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.

Let's Try This Again

I've been toying with the idea of doing a daily log type thingy, but doing it like a craft journal, but then again, since I spent so much time in front of this screen maybe I should try it here instead...

Day one of 2020 is almost over, it was a quiet one.  Spent most of it either sleeping, eating and watching TV (watching the series "American Gods" (on Season 2) and started "The Crown" Season 3).  While dinner was heating up, Hubby and I walked to cousin's place to feed his kids' rodents.  They have three of these. 

One of them, the male bit me, little fucker.  Must have smelled like the celery I was cutting up for him.  Their squeaking sounds are funny.  Would I want one? Nope, not at all!

On our way out, we were kind enough to clear their walkway of snow - yeah, we are that good to them (cousin that is, not the rodents!).

Going for a haircut on Saturday morning, can't wait, I'm feeling like a freaking hippy from the seventies almost or maybe Ryan Eggold...  He's cute though.

Plus with my eyes, constantly running, as if  I'm constantly crying, which I am as soon as I go out, or feel any temperature changes; according to my quack, I'm allergic to winter!  W.T.F.?  I was born in freaking Chibougamau!

The past few weeks, it had gotten really bad, I kid you not!  I was not feeling very social looking like I've been crying acid tears or something like.  I've never had puffy eyes, but now I do, and big puffs too!  Goes with the rest I'd say.  The cream the quack gave me didn't do fuck all except burn like a bitch.  I'm trying/tried different things, from cold and hot compresses, changing creams, going for something greasy, used some vitamin E both cream and serum like shit...

Look at me! This is NOT a fucking joke, I look bad (badder than usual that is!).  During the past week, I tried my best to cover it up with make up when meeting up with friends, good thing was, we weren't that social, so I could stay home and looked like I'd been crying about the way I looked.  My eyes were itchy at times too, so I've started popping some allergies pills, seems to help with the itchy part, at least.

I swear, at times, life is so much damn fun, always something really fucking pleasant coming along a flipping you a nice big bird.  Makes it all worth it!  Yep, there is a real need for a sarcastic font!

Hi, my name is Stinkypaw and I'm an addict...

Well hello there!  Long time no see, really.  I know, my bad, it's all on me!  I've been keeping busy and things like that.  You know, life?

My name is Stinkypaw and I'm a postcard addict!  There I said it.  The first step has been taken, in this long fight against my postaddiction, it seems.  If only I meant it!  You see I've developed this addition back in the seventies, when I was a wee thing, crying at my grand-parents' place in Amos while my folks went to visit a cousin in New-Brunswick and decided to tour while there.  They sent me a postcard to let me know where they were, had how nice it was, the fuckers.  I remember being so upset at them for ditching me at my grand parents, with no kids around!  They sent me a postcard!  I kept that card!  Yes, I still have it!  It was the beginning of my collection! From that moment on, I kept all postcards addressed to me.  A few of my uncles used to travel some and my aunts would send me a card from where they went, like Acapulco, Miami... then some friends starting to send me cards from their holidays abroad.  I went to a prep school, so it was fairly common to go away for Easter, but not for me, we didn't travel by plane.  My dad drove places.  We visited a lot of our province and made our way to the States too.  I loved to write, so sending a postcard was always fun.

As time went on, when I started to travel (by plane) I really took a liking to sending cards.  I loved to send just as much as I did receiving those little square of cardboard with a funny picture on them.  For the past seven years, I've become a Postcrossing member.  In those seven years 2,117 cards I've sent have been registered and I've received 2,109, as of today.  In reality though, I've sent out 2,590 cards, some to be registered as received yet.  Yeah, 473 cards have either been lost, received but not registered, or God knows what.

When I was in Norway, in May, I went a little  crazy.  You see I brought back two hundred ninety cards. Yeah, I know, crazy!  In my defense, they do have cards that are not only touristic and some were really nice cards, so I stocked up...  That being said, EVERYTHING is fucking expensive in Norway, so...  But still I did go overboard!

Tonight, because I had all the credit card slips from our trip and had indicated on them the price in CAN$ I did a little recap of how much I did spend in stamps and cards while in Norway...

