It's been too long...

 It has been a long while since my last post, and yet it doesn't feel like that long ago...  Time does fly, even if we're not having fun, it has one speed, one motion: forward.

Health wise I'm doing good overall, nothing worst than the usual pains and aches which often come with aging...  The last few days I've been having one "symptom" that is bothering me...  After coming in for outside, it's been twice now that I'm really having some vision issues.  You know after you've been "flashed" and you see spots for a few minutes?  It started like that yesterday afternoon, after having spent some time outside with the pooch, when I came in I was seeing spots.  Given that it was sunny and bright out, I didn't think much of it until the spots started changing to stripes, like zebra lines going and going.  I could walk and such, but could not really read nor look into a mirror - it made me dizzy.  After an hour or so I didn't notice it anymore.

Today, I sat outside some, in the shade (I can't do sun much anymore... the joy of getting old...er, urgh) and when I came in I was seeing "stairs" like pattern, but mostly in my right eye... that lasted a good 45 minutes to an hour...   I just got back from being outside, and my eyes are ok, I'm wondering if it is related to my glasses as both previous times I was wearing my glasses, which are for reading and do transit darker whenever in the sun...  Anyway, I've made a note of these "events" and will tell my neuro when I see him next... could be nothing or something related to MS.  We'll see. Ah!

I don't have a migraine, I'm feeling good, no nausea... just seeing weird moving patterns in one eye... fun!

During my last outing with the pooch, I lay down under the gazebo and listened to the noise around us.  Since living here, we've noticed that during the day it is VERY quiet as well as after 9pm...  Summer noises are very different from Winter ones, and this goes for smells as well.  Hubby often calls me "bloodhound"... I smell things... must have been a dog in a previous life...  

Rather than hearing the humming of the A/C, I heard the 640 traffic a few streets over...

Rather than hearing ice cubes falling in the ice bucket, I heard a kid plunked in a pool...

Rather that hearing my husband blow his nose for the xth time, I heard birds chirping...

After hearing the loud noise of a mower, I could smell the fresh cut grass... nothing says summer more than that.  After hearing my neighbor coughing, I could smell the joint he just lit... oh wait that's not just a summer smell...  After hearing the nails of my pooch going up and down the stairs from the patio to the door, I could hear her bark at the neighbor's cat taunting her by the fence...

So, life is good.  Despite the heat wave and humidex through the roof, I will take that over winter any day  Love having my toes out, in flipflops, and this even if my feet are always cold.  I'm not crazy about doing sweet nothing and sweating, or sweating so much my glasses fog up or slide down my nose... I will admit not being a big fan of gardening, I hate bugs and this year my lilies have been eaten, almost cut all of them off... beurk...  My planters are doing well and love seeing those colorful flowers, so pretty. 

Keeping busy with the few clients I've kept and doing this and that... like painting rocks, organizing a virtual meetup to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Postcrossing... yep, I still do the postcards thing.  I will admit that I'm sending less these days since the prices of stamps went up... it's getting to be an expensive hobby, but I still enjoy it!  Still selling postcards as well.  I'm importing less from the States since things are nuts over that side of the border since their last election it did NOT get any better!  Haven't traveled and not planning anything either... Home is the place to be for both (or rather all three) of us!

And voilà, this was my little update in the world of Stinkypaw! 😏

Day Nine - Popular Renovations Chronicles

 And so another week started in the Popular Renovations.   Actually, last night we felt an earthquake, a 3.7 magnitude, and in the area of... Terrebonne! 

Talk about some weird luck, if after all the renovations we were to be hit by an earthquake. If you're curious, listen to this seismologist with Natural Resources Canada:
https://omny.fm/shows/cjad-800/did-you-feel-the-earthquake  It was a small one, but we sure heard and felt the house shake!

Today, was delivery of all cabinets, etc.  We went from somewhat livable to this...

This is for the Kitchen... alone...

This is for my office...

this is for the Bathroom...

Can I say claustrophobia wasn't an issue when we started this project, but I might be slowly starting to feel it?  I sure feel "cozy" at the moment... I look around and have no idea who the guys are going to do to install it all when there is barely any room left for them to move...  The two men who delivered it all commented that "normally" they deliver about thirty to forty cabinets.  Today they brought in over sixty-two not counting the planks, etc.  I guess it IS a BIG job!  Crazy and somewhat overwhelming... but I trust things to keep on moving the way they have this far...  Stay tune!

This and That... mostly in front of the TV

Well hello there!  Fancy finding you here, or is that me?  Life is relatively good on this side of the screen.  I'm keeping busy with this and that.  Not always obvious, but it's good nonetheless.

Weather went from Fall to Summer back to Fall almost, in a matter of a week.  I went from legging to shorts and flip flops, with even a sun burn, thank you very much! -  back to legging with socks!  Last night we had a big storm, the summer kind, with thunder and lightning.  It had been a long time since I heard the gods this angry!

