Thursday, December 29, 2005

2006 Is Rushing In

Hard to believe 2005 is over. When I'm living it some days seem to drag by but once I get to the end of it, I wonder how it went by so quickly.

There were so many things I wanted to do in 2005. So many books I wanted to read, things I wanted to see, writing I wanted to write... All these will have to carry over to 2006. I don't feel bad about it. I'm looking forward to 2006. There are a lot of people who won't get to see it, I'm one of the lucky ones who will. Well, a lot can happen in 48 hours but I'm pretty sure at this point. Knock on wood.

Some basic goals for 2006:

Read more.
Watch less tv.
Be nice more.
Be angry less.
Clean more.
Bitch less.

I'll obviously expand or delete as the year goes on.

Monday, August 22, 2005

I can see clearly now...

Ok maybe not. We decided we couldn't afford the windows this year.

I finished the afghan for my friend Nai. I hope she likes it. I picked up a ball of this rainbow silky knit. It's too expensive to buy more than that at $8 a ball. I wish I could afford to make a huge blanket out of it. It's so fine. I'm hoping it will be enough for a scarf. After that it's a test pattern for a goddess scarf. I also picked a multi-coloured yarn for it although it's not silky.

I'm having second thoughts about a blog. Not really sure why I started one in the first place. I guess to get myself writing a little bit more but most of it seems useless.

It's a downer week. Someone inspire me!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Still Here

We refinanced the mortgage this week. Talk about stressfull, headaches to go around. Finally got everything straightened and approved and we decided to look at window replacements. I had no idea it could be so expensive. It's a good thing Jeff is good with numbers and shopping around. We do the good cop bad cop routine quite naturally. Of course I'm the bad cop... er bitch depending on who's perspective.

I'm exhausted from listening to people talk. Is that possible?

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Restless Legs

I have restless legs syndrome. My husband says I just have ants in my pants. Neither holds any excitement for me.

I cleaned out the spare room today. I came across some old magazines from the 80s. Apparently, I had a crush on Madonna. I had at least 20 magazines which featured her on the cover. I don't remember buying them or fawning over them. Don't get me wrong, I still like Madonna. I just can't see me buying a magazine because she was on the cover. I did however stand in front of the mag stand and look through the latest VOGUE so I could see pictures of her and her hot husband Guy Ritchie (he has a beard!). Other magazines I found. Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. I was a strange kid. I also found the premiere issue of GRACE magazine (a now defunct plus mag).

So back to the cleaning part. I've cleaned this space of dust and organized it so I have some horizontal space to sort photos that are in desperate need of a home. They've been waiting for me to put them in albums for years. I write this here to hold me to the task. Creative Memories is going to love me.

My restless legs and I are off to bed.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Veronica Mars

I love this show. I'm sure it's probably designed for the under 25 crowd but I'm young at heart. Veronica makes me smile. She's so cut and cunning like a fox in the wild. Don't mess with her unless you want to lose the rights to your first child.

Last night Logan Echolls parents were going at it with him literally in the middle. His father then started threatening his mother, swearing he'd never divorce her, she'd never get a cent etc. He was being viscious. All of a sudden Logan turns to him and says something along the lines of "Say another word to her and I'll kill you." Yikes. I nearly wet myself. I believed him. My husband who dosen't watch the show but happened to be standing there at the time believed him too.

If you get the chance check the show out. I love a good mystery. If you don't know what it's about VM father is a private detective after being ousted from the Sherrif's department. She works in his office as his receptionist/assistant. On the side she's working on a few cases of her own but her biggest case is who killed her best friend last year. Every week another minor case pops up that usually uncovers some small clue to her main goal in life.

I guess you could call it the OC with attitude but you don't have everyone running around switching beds with one another. No, it's definitely better than the OC.

***
Topic Links
*WB Veronica Mars

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

DaVinci Code

I finished the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown last night. Stayed up until 3am to get it done. Was it the best thing I ever read? No. Was it shocking? No. Was it entertaining? Yes. Would I recommend it for its entertainment value? Yes.

What's the DaVinci Code about (the shortened version): an old guy who works in a museum is killed. He leaves a message written on the floor in special ink so his grand daughter a cryptologist and an author of a book on Mary Magadelene will get called to the seen. They form a bond and begin answering clues the old guy left behind for them all while they are running from the police, the church and an albino monk with attitude. Where do the clues lead? The Holy Grail? X marks the spot? Buried treasure? The answer to life, love and destiny? Maybe. That's part of the mystery. But remember it's fiction and not meant to be taken as gospel.

Drop your thoughts.

