Just Jump In

Really, I Haven't Fallen Off the Face of the Earth

2009-04-28T09:15:00.003-04:00

You all know that it's the evil FaceBook that is taking most of my time. Also, the three rehearsals each week (flute choir, orchestra, and choir). Plus kids, and work, and I just generally don't think I have much to say these days. Who knew that being a disgruntled second soprano was going to provide so much fodder for my blog?

Anyway, in the rather large lag of time, I managed to have a birthday. A rather significant one - I celebrated the 11th anniversary of my 29th!! When Hubby would ask what I wanted, I kept telling him either PVR(TiVo) or diamond earrings. He actually got me both!!!! And there will be a fabulous party at the end of May - Daisy and Diva and Beck and Bugle Boy are organizing it for me. I must say, I feel very loved. And my friends rock!!!!

Seven Partridges, No Pear Tree

2009-03-10T08:21:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday, I looked outside to see seven gray partridges waddling around my backyard, foraging for seeds and dried crabapples. I took pictures because I had never seen birds like this. Well, they are back this morning. I love the variety of birds that are coming to the yard these days. Here are a few photos.

Much More My Style

2009-03-08T17:00:00.003-04:00

Last night I played my first concert with the local Symphony Orchestra. Before anyone gets too excited, let me say that it is a community orchestra, not some highbrow ensemble like the New Your Philharmonic . . . but for me, it was just right. I was asked to play one piece, the Bacchanale from Saint-Saens' "Samson and Delilah", as they needed a third flute. Well, at the first rehearsal less than two weeks ago, it became "oh you might as well play this, too", so I played three movements of the Bizet Symphony. And I have been invited to stay until the end of the season. Woo hoo!!

I Did It!!

2009-03-06T23:01:00.002-05:00

I quit!!!!!

Glory hallelujah, bear hell is (almost) a bygone era. I quit today, and told them that my last shift is tomorrow. Watch them scramble to fill my shifts tomorrow and Monday. (insert evil laugh here)

Stay tuned for more frequent updates . . . now that I will have a life!

Questions and Tears

2009-02-23T20:36:00.003-05:00

Everyone who knows Corwin knows that he has a million questions. It can be exhausting, but it can also be surprising. Sometimes he looks at things with insight that suggests a maturity far beyond his eight years of life experience. Last night was one of those occasions. It started at the dinner table, because Hubby had flown to Toronto for work. Corwin started asking about how much liquid you could take on the plane, and why, and on and on. I told him it was to keep people safe. He asked if it was "because of what happened to the twin towers." I told him it was. The conversation continued, and finally I asked if he had seen a picture of the buildings. He hadn't, so up we went to do a little Googling.

I didn't want to overwhelm him, but he had asked. I showed him a couple of pictures, and he still didn't seem to grasp the magnitude of what had happened. So I showed him a video clip. It was a compilation video, with news footage, and there was music put into it. At one point Corwin asked me a question about the rescue workers, and when I went to answer, I couldn't because I started crying. Yes, how to keep it together in front of your kids. Seeing the footage just reminded me of that horrible day, with Corwin and Clara not quite a year old, and wondering if friends in DC and New York were safe. Especially seeing the collapse of the towers, and the huge cloud of dust and smoke and debris, blanketing the city.

Corwin was pretty quiet after that. He asked to see the collapse again, and I found one clip with no music, just a video from someone who lived within view of the World Trade Center. There was no music, but there was dialogue from the people recording the video. To have their view of the towers and hear their shock, sorrow, and fear allowed Corwin to really understand the enormity of what happened. The vantage point of that video was high up, but close enough to see the fire trucks, and ambulances on the street below, to record the sirens wailing in the neighbourhood where these people lived. And to hear their anguish as first one, and then the other building collapsed let Corwin see that it was real, not just an event that he had heard about in the news. That there were real people involved, and to understand the security precautions that are in place for air travel.

This wasn't exactly the way I planned on spending a February evening, that's for sure. I followed up our history lesson with baths and a bit of TV (simply because I wanted to superimpose something a little lighter over the graphic destruction images before they went to bed). Thankfully, no one had nightmares, not even me.

And Suddenly, It's February!

2009-02-12T13:58:00.003-05:00

Time flies, people, seriously!!!

I do have lots to update on, which will be more extensive later. Here are a few random bullets for now:

Hubby and I told the kids of our vacation plans for mid-August (because we need to get them passports). They have started packing. No joke. Clara is planning to take a certain skirt. I don't think it will even fit by then, LOL. They are very excited to meet Hester Willa, Clementine and Hashbrown. I still can't believe Hubby suggested this.
I will update more about Bear Hell, but suffice it to say that quitting may happen. Several others already have. I did argue with the manager re: sick notes. I refused, offered a copy of my prescription and she said that would be fine. She wanted me to fill my shift, I said no. Sick is sick, people, that's why the managers get the big bucks!
I love being a first!!!! (no surprise there, really!). I particularly love it when we get a new piece that has soprano divisi and I have to try really, really hard not to get this goofy grin of "I'm SO happy that I don't have to sing that!!!" on my face (that would be called gloating, and I'm not like that).
Snowflake's wedding is on Saturday. I am helping decorate. I'm excited about it. Also, I love that she and I have become friends - one of the good things to come from Bear Hell.
After Hubby's exotic and exciting trip to Chile in November, he is getting to travel again. This time, he gets to spend three nights in the uber-hip Sturgeon Falls. In February. Heh heh. Could be worse - I hear to mosquitoes and blackflies are wicked there in the spring!

More soon, I promise. I don't feel quite as bad as I should - seems I'm not the only one who has been light on the blogging of late.

2009

2009-01-05T09:42:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

To Continue the Bird Theme

2008-12-30T17:20:00.003-05:00

This is "Chub" (named by Clara), the mourning dove who hangs out on our deck by the feeder. Often for an hour or more both in the morning and late afternoon. So cute!! And before anyone asks, yes that is a Christmas tree on the deck.

Here is "Woody" (very original, I know). I couldn't believe it when he started feeding at the suet feeder. We saw him almost daily for about a week. I hope he comes back - he was amazing to watch.

We also get a lot of nuthatches and some chickadees. And two very furry, very funny squirrels (one grey, one black).

Feed the Birds

2008-12-30T09:35:00.003-05:00

We went for a walk at a nature trail yesterday. This is Corwin and Clara's favourite thing to do (mine, too, for that matter!):

Note To Self

2008-12-28T23:20:00.003-05:00

Step away from the DS!!!!! Stop playing the Alvin and the Chipmunks music game. It is not yours, Canada!!!!

. . . . . . but the kids are in beeeeeeddddd . . . . the siren call of the DS lures meeeeeee . . . . . .

Post-Christmas Post

2008-12-27T20:05:00.002-05:00

So I survived concert season. My anticipated cold arrived ahead of schedule, which meant that it was pretty much gone by the first orchestra rehearsal, and totally gone for the concerts. Awesome!!! It really wasn't anything major, would have just interfered with singing. This also meant that my recital with AVT was not impeded by vocal issues. Big breakthrough was that for the psalm on Dec 14, as well as the recital on the 22nd, I didn't shake. At all! I'm not complaining, that's for sure!

Christmas Eve was hectic, with the family service at 4pm, then dinner here, and I went back for the midnight service (so called because we get out at midnight). Bugle Boy picked me up, and let me say that it was lovely to not have to drive. I was totally exhausted, and had gotten almost all the wrapping done (happily, Santa doesn't wrap when he delivers here, only sets stuff up. And now that Corwin and Clara are 8, there's a LOT less assembly required - YAY!!), plus had baked cookies that morning since all the other Christmas baking had been consumed and we needed something to put out for Santa. Kids were in bed before I headed back to church, but my throat was feeling a bit sore, starting during the kids service. You all know where this is going, right?

Christmas Day dawns, throat is feeling okay, my parents drove over once the kids woke up, and we waited to go down to the Santa tree in the basement. The kids had a fabulous time - they each got a DS, Corwin got his rock polisher (OMG, could that thing be ANY louder?!?!), and Clara got clothes from the bear place (gotta love the discount). They got books, and the Kung Fu Panda DVD, and Corwin got Alvin and the Chipmunks DVD with a little stuffed Alvin (HUGE hit with the toy - he had just asked for the movie). Clara got a ton of craft stuff, and a bag in which to organize it. All in all, Santa was very generous. Then we came upstairs to the "to each other" tree, and unwrapped. They each got a lot of clothes, I got new iPod speakers , and Hubby got a polar fleece pullover and a down vest. We gave my parents a heated mattress pad, and they were pretty surprised and very happy. We had breakfast, and then my parents headed home for a bit. I got some stuff organized, the kids played on their DS's, and we headed to Kat's house for a visit with her, and the parents-in-law before heading to Kit's house for dinner. At Kat's I could not get warm. I was actually shivering. I had no snacks, and had orange juice instead of wine or beer (I think this was the first clue to Hubby that I might have been sick, LOL). I warmed up at Kit's by standing in front of the oven for a bit, and then I had some tea. I had already popped quite a few Advil that day, and I took some more before dinner. I managed to eat a bit of everything, but it wasn't easy. I think the Advil kicked in by dessert, so I had some pumpkin pie (and it was smooth). It was a lovely evening, I just felt like crap. We got to leave first (thank God for kids!!), and we got them bathed and they wanted to watch some of Alvin. Hubby had a shower while we watched . . . or rather, they watched and I fell asleep. We got them into bed by 9, and I went directly to bed. It was a horrible night - I was up and down at least every hour, I actually had to soak in the tub for a bit to warm up again somewhere around midnight, and I was involuntarily moaning. Out loud. Yikes!

I went to the clinic on Boxing Day, after calling in to the bear place to see if they needed to use my on-call (a no. Also, Thank God). So at the clinic they did a strep swab. I wasn't totally convinced that it was strep - it wasn't acutely sore, and there is usually a certain sickly-sweet smell that says strep, and I didn't have that. Of course, last night was pretty crap, too. I was in bed by 9:30, but had the portable DVD played and headphones so I could watch for a bit. I listened to all of Mamma Mia, and dozed on and off. I went to sleep afterwards, but was up at 3 for more Advil and some of Bewitched. This morning, I went back to the clinic and got a prescription - which I couldn't pick up until after the play that we all went to at 2. Oh, I should mention that I called the bear place to find out my schedule for this week. Snowflake (my favourite person there - she is fun and nice, and sane!) gave me my schedule, and I told her that I couldn't work Sunday b/c I was SURE that I had strep and was just about to go to the clinic. I said I wasn't sure about Monday, but I'd call back on Sunday to let them know. She said no problem, and told me to feel better.