I haven't been watching the news much, so, I do know some black man was killed by a police officer while others were standing by, and that there was a walk with looting... that's all I know, and that's ok.  I'm saturated by it all.  By the media pushing down our throats all this bullshit no matter what its covering, the virus, the useless death of a man, the violence, all of it is just too much.  I saw the speech Killer Mike gave in Atlanta, so well spoken.  I don't agree with everything he said, but a lot of it made sense.  These are crazy times.  We are all feeling it on different levels, we're all affected and even infected by the craziness of it all.  Sad times really.

In order to escape our shitty reality, I asked Hubby to dig out my Harry Potter books, last week.  I'm already on book 3, and man oh man, I still love it!  So much imagination and like someone who sent me a Potter postcard wrote me recently, it would be nice to have such magic in our lives.   We've been watching a lot of television, some shows, caught a few (read quite a few) new series (like "Hunters", "Dead To Me", "Defending Jacob", "Dead Still", "A Discovery of Witches") and watched many movies.  Watched "The Art of Racing in the Rain", which I knew nothing about, but when I saw that Milo V. played in it I decided to watch it, and i cried! Lots!  I will try to find the book and read that. A good cry for sure, and I know, like always, the book will be way better than the movie!

Tonight, we watched "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas".  What a movie that was.  Yes it is about WWII, about the Nazis, but it made me (us, really!) think about those kids (on either sides), the wives and relatives of those officers, something I had never really thought of before...  That too, I will watch again.  Some movies felt like we were robbed of two hours we would never get back, but others, were worth the time to watch them for sure.  One that was weird was "I See You", twisted and yet, to think that someone could slip into our home, and live hiding in our house without us knowing... that is one scary thought!

In case you're wondering about my hair, it is growing (fast), so I've booked myself an appointment with my hairdresser (for when she will reopen) for a cut, but I haven't decided if I want to stay salt and pepper...  Some days I think, nah, don't like it, and others I don't care... so maybe once I have an actual cut (whatever she will be able to do with what I'll have by then) I won't mind the grey so much?  I always thought Jamie Lee Curtis looked great with her grey hair...

So who knows, maybe I'll like it too?  Started "socializing" some.  Went for a walk, with a freaking mask (because my friend insisted!) which I hate wearing BTW, and it was nice to talk to someone in front of me that wasn't my husband.  He's the one who goes out and does all errands, so I haven't seen many real people in the past few months, other than him.  I went out again, with another friend, also for a walk (that is when I got my sun burn), but without a mask this time.  We saw so many people, walking in cluster, no social distance at all, very few were wearing masks, and often those who were weren't wearing them correctly.  If you're going to put a mask on, then put it on you nose and mouth, not your chin or throat.  Like those morons who are alone in their car with a mask on... really?  Do they also wear a condom when masturbating?  Just as stupid!

This whole pandemic, real or not (many conspiracies theories out there) was a major clusterfuck on many levels.  It has affected not only our morals, but hurt everyone.  Our economy hurts and will hurt for some time, some businesses closed and won't reopen, it sucks on more level than one.  The worst of it all, is that we're being fed whatever the government and the Powers That Be wants us to "know" or "think" and that is scary.  We can have those numbers say what the heck we want, and make us fearful... a great way to control the mass... 

OK I will stop here, enough.  Stay safe people!

Quarantine Time

Almost two weeks since my last post, two weeks of all we hear about is this pandemic of COVID 19, two weeks (if not more) of:  wash your hands often, sneeze or cough in a tissue or the bend of your arm, avoid touching your face, do the social distancing, isolate, and yet...

Today was a pleasant day, cool but sunny, great time to open the windows and air out the house some.  Many of us have been in isolation, or self quarantine, staying home as it was "requested" by our government.  Having our windows open meant that we could hear the birds chirping, the geese coming back and announcing their return and of course, kids screeching in the back yard.  At first, I thought "signs that Spring is on its way" (even if it snowed all day a few days ago), but then,  I went all...

Why the fuck are there more than one kids playing together outside?  What is it about limiting contacts with other these parents did not understand?  They closed schools, and a shitload of others places to avoid crowded places and/or non-essential gatherings, and yet some thought it was ok for their kids to play together? Really?  Like I often say, the scary part is that those people, those thinking people do reproduce!  Come on!  Do they think this virus only attacks old folks, that anyone below seventy is safe from it or something? 

I know older people might not get the seriousness of it all, I get that.  Maybe it is because they know their ticket is closer to expiration than younger folks, but still, it is no reason to be carefree about this.  Talking with my mother, I realized that she doesn't grasp the extent of it all.  Sure she says its horrible and how scary it is, but at the same time, after being away to the States for six months, she came back - because she rather be sick at home than in the States and since they were not allowed to gather together for their daily activities (cards, bingo, shuffleboard, etc.) what was the point to remain there - the same day she got back she went back out to do her groceries.  She had nothing home, she had been gone for six months.  When I reminded her that she should self-isolate her answer was: I'm not sick, and needed food!

Yeah ok, like I wrote before, she's one who reproduced, too!

