but it is a choice one has to make at some point, if one wants to be truly happy. Holding on to anger won't bring anything good. Granted, one might feel better to vent, but one must also let go. Seeking revenge won't solve anything. It might bring you some pleasure to know the other one is suffering, but in the long run there won't be anything else.

I believe anger and grudges eat at you, and can even make you sick. I do believe the power of the mind. How can you be happy and at peace, when in fact (deep down) you are mad and in constant turmoils? I don't want that for my husband. I want to be able to grow old (er) with him, to laugh daily with and at him, to enjoy our life together. I don't want to be with an angry man, always upset about something and frustrated at the world. Life is too short and beautiful to only choose to see the negative in it. I believe the good outweighs the bad, but one has to choose to see it. That's all I can hope for at this point...

Your Friday Smile!

2011-09-09T00:08:00.023-04:00

Queen Elizabeth and Dolly Parton die on the same day and they both go before an Angel to find out if they'll be admitted to Heaven. Unfortunately, there's only one space left that day, so the Angel must decide which of them gets in. The Angel asks Dolly if there's some particular reason why she should go to Heaven.

Dolly takes off her top and says, 'Look at these,they're the most perfect breasts God ever created, and I'm sure it will please God to be able to see them every day, for eternity.'

The Angel thanks Dolly, and asks Her Majesty the same question. The Queen takes a bottle of Perrier out of her purse, drinks it down. Then, wees into a toilet and pulls the lever. The Angel says, 'OK, your Majesty, you may go in.'

Dolly is outraged and asks,'What was that all about? I show you two of God's own perfect creations and you turn me down. She wees into a toilet and she gets in! Would you explain that to me?'

'Sorry, Dolly,' says the Angel, 'but even in Heaven, a Royal Flush beats a pair - no matter how big they are.'

Enjoy your weekend!

Not an easy choice, but it should be a choice.

2011-09-06T17:44:00.000-04:00

We had dinner with relatives of Hubby on the weekend, and during a conversation Hubby reminded his uncle (who's a widower for the past three years and doesn't have any kid) he would be willing to help him to have his choices/decisions respected at the end of his life. This uncle lost his wife to cancer, and since then he's been doing his best to have a law passed or something of the sort (he's done a petition, went on TV to talk about his cause, attended summit, etc.) he's done a lot to get dying patients the right to die in dignity. He didn't like the way his wife was treated at the end of her life, which is what triggered his whole battle for dying patients.

When I read Robert's post, it reminded me how far behind we are in regards to this issue. It seems to me dying in and with dignity can be a luxury almost. It's sad. Shouldn't it be our choice to make? We choose how we live our life, so why not the way we exit it? I know it raises a lot of issues, but like we do for our everyday life, they are rules to respect, limits or criteria to meet, so once we do, why not let us decide?

I do know it's a fine line. I can't phantom the idea of having to be the responsibility (or chore, often) of someone. The idea of me suffering, in bed, unable to move, feed myself or even go to the toilet without help is too much for me. I don't want to be this dead weight for anybody, especially not for someone I love. I don't think it would be fair. Neither Hubby nor I want to be in that position nor to put the other in that position. This is not the way we want to go.

Hubby often talks about a pill (the recipe is supposedly online) he'd chose to take if he'd reach a point where he wouldn't have quality of life. We're not talking about normal aging, but if he was sick and his life had very little quality. I'd want him to go. From experience, I know, I wouldn't want to see him suffer. I would respect his choice and most of all his life. Maybe because I grew up with a suicidal parent, but to me our exit is just as important as the life we live. I know what pain and suffering does to one and to the rest of the family. Life should be lived, I agree with that, but I also think there is a point where life at all costs isn't right.

If you haven't yet, thought about the end of your life, take a few minutes and do it. The perspective it brings, makes one realise that life should be lived. When we can no longer enjoy life or live our life, then maybe having the peace of mind of knowing we can die in peace and respect of our choices, that must be something else. It won't make the idea of death easier, but I'm pretty sure it will tame many of our fears towards our final exit...

Your Friday Smile!

2011-09-02T00:12:00.006-04:00

Last week, Ethel checked into a motel on her 70th birthday and she was a bit lonely. She thought, "I'll call one of those men you see advertised in phone books for escorts and sensual massages." She looked through the phone book, found a full page ad for a guy calling himself Tender Tony - a very handsome man with assorted physical skills flexing in the photo. He had all the right muscles in all the right places, thick wavy hair, long powerful legs, dazzling smile, six pack abs and she felt quite certain she could bounce a sixpence off his well oiled bum....

She figured, what the heck, nobody will ever know. I'll give him a call.

"Good evening, ma'am, how may I help you? . .. Oh my, he sounded sooo sexy!

Afraid she would lose her nerve if she hesitated, she rushed right in, "Hi, I hear you give a great massage. I'd like you to come to my motel room and give me one. No, wait, I should be straight with you. I'm in town all alone and what I really want is sex. I want it hot, and I want it now. Bring implements, toys, rubber, leather, whips, everything you've got in your bag of tricks. We'll go hot and heavy all night - tie me up, cover me in chocolate syrup and whipped cream, anything and everything, I' m ready!! Now how does that sound?"

He said, "That sounds absolutely fantastic, but you need to press 9 for an outside line."

Enjoy your weekend!

Let's not complicate things

2011-08-29T16:35:00.000-04:00

I'm a guys kind of gal. I like things simple. When I'm with a bunch of women I get scared because we, women, tend to complicate things.

For example, one of my cousin will be turning sixty soon. Her daughter decided to organised a surprise party, women only. Since there was no mention of gift or anything of the sort, I've suggested to get together and offer her something nice. Nobody had suggestion, so I suggested a spa package at a nice hotel, with a nice meal, etc. On about twelve women only five responded. I went out to price different packages, and see what options were being offered. This morning I received an email from my cousin's daughter saying she didn't think my idea would be enjoyed by her mother. Funny thing is I saw her mom on Saturday and she mentioned how much she loved to be massaged, so the daughter is wrong.