Topic Links
*The DaVinci Code

Monday, August 01, 2005

Home Sweet Home - take deux

i'm home
i was happy
husband asked me to empty
kitty litter
things back to normal
much too quickly
still
it's good to be
home
more another day

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Home Sweet Home

doing a rosie
home a few days early
tired
space shuttle up safely
missed it
good to sleep in own bed
eat own food
and bathe in own bathtub
as my father in law always says
"it's good to visit but better to come home"
a wise man

off to bed

Friday, July 15, 2005

Arrived Alive in Cape Breton

We've finally made it to Nova Scotia, after a worldwind tour of N. B. and P.E. I. My highlight so far, sadly, is Potato World. Don't bug me, I'm Irish. Did you know that China produces the most potatoes? Me either.

I burnt my face and neck on the ferry over to Nova Scotia. Silly me thought I'd be safe in a hat. I forgot about the reflection off the water. As I said in my L&L newsletter, I look like a lobster.

This is the first time I've had internet access since Saturday but I don't want to use it all up in one shot. I'm off to try to sleep (nearly impossible with a husband and 70lb shepherd sharing the double bed.

Friday, July 08, 2005

I'm a Orgazined Queen... no Goddess

I am all set for the trip. Articles are in their place to pop up ever week at both sites. I'm half packed (laundry to do today), have the critters organized, hotels booked, map route highligted yada, yada, yada.

I want to stay home. How silly is that? I've wanted to go to the east coast for years and now I'm just at its door and I want to stay home. Not really but I have this hovering cloud feeling which occasionally puts that thought out there.

We have so much stuff planned. All I want to do is find a great spot by the ocean and veg (Veg means staring out at the ocean, reading and writing). I'm tired and I haven't even gotten there yet. How weird is that?

Two more days.

Have a great July.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

The New Orange

I hate orange. I like to eat oranges but I hate the colour orange when it comes to clothing, signage and... um... HAIR! Orange hair on other people is just fine.

Today I decided to dye my medium blonde lockes a lighter shade for the summer. I haven't dyed my hair in over 2 years. I hated the whole process so now I know why I haven't bothered.

Last year I shaved my head because it was so hot. And I do mean shaved it. There was less than a half an inch of hair on the scalp. I loved it. Cool, easy to wash. This year I'm trying to grow it long and sassy like the old days. Well, unfortunately, unlike the old days I'm not as blonde as I use to be. The joy of being a woman in her thirties.

Anyway, back to the dye job. I picked out the palest of alabaster and went to work. To cut a small story even shorter. I now have orange hair. Orange. Yes, orange. Jeff came home and kind of stared for a second and then said, "It looks nice."

"Liar! It's orange." If I wasn't so embarrased I'd take a pic and post it. Hopefully it'll look better tomorrow. I don't know what I'm going to do otherwise. Possibly shave it. I keep shedding anyway.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Busy Bee

I feel like we have so much to do before we go away. Things keep popping up. I've been working on interviews and articles for the Literary Fiction and Large & Lovely sites the last week. Still need to finish:

Author Q&A
Review of Fat Chance
Review of Good Girl's Guide to Murder
What is Literary Fiction article
Literary Awards article
Cookie article
Calendar article

And that's just off the top of my head. I also discovered tonight that I may have missed writing a review for a book I read in March. I found a file with notes in it but no finished review. Makes me angry that I can't remember things like I use to.

I don't know how people manage to live through their lives having seizures on a regular basis. It's been a year since I've had mine and I still feel like I'm missing something. Enough gloom.

I will get through it all before we go. On the bright side. A big job is done. We've planned our route and I've booked the hotels for the first few stops. I'll probably research and book some more tomorrow. Mrs. Efficient I am. I am.

Hope.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Talking About Myself

It's a strange thing to be involved in an interview. I've been doing them now for a few years and often become frustrated with responses or lack of. Or worse, having a really bad interview returned. I don't like to hurt peoples feelings (really I don't).

Last week I was asked for the first time to participate as an interviewee. I've been mulling over the questions, changing things here and there and have been downright insecure about the whole thing. I never thought I'd be on this end.

Sharing myself in a blog with the odd person who may or may not see my thoughts is different. I can write or not write about anything I want. In an interview the person on the other end carries most of the control.

I now have a new appreciation for the people I interview.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Alone No Longer

Jeff will be finished school for the summer. I don't know how to put into words the anxiety I feel about this. We have a big trip coming up too so it's not like we can get a break whenever we want.

Summer break is always an adjustment. First few days are ok. Then we just get in one another's way. By the end of the summer we've found a happy medium and can work around one another. School returns in September and I'm a sap and don't want him to go.

It's easy being alone but it's harder being alone when you haven't been a lone for a while. Even though I see him throughout the year I spend a great deal of my time alone. Most days I think nothing of it. There's always something to do. But some days it picks away at me. "I'm a lone. With myself. I'm bored. With myself."