Well, upon out arrival home from the play (with my drugs in hand!!! And a pain-killing prescription rinse!!! Which I wonder why the first Doc didn't at least give me that!), there was a message from Snowflake. Hubby listened to it, and nearly hit the roof. Snowflake had called to give me the heads up that the Manager had called and Snowflake told her that I most likely had strep, was going back to the clinic, had covered my shift for the next day, and I might be unavailable on Monday. Manager told her that if I called in sick for Monday, I would have to provide a doctor's note. Ummm . . . not!!! I'm not A) going BACK to the bloody clinic to sit for hours and B) paying more than I earn in an hour at the bear place to get a note. Plus, according to Labour Law, it's after 3 missed shifts that you need a sick note, and it's not like it's paid sick leave. Whatever! Hubby flipped and told me that if she gives me a hard time, I should quit because the insanity there is off the charts. This could get interesting.

And now I'm off to have a bath before heading to bed. It's 8:36. I'm obviously sick - I NEVER go to bed this early!!!

I'm a Screamer

2008-12-05T21:31:00.002-05:00

Well, more of a yeller. When I finally win something at the church bar. I have been trying to win this set of beer glasses for weeks now. Stupid scratch cards always say Try Again. Our waitress, Sara, has been giving me two or three scratch cards every week. No luck. Last night she gave me two. The first was a Try Again. I half-heartedly scratched the other one, expecting another losing card. Instead, it said Congrats. At which point I ~~exclaimed~~ yelled "I won!!! Look, I WON!!!!". Yes, the whole bar knows I won a set of six (very cool) beer glasses. The Stella goblet and the Leffe glass are my favourites, but the Bass Pale Ale glass is also very nice. I will take pics when Hubby return from Chile with my camera!

*Just imagine what I'd be like if I won something big, like a trip or a lot of money. I'd like to think I'd be too shocked to say much, but I now have a bad feeling I'd be one of those incoherent, jumping screamers. How shaming.

2008-11-30T20:09:00.003-05:00

Things are a little hectic here these days. Hubby left for Chile on Friday - he returns Dec 8. I thought I'd end up missing a whole bunch of stuff, but somehow everything has fallen into place. It's actually weird how perfectly aligned it is - must be something in the stars. Here is the itinerary, starting with last Thursday evening.

Thursday: I had a client until 6:30, then skipped choir (gasp!!!) and went to see Raindrop, Bugle Boy and several other friends in the opera Dido and Aeneas. It was awesome. Less awesome was the $55 parking ticket that I got - stupid meters have changed since the last time I parked there. They are now pay and monitored 24 hours/day. Bastards!
Friday: Went to the warehouse to borrow mosaic lanterns from Boss Lady for the parish supper on Saturday. Picked up Hubby from work at 1:30, helped him get the last of his stuff organized. When the kids got in from school, we left for the airport, stopping to grab a bite on the way. We dropped him off at the curb. Corwin was a bit sad, but got over it one the way home. Corwin and I took Clara to the birthday party she was invited to. It was her first slumber party invite, and she couldn't sleep over because of her Saturday plans. Corwin and I went home, he had a bath, and we watched a movie. We picked Clara up at 9, and got in just as the phone was ringing. Hubby called from Toronto to say goodnight. Corwin got a bit teary at this, but they both went to bed fine. Hubby called me one more time before his flight left for Santiago.
Saturday: Alarm clocks went off, we got up and had breakfast, got dressed, brushed teeth and finished packing toothbrushes and stuffed animals to go to Aunt Kat and Uncle Flyboy's house. I dropped them off and they headed for the train station. The four of them went to Montreal for the day, and then took the train back. Corwin and Clara slept over there. Meanwhile, I took Miss J for a walk, and tidied up a bit around here, and had a nap (glorious, glorious nap!!). Then I picked up Beck (whom it seems may be a Yalie but is never there since they have SO much leave!), and she and I helped decorate for the parish supper. The decor was good, the dinner and silent auction were a success, and then after packing it all up, we went for dessert with another good friend.
Sunday : Got up, took dog out, went to get kids from Aunt Kat's. They were ready, and we headed for church. My parents met us there and I passed the kids to them. I rehearsed, sang, kissed kids and parents goodbye, went for brunch with choir friends (and Beck, who gave the homily this morning - how cool is that!?!?!), and then had a 2 hour choir rehearsal for the Christmas concert. Came home, took Jazz-dog out for a bit of a run, fed her, then went to my parents where dinner was being prepared. Had a glass of wine, played some Wii with the (tired and slightly whiny) kids, then came home, gave them baths and tucked them in. Planning on getting some major Christmas decorating done this evening.
Monday: Kids have school, I plan on getting stuff done here. Clara has gymnastics, Corwin and I will have dinner at my parents' (we do every Monday).
Tuesday: I have a client, a lesson, and Clara has violin. I usually have flute choir, and I was going to have to miss it, but T. has a gig so it is cancelled anyway. Will get kids fed, into bed, and then watch some bad tv (and do more decorating, maybe also Christmas cards).
Wednesday: Have booked off of the Bear place, and will get things accomplished here. Kids have Cubs from 6:30-8:00.
Thursday: Have to be in Carleton Place at 9:30 - it is my hectic day. I will have time in the afternoon to take Jazzy for a good run, and feed her before heading out to my 3:30-4:30 client, and my 5:30-6:30 client. My Dad meets the kids after school on Thursdays, I figured I would have to miss choir and pick them up from my parents' where they would have dinner. BUT . . . Friday is parent-teacher interview day, so there is no school. So I will go to choir, and the kids will sleep over at my parents' place.
Friday: Parent teacher interviews at 9:00 and 9:10. Then will do something fun with my parents and the kids (just depends on the weather what we end up doing).
Saturday: No plans!!!!! Will do something enjoyable with the kids.
Sunday: church/choir, and then the kids have birthday parties in the afternoon. They will go to bed early-ish since it's a school night.
Monday: Kids head to school, I head to airport to pick up Hubby. He'll be tired from the flight but not jet-lagged (time difference of one hour).

A for Hubby, he got to Santiago safely, and has e-mailed a couple of times. Here is the first:

Hi

I arrived. The flight was fine. Great food. Business class is very nice.

I got some sleep for a few hours.

No problems with customs, luggage or getting to the hotel.

It is sunny and 28 degrees here. I am going to go out and explore. Very busy city and they drive like they do in Mexico

I hope you and Mommy are doing well. Miss you all!

Can you let my parents know I am still alive.

I hope the parish supper goes/went well.

I will write more tomorrow.

Love

Hubby

XoXO

2008-11-28T20:18:00.003-05:00

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NFDS - The Guide

Nature, Foreground, Detail, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on what's in front of you (the foreground) and how that is affected by the details of life. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to deal directly with whatever comes your way without dealing with speculating possibilities or outcomes you can't control. You are highly focused on specific goals or tasks and find meaning in life by pursuing those goals. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

Go here to take the test.

Ice Fish

2008-11-25T10:42:00.002-05:00

Seriously, if Karat is still alive, hopefully she will be in the spring. I will do the weekly ice hole just in case. And I may buy a friend for Starla, who looks a little lost in his tank in the basement. Will I feel guilty if she dies? Of course, but I think I made a more than valiant effort. Right?

Snow Fish

2008-11-25T09:05:00.003-05:00

Well people, I have officially lost it. This is what I'm dealing with. I am about to make a second attempt to rescue Karat from the pond. Oh, and in my search yesterday, I discovered that Pebbles (the frog) has taken up residence in the mud at the bottom. So I will still have to make a hole in the ice weekly throughout the winter, to allow gases to escape (I think - I am looking into it - it may be less of an issue for frogs, they sometimes reside in frozen puddles for the winter!)

Guess What I'm Doing This Morning?

2008-11-24T08:58:00.005-05:00

Before I head out to build stuffed animals with the management team from hell (more on that later), I am going to pull the fish out of the pond and bring them in for the winter. I was just going to get an aerator because they can survive as long as there is a hole in the ice. But Hubby decided it was too expensive (fair enough, since two grand on an unexpected purchase of new oven happened in October). I borrowed a tank and stand from Nancycle, and then bought: pump, line, air stone, filter, gravel, and need a light and a cover of some sort. Seriously, have spent almost as much as an aerator!!!! With a lot more hassle!!!

These poor fish are sure to be surprised.

**Edited to say that I have NO idea what Hubby, Corwin and Clara have done with the net. Serenity now!!!!!!!

3:40 pm update. Tried with the strainer. Wow, it's cold!!!! Hubby called and told me where the net was. Have one fish - Starla. Still looking for Karat. Had to break ice. Damn fish!

First Christmas Decor Post of 2008

2008-11-23T20:08:00.005-05:00

Not too difficult to guess the theme this year!!!

Aside from initial assembly (which was fast because I have been in charge of packing this tree for the past two years and I have a system), I did this tree. Took forever, there is more than a CASE of lights on it, and I think it looks good!

I adore this little gold reindeer. If he gets "misplaced" at the warehouse, do you think they'll look for him at my place next year?

Arabian Nights

2008-11-21T00:39:00.004-05:00

This is from the Gala last weekend. Did I mention that I have been getting very little sleep?

Christmas Meme

2008-11-20T00:54:00.003-05:00

Now that my fall photos are up, I can officially progress towards the Christmas season. And Clementine had the perfect meme to do just that. Without further ado . . .

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. Gift bags for hostess gifts, but wrapping paper here. Oh, except Santa gifts - Santa doesn't wrap, he sets stuff up (fond memories of cursing in the wee hours while setting up the play kitchen. Or calling a toy company at 3 am and leaving a message a week before Christmas because there was a part missing from the Playmobil castle . . . )

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real in the living room, real on the porch (which will be on the deck and decorated for the birds with suet and seed ornaments this year), fake pre-lit in the basement for the Santa tree, fake in the family room (for ambience), and fake in our bedroom, which may move into the hall outside our door if I can fit it).

3. When do you put up the tree? They start around Nov 25th

4. When do you take the tree down? January 7 (after Epiphany)

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes. But I miss this eggnog I used to get in Miami.

6. Favorite gifts received as a child? Monopoly (I played so much by myself I even dreamed Monopoly!), The Narnia Chronicles set, which Corwin was enjoying but the pages started falling out so Santa brought him his own set. And this wacky game called G'Nip G'Nop, which I LOVED.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Hubby. And now my parents because they just downsized and they really do have everything!