Why is it people have this need to make things complicated when they don't have to be? I don't get that. I like things simple. When it is too complicated my eyes glazes over and I disconnect. I'm aware not everyone have the same means, or the same tastes, or the same interests, I get that, plus these are the things that make us interesting. If someone doesn't want to partake in something, why find excuses and not simply say "I'm not interested" or "I don't want to"? Is it that hard to say what one means, really?

Let's keep it simple people, it is so much easier... geez.

On a different note,

to Mr & Mrs Marius on their new family addition, and a warm welcome to baby S.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-08-26T00:10:00.001-04:00

Husband and wife are waiting at the bus stop with their nine children. A blind man joins them after a few minutes. When the bus arrives, they find it overloaded and only the wife and the nine kids are able to fit onto the bus.

So the husband and the blind man decide to walk. After a while, the husband gets irritated by the ticking of the stick of the blind man as he taps it on the sidewalk, and says to him, 'Why don't you put a piece of rubber at the end of your stick? That ticking sound is driving me crazy.'

The blind man replies, 'If you had put a rubber at the end of YOUR stick, we'd be riding the bus, so shut the hell up.'

Have a great weekend!

RIP, Jack

2011-08-22T18:13:00.000-04:00

I rarely write or talk about politics, but today we lost a good man... There was something about him that was kind and seemed genuine. When I heard of his passing this morning, I felt a little twang.

Here's a link to his last letter to us, Canadians: Jack Layton's last letter to Canadians - Politics - CBC News

He seemed like a good Jack, may he rest in peace.

___
Photo: André Pichette, La Presse

I now have blue finger tips

2011-08-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

Early this morning, especially for a Saturday, a friend picked me up and we made our way to a blueberry field. I've grown up blueberry picking, in the woods, with my mother. We'd sit in the moss and pick little wild blueberries. What I did today was nothing like that. I had heard about blueberry farms, but had never been at one.

We made our way to Lachenaie, about thirty minutes from Montréal. When we got there, at about 9am, there was only two other people in the field. We picked these babies for two hours, to fill a 4L basket full. To fill my basket it took me over two hours, non stop. By the time my basket was full, the sun was in full bloom and I was sweating bullets. Granted it might have taken me a little longer because I ate a few. I had to see (or rather taste) if they were as good as they looked!

I had never seen so many at one time. It was quite a pleasant outing, even despite the heat, bugs, etc. to sit down ona little stool and simply pick these babies off the branches. Some were as big a thumb nail, and sweeeet!

We were lucky in our timing, since the farmer told us it was his last weekend to be opened for public picking. I would have hate to have missed out on this. I salivate just thinking of the muffins, cookies, etc. I'll be making with these. While at the farm I also bought some fresh raspberries, strawberries (so darn sweet, it's unreal), some fresh corn and some honey. I just love this time of year! It's so yummy!

Since I've been home, for the last hour or so, I've washed them, to get rid of the dirt and little bugs I might of brought home, and some are already drying on a dish cloth. Guess what we'll be having for dessert tonight!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-08-19T00:14:00.000-04:00

Two nuns were shopping at a 7-11 store. As they passed by the beer cooler, one nun said to the other: "Wouldn't a nice cool beer or two taste wonderful on a hot summer evening?"

The second nun answered, "Indeed it would, Sister, but I would not feel comfortable buying beer, since I am certain it would cause a scene at the checkout stand."

"I can handle that without a problem" the other nun replied, and she picked up a six-pack and headed for the check-out.

The cashier had a surprised look on his face when the two nuns arrived with a six-pack of beer. "We use beer for washing our hair." the nun said. "Back at our nunnery, we call it catholic shampoo."

Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter, pulled out a package of pretzel sticks and placed them in the bag with the beer.

He then looked the nun straight in the eye, smiled and said: "The curlers are on the house."

Enjoy a cold one & have a great weekend!

Dead tired, or at least feeling it.

2011-08-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

I've been going to the pool, to do lapses, in order to help my back. It does seem to help, even if it's killing the rest of me! Doing lapses isn't my idea of a fun time in the pool, but I keep telling myself, with each stroke, it's good for me. In doing so, I'm also overcoming some of my fears, like jumping into water. It was funny to see me (I'm told) standing by the pool, and then sliding down slowly into the pool, all the while holding on to the side (for dear life). The last two times, I've walked up to the pool, and just "stepped" in the water. I'm still nervous, but I'm overcoming some fears, so that's good. A contributing factor to me being tired, is surely due to my lack of confidence in the pool. I'm still nervous, and swimming isn't a natural thing for me. Each time I go, twice a week, I swallow some water. It is just tiresome to be this tense and unable to relax completely, but I think I am getting better.

I'm out of shape, and this is rough on my old body. Getting back into shape isn't a piece of cake, too bad, 'cause I'd like me one nice piece of cake right about now!

Meh

2011-08-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

This is going to be a weird post (as if, I needed to let you know! If you've been here before you know it is always somewhat strange...).

Maybe I'm just feeling out of it today, even if I had a good day at a client. When I woke up this morning, I didn't want to get up (I rarely do want to anyway, but this morning I felt the urge to stay in bed stronger, let's say). I tooled around some and finally made my way out of the house.

I'm aware not everyone enjoy a good venting session, and at times I think this blog is just that, a place for me to vent. I could update my status on Bacefook regularly, which I don't, or even ~~worst~~, ~~better~~, on Twitter but I don't twitt. BTW, I don't get that medium. Why would I want to know about someone that much, or want to read about their every thoughts or moods? I don't think there's anyone I know I'd want to know that much irrelevant information about. Bacefook is getting on my nerves because of all the stupid info going about.

I share lots on here, and at times even too much. Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that my blog is my place to share all these useless information, I don't know. At times I think I should write 'article' type post, but then, that is not why I blog. I don't pretend to be a writer, I just enjoy writing my confused thoughts, but mostly what I enjoy is the interaction, when you guys do bother to comment that is!

