To See Past What It Looks Like

 It's been a long while since I last wrote here... Life has been keeping me busy, between my FIL drama (house sale, court case and him in general), every day life that just can't be smooth sailing all the way, and this damn Covid pandemic and covidiots are not really getting (any) better... life is taking its tole on me, I guess...  I did manage to spend some quality time with my mother.  Drove 1,300 km with her, helped her reconcile with one of her brothers, even did so ourselves to a certain extend.  There is something to be said to being locked up in a card for six plus hours at the time... we had time to talk, let's say!  I feel (more) at peace with her, and that's a good thing.  

Also celebrated a wedding anniversary (our 21st!) by taking a little road trip to Québec City with Hubby and staying there three nights.  We stayed right in Old Québec, great location, parked the car once and walked around the rest of the time.  We happened to be there along with a friggin' heat wave and oh so humid!  Neither one of us could remember sweating this much without ANY training involved, it was hot! Because of the pandemic, every stores and restaurants were short staff, and it showed.  It was our first time out really in almost two years, especially to restaurants.  The hotel where we stayed, Le Priori, was nice, but I must say that for the price (over $300/night, with breakfast) I was somewhat disappointed. 

The room was nice, and we both enjoyed it, but given its shape, a long room, the wall mounted AC unit wasn't enough so there was another (floor) unit at the other end of the room, which turned out to be by the headboard of the bed.  That thing had a compressor, a loud compressor, that woke me almost every fucking time it turned on.  The first night was the worst, I would jump in bed.  The other nights, I guess that all my walking around in the heat made me more tired and I would still wake up but not jumped as much.  The real disappointing thing was the breakfast.  We got a cardboard box delivered to our room, containing a yogurt, a hard boiled egg, a piece of cheese, an apple, a little bread and three bite size pastries, with a tea or coffee.  For three days in a row.  Because of Covid? Really?  Almost all restaurants around there were opened, so why couldn't they serve breakfast, have it catered or something, rather than these airplane meals lookalike? Oh, and we had no maid services.  We would have to put our towels in a bag by the door and someone would pick it up and return it with fresh ones.  We made our own bed, and took out our dirty dishes.  I understand the Covid issues, but then if they can't offer the services they charge us for they should review their prices accordingly.  The location was great, but NOT worth the price we paid for what we got.  Still happy I went, it was a nice change of scenery and I must say, to my surprise, I enjoyed Québec City.

Health wise, it's been interesting.  Had a tooth ache a while back, saw my dentist (in April) and she referred me to an endodontist, which I managed to see in July!  Talk about emergency! Anyway...  After special xrays, I was told I had an infection at the root of a tooth which had a root canal years ago and a crown.  He said he would have to redo the root canal but didn't have to remove my crown, he could go through it.  My appointment was scheduled for end of August.  It wasn't a pleasant treatment, at one point he pushed hard and actually poke at my sinus.  Not pleasant at all.  But what was worst was after... man oh man, did it hurt.  I was on antibiotics and pain killers for over a week.  When that started to feel better, I started having issues with an UTI.  Another round of antibiotics, but that worked fast, thank God!  Over a week ago I went back to the endodontist for him to finish off the treatment, close up everything.  I was still feeling something so he decided to be cautious and re-cleaned it all and would see me in a few more weeks, just to be sure.  I was to be expecting some discomfort, but was I in for a treat!  Worst pain ever! More painkillers and as of three days ago back on another antibiotics, this one Cortisone based.  Happy to write that it seems to be doing the trick.  No more pain!  It is unbelievable how toothache hurts and affects everything from mood, patience, and everything else.  I'm a little concerned how it will actually be post the next (and final, hopefully!) treatment. I guess time will tell...

Yesterday I watch a movie/documentary called: In and Of Itself with/by Derek DelGaudio.

Wow!  I laughed, I cried and I will watch it again.  Do yourself a favor, take an hour and a half, and watch it. 

Maybe I'm going through an existentialist moment, but this illusionist touched me...  Or maybe it is because it touched something in me that rings so true, like that I'm not only what you see, but also many other things that you will never see...  Trust me, watch it, you won't regret it.

Time only goes one way...

...and it seems to be heading that way!  Already two weeks since my last post.  Not much news on this front.