8. Easiest person to buy for? Corwin and Clara.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Kind of. I saw a beautiful one, but it was ridiculously expensive. So I have a snowman one. With a tiny snowman baby Jesus (heresy, I'm sure!)

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Until last year, made my own and mailed them (I even planned ahead when we were having a postal strike and took all my international cards to the US when I had conference!) . Last year was a serious blip on the Canada card factory, but this year I think I'm back on track.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A canary yellow ski jacket from my mom. It's the first time I ever said that I didn't like something. I was in grade 7. And I hated yellow (still don't love yellow, and NEVER wear it!)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Technically it's not Christmas, but Harry Potter is very Christmas-y (the music always puts me in the mood for Christmas). The Grinch (cartoon). Charlie Brown's Christmas. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And even though the kids are past it, I will still be watching a Wiggly Wiggly Christmas (shhh, don't tell anyone!)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In the fall, after the kids' birthday (to avoid doubles)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, but I'm not sure . .

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's sausage stuffing. And her shortbread.

16. Lights on the tree? Of course. Santa tree is multi-coloured, outside tree is red and white, the rest are white.

17. Favorite Christmas song? The Huron Indian Carol. And I still have a hard time singing parts of it because I choke up. Sad, but true

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home!!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Absolutely!!!!!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Blown glass ornament on living room tree, stars on the rest (my parents have an angel on their tree. She actually flaps her wings. Creeeeepy!).

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Used to open one Christmas Eve, but that has stopped since we had the kids.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Christmas music starting the day after Hallowe'en!!!!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have lots of reindeer, snowmen . . . and trees!!!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Traditional (and not microwaved!!). Turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberries, Harvard beets, gravy, other veggies (I can change up the veggies). And carrot pudding, flamed, with custard for dessert.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? World Peace. Barring that . . . a white Christmas. (and PVR, if any of you know Hubby!!)

Oh yeah . . . tag, you're it!!!

Before I Start Posting Christmas Stuff

2008-11-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

Here are my belated autumn decor photos!

Guess Who . . .

2008-11-09T22:39:00.001-05:00

. . . is going to be a first after Christmas?

The Talk

2008-11-07T00:30:00.002-05:00

(no, not THAT talk - I know where babies come from. And so do Corwin and Clara!)

I am going to have the "I need to know that there is an end in sight to my second soprano placement" talk with Gordon on Sunday after Compline. I'm already feeling nauseous about it, but the fact that I will almost certainly end up stuck on the middle line at Compline will be my motivation to have the discussion on the drive home. While he's driving. And it's dark.

Man, I'm such a chicken!

Yes We Can! (well, not "we" so much as "you", but in spirit . . . you know)

2008-11-05T01:02:00.001-05:00

President Elect Barack Obama.

Fucking AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

'Nuff said.

Hallowe'en at the Less Fancy Address

2008-11-02T07:26:00.003-05:00

Hallowe'en Decor at the Fancy Schmancy Address

2008-10-29T22:16:00.003-04:00

Does This Look Like October 29th To You?

2008-10-29T09:05:00.003-04:00

Me, either!!!! And now I am off to decorate - OUTSIDE - at the PM's residence. Fun, fun, fun . . . .

Ahhh!

2008-10-26T22:45:00.001-04:00

My house is clean (well, the basement and main floor). I did major decluttering of the hall bench, the hall closet, the cupboard above the stove, and another kitchen cupboard that had accumulated a whole bunch of junk. My new oven is in and, in addition to working like a dream, it looks sleek and beautiful, too. And best of all, I am off tomorrow. So I may get other stuff cleaned and organized (I am on a mission!!), but I may stay in my pajamas, drink coffee and watch back to back episodes of "Love It or List It" all day. Depends how decadent I feel in the morning.

Photos of the fall decor that adorns my home to follow.

The Post To Get Maggie Out Of Her Foul Mood

2008-10-18T00:51:00.002-04:00

Since my comment agreeing with foul mood status made her laugh, I figured I'd go one step further and expand it into a whole post. Here is the comment that started it all:

My oven died right before Thanksgiving (and we need a new one - that's two grand I wasn't planning to spend). The vacuum broke (it has been fixed, but I would LOVE to get a new one - I refer you to the first part of this as to why that isn't happening right now). I have gained weight. Hubby and I had a huge and *lovely* argument - on the phone, right before choir. Oh, and in choir I sing second soprano. Which apparently means first fucking alto these days. So yeah, FOUL mood fits. AND I have an achy throat from singing too low for too long. (but I promised I wasn't going to bitch about the soprano thing this year - notice I haven't been blogging much? If you don't blog, you don't bitch).

And her subsequent response:

I love you guys. I especially love you, Canada, for detailing the many reasons for your own foul mood. Does it make me a bad person that this actually cheers me up?

I figured that if this slightly lengthy comment cheered Maggie up, then what the hell. In bullets, because it's one in the morning and I really should be sleeping!

The oven died. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (that would be Canadian Thanksgiving, of course), I self-cleaned the oven. We have a single wall oven which was here when we moved in (it was put in around Aug 1997, but it was a model home at that time. The house was occupied sometime in 1999, and we moved in in 2002). I swear, it has never worked really well the whole time we have lived here, and we have spent more than $600 on repairs (one time for a faulty lock mechanism for self-clean, one to replace the entire keypad). So . . . . self-clean. No problem. Until the cycle was complete and I realized there was nothing at all in the display. And the door was still locked. And still is locked. We decided to get a new oven. It will be installed on Monday. That's one week and one day past Thanksgiving dinner for 12. The silver lining? The turkey (cooked in V's oven) was fabulous!! Which makes me feel better about the whole new oven thing - obviously it was time. And it could have been worse - it could have died WHILE cooking the bird, right? Still, that was a large chunk of cash that wasn't so much anticipated.
So we were getting ready for the dinner, cleaning and such. And Hubby tells me that "by the way, the vacuum broke". Of course it did. Why wouldn't it? Anyway, it was just one of the plug prongs that broke off, so it was a cheap and quick repair. Bummer - I really, really want a Dyson pet vacuum. But that whole new oven purchase threw my ultimate plan out the window.
This wasn't this week, but I think I'm still feeling the effects. I tripped and fell off my porch. Well, I was taking the dog out before meeting Nancycle for lunch and I'm still not quite sure how it happened, but I somehow caught the heel of my shoe and I couldn't stop myself from wiping out off the bottom step onto the path. My knee hit, and I actually skidded. It had been raining. Talk about loser. Two slight pluses here - no one saw me, and I only had to change my jeans (since it was wet) - I had my rain jacket zipped up so my shirt was unscathed.
I need new speakers for my iPod. See reasons one and two for why this is annoying.
The second soprano issue. About which I made the resolution to accept it and not bitch about it. So lately, blogging has been light, because Oh.My.God. ALL I want to do is bitch about it. I am just not an alto. And it is beyond pissing me off about the fact that the seconds are singing alto parts because they suck and can't hold it together when divided into first and seconds. So, after the first week, I took that particular piece to AVT and she was surprised, because the soprano part is easily something I can do without needing her help. I felt vindicated by her reaction to the fact that I was singing alto. And I learned it. And sang out on the Thursday, since really, only Raindrop and I were really able to get it (and Daisy was away). Well, it completely messed up my voice. My throat was achy, but not sore throat achy, just strained. And I sounded all raspy that evening - and the next day! But, I wouldn't complain, no no, not me. I did talk to Diva about it, in a rational manner. I told her that I had decided to talk to Gordon about compline, and that I will politely say that if I can't sing soprano, I will be choosing not to go, because I sing alto enough on Thursdays. She still thought I should discuss the other matter as well. I, of course, am a huge wuss who avoids confrontation so . . . uh uh, no way was my response. Until last Thursday when I had the realization that I used to love Thursdays, and choir, and singing. And now . . . I don't. Last week, there was one piece that I enjoyed singing. Everything else was all second soprano/alto-ish. So I have decided that I am going to talk to Gordon about it. Not to be demanding and say "I want to be a first NOW", but that if Newfie Post-Doc gets her dream job and moves, that I would like to be moved up - after Christmas. And at the latest, next September. Not because I think I am "better" than anyone else, but because it is messing with my voice to sing what I have been, and I truly fucking hate it. (small aside - Gordon's mother passed away last week, so he has been away in the States for the funeral last weekend, and then out West to bury her. So I have no idea when this talk is going to happen). And if anyone was taking bets, the resolution lasted slightly over a month. Apparently, I have no willpower.
Which brings me to my next point - I have gained weight. Enough so that my pants are snug. I am seriously annoyed with myself. And will be climbing back on V's treadmill next week!
We had our federal election. The wrong guy is still in, and still with a minority government. My fingers are crossed that my neighbours to the south manage to get the right guy in next month.
My house is a disaster. It is appalling how much mess can be generated by two children who play outside as much as possible. And how much laundry I still have to fold!

I will give the highlight of my week, though. I talked to Beck last Friday night. She was going to call the kids on Thanksgiving Monday, and just wanted to see if we would be around. After staying up until 2 am on Saturday night moving furniture, setting up the second table, and ironing tablecloths for dinner the next day, I was actually thinking of skipping church. I didn't, and as I walked in early (we have ti be there by 9:30 to rehearse before the 10:15 service), I thought I had finally lost my mind and was hallucinating. Because there was Beck. And then she smiled and we did the goofy run and hug thing. She is on a reading week, and spent the afternoon with us on Monday, and I saw her Wed eve for the new priest's induction service, and she came to choir, and will be at church on Sunday before she flies back. Truly the best damn Thanksgiving surprise EVER!!!!

Something Fun!!!

2008-10-17T00:50:00.001-04:00

For everyone!! This comes via Clementine. Here's how it works:

If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now (even if we don't speak often or ever), please post a comment with a completely made up, fictional memory of you and me.

It can be anything you want - good or bad - but it has to be fake.

When you're finished, post this little paragraph in your blog and see what your friends come up with.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

2008-10-11T10:56:00.004-04:00

It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. And here's an interesting conundrum - how do you feed turkey to twelve when your oven dies after doing self clean on Wednesday?

Thank God for good friends and neighbours like V!!!!!! I will be roasting in her oven tomorrow while she is enduring her in-laws. And I will be keeping other things (such as dressing, green bean casserole and anything else that needs a low oven) warm on the barbeque. The cooktop is fine, so I made the cranberries yesterday, and the potatoes will be a snap.