Wishing he was there does no good and when he finally is, he's tired and doesn't want to be bothered. One eye and ear open for effect.

So I sit and wait for the summer that will start with anxiety and end with regret for yet another year. Repetition sucks.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Twins

Two girls
Blonde curls
Building blocks
Frilly frocks

Pitched giggles
Jello wiggles
Birthday wishes
Custard dishes

Hide'n seek
Little peeks
Blonde curls
Two girls

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Literary Fiction

I don't know what I was thinking when I applied to be the editor of the Literary Fiction site at BellaOnline. I guess I was thinking: I read, I like books, I'm already an editor...

For some reason they said yes and now I'm the editor. I suddenly feel self conscious about expressing my feelings about books even though I've been doing it for a few years. I guess I hold literary fiction in a higher category when it comes to the writing community and I haven't reached it and probably never will. Bad negative self speak.

I love literary fiction. I love to read. I just have insecurity issues. What was I thinking?

Topic Links
* Literary Fiction

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Forgotten Child

In her room she plays
with her dolls. Little dresses
for little bodies. Little shoes
for little feet. She pretends
each doll is part of a family.
Her family. A family that plays
together, stays together.

In the livingroom her
mother sticks a needle
into her lover's arm and
not so patiently waits for
him to use the same needle
on her boney limb. She
leans back, licks her lips
and is lost in oblivion.

In her room she she plays.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

It's almost over

May will be over in a few hours. June. So... damn, there's a frigging mosquito bombing me. It's literally circling me. Fast little bugger. Anyway, as I was saying. It will be June in a few hours. So many garden plans, so little time. Bought the impatiens for the front garden tonight. Will plant them tomorrow afternoon after my lunch date with Angela.

We'll be hitting a nursery out on the highway, surprise, surprise then go for lunch at Kelsey's. I've a hunkering for their ceasar salad and feta bruchetta bread. Yum. I lead such a boring life I know but hey. A life is a life.

***

Mickey Mitchell had two thumbs
One green and the other a blue one.
Poor Mickey didn't know what to do
so he stuck one up his nose and the
other up his ?

Sad isn't it.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

I can't believe how quickly the days pass between postings. Looking back I feel like I wasn't doing anything of consequence that I shouldn't have posted. Or maybe that's why I didn't post.

Finally recovering from my chest infection. Yeah me! Now Jeff is getting sick. Sheesh.

It's the weekend. Saturday. The RCMP are in town with their horses so we might take that in. The weather man is calling for a 60% chance of rain but it doesn't look like it at the moment. I also want to visit Gallery One-Twenty-One to see a new sculpture display by Linda Williams. I'd like to review it for the L&L site as the scultures are of big bold beautiful women. From what I've seen from the paper it looks hot. I'll post a link to it at some point.

I'm off to empty the dishwasher... yet again.

Topic Links
* L&L

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Fun Fun Fun

I had the most enjoyable night tonight. Jeff came home with free tickets to the alternative theatre for a show tonight: The Boys and Girl from County Clare. I LOVED IT! It was an upbeat Irish movie with lots of swearing and fiddle playing. I don't want to summarize the storyline cause I didn't know what it was about when I went and I think it made all the difference in my viewing enjoyment. I will tell you who is in it though. Colm Meany (O'Brien from Voyager days) and Benard Hill (Theodon from Lord of the Rings) as well as a surprising appearance by one of the Corr sisters. I laughed my ass off from start to finish. Rent it if you can.

Topic Links
* The Boys and Girl from County Clare

Monday, May 23, 2005

One of the Many Reasons I love My Husband

Today, while we were lazing in the living room, a commotion outside caught our attention. We could hear blue jays screeching and see branching outside our dining room window waving furiously. We both ran out side to see four blue jay babies the size of palm drip to the ground. A large raven was in the upper part of the tree being dive bombed by blue jays, robins, and starlings. It was quite a sight to see the birds working together.

Moving quickly, my husband grabbed a recycling box and I grabbed a pair of gardening gloves. I spent the next 5 minutes scooping up babies and putting them in the box while Jeff climbed the tree to see if the nest was intact. It wasn't. He then worked quickly to build a wooden teepee to stuff the remaining nest parts and the babies in. The whole time the parents kept a watchful eye on their babies and us.

When the teepee was firmly attached to the tree (cedar in case anyone is wondering) we sat in our lawn chairs below waiting to make sure the parents would approach the make shift nest. They did.

Not many men would go to the effort my husband did for nature. It's just one of the many reasons I love him.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Today

It amazes me how quickly time passes. How much we miss because we weren't paying attention or mostly because we were (are) so self absorbed to notice.