The government postponed the de-confinement from May 11th to 25th, that is all I know, since last week I decided it was enough watching the news and everything Covid-19.  We are stuck, we've been stuck for over two months, so it's not a week or two that will change much.  Plus, seeing how people are behaving on the rare occasions the sun did come out some, it is not reassuring at all that this pandemic will be over anytime soon.  People are morons, and even if many died, people are still doing dumb shit and not respecting the suggested recommendations.  I'm happy we're not in Europe, like in Spain, where they have stricter rules of confinement than we do.  Some of us would not make it over there.  And yet...

It's been a while since I gave myself the Covid Haircut, as Hubby lovingly calls it, because I could feel the hair on my neck, so yesterday I took out the clipper, again, and gave myself my second haircut!

Not as much as the first time, since I only did the back of my head and around my ears... now I look like a monk!  It is hard to do the back of our own head, I will say that!  I also did Hubby's.  So much easier on him.

In other news, I've been keeping myself busy by painting... You see the first Christmas after my MIL past away, her sister gave me a wooden duck that I should paint, with some of my MIL's old paints and brushes.  I kept it all, but never did anything... I guess it was intimidating me in some ways.  My MIL might have been a crazy lady, but she was very talented. She was an artist, really. A few weeks ago I had an idea of what I could try.  Hubby went to get my painting kit in the locker and I started fooling around.  I did the back of the duck and wasn't happy with it, so I sanded it all off and gave it a good layer of white paint and waited for inspiration to come.  It did by waves, I'd say.  I've been playing with it for a while, daily almost, a little here and there, covering more and more of the bird, and last night, while "90 Days Fiance" was playing I finished it!  It's quite funky, I will say!
There are some parts I really like and some others, well, not my best work, but, in my defense, my MIL died in 2007, so those little paint bottles were not really fresh, some of them were even dead, but I made do with what I had.

yep, that'd be my funky duck!

I've also been keeping busy creating (more) postcards for my online shop, and of course, sending (and receiving) them as well!  Plus to add to the fun of it all, I'm organizing a virtual meetup, across Canada!  So far we're about 18 people confirmed, should be interesting!  One thing for sure, it will be a lot cheaper than having to drive/fly anywhere and once it's done, we'll be home, bonus!

I hope you are keeping well and distracted.  I sure am!  Stay safe!

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.

Thank you! Fuck You! Bye!

Whenever I think I've seen it all, as far as stupidity goes, or worst when I think that people can NOT be THAT stupid, one more person comes along to prove me wrong...  It never fails!

Let me do my best Sophia (for the Golden Girls) impression:  Let me tell you a story, picture it! Montréal, 2018.  An attractive condo owner, who was also involved in administrating her condo association, made sure to share a bunch of information with her co-owners because, deep down, she knew most of them didn't really care about the rules and regulations as long as it was taken care of.  By someone else, of course.  In order to prevent many questions, she even put together a one page document (did her best to keep it as simple as possible), explaining certain responsibilities these folks had to assume. 

Imagine her surprise when one of the co-owners sent questions her way about something clearly written about on the document she sent a little more than a week before. She did remain calm, and did manage to remind the person of their responsibilities and role within the association and was pretty clear at letting them know they should clearly RTFM.

I don't know if my message went through, but man oh man, did I talk to myself.  Unreal.  People who have spent almost half a million dollars on a house to be so clueless is beyond me.  It is not rocket science.  They are rules, there are roles to be played by different people and yet, that seems to be too much.

Then, to add to my stupid of the day, in a group I manage, I'm told one person wants out.  So I ask why. (OK, that was my bad!  I'm not exempt from being stupid either, obviously!).  You see, in this group we send and receive things (read postcards, mostly).  I created that group based on a bigger group, an official group, let's say.  In that official group, whenever you receive something you have to register it.  The way the site is set up, you can (strongly suggested) write a note to the sender thanking them or whatever.  For each item received you need to register it.  Some people don't, because people are assholes like that, but generally speaking more items sent do get acknowledged when received. 

So, in this little group I manage items are being sent and received as well. As for the the official group, some members are assholes too.  When that one person she wanted out because she felt it was overwhelming to have to acknowledge reception and was taking the fun out of the activity, I could not really bite my tongue.  I did tell her that it was no different than the official group... she gets that we have different views on this... Really?  There are different ways of looking at things... No shit!  Talk about being one of those ass wipes who loves to receive but never says thank you.  One of those people who takes but rarely gives.  One of those who complain but never get fucking involved.  One of those who as long as they are happy everything is fine. 

