Mama Bear

I don't normally talk about this stuff on here but I'm really upset today.

My daughter is 4 and a half years old and a very gentle, affectionate, loving, and sensitive soul. She feels emotions very intensely. She is quick to show love, friendship, and to care for others. The flip side is that her feelings are easily hurt. She is not one to hurt the feelings of others and doesn't quite understand how/why others would do that to her. She is not one to retaliate at all...this point will be important later in the story. She doesn't really cry easily but when she's hurt you can see her head and her eyes fall to the ground. You can't miss it.

She has a history with a couple of girls at daycare. It is recognized by the staff as being an issue and they keep an eye on it. I understand that my child can be part of the problem. She is not an angel. But the daycare staff has told me that there is a "distinct meanness" involved with one of the other girls.

Today I witnessed behaviour that I couldn't even imagine could come from a 4 year old. In the interest of privacy, and a long winded story, I'm not going to repeat the whole thing. It started with my daughter showing interest in what the other child was saying and making a comment to show her interested. The other child responded with a tone nothing short of bitchy and it just went down hill. When my daughter spoke to her again, the child actually started screaming and flailing around. I thought she was going to throw herself to the ground. All because my daughter spoke to her.

Do you know how my daughter responded to that shitty rejection? She was concerned because she upset the other child and wanted to give her a butterfly kiss to make her feel better. My child was treated like a piece of shit and still wanted to tell her she loves her and give her a butterfly kiss. Of course that comment, just got her more screaming.

My daughter was crushed and started to cry. She was crying real tears with her chin trembling. I know, you want to know what the other parent did. She told the child to say no thank you nicely. My child is a puddle of crushed feelings and rejection in my arms and that is the response? I'm so upset that my heart is racing and I'm fighting back tears as I type this.

My daughter has been through so much pain and heart ache over the past few weeks. This incident just crushed me. I stood there and stared at the other parent in anger. I just stood there and said nothing. Because, unfortunately, that's what I do. I do nothing. Well, that just ended today. On the way home, I told my daughter this "JJ, I'm very sorry about what just happened with Suzie. I know your feelings are very hurt. I promise I will never again just stand there and watch that happen. Ever."

What is the right thing to say? Did she understand? I have no idea on either count. But mark my works, I will NEVER keep my mouth shut again. What's the worst thing that happens? I lose a friend? A daycare parent thinks ill of me? Bring it, because she's worth it.

The incident took place outside at the end of the driveway. If the daycare owner had witnessed this she would have intervened. I know that I haven't captured the incident well with my description but let me tell you it was nasty. Nasty isn't even close to a good description. The behaviour was deplorable and cruel. When I drop my daughter off at daycare tomorrow, I will be addressing the incident. It didn't happen on their watch but I never want to find out that type of thing happened again and that child was told to say no thank you. That child is a bully and has been for the last 2 years.

I'm angry and hurting for my daughter and my Mama Bear Claws are out. The daycare knows me as being calm and even tempered. That will work in my favour. When I speak and show concern they will take me seriously because I don't normally make waves. I was hoping writing about this would make me feel better but it hasn't.

Wanted

Wanted - one set of full body armour. Needed by 5:50 pm today! I can allow more time as long as you have it to the Aitken Centre by the time the puck drops tonight.

That's right. I said by the time the puck drops tonight. The Princess is headed to another hockey game. It's the battle of the hill in the playoffs. Shelley called this morning and asked if I wanted to go to the UNB/STU hockey game. JJ is with her dad this week so I thought it sounded like fun. However, first I asked her "Are you sure you want ME to go?" She said she wasn't sure but I'm invited anyway. I'm really looking forward to it. The last game I attended was exciting with the overtime and shoot out.

Now, back to the important task at hand. FULL BODY ARMOUR. Someone please! Knuckles Whalen beat the crap out of me last time. If nobody can help me, I may be forced to steal hockey pants from one of the players. For my protection, of course.

Okay, I have to go fix my hair and get "hockey ready". Watch out hockey fans, the Princess is on her way. Score!!!!

The Proof is in the Pudding

And all the proof points to the fact that I am a complete geek. I was sitting here scrapbooking this morning and heard something about human rights on the radio. Of course, that made me start thinking. You know what? I am such a geek that I actually have 2 favourite sections in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I kid you not. In fact, they've been my favourites for a long time. I know some of you already know this.

Both of my favourites fall under the term Legal Rights.

The first is section 8 - Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure. I like this one because I like the challenge of trying to find loop holes and such. I remember an example of this that a professor gave in university and it goes like this. There is a house for sale and the police suspect they sellers have stolen art inside. The police could not pose as potential buyers to go check out the place. There is much more to it than that but that's a quick example.

My other favourite is section 11 (d) - Any person charged with an offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal. This one makes me so appreciative that I live in Canada. I'm positive that many Canadian take this right for granted. I cannot imagine living in a country where you could be put to death or punished in any way just because someone thought you did something. There are many places/countries that if the powers that be decide you did something...you did it. Whether there is proof or not. I can't even imagine what that is like.

Anyway, there you have it. Two quick paragraphs that completely prove my geekiness. I can't help it. I've always loved Charter issues and Human Rights issues because of the challenge in the interpretation. Everybody has their thing and that is mine.

I'm going leave my "pet sections" for the day and do some scrapbooking. Then Shelley and I are going to take a stab at making Jay's delicious Thai mussels. If we can figure out the damn lemongrass. :)

Kindred Spirits

I've heard the term Kindred Spirits a number of times over the last week or so. I heard it again last night while watching Big Brother and I realized that I have never really known exactly what it means. I understood the general idea but not the exact definition. After hearing it last night, I decided to find out today.

Kindred Spirit - someone who feels and thinks the way you do.

It along the lines of what I thought but not quite exactly. I know that I have a perfect match as a kindred spirit. Of course there are a few others as well. But one exact match. Fun!

Hi

Hi. I've been MIA for awhile now. The truth is that I just don't have much to say. Life has been pretty crazy and, unfortunately, it has pretty much killed any creativity or fun in my head.

Everything going on makes me step back an evaluate my things in life. It also makes me take a look at priorities. I've been on a bumpy road for a long time now. I've made some pretty big changes and the road will even out eventually. I'm sure I'll be a happier person in the end.

Thank goodness for the support of my friends and family. I'm lucky to have friends who are there to whisk me away at just the right time. And friends who are able to help keep things normal and on an even keel. I'm doing quite well but I still need you and appreciate you.

Well Big Brother will be on soon and I'm going to go watch. Quite frankly, I've turned watching the dysfunction of others in to a sport.

Things I Dislike

Since I listed things I love, I've decided to list thing I don't love:

* cooked carrots - the smell even makes me feel vomitous
* drivers who turn into the outside lane on the bridge in the morning - enough said
* the snow - sorry I just can't bring myself to like it
* mint flavour - the 3 exeptions being the blistex and the flavour shot in my coffee
* sucker or lollipops - the make me gag
* butter - it's a consistency issue
* being cold at night
* Grey's Anatomy reruns

Those are the items on my mind right now.

My Loves

Here is a list of things I love right now:

* Laying on the couch and getting myself in there just as tightly as I can
* Mint Blistex...it is really a mild addiction
* Tim's coffee - large triple, triple with a mint flavour shot. Sugar in a coffee cup
* Red fuzzy socks...not new but still hanging on
* Sanding the walls - not really but maybe if I keep telling myself....
* Mid-afternoon runs to get fastfood
* Hoodies
* Reading
* JJ telling me that she wants to be with me all the time
* The very brief time during the day when all thoughts disappear from my head
* Multi grain Tostitos...it has nothing to do with health. Chips are chips but these are just so crunchy!
* Butter chicken from the Superstore
* Re-runs of Paradise Island. I make no apologies for my poor taste in TV. None!

Hmm...short list.

Never Say Never

Never say never. Just when you think it's over and you'll never see something again....you get a surprise. Just when you think you've missed your chance...you hear differently. Just look what I found this weekend

NKOTB

Who would have ever thought this would happen. I was so into them in junior high school. And I vividly remember many of my friends liking them just as much. Don't even think of trying to deny it. I will point fingers and tell stories if you do.