I will NOT write about Trump, it's useless and too ridiculous to be believable.  I've seen people  (on the web and TV) who with gloves and a mask on, will remove their mask to lick a finger... just as bad as this official

I will admit, the one thing I'm having a hard time with not touching my face.  I'm realizing that's a habit I have, like biting my nails, also not so great these days...or any other days really! I'm trying to keep my hands busy and away from my face, but I often catch myself with a finger in my mouth...

Other than that all is good.  I will most likely look like a sasquatch by the time the hair salons reopen - I needed a haircut a few weeks ago already, so it will not be a luxury but a necessity by the time I go!

Hope everyone is safe and healthy, and please try to stay the fuck home.

Co... co...coincidence? Hmm...

Oh wow, it's been a while since I last wrote.  Must be because February was such a short month, even with its extra day this year!

I've decided to write something because the Coronavirus/COVID-19 has reach the pandemic level, according to WHO.  It is scary shit when you think of all the ways it has been spreading, and yet, somehow, I can't help and think of how irrational we've become.

When I heard on the news that there was a riot at a Costco because people were stocking up on toilet paper, I had the same reaction as this meme...

When I heard about how to prevent infection, and spreading the virus, I pretty much felt like this little girl...

People are scaring me, really.  Can't help and wonder why do people freak out about this (don't get me wrong, it is serious as a virus can be), why is washing our hands or using a tissue or covering our mouth when sneezing in our elbow, or even stay home when ill is new to people.  There is nothing worst than having a coworker sick at work, spreading his/her germs all over.  I've always hated that, and have been avoiding those (sick) people for many years now. 

People are over reacting on many levels and worst of all are not consistent in their thinking (or lack thereof).  Picture this:  someone goes to class, twice a week, and there is about twenty people attending.  There's often one or two people sneezing or coughing during those hours sitting together. The news tell people to stay home, to avoid crowd.  When you see that professional hockey, baseball, soccer leagues are playing their games without any spectators one has to think this is serious.  Our St-Patrick's Day Parade, in Montreal,  has been postponed, our 197th edition!  Imagine that!  I've read on Bacefook that our borough has closed our library, sports and cultural centers until further notice, this is getting big.  So when a student ask a teacher if he/she can be excused due to the potential contamination happening in class, it makes sense, right?

But does it?  That same student will not stop going to restaurants, movie theaters, supermarkets, shopping centers or other public places where more than twenty people are, nor will he/she not use the public transports which are most likely used by more than twenty people per day.  For some strange reason that student won't think of that, and will be the first one to skip class because come on, wouldn't want to catch this terrible virus.

I've heard some racist comments about it all, and that too did not (really) surprise me.  It is sad to see places like in Rome without tourists, it looks like a ghost town. I guess overall we are lucky not to have had too many cases (yet).  Just read a headline that schools are closing today... It is getting really freaky PLUS it's on Friday the 13th...  is that a coincidence?

Stay safe people, stay home at worst (or best), working from home does have its advantages!

And don't forget to wash your hands and do not touch your face! But please, pretty please, do remain calm and try not to fret or worst, freak out.

Countdown to Half a Century...

It has begun!  I've been counting the days before I hit that milestone, the BIG 5-0, and I'm not even thinking of Hawai'i, my big 5-0!

In nineteen days I will turn fifty.  I thought that writing it down might make a difference, nope, still cringes... I know it is just a number.  I also know that I don't look it, or feel it - but, depending at what time you ask me that question, you will get a different answer, that's for sure.

In thirteen dodos we are leaving for the sunny beach of Punta Cana, in Dominican Republic, at least I'm hoping it will be sunny, because I sure need to crash on the beach and do nothing but decide with bathing suit to put on and what drink to order!  I always thought I would celebrate my passage to being half a century...  I've celebrated my 30th and my 40th, in style, you know, renting a room, DJ, catering, the whole shebang... My fiftieth (yuck, ugly looking word!) I thought I would celebrate in Disney, but turned out to be too expensive and I/we had different priorities, like getting this place organized...  I would have loved to be surrounded with friends and enjoy it all but instead Hubby and I will crash for a week in an all inclusive, which we haven't done in a few years, by ourselves.  It will be nice to recup together, he needs it more than me since he's been working hard lately. He's being pulled in different directions by many people, and he's not really wired to manage it all that well.  He likes his peace and quiet, and lately he hasn't been getting much of that.  He feels like a pooper scooper at even if that can make one feel good at times, it can be very tiresome as well.

Talking with Hubby earlier, we realized that we haven't been to a beach (read sea or ocean) for a good two years.  We were by the water in Bodø (Norway), but it was so friggin' cold it's not like we swim or anything of the sort.  I did go to Rimouski in June, but that as well wasn't really the best condition for a fun time at the beach... 