Yep, really, it's been that kind of day, covered in a nice thin layer of ice to top it all off!  Just a fucking perfect stupid day!

I had a dream...

Postcrossing has been very present in my life in the last year.  I got more involved, I've been sending more and receiving more as well.  I've attended and organized meetups, those meetings where we meet others nuts just like us about postcards.  We all have different reasons to start (and continue) this snail mail journey.  For some it is to meet new people, one postcard at the time, others it is because of a collection, for some it is their way to travel to see the world, but whatever the reason we love postcards.

Because I am the way I am, upon a suggestion, I created a group, for Canadian Postcrossing members on Bacefook.  There are a few groups for French speaking people and there is also one for Québécois,  so I thought having a place for us Canadians would be nice.  We could talk about our cards and our issues, etc. with other Canadians.  It is after all a bigger market than Québec alone.  It wasn't about swaps, or trading, but more a place to go and meet other crazies about cards that might end up being close to us.  It started out well.  I went on a crazy invite fest, basically emailing all Canadian persons I would come across on Postcrossing. I wanted it to work, to be alive!  I will say this, it is going.  We are close to 200 members and it's not been a year yet since I started it.  I've thought  of games to do, to get people involved, of a monthly draw, across Canada using our motto "A mari usque ad mare" as the name of it, I made it ours and shared with all.  I've had some rough times, and still do, when I have to refuse some because they were not Canadians.  I felt discriminatory, but at the same time my initial thought was "for and about Canadians".  I don't want to be closed minded;  I want to remain true to my vision. 

Like everything else in life, things change.  I'm good with that, and I welcome change, I think it keeps us on our toes.  Does that mean I want the purpose of the group to change?  Not really.  I still aim for a place where people will be comfortable enough to ask those "stupid" questions (I write "stupid" because often when we don't know something we think it's stupid), you know like how do I look for a specific user on Postcrossing or where can I get good cards in such a city, a place to share their stats with others about how many cards they have received in the month, or bitch about the price of stamps, etc.  I felt taken aback when some members would only post pictures of cards they wanted to trade, not ever writing a comment or anything just offering trades.  It started slow, once in a while, and then it got to more.  I had to intervene, since I didn't want that to be the only thing on the wall of the group.  Some people did complain about it, I'd say as many from those who wanted to trade as from those who didn't want to be bombarded with offers to trade.  I did try to go about it smoothly, offered other venues, like the Postcrossing Forum is a great place for such, suggested to do it by messages, etc.  It rocked the boat.  To be honest, my true nature (and if you know me IRL, you do know this) came rushing back and simply wanted to remove some from the group, but I also believe that this is now our group, so I tried different options - I wasn't about to become a dictator because of a few people, even if the urge was tickling me big time!


That died down some, but I have to keep reminding people every so often that trades should be made elsewhere. I don't like doing it, but like even less seeing those posts. But like many things in life, when it's not one thing it's another, right?  The past few weeks, actually even before Christmas, I saw some posts that made me wonder.  I know that some people have a visceral need to bitch and moan about nothing and everything.  They are simply miserable when things are smooth, they need commotion in order to feel alive or something.  I've reach a point in my life, where I try to avoid drama. Oh, don't get me wrong, I will not walk away from a good fight, if there is a need for me to fight.  Kumite is in me.  No doubts whatsoever about that! I'm confrontational and I totally assume it, but I will not provoke an argument for the sake of provoking.  I will ask questions, I will do perception check and ask why someone is being rude, or what the problem is, and if I'm attacked I will defend myself without hesitation.  Often my husband will tell me to drop it, whatever it may be, and I rarely do.  I will address the issue then move on. That is my way.  In every aspects of my life.

Because the group is getting bigger, the variety of it kicks in every so often.  Not everyone share the same opinions, and that's the part I enjoy, the differences, but I'm realizing that for some the difference of opinions means something more.  I agree that people can disagree, that one can't please everyone, that we're all entitled to our opinions, blah, blah, blah,  but it comes a time in ones life when one realizes that life is short and that we should enjoy it.  When I see people getting upset about futile things like a blank profile or a receiving a card that doesn't match their profile, I can't help and wonder the importance of Postcrossing in their lives.  When I get a blank profile I see it as an occasion to send any card I like or not.  When I get a card that I really don't understand why it was sent to me, since I don't care about dinosaurs (as an example), I'm thinking maybe the sender did really like dinosaurs and wanted to share his liking.  I will thank him the same way I would any other members.  Since I've started Postcrossing, I only got one "empty" message from someone on 365 cards registered, so overall I'd say members are quite polite ans respectful.  I've had more issues with some members of the group than on Postcrossing directly, granted with Postcrossing it is often limited to a one shot deal. I understand that we all have frustrations, and we all express them in different ways.  Some will take the direct approach and will voice their opinions, others will walk away without saying anything, and some will observe.

