Bit of a Rant

I have purposely tried never to speak of work on here. But today is the day that I break that rule. In the past, I've said how much I like where I work and that has not changed. However, today I found out the most disturbing information.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with an employee (A) who has not been with us long. In fact, we met for the first time this morning. This person comes across as very friendly, pleasant, and intelligent. After we had some time to get to know each other, this person opened up to me and shared her negative experience at our office. I was devastated, horrifed, and, so, so disappointed to find out that another employee (B) has reduced (A) to tears more than once. Unfortunately, I cannot say I was surprised to find out who the ass was that made the other cry.

Holy shit! There is just no excuse for that in the work place. None!! I have absolutely zero patience for that kind of bullshit. I breaks my heart to know that employee (A) had been treated like that. Even worse, (A) had no one to confide in, no one to tell them it would be okay, nowhere to go to get away from (B). Until today, no one had reached out to (A) to be their friend. (A) teared up in my presence when talking about the issue. To (A)'s credit, they say anything derrogatory about (B).

I can't really say much more about this because it really, really bothers me. For a department who is in the field of compassion, in an office that works on the front lines, we sure could use a lesson on how to treat others. I have to ask, if you can't reach out to one of your own, if you feel that making your co-workers cry is acceptable, are you in the line of work? Here let me answer for you... no fucking way.

Week in Review

I've been walking at the AUC most lunch hours for quite some time. I have to admit that I fell of the wagon in the last few weeks but decided to get back at it. The truth is, even though we walk quickly, the walking wasn't getting my heart rate much any more. So, I decided to change this up a bit.

Tuesday, I decided to go jogging on the walking trail behind my house. Not a well thought out plan. I got out there and started walking only to realize that walking was quite a feat in itself. It was rather warm out and the snow was melting and mushy. My feet sank in the snow making it difficult to walk but I trudge on.
Once I got past the houses where people knew me, I decided to try that jogging thing I mentioned earlier. This is a good time to mention that up until Tuesday, I held steadfast to the motto that I don't run unless being chased by a dangerous person/animal. After jogging past four houses, I was out of breath and my chest was pounding. That lasted long. I trudged along and, really, the snow was challenging enough and certainly got my heart rate up. Boy, did my legs hurt the next day.

JJ loves to talk about the weather and the seasons. Fog is her favourite weather phenomenon so she was a happy girl yesterday. She asked me where fog comes from. I explained and used the word condensation somewhere in there. She tried to say condensation and kept coming out with condom. We were on our way to daycare where they talk about the weather at circle time. I think you can see where this goes. Oye.

I went to the new Walmart today. You know you live in a small town when that is news. Anyway, I caved and bought JJ a Baby Bratz doll. She is fully clothed. I'm only admitting this because Jenn H caught me in the act. DOH, caught red-handed!

Interesting Request

I had an interesting blog request today. Because it came from one of my very favourite people I will honour this request. Here is the comment they sent me:

You should blog about people who request read receipts all the time and how annoying others think that is :)

It refers to me having read receipts on my email. Meaning, if I send you an email, a little message pops up asking you to confirm that you got it. Until this morning, I didn't realize you all got that little pop up. I thought the read receipt was generated automatically.

So, umm, I guess my read receipts annoy people. Nothing like a subtle hint, huh? I apologize and I have removed it. It still cracks me up to read the email. Again, the comment was just so smooth. How could I not comply?

I bet there are a few people who wish this comment had been made sooner. I can't reveal the person who made the blog request. It's a secret...I can't point out my favourites, right? Feelings might get hurt ;)

For the record, you cannot start sending me little emails asking me to blog about things I do that annoy you. The list, I'm sure, is plentiful but you are just going to have to put on your big girl panties and deal. Kisses All!

AI Observations

I don't normally watch American Idol but I catch it from time to time and it's on right now. Here are a few things that popped into my mind:

- Diana Ross has some mofo big hair!! I heard it's a not real. It can't be real....except for the live animals burrowed inside.
- Simon often takes a drink when the audience is clapping for him after he is introduced. I don't usually watch the show but often watch the opening just to see and listen to the banter. As arrogant as he can be, I think that particular habit shows that he is not completely comfortable. But that's just my humble opinion.
- Paula needs to sit on her hands to keep them out of her hair. LOL...after seeing Diana Ross' hair, Paula is probably checking to see if there is anything living in her own hair. Oh, the drugs she is on are probably giving her that creepy crawling feeling and now it's moving into her head.
- Randy needs a new signature word. "Dawg" has got to go. Hmmm...what can a suggested for him. Gonna think on this and come back to it.
- I love Simon's accent.
- I love it when Simon tells people they are basically glorified karoake singers. Hehehe.
- Ryan is so freakin' short!! Wow.
- Ryan dresses very oddly. Sometimes, he is uber trendy metro-sexual man who just came from a facial and a pedicure. Other times, like tonight, he looks like the borrowed his suit from a elderly fuddy-duddy and came straight to the show from his library and put out his pipe just outside the door. One might say his style is varied. I might say his style is a bit schizophrenic.

I still haven't come up with a new word for Randy. Any suggestions?

I Love Coffee

I love coffee. Really, I do. It's not the caffeine that I love, it's the taste. I've loved it since I was a small child. My parents wouldn't let me drink it, of course, but I'd steal a taste every chance I got. I also ate coffee flavoured food as much as possible. Coffee yogurt, ice cream, Coffee Crisp, whatever the form I'd eat it.

The other day I was at Bulk Barn and I spotted a bin of chocolate covered coffee beans. So, I helped myself to a nice big bag to take back to work to leave in my desk. I nibbled on them last week and then forgot about them. However, I re-discovered them this afternoon around 2 pm. What a treat. Believe me when I say this is dripping with sarcasm.

I grabbed a handful from the bag and had great little snack. They were delicious. At this point, I know you're thinking "She ate a handful?" Yup, I ate a handful. I felt great for awhile. Then came the crash after the high.

Holy hell it was rough. I heart was racing, my head hurt, and I'm sure my eyes looked like flying saucers. Mel emailed and I told her what I was experiencing. She said I should only eat a few coffee beans at a time. Too late. Besides, I knew I should only eat a few. But I'm crazy like that. You know?

I take my camera with me everywhere. Execpt today. I'm sure the way I looked at 3:30 would have provided hours of entertainment. I felt like shit and I'm sure it showed.

What is the moral of my story? I don't know. Maybe it'll come to me tomorrow after more coffee beans. I can't let those little buggers get the best of me!

Confessions of a Paper-a-holic

I have a problem with buying patterned paper. Really. I have huge amounts of patterned paper. There a few layers to this problem.

First - I am a sucker. If Nic emails and says she is having a sale, I could take it or leave it. But if she emails and says she has new patterned paper in stock and it's flying off the shelves....WATCH OUT!! I swear my heart races and I have a one track mind until I get to the promised land. It's pretty pathetic.

Second - my disease involves the inability to leave any soldier behind. If there is only one sheet left on the shelf you can pretty much guarantee I'll buy it. My thought here is that "It's the last one and I might decide later that it's a must have." Nic, this does not mean you should tear around taking all but one sheet off the shelves if you know I'm coming into the store. Geesh ;)

Third - I cannot, cannot physically, mentally, or emotionlly only buy one sheet of each pattern paper. I have the fear that if I only buy one sheet I'll be working on a layout and not have enough. I've tried only buying one but I always go back for #2. The thing is, I often only use one sheet so I always have one left over.

Where does this leave me? With a large stack of pattern paper I will never use. And I *know* I'm not the only one. So I have an idea. I haven't thought it out very well yet so I'm open to suggestions here.

A paper swap of sorts - Dig out all your whole sheets of pattern paper that you won't use anymore. I'll have you all over to my house for an evening and we can swap paper. Now, this would be a perfect opportunity for someone who is trying to build up their stash but they might not have anything to trade. So, instead of trading one sheet for one sheet, I propose we sell them to each other for $0.25 (geez, does anyone know where the "cent" symbol is!?!?).

So if you have lots of paper you aren't using or if you would like to build up your stash, email me if you want to take part at orange_pumpkin2002@yahoo.com Again, I'm open to suggestions if you have an idea on how to make this work better. Oh, Tay Creek tequila will not be served.

Happy Birthday!

Thursday evening we went out to celebrate R's birthday.


This is R with her celebratory ice cream. Notice the customary Mexi's birthday sombrero is missing. Clearly she didn't have enough Corona.






































Today is her actually birthday. R - Happy Birthday, I hope you have a great day!

I Just Don't Understand

While this post is judgmental, I admit that, I want you to know that there is not one single harsh, or nasty tone in my "voice".

I just don't understand why women smoke when they are pregnant. If you are currently or have done this in the past, please don't take offence. I just really don't understand.

Every day, I see the same obviously pregnant women outside smoking. I understand that smoking is an addiction and that it is more difficult than I could ever imagine to stop. But couldn't you do it for your poor defenseless fetus? There has been enough research done over the years that we all know how bad smoking is for our health. If you, as an adult, choose to smoke that is completely your decision and I have absolutely nothing to day about that. LOL... in fact, some of my best friends are smokers ;) But why, oh why would you do that to your baby? They don't have a choice. Hell, if you want to get up off the delivery table as they clean up the baby and go for a smoke, I'll hold your hand and help you down the hall. If only, you'll give it up during pregancy. I promise, I do!

