Thank You

This may be a bit presumptuous but I'm posting this here in the event that any of the ladies from the crop this weekend read my blog. If anyone does read it, will you pass my message on to anyone else you know that was at the crop? I'd really appreciate it.

The ladies who attend our Diva Crop this weekend got together and hatched a plan. After our opening remarks, one of the ladies took over the podium and presented each of the committee members with a gift certificate to Avalon Spa. The entire committee was all so touched. I don't think I've ever seen 9 women all start to cry so quickly. I instantly had tears running down my face. The certificate to the spa was wonderful. But more touching was that these ladies thought enough of us to do this for us. I know Karen and Mary Kay were involved in spear heading this project.

I want to thank each and everyone one of the ladies involved in making this surprise happen for us. I wanted to go around and give each and everyone of you a big thank you hug. I'm getting teary again writing this. I'm not usually a big cryer but I just can't believe you did this for us. We have always thought everyone enjoyed the weekend crops but this certainly validated it for us. You probably have no idea how much your actions and kind words have touched each and every one of us committee members.

Angela and Eleanor - thank you for the sweet cards. Thank you for your kind words and for thinking of us.

Each time we have one of these events, participants comment on how much work must go into the weekends. My answer is always the same - Yes, a lot of work and planning does go into it but we really have so much fun doing it. My answer probably sounds like a cliche but it's so true. I only wish you could be a fly on the wall at our meetings where we laugh so hard our stomachs hurt. I wish you could have seen Nicole and I on Thursday afternoon at the store. We were surrounded by tonnes of boxes, totally overwhelmed, no idea where to start and both of us giggling with the same "oh my, what do we do now" nervous giggle. But we were still laughing and having fun.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and a great weekend.

Is it Time for Work Yet?

Oye. It's been a loooooong day. I love my daughter dearly but today was trying.

Last Saturday, JJ was running through the kitchen and took a spill. Neither the Mister or I saw her fall and just came running when we heard the ear-splitting scream. My kid is tough as nails and if she screams or cries, she is hurt. We ran into to the kitchen and she is bawling saying her foot hurt. She couldn't walk on it and it hurt to touch it. We elevated and iced her foot and gave her some motrin for the pain. She limped on it for a few days but it didn't seem to slow her down. We figured she just twisted something. She was able to rotate her ankle, point her toes, etc so we knew it wasn't broken.

Fast forward to this weekend. She was still limping on Friday and I decided it needed to be looked at by a doctor. I tend to be obsessive compulsive once I get something in my head. I worried about that foot all weekend and was going to call the doctor Tuesday when they re-open. Well, doesn't she take a spill yesterday. F***! Now the foot is swollen and he limp is even worse. She is alright after we ice it but it isn't long before that wears off.

We've been trying to keep her quiet and off the foot all weekend. Especially after she re-injured it yesterday. I'm telling you it's like trying to get the sun not to shine. We haven't taken her out to play because we don't want her walking on the foot. Especially on ice and snow. I can't begin to tell you how many times I had to ask her not to do things today. She as so much pent up energy and no way to release it.

Our night ended with her biting my finger. She is 3 1/2 years old! She knows better than to bite. I was telling he a story (I make up a story every night about her Ducky) and at the very end she reaches over and bites my damn finger. WTF?? I didn't even finish the story. I got up, told her I was done because she bit me and I left. She came out once, I explained again what was happening and sent her back to bed.

I feel bad because I know she *must* have been frustrated today too, not to mention all that unreleased energy. But, seriously, biting me?!?! What is up with that??

I'm calling the doctor first thing in the morning to have that foot looked at. I hope she has a better day tomorrow.

It's All Over Now

The Easter Bunny came bright and early to the Princess household. I mean 5:50 am kind of early. Oye. Christmas morning we have to wake her up but this morning JJ's up before the birds.

We bought her a new bike for Easter. Mr. Princess and I were totally excited about the bike. It's awesome. We didn't exactly get the reaction we were hoping for from the Littlest Princess. She said "Oh, the Easter Bunny got me a bike. And an Ariel snowglobe." Ugh.