I love the sound of a child laughing. Why is that? Why is it such a beautiful sound? I'm 36 years old and am beginning to wonder about children. I can't actually picture myself having any; although at times I would love to have one of my own. But I couldn't imagine actually keeping one. I am more self absorbed than most after all. It's a dream, fantasy.

Dreams and fantasy are so easy to play with. The real world is harder and takes more time. Effort. Me a mother? There are enough damaged children in the world. No need to add one more.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

hacking

still hacking away. non productive in more ways than one. don't feel like capitals today. guess i'm pulling a rosie. missed the deadline for the sol mag contest but at least i worked on a few poems. the most creative writing i've done in a while. got a paycheck today, yeah! decided to save it for the trip in july. hopefully i can get enough money to go without debt. i know i'm dreaming but what else do i have but a dream. the world was built on dreams or was it ideas? what's the difference? one is younger than the other maybe but basicially they are the same thing. i'm off to try and dream on the couch... yet again. the coughing can stop anytime now.

Topic Links
* Sol - Magazine

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Chest Cold Blues

It's 4 a.m. I've had a chest cold for a week now. Irregular sleep, eating and life in general. Lots of things have been neglected over the last week. Feeling the usual guilt patterns despite being sick. Where does the guilt come from?

I decided to get up at 1 a.m. (even though I had only gone to bed at 12:30) so I wouldn't keep Jeff awake for yet another night; coughing, choking, horking. The effects of my illness show on his face when he gets home from work. My thinking was, since I'm home all day anyway, I might as well stay up all night and sleep while he's gone.

I have another hour and half before he gets up and I can go to bed. So far so good, but I'm ready for bed. I worked on the BIW newsletter for a while but I'm about computered out... as of this post.

I can hear the birds outside preparing for a new day. How much you want ta bet someone is going to want to mow the lawn while I'm trying to sleep?

***
Topic Links
* BIW

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Rob & Amber

Their viciousness caught up to them.
The good guys finally finished first.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Amazing Race

Pleassssse let Rob and Amber go home.

Without a million dollars.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

On the Up

Feeling better today. Got up and had a shower first thing. Even put a few rollers in, a lot of good they did. My hair is straighter than straight. Ended up with some butterfly clips to keep it out of my face. It's a warm day already.

Made some blueberry pancakes for breakfast and finished checking the email. Don't know what I'm going to do with the rest of my day. I had plans to hit some nurseries but Jeff has plans to clean the windows. Hmm. I know which one sounds better to me.

There are a few beautiful red tulips I can see from my livingroom window. The sun is bathing them and the colour is intense; red and beautiful.

I'm so behind because of the last few days... I better not think about it or I might end up back where I was. Wish me luck as I attempt to clean up the kitchen. Yuk!

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Feeling Fat

I'm having a fat day. Now I realize I am obese but for the most part I don't feel it. I go about my day doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Today was the grand opening of a new Michael's in my area. I got up early (despite staying up to 2am) and jumped into the shower. Grabbed a nice spring looking t-shirt (lilac) from the closet and a pair of black pants. To my diappointment my belly was peaking through. What the hell? I pulled up the pants which then gave me flood pants. Obviously I shrunk them both in the dryer. Cotton is unreliable like that. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Riding the Bus with My Sister

Last night I watched Rosie O'Donnell play Beth, a challenged woman who lives semi-independently with her father helping out on the side. Andie MacDowell portrays her sister, a successful photographer with a life of her own.

The father dies forcing other family members, namely Rachel (Andie) to step up and pay attention to Beth. Rachel quickly learns about Beth's support system as she follows her around on daily bus rides getting to know Beth's extended family.

I'm going to work on a review for the L&L site later today but this movie was fabulous. I was very impressed with Rosie's portrayal of Beth.

***
Topic Links
* Large & Lovely
* Hallmark
* Rosie

Sunday, May 01, 2005

On Writing

I dragged out 'my' book yesterday. The one I apparantly started in the fall of 2001. Yikes. I've been avoiding it off and on since then. I don't really know why. I like the story, I like the characters. It just feels overwhelming. I'm about 45,000 words into it. Bascially it's the story of seven sisters during 1-2 years in their lives. I can see the binder sitting in my chair looking back at me. Waiting for me to open it up and do something with it. But today the sun is shining, it's not too hot and there's gardening to be done. Another famous author ground into the dust. Or in this case... the flower beds.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Wedgy Underwear

Today, I ran out of underwear. Ridiculous I know but hey, I'm a procrastinator. So, I was forced to fall back on the dreaded thong. Who invented the thong? I swear it has to be one of the worst inventions.

I don't even know why I keep it in my drawer. I should toss it. I know there are a lot of you out there who swear by them; fat and slim. But I just haven't been able to get used to wedgy underwear. Lets just say gardening today was not as enjoyable. Not. Tonight my laundry is done.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

"C" is for cookie....