The new oven will be delivered and installed on Monday October 20. It's basically the latest model of what we have, not my dream oven/microwave convection/warming drawer combo. Oh well.

Tuesday Ten (Yes, I Know It's Thursday!!)

2008-10-02T09:01:00.003-04:00

I was tagged by Gretty to do a Tuesday 10 (formerly Tuesday 12) of things that have made me smile recently. Considering that my last post was filled with descriptions of the catastrophe that was Montreal, culminating with the crazy too-many-kid birthday party . . . .I will have to dig deep (did I mention that I also worked at the bear place on Saturday and got "talked to" about my "tone", and that I didn't smile enough? And that we did inventory at the bear place on Sunday evening? Yeah . . . . dig really deep!)

It's finally fall!! The trees are just gorgeous, and it has been overcast with just a bit of sun peeking out which just makes the colours pop that much more. Beautiful!!
Nancycle and I went to lunch yesterday. It was delicious (Thai/Cambodian). It was particularly nice to see her smile - she has been having a very rough go of it for the past few weeks.
I talked to Beck for about 3 hours in total last Sunday. We chatted in the afternoon, and then later that night. We also came up with the brilliant idea of her calling on Thursday evening after choir when we are at the church bar, so it'll be almost like she's with us.
Corwin and Clara had a big sleepover at Aunt Kit's last Saturday. They went to the local fair, and to dinner, then apple picking in the morning.
Because Corwin and Clara had a sleepover, Hubby and I had a childfree evening. We actually went to dinner (the Thai/Cambodian place, which is why I wanted to go back with Nancycle - it was GOOD!), and then rented a movie and snuggled on the couch.
Sleep. I really could use more, but actually having some has brightened my overall outlook on life.
The return of all my fave bad tv shows - including Dirty Sexy Money last night!!!!!
The new area rug I got for the kitchen. I really like it, and it just works there. Plus, we put the other one in our bedroom and it looks great.
The fall decor I have put up. The mantel is covered in leaves, as is the chandelier in the kitchen, and the top of the china cabinet in the dining room. New candles in Pumpkin Spice in the dining room. Corn stalks outside. I just LOVE fall!!
Corwin and Clara turn 8 today. Clara is beside herself with excitement that she no longer has to use a booster seat in the car (Corwin has been out of his since April because of height and weight, but Clara is not quite tall enough, and nowhere near the weight!)

I'll try to upload some pics of the fall decor later. Now, it's off to see clients.

A Little Poe Moment

2008-09-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

I survived having 18 kids in my house. Like the raven quoth - nevermore!!!!!!

Catch Up Time

2008-09-26T09:07:00.002-04:00

Overall, my schedule this year is pretty decent, with lots of room left for new clients.
Corwin and Clara have settled very nicely into grade three. Clara is still taking violin and gymnastics, Corwin will be trying out curling, and both are in Cubs this year (the next level up from Beavers)
Last Friday, the grade threes had a field trip to a small town fair. They were there to see the agriculture and livestock displays and presentations (not the Midway or games). I was a parent volunteer, and it was a lot of fun.
Friday afternoon was a scramble when I got back from the field trip. Hubby had come home early, and he and I loaded up the car to go camping once the kids got home. Before any assumptions are made, let me be clear that I did NOT go camping. I drove them up to the site, helped set up, hung out for a bit with them and the other people who were camping nearby (notably my friend Frances and her two girls - her husband deployed last Monday to Afghanistan for 8 months), and then I drove home. I went back up the next day, bringing chili for dinner. I had lunch there, spent the day at the beach watching the kids kayaking and playing, had dinner, and stayed for a bit of the bonfire (during which there was some rain). I left around 9. I went back the next morning to collect everyone.
On the Friday evening after I returned home, V and I went for wings and beer. When we returned home, I played Rock Band with her husband. He made me sing. It was fun, but man, I do not know a lot of the songs. They need some more mainstream rock/pop, less heavy metal (Iron Maiden? I don't think so!!)
On Sunday, when we returned from the big camping trip, I was trying to finish laundry and pack for Montreal. We had a big gala to decorate, and I was riding with Boss Lady. We left around 2:30 to go to the warehouse to load up. That all went smoothly, and we headed out by 5 - six of us in Boss Lady's van, and two in the truck. The drive was uneventful (we even watched a movie). We missed the exit and had to go over the Champlain Bridge (Miss Step, I thought you would see the humour in this!) and turn around to get back downtown. We got to the Sheraton, and checked in, got the van parked in the underground parking, and the truck in the outdoor lot at the Best Western a block over. We couldn't unload because we had no access until the next day. We went out for a lovely dinner, hung out in our adjoining rooms and were in bed by 12:30 or so, ready to get a good start on the flower arrangements the next day (once the flowers arrived).
In the morning, we got up around 7:30, and we had some coffee in the rooms. We were going to have breakfast, but decided to unload the truck first, and then have breakfast. By then the flowers should have arrived, and we could get going. Boss Lady and the Truck Driving Woman (TDW) went to get the truck - you know, the one filled with $20 000 of props. Which was gone. Stolen. At 7:30 in the morning - the attendant from the next lot saw the guy get in, move the vehicle, check the load (obviously he moved the vehicle so he could cut the lock to check the load), and then drive away. In broad daylight!! Welcome to panic time!!!!
So . . . the afternoon was spent scrambling to find alternatives. Tablecloths and napkins, which had been rented from Toronto, needed to be replaced (Thank God the chair covers were delivered directly to the hotel - 700 chair covers would have been killer to wait until Tues to put on). Other vases, stands, tools, floral foam, etc, etc. When the flowers finally got delivered (they arrived late - VERY late!!), we were borrowing buckets from the kitchen staff, and wastepaper baskets from housekeeping to put them in, since they needed to be in water right away. We started making arrangements around 5 pm. Boss Lady's brother brought a new truck with other props that had been painted during the day. Boss Lady's BIL drove his car, and brought two more people to work. They guys drove home after we unloaded and parked the truck, and we made flower arrangements until 4 am. Oh, except the new girl, whom we shall call Princess. Dumber than dirt and completely useless. She went to bed at 11 - she wasn't feeling well (hmm, not vomiting, no fever, suck it up and do your damn job!!!).
Tuesday we got up at 8, and started on arrangements again. We ordered breakfast to be delivered to the room. Princess arrived, freshly showered and ordered her breakfast. When it was time to start taking arrangements up the escalator to the ballroom, she was ridiculously slow. First, she wanted to take the elevator. Ummm, no. It's faster in the escalator. She wanted to use a dolly because the arrangements were large and a bit heavy. Ummmm, no. So, we managed to get it all done by 6, when the gala started. It looked amazing, even if it wasn't Boss Lady's original vision. The client was blown away - his comment was that it was "breathtaking and magical". I'll try to get a picture, but I forgot my camera.
We all limped, staggered and hobbled back to the rooms. We all either showered or washed up, and went out to dinner. The place was okay - it was pretty, but overpriced, and the food wasn't fabulous. But man, the wine was wonderful (one glass - I would have fallen on my ass if I had more!). At the hotel after dinner, we chilled out in the rooms, and had a bit of a nap, but headed back for takedown at midnight. First we had to clear the room where we had been making arrangements because they needed to get it ready for a breakfast meeting at 8:30 am. And then we started undecorating. Oh, all of us except Princess. She "wasn't feeling well" again, so she left from the restaurant to go stay with her sister, who lives in Montreal. Can we say "not a team player"? We packed everything up and had it at the far end of the ballroom, because they needed to close off a portion of the room for a big political thing the next day. We were in bed by 5. We had been told we had until noon to get our stuff out, so we planned on some sleep and then loading at 10 am.
7:45 had us panic stricken and running around again as we needed to get our stuff out NOW!!!! Whoever told us noon was apparently mistaken. We loaded, and then packed our stuff and got the hell out of Montreal. What a crazy event.
I called my parents on Wed eve to thank them for all the help while I was away (my Dad met the kids after school, and my Mom went above and beyond by making meals so that Hubby didn't have to, and didn't have to make lunches for the kids either). Anyway, my Mom was folding laundry when I talked to her. The kids' laundry. She had gotten my Dad to empty their dirty clothes hamper and bring it home. She washed and folded it all, and he brought it back yesterday (I have clients all day Thursday so I'm not home until after choir). Awwww!!! My parents rock!
Last night I talked to Gordon about the piece that is way too low. I told him that it really messed up my voice because I was singing too low for too long. I told him I knew it, but would barely be projecting from E to C, and just fish mouthing B and A. He confessed that it hasn't been turning out as well as he thought. I mentioned that AVT thought he should transpose it up a third, and he said that he should have. Hopefully, he will decided to scrap the whole damn thing.
Diva was very pleased that I talked to him about that, but reminded me that I really need to talk to him about Compline. I will. Soon.
We celebrated Diva's birthday last night at the Church Bar after choir. It was fun.
Now I'm going to finish getting organized and make loot bags, as Corwin and Clara's birthday party is this evening from 5-7 pm. Sixteen children are coming over for dinner (hot dogs, chips, carrots and dip, and juice boxes), cake (chocolate cupcakes made by the Cake Lady), and games (probably pictionary junior on the whiteboard easel, Corwin's team vs Clara's team). To use a favourite Seinfeld quote . . . serenity now!!!!!!!

Goin' Head to Head With Oprah

2008-09-10T20:34:00.002-04:00

I don't recall if I have written about this before, but one of my clients (The Future Mrs Keith Urban) is obsessed with watching Oprah. It used to be Oprah and Dr Phil, but her parents have been limiting the Dr Phil exposure - some topics are a little too much for her (chronologically she's almost 20, but developmentally she's a bit younger). Anyway, she is so fanatical about Oprah that she will not watch it taped - it must be "live". And watch out if you make her late for the opening moments of the show. She even told off her doctor for starting an appointment late, because she was going to miss some of Oprah.