Having made these comments, I will admit that I am completely, absolutely, and entirely anal when it comes to my child being exposed to cigarette smoke. She has never, ever been exposed to cigarette smoke in her 3 1/2 years. If she has been exposed when I'm not around, I'm completely unaware. For the safety of everyone, it would be better to hide if from me with all your being if she has been exposed.

It's easy for me because there is only one person in my immediate family that smokes. And to be honest, I always forget he smokes because I never see him do it. In fact, now that I think about it, he might purposely keep out of sight of the kids. I must say he is a very thoughtful smoker...hee hee hee. Thank you and I'm not being sarcastic!

It boggles my mind that the same person who won't eat even small amouts of tuna (due to mercury) during pregancy, will go out every hour on the hour and smoke. Helloooooo?

Ummm...well, I guess that all I have to say. Earlier this morning, someone asked me if I'd "been told yet today" as in has anyone told me off yet. The answer was no but this might just change things.

New Friends

Dontcha just love making new friends? I know I sure do. I can make new friends just about anywhere I go. Did you hear that big thud? That was Melanie hitting the floor as she goes into convulsions. She knows where this story is going and it just might kill her.

Melanie and I went to Kent's today a lunch time and I made a new friend. His name is Ryan. I was looking at a display of shelves that caught my eye. I decided I wanted to buy some of said shelves but I couldn't find them on the display shelf. Lo and behold Ryan, who works at Kent, walk down the aisle toward me. I flag him down and ask him about the shelves. He and I look for the shelves and I eventually find them myself and we have a the following conversation.
I look and the price and I say "These are $29.99?"
He answers "Looks like it. But I think they might be on clearance."
I say "Really? Or are you just trying to make a friend today. Because it would work." Insert my patented, trademarked Princess Super Secret Weapon 1000 watt smile.
Ryan says "How does $10 sound?"
I flash the smile again and say "Sure!"
He then takes his very sophisticated pricing tool (a Sharpie) and changes the price on the box to $10. Then he says "If you have any problems just tell them to call Ryan in paint."
I say "Great, thanks Ryan!"

Now I turn around to leave and what do I see? Melanie standing there staring at us, not saying a work, lips pressed together very tightly and eyes bugging out of her head. I walk past her and she follows. After we walk a few steps I lean back and queitly say "You loved it." Hee hee hee...she didn't love it. She says "I can't believe you! *curse word, curse word *, next time I'm going to say Give it to her, you always do. Just *curse word* give it to her!"

What is the lesson here today? 1) All you have to do is ask 2) next time you go to Kent take a friggin' Sharpie!!

Lucky??

You know what I don't like? Email chain letters. They bug the daylights out of me. All of them except the really funny ones. Inspirational, feel good, help the one-legged child in India who lost his baby sister and his dog ran away, his girlfriend left, someone stole his bike and then his ice cream cone...the whole shooting match.

Many of the emails threaten horrible things if you don't send them in the next 10 nanoseconds. Let me tell you I've deleted enough of these things without forwarding them that if this were true I'd be broke, friendless, divorced, bald, and probably dead.

The flip side of this email phenomenon is the type that promises fame, fortune, and Bill Gates as your best friend if you forward this email to every other human on the planet just as fast as you possibly can. What??? You're not rich and Bill didn't call??? You're kidding me?!?! I thought for sure it was real this time. Oye, my eyes hurt from all the eye rolling.

Let me let you in on a little secret...SHHHH...don't tell anyone or you will have bad luck for the next gazillion years and your nose will fall off...the emails promising money or product are hoaxes. Bill Gates has better things to do than track your email usage and then send you money.

Today, I received one of these little lovelies promising me different good things depending on how many people I forward the message to. I think it had something to do with the luck of the Irish. Hot dog! This has inspired me! I'm part Irish and I'm generally pretty lucky. Here is how is works. Sometime between now and St Patty's day, send me money for good luck. The more you send the luckier you will be. Now, turn around, touch your toes, wiggle your ears, blink 6 times, slap your ass, and shout "Boogedy, boogedy!" and the stars and the universe will be yours.

Happy

Here are some things that are making me happy today:

* Tim Horton's coffee with a cinnamon roll flavour shot and 3 mini cinnamon rolls for $1.50.
* Superstore digital photo processing. It took almost a week but the photos are great.
* My new Making Memories paper trimmer
* My MP3 player
* My friends - 4 of us at Nic's at lunch time and I felt much better coming back to work. Thanks to Nic for agreeing to my afternoon plan even though I couldn't really do it.
* My new zoo rub-ons. I love rub-ons.
* The impending snow storm. I can't wait to go out and play with JJ and Mr Princess in the snow. We're definitely making a snowman and, hopefully, going sliding.
* The snowmobile trails in the woods behind our house. We went walking on them last night and had a great time. We saw all kinds of animal tracks, it was totally peaceful, and the setting will make some awesome pics tomorrow after the snow.
* The fact that today is Friday
* The rum and coke I will drink later.

Part II

JJ had another rough afternoon at daycare today. But tonight at home was much better. She was back to using her manners, back to listening, and, thank goodness, back to using her big girl words. That screeching just about did me in. On the whole, she is generally a well mannered little girl. She gets excited from time to time and certainly in new situations but what 3 year old doesn't? For whatever reason, she has had a bee in her bonnet for the past few days. I think she is on the upward swing. I have an issue that I need to bring up with her teacher tomorrow regarding naps. It's minor but hopefully it will make the difference.

Tonight we did our first "acts of kindness" as JJ calls them. We had a bag of treats and we stopped at a few places. We hit my aunts place first. I called ahead to ask them NOT to answer the door. JJ got out of the car, ran to the door, left her treats on the step, rang the door bell and ran like hell. The whole time she is giggling and talking a mile a minute. I stood by the car and took photos of her. We went to Jay's next but it wasn't a ring and run. JJ had this big plan that she came up with on the way there. She was going to ring the bell and shout "Happy Wednesday!" when Jay answered. But she forgot all about the when she saw Lukey and Sunny. All she cared about was the dogs. Finally we went to my parent's house. She left candy at the front door, rang the bell and then ran to the backdoor to go in the house. She opened the door and promptly yelled "Nana, Grampy go get your candy!" The whole adventure was hilarious! My aunt called and said she could hardly stand not peeking out the window at us.

Every night after I tuck JJ into bed, I turn off the lights and we talk for a few minutes. Sometimes we make up stories, sometimes we sing, and sometimes I ask her about her day. It's really the only time she'll talk to me without any distractions. Tonight, I told her she was such a great girl, that I had alot of fun with her this evening, and that I was very impressed with her manners. I asked her what her favourite part of the evening was and she said "Doing the kindness, Momma". And that one single sentence, my friends, makes it all worthwhile.

I Don't Wanna Be Punched

JJ has been a bit of a hellraiser the past few days. Sunday was frustrating beyond belief. She didn't listen to a word we said, she screamed rather than spoke, and thought pushing and hitting was all of a sudden acceptable. I thought she had cabin fever from being at home for 4 days.

It turns out she had an awful day at daycare yesterday too. Her teacher said she wouldn't listen, she was screaming, pushing, her friends, used one little boy's head as a drum, and was out right defiant with another teacher. Last evening wasn't much better. JJ experienced multple time outs last evening.

Today, her teacher said she had a much better day. However, the minute we started walking to the car at daycare, she was screeching at me. It didn't go over well. We got her in the car and she asked for a hug. I gave her a few hugs and then got in the car. As we started to drive away, she starts fake crying and whining that she wants a hug. At first, I tried to explain that I couldn't reach her and it wasn't safe to take off my seatbelt. She continued and finally I told her that I was done talking to her about it. She had a choice to make. She could stop crying and get a hug when she got home or if she chose to keep crying and whining I would punish (new word for her) by taking her Dixie Chicks CD when we got home. She turn off her fake crying and says "But I don't wanna be punche, Mommy." Oye. It took me awhile to clarify for her because I was laughing so hard.

I have to make sure to explain to daycare tomorrow incase she tries to tell them I was going to punch her. What funniest about this is that I have *never* hit her. I have never even tapped her hands if she went near a stove or something. Kids.

Here's a little side note, she is currently screaming at the top of her lungs because I just took away the CD. I've been asking her to lay down and go to sleep for over 30 mins now. Fun.

Try It

Have you every Googled your own name before? Try it some time. I was watching a show (W5 or Dateline or something of that nature) and they suggested you try Googling your child's name. The suggestion was especially for parent with child old enough to use a computer by themselves. The idea is to see if perhaps your child has given out personal info online.

I Googled my own name earlier and here is one of the top 4 results of my search:

*Insert my real name here* is a model who worked with Playboy in the mid-to-late 1990s.

[edit] Appearances in Playboy special editions
Playboy's Sexy Girls Next Door Vol. 1 March 1998.
Playboy's Nudes December 1998 - pages 12-13.
Playboy's Nudes December 1999 - pages 22-23.

Great, porn. Isn't that what everyone wants to see attached to their name? Nothing says hot like a good dose of pink eye.