Does anyone else think Sesame Street changing the Cookie Monster song is just ludicrous? I mean "come on"! I'm fat, but I sure didn't get that way because I saw a blue puppet make a lot of cookie crumbs and sing a song about cookies "being good enough for me".

How about we spend more time being nice to fat people instead of giving them a complex. Have you hugged a fat person today? Share the love.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Where does the time go?

Been busy with new forum at Beautiful Magazine. Can hardly wait until the magazine comes out. I realize it won't be a Mode but I hope it worries more about the content and readers than the advertisers.

Gardening is well under way. I had to take a few days off cause I over did it but it and me are coming along. The ideas are flowing and so is the nose. I think I have springtime allergies. Don't care really. Nothing could keep me from the garden. Well...maybe an awfully big spider. No, no maybes about it. An awfully big spider would have me in the house, doors bolted, windows caulked and on the phone to the nearest exterminator. I know, some environmentalist I turned out to be.

I'm pretty good though. I recycle, I sort of compost, I don't use harsh chemicals on the yard, I don't litter (I hate litterers). I could do more. Couldn't we all?

New review up at L & L. Real Women Have Curves. If you get a chance read the review and if you have more time, rent the movie.

I'm off to clean out a small bed at the side of the house. Wish me luck that I don't run into any awfully big spiders.
***
Topic Links
* Beautiful Magazine
* Real Women Have Curves

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Kung Fu: The Legend Continues...

I love this show. It always blows my mind the stars (before they were stars) I see on this show. This morning it was Scott Speedman. Remember the hunky guy Felicity followed to college? And the werewolf in Underworld. He was definitely green in this episode, playing a basketball jock being bullied into throwing a game. But still ... And he's Canadian! You got ta love that. Well, I do.
I'm off to the land of emails and posting reviews and newsletters. Wish me luck.

***
Topic Links
* Kung Fu
* Felicity
* Underworld

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Tulips, Tulips, Tulips

That's my Spring mantra. Tulips are my favourite flower. They are a very voluptuous flower you know. I love all colours and sizes. I have about 50 planted in various places throughout the yard. They are about 2 inches from the ground at the moment. I'm crossing my fingers a bunny doesn't come through the yard tonight and chomp off the juicy crisp leaves.

I worked on two flower beds so far, the side and back. I didn't get to finish the back one. Today I have garden legs and back. That just means I feel like I lifted weights with Lou Ferrigno. Jeff said I wasn't allowed to work in the garden today. I don't think I could have if I tried. I sure wanted too though.

Good thing Tai Chi works different muscles. The class always goes by so fast. If you ever get a chance to take a Tai Chi class be sure you do. Taoist Tai Chi is what I'm taking. I took it years ago and just felt the need to get back into it. I like it and it likes me.

Anyway, that's all for today. Enjoy Spring. I know I am.

***
Topic Links
* Lou Ferrigno
* Taoist Tai Chi

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Tired

No reason.
Just tired.
Night.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Interesting Observation

I've been in Ottawa for a few days. Jeff is on conference and Suz and I tagged along. Can you say "IKEA!"?I finished my Evanovich book, To the Nines. Lots of walking. The parliament building were awesome. It was overcast so the building detailing really stood out.

Last night, on our way back we decided to eat at this corner restaurant in the market called Mother Tuckers. We handn't heard of it before but read the outside menu and it looked promising. We were greeted by two petite femmes, one of which asked us if we'd been there before then she showed us the layout. It's a buffet. It costs 15.99 each. Salads, soups, hot stuff, dessert.

Now you're probably wondering about the interesting observation I mentioned in the title. While I was doing my usual people watching, I suddenly became aware of all the overweight people eating buffet (Notice I said overweight, not obese. There's a difference). People at the tables, being seated, coming in the door; majority were overweight. The more I noticed, the more self conscious I suddenly became of my own weight. There was an older women at the table next to us who seemed to be watching me (yes she was overweight but she was looking at me like she wasn't. Two not so lovely words kept coming to mind; Colin Farrell using them a lot). I don't remember ever having this type of experience before. This insecurity while eating out. I think I've reached a new level and I don't particularly like it.

For the skinny person who may happen across this blog and think "well maybe you'll stop pigging out at the buffet" I have this to say: I didn't get fat at a buffet table so back off!

There were a few skinny people there holding their own with numerous trips to the tables, like I mentioned above most were with chubby friends.

I just thought it was an interesting observation, both in the sense of the amout of overweight people and the emotional discomfort I experienced. It didn't stop me from enjoying my mashed potatoes and gravy. I'm Irish, give me a break.

If you ever happen across a Mother Tuckers, we recommend it.