I believe that in everything we do we have a choice.  Unless you have a gun pressed against your head, you ALWAYS have a choice.  You may not have the guts to make that choice, you may not have the strength or the will to take that first step towards that choice, but we always have a choice.  When I felt that my parents rules were too much for me, I moved out.  When I felt that I wasn't having the same interest or passion about something, I've looked for something else.  When I thought that things weren't going the way I felt they should I did something about it.  I don't understand how someone can be unhappy, miserable or upset and choose to stay.  I've asked people to come aboard and never thought I've had to ask people to leave.  If you're not happy with what is being done in/for/with this group, then go.  Start your own group and stop bringing everyone down.  I've once told my mother who complained about my father's past behavior that the moment she decided to stay with him she relinquished her right to bitch about him.  She had made a choice, and now had to assume the consequences of her decision.  It's the same for this group.  You decided to become a member.  You don't like the way it's run, or the games we play, then leave.  I'm not holding anyone down.  I will not like to lose members, but if it is an unhappy member maybe it will be for the better of the group.

This group was created with good intentions, lots of ideas and expectations.  I'm proud of it and I truly enjoy it.  I don't want this to become a bore or even a chore.  There are some really cool people among the group and I truly wish that we find a middle path where we can shoot the shit about our empty mail boxes and not getting any rare countries in so long, and those damn expired cards, and not waste so much valuable time about piddly little things.  We should embrace our differences, and rejoice in the fact that we can send postcards to complete strangers who get a kick out of our card, or not, but no matter what it was fun...  'cause after all Postcrossing is:

The goal of this project is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost free! The main idea is that: if you send a postcard, you will receive one back from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world.
Why? Because, like the founder, there are lots of people who like to receive real mail.
The element of surprise of receiving postcards from different places in the world (many of which you probably have never heard of) can turn your mailbox into a box of surprises - and who wouldn't like that?

Something to remember on my way to get the mail, surprises are way better than bills any day of the week, right? Right! 

We have to answer for it...

Today while I was at the salon, I was asked how I felt about the recent events, the terrorists attacks that have occurred within the last few days on our soil. At first I didn't think I should really express my opinion. But then again...

You see I have an issue with how loosely we use "terrorist attack", how fast we call a violent nut case a terrorist... It upsets me to see people jumping to conclusion about a violent act and blaming religious beliefs,  or whatever else. Why can't we just say a crime, a violent attack or act?  To say terrorist and throw in Islam is just turning things around so that we get scared and worried. 

The media is to blame for a lot of it, but there is also the authorities, how they manipulate the information that is being spread, shown.  They're leading us to believe certain things, and to be honest I'm not convinced we are told the truth.  It would be irresponsible of me to completely trust the system as it is.

Remember Denis Lortie, back in 1984 - the lunatic who walked in the QC Parliament and shot people?  He did kill three people.  Funny, how to this day, I've never heard anyone refer to him as anything other than a crazy man you blew a gasket.  There was never any mention of terrorism - granted back in the 80s it wasn't a world as popular as it is now.  Nowadays every damn crazy act is labeled terrorist. That does get to me.  It makes me mad, that we're being scared not only by actions of crazy people, but by words.

I think it is very sad to see so many of us, being scared, outraged, etc and at the same time somewaht unconscious or refusing to see that if you mingle in other people's business there are chances you might get involve in it too.  If one stirs a pot, you will not only smell what's cooking but you might get burned as well. 

As Canadians we've always been "nice", "peaceful", good citizens of the world.  We used to mind our business.  Lately, we've been following our Southern neighbors maybe a little too much, and now we may be starting to feel repercussion of it all. Until now, we've always felt safe. 

Last week, I've met an old man who did the Korea War and we talked some.  I was telling him about this idea I had to send postcards to our deployed soldiers, as a thank you and encouragement for their sacrifice (and yes, even if it is their choice), idea I shared with other Postcrossing members on Bacefook.  This week these sad events happened, yet again reminding me that I do support our troops, even if I'm not sure they should be where they are.