Good Grief! This was the top result when I Googled the Littlest Princess' name:

*Insert L'il Princess' name here* is an American model. She was Playboy's Playmate of the Month for March 2005. She landed her gig with Playboy after appearing on The Howard Stern Show and posing for test shots, taken by members of the Stern crew. This occurred soon after graduating high school in the town she grew up in, Washington, Missouri.
She had a memorable presence on the Howard Stern show in 2004 and 2005 (as a topic of conversation and in her appearances/call-ins) largely surrounding the crews correct predictions of their perceived "corruption" of her and her stereotypical fall-from-innocence. This included, most laugh-inducingly, that she had had a series of sexual interludes with comedian Pauly Shore. She also mentioned more in passing that she previously dated 7th Heaven actor David Gallagher for several months during one of her later interviews.

What have I done to her? That's it. Tomorrow we officially change her name to Littlest Princess. I have no other option.

I ran Mr. Princess' name too. No porn references for him. Only Littlest Princess and I. Aren't we lucky?

Pink Eye

I have freakin' pink eye. I woke up in the night and my left eye was crusted shut. I got up to look in the mirror and sure enough it's is glowing red. I went back to bed and when I woke up and 7 am I had to ge a hot cloth to get my eye open. Gross. I hate pink eye. Now that I think of it, my eye was a bit itchy before I went to bed.

As soon I as was done prying my eye open, I disinfected everything I could have possibly touched. I don't know where I could have picked this up. JJ and I have been home sick since Thursday. She seems fine. We went to a party at McDonald's yesterday afternoon but PE doesn't incubate that quickly does it? Dammit, I'm not happy. This means I miss yet another day of work. This dose is bad enough that I need antibiotics and that can't happen until tomorrow.

Just so you know, I'm going to put about this all day...maybe longer.

Headlines

Here are a few headlines that have caught my attention lately:

CNN this morning - "Roaming death squads litter city with bodies" I didn't even open the article. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I'm thankful, as always, to be Canadian.

Capital FM News on Tuesday - "Prime Minister Stephen (just don't call him Steve) Harper has committed $110 million to AIDS research and philanthropists, Bill and Melinda Gates have committed $20 million" Okay, I have a few things to say here. Obviously I think AIDS research is important but $110 million? I have to ask, with our crumbling hospitals, dying medicare system, lack of doctors and chronic shortage of nurses, just who is going to administer the treatment when they find a cure? We can allocate $110 million to AIDS research but we can find a few hundred thousand to fund a few more seats at med schools? Now, I*know* these are separate federal and provincial issues. However, our health care system is in trouble across the country. Alberta already has somewhat of a two-tier healthcare system. Provinces fight over nurses. Pierre Trudeau's medicare system is, in my opinion, dying. Cancer patients wait almost a year to start treatment in some cases and that is after the ridiciously long wait for a diagnosis. Okay, I'm done now. Not because I have said everything I have to say but because my brain is being taken over by meds now.

Can't remember the source - A late night television comedian refuses to use Britney's latest situation as material. He says it's not a laughing matter. Oh c'mon, you knew I was going to comment on her in some form. It's about damn time someone realized this girl is ill. I think that girl is suffering from post partum and/or is manic depressive. I'm certainly no expert but it plain to see she is very ill. Kudos to this comic for taking the high road.

JJ and I are home sick again. She has a terrible cough...much worse than yesterday. Me, I'm just hoping my head doesn't explode from sinus pressure. I'm thinking seeing that happen as a child would leave long lasting trauma. ;)

Sick Day = Crafts

JJ and I are home sick today. She has a very runny nose, a cough, and is generally run down. I have a sore throat and sinus headache that just won't quit. We've had a pretty laid back day. A few movies, a few naps and, of course, crafts.
JJ loves her crafts. For the last few week she has been working on her own scrapbook. She is very particular about picture placement, embellishing, color etc. I was sitting at my scrapbook table doing some easy things while she scrapbooked at her table. She saw me pull out some rub-ons and said "I'm right her if you need my help, Mom." Not 30 seconds later she was over helping me with my rub-ons. She only started using rub-ons earlier this week and informed me that she was an "excellent popsicle stick user"...LOL. Little does she now that is a precision application tool...right KimMartha?
I'll have to post a few pictures of her scrapbook. She is very proud of it and wants to take it to daycare tomorrow to show her friends. She was on the phone talking to her Nana earlier and told Nana that she was taking the Sbook to daycare tomorrow but was only showing it to the people who like her. Hopefully, that means everyone.

On another note, I went on a sleigh ride with the daycare yesterday. I popped by the daycare on my way to the sleigh ride to see if they needed me to take anything. Carla had extra room in the van and invited me to ride with she and the kids. We had a great time!

Is It Time For Bed Yet?

Unfortunately, it's not even close to supper time yet. I'm sooo tired and it's going to be a long afternoon. The littlest Princess woke up last night around 2:30 am. She said she wasn't sick or anything. She just couldn't sleep. I can relate. I've had that problem a few times in the past few weeks.
I asked her what I could do to help her sleep and she said the "cowboy song" would help. So at 3 am I'm scouring the house for a Dixie Chicks CD. I would have run around the block if would help her get back to sleep. I finally found the CD and left her room. It wasn't long until the "cowboy song" came on and I was laying in bed listening to her sing "Cowboy Take Me Away". It's her favourite song lately and I love to listen to her sing it. But not so much at 3:15 am.

At 4 am, she called out that she needed to be covered up. She also informed us that it was snowing outside. The little bugger had been standing on her bed looking out her window. I rolled over and grunted to the Mister that he is now on duty. He got up and tucked her in. Only about 20 mins go by and she is calling out again because she has lost her polar bear. Eric started to get a bit frustrated with her but then she pulls this out of her bag of tricks..."But Daddy, it's the polar bear YOU gave me and I love him and I need him...sniff, sniff." Hee hee....that's MY girl. Of course, he crumbles and searches frantically for the bear.

The poor thing finally fell back to sleep around 5 am. We have to wake her up at 6:30 to get ready for work. I just couldn't do that to her after only having been asleep for 90 mins. So I let her sleep until she woke up (8:30) and Eric came to get us when he could get away from the office. I got to work at 11:30.

Okay, so I've never been at daycare at lunch time before. Our kids eat in a diningroom at a table just their size. There is another table with the bowls, utensils, food, cups, and milk. The kids serve themselves!! JJ's class was done eating when she arrived so I had a bird's eye view watching her serve herself. It was so freaking adorable. I wanted to cry. I usually have my camera with me but I left it at home today in the rush to get out the door. I'm kicking my behind now.

Anyway, it sparked a great idea for me. I'm going to talk to JJ's teacher and ask if she would document JJ's day at daycare if I sent a disposable camera or two. You know, a layout (or small album) that is all "A day in the the life of JJ" I'm totally excited about this. I think the teacher will be totally on board for this. I think the owner will love it too. I can't wait to mention it after work.

Briiiiiingg!

Brrriiinng! Riiiiiinngg! Hey, Britney? It's Princess, again. Yeah, it's been awhile since we last talked. So, what the hell were you thinking when you shaved your head?? If you didn't look like a horse's ass before, you sure do now. Oye.

Retail Therapy Continued

This certainly has been a long splurge of retail therapy. In all fairness, I can't really call it therapy anymore. I don't really need therapy for anything at this point. NOT ONE SINGLE COMMENT FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY - who know who you are...zip it.

I made a little trek to the mall again today at lunch time. I had some great finds last week. I decided I like them so much I'd go buy all kinds in different colours. I'm crazy like that you know. I figure if you like it and it works, buy up!

What was my great find? A new bra! It' awesome! It makes it look like I have something to put in one...other than kleenex! That's alot of exclamation marks!! I don't remember the name of it but I'll find out for tomorrow night. I'd suggest you run out and buy one as soon as I give you the details. Your girls will thank you for it ;)

Oh Yeah...

Team McSteamy - WOOT!! Holy hell, did you see him put his hand on Shepard?!? He has a heart! He's sooo awesome!

#1 (and only) McSteamy Fan over and out

Hey Niiiccckkyyy

Told you so!! I told you, didn't I? Didn't I? He's her knight in shining armour. I knew he save her.

You Think You Know But You Have No Idea

Someone made a comment to me not too long ago about my comfortable life. I think it came up in a conversation about things usually just falling into place for me. Anyway, the particular comment that caught my attention was one about my "cushy job" and how I seem to have everything handed to me on a silver platter.
I'll have you know that I have worked my ass off for everything that I have. I say this in a calm tone. I'm not irritated by it, I just feel the need to say this. I got to this point my life after a long struggle.

I know the person who made these comments has no idea that it took me over 8 years to get my degree. I did the first 2 years of my degree as a full time student. After that, I accepted a job with a different gov't department than where I am now. I worked full-time there. At the same time I worked Tuesday nights at a local pub from 8 pm until 3 am..only to get up for my day job 3.5 hrs later. I also worked Saturdays at the same pub. While working these 2 jobs, I finished my degree by taking 3 courses per semester as well as taking classes during intersession and summer session. Did I mention I hated that full-time job? It was wretched and I cried almost daily. Somewhere in between working 2 jobs and attending 3 hour classes 3 evenings a week, I had to find time to study and complete assignments. No to mention, see my husband, eat, and sleep. Oops, I forgot to add driving time to that too. Oh, and showering and household chores too.

All told, to get my degree etc it took me 9 years to get to my "cushy" job. Oh and for the record, I like my job but it's not cushy. So, how's that? I just handed it all to you on a silver platter. Should I feed it to you with a silver spoon too? ;)

Happy V-Day to Me!