This summer I swam once, in a pool in July and it was friggin' cold that one time.  Did it anyway, because I like water that much, but time was not wasted between the pool and going in that night, that's for sure!  We are well past our expiration date in regards to some fun in the sand.  Time for me to build something, like a turtle or a Hawaiian Sandwoman... I just love the feel of soft sand in my hands or between my toes...  As Young Dory says: "I like sand. Sand is squishy."  Then again, I've recently watched a short movie made by the daughter of a friend (you can check it out here, very well made and quite interesting) where she talked about Tardigrades, those little water bears that live in the sand, reads all cute but I think I won't be able to help myself and think about them all as I crash upon them...

All in all, my brain has been on overdrive for some time now, and getting away, if only for one week, will do me good. Being away from a computer will also be a good thing for me.  As we are about to enter week 46 of this year 2016 - and a big week this will be as well, with the American Election Day on Tuesday - I can only sit here and wonder not only where did those past fifty years go to, but this past year seems to have gone by as one big blur as well...  Many things came and went at us in 2016 and the year is not over yet:  just this coming week, I have to visit my osteo, then my neurologist, then my dentist to have two crowns put in (can you hear the cash register?!), then next week it will be the hairdresser, annual check up with our family doctor and the esthetician. 

I did laugh when I saw this picture, even if I don't shave (I wax), this image feels true.  Since I'm thinking of joining the Y this winter, that might not work for me, darn!, but still love that image.  Another pleasure of aging is those hairs growing on my chin... never had that before, now every now and then I have to pluck one dark one away... strange and oh so ugly!

Before I get in the TMI space, I shall close.  I do find that people are over sensitive about every little damn thing.  It's unreal how you can not say anything without someone being offended or frustrated.  It's ridiculous.

I miss the days when as kids we were afraid of strangers and/or neighbors, not because they would abduct or hurt us, but because they represented authority and that was respected.  They could and would tell us to get lost or to go plain somewhere else, and we did without crying to our parents about it.  We feared authority and showed respect towards it.  Nowadays nobody says anything.  The kids, read brats, run the world and it's normal. Argh!  Nobody respects anyone no more.  We're all afraid to say something when we see something that is wrong, like a kid who won't give up his seat on the bus for an elderly, nobody says anything. A few years ago, we would have gotten a smack behind the head for remaining seated.  Times have changed.  I have grown old...er... and one thing for sure, I'm damn happy not to have had any kid.  I wouldn't want to be raising kids today.  I'm not saying that we should hit kids (well... no, I'm not!) but we should teach them to respect others and their elders.  I hate it now, when I speak (French) with a young person and they use "tu" (informal way to address someone) rather than "vous" (formal way to address).  It's a little thing but it does make such a difference, it creates a little gap, a little difference, it shows some form of respect. 

O.M.G. I read like such an old broad!  OK time to close up, and go drink my cup of hot tea...  Geez...

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

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.

Don't Be Cruel...

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

Apocalypse now? Or later?

I remember back in 1999, how everyone was talking about the Y2K Bug.  It was such a big thing... For being in the computing industry by association (read marriage) I understood the implications it represented.  I never really thought of 2000 as the end of the world, even if I did get married (ha!).  I remember my husband storing batteries, candles, canned goods and such, "just in case".  He did have a shock that New Year's Eve, when I proposed, but other than that it was just another calendar year ending and starting.

If you're one to believe in signs then you might be a little nervous, I know I would be.  Since I first heard the news about the hundreds of dead birds I've been wondering what could have caused that.  It is a strange occurrence, no matter what the authorities may say, I don't think it's normal for birds to fall out of the sky like that.  Or maybe they do?   Today I've heard that thousands of crabs washed ashore on UK.  WTH?

It is strange there's no doubt about that.  Is it a sign of an upcoming apocalypse? I'm not so sure.  Maybe these are signs that we have seriously messed up Mother Nature, and thus this is what's happening.  This could be her way of showing us that were are seriously fouling things up and there are repercussion to our careless actions.  Maybe these occurrences are what we need in order to react and actually do something instead of simply talking about doing something and theorizing about what should be done.  We all know what needs to be done, all our actions count, and yet we all think "How can I make a difference, I'm alone, so why bother?"  I've heard many people say that.  I do believe in the power of one, yes, one person can make a difference.  I don't want to wait for others to do something, I do my part.  Maybe my thinking is wrong, maybe it is a lost cause, time will tell, or actually time is starting to tell?  Hubby has told me, as he takes out our recycling bin, he thinks it's all a scam that despite the recycling pick up there's nothing really happening with it all.  Maybe he's right, but still, I want us to do our share.  Maybe it is only to ease my conscience, to feel like we're doing something.

I know not everyone believes in global warming - I'm not even sure I do - but nobody can't deny there are serious changes in nature, going from temperature changes, to dead animals popping up around the world.  I remember when we had winter, with lots of snow and all the joys of that season.  In recent years our winters have warmed up, a lot.  It snows in places where it rarely does and it doesn't in places where cold should be.  It is sad to see the world we knew change this way, don't you think?

Smoking hot!

I rarely watched the news, I’m not up on politics nor do I care about it much. If you’re a regular, you must have noticed, not many political posts here, if any. I don’t read the newspaper either. I get the news while driving, and since I don’t drive everyday, well… you get the picture.