Monday, April 04, 2005

Existing

get up
drink water
rush to aerobics
sweat
rush home
feed dog finish feeding cat
back exercises, stretching
do a little dance
make toast
have yogurt with lots of bacteria
eat man's left over apple
check email
shower

laundry
eat leftover cabbage rolls for lunch
rewrite review of 'real women have curves'
nap
more laundry
cut dog's nails
brush dog while at it
should have had a longer nap
time to organize supper
pack cat's travelling gear

man home
kiss and hug man
feed man
watch pre-recorded soapies
check email
respond to email
eat snack maybe chocolate
wash up
read evanovich
go to bed
stare at ceiling
drift
snore
get poked
snore
get poked
argue not snoring
roll over
sleep

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Ack!

I know, I know. Well, I'm here now.

I've been busy with Book-in-a-week stuff. It starts on Monday. You can read about it at the official website.

I started reading To the Nines, Evanovich's ninth book in the Stephanie Plum series. Pure entertainment. I don't plan on writing a review of it as they are all good. :)

Time to feed the critters and make supper.
***
Topic Links
* Book-in-a-Week
* To the Nines
* Janet Evanovich Official Website

Thursday, March 31, 2005

It's Raining, It's Pouring

So there goes my idea of doing any gardening today. I should of did it this morning while the sun was still shining. Instead I was doing email and practicing radio spots.

Radio spots? Yes. BellaOnline has a radio system for visitors to listen to. All chick music. Well we are adding radio spots from editors. Boy is it hard work. I don't know how people on the radio do it. I must have recorded 50 times before I had two acceptable ones. Even now, I don't know how acceptable they will be. Have to wait to hear from the big radio kahuna. Think positive thoughts.

Well, with my out door activities thorted that leaves inside duties, I'm off to do some laundry.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Spring Blues

Today I got into the dirt. The ground was still wet and mushy in spots but I just couldn't help myself. I dug out the hand rake and weeder and worked on cleaning out the front garden. Weeds begone! Ground be cultivated!

Peaking through the moist soil? Tulips! Yes folks. My tulips are coming and my daffodils are fast on their trail. This is my favourite time of year. Well, not true, it's so damn muddy I have to bathe the dog everytime she comes in from taking a leak but the new life thing is kind of cool. Makes me happy.

Hopefully this year I won't have any torn ligaments or broken back to interfere with my gardening. My back still isn't 100 percent and I was sure feeling it after only a little bit of work but it felt good. Tomorrow, I'm going to attack the circular garden in back.

There was one casualty over winter. My ceramic toad from the dollar store disintergrated. I don't mean it's a little weather worn either. I happened to spot it today. It's a bunch of bits. Sad really. I had quite an affection for it. I'm hoping they'll have more.

On a sadder note, I think Rosie is mad at me. I mentioned her blog in an article and when I went back today I see she removed her contact and comments options. Bad me. I feel bad and sad. I only mentioned it out of admiration...

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Real Curves

I watched Real Women Have Curves last night. Going to write a review for L&L of it. So appropriate. But basicially it's the story of Ana, a latina teenager, during the summer of her 18th year. She's voluptuous and strong willed but is being held back by her family, especially her mother who constantly berates her because of physical appearance. Good movie. The best scene in the movie is when the women in the factory that Ana works in, strip to their underwear to expose their secrets.

I'm so screwed up with days today. I keep thinking it's a day later than it is. Feeling really tired these days, sleeping a lot more during the day than I should. I think I had a three hour nap. Oy! Still feel like I could go to bed early.

I didn't finish Can You Keep a Secret but I'm definitely sure it will be tonight and then I'll have to write a review up for that one. I started a crochet project a few weeks ago but it hasn't been moving along very quickly because of all the reading I have to get done and all the computer time needed. It's a shrug type thing for Jeff. He reads before bed and the room is very cold and he always has an extra blanket or towel over his shoulders. I'm trying to make it less girly but I don't know. I'll keep you informed. :)

Well, I'm off to read...

Friday, March 25, 2005

Sunshiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinne....

Beautiful sunny day today. It's been a pretty casual day. Jeff is home for Easter break. We each did our own thing this morning. He played with the radio and I continued reading Can You Keep a Secret (reviewing for LinearReflections). It was hard to put it down when Jeff talked about going for a drive and walk but I did.

We took a toodle around the countryside. Everything looks dead but it was still a nice nature drive. Saw lots of cows, horses, atv drivers. The best part was when we stopped at Maple Dale Cheese. We'd never been. Busssyyy. Inside they had a whole bunch of samples set up. Pimento and olive chedder, garlic chedder, smoked chedder, dill and garlic chedder. We tried them all and all were amazingly good. Since we are on a budget we only bought the garlic chedder. They also had scoop icecream. Jeff chose orange-pineapple and I chose Maple-walnut. Mmmmgood. We parked along the river and walked down to and back from the bay. I'm tired. My legs still hurt from my 2.5 hr jaunt with Pat the other day. Should sleep good tonight. Leftovers for supper.