Awhile back I wrote post about people might perceive me having only read this blog and never met me. Well, that has gone a step further today. It's all harmless but it made me laugh. I was walking down King St at lunch time and I was approached by two completely separate people. The first girl had a basket. She handed me something and said "Happy Valentine's Day". After I walked away I looked in my hand and it was condom. As you can see it is in an appropriate red wrapper. I chuckled about it...I'm sure it was a safe sex/HIV activist and it's no big deal to me. Next I go to Read's Newsstand to get a magazine. As I'm paying, one of the employees behind the counter (not the one waiting on me) hands me a package of mints and says "Happy Valentine's Day.". Now take a close look at the photo...enlarge it if you must. Look at the name of the mints - MAKEOUT MINTS!! Hot diggity!! A condom and makeout mints from complete stangers on Valentine's Day. What more could a girl ask for?!?!

As I'm giggling about my good fortune. I start thinking about my Princess charm and my Sarahdipity - all in good humour of course. I must ask, why me? Do I just look approacheable? Do I look like a hussy? Do I look like I need to get laid? Maybe it's because I look like Lorelai Gilmore...LOL . Hmm...maybe if I head outside and stand still for a minute someone will offer me a "good time". Hey, I'm just looking to round out my other 2 gifts.

I have people approach me all the time. Anyone who spends any amount of time with me with back me up on this. My mother said this even happened when I was a child. One day I was telling her that old men, puppies, and babies seem to be drawn to me. I was semi joking because it is actually somewhat true. She said that has always been the case and she wasn't kidding.

Oh well whatever the reason, it's shaping up to be a good night ;)

Crazy is Crazy

I work downtown and tend to meet up with the crazy folk on a semi-regular basis. In my mind, most of the people are harmless. They may seem a bit crazy at first glance but I'm relatively confident it is just an air...a defense against the harsh world if you will. I also think some probably need to be medicated for mental health issues but are again relatively harmeless. But every once in awhile, someone crosses by path that I am convinced is completely crackers! Nuts, alot of cards short of a deck, completely unhinged and crazy!

I was having coffee with a friend at Tim's today and just before leaving I noticed a man sitting close to the door. It would have been difficult not to notice, really. That fact that every time someone walked by him he put his arm straight out, made a gun with his fingers, made a firing noise and then said "I'm going to fucking kill you!" kinda made it hard for him to go unnoticed. I tried to look cool and told Paula about him. We decided to leave at that point. We headed to the exit furthest from him just has he got up and walked toward the same exit. We quickly changed direction and left through the other door.

Once outside, I told Paula I was walking with her as far as I could. I normally walk back to work through an alley. I thought it best not to take that route with Mr. CrazyPant roaming around. We were waiting at the corner for the walk light and he walks up behind us. I immediately move so my back is not to him and I can see him. Rule #1 about crazies - keep your eyes on them!! The whole time he is standing at the corner with us, he is talking to himself. I kept hearing say stuff about "the fucking goverment" and "gonna kill you". Paula crossed the street and I'm left alone with him until the light changes. Paula didn't took her eyes off of me until my light changed too. I walked back to work just as fast as my short stumpy legs could take me. I didn't even turn to see if he was behind me.

I was really afraid of this nutball. I don't scare easily when it comes to meeting people. The nature of my job has me knocking on stranger's doors day in and day out. But this guy was scary. I hope I don't ever knock on his door, or meet him in the alley, or on the street. Hell, I don't want to see him across the corner. Creepy.

The Mickey Mouse Watch

The kindergarten layout that Jay posted yesterday sparked a very vivid memory for me. We went to the same kindergarten but we went 3 years apart. Upon seeing Jay's class picture, my own kindergarten class picture filled my mind. I was then immediately transported back to my kindergarten graduation. I can remember it all so clearly. I know what I was wearing, I can see my parents in the audience and most of all I can remember the awful, sinking feeling in my stomach. I was so sad to be leaving Mrs. Coyle that I cried the whole way through. I'm sure most parents thought I was just upset because of the people. In reality, I was devastated to be leaving her. I can even remember Mrs Coyle whispering in my ear when she came over to give me a hug to make me feel better. I can remember Natalie and Amanda sitting beside me.

The thoughts of my kindergarten graduation and being so upset actually bring forth an even stronger and deeper memory for me. When I think of that day, I immediately picture the watch on my arm.

Before I go any further, there are two things you need to know about me 1) as a child I was obssessed with Mickey Mouse 2) I was extremely close with my grandparents and they were everything to me. I say were because they have since passed away - that's a story for another day.

Like I said, I loved Mickey Mouse as a child and I has always wanted a Mickey Mouse watch. I remember asking for one over and over again. Keep in mind this all take place when I was no more than 5 years old. I distinctly remember telling my grandfather how much I wanted a Mickey Mouse watch. One Saturday morning, he and my Nana came to town to visit. I was standing in the kitchen and Grampy said he had something for me. He handed me a watch and told me it was a Mickey Mouse watch. Looking back now, this watch was not pretty nor was it really a Mikey Mouse watch. It had a black strap, a white face with black numbers and a wide plastic rim around the face. But I was beside myself with glee. Grampy told me that it was a Mickey Mouse watch but that this kind didn't have a picture of Mickey on it. That was good enough for me. If my Grampy said it was a Mickey Mouse watch, I believed him whole- heartedly.

Fast forward to the morning of my kindergarten graduation, I remember begging my mom to wear the watch. It was huge on my wrist and certainly didn't match my blue dress. But I couldn't possibly go to my graduation without my Mickey Mouse watch. It was my most important possession I even remember fiddling with it during the ceremony and how heavy it was on my arm.

I no longer have the watch. I know it was thrown away when I was still small. The watch memory is one of my favourite memories. I called my mom earlier and asked her to take a look for one of my kindergarten photos so I can scrapbook this story. I wish I still had the watch.

Winterfest II

So I was a little negative about Winterfest yesterday. No one has said anything but I feel a bit guilty about my bitching. Let me clarify that my complaining about WF had nothing to do with the event and everything to do with me.
My brilliant idea of walking over there with my 3 year old didn't pan out. The fact that I'm lazy as hell and sooo not in shape didn't help matters at all. After a bit a reflection, I really didn't plan my attack on this event well or take my physical abilities, or lack of, into account.

Today I can't even touch my biceps let alone lift anything and my knees are killing me. What was I thinking??? Winterfest is great for older children. I'm just not sure I would drag my 3 year old along for the walk again. Taking a sled was not an option. As I mentioned yesterday, there was not alot of room for cars and pedestrians on the path to the site. Having JJ in a sled simply would not have been safe. The good news is that she loved the slides.
I drove past at 5:30 tonight and the heavy equipment was already tearing everything down. So long till next year....if I've recovered.

Winterfest - Ouch

JJ and I ventured over to Winterfest this afternoon. I was all gung-ho to go this afternoon and I was looking forward to going again with my cousin and her family tomorrow. We live very close to the Winterfest site. In fact the entrance is pretty much at the end of our street. Boy is that deceiving. Oye. It was a loooooooong, difficult walk from Sunset drive donw the the actual site. There wasn't alot of room for pedestrians so it wasn't very safe. The walk there wasn't fun but the walk home plain ole sucked. Sucked hard.

We had a great time on the slides and in the snow mazes. JJ thought it was great! There were alot of peoploe there so the lines were long. But the lines for the snow slide moved pretty quickly.

The walk home was all up hill. JJ was really tired by then so she wanted to be carried. I put her on my back for awhile and then on my shoulder. I just have to ask...Do any of you know how difficult it is to put a 43 lbs child all dressed in winter gear on your shoulders??? I'm sure the cars driving past me have a very good idea. By the time I got home, I had my mittens off, my coat unzipped, blisters on my feet, and I was sweaty.

We had fun while we were there but getting home kinda ruined it for me. To be honest, a few slides down the snow slide were not worth the effort to get there and home. But I won't tell JJ because she loved it.

Official Card Carrying Member

I'm now an offical card carrying, antannae wearing member of the Cricut Club thanks to Melanie. I just know the rest of you are soooooooo jealous.

Anna Nicole Smith is Dead!

If you watched any TV since late this afternoon you've heard the news. Anna Nicole Smith was found unconcious in her hotel room in Florida. She was pronounced dead at 2:49 pm (that's 3:49 our time). This information leads me to the next logical step...

Let's take guesses on causes of death. Morbid? Yes. Inappropriate on my part? Most likely. A sure sign I need to find another hobby? Absolutely. Am I at all deterred? Nope.

Let the guessing begin! I'll go first.

Random Acts of Kindness

Alright, when I had this stroke of genius, see previous post, I really wasn't thinking ahead as to how I would explain this concept to my sweet, sweet daughter. I started by asking her if there was anyone who had been especially nice to her lately. She gaves names of the usual suspects - her buddies at daycare. I decided to go in another direction after that. Next, I asked her if she knows what kindess is. She does and I knew this and she replied yes. So, I told her that we were going to go the store and buy some treats. Then we would take them to someone's house, of her choice, and leave them as a surprise for them. She was really excited and thought this was a fabulous idea (her works exactly). In fact she wanted to do it right that minute. We couldn't because we were on our way to dance class.