Last night before going to bed, I saw on the news that our lovely government had a new law coming in effect that day (May 31st): The Tobacco Act. Imagine this, we, in Québec, now have a law OBLIGING retailers to HIDE their cigarettes from customers. Yes, you read that correctly, the cigarettes have to be hidden! Only the store clerk can see them. I just can’t believe it. How ridiculous is this?

I’m not even thinking about the rights of the smokers and all that, I’m simply thinking that it is SAD that a society needs such laws. I’ve always thought that we suffer a lot from the lack of personal accountability, or the “mama bird syndrome” as we like to call it. What do I mean by that? Mama Bird goes out and gets food for her babies. Not only does she catch it but she also eats it and regurgitates into the babies’ mouths. Not only the little ones don’t have to think about getting food or how to do it, but they get fed at home… all they have to do is swallow! That’s how we are. We don’t think for ourselves anymore, we’re no longer responsible of our actions or lack there of… We just expect society to take care of us.

Why is it that we are at a point in time when basically must have our government think for us? Why can’t we assume the fact that if we do something there are consequences for that action? If you smoke, it’s your choice. You should be aware enough (I didn’t use the word “intelligent” here, because that would be assuming a lot) that there might be some consequences to that action. It’s not like it’s not publicize enough that smoking causes lung cancer. If you choose to ignore that, for whatever reason, that’s your choice. You also then forfeit your right to complain.

Is the government thinking that by hiding the cigarettes people will forget to smoke? Or that being hidden those little coffin nails it will not incite kids to pick up the habit? We, as humans, have been smoking for ages. It’s not by creating such a law that it will keep people who truly want to smoke to do so. It’s a choice people make.

What’s next, the stores will have to hide all cakes and items containing cholesterol, in order to “help” people with weight/health issues? I just can’t get over how ridiculous this is… Is it just me…?

Indecent Exposure to Cars

Last summer I posted something about all the activities we have in the summer in Montreal. I heard of a new one happening this weekend and I just think it’s too funny.

Last weekend was the “Tour de l’île de Montréal”; some streets were closed for this annual event. It went on for a few days, with a night tour, a tour for kids, than on Sunday it was the Big tour – over 30,000 cyclists took part in this. It’s been happening for years. We did it once. Way too many people for my taste, but I’m happy I experienced it at least once.

On Saturday, Montreal will be the host of its first “World Naked Bike Ride”! Yep. You read correctly. I knew we were an open city, that we have an open mind (I think it’s the French thing), but I had no idea we were that “open”. All around the world, cyclists will ride naked on Saturday.

This should be an interesting sight. I wonder if the chafing will be an issue for some? Will they put something on their saddle to prevent it? All this to be heard (I guess I should say "seen") for a cause: protesting oil dependency.
I do think it’s a good cause, but I can’t help to wonder if it’s really to attract attention to the cause or to simply ride a bike naked?

The Montreal Police and City Officials said they would not interfere with the naked cyclists.

Check out their website: World Naked Bike Ride , maybe they’ll be riding in your city as well…

Check this one as well, and read some of the FAQs, too funny.

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Image: WNBR

Ça bouge!*

Last Monday I wrote about our situation with the in-laws, how I felt somewhat guilty about not really wanting to put our life on the back burner, and how we’ve been working on something for a while… Well, that went from “up in the air” idea to full-blown plan!

You see on Feb. 23rd a real estate agent came in to evaluate our house following a cold call that I actually didn’t dismiss. On the 25th, he was presenting us his evaluation and plan. On March 4th we drove around to see where we could live if we were to sell the house. On the 8th we met with the bank for the mortgage and on the 10th made a conditional offer on a brand new condo that is being built.

On the 12th we met with a second agent (yes, we are the type who do “shop” for an agent. We wanted somebody who would represent us well…) and got a really good vibe from her, but she was leaving on Spring break with her kids. On March 19th, we received a call from the builder of the condo; they had a buyer who wanted the unit we had “reserved” and had no condition. We had 48 hours to remove our condition of purchase (to sell our house first!). Our house wasn’t even on the market yet! Can you spell “panic”?

On the 20th we met with the agent that we preferred and put our house up for sale at about 4pm. On the 21st we had to advise the contractor that we were removing our offer on the condo – the other people could have it – we would “reserve” the last unit they had. Hopefully that one we will manage to sell our house before the contractor gets another “firm” buyer.

In between the preparation for staging the house, the putting away / sorting out stuff, and the daily viewing, I’ve been feeling a little like a pooch chasing my tale… and I’m starting to run out of breath… but it’s all soooo exciting!

By Saturday 5pm and we’ve had 8 visits! Everyone seemed to think that we have a great house; we are getting a lot of compliments about how clean it is, etc. On Sunday we were having an open house. When our agent arrived she informed us that we had received two offers, even before the open house which brought us 12 visits!

This is good - very good - Now let’s see if we can agree on a price…

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On a totally different subject: Last night we went to see "Wild Hogs" - if you're looking for good laughs, that is the movie to see - it's a must - trust me!