Accordingly, she and I have had our sessions from 3-4. Which then morphed into 2:55-3:55, because of the O Almighty. Fine, whatever. This year, when scheduling, I arranged her session for 2:55-3:55 on Thursdays. Everything seemed good. Unfortunately, I got a call from her mom. Seems that the van that brings her home arrives later this year - more like 3:10. For anyone else, a 3:30-4:30 session would be the logical adjustment. But . . . "O" no!!!! And I already have a client from 5:30-6:30, followed by choir on Thursdays. Mondays are out (Clara, gymnastics, 5-7). Tuesdays I have flute choir. Wednesdays, Hubby and the kids have Cubs at 6:30. I could do it from 5-6, but we have one car and walking to Cubs isn't always feasible. Fridays? I'd really rather not. Looked like it would be Wed, but I was wracking my brain for alternatives. Lo and behold, the beauty of time shifting. I searched, making sure the big O was available at 5, and then presented the idea to The Future Mrs Keith Urban's mom. She was unaware of time shifting, but thought it was a great idea, especially as it will give them more flexibility for other stuff that may come up. The only potential fly in the ointment would be TFMKU's rigid adherence to the "Oprah is at 4:00" schedule (just in case you aren't familiar with people who have developmental delays, routine is often HUGE and messing with the routine can really throw them off in a big way). She promised to get back to me . . .

Well, it was a hit!!!!! TFMKU thinks that it is awesome that she is watching Oprah on the Calgary station - because that's where Paul Brandt is from (another country singer she has a crush on). So 3:30-4:30 it is. Woo hoo!!! How many other people can say they went head to head with Oprah and came out on top?

But What About Compline

2008-09-09T16:49:00.003-04:00

In news related to choir, the women sing compline on the second Sunday of each month, the men on the fourth. We rehearse at 8pm, sing at 9, done by 9:30. There are only a few people who sing at this, and it divides differently depending on who shows up. Apparently, when Gordon first arranged the music for women's compline, there were not many sopranos, and quite a few altos, so there are 3 part harmonies - top soprano, and two alto. Sometimes, I get to be soprano, but often I get stuck in my favourite (no sarcasm there!) place in the middle. Yuck!!

I do enjoy compline, but I hate . . . as in despise . . . singing the middle part. I am trying to decide whether I should just skip it, because I really don't have any interest in singing that middle part. Or talking to Gordon and telling him that I would love to sing at compline, but that he's going to have to move somebody else into the middle part, because I won't do it. I have enough alto shit in the second soprano position in choir, and that isn't going to change (which I have accepted - I refer you to the previous post). So . . . any suggestions? Feedback? Help me decide!!

The Compulsory (and last) Second Soprano Rant

2008-09-09T09:05:00.003-04:00

Friends, I have turned over a new leaf. I have accepted my place in this world (well, in the choir, anyway). I am resigned to my fate. Even with Beck's departure, I am still a second soprano.

I had allowed my hopes to raise a tiny little bit when Gordon and I were discussing the new people in the choir - two tenors, an alto, and another woman who said she had sung alto and second soprano when she auditioned. Gordon said he was hoping she was an alto, but she was more of a second soprano and that's where he was placing her. At this point, I asked what he was going to do about the firsts - Beck is gone, and Newfie Postdoc has an interview for her dream job . . . back on the Rock. He said that in that case, he would probably place the new girl as a first. Inside, I was screaming "what about MEEEE!?!?!", but I just smiled and nodded.

Anyway, upon arriving at choir last Thursday, the new girl was placed in the firsts. In Beck's spot. And then they gave her Beck's locker. Hmmm . . . does anyone else see extra reasons besides just the fact that she's a first for me to not embrace her with open arms? But I smiled and said hi. And I smiled about getting to sing the first alto part in this one piece (because that's what we seconds have to do in this choir, since our altos are . . . not so strong). Even though I am unbelieveably pissed off at the crappy, too-low part, I kept my beatific smile on my face. Because I am no longer bitching about it. So, enjoy the rant - it will be my last.

*regarding the new first soprano - I've tried, last Thursday and Sunday, to be friendly and welcoming. I'm done. The word snotty comes to mind.

Hooky

2008-09-04T14:55:00.002-04:00

Well, not really playing hooky since I didn't have anything scheduled during the day today - my daytime clients start next Thursday. But I took a little bit of a "me" day and went to see "The Rocker" by myself. Really by myself - I was the only one in the theatre!! It was hilarious - laugh out loud funny in many parts. I definitely want to see it again.

Then I went and bought myself a new shirt and a new pair of jeans (my fave pair finally got a frayed hole in the spring - sniff). And got the kids some new undies (Corwin keeps saying his are fine, but there's NO way they can be comfortable!)

I do have a client at 5:15, followed by choir. So I should get my act together and grab a shower before the kids come home from school. They were pretty excited - they biked today. I'm sure they'll be very proud of themselves when they get home.

Housekeeping

2008-08-27T17:26:00.002-04:00

I just realized that my blogroll is more than mildly out of date. I am in the process of updating. Please let me know if you would like to be added (crse, Lucy, Clementine, Miss Step - I am on it, just need to have a few minutes for the html work which I completely suck at and it takes forever!!!)

A Foodie Meme

2008-08-26T09:16:00.004-04:00

Found this at daysgoby and just had to do it. Feel free to join in the fun.

1)Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you have eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

1. Venison - A couple of times, always at restaurants. It was good, but I have Bambi guilt.
2. Nettle tea - nope.
3. Huevos rancheros - Yummy!!!!
4. Steak tartare - I prefer carpaccio.
5. Crocodile - Well, I think it was alligator but close enough. Tastes like gamier chicken.
6. ~~Black pudding~~ - Can't do it. Same with haggis.
7. Cheese fondue - Traditional, and many variations. I love cheese fondue!!!
8. Carp - Meh. Not a fave.
9. Borscht - ABest was at this amazing Russian restaurant in Atlanta.
10. Baba ghanoush - We almost always have some on hand - Clara LOVES it for breakfast!!
11. Calamari - Delisious!! Grilled, fried . . . it's all good.
12. Pho - Damn, now I'm getting hungry.
13. PB&J sandwich -No allergies here!
14. Aloo Gobi- Never made it, but a fave when we go out.
15. Hot dog from a street cart-Most often after bar-hopping.
16. Epoisses - Stinky cheese? Of course!
17. Black Truffle- Yes. And white truffle, too.
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes - Blueberry, peach, strawberry. Some more successful than others, LOL.
19. Steamed Pork Buns - I love going for Dim Sum!!
20. Pistachio ice cream - Not seen enough nowadays
21. Heirloom tomatoes - From my garden and the farmers' market
22. Fresh wild berries - Mmmmmm, berries (best when they are still warm from the sun.
23. Foie gras - And I feel guilty every time I do (which is really not often - I think I've had it 4 times ever)
24. Rice and beans - I miss Miami - always got amazing rice and beans there.
25. ~~Souse and Brawn or Head Cheese~~ - can't go there.
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet Pepper- I'm the one who bought a salsa book and looked through it to make the hottest salsa first. Pain is my friend when it comes to peppers.
27. Dulce de leche - Yummm.
28. Oysters - Raw or cooked, always delicious
29. Baklava - I love Greek food, and Greek desserts. But my favourite are still loukamades (hard to find!!!)
30. Bagna cauda - Tasty.
31. Wasabi peas - Some are better than others.
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl - I don't need the sourdough bowl. And the chowder better not be that tomato-y Manhattan crap!
33. Salted lassi - I prefer the mango lassi.
34. Sauerkraut - Reubens! And on steamed hot dogs ("steamies" in Quebec)
35. Root beer float - Yes. But not such a fan of the "Lumberjack Float" (I'll blog that story after)
36. Cognac ~~with a fat cigar~~ -Cognac was good, Armanac is better. I don't do tobacco!!!
37. Clotted cream tea - Seriously, the things I would do for a good cream tea!! I've had it in England, Australia, and here in Canada. The scones have to be warm and light, not heavy.
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O - my exception to avoiding jellied stuff is if there is alcohol in it :)
39. Gumbo -Delicious. And it is the only way to eat okra (which looks like slimy slugs in my opinion)
40. Oxtail - I have made this a few times
41. Curried goat- never tried.
42. Whole insects - And I didn't strike it because I still want to try Wichity grub if I ever get back to Australia
43. Phaal - I think I've had it. I've had vindaloo for sure, so I don't shy away from the spice.
44. Goat’s Milk- When I was in Greece. I prefer it colder.
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more - Nope
46. Fugu - In the daring, like-sushi category I'm interested. In the very much want to live past dinner, I probably wouldn't.
47. Chicken Tiki Masala- Yummy.
48. Eel - Not my favourite.
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut - Bad, addictive little fat and sugar laden things. Damn, thay are SOoooo good!
50. Sea urchin - Known as "uni" in sushi. In Atlanta. I still shudder at the memory.
51. Prickly Pear -I don't think I have.
52. Umeboshi- but I'd probably try 'em.
53. Abalone -Delicate and delicious. Best ever when I was in San Francisco.
54. Paneer -I have had both sweet and savoury dishes made with paneer, but never on its own.
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal - Yes. I don't like Big Macs. (and really, I don't frequent McDonalds)
56. Spaetzle - I've never made it but man, it is so good when you have German friends!!
57. Dirty gin martini - Olives are one of my favourite foods, and so is alcohol!
58. Beer above 8% ABV - Maudite, a Quebec beer. Sold in quart bottles. So good.
59. Poutine -I'm Canadian. I live on the border of Quebec and Ontario. Of course. (and yes, it is delicious but man, I am getting too old to eat this - it's a once a year treat)
60. Carob chips - Fake, waxy, chocolate imposter!!!!!!!
61. S’mores - Camp food!!!!! Not the same without a bonfire but you can fake it in the microwave if desperate!
62. ~~Sweetbreads~~ - Just can't go there.
63. Kaolin - This has to be a spelling error, as the Google page talks about Chinese clay. But it is used as a food additive so . . . maybe?
64. Currywurst - Ummm . . . no.
65. Durian - nope.
66. Frogs’ legs - I don't think so. I know I have been at a table where they have been served, but I don't think I could get past the look of them, and the memory of all the little frogs I caught to observe when I was little
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (and in Canada - Beavertails) - Yummmmmy!
68. ~~Haggis~~ - Even as a 9 year old, I knew it wasn't "oatmeal sausage". Liars!!!!
69. Fried plantain - Damn, I miss Miami for the maduros!!!!!
70. Chitterlings or Andouillette - nope. And probably not.
71. Gazpacho -Delicious summer food!!! I have made several variations, including a white gazpacho with cucumbers
72. Caviar and blini - Tasty. I love caviar(beluga and osstra, not sevruga - yes, I've tried them all - that Russian restaurant again)
73. Louche absinthe - No but oh my God, do I ever want to!!
74. Gjetost, or brunost- "Cheese, cheese, marvelous cheese."
75. ~~Roadkill~~ - Je ne suis pas un "redneck"
76. Baijiu - No, but it's alcohol. ANd I've had sake so . . . I'd probably try it.
77. Hostess Fruit Pie - Not in years. My mom never bought them, so it was surely at a friend's house, or a lunch trade.
78. Snail (let's go with Escargot) - Totally awesome if done right.
79. Lapsang souchong - Tea. Yep.
80. Bellini - Yes. Frequently.
81. Tom Yum- A staple of my Thai ordering. With the coconut milk and galangal root, please.
82. Eggs Benedict - As long at the poached eggs are not slimy, this is lovely.
83. Pocky - Not the official brand, but I'm sure I've had similar chocolate-covered biscuit sticks.
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant - Umm . . . at a couple. Gotta love my parents and being an only child!! (even one with wine pairings)
85. Kobe beef - I don't think so.
86. Hare- Nope.
87. Goulash - Mmmm, winter comfort food
88. Flowers - I love throwing flowers into salads, decorating cakes with sugared violets, and have had stuffed squash blossoms a few times..
89. ~~Horse~~ - All I can picture are the horses I rode and loved (Acorn!! Athena!!!)
90. Criollo chocolate - I don't think so. But I have consumed a lot of chocolate . . .
91. Spam - Sliced thin and fried crispy on a hot plate in undergrad - I think that was the last time.
92. Soft shell crab - Yes. Especially in spider rolls (also why my damn sushi bill is always very high!)
93. Rose harissa - I think I may have had this at a restaurant, but I'm not sure
94. Catfish - Fried. In the south. Meh.
95. Mole Poblano- I love mole anything!!!
96. Bagel and lox - with cream cheese. And capers.
97. Lobster Thermidor - Lobter done any way is fine by me!
98. Polenta - Mine has never turned out as well as my Italian friends'. So I just enjoy it there.
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee - Yes. It was coffee.
100. Snake - No. But I've heard it tastes like chicken. So . . . I'll stick with chicken