Here she is seeing the bike for the first time. She was quite non-chalant about the experience. We're going to let her drive it in the garage later.

Well, I'm now trying to talk myself into going to start the turkey. Blech. Turkey is not one of my favourite foods to begin with. And sticking my hand inside it displeases my like you can't imagine. I'm a bit of a germophobe to start with and I don't like getting my hands dirty. So putting my hand inside of a dead turkey doesn't exactly tickle my fancy. I can clean up puke or whatever but I don't like putting my hand inside the turkey. Call me what you like...it makes me squeamish. But here I go to do it any way.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that we has souvlaki for for supper last night. LOL...JJ was less than impressed and refused to eat it. I guess that is the result when you name your buddies after food.

What a Trip

I've been more involved with Facebook over the past few days. When I first found out about it, I wasn't that gung-ho on it. I already have email and this blog so I didn't feel I need yet one more thing to look at on the internet. Well, here we are a few weeks later and I'm hooked.

I guess it took making a connection with a few key people to really get me hook line and sinker. I have been in contact with my "core" group of friends that I hung around with in high school. I have to say that over 10 years later and I can't believe how much I've missed them. I've really only been in contact with them over the last 48 hours and it is somewhat mind boggling to me. I'm very surprised the emotion it has all stirred up. A couple of us are talking about together sometime. I really hope we can get most of the group to meet up. It would certainly be a trip down memory lane.

Music

My cousin left a comment the other day suggesting I check out www.theevolutionofdance.com on if I had the Monday blues. Well, I cheated and watched it on a Tuesday. It was hilarious!! The guy dancing hit the moves spot on for every song. I highly recommend it for your viewing pleasure.

While I was watching the clip, I could remember the times in my life that went along with every song. It's incredible the way just a few notes from a song can evoke some many feeling, emotions, memories and reactions.

I was standing at the scrapbook store the other day and an Aerosmith song came on. I said to Nic "Doesn't this song just make you want to toss your hair around?" That's really what that song did to me. Some songs make me want to get up and dance as hard as a can, some make me want to wrap myself around a pole, others make me want to sing as loud as I can, while still others make me sing softly.

The song America Pie, the Madonna covered version, takes me straight back to maternity leave. I only had to sing a few bars of the song to calm JJ as a baby. It worked almost every time. I sang that song so often that I thought it was imprinted in my brain forever and that I would never, ever forget the words. A few years later and I can only remember a few words.
On the flip side, I can remember other songs word for word that don't really have any significance for me.

Some songs bring particular people to mind. Richard Marx "Right Here Waiting" reminds me of Shelley...we listened to this over and over. Extreme "More than Words reminds me of Janet...not be allowed to play the song because it reminded her of someone. Outkast "Hey Ya"...as a 6 mth old JJ loved this song...as a 9/10 mth old she shook maracas and bopped to this song. The list goes on and on....I probably have a song that reminds me of just about everyone.

Hmmm....does anyone else car dance? Just wondering...

The Family that Parties

If you look at the links on the left of the screen, you will notice one called Not the Favourite who happens to be my sister. I read her most recent blog and got a really good laugh from it. Mel read it and called me. She asked "How did you guys get to be like that?" The truth is...it's a family thing. And I don't mean just me immediate family...it my extended family too. Yup, there are more out there like me. I was telling Mel about some of our family parties/incidents and she requested that I write about it. Here is a small glimpse into our fun family...NO NAMES!!

* My extended family used to get together at my parent's house on Christmas Eve. We don't do this any more because we have children which makes it tough to have them out late on Christmas Eve and there are too many of us to fit into my parent's house. There are 2 things that come to mind from Christmas Eves past 1) a cousin peeing on her skirt...you know who you are 2) my aunt and uncle saying they were going home to turn the bird (meaning their turkey that was cooking) and me turning that around to be a dirty comment. That comment still lives.