So she's all geared up, we're both excited about the idea. It's time to make a list of people we will surprise. I asked her "Who do you want to leave treats for?" Her reponse? "I want to treat myself, Momma!" She 3 years old...of course she wants to treat herself! What was I thinking?!
I tried to get her to name people other than herself but she wasn't giving in (she gets that from me...LOL)

I'm thinking tomorrow night we will go get some treats and start ringing door bells. Now, if I could just figure out how to photograph our first hit, I mean act of kindess, I'd be all set!

Therapy

Okay, here I am by popular request. I wasn't in much of a mood to write anything these past few days. I've been in a bad mood up until now. However, one hug from my adorable daughter, one chocolate bar, and one hour of retail therapy later and I'm good to go. I've made a decision to be in a good mood starting 23 minutes ago.

I was in such a bad mood yesterday that I shovelled the driveway to blow of steam. The neighbours must think I've come unhinged because I was loudly talking to myself while I was shovelling. The fact that I shovelled the driveway should be an indication of how pissed I was. There are only 2 things I refuse to do around the house 1) shovel the driveway (I have no good excuse...I simply refuse) 2) mow the lawn (I'm very allergic and it could kill me). Oh wait, three things - I do NOT scoop dog poop.

In the car on the way back to work (not the source of my mood btw), I was talking to myself (see a pattern here?) trying to psych myself up for the mood change. I started to think about kindess and I've decided to start teaching JJ about random acts of kindness and paying it forward. Starting this week, on a warmer day, I will attempt to explain the concept to her. I will get her to pick someone and we will get a treat for them, leave it at their door, ring the bell, and run like hell. If nothing else it will be a good laugh. Especially for anyone who sees me trying to carry my 43 lbs kid while running.

So if your doorbell rings in the next little while it might be JJ and I leaving you a little something. Please give me a minute to make my get away. If you see me sprawled out at the end of your driveway just pretend not to see us and call 911. Oh, and if you live out in the boondocks I wouldn't bother waiting by the door.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

JJ and I are sitting here watching the new version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the book and the original (?) with Gene Wilder. I could watch it over and over. However, this new version doesn't do much for me. It's too dark. The story has a dark undertone and even movie itself is visually dark. And Johnny Depp, who plays Willie Wonka? Well, he just looks plain creepy.

Does anyone who live in Nasis growing up, remember going to the Junior High school on Wednesday afternoon to watch the movie in the theatre? The cost was $1 and the place was usually packed. I lived for the times they showed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I remember sitting there and feeling so sad that the movie was going to end. I was in my own fantasy land while watching it.

Okay, I just noticed that Violet Beauregard is that the factory with the over-bearing, pushy, barbie-doll mother. What's with that? She's suposed to be with her schmuck saleman father. DOH! Stick to the story.
Oh, and the Oompa Loompas are supposed to be orange! I must find the original somewhere for JJ to watch. I must.

Hmmm...clearly Tim Burton directed this movie because dolls just caught on fire. This is a bit warped. Violet Beauregard had better turn into a blueberry, dammit :)

Explaining is Not Always Easy

Tell me, how do you explain to a 3 year old why it is not okay to be mean to people? Let's add to that. How do I explain to her that it is not okay to be mean when the other person was mean to her first? How do I explain this concept to a 3 year old when many adults don't get it? Oddly, I had planned to write about this today before I read KimMartha's most recent post. To quash any questions, she was not mean to me and our posts are completely unrelated.

JJ was mean to a little girl in her class this morning. JJ yelled right in the other girls little face "Don't talk to me!!" This time the little girl had done absolutely to provoke JJ. However, JJ also takes her turn being yelled at. I, of course, addressed JJ's behaviour and explained why it wasn't right or tried to explain. I guess JJ's day did not improve at all from that point. Her teacher said she was a bit rough and not very nice all day. We had a talk about it on the way home and we agreed that from now on we will treat others the way we want to be treated. In fact, it's our little secret.

As I'm trying to help my daughter understand that being kind to others will help others be kind to her, I'm having trouble convincing myself. Let's be honest, none of us are nice all the time. Even if we strive to do so, I'm sure we all slip from time to time. Like KimMartha, I try to be kind because I genuinely want to be that way. But I also joke around too often and inadvertantly end up hurting someone's feelings. It is never my intention to offend anyone but it happens. When I'm on the receiving end, I just try to remember that I've made the same mistake and just let the comments slide.

What I can't excuse is people who, for whatever reason, think it is perfectly acceptable to treat people poorly. Then I have to ask "Do they really think it's acceptable?" I have no idea but I just can't convince myself they would continue to treat others in that manner if they had any inclination that their behaviour was unacceptable. There is one person in particular that I can think of that is just plain old mean. There is simply no other way to say it. There no way to make it sound more sophisticated or intelligent. This person, Pat, is mean. Point blank. Pat is mean to people. Pat talks down to poeple. Pat belittles people. But the thing that gets my goat the most is the damn look that Pat gives people. It enrages me. It's a snarl and it clearly communicates that Pat thinks you are the lowest of the low and a complete waste of space. Just ask anyone who has received this stare. My favourite memory of the Pat look was when I was having a conversation with someone else and Pat chose to stand there and glare at me the whole time. Pat, nobody was holding a gun to your head. Move along!

Many people have a Pat in their life. In my world, most of us share the same damn Pat. You know what? Pat is a loser. You know what else? If Pat has been mean or rude to you, console yourself by thinking about what an awful existence Pat must lead. Do you think Pat has many friends? I suspect Pat's life is misery because I certainly don't see Pat winning any popularity contests.

Here's the bottom line folks - Take the high road. If you dislike something about someone, please, don't react by doing what it is you dislike about them. Take the high road and don't lower yourself. By "telling someone off" you are just adding fuel to the fire. Walk away. If you get into a yelling match chances are that people will overhear the yelling. Yet they don't know why you're yelling, they don't know that your Pat is a jerk. They just see both of you looking like morons, yelling at each other like cavemen. Walk away because Pat will look like a fool arguing alone. You might feel better for a few minutes after letting your Pat "have it" but the reality is that Pat won.

Take the high road. That's what I'm teaching my daughter. It may take a few years before we use those words. But she'll know which road to take long before she can spell the name.

FYI - Pat is not the individual's real name. Think Saturday Night Live.

Cricut!

Mr. Princess, out of the clear blue, asks me this morning "What time does the scrapbook store close today?" Of course, I asked why he wanted to know. He told me he was going to go buy me my Cricut. Yeah! I told him and my parents that instead of a b-day present I would prefer money (they were going to buy one anyone so I just made a suggestion). Well Mr. Princess was going to get it for me regardless. Isn't that sweet?
We decided to wait until later this week to go get it. I'm going to a crop today and it would kill me not to take it with me. When I told him that he said, "Oh we should go get it so you can take it!" While that was a nice suggestion, I want to have something to open on Friday so I decided to wait. I know a few of you are now try to recovery from a serious case of shock but I swear it's true.

Since the shock quotien is already high here comes another one for you. Jay you might want to sit because this will surprise you most. I cooked a turkey today. AND....it was very good! It turns out I have a hidden talent.

Why?

Why is the fact that Tyra Banks weigh 161 lbs front page news? I read People Magazine online every day. In fact, I read a number of celebrity gossip stuff online each and every day. Most of it is pretty damn shallow. I get a very "junior high schoolish" charge out of seeing Paris Hilton make an ass out of herself on a very regular basis. I know that if people like me stopped caring that good-for-nothing-blond-waste-of-oxygen would disappear from the headlines. But the reality is we won't.

Most of the gossip sites I frequent are all shallow...each site is shallow across the board. People is a somewhat reputable magazine when it comes to celebrity magazines. What bothers me about them is that they will do a story on eating disorders, thin models/celebrities and how it affects American women/girls. But that very same issue will have someone's weight splashed on the front of the magazine.

Now, I'm know the article with Tyra was meant to be a feel good, I'm secure with my weight story. BUT, by making a big deal out it, in my opinion, it has a negative effect. Am I making sense? If her weight isn't a big deal than don't mention it. Gotta go home. Maybe I'll finish this later.

Okay, a further attempt at explaining...my point is not what anyone's weight may be...Nicole Richie, Tyra or anyone else. My point is that I really think People (supposed to be a reputable celeb mag) is totally sending mixed messages. No, let me try this again. My issue is that weight, high or low, should not be news. Regardless of size, if the media continues to report on weight than it will continue to be an issue for women.

The article on Tyra, to me is a prime example. If she is a good weight and happy about it than leave it be. To me, by making her measly 161 lbs and 32 inch waist an issue they are saying "Oh look Tyra is chunky but still manages to be happy." Sorry but this story doesn't come across as a feel good, inspiring story to me. It's just another case of the media bring weight and size to the fore front....again.

Oh, and let's not start with comments on my size. Only a few years ago I was over 30 lbs heavier than I am now. I was also the largest of my friends. While I may not have been obese, I was still the "different" girl. And let's not forget my friend who was going to kill themselves if they were my weight.

Re-reading this, the paragraph above sounds nasty but I don't mean it to be. My point is that I haven't always been my current size.

Just Incase...