Aren't you glad you stopped by? I'm off to work on the Book-in-a-week site for a bit.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Reality TV Shows

There are so many reality TV shows. Every week a new one is introduced. You'd think since we are so damn interested in reality shows we'd just shut off the TV and interact with the body next to us.

I have a concept for a new reality TV show. Picture this: A school in a crummy neighbourhood, 10 of the countries brightest teachers and 10 classrooms full of the worst students known to man. Every week the teachers get a new room and a new set of kids. The last teacher standing gets the dough or no taxes taken off their income for the rest of their career they spend teaching. As you probably figured out, I don't think teachers should have to pay taxes. It has nothing to do with the fact my husband's a teacher either.

Teachers don't get paid enough. They should be in the same bracket as docters. You only see a doctor for a few minutes once or twice a year. A teacher has time invested in kids; sometimes more than the parents. Not to mention the lack of hazard pay. How many kids walk into a clinic and start shooting patients and doctors? Teachers need to be nurtured more.

Wonder if Fox would be interested in my concept?

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

I Think I Love You...Not

American Idol fever anyone? I'm starting to get tired. It was fun the first two years but now ... now it's just annoying marketing. Does anyone else think Constantine looks like Gary Sinise? Simon has become his own bad cliche. Well, I'm off to finish watching American Idol. :)

Monday, March 21, 2005

Clockwork Orange

Since childhood I've wanted to watch Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange. I had the opportunity this weekend to see it. Now I'm wondering why I wanted to see it so bad. Talk about a cheesy use of rubber sticks and rubber noses. It took me a half hour to figure out that Malcolm McDowell was the creepy British actor I've seen in so many other movies. As for the so called violence it was banned for, I guess I've been desensitived from all the action movies I've seen. This so called cult classic that Kubrick withdrew all copies until his death was boring, absurd and rediculous. I had to force myself to watch not because it was graphic but because I kept falling asleep.

For those who don't know the storyline: Alex played byMalcolm McDowell is caught by the police because his gang buddies are tired of him being their cranky abusive leader. He's sent to jail for murder. His sentence is reduced significantly when he agrees to undergo a special therapy to remove violent urges. When ever he sees or thinks of violence or sees boobs he feels like he's going to vomit.

I definitely wouldn't watch it again. I'm still in shock it was considered a masterpiece in its time. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest with Jack Nicholson, now that's a masterpiece.

***
Topic Links
*A Clockwork Orange
*One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Friday, March 18, 2005

I'm here but I'm not

Finally finished the L&L newsletter; posted and sent emails. Feels good to have it done. Just have to go through and remove all the spammers who signed up since last week.

I started a new book, Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella. It always takes me about 10 pages to get into the jive of a new book. It's come highly recommended by my friend Wolf in Ottawa and my friend Fionna from The Fat Girls Club.

Now that the newsletter is done. I can put my feet up and relax. Maybe do a little crochet, watch a movie, and eat some Hagaan daz coffee icecream. Who am I kidding. I'll probably eat the whole thing. Anyway, gotta go. I'm on salad detail for supper.

***
Topic Links
*Can You Keep a Secret

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Not a Happy Camper

Stayed up late reading How to Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life by Kirstie Alley. Loved it, especially the last chapter about pooping. Just had to finish it last night. I had been good at going to bed before midnight prior to this. Blame Kirstie for lack of sleep. Will start to write review for L&L about it tomorrow.

We took a day trip to Peterborough today. Nice sunny day, no sun glasses. We both have headaches now. I've come to the unpleasant realization of just how big I am. We stopped at Smitty's for supper. I almost got stuck getting into the booth. I couldn't believe how snug the fit was. I've never had this problem. I looked over at skinny husband who had about half a foot between him and table. Hate skinny husband. Ok, don't really hate skinny husband but will have to feed skinny husband more food. Or worse still...the awful d-word.

Just got caught up on email. Have come to the conclusion, I hate people. Ok, don't hate all people. There are some really nice people out there and there are some really stupid ones. I just wish the stupid ones bugged me less.

After reading this post I've also come to the conclusion that I've let Alley's book affect my writing. Except I don't talk obsessively about sex. Yikes! I've turned into a clone of Alley. I wish. She's pretty hot, despite what she calls a fat ass. Whatever.

Off to veg in front of T.V. after taking tylenol. Note to self: buy sunglasses for road trips on sunny days.