*It's moving!

Reasonable or not?

I’ve always thought of Montreal as a good melting pot. We have a very varied population, and we seemed to get along. Yes, there are language issues, but that’s always been there and I think it will always be. Growing up we used to fight; the blokes vs. the frogs. That was normal, for me at least, growing up in Little Burgundy.

Lately there’s a lot of talk about “accomodement raisonnable” (I don’t know the exact term used in English to talk about this, “reasonable arrangement” ) . About a month ago, a local survey showed that 59% of Quebecois thought they were racists. I’m not really surprised by the results (especially not after this year’s experience for the Christmas Basket); they just reflect the issues we might be having towards some minorities. I’m wondering if we are really racists or simply fed up of trying to accommodate different ethnic groups. These issues have been getting to a lot of us. Are we scared of giving up too much, of losing ourselves in this process of accommodating the new comers to Canada? I realise that the events of September 11th affected a lot the way people see Muslims or at least, people from Muslim countries. We have these misconceptions about them all being terrorists. We watched a show about the survey results and the different issues Quebec’s population have with different ethnic groups. It was interesting (for lack of a better term) to see what people thought and what disturbed them.

A Muslim woman, wearing a veil, had a valid point: whom does it bother that she wears a veil? Some were saying we are a culture where women has reached a certain point in society and for a woman to cover her head is like taking a step back vis-à-vis men in general. If that woman had green hair one week and blue the following nobody would be offended or threatened by it, so why is the veil so upsetting? On the other hand, when asked why she was wearing the veil she couldn’t really explain it besides saying it was her choice and belief (not very convincing).

We recently had a case in Montreal where a Muslim woman swimming at a public pool, asked the father of a child who was taking a swim class at the same time, to leave the pool. She didn’t want to swim in front of him, for religious beliefs. The man refused to leave. And I think he did the right thing. Cases like that are more and more heard of.

There is this feeling, this anger brewing around that is making a lot of people uncomfortable. Some push it to the limit, like the town of Herouxville who came out with their set of rules forbidding the weirdest things, in case some immigrants chose their town to immigrate to. Hearing the City Counsellor talk about it made my skin crawled – so much ignorance is scary, and yet some of his points were valid. (Read more about it, here)

Until recently I didn’t really care about the separation of state and church. Now I do. I’m realising that too many things we do are related to religion and often we don’t even question it. I believe in respecting others and their beliefs. Most importantly I respect the fact that we all are different. I actually love that diversity. I’m curious about other cultures, religions and would love to know more about them.

If only we could all agree to disagree and try to adapt. Like Ceasar said so well: “When in Rome, do as the Roman do...”

What do you think?

Image: Hate

WTF is going on in the world today?

While in line to get my driver’s license renewed, a young woman came in with this scared look on her face; she was trembling and dialling on her cell. She said that there was a shooting at Dawson College, downtown Montreal.

On my way home, I heard on the radio and now on basically every local channels that about 2 hours ago (at around 12:30 – 13:00) a white man in his twenties, wearing a black trench coat walked in the Atrium (cafeteria) of the college and randomly started shooting.

From different reports, and eyewitnesses, there might have been two gunmen. We don’t know anything for sure, but the description given by most present, is of this white guy, dressed in black with a mohawk. They reported that the police shot him, but everything is so chaotic at the moment that we don't know for sure if he was he alone. So far the news officially reported 6 people in critical condition, 2 in serious and 4 in stable. They haven’t confirm the number of dead yet, if any.

Just in case, concerned families should call: 514.280.2880 if they haven’t heard from their kids or loved one who do attend Dawson.

Dawson, is a Cegep (cegep, in Québec, is where we go after high-school which represents the 12th and 13th grade), after cegep we go to university. Dawson is one of the few English colleges we have in Montreal. It has a student body of 10,000.

I grew up in that area of town, and to see students running out of the building in tears, running for cover, and all over the place, gave me goose bumps! WTF is happening with the world? This is completely crazy!

This is so reminding me of December 6th, 1989 when a crazed gunman, Marc Lépine, entered l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, and shot women. He killed 14 women that evening and wounded just as many. Or when Valery Fabrikant, mechanical eng. teacher at Concordia Univeristy opened fired on his colleagues, killing 4 of them, on August 24, 1992.

WTF is wrong with people? Kids taking guns and shooting people, just like Columbine in 1999, we are reaching a seriously fucked up point in time… I just don’t get it… what a mess!
This is the type of things you hear about on the news, and have this twisted feeling of guilt almost that “at least” it’s not “here”, it’s happening somewhere else, but lately the “not here” is starting to feel like it’s getting darn close… What is up with that?

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UPDATE: Here are some (personal) pictures of the shooter: Kimveer Gill. Sickening.

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UPDATE 2: One young girl, 18 years old, Anastasia De Sousa died yesterday. And 20 others were wounded. Read more about it here, or here.

My thoughts are with the De Sousa family and friends.