I remember when Shelley went to see them in Quebec. I was so happy for her and so totally jealous at the same time. Then there was another time that we did a presentation for french class on them. I bet the rest of the class just loved that ;)

My favourite was Joe but I had a Jordan t-shirt that I wore religiously. Shelley had the same shirt but with her favourite band member, Danny.

So, would I go to a concert if this tidbit of into is real? I'm embarassed to say that I probably would but for the nostalgia. Shelley, you'd come too, right?

What I Want, When I Want It

That title sums me up pretty well. When I decide I want something, I want it now. I think I've always been like that. Remember when I decided I wanted I Cricut or a digital camera? I did wait for both but it was tough.
This doesn't just apply to material things. I have a difficult time waiting for anything. If you ask me to go to out lunch, I want to go NOW. It doesn't matter to me that it's only 9:47 am. Ask me over to your house to hang out? Again, I want to go right now. Not tomorrow, not next week, not even later today. NOW.
Food also fits into this category. Why wait to eat the cake later when I could eat it right now? This very minute. I am also of the opinion that I may as well eat the entire package of cookies all at once. What's the difference if I eat them all now or span it over a few days. They are all going to my butt eventually.
Sigh... seriously. I want it all right now. Now.

Oh and for the love of all things good - can someone please can clean up those damn Cheerios?????

Update

Monday evening and the standoff continues. Neither of us is budging on this. In all fairness, I haven't informed him that this stand off is taking place. So I guess what I really mean is that I haven't cleaned up the damn Cheerios yet.
As I was making supper, I realized there seems to be a directly co-relation between the crunch of Cheerios under my feet, the disapperance of my lips into my face, and the appearance of new wrinkles on my face.
Who doesn't love a good old fashion stand off?!?!?!

Stand Off

Well, it seems the universe would be out of line if there wasn't a stand off in my household at least once every 12 months or so. If you remember last December we all went through the whole camera saga together. I wasn't victorious in the first battle but, ultimately, I won the war and consequently the camera.
Fast forward to the present day in our house. We are currently coming to the close of day 4 in the Great Cheerio Standoff of 2008. Let me take you back to Thursday evening when I had a conversation with my sweet daughter. As I was getting supper ready, I noticed there were some Cheerios spilled on the floor in front of the cupboard where the cereal is stored. I nonchalantly turned to my daughter and asked her who did it. She said her father did it. I said thanks and turned away.....leaving the cheerios on the floor. That brings us to Friday when I'm making supper. The mister strolls through the kitchen and I asked him if he spilled Cheerios on the floor. He said yes and walked to the couch and lays down. My head then exploded all over the kitchen. I mean brains on the floor and everything. I started to walk toward the living room to make my thoughts perfectly clear but I stopped. Really, why bother?
In the end, I have decided to say absolutely nothing and leave the Cheerios on the floor. It is now Sunday night and the Cheerios are still. on. the. floor. I'm trying to be strong and hold my ground. It's not easy to leave garbage on the floor but I feel I must. Today I swept the floor AROUND the Cheerios.
I was going to take a picture and post it but it's bad enough I publicly admitted that I'm letting the Cheerios rot on the kitchen floor. But, dammit, I am. I am.

Bad Day

You think you're having a bad day? Check the day my sister had yesterday....

http://notthefavorite.blogspot.com/

I feel awful for her.

Hi

Hi, remember me? It's okay if you don't, I've forgotten my own name a few times over the past week. It's been a bit crazy. But it won't last forever.
I was in the kitchen earlier thinking that I should right a blog. I thought that I should write about the things I love right now. But as I was thinking of those things, my mind wandered off in a completely different direction. Funny how that happens. I'm going to tell you how it all played out because, quite frankly, the journey from one thought to another amazes me.

Like I said, I was thinking of things I love. At the same time, I was eating Golden Grahams cereal. For the record, I love Golden Graham. I'm sure there is very little nutritional value in them but, whatever, they' re good. Next I started humming the song Me Love by Sean Kingston and thought that I should add it to my list of things I love. So then I started thinking about why I love it. I love the raggae beat of the song because it reminds me of Jamaica. Then I remembered JJ listening to my MP3 player last night and telling me that she loved that song. That made me smile and I started singing out loud.
I started singing the song from the beginning which instantly reminded my of my cousin, Jan. Jan, if you haven't heard this song go find it. You'll know exactly what I mean. The beginning of the song takes me directly back to Lake George where we spent a weekend learning to water ski. Of course at this point I'm leaning on the counter laughing because of the water skiing incident when Jan didn't let go of the rope when she fell. Let me just say that a water induced Atomic Wedgie can reduce a 15 year old girl to tears.

I soon started laughing harder because I thought of Jan calling me the other night at 11 pm. The conversation went like this:
Me: Hello?
Jan: hesitation and then she says Sarah? oh my gosh I'm sorry. I was trying to call GV ( her hubby)
Me: Ha!Ha! That's really funny.
Jan: I was wondering why you were answering his phone then I realized I dialed the wrong number.
Jan: I do that all the time but only to you.
Side note - it's true she does it all the time and it's freaking hilarious. It cracks me up every time.
Me: It's okay, I was only sleeping.
This is followed by both of us laughing really hard for a good 5 minutes.
Me: Okay, I'm going to sleep now
and we hung up.

The next thought after that was about how I convinced Jan to throw away her sister's favourite shirt after she "borrowed" it without asking. Sorry Tracy we were young and stupid.
Then I started thinking about Stephanie's wedding and how much fun it will be to have family function and that I will totally need a new dress.

And that is how I went from thinking I love Golden Grahams to needing a new dress.

Not Really Blonde

There is a man at work who continually teases me by asking me if I color my hair. He says I must color my hair brown because he's convinced that I'm blonde. I have a tendency to say dumb things on a semi-regular basis. But surprise, surprise, I'm not really that dumb.

I've written posts on how I notice things that other people don't...blah, blah, blah. I may make air-headed comments but I definitely notice what is going on around me. I'm also terrible or really good, depending on how you want to look at it, for giving people the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes that comes back to screw me over but I'd rather have that from time to time than be a bitter, suspicious person all the time. Having said that, I do have my moments when I refuse to give people the benefit of the doubt. But it usually takes repeated incidents for me to get to that point and I usually get over. Hellooooo....how many times have I boycotted Walmart. I always go back because Walmart I could never stay mad at you.

I hate confrontation of any sort. If you hurt my feelings or upset me, chances are I will never say anything about it. It's not that I don't notice that you're screwing me or boycotting me. I notice....I just choose not to say anything. I figure it'll blow over. And if not? Whatever, I guess it wasn't meant to be. I'm off to a meeting in about 2 minutes that I have to lead and it will likely be a bit testy. This is not my comfort zone but I'll deal. Some people might be upset with me in the end but...whatever.

I'm cool with the fact that people think this stuff goes over my head. I notice and I keep track. I'll have the last laugh. I'll probably be your boss some day or own your subdivision.

A Space

Welcome to probably the most shallow post I've written to date. Yup, let this serve as your warning that you may want to hit that little red "X" in the corner now.

I was just in the washroom and as I was washing my hands I was checking myself out in the mirror. Whatever....you all do it to. I noticed that for the first time in my life there is a space between my thighs when I stand naturally. Only 2 years ago, my jeans always wore out in the inner thigh area first because my legs rubbed.

And there you have it...a very shallow blog. I don't think I can beat this one in the shallow department this year. But never say never. Clearly I can be very shallow.

This blog is brought to you by the word shallow...today's word of the day.

Frank's

On New Year's Day we took JJ to Frank's Finer Diner for lunch. She is constantly asking to go there and to El Burrito Loco. She thinks El Burrito Loco is Belle's castle. Anyway, it wasn't open so we went to Frank's. JJ was certainly "on" at Frank's that day. So much so that I started writing stuff down on my place mat so I would remember. Here are a few gems:

* "Mommy, that girls is wearing roller skates. Why is she wearing roller skates?" Me - "I'm not sure JJ ask her." JJ to the girl "Why are you wearing roller skates?" Girl - "I don't really know." When she came back later, JJ stops her and says "I know why you're wearing those...to go faster."