I don't do politics.  When I saw this, I liked the message.  I like the message on how to react.  Let's not be scared but think.  Let's not jump to conclusion but evaluate.  Let's not turn American (sorry to my US blends) and remember that we are Canadians, and what it means...

All About Me Mentality

Mise en scène

The wife wants to get back to some level of physical shape, but isn't to incline to do sports.  The husband is quite active.  For over ten years the wife hasn't touched her bicycle, and this even if the husband cycled to work almost daily.

The wife suggests they go for a ride.

Current scene

Not only is the wife feeling wobbly on her bicycle, she's hurting.  Her crotch is sore and her wrists are also sore.  This is not as fun as she remembered cycling to be.  Maybe it's an age thing?  She used to love riding her bike.

Because the wife hadn't cycled in so long, the husband wanted to go a safer way, and stay on bike paths.  Giving where they lived, a touristic area of town, no matter where they went,  they had to go through crowds, especially since it was a nice day.

The wife often (very often) heard the husband complained about how there was anything but cyclists on the bike paths.  He would complain about how baby carriage or people walking their
dogs or joggers were taking over the paths, how he couldn't ride without being aware of others. So, when she had to slow down and almost hit her brakes because of people walking in the middle of the path she understood the husband's complaints.  When she had to get off her bicycle and walked besides her bike because too many people were on the bicycle path rather than on the sidewalk, she got pissed off.  They had to walk for a few minutes to avoid mostly pedestrians.  Not even a few minutes after getting back on their bikes they came across four young women totally oblivious of being on a bike path and were walking side by side taking the width of the path.  The wife couldn't help herself and told them it was a bike path not a sidewalk.  They looked at her as if she was a mad woman and kept on walking, giggling.

One can't help and wonder where are we heading as people, as a society?  Why are we so focused on ourselves and nobody else? We all act as if we were alone, in our own little bubble, not giving a damn about anyone other than ourselves.  It's sad to see that future generation as well as current ones are so messed up and can only think about their little selves.  Not only have we lost respect not just for elders, but for everyone basically, we don't even care about our own selves enough to be polite and somewhat considerate of others.  As Professor Farnsworth said... I don't want to live on this planet anymore...

Call me nosey but if the World is about to end I want to know!

Yesterday while getting my hair colored, I couldn't help myself eavesdropping the conversation the young girl (early twenty, if that) sitting a few stations over, was having with her hairdresser.  They started very casually, just like us old people do, by talking about the weather.  Luckily for us, despite Sandy's visit, we weren't really affected by it all, unlike our neighbors in Jersey and NY.  We had some rain and yes it was windy.   The hairdresser (also in her early twenties) was away in Cuba the week before (yeah, we do go to Cuba often, it's cheap for us) and caught the beginning of the storm.  They talked about the resort, traveling alone, etc.  I was also reading a book so I zoned in and out as time ticked off my timer.  At some point, the client started talking about how Mother Nature was reacting to everything we've done to it and Mother Earth and how it was all about the magnetic pull of the Earth, how the core was affected and how science wasn't truly able to explain it all, but that Mayans knew.  They did predict "the end" by December 2012. 

I was trying not to giggle.  She really sounded knowledgeable (wonder what she has read to know this much about that subject), and very assertive in her descriptions and facts.  In a way, it was nice to hear someone who believed in something - I have no idea what - and who was willing to share her knowledge.  I'm not saying she was wrong (or right, for that matter).  I was surprised.  And somewhat amused.

A part of me always feels something (I can't really describe it, since it balances between sympathy, derision, cries and laughter) whenever I hear talks about the end of the world.  Something is happening.  One would have to be pretty deep under ground not to see that the world is changing.  Is it coming to an end?  I don't know.  I do feel it is not going in the best direction, wherever it is heading.  Nature is reacting a lot lately.  I don't remember so many natural catastrophes occurring in the past.  There were some, they even mention one in the Bible, with Noah's. There always had been some, but this many, I don't recall.   Does that mean the world is coming to an end?  I don't know.  We talk about Global Warming.  I do think it is a fact.  It is happening.  We don't have much snow anymore, not like we used to.  We still have too much, if you ask me, but that's another subject.

Is it all due to us being more aware of things because of all the social medias, news, etc.?  I wonder at times.  Even if one tries to avoid the news (and trust me, this one does), at some point, some place, one hears the news.  We are being informed despite us.  What I wonder about is how accurate is the information we're being fed? That I would love to know!