Five years already

I will always remember being in bed when a friend called me to let me know that a plane had crashed into a tower in New York. I turned on the television and watched, and then the second plane hit… That was the end of the world, as we knew it…

For the last couple of days we’ve been bombarded with newscast and images of the terrible events that happened five years ago. I still get chills when I see these images, and yet a part of me has become almost “use to it”, and that part scares me. How is it that something so horrible can become something so… so… commercialize?

Yes, we must remember that horrible day; yes, we have to talk about it, but at the same time I’m afraid that by overdoing it we are making it not matter as much… Five years ago we all got scared, deep down, at our core, we realised that we lived in a world where terrorism could touch us as well, it wasn’t only happening “over there”, but it was happening here as well, and that was a very scary realisation. We all wanted to get involved, we were all shaken up, horrified and yet our lives took over. We didn’t change anything in the end. And the world is still as crappy as ever.

If remembering September 11 only serves one thing, may it be to remind us of those resolutions we made following the events of 2001. We should never become use to seeing war, bombings and the horror that has been surrounding us lately. We have to remain horrified and never let violence become a casual thing. Let’s not wait for other events to wake us up or for other lives to be lost before doing something about it.

Now, if only I knew what it is that we could do…

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Photo: Can't remember where I took it from... sorry...

Mates I will be missing...

This weekend I’ve lost 2 guys that I truly enjoyed watching for very different reasons.

The first one, I’ve been watching for years, I even had a crush on him in his younger days that turned into respect for the man he was becoming. If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking about Andre Agassi…

Yesterday I got all choked up when I heard his farewell to his fans after his match against Benjamin Becker, at the US Open. When he said that the scoreboard showed that he had lost, but it didn’t show what he had won… that got to me. That man truly loved what he did and for that alone I admire him!

I will sure miss his attitude, his sense of style, his amazing returns, and his hairstyles, his wives (C’mon! How many men can say that they married Brooke Shields and Steffi Graf!?) and to top it off he seems to be a good person.

Like his coach and friend, Darren Cahill, said yesterday he would come to be remembered "as one of the all-time sporting greats, so not just a great in tennis but in all sports".

I sure will miss watching him play!

The other one, well, it’s a whole different style, but "Crikey!" I liked him in his own special way. I’m talking about the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.

I didn’t have a crush on him or anything, and yes I thought he was a buffoon at times, but at the same time I could see that this man really loved nature and all animals… He was the real deal. He shares his passion with his wife Terri and their kids. I was stunned (no pun intended) this morning when I heard of his death, and then I thought that it must have been the best way to go for him, doing something he truly enjoyed...

On his web site you can read what his producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today, “The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!”

I will miss his energy and passion and my thoughts are with his family – I’m sure he will leave a big void!

...they both will, each in their own special way...
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Photos: Agassi & Croc Hunter

The Daughter of a Soldier

I wanted to post the content of an e-mail I received from a friend in Vancouver, whose son is in the Canadian Army. The message she sent was heart warming, especially following the events of last few days…

Her son is in training in Petawawa, Ont. – part of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. Read more about this regiment here.

Unlike a lot of my American friends I never really felt patriotic as such. Like I wrote in the e-mail I sent out yesterday to a bunch of Canadian friends, I don’t really have an opinion pro or con the military – I do about war, but that’s a whole other story!

I’m “happy” that there are people out there willing to give their life up for our security, I appreciate that, and I’m thankful to all of them.

This is what I sent out yesterday:

Proud to be a Soldier!!! From the daughter of a Soldier. Last week I was at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Trenton Ontario Canada where I was attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos, as they began heading to their gate everyone well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, he didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now.

As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie.

They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause.

As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be a Canadian. Red Friday Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on in case this takes off. RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Canadians who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Canadians, like you, all our friends, and me simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Canada supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday –and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded Canadian who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the Canada on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before Canada is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is... We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON. IF YOU COULDN’T CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED - SO WEAR RED! - Lest we Forget, Lest we Forget!

Today, I wore a red T-Shirt.

I got an e-mail from a friend in which he mentioned that the story of the little girl might be a hoax. Darn! I hate that! I don’t know how many times this happened… I’m not vigilant enough for those things.

I read the link he provided. Here it is.

Then I realized that no matter what, for me the main message I wanted to convey by sending this message out yesterday was that if some of us support our troops and chose to wear red on Fridays, why not?

The little girl’s story might have been the way to hook people in, but the fact that some of us do support our troops and might want to show it is the main message I think, and it was the part I wanted to convey.

I have some distant relatives in the military and I hope that they will remain safe as well as D-L’s son...

They have my support.

This is OUTrageous!

While Hubby was getting dressed I turned on the tv in our room. Landed on a local French channel where they debate a daily subject. Both men are very different, and they play the devil’s advocates roles, people call in and they debate. This morning their subject was “In 2006, is being homosexual a sickness?” This question was brought on, because this weekend is the Grand Opening of 1st World Outgames 2006. Montréal is hosting the games.

Listening to some callers made me grind my teeth. We are in 2006 – wake up people!