* "Momma, where does bacon come from?" I thought about this for 2 seconds and told her the truth "It comes from pigs." JJ - "For real?!?!" Then I offer her piece of bacon. She looks at it and says "Can I have a piece without ketchup on it? That's my girl.

* "Mommy, where does hamburger come from?" Me - "From cows." JJ- "For real?"

* JJ leaning over to me - "Give me a hug you big furball!"

Before we left Frank's JJ informed me, and half the restaurant, that she had to poop. So off to the washroom we go. We got in there, she sat, and peed. But before she had a chance to finish, the self-flushing toilet flushed. Well, the child got a terrified look on her face, screamed, and jumped of the flush. Holy crap it was THE funniest thing I have ever seen. I will be taking to her therapy next week because I'm sure she is traumatized by the fact that in her moment of need her mother could do nothing but pat her on the head. I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my fact and couldn't even talk.

Crunchy Edge

I love the crunchy outer edge of homemade brownies. I will search through the plate of them until I find a corner piece becaue it has 2 outer edges. None of those pansy centre pieces for me. I'm an outside girl all the way.
I do not like icing on my brownies. I do not bake brownies. JJ and my mom made them today when JJ was there for the snow days. Mmmm....brownies.

New Year

I had a blog all planned for today and I'm going to write it later because it is really funny. I'm sitting here at work, and for the record I'm soooo freaking happy to be here. I really mean that but fair warning if anyone calls me Mom, Momma, or Mommy it could get violent. I love my daughter dearly but hearing her call me name relentlessly for 12 hours straight for the last 10 days has worn me down.

So back to my thought. I received an message this morning from a friend saying she has been reading my blog over the last few days. Hi Stacey, nice to have you! It made me want to go back and read entries from the last year. Just for kicks I went to January 1, 2007. I was reading through and the following line caught my eye. A year and 1 day ago I wrote "My theory is that you should just jump on for the ride and take it for what it is. Otherwise, you may miss out on something really good."

Reading that line, I believe it more than ever. When I wrote that line last year, I was talking about friendships. This is I'm applying to life in general. I'm jumping on to see where it takes me and I think it's going to be good.

Final Edition

Last but certainly not least. Nicole C didn't make these herself but she know my style. This would be what I would pick out for myself. After all, red is my favourite colour. They are sassy, classy, and exotic all in one. Just pluck them off the card, stick them on and your in business. I don't have much to say about these because I think the photos speaks for itself. Besides, the have tassles...heelllooooo....enough said.

Thanks girls! I'm now properly outfitted. Just remember what I said about ruffles and fishnets for next year.

Kisses,

P

This set is a Holle P original. The are very creative and well made. You probably can't see but they are adhered to band aids so I can easily adhere them to me! They also came with advice, she said to remember that it's better the tear band aids of quickly.
I will save this set for July 4th. I'm not American but I will honour the USA by wearing pasties for them on July 4th. Thoughtful of me, huh?

Part II

Jeanette is the creative genius behind these beauties. To me the scream fun, flirty and mid summer night's dream. The butterflies are attached to orange cones, very Madonna -esque, with wire. Now I noticed that the wire is long and I'm not sure if Jay did that on purpose with the intent that I would wire them to myself or what. If that is the case, she things I'm generously endowed than I am. It's gonna be tough to wire to butterflies to mosquitos bites.

Secret Santa

I know Secret Santa was last week but I've been ill. I was one of the frist to leave the party and that was the start of me being sick. I've been in and out of bed since then. My throat hurt, my head hurt, I coughed and it was all around gross. I think I'm allergic to our Christmas tree but we got rid of it yesterday so hopefully I'll feel better now.





Okay back to Secret Santa. It was fun as it always is. Tina, thank you so much - you did a great job again! Tina was my secret santa last year too. Jeanette, thank you for having us all over and for the treats you sent home with me!





Every year there are some gag gifts handed out. Jeanette and I were the recipients this year. Oddly, I didn't see any photos of Jay's super pretty bathing caps. I was the lucky receiver of homemade pasties. And here they are:

This set was lovingly hand-crafted by Jenn and Amy. They are made from fruit roll-ups and tree ornaments. They are not only beautiful and sophisticated. They are practical too. If I get hungry and take then off, snack on them and then use the strings on them to loop them around my ears for long dangly stylish earrings. The are edible multi-use pasties for the girl on the go.

I've just decided to put each set in their own post.

Something is Missing

It's 9 pm on Christmas Eve - the littlest princess is asleep wearing her jammies left for her by Santa's elves. She was up at 6 am today so she went to sleep easily at 7:15 pm. I'm just finishing wrapping a few items, I've already filled the stockings, tracked down a missing bag and I'm working on my second rum and coke. But something is missing. A few things actually.

I miss the people I love. Everyone is here in the city but I'm not with most of them. Yes, I have my little family here but I'm used to a big family get together on Christmas Eve. We can't really do that anymore because we all have children and they need to go to bed. It's been a few years since we've had our Christmas Eve party. It was always at my parent's house with my cousins and aunts and uncles. My dad always served his meat pie and a million other things too. But we were all there for the meat pie and a few drinks. In the last few years we did an afternoon thing on the weekend before Christmas but now that has even fallen to the wayside.

Janet, Tracy, Jenn - If you're reading this, I really miss you guys tonight.

Christmas Cheer

From what I've been hearing, many people are having trouble getting into the Christmas Spirit this year. I know I'm at the top of that list this year. It's not secret that I'm not a huge fan of the Christmas break but this year seems to take the cake. Usually I dread things but I can manage to get into at least a week before Christmas. I'm still waiting and it's not looking good.

Even shopping this year was a chore this year. I normally love buying gifts for people. I can't even tell you how many fruitless trips I made the the mall this year. I just finished shopping yesterday. That is the lastest I've ever left shopping. I have piles of stuff to wrap downstairs and I would rather stab myself in the eyeball with a hot poker than go wrap anything.

I'm trying to be outwardly excited for JJ. But the truth is, I'd rather go to bed until this crap is all done and over with. I'd rather be at work next week than have to drag my sorry ass around to visit people.

My plan is to take JJ skating, sliding, play with the stuff Santa brings her, bake cookies (don't laugh...its the activity that counts not the charred remains of what were supposed to be cookies) and have play dates to keep me busy.

I guess it's only Saturday and I still have time to come around. Maybe Santa will sends some elves to force some Christmas Spirit into me. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a good old fashioned ass kicking from short men in tights.

Muffins Tops

Do you like muffin tops? I don't but I have one. As I was writing this, I had a conversation with someone about what the term muffin top could mean. I was going to explain what is was but it didn't occur the me that there are so many possibilities. The muffin top I'm talking about is that lovely bundle of fat that spill out over the top of my pants. HOT.

I'm not a big girl at all but I'm not exactly toned and fit. I'm never going to be and I'm fine with that. Being toned and fit would require effort and quite frankly I'm not willing to put forth the effort. I can still "suck it in" so I'll stay on that path as long as I can.

Jen and I were comparing our muffin tops and lunch time over some very unhealthy shepherd's pie. We are both showing our muffin tops of nicely today. The glow of Jen's muffin top can be seen through her slightly sheer blouse today while mine is nicely accented by my snug, form- fitting sweater. Both muffin tops are prime examples of what a muffin top should be.

So far we only have them in the front. If mine extends to the back, I will have to address it in a very passive aggressive manner. Muffin top in the front fine. Muffin top in the back icky....but I'll tell it nicely.

So anyone wanna rub my muffin top for luck? C'mon...I'll let you do it.

Shovelling Skirt

I have a skirt that from here on out will known as my Shovelling Skirt. I really think everyone woman should have one. What exactly is a Shovelling Skirt you ask? Well, it is a very practical piece of clothing one wears to shovel the driveway in -20 degree weather. Let me set this all up for you.