Plus I don't think I'm that interesting or important that I should let the world know that my cat's poo really stink, or that I ate my first curlywurly (which I really enjoyed!), that I hate Mondays, or that my cute husband is preparing dinner.But then again, what do I know?

___
Meh

Your Friday Smile!

2011-08-12T00:09:00.003-04:00

A woman takes a lover home during the day while her husband is at work.

Her 9-year old son comes home unexpectedly, he sees them and hides in the bedroom closet to watch.

The woman's husband also comes home. She puts her lover in the closet, not realizing that the little boy is in there already.

The little boy says, 'Dark in here.'
The man says, 'Yes, it is.'
Boy: 'I have a baseball.'
Man:'That's nice'
Boy: 'Want to buy it?'
Man: 'No, thanks.'
Boy: 'My Dad's outside.'
Man: 'OK, how much?'
Boy: '$250'

In the next few weeks, it happens again that the boy and the lover are in the closet together.

Boy: 'Dark in here.'
Man: 'Yes, it is.'
Boy: 'I have a baseball glove.'
The lover, remembering the last time,
asks the boy, How much?'
Boy: '$750'
Man: 'Sold.'

A few days later, the Dad says to the boy , 'Grab your glove, let's go outside and have a game of catch.'
The boy says, 'I can't, I sold my baseball and my glove.'

The Dad asks, 'How much did you sell them for?'
Boy: '$1,000'

The Dad says, 'That's terrible to over charge your friends like that...that is way more than those two things cost. I'm taking you to church, to confession.'

They go to the church and the Dad makes the little boy sit in the confessional booth and closes the door.

The boy says, 'Dark in here..'
The priest says, 'Don't start that shit again; you're in my closet now.'

Have a good one!

Eleven friggin' years already!

2011-08-11T01:19:00.011-04:00

Thank you sweet Hubby of mine for all your patience, understanding, tolerance, communication, sacrifice and... lots and lots of necking!

You've showned me in the past eleven years

just how to keep our marriage vibrant and strong.

I love you gros, gros, gros!

YCWC

PSA

2011-08-07T19:48:00.000-04:00

Today, I want to share this bit of wisdom with you. It all made sense to me, and I'm pretty sure it will for you as well. It does explain a lot.

On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking.. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed...

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"

And God agreed...

On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again...

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family.. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service. If you are looking for me I will be on the front porch.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-08-05T00:06:00.009-04:00

A very tired nurse walks into a bank, she was totally exhausted after an 18-hour shift.

Preparing to write a check, she pulls a rectal thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it.

When she realizes her mistake, she looks at the flabbergasted teller.

Without missing a beat, she says: 'Well, that's great... that's just great... Some asshole's got my pen!'

Enjoy your weekend!

Bitting my tongue not to bite any head off...

2011-08-02T11:29:00.000-04:00

If you live around here you do know about our roads conditions and how bad it is. Sunday we hit a new low, a BIG piece of the Ville-Marie Tunnel fell off. Luckily there was nobody injured. This is not the first time a piece of concrete falls, the previous time some people died. This is within a three minutes walk from our place... check this out, I'll wait...

Crazy, huh? And yet, our officials... argh, I'm not even going there, it's useless.

If you come to Montreal anytime soon, don't be surprise if you see one of these panels, because if the authorities were being truthful, these would also be on our lovely roads... ah well...

In other news, Sunday we visited Hubby's dad. We had not been inside the family house for at least three and a half years... Wow! That's all I have to say about how little remain of the house Hubby lived in... I recognised one (that's right, one) piece of furniture. It was a bit overwhelming. I have to say the new woman has done a good job, the renovations and all are nice. It's a nice revamp. For any of you who's been to that house, I'm sure you remember how many pictures of Hubby were on the walls, especially going up the stairs to the TV room... You see, Hubby is the only child of a woman who loooovvvveeeeeed her son, especially as a kid. When he discovered girls it went all sour (teehee). Some of these pictures were very cute, especially one of Hubby in a diaper looking like a little chicken, I loved that picture. I had asked his mother if I could borrow it to scan it and she had refused (that was during the days...). Hubby has a lot of pictures, but he doesn't have any of himself as a baby or kid. Since I did a whole scrapbook album of myself growing up, I thought I could amuse myself and make one of him as well. I had asked his father about these pictures, which were 8 x 10, not little album sizes photos, and his answer was always somewhat vague.

When they painted the house, all of the pictures were put in boxes. It was time for a change. When I asked again about the pictures, I got the most stupid answer one could get; his father took all boxes (with the pictures and other stuff) to the Salvation Army! Yep! He is THAT stupid. I still can not believe it. I'm furious.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-07-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

One day an old German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep s*** now!"

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly,

"Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder, if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.

"Whew!," says the panther, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes.

The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther.

The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"

Now, the old German Shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?," but instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says...

"Where's that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!"

Moral of this story...

Don't mess with the old dogs... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery!
BS and brilliance only come with age and experience.

Have fun!

She didn't want to go to rehab...

2011-07-24T19:40:00.001-04:00

It's a sad day in history when more people are talking about the death of Amy Winehouse on Bacefook, then the fucked up killing in a youth camp in Norway. Amy Winehouse had talent, a good voice, etc., she was young and had her life ahead of her, but she chose her path, was a real mess and died. It is hard for me to feel sorry when someone, who has the means to get help (read money, among other things) makes all the wrong decisions and lives the way she did. It was a questions of choices and she made hers.

Those kids at the youth camp didn't do anything; they were at the wrong place when a crazed fanatic decided they had to die. Bombing, violence and random shooting are becoming a 'normal' thing almost. It's sick to think we, as a society, have become so detached about what goes on in the world. It's not happening here, so... we're good.

I may need to grow a heart, but today I'm kind of happy my heart is well protected and not overly sensitive, 'cause it is one sad day indeed.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-07-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

Baby's First Doctor Visit

A woman and a baby were in the doctor's examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby's first exam. The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed.