* We are Irish folk on my mom's side of the family and boy do we like to celebrate our heritage. We used to have great St. Patty's day parties until our elders turned into snowbirds...damn them! See me shaking my fist at them. Anyway, our parties tend to involve beverages which result in very happy, fun people. One year a happy, drunk cousin tried to convince the rest of us to play arse darts. Can't imagine why that didn't catch on. That was the same year I didn't notice the buttons on my shirt were undone.

* More than once my dad, my sister, and I have been the only people on the dance floor. We don't hold back.

*My cousin and I often used to hit the dance floor in our own style. Just incase she sitting there wondering "Is that me?" Yes, yes it is...she also split open her pants on the dance floor more than once. Incidentally, this is the same one who wanted to play arse darts. Oh...I can hardly type I'm laughing so hard.

* More than once I've attended wedding receptions with my family where we've been the last people on the dance floor at 1 am, left, and found somewhere esle to keep the party going.

* My father enjoys doing the Macarena and the bird dance. You can dress them up but...

* One of my family members makes horse noises when they've had too much to drink. Oh, I'm just dying writing this.

* One of my family members got so liquored at my wedding shower that her small dog sat on her to protect her and wouldn't let anyone near her. I should say this was at the after-shower party.

* I once asked my dad to get me a drink of water at a party. He must have been trying to teach me a lesson about being a lazy. I took a great big drink of water and found out it was pure vodka. I was in my 20's.

* People who marry into the family become like us. Mr. Princess breaks out his own funky dance moves after he's had a few. Churn the Butter, Drive the Bus, the Sprinkler, the Chainsaw, and the Wheelchair are just a few of his classic moves. Envision him dancing just like the name of the dance move. Eventually, he gets everyone doing it with him.
I actually have lots more but I think that's enough. So we like to have fun...big deal. At least we all like each other!!

It's Monday. Yay.

I'm not one that normally dislikes Mondays. But boy did today start off with a bang.

We were busy but fine leaving the house. I had to take everything but the kitchen sink with me this morning. Daycare drop off was no problem. Getting in and sitting at my desk was a breeze. Without getting into specifics, I got bitched out this morning for no good reason. I was just minding my own business and bam! I got sucked in the middle between 2 people. I'm a helper by nature but, unfortunately, that will be reigned in from now on . I will stick to being helpful to a select group and that's it. The rest can stick it. Bad attitude yes but I'm sick of bitchy civil servants with a chip on their shoulder. I won't let them drag me down...they've gotta catch me first.

Then I started working on a complicated task that is overwhelming me. I just need some guidance. Once my super co-worker with the patience of a saint returns to correct my errors, I'll be back on track.

My tax return is lost in cyberspace. I received a letter saying my refund was deposited but hence it's not in my accounts. It's not that I need the cash but it disturbs me that the revenue agency can't find it and neither can the bank. Ahhhh...just another case of them asking my family to bend over and take it. Seriously, they have my parents, my sister and I blacklisted. Some perverse sicko is sitting in an office somewhere laughing. On a slow day at the office, he/she thinks "Oops, the Princess family is starting to think they are in the clear. Time for action, boys!" And we bend over once more...

I'm drinking my second coffee of the day. Tims. I cannot drink Tims any longer. It makes my stomach hurt. While you must be thinking "OMG, the poor girl! What will she do without Tim's?!?!" This is actually good news. At least it's one more clue as to what I can avoid eating. Any other coffee seems fine.

I'm starting to come around now. It'll all work out...it always does.

Layout for Nic

The image of the layout is awful. I didn't realize I still had the camera in sport mode. You get the idea of the layout anyway.

Dance

Tuesday night was a big night at dance class. JJ got her costume. I'm not sure who was more excited...me or her. Okay, I admit, I do know...it was me!