Yesterday morning I was all dressed in a skirt and high heel boots and walking out of the bedroom at 7:20. Mr Princess, who was staying home from work due to not sleeping at all the night before and a cold he'd had for a few days, informs me that I would have to shovel the driveway before I leave.
I looked at my clothing and said "I'll drive through it".
He said "There is alot of snow and you won't be able." He had already been up out of bed to get JJ dressed and fed, let the dog out, and call in sick.
I said "I'm wearing a skirt, the snow will be heavy and I only have 10 minutes. Can you help me?"
He said "I'm wearing shorts and I'm beat from snowblowing the driveway twice in 12 hours on Sunday and Monday."
I said nothing and I walke outfiguring that I was then giving off so much steam that the snow would melt if I stood next to it.
As I'm putting on my coat, he comes down and does the same. I say "I can handle it, I don't want your help. Leave me alone."
He continues to put his outdoor stuff on. So I repeat myself and he says "Sarah, that's not very nice." I say nothing but I'm thinking that it's a nicer than me putting the shovel up your ass!
So I put my coat on and head outside to shovel. The snow was in huge chunks at the end of the driveway and it was heavy. I'm standing on boulders in my sexy Shovelling Skirt breaking up snow boulders with a shovel and the mister comes out and helps. I cleared enough to get the car out and then went inside to get JJ and leave.

As she and I are in the car backing out of the driveway, the mister is walking up the driveway to the garage. JJ says "Watch out, don't run over Daddy." I said "I won't, that would be far to obvious today."

And that is how I came to own a Shovelling Skirt. I feel this is also good time to mention that I'm actively seeking a Sugar Daddy to finance an extended trip to someplace warm and tropical for myself and a few friends. If you know any SDs who may be interested please send them my way.

I'm In Love

Yes it's true. I've found a new hair stylist and I love him. After a long search, I decided to try out Justin Fudge at Sue Lawrence. He was recommended by my friend, Nina, who also has curly hair.

I really like my hair but I also really liked Justin. He was totally personable and friendly from the get go. I explained to him that I was looking for someone who was willing to work with my hair curly and NOT try to straighten it at every appt. He looked at me and said "If you don't wan to bother using a straightening iron on it than neither do I!" I smiled and we were on our way. I pointed out a few problematic areas with my hair. Instead of acting like I was a total door-knob like my last stylist, he told me why those issues happen and how he was going to correct it. Sigh...he's awesome.
I have to colour my hair because I'm probably 35% grey now. I don't like coloring it myself because it's so messy and the drug store stuff doesn't cover the grey as well. However, I do it occasionally if I have to. The last time I was in to see my former stylist she snottily (I know that is not a word) said "I see you use drug store color". Whatever, its a freaking 8 week wait to see her. Blah, Blah. So I told Justin up front that I used drug store color and he said "It doesn't look bad at all" What a guy. Then I told him that I prefer to have it done. I also told him I'd like to have red streaks but I don't think I'm hip enough to pull it off. He said we would make it work AND told me I should grow my hair a bit longer. True Love.
We talked about all kinds of things and he told me all about his love life. I helped him justify a few things, because we all know I'm good at that, and he said " I like you!"
I left thinking that Justin and I will be together for a long time. I love my hair and I'm pretty sure Justin just brought my Sexyback! How corny was that?!?! I couldn't resist.

Geez

Well, I haven't said much over the last 24 hours with all the blogs going on. I've decided to keep my yap shut for once. I know, crazy isn't it. But holy hell, then Ames and Mel go and post that mushy friend crap. I'm not a mushy person by nature but that stuff almost made me cry this morning.
Relationships are tough ladies. All relationships. Having said that, some relationships are easier but they all require work. We are a large group and we we tend to break off into groups and that is normal. Some girls will be closer with others and chances are those relationships are easier. But you know, you still have to work at it to some extent.
I'm not always the most forgiving person and I can admittedly be judgmental by times. But you know we've all come through alot together in the last little while. I'd love to tell you that it will all be sunshine and lollipops from here on out but we all know it won't be. Life happens and you all know that something will come up, probably soon because it's been a bit too quiet, and we'll need to rally around and support one another. Amy mentioned how important honesty is in a friendship and I think she is absolutely right. But remember what I said about relationships beig work? Part of that work is trying to understand your friends and what works. I'm not suggesting we pussy foot around. I'll use myself as example, I'm a loud-mouth but I hate confrontation and you need approach me gently or I will cry. Seriously.
So how about we all throw down the boxing gloves and make nice? Unless I can have some cute pink boxing gloves. Because then I'd want to go a round just for the sake of the gloves. But please don't get any blood or snot on my cute gloves because that would be gross and then I'd be mad and wouldn't want to take my own advice.

I love you, Girls.

xoxox

P

I'm easily bored. I mean I can have 10 million things to do and still be bored with it all. Which brings me to the avoid and pain topics I mentioned last week. I know it's sounds depressing but really it's not.
I have all kinds of piles on my desk that I need to get to but I just don't do it. You see this is a special pile of items that I don't want to work on for one reason or another. A major flaw of mine is that I'm an "avoider". I totally avoid things I don't want to deal with.
The piles on my desk just get moved around on my desk every day so I can work around them. I also keep a notebook on my desk that I write in constantly. I write things I have to do, notes on cases, notes from phone calls etc. I also tend to doodle in this book when I'm on the phone. The notebook typcially tends to sit on the pile of stuff I like to avoid. So one day a few weeks ago, I was on the phone and when I looked down after the phone call, I noticed I had doodled AVOIDANCE. Hello? How clearly do I need to spell it out to myself? Get at that pile!!! I'm publicly stating that I intend to clear that pile in the next 2 weeks while I'm stuck in the office. Mark my words

First Snow

Sometimes I go for days and even weeks when I don't have anything to write about. Then all of a sudden I have too many things to say in one post. Okay, way off topic but I just had a total loss of grammatical knowledge and I'm still sitting here wondering if I should have used THEN or THAN. Let me assure you that type of thing bugs me. Moving right along and getting back to all the things I have to say. I don't want to cram it all into one post so here is the list and I'm going to try to write about it this week - avoidance, pain, busy. Wow, that looks like a depressing list but really they aren't. They are all funny things. Really.

Today was the first snow of the season. I may offend some people with this but what else is new. I like to live on the edge by speaking my mind. Holy crap the first snow of the season is annoying to me. I can't even tell you how many times I rolled my eyes today and said "We live in Canada people! It snows EVERY year!"

The forecast has been calling for snow for the past few days. We knew last night that we would get alot of snow overnight. We were ready to leave the house this morning at the same time that we leave every morning. Even. with. all .that. snow. You know why? Gee, I'm not sure if I should give out this ground breaking secret. I'll tell you but I might have to kill you. Here goes nothing...we set our alarm early. Wow, it feels good to say it.

I have to get off my high horse for a second but don't worry, I'm getting back up. We didn't leave our house until 9:15 but only because our daycare didn't open until 10 am. We thought about taking JJ to work with us but vetoed that idea. It turns out I should have taken her because there were few people there anyway. Our building was virtually empty. Why is it that people think they don't have to go to work on a snow day? I understand that some people have quite a drive and that can be intimidating. But if you live at the start of the Woodstock Rd you should be able to get to Queen St. Good lord.

On to this evening. I was in a parking lot earlier this evening talking to a friend for a few minutes and we were lucky enough to watch 3 separate cars tear into the parking lot trying to do spins. The snow brings out all the crazies There were two red cars in a row and they were pretty funny. But then a silver car came along. The car was going relatively fast for a parking lot and then I noticed there was a guy hanging out of the passenger side window with a camera in his hand. I got a good chuckle out of that. A few minutes later, the same car comes along and the passenger was standing out the sunroof this time. Ahhhhh...it reminds me of when my dad and I used to do that in his jeep while my mom and sister were at Brownies. Well, except standing out the sunroof.

At least we have the first snow out of the way. It's pretty blah, blah, blah. I will give you that but I refuse to like winter or the drivers.

Dear Secret Santa

Dear Secret Santa,

Thank you so much for the super awesome early present you left on my chair at work today. I will be sure to tell all the children who don't have chimney's that Santa always finds a way into the house! I thought maybe you had an elf in my office to help you out but the elf said it wasn't her. You must be magic to get into our securely locked building that requires a pass card to even get to the bathroom!