Canada Wonders Why

2008-08-23T23:27:00.002-04:00

Why am I unable to purchase the song that is stuck in my head from iTunes? It's not old. It's not obscure. It's completely addictive with its Warren Zevon beat and tribute to another rock classic. Why is Kid Rock's newest release, "All Summer Long", not available on iTunes?!

(yes, I know I can watch it on YouTube, but that isn't getting anything done around the house, or allowing me to go anywhere. I want to blast it in the car - is that so wrong?)

YES!!!!!!!!

2008-08-21T21:04:00.003-04:00

Woo hooo!!!! Eric Lamaze won gold in the equestrian individual event!! I am SOOOO happy (in addition to my glee that Ian Millar finally scored an Olympic medal with the equestrian team silver). Beautifully done, Hickstead and Eric!!!

Bittersweet

2008-08-18T00:02:00.004-04:00

I know that I have mentioned before that autumn is my favourite season. There is usually a point in August, when the sun starts slanting differently in the late afternoon and the evenings are cooler, that I think "bring on fall". I had a twinge of that very early this year (it was just a really cool morning breeze which made me happy ), but today was the day that I saw the sun casting a different glow around four o'clock. A more golden, the-sun-is-lower-in-the-sky kind of light. And as much as I am looking forward to the season and all it brings with it (Back to school!! Crisp nights! Sweaters! Beautiful leaves! Pumpkins!), this year it is very bittersweet. Because Beck leaves on Friday.

This is not a bad thing. In fact, it is wonderful and exciting. She is headed to Yale to do her Master's with a full scholarship. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. She was always an old soul, even when she was 11 and in the youth group at church that Hubby and I ran for a couple of years. She and I really became friends towards the end of my first season singing in the choir. At first I felt a little odd - here she was, all grown up and I didn't know what to say besides hello, until one day we started chatting. Since then, she has become one of my closest friends (and Clara's idol! The first time Beck came over for dinner, Clara couldn't eat because she was so mesmerized by Beck's long hair!). She and I were the core of the Church Bar Group that go for drinks after choir. First it was Beck and I who started going out, and then we added to our group . . . Diva, Daisy (before she left choir), Bugle Boy, and Newfie Postdoc. Last week, we did some psalm recording for Gordon on Tues and Thurs evenings. On Tuesday, Bugle Boy, Diva, Beck and I went to the Church Bar afterwards, and I realized that it was probably the last time. And on Thursday, when Beck was singing, I almost started crying because it finally hit me how much I'm going to miss her.

I may have joked . . . frequently! . . . that I was really looking forward to choir this fall because with Beck gone, there was one less first soprano and I would be more than happy to fill that spot. I would often say to her "yeah, yeah, hurry up and go to Yale, I want your spot". But as excited as I am for her, I would gladly stay in the seconds to keep her here. I'm going to miss her so much.

*Please excuse any grammatical errors - it's hard to type when you're weepy

The Cottage in Photos

2008-08-08T10:24:00.005-04:00

This is the front of the cottage:

The first duck that came to visit - a female mallard:

View of the dock and lake from the porch:

The little painted turtle that Clara found, Corwin caught, and we took pictures of before setting him free again. How cute is that little neck!?

Corwin in his boat, checking out the fish situation:

Jumping off the dock - Clara went first, Corwin soon followed:

The mama duck and her three babies. They visited often, and would be within inches of us by the time we left. They would even get up on the dock when we were there, and the ducklings would nestle together and snooze:

Clara taking pictures of the ducklings:

View of the cottage from the dock:

Corwin took this picture of the room where he and Clara slept. When I uploaded it, I discovered that Clara was still asleep when he took it!!

You'd Think I'd Muster A Little Enthusiasm

2008-08-03T23:39:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, Hubby, the kids and I are heading to a cottage until Wednesday. There's a lake, and a canoe, not sure about a paddle boat (I do not look forward to the whining from Corwin if there isn't one). Sounds fun, right? It should be . . . but the in-laws have rented the cottage. Two nights. Under the same roof. Oh.My.God. I'd better go pack some "medication" (wine.beer.tequila.anything alcoholic!!). Wish me luck. (and look forward to some interesting posts upon my return - only rivalled by the potential posts from my upcoming family reunion next Saturday!!)

Oh, and I'm also sad because Jazz-dog isn't invited (it's a pet-free rental). I'm just very, very glad that Beck is coming to stay with her.

More ABBA For Everyone!!!!

2008-07-28T23:49:00.002-04:00

Well, maybe not Pierce Brosnan. He looks good and has a lovely speaking voice, but he should leave the singing to others.

Saw Mamma Mia this evening, and I loved it. Amazon and I had made plans to go see it, and plans evolved into dinner before the movie. With her husband, Mr Slamuri, joining us. Poor Mr Slamuri. He had to listen to Amazon and I giggle and laugh (apparently loudly) throughout the movie, and not only did he have to endure Pierce's strangulated vocalizations, he was treated to Amazon and I (and several other women in the theater) singing along with Donna and Sophie!!!

May I just say that I love ABBA, and have ever since I heard Chiquitita at my aunt and uncle's in the late 70s. That song reminds me of Vancouver Island and those two weeks I spent there every time I hear it. My friend Sarah and I would roller skate in her basement to ABBA, and bounce on her trampoline, singing along to Angel Eyes, Take a Chance On Me, and SOS. Our grade 8 play even used ABBA songs as a soundtrack, including Does Your Mother Know and Money, Money, Money. I have many favourite songs, one of which is The Winner Takes It All. I would listen to it (and a few other moody selections, like The Name of the Game and Knowing Me, Knowing You) in my grade 7/8 angst (crushes, "broken hearts", fights with friends), and wallow in the melancholy (yes, I still enjoy the melancholy). But never before have I wept like I did watching Meryl Streep perform that song. My God, that woman is amazing. She looks phenomenal and we all know she can act any part, be anyone. I don't know why I was so surprised by her singing. Wow. And she has that whole acting ability behind her to totally sell the song. She emoted! I wish I could emote a fraction as much as she can. Even if I had hated the rest of the movie, it would have been worth watching just for that 3 minutes. Obviously, that isn't the case - so go see it (but don't say I didn't warn you about 007, Emeritus).

*Also, Christine Baranski - she can really sing, too!!

Totally Hilarious

2008-07-26T23:23:00.006-04:00

Both Medusa and Luckybuzz had such interesting posts, so of course I had to do it, too. Get your own at The Lazy Bloggers' Post Generator

Abject apologies I just remembered I have not updated this since people stopped clapping and Tinkerbell died... You would not believe the fairy dust I have to clean up. But I'm sorry you'll just have to take my word for it..

I am overwhelmed with silk ropes, soaking in the tub, just generally being a nuisance to anyone unfortunate to cross my path, my day is a magical flight from the second star on the right, straight on to I am begging my kid to go to sleep or so help me God that kid will be decorating my wall, 'Duct tape still life'. I am beyond drunk most of the time. it will be fun fun fun till they take my TBird away.

I send you kisses I will make more of an effort to blog more often until the nice men in the white coats come back. Seriously! Unless of course the pool with the cocktail bar is heated!

Music Lessons

2008-07-23T09:26:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Bugle Boy and his lovely girlfriend, Rosa, came over for dinner. Corwin had been asking to try Bugle Boy's trumpet, so he brought it over . . . along with a French horn, a trombone, a full size violin, and Rosa brought her oboe and cor anglais. Clara tried and tried, but couldn't really get a sound out of anything. She did play her own violin, though. Corwin, on the other hand, shocked the hell out of Bugle Boy by not only getting a good sound on the mouthpiece but getting notes out on all three brass instruments. Here are a couple of photos - one of Corwin playing trombone, and the other of Bugle Boy showing Corwin proper French horn positioning.

Beyond the Pond

2008-07-22T13:14:00.005-04:00

Well, not too far. Hubby and the kids went camping last week from Mon-Thurs. They had a great time, even though on the Tues I got a call from Corwin, who tearily told me he missed me. Turned out he was overtired and had a little upset tummy (all day in the lake can do that). They arrived home exhausted and grubby (not too grubby), but they can't wait to go again. I got some stuff done around here, and worked at the bear place, and went out for wings with Amazon and a couple of other friends. Overall, a good mini break.

We had Hubby's surprise party last Sat. Boy, was he surprised!!! (esp because his birthday was on Father's Day). The kids knew all about it, and didn't breathe a word. Small moment of panic when I was supposed to make potato salad and fruit salad on Fri, and take it to Senate Woman's (she would take it to the party), then pick up the cake and take it to my parents'. Well, turned out Hubby decided to take Fri off as well!!! Thankfully, my SIL Kat offered to pick up and deliver the cake, and Senate Woman covered the salads. Thank you!!!! A good time was had by all. Here is Hubby's pond cake!