Is being gay a sickness or a choice? Come on! I’m always surprised to realise (once again) just how plain stupid some people can be. I should know better by now, but still, it always amazes me to see such levels of ignorance. Whenever I encounter such illiterate opinions I just have to challenge them. It is like a sickness! I just can’t resist. I just have to provoke some thoughts, be in their face and make them realise how (insert word of your choice here) they are!

A while back, at the time when the legislation came in about gay marriages we were enjoying a meal with friends and started talking about it. One person present said that is was wrong. Marriage was between a man & a woman. Really? Why? I always thought that marriage was between two people who loved one another. Why is it wrong for two people in love to legalize their union and have the same rights as the rest of us? They’re in a couple, they pay their taxes, their insurances, etc., why shouldn’t they get their benefits as well? That started a whole, heated, tumultuous discussion, which eventually lead to gays having kids. That was weird: the person who was so animate against gay marriage was all for gay couples adopting. And another person at the table couldn’t care less if they got married, but thought it just wasn’t right for "them" to raise children.

Let me start round 2, then!

Why is it wrong? If a safe, loving environment is provided to the child what’s wrong about that? No, I don’t know! What do you mean? Straight people have been doing a crappie job (some, not all) at it for many years, even centuries. Parents ("blood" related parents) abuse their kids, physically, mentally, and sexually and because it’s a man & a woman it’s ok? I don’t think so. A loving home? Is it the case when a child grows up seeing his dad beat up his mom? Yes that can happen with gay couples as well, except that they don’t end up with a kid by accident. That child was desired. They thought about wanting a child, unlike a lot of straight couples where it just happens. That is one major difference. Will a child feel weird when he sees his 2 moms/dads kissing and being affectionate? No worst than I did when I saw my folks doing that! Yes they will encounter teasing and whatnot, but at the same time, our society is changing and more and more family are now same sex parents, so that should change as well. It’s not easy being a kid no matter what. I was teased because my parents were strict and wasn’t allowed to wear jeans. I hated it, but I survived. I knew that my parents loved me, deep down, so if those kids are loved and feel the love I can only believe that they will be ok.

Or are you afraid that same sex couples will “generate” more gays, is that it? The gay people we have now, where did they come from? Straight parents! So, what’s your worry based on? Regular loving parents, brought up a child who turned out gay… hum?
Must be an illness or something worst, like they made a choice or something... Let's get real here! I didn't choose to like men, I just do. So I can only imagine that gay people are just the same - they just do!
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Starting today until August 5th, it will be out time. According to Martina Navratilova, in today’s paper The Gazette, “we’re making progress”. Read the article here. Ms Navratilova will present the Declaration of Montréal with Olympic medalist Mark Tewksbury at the Opening Ceremony on 29 July 2006. I’m hoping that things are moving in the right direction for everyone.

Supposedly Montréal has one of the biggest gay villages in the world. Cool! Didn’t know that!

As far as I am concerned, if gay people want to get married and have children (adoption or other means), go for it. Do whatever makes you happy and helps you be a better person in this crazy world of ours. If you need to be discreet, be. If you need to shout it out, do. Live your life to the fullest and be happy. Happy people tend to be nicer to be around then grumpy ones.

Here’s a link to the official Outgames, click here for details.

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Photo: André Pichette, La Presse
* Pin that I ordered for our collection!

It Has Begun!!!

It's official Summer is here! Today is the longest day of the year! Today was a nice day, just warm enough, not really humid - my kind of weather!


Summer in Montreal can be busy if one chooses it to be. We have LOTS of festivals:

• last week we had "Les FrancoFolies de Montréal",
• Le Mondial SAQ - fireworks competition - this weekend Italy is up!
• Le Grand-Prix (Formula One Race) - this weekend as well!
• Fête Nationale (St-Jean Baptiste) - Québec's national day, with a parade and lots of activities throughout the province - this weekend (June 24th)
  
• Montreal International Jazz Festival (June 29th - July 9th)
• Canada Day - with a parade, etc. (July 1st)
• Just for Laughs/Festival Juste pour rire, both in French and English - this year we have tickets for Bill Cosby! (July 1st - 31st)
• Nuit d'Afrique - African music festival (July 13th-23rd)
• First World Outgames - gay sports events (July 26th - August 5th)
• Divers/Cité - Gay & Lesbian Pride days (July 30th - August 6th)
• Hot Air Balloon Festival (August 12th - 20th)
• Montreal World Film Festival (August 24th - Sept. 4th)

All these and so much more to see, do and experience!

ALSO (and it's a BIG also, I'm told, for some of you...) THE Madonna is in town! She is doing a show tonight and tomorrow night as well - both sold out - at the Bell Center without any air conditioning, as per her request... She arrived yesterday, late afternoon, and while I was stuck in traffic I heard on the radio it was Madonna's cortège that was creating the traffic jam! Unreal!!!

So, this weekend, Montreal will be the place to be! If you like crowds, that is!

Photo: Stock photography picture by Martin Girard