I was so excited to see that package on my chair this morning. At first I didn't see the tag that said To Sarah Fr Secret Santa. So I asked Josh if he knew anything about it but he said no. Then I checked other offices but sure enough they didn't have any presents either. My first thought was of course"Ha! Ha! Suckers!". My second thought was to get at opening that present.

I picked it up, saw the tag, and I was so excited. The package felt familiar in my hand. I didn't waste any time tearing that paper off! Sure enough it was pink fuzzy socks. Ha! Those other bitches said I wouldn't be getting any more fuzzy socks. I knew I could count on you!

Love,

Your favourite Princess

Pep Talk

Your Princess needs a pep talk. I've taken on some new responsibilities at work in the last month or so. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about it and it's a great opportunity for me BUT... Of course there is a BUT. The BUT is that I'm kinda of overwhelmed.

I haven't felt fully comfortable with this since the start but that is to be expected with new challenges. I think if you feel fully comfortable than maybe you aren't taking it seriously or doing it right. This new role is definitely out of my normal sphere. I'm a social issues, fix the world, go to bat for the under dog kind of girl. Now all of a sudden, it's numbers, deadlines, and logistical issues.

I know that I can get the job done. But today, after talking about the vomitous feeling I have in my stomach, I realized that I feel overwhelmed by the task and it's kinda making me doubt myself. Even a Princess has doubts sometimes.

I know that I'm very capable of doing this. I also have a great support system at work and outside of work. I have a great team working with me too. So here is my plan. I'm going to feel nervous, and maybe a bit sorry for myself, until 9:45 am. Then I'm going to go to ladies room, tame my hair, plaster a smile on my face, suck it up and go wow them with my Princess Charms. Princess Charms, for the love of all things good, don't fail me now.

Stumped

I've been teaching pole dancing for about 6 months now and it's been going quite well. There have been a few memorable moments but nothing really worth mentioning.

Last night I did a stagette party for a bunch of girls and they were alot of fun and very funny. I will certainly remember that party for some time to come. It's not because of anything anyone did but something a girl said.

It was relatively early in the evening and she turned to me and said "Are you a stipper? Like do you strip other than this?" Holy crap, I'm sure my eyes just about bugged out of my head. I thought she was crazy on a number of different levels.

First, we don't take out clothes of at pole dancing parties. Good lord. What more can I say on that?
Second, she must have been really, really drunk looking at me. I'm okay with the way that I look but I'm not stripper material. Oye.

Jenn, my sister, came with me last night because of the long drive. Thanks Jenn. She can vouch that I was no looking stripperish. My hair was pulled back for the drive there, I was wearing TWO long sleeve shirt and jeans. I just can't imagine that I project the image of a stripper in any way. Must have been the liquor.

I must say that for the first time in a very long time, I did not have a response for her. I just said "No, I work with Suzie's (girl at the party) brother.

Write It Down!

I tell myself to write things down all the time. I've never had a great memory but lately it seems to be getting worse. It always cracks me up when people ask me to remind them of things. I'm telling you it's like asking the dog to watch your supper...not going to happen. Once you entrust me to remind you, it's like putting the information into an abyss...gone forever.

After JJ was born, I remember (how ironic is that?) thinking to myself that I would be very happy for the "Baby Brain" to subside and my memory to return to normal. As the time approached for me to return to work those thoughts changed to "Holy shit! My brain is still mush! How will I function in the real world?!?!" Sadly, it's 3 years later and I don't think things have improved...I have just adapted. Oh, and I think the people around me are down right tolerant.

So lately, I've had blogger's block and last night I was laying in bed thinking. I bet I would sleep much better at night if my stupid brain would shut down and STOP thinking. But nooooo it just won't. Anyway, I get all these ideas for topics to write about and I think "I'll totally remember that in the morning!" But I never do. I had a good idea last night but I decided to store it in my head for "safe keeping" and hence it is lost for ever. Locked in the vault never to be released again.

I've heard of people who leave a pen and paper beside the bed to write the stuff down. Whatever. My room in pitch black so I'd have to turn on a light. I'm talented but writing in the dark and making sense of it the next day is not one of my many, many extraordinary talents. If I dared turn on a light, assuming that I'm willing to leave my warm oasis of a bed, Mr Princess would f'ing freak and pee himself. I can hear it now.

Mr -Jesus Christ Sarah! What the hell are you doing?
Me - Oh I just had a great idea and wanted to write it down. Chill out!
Mr - $(%&$(# @($&5 It's 2 am. *!%^#
Me - Whatever (with a big eye roll)

And really who doesn't love a nasty argument at 2 am? I know I sure do. So there. How do you write things down in the middle of the night? FYI - I'm not really looking for an answer or a suggestion here. I'm simply trying to justify why I refuse to write things down even though I can hardly remember to wear pants most days. Let me have that simple joy.

Big Night

Tonight is a big night...its a UNB vs STU hockey game. And none other than yours truly will be at the game. That's right...the Princess will be in the house. Well, the arena...whatever.

As I mentioned awhile back, I shafted Shelley and offered to go to the game to wiggle my way back into her good graces. Tonight is the big night. I will sit with her right behind the UNB penalty box. By the way, she says to me "You don't mind flying pucks do you?" Ummm...one of my biggest fears is losing my teeth. So....yeah I do but I'll suck it up! I will be wearing a UNB sweatshirt. Oh she wanted me to wear a jersey but I just can't do it. It would scream "FAKER!". I will cheer for UNB or at least acknowledge any goals the MAY get and participate in all the rituals (the list is as long as my arm).

The most difficult part of this is that Shelley told me she doesn't really talk during the game. OMG...that will kill me. I may have to find a few friends to keep me company. Any takers? I'll be the Princess in the helmet behind the penalty box. Pop over and say hi!

Shitty Day

Yup, today was a crap day for me. It was supposed to be a great day but, whatever, things don't always turn out the way out want or intend, right?

I was downstairs around 8:40 this morning and when I returned to my desk, I saw that my Dad had called but didn't leave a message. A few minutes later, now about 8:52, my phone rings. It's my dad and in a very weak voice, he says "Sarah.....I don't feel good". I could tell by the sound in his voice that he was really ill. I already had my coat on and grabbed my purse and ran as fast as I could, in high heel boots, down to his office (we work in the same building). When I got to his office, I took one look at him and yelled "Someone needs to call 911 right now!"

He was laying back in his chair and couldn't move. He was an awful yellow color, breathing very shallow, said he was dizzy and his fingers were tingling. Holy crap, it felt like forever before the firefighters and EMTs arrived.

I tried to get ahold of my husband and sister but nobody was answering their phones. I've mentioned before that I have really great co-workers. But I have to say they are amazing. One guy, ran to my sister's office to get her, another stayed by my said and made calls for me and fetched me things, waited to see if we needed drives, and then showed up at the hospital later just to see if we needed anything. Other people waited for the ambulance, some watched for my sister and husband so they could get in to the building and then yet others waited for my mom. I can't even put in to words or describe what all these people did for me today. I get emotional when I try to talk about it. Just know they are an amazing bunch of people.

So the EMTs arrive, I'm giving them info about my dad, calling my mom, answering other questions for people, waiting for my sister and I hear an EMT say to my dad that they couldn't find his blood pressure. He says "I can take of my shirt if you want, I don't mind." What do I do? I turn to the firefighter beside me and say "LOL...that runs in the family". OMG...I say totally inappropriate things and completely inappropriate times. Holy shit. I still can't believe I said that.

So I'm on the phone with my mom when they decide to take my dad to the hospital. I just asked her where she was and my dad starts making these awful sounds. I look up and my dad is crumpled on the floor passed out cold. I whimper to my mother on the phone "Mom, hurry. Hurry, mom." Nice...did I mention the woman has a heart condition?? Then I watch as 2 fire-fighters and 2 EMT struggle to lift my dad onto a stretcher. I was managing to hold myself together but then I look up and see my sister with big tears in her eyes. I almost lost it at that point.