Curiosity did not kill this cat.

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?

I feel like a freakin' alien!

Friday afternoon I saw a cousin of mine I had not seen in over twenty years.  She was in town with her son for a convention.  She's not from around here, she lives in Lebel sur Quévillon.  She doesn't come to town that often.  Walking around Montréal with them, made me realised just how different we were. 

I've been wondering how different I would be if I had grew up and stayed where I was born.  Talking with my cousin, she told me something that kind of surprised me: "You were always very open".  What surprised me was the fact she actually saw I was open.  She thought I was special to have a best friend, in high school, who was black.  I can't help but wonder if the fact of growing up in town made me that way by being exposed to more.  We're lucky in Montreal for that, our city is a big melting pot, I think every nationality is represented.  That's what I like about it.  Living downtown it's even more apparent.

After we dropped them at the airport on Sunday, Hubby and I talked about how different I felt from them.  I've always been curious by nature, but I've been wondering (since Friday) if that curiosity was brought on by me being exposed to more things in town, by the education I've received or simply because that's the way I am.  I do know I received a good education (private school).  I've always been interested in seeing and knowing about the world.  Was that because I went to school with kids from all over the world?  I thought, because of the Internet and all the "toys" available to the kids, they would be curious about other cultures and such.  Talking with the boy over the weekend,  I saw a kid from a small town, who was close minded about many things and with not much interest in the rest of the world.  At his age I had pen pals from Germany, Spain, Greece and France.  When my cousin asked where was my husband from and I answered he was Hungarian.  The kid asked "what is that?"  I was, to say the least, surprised.  Not to know that Hungarians are people from Hungary is... is... wow.  I'm not expecting a sixteen years old boy to know where it is exactly on a map, but at least to know of it and to have an idea of Europe. 

I actually took them to a Lebanese restaurant (because they didn't feel like Italian, didn't want Chinese, didn't want fast food) by their hotel.  They had never tasted that before (nor did they know where it came from), and weren't even willing to try something as easy (for the taste buds) as hummus.  They ate their chicken brochette (because they could identify that) and their potatoes and that was it.  The comments they made on what they saw at food counter were actually making me a little embarrassed.  By the time I went home I was feeling somewhat in shock, frustrated and confused. 

We might be from the same gene pool, but I'm thankful I'm not so close minded.  They are missing so much.  It saddens me.  And yet, they are happy.  Or at least they say they are.  Good for them.  I guess it's true what they say about a pig being happy in shit...

At times, you have to wonder?

When you say to someone “excuse me” because you are trying to go by, why do some people feel this need to look at you as if you’re the most obnoxious thing around and give you attitude before they do move a little, if they do at all?

How come I cannot play only one game on the Wii? I always have to play "just one more"... strange, no?

Funny how it is that when I received an email asking me a question or more, I do answer it. I wonder why email systems or messages don’t work the same for everyone? Is it something my geeky husband programmed in my computer? I wonder...

Everywhere you look, listen they are talking about vaccines, should we or shouldn’t we get it? Will they have enough or will they run out? … and yet, after the day I’ve had all I have to say there is no vaccine against stupidity! Too bad, so sad.

Have I told you how great my husband is? He is! Tonight he came with me, and I got this new winter jacket, in black, with the fur! It’s gorgeous and soooo warm!


I won’t say I’m looking forward to our cold weather, but I’ll be ready for it! I have the greatest husband! This is to be my “early” birthday gift, “early” Christmas gift, and “early” Valentine Day gift… but it doesn’t matter, I’m happy! Talk about shopping therapy!

P.S.: That's not me in the picture, it's from the cie's catalogue...
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Picture: Kanuk

We are uneven, seriously!

Anyone who’s had the pleasure to meet my husband knows he’s one big ray of sunshine. Not! Oh, he’s pleasant for sure, has a warp sense of humour, but he’s also someone who bitches a lot. (Did I tell you we make a great couple? No? Well, we do!) There are a few things that, no matter what, he will bitch, moan, groan and express his opinions about without much restrain and these are: Windows, Morons and Incompetence. Besides that he’s a joy to be with. Really. Except that we live in a society where morons thrive, and surround us; where incompetence seems to be an actual pre-requisite for many jobs and Windows is everywhere. I must say I share, to a certain extent, his views on morons and incompetence. Let’s be honest here, they’re everywhere!