'Breast-fed, ' she replied..

' Well, strip down to your waist, ' the doctor ordered.

She did. He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.

Motioning to her to get dressed, the doctor said, ' No wonder this baby is underweight. You don't have any milk. '

I know, ' she said, ' I'm his Grandma, but I'm glad I came.'

Enjoy your weekend!

I'm actually regular

2011-07-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

I just look back and how often I've been posting since May, and it's at least once a week, so it's not that bad.

So, what's the problem then? Content? Wording? Lack of content? Too much bitching? Language? What?

I'm fed up of this shit!

2011-07-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that's right, you read correctly.

When I started to blog it was to have a place to post my Friday Smiles, and then it turned inot something more. Over the years I've acquired readers, made blends and I liked it all. Lately things have been pretty dormant around here. Many of my favorites stopped posting, or very seldom do. I've also declined in my posting. I've been faithful to my Friday Smiles, but that's about it. I've wondered why, is it me, am I that boring that I don't even trigger a little comment in the passing? I don't know. I do know I'm fed up of posting and getting no comments. I'm a comment slut, there, I said/wrote it!

Like Condi's comment line says: comments keep me blogging. I'm realising this is true of me as well.

I'm feeling something like envy when I see other bloggers who post one in a blue moon, and they get a bunch of comments. It's no fair! (stumping feet) I want comments too! I'm not that boring, am I? Or maybe I am? Either way, comment and let me know!

I admit it, I've done it.

2011-07-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

An uncle of mine used to royally piss me off when he would talk about women. He had (and probably still does) such a misogyny way to talk about women in general. Let's just say he didn't think very highly of women in general, especially those younger than him. He would often used very derogatory words, and at times, my mother would remind him that he had daughters and that it was his job to make sure they didn't turn out the way he would describe women in general. He had very old fashion ideas about the role of women in society and like many men of his generation, could be very stubborn. The decibel levels in that kitchen whenever the adults would have discussions about younger generations would reach new heights every single time. I've seen my aunt being so frustrated with him, cousins leaving, or crying because they were so upset. I also think, looking back, he had fun driving them that way. I never questioned myself if he really disliked women or if it just his way to talk. He knew how to rattle cages, that much I do know.

I remember one thing he had talked about, I was in my early twenties, and how upset my cousin got. He was arguing with her that women used sex and their sexuality as a weapon. At the time, I thought he was wrong, and argued along side my cousin against her father and his arguments. But somehow he had seeded a little question in my mind. As I grew older, and gained more life experience (let's call it that, OK?) I've come to realised uncle Pete had a point. A very valid point actually. Women, do use sex as a powerful tool or weapon or whatever else they want. Think about it. We (women) may not want to admit it, but it is a fact...

How many times have we heard of wives penalising their husbands by withholding sex? I do know the opposite is true and does happen as well, but for this post, I will only write about the games we, women, play.

If a woman wants sex she can have it, unlike a man. Take for example, the woman who walks into a bar and has decided that tonight she won't be going home alone, the odds are on her side. A woman who "puts out" will get lucky. Men can't say the same. Because of that women do have a very powerful tool, and most women know how to use it. Some of us don't want to use their sexuality as a mean to get what they want, and that's fine, but how often do we see (on TV and in life) wives playing the "you'll get some" with their husbands when they want their men to do something? The worst thing is we ALL know this and yet the games go on. True, men have a very weak fault, they don't often think with their bigger head, they let their little one take over thus making easier for us.

A woman who truly wants sex (I am talking about sex, not love, nor relationship) she can get some. She will always find a man willing, and this no matter how she looks. She may not get Channing Tatum in her bed, but still, she will get what she wanted, i.e. sex. This subject came to me when I read a post about a woman wanting sex. Getting sex, I think, is easy, if you're single and feeling horny, you will find a willing partner I'm pretty certain of that. If you're not single, then it's another story, but then again it all depends of the relationship you have.

I'm not even going to say anything about the double standards, those are there, they're not right, and yet like many other things in life, that's just the way it is.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-07-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

As a new, young MD doing his residency in OB, he was quite embarrassed when performing female pelvic exams... To cover his embarrassment he had unconsciously formed a habit of whistling softly.

The middle-aged lady upon whom he was performing this exam suddenly burst out laughing and further embarrassing him.

He looked up from his work and sheepishly said: 'I'm sorry. Was I tickling you? '

She replied with tears running down her cheeks from laughing so hard : ' No doctor but the song you were whistling was . . .' I wish I was an Oscar Meyer Wiener . '

Happy weekend!

Stinkywood

2011-07-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

I could tell you about this or that, or how I've been busy or taking it easy, but in the end you (and I) don't really care, right? Right! Glad you agree.

It's been nice and warm ~~not to say friggin' sticky~~ and let's not forget humid in town. No matter what, someone, somewhere, will complain about the weather. I'm just sayin'... We're never happy and that is a fact.

Last week I went to see a friend, a henna artist (remember she had done this two Christmases ago, already) and asked her to decorate me, something light for the summer.

This is how my feet looked when I got home:

Driving home with my feet wrapped in saran was interesting to say the least. I had to keep my feet wrapped for at least four hours, in order for the henna to really set.

Once I waited the required time, I had to unwrapped these puppies and dry scrapped them of the henna. which gave this:

The oxidization hasn't really started yet, thus the light rust colour. It will darken within forty-eight hours or so.

This is what it looked like two days or so after:

It got darker and thus so much nicer. I love it. It is what I wanted, but I just can't believe how many comments I'm getting. I did it because I like the way it looks, it's not permanent and it's pain free - why not!

It's been over a week already and sadly they started to fade some. It usually lasts about two weeks. When she had done my arm, I had made a boo boo. You're supposed to cream yourself, which I do, daily, with or without henna, but what I didn't know is that vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and will help remove henna. On my arm the design only stayed a few days, until I realised the cream/lotion I was using contained vitamin E. This time I've made sure there wasn't any vitamin in what I've used. The fact that I wear sandals which rubs on the area when it's hot and humid might be contributing to it's fading, but still, it does look pretty good.