My mom arrives just as they are taking my dad out. I tell my mother she is going in the ambulance. Not just because I wanted her to be with him. Nope, she has a heart condition! I wanted her in the damn ambulance just incase. I told the EMTs about he heart too.

We went to the hospital and waited. Jenn and I went for coffee and on the way back I see Nicole from afar. Nic, I'm always happy to see you but I could have cried when I saw your smiling face today. It really helped.

Jenn and I left the hospital and my dad was doing well. He was talking and back to a normal color. They monitored him for the afternoon and he's on his way home now. It turns out a combo on meds he was on made his blood pressure bottom out.

These are the highlights but this is too long already. It's going to take me awhile to shake the image of how I found my dad today. He told me he tried to get help for 10 -15 minutes. He tried to call me 3 times before he was able to make the phone work. I can't think anymore about that.

How was your day?

Houdini

I try not to write about my daughter too often because I don't want people to say "Does she have to write about her daughter ALL the time". It seems that I have been writing about her alot lately. But, well, I like her and it's my blog. So there :)

Today she, my mom, and I had a lunch date at McDonald's (ewww). Afterwards we went to Shoppers for a few minutes. I finished up first and left JJ with my mom while I went to Subway to get something for the Mister who was mildy hung-over this morning. When I was done done at Subway I started towards the car but they weren't there yet, which I thought was odd. I look over towards Shoppers and what do I see? My 4 year old daughter standing outside the door with a strange man. Mel pick your chin up off the keyboards and keep reading. I calmly but quickly walked over to them. Just as I was getting there they walked back in the doors. When I got to her I called her all three of her names, which we all do when we mean business. The man looks and me and says "Do you know her? Someone is looking for her." Holy crap. I still remained calm but I was deadly serious and not one bit happy.

At this point I have a death grip on the kid and I look inside the store. I see my mother, who was recently told she cannot work any longer because of her heart trouble, freaking out by the cash registers. She is very loudly saying "My grand-daughter! Where is my grand-daughter? She was just hear a minute ago!" Crap, I could hear the tears and the hysteria that were quickly about to take over her. Then all the poeple around her scatter and start looking for my child. My mother chooses that point, thankfully, to look up and see me. I point at JJ and my mom falls from near hysterics to "Thank god she's okay!" Kill me now.

I turn my attention to my daughter who has completely failed to recognize that anything is wrong. She looks up at me and says "Hey Mom, I found ya!" I'm still calm and not even thinking about bodily harm...yet. I bend down so I'm at eye-level with her and I say "JJ, I don't ever in my life want to see that again. Little girls cannot go outside by themselves. I left you with Nana and I expect you to stay with her. You scared, Nana." It went in one ear and out the other. Cue Nana, who comes over and hugs her and tells her she was so scared and so on.

I should mention that this was all the JJ's fault and there was nothing my mother could have done. The kids wanders and so do I.

I decide to end the freak show and drag the kid and the grandmother to the car. Grandmother is still shaking and is sitting in the front seat with her head in her hand. I tried to reassure her and then turned my attention to JJ. I again tell her what she did wrong...blah, blah, blah. I'm very serious which is a point she fails to notice. She picks the middle of my speech to hold up the crap bee toy she got at McDonald's and buzz it in my face. Wrong move!!! I grabbed the toy and told her to listen to my words very carefully.

I then proceeded to scare the shit out of her. Am I proud? Not so much. Will I get the mother of the year award? I was out of the running anyway.

Here is how is went down in a very short tone - "JJ I'm dead serious now and you had better listen to me or I will run over your bee. If you had walked into the parking lot you could have been run over by a car. Or a stranger could have taken you and you would never have seen Mommy, Daddy, Nana, or Grampy ever again. Now, I want you to sit her and think about how sad we would be if we never saw each other again." Then I closed the door and got in the car. I let her sit there in silence until we hit Fulton Ave. I looked back and she had her head down and was looking pretty sad.

I felt bad but whatever. It's not the first time she has taken off but hopefully it'll be the last. Nana felt so bad that JJ got to spend the rest of the afternoon at their house.

Saturday Night

Here I sit on Saturday night. I think I'm getting old. I'm watching Mr Princess and 5 friends play poker. Well, I'm watching TV and they're playing poker right in front of me. Sunny's husband is here and he's a bit of a bad influence. He and Al just introduced me to a new rum. It's called Sailor Jerry spiced rum. It's not the classiest sounding drink but damn it's good. I can't wait to go buy my own bottle.

I was in the dining room watching the poker game for awhile but I didn't think they appreciated my play by play commentary or my needling trying to get someone to put in all their chips. It's kinda funny that the guy who has never played before has a HUGE pile of chips. Gotta love beginner's luck. The conversation in there is pretty mundane. I have to wonder if it's because I'm sitting here. Oh, by the way Jenn, Paul was singing your praise and you are allowed to pole dance with my any time. I was only in the house 15 minutes before the first request for pole dancing. Ha ha...as I typed that someone just said "You have to see the pole dancing girls". Well, I have and one mojito and a double rum and coke. If they ask me again, I just might do it. If only I could remember that table routine of mine. Kidding, just kidding.

I went to the mall earlier to give the boys some space. I had a great time at the mall but holy that place in packed on a Saturday night. I was proud of myself for only buying a magazine because I could have come out of there will arm loads of crap.

The mall, a scrapbooking magazine, and watching other people play poker. That is my Saturday night in a nutshell...sad but true.

OH and Eric hate tapenade. Awesome.

Sometimes She is Just Plain Weird

My daughter that is. The stuff that child comes up with ranges from cute to funny to just plain weird. She has been especially entertaining over the past few days. I feel at ease calling my child weird only because I recognize that she is so much like me. She may not look much like me but that child is mine down to her weirdo core. The way she speaks, the things she says, her quirks, her mannerisms...all me. Is it odd that I see so much of myself in her?

Anyway, here are a few highlight from the past few days that have cracked me up.

*Friday morning a block from daycare. Me:JJ don't forget Buzz Lightyear in the car. You'll want him for show and tell. JJ (with attitude): Oh, don't you worry.

* Saturday morning laying in JJ's bed - JJ: Mommy can you lay still for a minute? I'm just going to lick your eyebrow. Me: No.

* Saturday at Shoppers in the line at the cash behind the most butch looking woman ever. JJ: Mommy that man has a poppy. Me: uh, huh. JJ: Mommy, that man sure is buying alot of pop. Me: Yup. JJ: Momma, I love that man's poppy. Me: I finally put my hand over the child's mouth to stop her from talking!

* Sunday in the women's washroom at Walmart. JJ: Mommy, what is that horrible smell? Me: Just finish your business and let's get out of here. Okay that cracks me up even as I write it.

*Sunday night putting her to bed. JJ: Momma, when I get big I'm going to be your best friend. Me: JJ, you're my best friend now. JJ: But when I'm big I'm going to go with you everywhere. To do karaoke, to dance, even when you do something dangerous. But if you're doing something dangerous I'll just stand back and let you do it. Me: I can't wait.

* Ten minutes ago when I was tucking her in. JJ: Momma, what did you just eat? Me: An olive and pepper Triscuit. JJ: I like the smell of that. Breath on me. Me: Uh, okay. JJ: Again, Momma. Me: Sure. JJ: Again. Me: This is the last time. JJ: I love that smell. Can I put my nose in your mouth and smell? Me: NO! Now it's time for bed. Told you she is weird.

* 3 minutes later when she called me back to her room. Me: JJ stop picking your nose. JJ: Okay. Then she pull the blankets over her head and I see the blankets moving. Me: JJ, I said stop picking your nose. JJ: How did you know? Me: Because I know everything. JJ: No, Momma Angie Landers (fake name for a kid in her class at daycare) knows everything. Me: I'm sure she's smart now stop picking your nose.

Halloween Rant

Four posts in one day...it must be a record. But, in all fairness, the others were just photos.