Over the weekend while I was fooling around Kaceboof I read a post a friend had, about this lady in Laval who got arrested and fined for not holding the ramp of the escalator in a metro station in Laval. It seems we have this law in QC where we should have one hand on the ramp at all time when using the escalator. I didn’t know that, and eeeew! Just the thought of touching it makes my skin crawl. How gross is that? The few times I’ve been taking public transport I try my best to NOT touch anything, especially not ramps or poles. In winter I keep my gloves on, but this time of year, yuk!

Anyway, this lady was asked to hold the ramp and when she refused the cops handcuffed her, etc. $412 worth of fees later she’s in the news complaining about being a mother and how ridiculous the whole thing is. I agree with her, it is totally ludicrous to live in a society with so many rules and laws to protect the morons. How stupid does one have to be to not know that the coffee in a paper cup is hot? Obviously, very stupid, because it’s now on every friggin’ paper cup when you get a coffee! Or the “Do not attempt this” at the bottom of many commercials. Does that mean I can’t ride a grocery cart, on the highway, between two rolling 18-wheelers? Aw, shucks, I so wanted to do that before my next birthday!

We, as a society, are lowering our standards to accommodate the mass. It’s sad. It’s like parents who don’t want to upset their kids and never say no to them. Those kids are in for a rude awakening the day someone refuse them something. Life is not easy, why are we trying to paint everything rose? Sometimes it is dark and rough, and other times it’s light and smooth, but if we didn’t have lows we wouldn’t know how good it feels to be on a high. But like Hubby says often, it’s easy to shine in the dark, and that is really making me apprehend the future… what’s in store for us if you keep trying to protect the stupid people from themselves, to keep the incompetent at jobs they shouldn’t be doing? In doing so are we making sure that Nature’s Law (Survival of the Fittest) doesn’t work anymore, and are we placing ourselves on a path towards Armageddon? I wonder… I really wonder…

International Day Against Homophobia

Homosexuality isn’t a sickness! Today is the international day against homophobia.

Despite the World Health Organisation’s crossing homosexuality off as a mental sickness on May 17, 1991, many prejudices are still present when it comes to gays, lesbians and transgender.

Many people still think that being gay is a choice or a mental disorder, and some even think that it can be “cured”. Specialists in metal health think it is impossible. Granted that it’s only in 1973 that the American Psychiatry Association removed homosexuality from its reference book, and that decision was only reflected in their manuals published in 1980. No wonder there is still lots of work to do in public awareness.

I’m using my blog to fight ignorance against homophobia.

You can check out the official site for this International Day, here.

My 500th post! Woohoo!

This is the forth post I’m writing and deleting… I feel like I want to blog and then my ideas are so all over the place that I can’t keep track of my topic. I guess I’m in serious venting need. Not that there’s a lot going on, things did calm down and seem to be back to my normal pace. My head is good – still headache free – knock on wood. My neck is another story, but at least I’m not having migraines.

I’ve been doing my rounds in Blogsville, not as regular as I used to be, but I’m still there and leave comments. Ever notice how some people, no matter what is thrown their way, just get back up and deal? I admire that type. I’m not talking about the “sick” kind who say things like “When life throws you lemons, you learn to make lemonade”, nah, not those, I’m talking about the good folks.

My father (bless his sorry ass) was the type who would see everything in a negative light. So I grew up expecting the worst. Somehow, I did manage to become optimistic and yet realist as well. I don’t think the world is all pretty and pink, nor that people are all good. I’m not like Hubby either. Despite his good nature, he tends to be a little the son of his mother and be one who sees the bad in most things/people. Granted, often he’s right. People are morons, most people anyway. I’ll give him that. Maybe it is the people we deal with, I don’t know. But often I think: “The gene pool is in serious need of chlorine!”

I don’t like things to be complicated. I live by the K.I.S.S. rule (Keep It Simple Stupid), or at least I try to. Some seem to want everything but simple. They must make everything complicated. They can’t only mess up their things, nope, they have to share their misery (I guess it’s true misery loves company) and get me tangled in their complication universe. Thinking seems to be optional for a lot of folks out there. Here are some fine examples of this:

Exhibit A: The guys above our place, didn’t they know before moving in to a second floor condo, that smoke goes up? So, if I’m using my BBQ yes the smoke of it will make its way up to you… funny how that is.