Just incase you weren't already convinced that I flirt on the edge of plum crazy, here are a few tidbits to push it over the edge.
I was sitting in the washroom at work and had the following thoughts:
* Argh, I hate public washrooms.
* At least it smells better than yesterday
* Who is that lady washing her hands? (I could see out the crack of the door)
* Cripes, I'm not using that toilet paper. Who knows where it's been and who has had the grimy hands all over it. Why bother leaving a roll just sitting loose (not on the dispenser)? Let it get all touched by everyone while/after they've wiped themselves...gross.
* I wonder if other people will use it.
* Hee hee hee..."I wouldn't put my bird on the floor so why would I bring the floor to my bird?" Remembering a wise friend commenting on toilet paper rolls being placed on the floor (Yup, that's you Lisa!)
* Poor Susan.

Now while washing my hands:
* whistle, whistle, whistle
* Someday I'd like to break out in a really loud song in here...just for kicks.
* Oops, I almost touched that tap.

Now I will describe my obsessive handwashing ritual:
I get my paper towel and stuff it in my arm pit. Then I wash my hands with copious amounts of soap like a "normal" person. I dry my hands and use my paper towel to turn of the taps. (Hello! I just used my dirty hands to turn it on...touching it would completely wipe out the point of washing my hands) The I use the paper towel to open the door to leave, I keep my paper towel to open every door until I reach my desk. Finally, I throw the paper towel in the trash can in front of the photocopier for absolutely no reason other than habit. I NEVER change this routine. I would only consider missing a step if the building was on fire.

Word for Word

I was sitting here blog surfing after I wrote my post and I stumbled across two blogs by, apparently, different people and you know what????? The had written the EXACT same thing, word for word, verbatim. It made me laugh. I don't want to say too much but it was a topic where it doesn't really make sense to use someone else's words. Too funny, that stuff cracks me up. Really folks, get an opinion and identity of your own. Geesh.

Sick Little Girl

I really have to learn to keep my mouth shut. Just last week I commented to my co-worker that JJ hadn't been sick in months. I knocked on wood but the gods are laughing now because I'm such a dumb ass. Rule #1 - Never comment on how well something is going because it will immediately go to pot.

That being said, I'm at home with JJ this afternoon. I had appointments at work this morning so the Mr. stayed home this a.m. and we traded off at noon. Last night around 9:30, JJ woke up crying and I noticed that her breathing was very raspy. She asked for a drink of water and went back to sleep. At 10:30 I'm laying in bed watching TV and I hear her cough a little bit, choke and than gasp for breath. Just ask me how fast I cleared that bed and landed in her doorway. Cripes, nothing scares be jebus out of me like a child who can't breath.

She cried for a little bit and her breathing was very raspy and sort of rumbled. It's hard to describe but I did not like it. You could tell that it was a hell of a lot of work for her to get a breath. I asked her if it was hard to breath and she said yes. By this time I have her on the kitchen counter and I 'm searching for an inhaler. She doesn't have asthma but the doctor prescribed it for a cough last year. The damn puffer was expired but I gave it to her anyway. I know, I know bad Momma but I just wanted to ease her breathing. I also rubbed some Vick's on her chest.

I didn't think she needed to go to the hospital but I got my bearings and stuff together just incase. Mr Princess was at basketball and I called him and ask him not to go for a beer afterwards incase she needed medical attention. Poor Mr Princess was banished to the spare room so JJ could sleep with me. For piece of mind, I needed to hear her breathing beside me all night. This morning I woke up to a little finger poking me saying "Momma, my throat is crusty."

We kept her home to keep an eye on her. Eric said there were times this morning that she even struggled to speak. Oddly enough, she has no cough. I tried to call the Dr but they aren't answering their phones today. I'll call first thing in the morning because this doesn't seem to be getting better. It totally disturbs me that my daughter sounds like a chainsaw when she breathes. Could be another long night....

To the Real Princesses

You all got me! My friends had a surprise party for me last night. I thought I was going out for dinner with Shelley and Angie. I was standing there looking at the hostess at Boston Pizza and jumped sky high when a table to my left thundered "SURPRISE!!". It took me a second to realize I knew everyone at the table and that they were yelling at me.

It's pretty tricky to have a surprise birthday party 2 weeks before the date! I had a great time!! I received tons of gifts which were all gift certificates in $30 denominations. The was one from Avalon Spa, Shoppers, mall dollars, CompuPro Scrapbooking, Stampin Up, Tim Horton's...I think I've missed a few. I apologize for that but it's not even 7 am yet. They had a tropical outfit for me to wear because they were trying to bring the tropics to me. Sweet huh? I'm sure pictures of my shell bra will hit the internet soon enough. I even received an letter from the Real Martha Sue Reporting Live from Manila!

Our waiter was hilarious!! After most of the wait staff in the restaurant sang happy birthday to me and announced to the whole place that it was my 30th birthday, he said I needed a shooter of some type. He wanted to bring me tequila but that would have killed me. A short while later he shows up with 2 shooters for me. Here is what he said "I said I would bring you something and since it's your 30th bithday, I thought you deserved a multiple orgasm." and then he sets to orgasm shooters on the table. I laughed so hard I could hardly drink them.

I also made a new friend lst night. His name was Nick. He just walked up and said hi. LOL.

I want to say thank you to everyone involved in making this party happen. I know it's not an easy feat to plan a surprise party for me. I can't help it...I just notice things. I know you all must have aged a few years during the planning over the past few weeks. In all honesty, I was truely surprised. I really had no idea. There was a slip on Friday but I really didn't think anything was going on with all of you.

Melanie told me there were 27 girlse invited - That's crazy! I didn't realize I had 27 friends. I guess the party was scheduled for Friday night but when it was postponed due to the weather not everyone could make it. But no matter, I still really appreciate that I even have 27 friends to be invited. Seriously, 27!! I was thinking about it last night when I couldn't sleep (not one single wise crack, not one!) and it boggles my mind that I know 27 people that I can honestly call good friends. I'm very, very fortunate. To all of you who were there last night - thank you so much, I had a ball. To those who couldn't make it - thank you so much, we missed you.

To the 27 real Princesses, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Where's my Mojo?

Does someone have my scrapping mojo? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller...Bueller...Bueller. Hehehe...not sure why my first 2 sentences make me think of that but hey I'll go with it. I was all primed to scrapbook tonight but, wow, am I ever turning out crap layouts. I'm mean u-g-l-y. I guess I noticed my mojo first missing at Jay's last Friday night (which was a great time I might add). The two layouts I did there were pretty craptacular too. Anyway, if anyone finds it could they please return it before Nic's crop next week? It is a simple mojo, not collagey at all, straight and linear, and often comes in a shade of pink, and will answer to the name of Princess' Mojo.

I thought I had it made to scrapbook well into the wee hours of the morning. Last night I went to bed at 7:30. That is not a typo. 7:30. I put JJ to bed and went into my own room because Mr. Princess was snoring on the couch in the living room. Incidentally, he told me he woke himself up twice due to the loud snoring...haha. I was laying in my nice warm, pillow top bed deep under my eye-searing yellow and orange duvet and I thought "Screw it, I'm staying right here until morning." and so I did. I got 11 sweet hours of uninterrupted slumber.

Unfortunately, I missed all the good Thursday night TV. The O.C (Ryan is my secret boyfriend...shhhh), Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and CSI. I had no clue what everyone was talking about today. Oh well, I'm very well rested. I wanted to use my alertness to scrapbook but I do not want to preserve the crap I'm creating. I think I'll go watch my other boyfriend on TV...Curtis the take home chef.

Choose an Identity

If you are already logged into blogger and you want to leave a comment on a post, it asks you to choose an identity. This makes me chuckle every time I read it. I know, I know...it doesn't take much to make me laugh.
I saw it again last night and I thought "Hmmm...which identity would I be today if I could choose?" I guess it all depends on the day. Today, I choose the identity of Social Super Woman. As Social Super Woman, I will save the world from a socio-economic stand point. I may only do it one person/family at a time but that is my goal.
This is going to sound a bit hoakie and cheesy but when someone really captures a spot in my heart, that spot belongs to them for life. I will pull out every trick, contact, idea, or resource I can possibly think of. Time makes no difference for me in these matters. I would like to help as fast as I can but I won't wear down easily. I can let things quiet down for a few months but when I see an opening and an opportunity to help again I'm like a rabid dog trying to to what I can. You can't get rid of me once I decide that I care.
Obviously something has sparked this in me again and I can't stop thinking about it. It consumes me and I just can't do enough. Just when I think I've exhausted all avenues, I come up with something else. Just for the record, this is not a work related, it's a personal relationship. I know a few of you out there know about this and I'd appreciate it if you maintained the confidentiality of this person.

Winter has Arrived

This a a photo that I took today looking off a little bridge on Rte 4 between Fredericton and St. Andrews. I must say I'm pretty impressed with this photo. I was driving along and saw this little spot. So I pulled over hopped out of the car and started snapping away. My fingers were tingling and starting to hurt after about 30 seconds. I wish I could have stayed a few more minutes but my fingers would have died and fallen off and I'm sorta partial to them and would like to keep them. I think I might get this photo printed and if it looks good in print I might get in blown up. We'll see.

I've been MIA for the past few days. I'm so tired I can hardly keep myself awake. This afternoon was desperate struggle against the exhaustion. I couldn't seem to do anything properly and it took be a long time to complete any task. Just sitting upright at my desk meant my body and brain had to work at full capacity. I'm heading for bed in a few minutes.