So it's Halloween night and I'm giving out treats. For whatever, reason, Mr Princess refuses to answer the door. He's been like that for years. I don't get it. Maybe it's a deep-rooted childhood phobia. Whatever.
I haven't seen any super cute or creative costumes yet. I probably won't because we don't get alot of kids at our door. I had one adult sumo wrestler come to the door. At least IT was dressed up. I say IT because I have no idea if it was a man or a woman. Seriously. However, I did decide IT was a tad creepy looking at me with dead-in-the-eyes-satan-stole-my-soul kind of look. I'm mean really, if you're going to come looking for candy at 50 years old, at least try to be charming about it. That was at the beginning of the evening. Then, about 10 minutes ago, the bell rings and there is a little girl standing there and the freakin' sumo wreslter. I said "You've been here already." The wrestler looks at the kid and says "Oh, we've been here already." and they leave. Oye.
What is up with the kids who come to your door and don't even bother to dress up? I had 3 teenagers who just stood there with their backpacks open. Seriously, put some effort into it.

And finally

Nic this is at your request.

And More....

This one above is a direct copy of one of Shelley's cards.

This is what I've been up to lately

Fighting It

I've been fighting a cold for the last few days. I'm not sure where I picked it up but that person is sooooo off my Christmas card list.
I have to admit that I'm not a very good sick person. Basically, I like to tell anyone who will listen that I don't feel well and then complain endlessly. Who wouldn't want to listen to that??
The cold started to take hold Sunday evening. I told Shelley that it felt like I had popcorn stuck in my throat. (Can you believe someone make fun of that comment??) It was the cold taking hold. I thought I would shake it over night. But it's still here deeply rooted in my left sinus cavity and getting worse by the minute. The pressure is building and I'm getting stuffier.

Does anyone feel sorry for me yet??? Anyone? I really need someone to take care of me and do things for me. Any takers? Yet? How about now? C'mon.... What if I ask later? Will you change your mind? Damn. Can't blame a Princess for trying. But if you change your mind....

Scrap Camp

Dear Organizers of Scrap Camp and the Holiday Inn,

Thank you all once again for all your hard work that made my weekend such a fabulous time. I enjoyed myself, as always, and I'm looking forward to returning to Scrap Camp in the future...providing the restraining order is lifted in time.
Thanks you for making sure the bar was open at 5 pm. This certainly got my evening/night/early Saturday morning off to an interesting start. I appreciate that John, Juan, Faith and the gang tried to make mojitos for us girls. But for the next time, don't puree the mint leaves. I find my beverages more enjoyable when I don't have to close my eyes because they look like baby poo. But points to you for trying and the french fries were good!

I enjoyed the beads that you hid in the tree in the bar for me to find. That was a fun game and red is my favourite color and they really looked fantastic with my outfit. My friends and I really had fun with them pretending it was Mardi Gras at Mactaquac. I promise to bring a new string of beads the next time I'm in the neighbourhood. Again, I apologize for losing yours...my bad.
For next year I would also suggest that Amy is not allowed to make the shooters choices. Whiskey Sours, as it turns out, are not fit for Princess consumptions. Yuck.
I really enjoyed your hot tub. Although, the scrubbing coming from the changing rooms echoed in my head...over, and over, and over. For awhile I thought I was going crazy but it was nothing a Corona with lime couldn't fix. Sorry about the beer in the hot tub.

Please let Jenn H know that I didn't lose her on purpose. Mel says I like to fly solo. Lucky for Mel, she got to be my wingman Friday night. Jenn you just have to keep up.

I really loved the backyard at the Holiday Inn..lovely landscaping...plenty of greenery and bushes. Mel and I spent some quality time on the grounds out back. I'm sorry I fell off your bench into the bushes. I would have gotten out of the bushes sooner but it was hard to get to a standing position with my feet straight up in the air like that. Mel is sorry she couldn't get me out sooner but she was busy pouring her beer in my lap.

Oh, I also apologize for puking in that other bush. It truly wasn't my fault. I wouldn't have done it all except Mel sat on my stomach and wiggled. The first time was tolerable but she did it again and I was toast. But really, I only threw up a little bit...in the bush.

The yard out back is a wonderful arena for gymnastics. I haven't done gymnastics in years! But cartwheels and such were no problem for me on your lush green, very wet lawns. Unfortunately, the front handsprings I tried didn't pan out for me. But then again they never have. Kudos to your landscaping team...the lawn was so lush that I hardly felt the blow when I landed on my back over and over again. I was wet from head to toe when I went inside. I only wish I had seen the play ground equipment before Saturday afternoon. Next time! I had that fun "find your lost flip flops" game to keep me entertained anyway.

The committee did an awesome job putting the store together. It looked great from my point on the floor. It sure was nice of Nic to lay with me. The lunatic dancing by the paper racks was a nice touch too. Oh and Mel wants to thank Kim for the quick chat. Wink, wink Kimmy.

That Nicki, boy is she a keeper. What other Scrap Camp director would come looking for lost campers? Perhaps next time, the committee could budget for electronic monitoring bracelets for us? I'm just thinking of Nic's well-being. Oh and we're sorry we said "Shit, there's Nicole!" when you called for us. Oh, and we're sorry we snuck out after you put us to bed....and hid from you on the floor of the vending machine room...with the door closed...and tried to turn off the light. You're the best camp director ever!

Next year, Susan and Jay probably won't want to bunk with us. Shhhh....Jay is the rat-fink who sold us up the river by telling Nic we left again. It's a good thing she's cute. I would suggest that the hotel invest in some insulation for the walls. After I climbed into bed at 2 am I could hear lot of laughing from the next room. I know it couldn't have been us. We were trying so hard to be quiet. Besides, Mel spooning me with her arm around me was no laughing matter. I didn't get to sleep in your comfortable beds for very long but it was nice. I would like to request a queen size bed next year. Sleeping so closely to Mel was warm and cozy but I don't think she enjoyed my elbow in her head.

I'm sure breakfast was yummy the next morning. Unfortunately, I seem to have caught a stomach bug the night before. Luckily,It turn out it was just one of those 12 hour bugs. No harm done.

Thanks again for your hospitality!

Love,

The Princess

Between the Bookshelves

I have a sick little girl and we're going to be home together all day tomorrow. To make her feel better, and save my own sanity, I headed to Chapters to get books for both of us, so we can make it through tomorrow. My baby girl is now 4 years old and she is affectionate but not as snuggly has she once was. So I enjoy the extra snuggles when she is sick. And how could I not melt when looks at me with those big green eyes and says "I just need you next to me, Momma." I love those moments. It's watching Scooby-Doo and the Monster in Mexico over and over that is going to get to me. So off to Chapters I went.

I'm always amazed by the things I find between the shelves at Chapters. I could have stayed there for hours. I was having a great time and wasn't in any hurry to leave. I ended up getting a Jodi Piccoult book. I forget the name but it takes place in Amish country. It's up for grabs when I'm done...which will likely be tomorrow night. I bought a Robert Munsch book, No Clean Clothes, for JJ. I'm looking forward to reading it with her.

Next I went for a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks...decaf of course. But to my great sorrow, they were all out of pumpkin spice flavour. NOTE - clearly the word on the Month of All Things Pumpkin is spreading on the street. Anyway, the girl suggested I try a Chai latte. I decided to go for it. I was skeptical when I first smelled it. I thought it smelled like cleaning products. But I tasted it and it was okay. I kept drinking it and I grew to like it. I will definitely have it again and I recommend it to all of you. One little thing though...it makes my tongue tingle. Odd.

Finally, I headed outside and toward home. I usually go home via the Princess Margaret bridge. Tonight when I was on the highway behind the university, I looked up and I could see the Big Dipper clear and bright in the sky. I can't remember the last time I saw a star constellation or should I say the last time I took the time to look.

My little outing left me feeling happy.

Stuff

So do you know what does NOT help me write blogs? The turkeys who hound me for updates. It's too much pressure and I can't think of anything to say. Besides, I do work you know. Now at one time, I could have giggled at that too. But, damn, I'm freaking busy these days. I'm also very easily distracted in the past few months so it is even more effort to work AND keep myself on track. But I'm not complaining. I like being busy.

Friday I went shopping in Moncton with some friends. I bought alot of new clothes. I also bought a pair of red shoes. What was I thinking? I like the shoes but they are soooo not me. It was part impulse buy and part being talked into it (although it didn't take much) by my friends. I normally wear high heels so all of my pants are too long for the flat red shoes. I should have thought of that. Apparently, I am defenseless and have no will power when it comes to red shoes and red socks.