I'll leave it at that, ok?  I think it might be a VERY good thing that I never actually sat down and calculated how much I'm sending really... It's crazy and I'm nowhere near tired of doing this yet. I think it is time for me to control myself - control such an ugly word, no matter under what circumstance or in regards to food, substances, goods, etc. - if only I had some willpower left in me.  I think that plant (of willpower) has been shut down for a few years now... sadly...  Oh, I could pretend and say that I will send less, but who are we kidding here?  We all know that when it comes to postcards I have no fucking interest in stopping anytime soon!  I'm sick, I'm an addict and I fucking assume it 'cause I love it! 

You know that thing? What? Manners?! NOT!

Monday I woke up in pain - a really sore throat and earache.  Good thing was I could stay home and work a bit.  Tuesday I didn't feel much better, and actually felt like the bug was moving from my throat to my lungs. Spent a good part of the day in bed. Wednesday didn't bring much relief, but I did manage to go to a client for half a day.  Because my throat was so itchy and needed relief, a colleague and I went out for a hot drink or soup, whichever we would have found first.  It was before 11am.  First place we went to didn't serve soup for another thirty minutes.  We crossed the street and made our way to Starbucks.  I don't go regularly, since I'm a late bloomer in coffee enjoyment, it's fairly recent that I've started enjoying good strong coffee, like espresso and cappuccino.  One thing I like at Starbucks is their Caffe Moka.  So yummy.  

We waited in line, as usual, and when came our time to order the guy taking our order greeted me, but then turned to talk with another girl behind the counter.  He did that twice.  I'm not the most patient person to start with, so add to that being sick and being treated poorly as a customer, you will get... a reaction.  For sure.

When the guy finally faced me, asking me what my order was, I told him in all my crackling voice could bare :

=^..^= : "That's not very polite to ignore a client like that"
Coffee Guy:   "well, my boss was talking to me"
=^..^= : "And? You couldn't tell her that you were answering a client?"
Coffee Guy:  "Sorry, but she's my boss..."
=^..^= : "Doesn't matter, you were doing your job of taking my order"
Coffee Guy: "Don't tell me this, tell her... Want me to get her?"
=^..^= :  "Please do!  I'll tell her."

He disappeared in the back room, while a coffee girl actually took our orders and took care of other clients in line after us.  The Coffee Guy came back with his manager.  She was a young little thing, beet red, she was so embarrassed.

=^..^= : "I'm sorry to disturb you, but the way you've interrupted us was actually quite rude and showed disrespect towards your customers"
Manager:  "I'm really sorry, you're right, I should have been more respectful"
=^..^= : "Thank you."

Coffee Guy processed our order, while my colleague was furious.  He was so upset about the treatment we've had he said if he would have been alone he would have left.  He wouldn't have said anything and left.   When Coffee Guy called my name I thanked him and said "You should learn to speak up, even to your boss".  His only answer was "yeah, ok".  Which again infuriated my colleague because he felt the kid didn't get any of what just happened.  At that point, I didn't care and just wanted my damn Caffe Moka, which soothed my throat very little...

I don't know if it's because I'm aging, or because my folks had a restaurant for many years, but when in the service industry one should learn to treat their customers right.  Ignoring someone standing in front of you for more than four minutes while you should be taking care of them isn't what I was taught as a waitress or even as a cashier.

I didn't want to be the cranky old broad, but I was, once again... aaaaugh. 

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

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!

Little recap

I don’t know about you, but despite the crappy weather I had a somewhat pleasant weekend. We had the Fundraiser Dinner at a friend’s restaurant, 18 people showed up. It was a nice dinner overall and the owner/friend handed me a cheque for $85.51 as a donation for “Relay for Life” – their contribution, i.e. 10% of the sales of our group, not bad at all!

My mother had invited me to accompany her to her league’s (bowling) party. It was funny to see how proud she was to have me there with her. Her younger brother (who’s 61) and his wife were in town for a visit, so they attended as well. We had a really average dinner, followed by awards for the best of the league. My mom won the best average for women, the best average during the finals, the most square – she won six awards total, talk about “her moment”! Then the dancing started. O.M.G. I must say it sure was nice to see all those old folks dancing, being so full of life, even those who had a hard time getting to the dance floor. By 10pm I had my fill, so made it known to my mother and we left. During that time, Hubby was catching up with his old university buddies, celebrating their 25th year reunion since their Bachelor. His thing was a full evening, sleep over and breakfast. Unlike me, he enjoyed his dinner and the dancing/music. Both of us slept like crap though, for some reason. He met me at my mom’s and we made our way home, home sweet home.