But first I'll tell you why I'm so tired. My dear, dear Mr Princess is an avid basketball player. Avid, I tell you, avid. He decided to play in Oromocto on Monday night in all that snow. Of course, that was after I talked him out of driving to Harvey. So, he meets his buddies at the Y and they car pool to O-town. They usually go for a beer after they plan and typically get home after midnight. I was nervous about him being out. In my defence someone we know was in a very serious car accident last week so I was more nervous that I would normally be.

I remember last looking at the clock at 11:10 pm before falling asleep. The next thing I know the phone is ringing and my heart skips a few beats before settling in my throat. I flew across the room in the dark to pick up the phone and my knees literally got weak when I heard Mr Princess' voice. He had that tone in his voice where you know something is wrong. He then tells me that he has locked his keys in the car and everyone has already left. I simultaneously feel relief that he is alright but dread at having to fix this problem. We only have one car so I was very limited in my options. What did I do? I called my dad.

My dad is the best. I called him at 11:45 pm and he came to get my keys then took them to the Mr at the Y. When I asked him this favour he was already in bed and he still said "Sure, I'll be right there." He didn't sigh in annoyance, or complain, or even hesitate. He immediately got dressed and came over. I don't hesitate anytime my parents ask me to help out but this is just a reminder of why I never hesistate.

So Mr Princess gets home around 12:30. What the hell took so long??? I didn't bother to ask. I was tired. Unfortunately, I didn't get back to sleep until 3:30 am. The phone ringing scared me and I had a hard time calming myself enough to get to sleep. I really only had 30 minutes sleep at the most before he called. All together I got maybe 3 hours sleep Monday night. I was tired yesterday but I always find the second day worse. Now that I've told my story I'm headed off to Lalaland.

Sarahdipity

Have you ever heard of serendipity? This is the definition from the dictionary: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.

We all know that Mel tells me she hates me on a regular basis because I have good luck. Things tend to go in my favour or I make things work out for me. Remember the incident where I closed the garage door on the car? Yesterday, my father was going to get his car, drive two blocks to pick me up at my mom's office, and drive me back the 2 blocks to my office. But, dammit, my mom told him I was joking. Today, I managed to have someone else offer to make my dish for tonight's potluck but I'll tell you about that tonight.

I was telling my co-worker about the potluck story. She rolls her eyes and says "You and your serendipity." Then she says "No, you've have it better. You have Sarahdipity!" I jumped out of me chair with glee. My eyes were shining with excitement and wonder. My voice rose an octave and a few decibels. All I could say is "I love it! My friends will love it!" In reality, I can already hear my friends groaning. Actually, I can clearly hear Mel saying "I hate you!" LOL..I can hear Jay saying "Good god." with a bit of disgust. The possibilities are endless! And you all know how much I *LOVE* new words.

Just when I didn't think today could get any better....it did. Let me leave you with just one thought....

I am a phenomenon, I am SARAHDIPITY!

Who's that Girl?

I walked into the washroom at work this morning and saw a girl I didn't know. I looked again and it was me! It was my reflection in the mirror and I have straight hair.

I had this brain-wave last night that I would straighten my hair just for the hell of it. What an ordeal. First I had to have a shower (not such a big deal), then I had to blow dry my hair and straighten it with a brush. Holy crap. It took 45 minutes and I really just looked like a pine tree with going through an identity crisis. My plan was to dry it last night and use the flat iron this morning to do the finishing touches. However, if I wanted to make it to work before noon that plan had to change. So, I plug in the flat iron and crank the heat in hopes it will speed up this process.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that I hate doing my hair. That should explain the state of my hair most days. In fact, one of my life mottos is "If I can't see it, then I don't care". How does this fit in with my hair most days? I can't see the back of my head so I don't care what it looks like. This motto also explains the ass shelf that is my posterior.

Have you ever hear hair scream? I think I have. I'm pretty sure my hair was screaming in agony as I mercilessly ran the super hot flat iron over it again and again. I pinned up my hair and fried small chunks at a time. All in all it took me 30 mins to complete the act of torture. I pulled it into a loose ponytail went to bed.

Fast forward to this morning. Obviously, I didn't shower this morning because of the hair straightening adventure. So my day is already "off" and I feel abnormal. Onto the hair! I plug in the flat iron to do some touch ups. My hair strands see me reach for the iron and recoil in horror...almost curling back up again from the shock, dammit. I spend another 20 mins straightening the hair doing touch ups.

Now, here I sit at my desk with straight hair. Was it worth it? Uh, no. All in all I spent over an hour and a half on my freaking hair. I absolutely cannot imagine why anyone would do that on a regular basis. I could do so much more with my time....like sleep. Oh well, I don't think it's going to be an issue again for a good long time anway. I'm pretty sure every strand of hair on my head would hop out and drop to the floor in protest if I ever try that stunt again.

I'm Kinda Dumb Sometimes

I was almost bitten by a dog a work today. It was really my fault because I'm a flake and the dog was being a dog.

When I knocked at the door the dog went snakey. The owner put the dog on the couch where it sat with it's ears back, obviously afraid, and barking it's face off. Mistake #1 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the dog or put it in another room. I thought about it but let it go.

Last year we had a session on dog safety for our line of work. The dog handler spoke about 2 types of angry dogs - the agressive dog that wants to bite you and stands it ground and the dog that bites because you are scaring it and it feels it has no choice. The dog handler also told us how to deal with each type of animal. This dog was a classic example of the scared dog. I kept looking at the dog just to know where it was. Each time I looked at the dog it barked, pinned it's ears back, and snarled. Mistake #2 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the dog or put it in another room (see a pattern here?).

Anyway, the dog calms down because I'm not looking at it and I forget about it. In case you're counting that is mistake #3 - I forgot about the scared snarling dog. I go about the task I'm there for, thank the owner, gather my things, and stand to leave. I didn't look for the dog before I stood up. I start for the door and the dog lunges for me. The owner grabs the dog but the dog was so close to me that she was touching both the dog and I. Oye.

Do you know the big thing the dog handler told us? NEVER turn your back on the dog. Turn my back? Hell, I forgot it was even there.

That was my first visit was the day and of 2007. It was a good wake up call for me. I felt bad for the dog. The dog was just going on instinct and the lady did say at the beginning that the dog had been abused by a previous owner. Mistake #4 - I should have asked the owner to restrain the abused dog or put it in another room. This incident was truely my fault. I wasn't paying attention and I went against by better judgement. I won't make that mistake again.

Office Annoyances

This is a short list of things that annoy me in the office:
* The sounds of someone clipping their nails at their desk..ewww. Hehehe...I wonder if they were clipping their finger nails or toe nails. Ewww again.
* People who refuse to use a tissue to remedy their runny nose and choose to sniffle it instead...that is beyond ewww...it makes me want to vomit on the floor.
* Super-loud phone talkers. So loud that I struggle hear myself think...it's not even one of our employees. I'm now very well versed on the goings on of the other dept that shares the floor with us.
* The "martyr" who comes to work sick because we all know that the workplace will cease to function if they are not here today. So, lucky us, they come to work and generously spread they stomach flu around so we all get a shot at it. Okay, that's actually last week AND today.

I'll be puking by the end of the day one way or antoher. :)

That's all. It's a short list but I think they are all valid annoyances. I'm not even having a bad day. These things just all happened to take place in a short span of time this morning.

Cookin' a Roast

I'm cooking a roast for the very first time. Seriously, it's the first time. I'm just not that into red meat so I've never bothered before. I'm definitely a meat eater, don't get me wrong but I've never eaten alot of red meat. I actually don't even like roast beef. I totally don't get it when people comment on how tender beef is and how you can just cut it with a fork. Meat of that consistency literally makes my stomach turn.
Growing up, my dad made roast beef on a regular basis and it was always that consistency. I call it the stringy consistency because that's what it reminds me of when it's that "tender". Everyone just raved about how tasty it was and I just ate it because there was no other alternative. My dad has started using a meat thermometer in recent years and it is much better but still not my cup of tea. Having said that, my dad also BBQs roast beef and I love it! I will fight for the crispy end piece.
All this dislike of roast beef has lead me to the decision to take a stab at it myself. I really don't think it's going to make a difference. But it's worth a try. I seared it first to seal in the juices and now I'm cooking it at 350 degrees until the meat thermometer says it done (med-rare). We'll see how it goes.
JJ has just informed me that she wants to paint. I told her after supper. She then said she has a plan. Her plan is that the 3 chocolate chip cookies she just ate were her supper and that she'll paint while Eric and I eat. She now sitting beside me yammering on about her plan again. I can't help but laugh. She thinks that if she tells me a plan that it is how things will be done. I can't wait to inform her, later in life, that things don't come to fruition just because you say it's a plan. Hell if that were the case I wouldn't be sitting her right now. Because plan is to be somewhere tropical. Shit she told me not to go into the kitchen. That is 3 year old code for you should really come in because I'm doing something I shouldn't be. Hitting publish not taking time to check spelling.