This next part is for Mel. I needed to get coffee this morning but was cold out and I really don't like the cold. As a result, I was trying to con people, both near and far, to bring me coffee. I even asked Mel to get it for me. She said she would be right over with it! Hooray for me! She lied. But the joke was on her because in the mean time, I called my dad and 5 minutes later and large Tim's with a pumpkin spice flavour shot was sitting on my desk. So I called her and told her that my dad brought me a coffee and she said with disgust "I knew someone would."

Yesterday, I was sitting next to my mom in her livingroom and we were watching the show Intervention. The show was about a girl who was stripping for money. I turned to my mom and said "Mommy, are you proud that I dance for money?" and she answered "Yes, Sweetie, as long as your just teaching." My dad was across the room shaking his head. Ahh...my parents are proud of me.

One more little tidbit, I'm still doing well with the Month of All Things Pumpkin. I've met my goal of having one pumpkin item every day. However, I didn't meet the pumpkin pie blizzard challenge. I haven't had a PP blizzard since last Saturday. I'm a failure. Would anyone like to bring one?

Today's Observations

Here are some observations...and it's only 11:14:

* Public washrooms still disgust me. It is beyond my comprehension how grown women can be so gross. Really, how much time are you saving out of your precious 24 hours by not taking the time to wash your hands? HOW MUCH?????

* Waving your finger in someone's face while talking to them does not help get your point across. It's just annoying. Also, emphatically saying "This is what YOU should do..." as if it is the be all to end all has the same effect as the finger waging. For the record, I witnessed this...I was not and the giving or receiving end of it.

* Little girls can be horribly snotty to one another. Hopefully, they won't grow up to be snotty women. My kid will have rough go of things if she tries to continue on that path. Someone should warn her that her mother wrote the book on it.

* I don't know what retorically means. But I used the word in a blog once. Weird.

* Yesterday, I found out that, contrary to what some believe, St. Louis, Missouri is listed as the most dangerous city in the U.S. and not New Orleans. Also, altering your google search to get the answer you want does not make your answer correct. Love you anyway.

* Tim Horton's coffee is particularly bad three hours after you've purchased it.

* Things can be really, really, really funny when you are totally over-tired.

* Addresses do not magically appear in front of me just because I want or need them. However, it was really, really, really funny at the time.

* I really like Jenn's shirt today. Unfortunately, she will not give it to me. Hmm...it turns out the Princess does not get everything she wants. Maybe she doesn't love me.

* I need a new pair of fun socks.

* People keep talking to me when I just want them to stop. Can't they tell by the blank look on my face and the dead look in my eyes that I want them to stop...talking...right...now. Jenn and Nic H...it wasn't you. Edited at 3:43.

Pull My Finger

The Littlest Princess and I were walking into the a store over the weekend and all of a sudden she looks at me and says "Momma, pull my finger!" Ha! I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, kiddo. But she persisted and being the ever-loving Momma that I am, I relented and pulled her finger. Much to my surprise and delight her response was not what I expected. I pulled her finger and she said "Buzz and wiggle down!" as she wiggles her body. Hmmm, not what I remember from being a child.

This morning on the way to work she asked me to sit in the backseat with her. I did and we talked and giggled and played a few games. She put her index fingers together and says "Cut, the pickle!" I cut the pickle and she tickled me. We play that game all the time. Do you see where this is going? Of course, next she wants me to pull her finger. I did and she buzzed and wiggled. I'm not sure what I was thinking...it must have been the lack of caffeine in my system but I decided to tell her how pulling the finger really works.

I told her that when I was a little girl, Grampy would tell me to pull his finger and then he would toot. She laughed so hard she was gasping for air. She, of course, asks me to pull her finger. I pull her finger and a look of utter concentration falls over her face. She strains to hard that I thought her eyes would bug out of her head. Then she smiles a devilish little smile and says "I tooted. Pull my finger again." I opted not to pull her finger again for fear that the effort she puts forth in passing gas would make her head pop off of her shoulders. And how would I explain that to the doctor in the ER?

Public Apology and Declaration

I shafted my best friend the other day. It wasn't intentional but it was a dumb mistake on my part...I really should have known better. She deserves an apology so here it goes:

Shelley, I am very sorry for being a flakey dumb ass. In my attempts to make amends I have offered the following. I will attend a UNB hockey game with her and participate in all the rituals that go along with it. I will go to the warm-up if that is the deal, I will clap, I will cheer, I will smile and actually watch the game. I will drink beer or other alcohol to get me through (okay that part is for me). And here is the best part - I will wear UNB clothing, although somebody will have to loan me some. I will pretend to be of the Red and Black persuasion....even though my blood really runs Green and Gold. All the while I will keep a smile and my face. Really I can have good time in pretty much any situation anyway. So, Shelley, just name the date. It'll be fun. GULP!

What the????

Two posts in one day but I absolutely could not pass this up. I just go back to my office after a walk downtown. I put my stuff down at my desk and went to the ladies room. As I'm leaving the ladies room, I see a guy walk into the men's room. He is carrying and magazine and a COFFEE!!!! What the hell? The magazine I understand but a coffee?!?!?! Who the hell takes a coffee to the washroom and what goes on in there? Good lord.

What Would You Do? Follow Up.

Today, I was reading some old blog posts that I wrote back when I first started this blog. Why was a reading old posts? Someone was asking me about a post so I checked it out and just started reading. You know what? I'm glad I started reading the old posts. I can't believe all the things I've forgotten that took place just a year ago. I also can't believe some of the things I've shared in this open forum. I really need to remember to filter my thoughts before putting them out there :)

I came across a post from June 2006 called What Would You Do? It was a post about what I would do if I won the lottery. It's funny how things change in the course of a year. I was reading that thinking how differently I feel now and how different my choices would be if I won the lottery today - incidentally 649 is $15 million tonight. Some things would be the same such as helping my family but other things would be very different. I wouldn't necessarily NOT do the things I listed in that post. I can just think of other things that I would add or people that would be added that wouldn't have been included last year. On the flip side of that, there is also a longer list of people headed to Siberia.

I'm going to start working on that new list, just in case I win tonight. Oh and if I call you and tell you to meet me at the airport just do it. That hasn't changed.

Not Just Any Other Day

Today is not just any other day...today is Oct 1. Does that ring any bells for anyone? Would you like to guess the significance or should I just tell you? Let me spill the beans and relieve your curiosity. Today being Oct 1 is the first day of the Month of All Things Pumpkin! Woot! C'mon I want to hear you all cheer with me.

You may or may not (but really who doesn't?) know that I an extreme liking for all things pumpkin...except pumpkin pie. I don't like pumpkin pie. However, all other thing pumpkin are fair game. During the Month of All Things Pumpkin, I make it my personal mission in life to eat as much pumpkin stuff as I can. My goal, however, is to eat one pumpkin item per day. Today I had a pumpkin spice muffin from Tim's. They also have pumpkin spice flavour shots at Tim's. Starbucks has pumpkin spice lattes. Last year Tim's had pumpkin spice donuts and they were so good. I didn't see any today but I have hope yet. The best though, are the pumpkin pie blizzards at Dairy Queen. I really, really hope those make a return this year. If they do, my goal will be to eat one a week for the month.

My love of pumpkin also extends to scents. A certain friend of mine (cough, cough) went to the U.S. this time last year and bought be some pumpkin pie body wash for me. I mean who wouldn't want their woman smelling like a big pumpkin pie?!? I made it last but I'm all out and it IS the Month of All Things Pumpkin. It's bad enough to whine on-line....please don't make me call you and whine incessantly. It'll hurt me as much as it hurts you. Nah, it'll hurt you more.

It's a good thing the Biggest Loser contest is over. I would never win that contest and meet my Month of All Things Pumpkin goals. As it is, I'm sure all this pumpkin stuff isn't good for me. But, I've never liked rules anyway. In fact, some rules are just dying to be broken. With that I declare the Month of All Things Pumpkin to be open and I say BRING IT!!!!