Last night, I had another little reunion myself. I met up with some friends from high school for dinner and made our way to the funeral home. The family seemed to be over the big shock of MC’s sudden death. There were many people among which were many local personalities. She worked as a script and was quite liked in “the milieu”. It was weird to see pictures from our last dinner together being displayed the whole time we were there. It still feels unreal then I think of it… Life has really no mercy.

One thing for sure, I’d love to go the way she did. A week or so prior she had complained about pain in her sternum area. She even went to see her doctor and was told it might have been some digestive problems. The day she died, she told her husband she must have had eaten something bad, because she felt sick and was coming home early. On her way, as she got of the highway, she lost consciousness hit a wall with her car and died. The officers on the scene said she was dead by the time she hit the wall. I just think it’s a great way to go. Yes it sucks for those left behind, but for her, wow. I don’t think I’m afraid of dying, but I really don’t want to suffer. I feel I’ve contributed enough to the pain back to go with as little as possible… Unlike some people, I don’t need the pain to know I’m alive. I feel enough as is, I don’t need any extra, but like many other things in this life, we don’t really choose the way we go now do we?

What is it with Cancer these days?

I just got an e-mail message from a friend who we used to see regularly, but since a couple of years we haven’t seen each other. We didn’t have a falling out or anything like that. We used to go to this little Chinese restaurant, in Chinatown, at least once a week after training. It was a family run business; the father was the cook, the son L. and daughter A. were owners and uncle M. waited tables.

The food was really good and the people so friendly. We became regulars. At the beginning they didn’t our names, so when friends would meet us there for dinner and arrived before we did, M. would refer to us as “Molson Dry” (for Hubby) and “Karate” (for me). As time went by we got to know them on a first name basis, and we became friends. They served the bests Hot & Sour soup in town. Everything we ate there was good, and their almond cookies… home made and so yummy. I’m drooling just writing about their food! About two years ago they had to close their restaurant. It was so sad, but L. and I kept in touch. We would send each other jokes, a line here and there, some pictures of his kids, we kept in touch that way.

Since October his father has been sick, what started out as being diagnosed as an ulcer is now some sort of generalized cancer near the lungs and liver. The poor man is suffering and weighs about 75lbs… The family is asking for help because they are facing the medical system and its decision to give up on this man who gave his life serving the public for 40 years with his great cooking talent. He worked 12-14 hours/day, 7 days/week. The only time he didn’t work was when the restaurant was closed. It seems so unfair, and yet Cancer is trying to claims another victim.

So many people are facing this ugly monster; it’s not easy for anybody, neither the people directly suffering nor the people around them. It’s scary. The fear of the unknown is so real when having to deal with cancer.

I feel so bad for them. They’re good people.

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Hearts break.
Colleagues forget favours.
Careers end.
Parents die.

When we began this adventure called life, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Life happens no matter what, doesn’t it?

A Rough Morning

I’ve always disliked being disturbed in our home – like impromptu visits from door to door sales people (which is illegal in Pierrefonds, and yet a shit load of people still do it!) or my personal favourite: religious fanatics who want to convince me that their stuff is better than the other! I will buy the occasional chocolate bar from kids, even if Hubby doesn’t approve. I love chocolate so I give in to my stomach more than to my principle on this one. When Hubby is home and he does answer the door, boy is he rude! But that’s his way. Since Pooch has been living here (5 months today!), the doorbell ringing has become an issue. Pooch gets so pissed off when she does hear the bell (because she often doesn't), that none of us want that bell to ring.

Here’s what happened a few hours ago: Hubby left for work and I just finished breakfast, when someone rang the door. Pooch leaped out of her bed, hair raised on her back and barking like there’s no tomorrow. I picked her up and tried to calm her down, to no avail. She was really pissed! The fuckin’ Jehovah’s (two old men) were commenting on the barking when I told one of them “Yeah, yeah, just give me your pamphlet. I’ll read it. Bye!” The whole time Cathy was in my arms, barking, non stop. I closed the door and was petting her to calm her down. I took about 6 steps and put her down, when I saw the most horrible thing: as I put her down her little legs couldn’t hold her up and she tried to walk but was so wobbly that she tipped over and went down in a spread eagle. She was trying to get up but couldn’t. I totally freaked out!