Hubby says it doesn't do a thing for him, and that's fine, I did it for my pleasure. This was/is one of my Summer's treats! What is yours?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-07-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

A nurse was on duty in the Emergency Room when a young woman with purple hair styled into a punk rocker Mohawk, sporting a variety of tattoos, and wearing strange clothing, entered.

It was quickly determined that the patient had acute appendicitis, so she was scheduled for immediate surgery.

When she was completely disrobed on the operating table, the staff noticed that her pubic hair had been dyed green and above it there was a tattoo that read: "Keep off the grass."

Once the surgery was completed, the surgeon wrote a short note on the patient's dressing, which said: "Sorry, had to mow the lawn."

Happy Friday!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-07-01T00:08:00.000-04:00

The doctor was performing rounds at the hospital one morning and while checking up on a man asked : ' So how's your breakfast this morning? '

'It's very good except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can't seem to get used to the taste.' Bob replied.

The doctor then asked to see the jelly and Bob produced a foil packet labeled 'KY Jelly.'

Mmm... Yummmy!

Have a good weekend & happy Canada Day!

More Chlorine please!

2011-06-29T16:28:00.000-04:00

At times one has to wonder if we, as humans, are as stupid as we act. For years now I've been saying the gene pool was in serious need in chlorine, and I'm realising not only does it still needs chlorine, but it did many years ago as well. Stupidity isn't something new, quite the contrary. It's been around as long as we have. It's sad. It's also very upsetting. I wish it'd be legal (or at least somewhat accepted) to whack some sense into people. I'm sure it would help some, but at best, some of us would feel a little better!

To realise someone was acting stupid in order to get where or what he wanted is just plain Machiavelli. How low can one go, really? To play stupid in order to get compassion, or even better, a partner is really twisted. Can someone be that unconscious of their actions and how it will affect people? Or is that stupidity in its purest form? No matter what it is for sure very deceptive and to a point hurtful. Especially if the offender doesn't see (nor understand) how his actions are affecting people.

In a way I'd love to be that unaware of people around me. It must be nice to only think of oneself and fuck the rest. I'm trying hard to remind myself every person in my life has a purpose... if nothing more than to be a constant reminder of the kind of person I NEVER want to become...

Lets try something else. Again.

2011-06-27T23:42:00.000-04:00

Since the situation with my back and neck doesn't seem to improve much, I've decided to try something or rather someone new. I've hesitated about it, but since I've reached my threshold of pain and aggravation about it all, I've decided to go see someone who supposedly has a gift.

I didn't know what to expect other than he was a man, working out of his basement. My father trusted people with such gifts. I'm a bit skeptic. I've always wondered if one needed to have faith in order for this to work. I do believe people can have special gifts. Somehow though, I always assumed one had to have faith in order for the healing powers to work. I don't know if I have the level of faith needed, but at this point I'm willing to give it a try and to believe.

I went to see him tonight. After introducing himself, we talked about a few things and he then proceeded to explain how he became what we call here "un ramancheur" or a 'bone-setter'. He told me interesting facts, about how my body was reacting to certain emotions, etc. It was an interesting forty-five minutes to say the least. Now let's see how I feel tomorrow and the days after. I was schedule to see my little Chinese man but I cancelled that appointment. I want to see how I react to the treatment I ~~suffered~~ received tonight and take it from there.

I can already say that despite me feeling tired, my neck feels somewhat loosey-goosey which is a nice change...

He wants to see me again next week. He told me he saw/felt a few other things which will need adjustments. One of the things he touched upon was a very accurate observation, and I had not mentioned anything about it. Let's just say he picked my curiosity to say the least. In a way I can't wait to see how I'll be reacting to this first visit and what he'll say next... maybe I'll start believing!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-06-24T00:15:00.004-04:00

Larry's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals.

One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.

'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him.'

Larry asked, "Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture ?"

Happy Friday!
Bonne St-Jean à mes amis Québécois!

Nope not that way. Nor this way. Can't even turn around!

2011-06-21T00:06:00.001-04:00

Driving in Montreal this summer is getting worst by the day. It is completely ridiculous. Our infrastructures are falling apart, everything is old and needs to be either repaired or changed. It's not safe. We have four main bridges coming in to Montreal, and two of them are under serious construction, and last weekend one of the other two had a police blockade (speed trap). It's bad.

To add to the fun of it all, Festival Season has begun. Driving in town feels like we're on an autocross circuit with all the orange cones everywhere! Streets are closed for either construction, repairs, some festival, sidewalk sales or even better, closed for the summer to give full access to pedestrians. And then they wonder why drivers are experiencing so much road rage... really?

In order to get anywhere one has to plan lots of extra time, and this no matter the time of the day. It used to take me seven minutes to get to my meditation class, the past three weeks it's been taking me between fifteen to twenty minutes. I won't even talk about parking because that alone is yet another nightmare!

Last week I went back to see my little Chinese man for a treatment. Something funny (well, not really) happened. I managed to get there 15 min. before my scheduled appointment, and they took me in almost right away. He came in the room, exchanged very few words and I ended up on my side with a few needles (acupuncture) stuck in my neck and left shoulder. Since I was facing a wall, I started meditating and trying to relax. I guess it worked since I dosed off a little. At some point I started to feel like I'd been there for a while, so I managed to get up and look for my watch. It was almost 6pm, and I had been there since 4:15pm. I opened the door to the room and saw the little Chinese man, sitting at the front desk. I asked him if he had forgotten about me... The look on his face... priceless! He had. He felt really bad, and wanted to treat me, but I had to leave. This was the very first time a therapist forgot about me while I was in treatment. It happened once or twice that double appointments were giving for the same time slot, but someone forgetting I was there, in a treatment room, was a first for me!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-06-17T00:14:00.000-04:00

The math teacher saw that Larry wasn't paying attention in class.

She called on him and said, 'Larry! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?'