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Saving Milly

I'm not so good at this blog thing. I always forget. When I remember I'm usually doing something else, then I forget again. Bad me. :) Not today...good me!

Watched an excellent movie today, Saving Milly, starring Madeleine Stowe and Bruce Greenwood. It's based on a true story about a couple afflicted with Parkinson's. The whole last half of the movie I was crying. This is a new movie, 2005 release. I think it is probably Stowe's finest performance, especially the last half when the signs begin to take over her body.

Micheal J. Fox came on at the end to talk a bit about Parkinson's and how it is within our ability to find a cure but it just ain't happening.

Topic Links:
*The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (tons of info, make a donation)
*Bruce Greenwood
*Saving Milly

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

It's a Sun Shining Day...Brrr

The rain has stopped. The sun is out. It's frigging cold. It's sharp. It's cold outside, cold inside. It's just damn cold (I know, in a couple months I'll be complaining that it's damn hot!).

I caught Robin Williams on Regis and Kelly this morning. He was awesome. Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. I think he has ADD or Turets or something the way he is able to switch from one thought to another so quickly. It's hard to keep up. He accidentally said "S*&t". At first I thought I misheard but then he chuckled and asked if the bleeper was quick enough to pick it up. I screamed at the t.v. "No. it wasn't." I heard Robin Williams say "S%*t". I laughed my a*& off. Gee, I hope that isn't going to be the highlight of my day.

Another guest was Nigella Lawson. She is such a goddess. I loved the way she towered Regis and is meater than Kellster. She was promoting her latest cookbook. I love the huge square pan she was using. I've got to get me one of those. She's so captivatingly beautiful. I just can't say it enough.

I think I'll write a rant today for L&L. I don't know what about. Probably about "the fat joke". I'm starting to notice them and become annoyed by them lately. Dennis Miller made a comment the other night and I couldn't get into the rest of his commentary. The fat joke is going the way of the blonde joke. Enough already.

When is a joke just being rude? Think about it. Get back to me.

Monday, March 07, 2005

I Am Really Ready For Spring But...

Rain, rain, go away. Take the snow with it. Crappy day. Frustrated. PMSing. Got a bill today that I didn't need. I hate bills. Especially unexpected ones.

Never got to see Thunderheart yesterday. I was all set up for it and some other 1930s gangster movie came on. Now I like a good old movie but I didn't want a good old movie. I wanted Val Kilmer and his Thunderheart. I ended up watching the Contender with Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Sam Elliot and Christian Slater. Really good movie actually. Joan Allen plays a senator and Jeff Bridges is the President. He needs a new Vice President and chooses Allen. Others are not happy with this and devise a plan to embarrass her out of office. The acting was brilliant. One of Gary Oldman's best roles I'd say. But still ...

It's time for more chocolate.

***
Topic Links
*The Contender

Sunday, March 06, 2005

Real Gorgeous

I'm in the process of reading Real Gorgeous: The truth about body & beauty, by Kaz Cooke.

Cooke is an Autralian author and cartoonist. While her dialogue about everything from fashion to body hair is on the serious side, her cartoons and doodles are a riot. My husband just shakes his head at me when he walks by and I'm howling with laughter. He's learned not to ask. Mostly because he never gets what I'm laughing about. It's sad, I know. I'll write a review for the Large & Lovely site at BellaOnline when I'm done.

Today there's a blizzard outside. The satellite for the t.v. has failed yet I have no problems once so ever with the computer. Ah technology. There's a movie on later I want to watch, Thunderheart starring Val Kilmer. I remember the first time I saw it in the theatre. It was a shoddy place uptown with tiny theatres with peeling paint and mouldy carpets. During the intro when the native man is running in the desert and a shot rings out shooting him in the back the film literally melted from the centre out. It was freaky. They managed to mend it and there were no further problems. I remember it being a good movie. Time will tell.

Don't you hate it when movies you loved when you were younger seem like crap when you watch them years later? I realized this when I watched Mad Max with Mel Gibson a couple years ago. I was a younging and fell head over heals for Mel when I saw it the first time. It's crap. And what's with the voice over? But hey, Mel is in it, he's hot and he's Australian so I'll watch it again (yes I bought it).

Anyway, that's my rant for today. If you're reading this I only have one thing to say: What are you doing here? Go have some chocolate or something.

***
Topic Links:
*Real Gorgeous by Kaz Cooke
*Kaz Cooke's Official Website
*Thunderheart with Val Kilmer
*Mad Max with Mel Gibson

Saturday, March 05, 2005

I'm here and I don't know why

I've made a blog. Here it is. Well, I guess I didn't make it, blogger made it.

I had a blog once before but didn't much care for it. Now they are all the rage so I thought I'd try again. Silly me.

Big Girl Blue is born. Look out world!