I picked her up, and couldn’t feel her heart beat, and she was all limp in my hands… Let’s just say that my heart came up in my throat… I knew this day would come, but I didn’t want it to be right then! I was petting her frantically, talking to her and then I felt her little heart again. She looked so weak and defenceless. It broke my heart to see her like that. I could barely see through my tears, but I made my way upstairs with her in my arms, put her down on my pillow and called Hubby. I then called the vet’s office who told me to bring her in. While Hubby drove home, I sat next to her, petting her. She looked exhausted. I cried so hard, I can’t even write this without my vision becoming blurry, and at that moment I said my goodbyes to her the way I’d wish I would have done with my father. I know it’s crazy, it’s only a little dog, but she was my father’s and I miss him and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of the old man and of how I would have loved to tell him how much he meant to me.

When Hubby showed up, we wrapped her in a towel and drove to the vet’s office. She had regained some energy by then and seemed more alert. She was examined, and because of her age and all, there are so many things that could have been wrong that they couldn’t tell me exactly what had happened. She had an episode.

She’s now sleeping next to me in the office, all curled up in a ball. I realised today that I want her to die with me. I told the vet that I don’t want her to suffer and I don’t want to see her deteriorate to the point of not being able to walk, etc. I thought I was bringing her in to be put down, but we left with her, alive.

When we got home, before Hubby went back to work, he unplugged all wires to the doorbell… just in case…

Non-expressed ...

I feel cranky, I have a sore throat and I’m feverish! That’s all I really need at this time! Aaargh!

Since our week in North Conway, NH, end on August, I’ve been feeling like a cold or something is brewing. I’ve been taking Echinacea and vitamin C, and some days I almost feel “normal” (not that I really know how that feels, anyway!), and other days it is as if I’m about to be really sick. Strange.

Yesterday while being pricked (at the acupuncture’s office) he talked to me about how we hold on to our anger and how it turns into rage. It was quite interesting to hear about how our bodies “translate” that non-expressed anger, etc. I have realised a few years back that every time I don’t speak my mind, I get a sore throat! It’s creepy! I know! But it’s a fact!

What didn’t I say for me to have a sore throat today? Well…

My mother hunts moose. Her hunting season is opening in a few weeks. Where she goes hunting is about a six hours drive, heading north from her place. She’s been doing this for many years. She used to go with my dad, and since his death she goes with her beau, for weeks at the time. This year is the first year where her beau can’t go. He has kidney issues and needs dialysis three times/week, so he can’t really be in the woods for two weeks. Also this year, right smack in her hunting season I’ll be having surgery. Being the victim that she is, she feels thorn. What to do? Go hunting and worry about her beau and her daughter or stay home?

I spoke with her Saturday. She didn’t know what to do and to add to it all, said that she should have had the pooch put down instead of giving her to me, because when I took the pooch in I had told her not to come visit for a while (not that she does anyway!) until the pooch was “weaned” (of her); because of the pooch she wouldn’t be able to visit me after my surgery.

I didn’t say anything, but explain to her (again!) that was to wean to the pooch, at the beginning. After three months she (the pooch) might get that this is her new house… I also told her that if she wanted to go hunting not to stay here because of me. It’s a “routine” surgery (as far as the doctors are concerned) and her beau knows his way to the hospital since he’s been going there since December. Her indecision was so… so… (I can’t even describe it!) … anyway, I told her to do what she felt was right. I wasn’t going to make that decision for her. She had to decide what she wants to do.

That’s why I have a sore throat! I didn’t tell her that I thought she was a dumbass for saying such a thing and for feeling “thorn” about that “big” decision of hers! I didn’t say f-all! And anybody who’s been exposed to me a little, knows that I normally don’t hold back. Why did I remain quiet with my mother? Maybe because I “excuse” her for being old, and for not being the sharpest tool in the shed? Maybe she’s my just my mom and came not to expect too much from her? Who knows? All I know is that now I’m paying the price for sparing her goddam’ feelings!

And then, earlier, I got this e-mail from a friend in B.C.

How To Avoid The Flu

Eat right!
Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.
Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.
Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system.
Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.
Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.
Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible.
Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.
Get plenty of rest.
OR
Take the doctor's approach. Think about it...
When you go for a shot, what do they do first?
They Clean your arm with alcohol...
Why?
Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS.
So...

I walk to the liquor store (exercise)
I put lime in my Corona (fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio (fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh (eliminate stress)
Then pass out (rest)
The way I see it...

If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!
My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass is better than one in the ass!"

I think I’ll go get myself some shot (in a glass) … Do we have tequila at the moment? Humm… Let me see...