Larry quickly replied, 'NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!'

Got to love him!

Have a nice one!

At the moment, it sucks to be me, really!

2011-06-14T01:35:00.001-04:00

Hello World, feels like ages even if I was here last week. I'm doing better (I think?!), I guess my mood is really directly linked with the weather and my pain. If you're among those people who do enjoy the Formula 1 races, then you'll know we had a Grand Prix in Montréal, last weekend. To me it doesn't mean a thing, except plenty of noise. We are close to the circuit, so we do hear them going 'round and 'round quite loud & clear. So, if you've watched it, you will also know it was a wet one. It didn't rain, it poured. I can't imagine paying big bucks to go sit in stands in pouring rain, yuck! All this to say, we have been having crappy weather the last few days, thus my morale was down a bit. I really do need sun or at least light to fonction well.

Last week was a week of treatment for me. I want to solve my back issues. It's going on a year and not a day goes by without me feeling some type of pain in either my neck or lower back. I'm truly fed up. I've been going to an osteopath, an accupuncture doctor, a Heller worker, some massage, to no avail. As soon as I do anything my back hurts. I went for some xrays on Friday, of my spine, hopefully there will be something to see so they'll know what to tell me or, even better to do. It is very frustrating and being in constant pain eats at my moral like nothing else.

For the last three weeks, I've been seeing this physio/accupuncture Chinese man. He's a little man, with no people skills whatsoever. It's actually funny. I don't think I've ever consulted someone who talked so little.
The first time I saw him (I was refered to him by a friend), he didn't look at my questionnaire (2 pages full of questions), came in the tiny room where there was a massage type table and a little stool, told me to get undressed and left. When he came back this is how it went:

Mr. Kim: Where is hurt?

Me: Back and shoulders.

Mr. Kim: Where?

Me [pointing to my lower back]: Here...

Mr. Kim: Walk!

Me [looking around, where to go]: Here?

Mr. Kim [pointing at space between table and wall]: There!
[At this point I'm wondering about my friend's referal, but start walking. I took 5 steps, turned around and took another 5 steps.]

Mr. Kim: Turn facing table.
[I barely had time to turn, when Mr. Kim pushed me across the table]

Mr. Kim: Confortable?

Me [don't really know what to say]: Yeah, sure...
[He then pinched my back a few places, said something under his breath in Chinese, made some noise, turn something on and left the room. - 5 min. later]

Mr. Kim [stepping on little stool by table, and started to pinch my back again]: You hard.

Me [still not knowing what to answer]: Oh...ok...

Mr. Kim [gathering some things made of glass]: You ok? [not waiting for my answer, when I heard a lighter being flicked]

Me [trying to see what he's doing]: What is...

Mr. Kim [pushing me flat on table]: You need relax!

[He then put a bunch, I counted 16, of suction cups on my back, and left the room]

This is what I must have looked like...

[I was laying there for a while, with a bunch of cups stuck to my back, sides, and even bum]

Mr. Kim [coming back into room]: You ok? Good.

Me: What do those do exactly?

Mr. Kim [while popping them off]: Relax.

He then proceeded to give me a massage with some Chinese oil, man oh man! After that he used a hair dryer and blew my back for a good 10 min., the sensation of cold and hot was quite interesting.

Mr. Kim [walking out of the room]: ok, done, see you next week.

Me [still not knowing what to say or do]: Thank you?...

I got dressed, paid and left. That was the strangest treatment ever. But I must say, my back did feel a lot less stiff.

That same night, you should have seen my back. I looked like a Dalmatian. So many spots, actually bruises, but they didn't hurt, it was just really ugly.

The following week, it was about the same scenario, except that he did asked a few questions, suggested I changed sandals and go swim.

Tomorrow is my mother's birthday and I've booked ourselves a day at a spa with massages, pedicure, etc. and they have a pool... I will be following his instructions, even if my back looks just like this...

Nice, huh? Can't wait to see the looks on people's faces... ah!

Your Friday Smile!

2011-06-10T00:12:00.000-04:00

Larry watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.

'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked.

'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

'What's the matter, asked Larry 'Giving up?'

Happy Friday!

My momma said there would be days like this.

2011-06-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Despite my best efforts (gardening, relaxing in the sun, reading, playing, etc) I have to be honest and confess I've been feeling somewhat 'blah'. It's been going on for a while. I do know my back situation is a big contributing factor to this general feeling of mine. It will be a year (in two weeks) since my car accident and not a day goes by without me feeling some type of pain. It is slowly (but surely) eating at me. Oh how I wish it was actually eating the fat off my body! At least something positive would results from this daily pain. No such luck I'm afraid. Oh well.

Maybe my mood is a result of being less busy with work? I sure hope not since I don't want to take on more clients; quite the opposite, I'm trying to reduce my work load. Maybe it's guilt related, because I don't do much lately. I really have no clue why I feel this way, but I do know I feel somewhat sad or rather "meh"...

Many things / people annoy me. The worst for me these days are clients calling. I know it's bad, but at the same time, I wish they would figure things out themselves instead of calling me. I'm not "411 Information" - sometimes they should look themselves for an answer instead of asking me. This is one bug Hubby and I share, unfortunately. I used to think he was weird for often saying "RTFM" (Read The Fuckin' Manual), but now I so understand him. One thing for sure I'm super happy not to be a parent, because having to answer to a kid all the freaking time, would drive me nut!

A few minutes ago I went outside to sit in the sun a bit, to reload my batteries. Even that doesn't seem to help much. Can you believe that after over six months I'll be getting my MRI results, on Thursday if the quack doesn't cancel? There is something to be said about the "pay/use" system, 'cause our socialist ways aren't working that good. But it was free, woohoo.

It ~~may~~ reads as if I'm complaining, and ~~maybe~~ I am. Sue me! Oh wait, I'm Canadian, we don't do that.

I hate to admit this, but I hate it when momma's right...

Your Friday Smile!

2011-06-03T00:07:00.000-04:00

'Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl'.