Exhibit B: People whom willingly sign up for a fundraising event, didn’t they know they had to raise money? WTF? So, if you’re “not comfortable soliciting people”, then why did you join a fundraiser? Please don't do things to "help me", do it because you want to!

I don’t get this. Maybe it’s all me? Maybe I’m just turning an old grumpy bitch? But with fine examples like these I can’t help to think that maybe Hubby is right, people are morons. Urgh.

Well said sir!

Friday's poster joke brings me to this speach from Mr. Cosby, which I love, by the way.

They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English...

I can't even talk the way these people talk ...

Why you ain't,
Where you is,
What he drive,
Where he stay,
Where he work,
Who you be...

I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk! And then I heard the father talk!
Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around. These lower economic people are not holding up their end in the deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what?
And they won't spend $200 for 'Hooked on Phonics'.

I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit.
Where were you when he was 2 ? ? Where were you when he was 12 ? ? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol ? ? And where is the father ? ? Or who is his father ?

People putting their clothes on backwards: Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something ?
Or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up ? Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body?
What part of Africa did this come from?? We're not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa. With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap... and all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem.
We have got to take the neighbourhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or partners, or whatever you call them now.
We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs.

We, as black folks have to do a better job.
Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us.
We have to start holding each other to a higher standard.
We cannot blame the white people any longer.'

Dr. William Henry 'Bill' Cosby, Jr., Ed.D.

It's NOT about color...
It's ABOUT behavior !!!

A little Spam with that?

A few days ago I received a message from “Confidential Message” and it was entitled “Attention Work”.

When I previewed this email, I was a bit taken aback by it. The spammers are really getting creative and personal. I do get a lot of crap via e-mail, mostly for drugs, penis enlargement, etc. This one surprised me. It was sent to my “formal” address – the one I use for business.

Every time I read or hear about some one that got ripped off by a con artist for money or whatever else, I can't help to wonder how can people fall for that. It seems so obvious to me. I’m not saying that I’m above it all. Maybe because I’m married to a geek who doesn’t trust anyone and is anal when it comes to security and privacy issues. Or because I hear about this plague almost every day, I don’t know. It just seems unreal that one would get caught in this web of lies. And yet, when I received this message it touched a nerve, and I can only imagine someone who’s alone and feeling vulnerable how it could affect him or her. The way it’s worded makes it sound like they care, that they want my best, and yet it’s for me to go on this site and get some type of pills, etc. Sad! Very sad! And even more sad that that someone will get caught by this…

Here is the message:

Hi, I hate to be the one to mention this, but people at work are talking about your weight issue and it just disgusts me. Whether you know it by now, people are always chattering about each other at work but you come up more than enough. I feel the right thing to do is to let you know now before this gets worse. I wasn't the happiest or best-fit a year ago or so but I managed to change that thanks to my sister-in-law(of all people). Anyhow, it was for the best.
What I am saying is that you need to do something different and maybe you can make the same difference I did. Try this stuff I used. I took it on the idea it's just more junk but it worked great. I see more positive reviews on it nowadays and makes me feel even better. So, I am encouraging a change, not only in the chatter around here but in you personally if you are willing.

-Anonymous for now

Here is the website below I order from. (Which I will not post!)

Don't you think this is just plain mean? I do. They will use every emotional angle to get us. This is simply playing with people's self-esteem... no wonder some people can not resist and do answer... poor "victims".

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

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!
*
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!

To All Smokers... A tous les fumeurs...

... out there, the world isn't your ashtray!!! I hate it when I see a smoker flick his or her cigarette out their car onto the street! When did the streets become your ashtray?!
If you can afford to smoke you should have had the ashtray option in your car!
This is so disrespectful! Unbelievable!!!

...and don't get me started on those morons who empty their ashtrays right by their cars in the parking lot!!! I tell you...

****
... qui lisent ce blog, le monde n'est pas votre cendrier!!! J'hais voir un fumeur ou une fumeuse qui lance son bout de cigarette dans la rue, en conduisant! Depuis quand les rues sont-elles devenues vos cendriers?!
Si vous pouvez vous payer le luxe de fumer, vous devriez aussi vous payer un cendrier en option dans votre auto!
Un tel manque de respect est incroyable, vraiment!

... et je vous fais part de ces imbéciles de crétins qui eux vident leurs cendriers juste a côté de leur auto, dans les stationnements publics!!! C'est drôle ils ne font pas ça dans leur entrées de cour par exemple, hein?!