The costume was in a bag and when I first saw it I was unsure. But once it was out of the bag it was adorable. I'm not posting a pic of it until she puts it on for class photos. But I'll try to describe it. It's a white short-sleeve body suit with a 3 tier tutu. The tulle on the tutu has wide pink satin edges and there is a dainty little flower bundle at the waist. It is so freaking cute!!!! They have a head decoration too and I'm not sure how I'll do her hair to make it all come together. But I do know that ringlets and hairspray are totally in the plan. Thinking about it makes me giggle.

I went to dance in junior high and high school. But I was NOT good at it. I don't have any coordination but I had fun. I've been planning on putting JJ in dance from the moment they told me my baby was a girl. I absolutely C-A-N-N-O-T wait to see her all dressed up on the stage at the show. I MUST be in the first or second row to get great pics. I MUST.

Tickets go on sale at the beginning of May. I need to decide what time to get in line. I talk to one of the other moms at dance and maybe I'll see if she wants to wait in line with me. We can take turns or something. Besides, I don't want to be out in the dark alone downtown.

Incase anyone goes to the show, I want to warn you in advance that I will be one of those crazy mothers. It would be a good idea to start practicing that you don't know me. I will be the crazy woman in the front row yelling "That's my baby!! My baby! You go baby girl! You're the best dancer ever! The others suck and you rock, Baby Girl! Shake what your Mama gave you!! Work it! Lady, get the *curse word* out of my way, you're blocking my shot!" I think you'll be able to pick me out.

Bunnies, Bunnies....Everywhere!!

Today was the Hop-a-Thon at JJ's daycare. The kids all go outside, with bunny ears and painted faces, and hop for 2 minutes. The children/parents are asked to get sponsors in the week leading up to the event to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. I love it!!

This type of thing is one of the reasons I like our daycare so much. I love that the children are learning to help others.

Before they started hopping, one of the teachers asked the children why they were hopping. The kids responded "For kids who can't hop!" The teacher then went on to explain that the money they raised will help purchase equipment etc for kids with muscular dystrophy. The kids are having fun and it fosters their awareness of the world around them. It also teaches them about making a difference in their community.

JJ has been excited about the Hop-a-thon all week. I love that when she talks about the event, she also talks about helping other people. She may not understand exactly what "kids who can't hop" means but she knows she is doing something to help another human being.

If you're looking for JJ in the photo, you can stop looking. She's in playhouse at the back of the yard.

Don't Tie Your Child to the Bed

A friend called me this evening and, jokingly, asked me to tell her if it was alright to tie her child to the bed. This comment reminded me of my pregnancy.

When I first found out I was pregnant, my doctor sent to me to the prenatal clinic at the hospital to find out about any programs etc that were available to me. I'd never heard of it before but, being a gung-ho first time parent-to-be, I was game to do whatever I could to give my baby the best chance.
I arrived at the clinic and sat at a little table with a nurse (?). There are other people around the room doing the same thing. This woman could not have possibly been more disinterested in me. She was watching everyone else and following their conversations. She asked me each question 2 and 3 times because she wasn't listening the first time I answered.
This went on for awhile and then all of a sudden, her head snapped around and she said to me quite firmly, "Don't ever tie your child to the bed!" I swear to you, I looked behind me to see if she was talking to someone else. I was shocked and when I am taken by surprise, I often say things out loud that I should only think in my head. So I say to her "Are you talking to me??" She answers yes. I was so surprised that I blurted out "Do you say that to everyone or do I just look the type?" I wasn't snotty just blown away. I left there and, of course, told anyone who would listen about her insulting comment.
All of a sudden, today, I get it. Don't we all want to tie them down somewhere at some point in time? Even if it's only to go to the washroom alone.