The priest asks, 'Is that you, little Joey Pagano ?'

'Yes, Father, it is.'

'And who was the girl you were with?'

'I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation'.

"Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?'

'I cannot say.'

'Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?'

'I'll never tell.'

'Was it Nina Capelli?'

'I'm sorry, but I cannot name her.'

'Was it Cathy Piriano?'

'My lips are sealed.'

'Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?'

'Please, Father, I cannot tell you.'

The priest sighs in frustration. 'You're very tight lipped, and I admire that.
But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months.
Now you go and behave yourself.'

Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispers,
'What'd you get?'

'Four months vacation and five good leads.'

I just don't know.

2011-05-30T19:06:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about this for a while, and even if I'm still not quite sure how to word it, I will give it a try. Being an only child, my relationship with my parents was "mine". I mean by that, I don't think it really compares to anything since I think we all have unique ways of dealing/talking with our folks. I can say we've always been open and we could talk about anything. How many family do you know who openly talked about suicide the way we did? I don't know any. I knew that I could say something to either of my parent and could expect a reaction (more than a response!). It was most likely not really what I was hoping for, but nonetheless, I knew where I stood and where they stood as parents.

As I'm getting older I'm realising (sadly) I'm slowly becoming my mom's parent. I don't really like this feeling. I've been trying to remain the child, but it is hard. My mother relies on me for certain things. She's never been the assertive type (quite the opposite actually) and can't really make a decision easily. My father made all the decisions. I understand where my mom comes from. That alright with me. I don't think my mother and I ever had that "girlfriend" relationship either, and I never really wanted it. She was/is my mother, and I want her to remain in that role. There are other aspects of her life which I don't really want to know about. For example, her sex life, her love life... Good for her if she still gets it on, but that's all I really want to know. I'm not pretending she's not sexual, I know her, she is (or at least should be or pretends to be) and that's all good. I also know she didn't have it good with my father. He never stoke me as the lover type, anyway.

When my father passed away, and because I know her, that same day I asked my mother to take her time before falling into another relationship. Her words were: "There won't be anyone for a loooong while". It didn't happen. Within a month or two of my father's death a man had moved in with her. He was a nice man, and he took good care of her. He didn't have it easy. Let's just say he paid for some of my father's sins. That relationship lasted ten years.

He had been married before and had two children (which are older than me). They would visit their father at my mother's occasionally. I've always managed to no be there at the same time as them. I just didn't care. When he passed away, they didn't care much. My mother covered everything. Since he didn't have a burial lot, she also decided to have him buried. Next to my father. On her parents' lot. I was surprised and pissed. WTF? My grandparents are buried together with my father and an uncle. I was upset. Now? I don't know. Yes he did share her life for ten years, but he wasn't family. It was a family lot. I did tell her. She didn't know where else she could bury him, so it was going to be on the family lot. I haven't been back to the cemetery since the day of his funeral. I don't even know if she had my father's headstone engraved with his name,etc. In July my father would have celebrated his 70th birthday, and I'm most likely to go visit him/the cemetery. I'm just typing this and my insides are shaking... am I wrong in feeling this way? It might be pure selfishness on my part (I'm trying to figure it out), but somehow it doesn't seem right to me...

She started dating a man she met trough an add in a Seniors magazine, or online. She's been seeing him for a few weeks and is off fishing at my uncle's cabin with him for a week. A part of me feels like I don't care to meet this man. Good for her if she met someone, and it works out, because after all when she's busy with him I don't have to "take care" of her during that time. Her weekends are busy, I don't have to drag myself to her place (one hour drive each way, just far enough to be a real pain!) to entertain her, so in the end it's all good. I don't want her to be taken for a ride either, I've heard of too many foolish women who got ripped off by smooth operators. I'm indifferent in regards to this new man in her life, and even if I do know it's a fair way for me to feel I can't help and wonder why am really I feeling this way?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-05-27T00:08:00.000-04:00

A woman is sitting on the veranda with her husband and she says, "I love you."

He asks, "Is that you or the wine talking?"

She replies, "It's me ... talking to the wine."

Have a good one!

Time for change!

2011-05-25T23:23:00.000-04:00

Don't you ever feel like you need a change? Often, when I feel this need for change, I go get a new hair style or change hair color, since these are easy to change. Making changes to one's life isn't an easy task. Change is hard. It's tedious no matter how we look at it, plus we don't like changing our habits too much.

I've been thinking about this blog. I have 1, 012 (including this one) posts. I've changed looks a few times, even change the title once, but what I post about hasn't changed that much. This has always been a place where I related my stories, my life, sometimes in a funny way, sometimes more seriously. I've been told at times I shared too much information, or that I was "too much" for work (whatever that means). In all my posts, despite what it may look like, I've always tried to refrain my true nature, that side of me who in real life, calls things as she sees it, swears and is even crude. If you've been reading me for a while now, you do know I am direct. I don't beat around the bush. I hate to waste time with futility.

Tonight we got together with an ex-colleague visiting from out of town, which we hadn't seen since 1996. We caught up, it was nice to see her again. Some people came out of the woodwork for the occasion. One guy showed up and we hadn't seen him in twelve years or so. Within minutes of sitting together he said something to which I commented, without batting an eye. I don't really remember exactly what it was, but according to him it wasn't too nice. What can I say, if you open a double garage door expect me to drive in for sure!

That being said, I think it's time for me to post things I've been thinking about but at times held back because I was afraid to lose readers. I've lost most of my readers because I don't post as often as I used to. I will not be changing the color or the display of my blog, but the way I post might change so don't be surprise if you find I'm a little more raw, 'cause I might be. I won't be doing it on purpose, but I feel that I need to post real things, how I feel them and not auto-censured.

I don't know if this makes any sense, but then again it is here, so it will go with the rest.

Your Friday Smile!

2011-05-20T00:02:00.027-04:00

In an alcohol factory the regular taster died and the director was in urgent need of looking for a replacement.

A drunkard with ragged, dirty look came to apply for the position. The director of the factory wondered how to send him away. They tested him.