Later that evening, Corwin started feeling yucky - headachey, tired, etc. He had a bath, and slept until 10 am the next morning. He was still not feeling hot on Sun, had a nap in the afternoon. Monday morning? Feverish a bit. I kept him home from camp to recover the rest of the way, and Clara headed off to day camp without him. She came home grumpy and headache-y. Hubby and I had a big talk with both of them - they NEED to drink water during the day, LOTS of water (Clara had maybe consumed an ounce, and her juice box - hello, dehydration). Anyway, she was totally fine this morning, Corwin is a bit stuffy, but fever-free and both headed to camp today. I am about to go get my hair cut and coloured (goodbye grey!!), but will leave you with a little photo essay of my garden.

Backyard Oasis

2008-07-14T22:32:00.003-04:00

Yes, once it was finished I started dreaming of a bigger one (hell, that happened when I was still digging, let's be honest). But overall, this one turned out okay. An it will allow Hubby to see how awesome it is to have a little piece of cottage country in the backyard, and it's way cheaper than an actual cottage so . . . hopefully a bigger one will follow in a few years.

RBOC - Catch Up Edition

2008-07-11T08:46:00.006-04:00

Seems I have been a big slacker in the blogging department lately. And man, there is a lot to catch up on. I'll try to get up to date with minimal wordiness

Recital went well. The Pie Jesu from the Rutter Requiem went smoothly in the first half, but I was more concerned about Un Bel DI, my Madame Butterfly opera piece. I actually impressed myself. I can't wait to hear the recording. And I even had gestures to go along with my emoting!
Father's Day was the following Sunday. It was also Hubby's 40th birthday. Hubby didn't want a party, didn't want anything, blah blah blah. So . . . we had my parents and his family over for Father's Day lunch, and also to celebrate his birthday. My parents had a little surprise for him when he woke up (his nickname in undergrad was Mr Penguin, and I did this at his parents' house when he turned 21):

The end of school went well for everyone, although Corwin was upset for the last couple of weeks because he loves his teacher and is going to miss her - the usual, it happens every year.
Canada Day (July 1) was fun. Hubby and I took the kids and Beck downtown, and we wandered around the billions of people. We saw the Snowbirds do a flyover, and also two CF-18 Hornets (woo hoo!!). After dropping Beck off at another friend's, we went swimming in our neighbour's pool. Then we took the kids to my parents' place as they were leaving early the next morning for Great Wolf Lodge for a few days. Hubby and I had been invited to a Canada Day party at Weasley and CF's apartment, but since it was mid-week and Hubby had to work the next day, I went alone. It was fun, and we walked the few blocks to see the fireworks. which were amazing as usual.
I got some stuff done over the next couple of days while the kids were away. And I also vegged and slept in - decadent!!!!
On the Saturday, we installed the pond. Yes, pond. We gave Hubby a pond for his 40th. Since his parents sold their cottage a few years ago (long story, and much bitterness), I thought it would be nice if we made our backyard more cottage-y, and we were missing the water component. The kids thought it was a great idea because they wanted to keep the tadpole and the froglet that their classes had been watching transform. Well, Lily the froglet is now a full-fledged frog, and Pebbles is a big tadpole with legs. The digging was wicked (we had to us a pickaxe for part!), but we got it dug. It was a pond in a box kit, and it was a flexible formed pond. Never again - the flex liner that is just a big sheet would be so much easier to work with. And then we were placing the rocks. Which we collected from the construction near my parents' place. Hubby has no patience and was just sticking them randomly around. So on Sunday, the family went to Lac Philippe for a beautiful sunny day. And I stayed here and worked on boulder placement ALL day. Then I had to drain the pond and refill because I had gotten so much dirt in that it was crazy. It's looking pretty good. We got a few plants on Monday, and I will get more today. Pictures to follow. Problem is? I have decided that this is the kind of pond I really want. Maybe in a couple of years . . .
On Monday I saw James Taylor at Bluesfest with Daisy. It was a great show, and a perfect night for an outdoor concert.

This week was really hot and humid. And Corwin was grumpy and miserable because of it. He loves being outside, but the heat was really getting to him. On Wed, I was going to take them to the beach but it was overcast and thunderstorms were forecast. So I took them to see the awesome Kung Fu Panda. Yesterday, the humidity had broken and it was cool and beautiful in the morning. It stayed cool-ish all day, but we went to the beach and had fun anyway.

That's it in a nutshell. Time to get ready for work at the bear place. And that means getting the kids to my parents' place. Eeesh.

It's July!!!!!

2008-07-04T10:09:00.003-04:00

So, Happy 4th to all my southerly neighbours!! And Happy Belated Canada Day to my fellow Canucks!!!

I'm off to dig in the garden again - since it's not actually raining today.

Music Meme

2008-06-23T10:43:00.002-04:00

Tagged by MaggieMay, here it is.

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

Some are not new, but they are in frequent rotation:

1. Un Bel Di (Puccini - the Leontyne Price version). Yeah, my recital is tonight. I have been singing along incessantly (well, as long as I'm ALONE!!)

2. The Boys of Summer - Don Henley

3. Feels Like Tonight - Daughtry

4. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

5. Mercy - Duffy (over and over and over . . . )

6. Follow Me - Uncle Kracker

7. Stupid Shit - Girlicious

And for a bonus, here is a song that I would be more than happy never to hear again:
1. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

I am tagging whoever happens to read this and wants to do it (lots have been tagged alreasy, so I don't want to double tag anyone).

Un Bel Di Vedremo . . .

2008-06-17T23:13:00.002-04:00

These are most of the words invading my sleep, my waking, my day, my night . . . and my nightmares. Yep, recital time is rapidly approaching. And I'm living in Italian.

Click here to see what I am too damn tired to figure out how to post.
Cool word cloud first seen at Dr Brazen Hussy's

I'm Appalled

2008-06-05T18:23:00.002-04:00

OWEN SOUND, Ont. - A waitress from Owen Sound, Ont., says she can't believe she was laid off after she had her head shaved for a cancer fundraising event.

Stacey Fearnall raised more than $2,700 for charity, but when she showed up for work and refused to sport a wig for her shift, her boss told her to take the summer off.

Her employer, Dan Hilliard, says his restaurant has certain standards prohibiting men from wearing earrings and requiring employees to keep their hair at a reasonable length.

He says Fearnall is still on the payroll and she can return to work once she sprouts some locks.

Hilliard admits the story isn't great PR for the restaurant but as far as he's concerned, it's an internal staff problem.

He says he's already heard from some customers who agree with him and say they would have been "appalled" to have been served at Fearnell's table.

So, in a nutshell, the woman was laid off until she grows her hair because she shaved her head to raise money for cancer and refused to wear a wig. Huh. I wonder what the restaurant's policy is for those who have lost their hair to chemo? Wear a wig or you're laid off? Asshole!!

This is AMAZING!!!!

2008-05-28T09:25:00.002-04:00

I love ballet. And Swan Lake is my very favourite ballet. I have seen many companies perform this ballet. The National Ballet of Canada I have have seen many times, and I loved the Erick Bruhn choreography, but I also like the new James Kudelka version. The Royal Winnipeg is okay (but I am wickedly biased in my preference for the National in anything they do over the Royal Winnipeg). I saw the Kirov, which was phenomenal. La Scala Ballet of Milan, seen in the summer of 1986, sucked! I could not get past the fact that they were wearing romantic length tutus for a classical ballet. Classical ballet is all about the line of the leg. What the hell?!

Anyway, I just saw this clip. It is unique and cute at the beginning - 4 dancers as frogs. Nicely done. Then, the swan part. Seriously, watch all of it. It is truly the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Unbelievable!!!! I want them to go on tour here!

Irony

2008-05-21T09:03:00.003-04:00

In one of life's twisted little ironies, I got a text from PoD last night. Seems he's in town for a conference and would like to get together this evening for a drink. I can't. It's Hubby and my fourteenth anniversary. Funny.

RBOC Catch Up Post

2008-05-14T08:37:00.006-04:00

I seem to do this frequently - blog in a consistent fashion for a while, then completely bugger off for a week or more, leading to an RBOC post to catch up. Well, this past week and a bit hiatus was courtesy of Grey's Anatomy - I finally found it online and have been catching up on the McDreamy and Meredith/George and Izzie saga. And I found Dirty Sexy Money, too, so I expect I will get nothing accomplished for the rest of this week either.

Firefly1234 and I had a great time at the concert, and an overall lovely weekend (with the exception of the funeral she had to attend on the Friday). She and her husband, Twain, had to stay until Monday instead of departing on Sunday as planned because their car broke down as they were arriving on Thursday and was not ready until Monday. That was fine by me. Unfortunately, Firefly1234 had a wicked cough and wasn't feeling fabulous - not surprising, as she ended up in hospital from the Tues until Fri when she got home. Turned out she had pneumonia. She's on the mend now, but not yet back at work.
The bear making place is still going well. The assistant manager is okay, but still not my favourite person to work with - I like both other assistants and the manager a lot better. They are easier to read and more predictable in their moods. I still find the paperwork to be ridiculous (really, rating myself on every shift is a little much)
Choir has been good. Annie wasn't there for Surrexit, the piece that was challenging and fun, and hasn't been to rehearsal either. I feel really bitchy about being so happy about it but . . . there you have it.
Corwin and Clara are very excited about camping with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts next weekend (23-25). Corwin has been planning what he's bring since February. FEBRUARY!!!
Yesterday morning, Corwin and Clara decided that they wanted to be called by different names. Clara decided on Lizzie (but Hermione was a close runner up!), and I thought Corwin said Kevin. When I asked him about Kevin, he responded "What Kevin? I want to be called Camping". Yeah, he's not obsessed!
I'm hoping to go to a movie with V this evening. It's been forever! She was away in Denver for work for two weeks, and then home to New Brunswick for her dad's 65th birthday celebration. Mmmmm, popcorn for dinner.

If I think of anything else, I'll write it down later. And now - time to watch the last 16 minutes of Grey's Anatomy before going to make some bears!

Snapshots of the Evening

2008-05-02T23:21:00.005-04:00

Here is Elvis, ready to rock.
At this point, I was still in shock that we were sitting in the twelfth row!

Oh, yeah!!!!! I think this was during the opening song, "Bring On the Night".

During on of my all time favourite songs,
"Wrapped Around Your Finger".
Stewart Copeland's percussion set up was amazing.
The gong and the side pieces with various chimes and cymbals
rose from the floor surrounding the drum kit.