Princess Power

Something is wrong with me...seriously wrong with me. Twice in the last few months my Princess Powers have failed me! Horrific but true. My Princess Powers never fail...until recently.
Today at lunch I had a shot at being Employee of the Universe, Employee of the Millenium, and all around Bad Ass all wrapped into one. But I blew it. Sadly, I'm not even sure where I went wrong.
I was leaving the Regent Mall and when I walked by Toys R Us, there was an employee standing there with a much sought after Wii. I turned around so fast I'm sure I'll have whiplash in the morning. I said "How many of those do you have?" He answered 2 and I almost ran to the payphone. I called my boss, in a meeting I might add, and said "Paul! Toys R Us has 2 Wiis. Do you want me to buy one?" He said no he wouldn't feel right about that but we worked out a plan and I went back.
In the store I go and I sashay (you all know I like to sashay) up to James the World Sales Leader - that's really what his name tag said, I swear on JJ's head. I say to James "My boss would really like to have a Wii and could I give you a $*** deposit and he'll come up and pay the rest at 3pm?" James hums and haws for a minute and says they really can't do it. I say "Are you really the World Sales Leader?" He says no that just call the sections of their store "worlds". Whatever. Then I ask him if Paul can call in with his credit card number and just pick it up later. No dice. So as a last and pitiful effort, I say "But its for my boss and I would be the best employee ever." He laughs but won't give in. I leave confused by the universe and not understanding why my Princess Power is not working. I came back to the office and called him again. I offered once more to go buy it for him but he wouldn't hear of it.

I saw Melanie on the way out of the mall and got her to call Nic. I would have called but my cell phone was dead. Hopefully, she manages to get there to get one. Good luck. I'd offer my Princess Powers to help you out but they seem to be on the blink.

Live From Manila

Susan aka the real MarthaSue has landed in Manila, Phillipnes. Can you imagine what it would be like? I love to travel but I'm a bit of a chicken. Small caribbean countries great! Big foreign non-english speaking countries...scary. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go but having to be responsible for myself as opposed to just jumping on a bus with a tour guide scares the bejezuz out of me.
Susan, I really think it's great that you have taken this opportunity. I know you must be feeling realms outside of your comfort zone. But you should be so proud have done this. You have travelled over 24 hours to get there, nagivated the Hong Kong airport, survived the car ride there, said "see you later" to your family, accepted the challenge of teaching, LEFT BEHIND TIM HORTONS, and all of this in a non-english speaking country! This will be a once in a life time opportunity and you should be proud that you are rising to the challenge.

We're all looking forward to reading about your adventres. We are all sorta living this adventure with you. Now, go have an adventure for us. Oh, are you going to try eating weird and wonderful things while you're there? An appetizer of snake soup perhaps??

I Love Rock and Roll

Once the littlest princess regained her composure last evening and exorcised her demons within, we sat on the floor on a towel and ate a pomegranate. She loves pomegranates. Anyway, the child sings pretty well constantly. I love it most of the time but sometimes she almost shrieks in a high falsetto voice and still considers that singing...those times drive me to drink. But instead I tell her it's beautiful singing and it makes my ears smile.

Last night out of the blue she starts singing "I Love Rock and Roll". She sings quite well when she wants too. The parts of the song she knew, she sang very well. She sang the right words, she sang the right notes in the right order, and her pitch was quite good too. I loved it. It caught me off guard so I didn't get it on video. That will be my goal for tonight.

Bingo Shutters!

That is actually the name of JJ's stuffed dog. But to me it sounds similar to "Jinkies" like Velma says on Scooby-Doo. Just imagine her saying "Bingo Shutters, it's the witch's ghost! Run!" Okay on to bigger and better things.

JJ just had her first major freak out, meltdown whatever you want to call it. The kid was nekked and out of control. I was washing her hair and we were being silly and trying to get it done really fast. In my hast, I made the critical error of changing the routine. I forgot to let her smell the shampoo and dip her nose in it before I put it in her hair. She was pissed. I quickly put some in my hand and let her smell it but she was already well on her way to a category 5 meltdown. I quickly rinsed her hair and tried to calm her down but it was useless. So I drained the tub and walked out her her while she through a fit. I let her go for about 5 minutes and went back into talk to her.

This time I tried the whole use your big girl words, what can we (she and I) do to make her feel better, I'm sorry your upset but this is not acceptable thing. She heard "Blah, Blah, Blah..." Her response to me was to bend down and scream in my face with all her might. Fun. So I lifted out out of the tub and took her to her room. I took her out of the tub for fear she might split her head open when it started to rotate on her shoulders and vomit started to spew from her mouth. I tend to fall down when that happens.

Now in her room, she is beyond pissed...she if flippin' livid. I mean livid. So she hits me. I pull out a chair and calmly tell her she is in time out for hitting. What does she do? Shoved me with 2 hands as hard as she can. As little patience as I may have sometimes I have to say I keep my cool with her. I set her back in the seat. I put herback in the chair a few more times before she has had enough of that crap. She launches a full on assault. She is kicking, punching and hitting me with everything she has in her. I'm still calm telling her she cannot hit and that she is having a time out for hitting me. At this point she hears nothing. She has lost all sense of control. She has snot running down her face and is screaming like I'm sitting on her and ramming baboo shutes under her fingernails. Oh, while I'm telling her she is is time out she is screaming "Tubby, I want back in the tubby!" I swear she sounded only partially human. She got away twice and threw herself in the tub. Like any good parent, I locked the bathroom door. At this point, I was seriously concerned she would hurt herself in the wet, slippery tub.

I left her in the hallway and walked away form her. Clearly even the sight of me was completley infuriating the child. I walked away from her to give he a minute but she followed and decided to kick the shit out of me again. I felt I had no choice but to take something away form her. Enter Bingo Shutters. I took Bingo Shutters. The child is no longer acting human after I did that. In hindsight, I'm not sure that was wise choice on my part because it just made her angrier. But really, I was at a loss at that point and she was kicking my ass. She child is over 40 lbs and 42 inches tall. FYI - Eric is not home. She went completely ballistic. Five minutes earlier I would have thought it impossible for her to be any angrier - I was wrong, very, very wrong. I tried to deal with her for another few minutes and then called my mom. I was still calm but the child needed someone and I was clearly not that someone. By this time it was going on 45 minutes.

My mom arrived and calmed her down a bit. In the end, she just wanted her Momma. She and my mom talked about the incident when I was out of the room. When I came back in JJ says "Momma, if you are angry you should just say I need to go to my room to calm down." LOL...it was cute. Hopefully, she'll remember her own advice. I explained to her that I was not angry with her at all. Her answer? "Oh"....it as if she thought "Well, shit you should have told me lady."

Anyway, we are buds again and everything is fine. She is sleeping. I weathered my first real out of control episode. I'd love to think this was the one and only but somehow I doubt it. Although my mom did say I never did anything like that...so there is hope.

Happy New Year

Okay first thing is an explanation. D - a cricut is an superduper scrapbooking tool. It looks like a printer and you feed paper into but instead of just printing on the paper it cuts out shapes adn letters for you. It may not sound like much but in real life even our hubbies are impressed by the machine.

I'm sitting here in my bedroom thinking about the past year and all it has held for me. I'm really sitting in here because Mr P and JJ and eating chips. I really can't stand to listen to other people eat chips. Psychotic but true...I accept it.
I guess when I think back at the last year I notice that everything seems to revlove around the week I spent in the hospital. Oddly, I used that week to determine timelines, when events took place and stuff like that. I was only in there for a week and it's not like my life has been altered since but I've never had closure. My stomach still gives me alot of trouble and I don't think I can get passed the fact that they don't know what is wrong with me. I'm thankful they ruled out cancer, colitis and crohns disease. That leads me to think of some close friends who have had loved one be close to death this year. Luckily, they pulled through but none of them seem to be 100% yet. Hopefully, this year will bring them better health.
This past year had brought me stronger friendships. People who were perhaps acquaintances in the past are now close, cherished friends. They've enabled me to weed some people out of my life who just weren't healthy. Au revoir Homer!! You sometimes you find really good friends that you never expected and other friends who just aren't what you thought. 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. I guess that's my theory for life in general and a good part of the reason many of you consider me your guinea pig for everything.
My ups have definitely outweighed my downs this year. Most of my downs seem to have been indirect. Meaning it's been difficult to watch family members or close friends go through rough times. But they are all tough cookies and have or will make it through.
My most fond memories this year took place in Shediac. We rented a cottage for a week as usual. We spent our days walking to the beach, building castles, throwing the ball for the dog, swimming, cuddling and having fun. At night we had campfires, sparklers, movies, walks at the beach and ice cream. I love watching Eric and JJ playing in the surf together. Most of the week it was just our family of 3 and the dog. We had a great time and I can't wait to do it again. I'm sure this coming summer will be even better than last. I can't help but think of the night we were at this little park on Main St in Shediac. JJ had to pee and there was no place for her to go. I took her in a little corner and taught her to squat to pee. Since then I've been trying to convince her that squatting outside to pee is not really appropriate.
Save the best for last - my baby girl. She has changed so much over the last year. She's a preschooler now instead of a toddler. She still has a lisp but she says macaroni instead of pacaroni. She is pigheaded, independant, stubborn, persistent, loveable, sweet, affectionate, carefree, artistic, and fun-loving all wrapped into a 42 inch tall package. I think my highlight was about 6 months ago when she was sitting on the flush and she looked at me and said "Momma, you're my best friend."
So there you have it. A few thoughts that popped into my head. You won't find any New Year's resolutions from me. I'm not against them, I just have never bothered to make them. I thought about it while reading everyone else's resolutions. But, realistically, they would only be the same things I tell myself every other day anyway...be more patient and get off your lazy ass. I'm going to break the mold and this will be the one day a year I WON'T tell myself to be a better person. :)