They gave him a glass with a drink. He tried it and said, "It's red wine, a muscat, three years old, grown on a north slope, matured in steel containers."
"That's correct", said the boss.

Another glass. "It's red wine, cabernet, eight years old, a south-western slope, oak barrels."
"Correct."

A third glass. ''It's champagne, high grade and exclusive'' calmly said the drunk.

The director was astonished. He winked at his secretary to suggest something.
She brought in a glass of urine. The alcoholic tried it.

"It's a blonde, 26 years old, pregnant in the third month. And if you don't give me the job, I'll name the father!"

* * *
Now, for my blends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.

As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom,
In water there is bacteria.

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) - bacteria found in faeces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop..

However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember:
Water = Poop,
Wine = Health.
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information:

I'm doing it as a public service!

Cheers & happy Friday!

Sometimes you just have to admit it is weird.

2011-05-19T00:38:00.000-04:00

For some strange reason, since I've posted this on this other blog, I can't stop thinking about going shopping for some marbles or in my case, I'd get some bubble gums rather than marbles... weird huh?

Since his last exam, the lumps the vet felt and saw on x-rays seem to have disapeared, at least to the feel and despite his not drinking nor eating dry food, our cat is doing good with his meds and wet food alone... weird huh?

Why is it that all instruments created to find "intelligent life" are pointed "AWAY" from Earth... weird huh?

Despite my best effort, I just can't seem to say no to potential client... weird huh?

I have nothing else, sorry. That's not so weird, is it?

Your Friday Smile!

2011-05-13T00:06:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd share, just in case...

Have a good one!

Yes, that's me right this moment!

2011-05-10T17:42:00.000-04:00

This is how I'm feeling just now. Yep, I'm happy. What can I say, shit does happen!

I received two phone calls this afternoon which made my day, not to say my week, if not more.

The accountant of a client I've been trying to let go called telling me how much he enjoyed my work. (Can you hear me purr, right about now?) Since he liked the way I did things, he referred me to a client of his. Plus, he offered me a percentage on clients I would refered to him for accounting. I do bookkeeping not accounting. He wants us to meet and discuss different options. Interesting.

The accountant of another client (who I've been thinking of letting go as well) also called and only had good words about my work.

These twoo calls came in at a moment when I needed to hear something good. I needed this positive reinforcement. Being told by a client they appreciate what I do is one thing, but being told by these two men (which I've never even met), was all the feedback I needed.

Don't Be Cruel...

2011-05-09T02:19:00.000-04:00

At times things will happen and one can't help but wonder, how can we, as people, do something like this? I've been wondering this about many things. Man in one cruel creature.

We all have heard how horrible war is, how man will act under duress, how our true nature will come out. I guess I do understand someone defending its life. I never understood (and probably never will, either) why someone has this need to take it out on someone weaker than him/her. When I think of the horrors of civil wars, of people turning on each other because of "power" and such, it makes my stomach turn. I also don't understand why someone would be mean to animals. I'm not talking about being faced by a lion in a jungle and killing it (and that happens on a regular basis to many of us, anyway!), no, I'm talking about animal cruelty in general. We all heard horror stories about puppy mills, and those kennels where they train fighting dogs, or animal neglect. It's common.

Not everybody is an animal lover, I get that. Just like not everyone is a kid lover. Not wanting an animal as a pet is one thing, but being cruel to an animal is another one completely. Pets are, in my book, the purest form of unconditional love one can get, and that is priceless. They don't care if you are fat, have tattoos, no job, lots of money or whatever else. You show them some care, attention, feed them, and they will be your friend.

Last week I saw a newscast about this place/pound called "Berger Blanc", and how badly they are treating animals. To say the least, it made me mad. They have a mandate with our city for animal control. Strays or animals people want to get rid of are brought there to either be adopted or put down. Supposedly, when a pet is lost, one could get it back from that place. Not only do they not help reunite lost pets with their owners, but they expedite the process to euthanize pets.

Every year, when July 1st comes around, our National Moving Day, many pets are left behind by their owners. These pets are often brought to "Berger Blanc" to be put down. It's no longer convenient to own a pet, it's getting too old, or just because it's not as much fun as one had hope, plus it's a lot of work, so these responsible pet owners simply decide to get rid of their pet. It pisses me off to see how little people respect animals. A pet is not a disposable good.

I've posted links about the news report on my Bacefook page as well as a link for a petition going around to shut them down. Their treatments of animals is simply inhumane. The owners of that place should be charged with criminal charges and severely fined. In the newscast they show an employee who laughed and really didn't care about the pets. He should be charged as well. That level of savagery was/is scary.

Some people will say "come on, they're only animals who had no chance anyway". These animals didn't have to suffer that way. When I look at my old cat, I can't even phantom the idea of having him suffer. I've been feeling sad about the idea of having to put him down (when the time comes), but seeing the horrible deaths some animals had to go through makes me shiver. I woudn't want to see anyone suffer like that, in those conditions. How can someone not care so much?

Thinking about this, I've realised not only the employees of that place are heartless, but they people who abandonned their pets as well. It is too easy to get rid of pet in our society. When Hubby and I decided to adopt our cat (sixteen years ago) we made a commitment. We would take care of him until he died. I wasn't getting a cat only because it was so darn cute as a kitten. I wanted a companion, and I have a great one.

I've been wondering, for some, if it would be as easy to get rid of a child, if some people would? I have this strange feeling that some people might. After all, it is a lot of work to raise a child, plus it's costly. At times, it can also be inconvenient. I know, some people will get upset about how I compare my pet to their child. But if we're honest with ourselves, we will admit that some people would, if they could get away with it. Some people have shown as much cruelty to their kids. We've only heard about those who did get caught, so there are some more out there.

Why is it we can not treat life (all lives) as the sacred thing it is? How can we be so disconnected from our feelings that being cruel to another living doesn't bother us? We live in a sad world... there's no doubt about that...
___
Image

One of the (many) newscast