Souvlaki

JJ and I spent the better part of Saturday afternoon making a paper mache pig. We drive past a house every morning that has paper mache pigs in the window. Last week she asked me if we could make these pigs some time and I said sure.
We set ourselves up at the diningroom table and went to work. We had paste from head to toe. It was on the table, the chairs, our clothes, our faces, and JJ even had it in her hair. My philosphy on messes is quite simple...you cannot have fun and stay clean.
We had quite a few layers on our little piggie. He is taking quite a bit of time to dry. We should be able to paint him tomorrow night. Of course, JJ has decided he will be pink. I just have to figure out a way to get a curly tail on our little swine friend.
Every "buddy" who comes into our house must have a name. At the supper table tonight, I asked Littlest Princess what her new piggie's name is. Her answer? SOUVLAKI. That is MY daughter. I suggested she make it easy and call him Lunch. My sister, who was here for supper with my niece, suggested JJ call him Bacon. JJ stuck with her first choice.

Without further delay, I introduce to you - Souvlaki:



Everyone, this is Soulaki. Souvlaki, this is everyone.

Preparing for a Flood

It is so gorgeous outside today. I always find it difficult to haul my ass back inside on the first nice day of spring. I really hate the cold weather and any little break in cold makes me hopeful.

Of course, with warm weather comes rain and melting snow. Living along the beautiful St. John river, we Frederictonians are always prepared for flood season. I'm proud to say that I'm the most prepared of all. You should see my damn high water pants. Not pretty. I bought jeans shortly after Christmas and they're freakin' horrible. They were marked a 32 length but there is no way. They make me very self-conscious. I'm always tugging at my pants to make them longer. The trouble is, if I tug down so they're long enough then half of my tushie is waving hello to the world. And who, tell me who, wants to face that image?!?!?!

Before you go to therapy to relieve you of that mental image, I want to tell you that I bought new jeans at lunch. Isn't that a relief for all you Lovelies seeing me tomorrow night?? They reach all the way to the floor AND they cover my rump.

Ahhhh...a nice spring day and non-high water pants. What more could a Princess ask for? Money, that's what!

T & J thanks for the Charlie info. Oh and J? When I talk about comments on my blog, people usually use the comment section rather than leave me voicemail messages every day. Hee hee hee...just some playful teasing.

A Princess in Disguise

Looky, looky what I did tonight. I got my hair cut and I, finally, let the stylist straighten it. I always resist having my hair straightened. It's just not me. Besides, childishly, it annoys me that everyone seems to want to try to tame the wild beast that is my hair.

Isn't it odd looking?? Mr Princess said he likes it better curly. JJ couldn't/wouldn't stop touching it.

JJ is so gung ho to go to Avalon Spa to get her hair done. Every time we drive past she says "Mommy, can I go to Avalon Spa to have my hair cut?" So I made her an appointment. It's going to be a long wait until April 11.

I saw my Ma Tante Paula at the salon tonight. She was there for an aesthetic appointment so she was done long before me. When I went to pay, the girl at the desk says "Sarah? " When I answer yes, she says " Paula already paid for half of your hair." I was so surprised. I said "Really?" and I must have looked pretty shocked because she ask if Paula was my aunt and she looked worried that she'd made a mistake. Wasn't that sweet?

When I called her to say thank you, she said she did it to perform a random act of kindess. She said it was inspired by JJ. Yay! That's one more person out there doing nice things. I dare someone to pay for coffee or whatever for the person behind them in line tomorrow. I double dog dare ya!

Save the Day

Please save the date for JJ's wedding in the year two thousand and NEVER!!!

The Littlest Princess and I had the most interesting conversation on the way home from dance class tonight. Out of the blue she says to me, "Ethan ( a little boy at daycare and not his real name) is my friend."
"Ethan is really fun, Momma." I'm just giving answers like yes he is or oh yeah through the conversation.
"Mommy, when I grow up I'm going to get married"
"I think I'll marry Ethan."
"When Ethan and I grow up we're going to have a wedding."
"Oh Momma! You can be in the wedding too!"

When we got home she was excited to tell Daddy the big news. As luck would have it, my mom was on the phone waiting to talk to JJ and JJ was falling over herself to tell Nana the big news too.

Ethan is a very cute little guy. Unfortunately, he and JJ won't be able to play anymore. We are locking her in an underground bunker tomorrow. Until she's 30 years old. ;)

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.