He sure knows how to work the percussion!
I loved it when he would race from the standing set to sit
and play the drums. Impressive!

Andy working a guitar riff, I think in "Message in a Bottle"

Great shot. I love the screen,
with Sting and Stewart visible in front.
I think this was "Don't Stand (So Close To Me)"

"Roxanne"

Wow!

I was thrilled that they played "So Lonely", one of my faves, as well as "King of Pain". "Every Breath You Take" was an encore, as was "Next To You", their second encore. I still can't believe that I got to go, and sit where I did. What made it even more special was being there with Firefly1234. It was like being back in high school again! (not to mention the crush flashback I had during "So Lonely"! SC, I still think you're hot!)

Before I forget - all photos were taken by Firefly1234, and she was kind enough to share with me (gotta love the digital age!!)

Twelfth Row

2008-05-02T01:26:00.002-04:00

That would be twelfth row CENTRE! Oh my God!!!! Firefly1234 scored us some primo seats. We had agreed upon a certain ticket price, and she got the tickets. She told me we were 12th row, but I thought she meant somewhere up, like 12th row in the second or third level. Because twelfth row floor tickets were not in our agreed upon price point.

Apparently happy birthday to me for the last and next 20 years!!!! The concert was amazing.

Twelfth row. Wow. Just . . . wow.

Under Arrest

2008-05-01T09:34:00.003-04:00

Okay, not really, but tonight Firefly1234 and I are going to see The Police!!!!!! She and her hubby are driving here from the Niagara region, and she and I are going to see Elvis Costello and The Police. Talk about full circle - we were both devastated when The Police broke up when we were in grade 9. Neither of us had gotten to see them. We were happy to see Sting at Kingswood in grade 10 (I think - it was the Dream of the Blue Turtles tour), but this reunion tour? Is just making us both very happy. Even if Stewart Copeland has been quoted as saying that he will never work with Sting again once this tour wraps up. Details to follow - now I need to clean the guest bathroom!!!

Lyric Assistance - Now With Link!

2008-04-30T00:33:00.003-04:00

This music meme has got me thinking . . . there are a lot of people out there who know song lyrics. And I have been trying to figure out the name of both the song and this artist for a particular song for years. Maybe one of you can help me.

I think it's from the early 80s (ummmm . . . Arbitrista? You seem to have a comprehensive collection), maybe the late 70s. The chorus goes (yes, I am singing it in my head while I write this):

When the moon disappears forever
And the sun shines electric blue
When the mountains and trees tumble into the seas
To rest there for eternity
No matter what you do
I will still love you

A little cheesy, but I just want to know who sings it!!!! Any and all guesses will be appreciated.

On A Lighter Note

2008-04-28T09:07:00.010-04:00

New info in green!!!!!
Here is a fabulous music meme. Because Luckybuzz always does the coolest things.

The rules:

Step 1: Put your MP3 player or whatever on random.
Step 2: Post the first line from the first 25 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song.
Step 3: Post and let everyone you know guess what song and artist the lines come from.
Step 4: Strike through when someone gets them right
Step 5: Looking them up on Google or any other search engine is cheating.

*I skipped the three Christmas songs that came up because I meant to dump that file - it's taking up too much space on my iPod. and one was a rehearsal track for the Christmas piece we performed in December. Also skipped - the one in Gaelic (because I don't know how to spell in Gaelic!) and the one instrumental (which was from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons")*

~~I hold on so nervously to me and my drink / I wish it was cooling me~~ Paralyzer - Finger Eleven (Firefly 1234)
~~They broke off the locks and they opened the doors / Fixed up the windows and painted the floors Canadian band, I have seen them many times. From Toronto.~~ It Could Happen To You - Blue Rodeo (Legal Eagle)
You're the silent type /And you caught my eye Canadian singer. Has had hits with theme song from several movies (and has another entry on this list) One Night Love Affair - Bryan Adams
~~I know that every morning you go thumbing / Through the personal want ads Dark haired country singer~~ Single White Female - Chely Wright (Legal Eagle)
I know I may be young / But I've got feelings too Lots of media attention for this young woman Slave 4 U - Britney Spears
Well I'm not sure if this'll come out right / I've been playing it over and over in my mind Canadian country guy Sure Enough - Chris Cummings
You held my hand and walked me home / I know Canadian chick from small town Ontario Don't Tell Me - Avril Lavigne
~~I wanna run I want to hide / I wanna tear down the walls that hold me inside~~ Where the Streets Have No Name - U2 (Luckybuzz)
When I cry, I close my eyes / And every tear falls down inside Canadian woman from out West When I Cry - Jann Arden
~~She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati / On a snow white Christmas Eve An Idol~~ Jesus Take the Wheel - Carrie Underwood (Legal Eagle)
I can tell by your eyes that you've prob'ly been cryin' forever / And the stars in the sky don't mean nothin' to you they're a mirror Two versions of this song, this is my second favourite (although both are on my iPod). This one is from a female duo, and was used on a soundtrack I Don't Wanna Talk About It - Indigo Girls (the other version is by Everything But the Girl)
Der holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen / Tod und Verzweiflung Think Salzburg. And one of opera's best known arias. The Queen of the Night's Aria (from Mozart's Magic Flute) - Diana Damrau
I, I can't read the future / But I still want to hold you close This Cuban-born singer went to university at the same place I did my Master's (unfortunately, not at the same time!) Angel - Jon Secada
I saw you there, just standing there / And I thought I was only dreaming, yeah 80s band, double named song title, but not a double named band. This wasn't their biggest hit. Doctor, Doctor - Thompson Twins
Since you've been gone / I shut my eyes and I fantasize that you're here with me 80s solo British guy Come Back and Stay - Paul Young
~~Unite and unite, oh let us all unite / For summer is a'coming today Canadian East Coast family group~~ Padstow (May Morning Song) - The Rankin Family (Legal Eagle)
What a dream I had / Pressed in organdy Probably one of the best know duos of all time. One also had a big solo career (the one with better hair) For Emily (Wherever I May Find Her) - Simon & Garfunkel
~~I got my first real six string / Bought it at the five and dime~~ Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams (Luckybuzz)
I fooled around and fell in love / I must have lost my head, what was I thinkin' of?From the early 90s. by a Canadian band Head Over Heels - Frozen Ghost
What if I were you and you were me / Still can't see the forest fire beyond the trees Unbelieveably hot, incredibly talented Canadian guy. Former lead singer of Moist. Is a friend of mine on Facebook :) Forestfire - David Usher
Un bel di vedremo / Levarsi un fil di fumo What I'm singing in June. It's a very well know aria. In Italian. From a dramatic opera. On which Miss Saigon was based. Un Bel Di (from Puccini's Madama Butterfly) - Dorothy Kirsten
~~She'll let you in her house / If you come knockin' late at night From Jerry McGuire soundtrack. By an American music icon~~ Secret Garden - Bruce Springsteen (Legal Eagle)
~~Here I am / Lost in the light of the moon that comes through my window I saw them last summer, with their new lead singer (who is Canadian, but the rest of the band are from the Southern hemisphere)~~ Afterglow - INXS (Legal Eagle)
Midnight, gettin' uptight / Where are you? 80s song, her biggest hit was even more rock and roll I Hate Myself For Lovin' You - Joan Jett
The woods behind your house / Are in love with talking river Indie artist from New England, currently in the group Mad Agnes. Everyone should buy her album because it is just amazing - vocals, guitar, writing. She's fabulous! Talking River - Adrienne Jones

I find the high level of Canadian content rather amusing . . . and completely unintentional!

Who Knew I Was This Pissed Off?

2008-04-25T09:22:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since I've had a decent update post. It has just been a little busy with work and other work (not to mention decorating work, which seems to be getting busier). I'll try and organize my thoughts into something cohesive (but I warn you, it may not happen)

The new car took longer to arrive than I would have liked. Actually, it arrived at the dealership on April 15th, but weren't able to pick it up until April 22. What the hell can take so long? Whatever, it's here. I returned the Ford Freestyle, and my dad drove me over to the Subaru dealership. I drove away in our sporty little Forester with the radio cranked up. My in-laws haven't seen it yet but my sister-in-law, Kat, has. She came over on Tuesday to check it out. She's always liked the look of the Forester, but never been in one so Hubby and the kids took her for a ride. The hilarious thing is that my in-laws always have to have something to talk about, and had been saying to Kat that they had no idea why we would get such a big car. Hello, it's TWO FEET shorter than the Freestyle!!! When Kat told me this, I checked dimensions against their Toyota Corolla, just for fun. Seems they're the ones with the big car - theirs is two inches longer and one inch wider than ours. Which I will ever-so-sweetly point out if they mention size to me :) Oh, Corwin is beyond excited that he is out of his booster seat (because he is over 80 pounds!). I have known for ages that this would happen before their eighth birthday, and have been preparing Clara accordingly. She knows that she's out as of October 2, and not one minute sooner. On a last car-related note, we should start a pool as to when I'm going to get my first speeding ticket - this car has some pep. I looked down and thought "oh, maybe I should slow down a bit" - I was doing 135 km/hr (speed limit is 100 km/hr). Oops.

The bear making place of employment is still fun. I did my first solo birthday party last Saturday, and it (thankfully!) went really well. It's unfortunate that my overall rating for the day was a big fat zero. We have to complete these sheets for every shift, rating ourselves in several areas (arrive on time? in proper dress? greet all customers with a smile? use open-ended questions to determine whether they want sounds in their bear? show them the survey number on the receipt? etc etc ). There are about 25 different things, and ratings are 0-5. If you miss any one of these, you will drop down to a 2. The minimum expectation is a 3, with 4 exceeding expectations, and 5 means you've done something amazing. Well, I didn't realize I had to do this one thing. It's not on the sheet, and I was asked to do it one Saturday, but I thought it was just for that day. I was supposed to turn over the sheet and write S and NS on the back, for sounds and no sounds and check off accordingly when I am at the stuffing machine (basically, trying to sell sounds to put inside the bear). And when I am in the clothing for the bears area, S and NS means shoes and no shoes. I did it the day I was asked to, but thought it was just for that day, that they were tracking something that weekend. I didn't do it the next day, and no one said anything. Considering I had been working there for 2 months when I was asked to do this, it wasn't surprising I thought it was a one time thing. Anyway, last Sat, I had a great party, and was well on my way to earning a 4 (plus I had to fill out this motivational BINGO card as well, and the place was packed, and I feel weird stopping between customers to write stuff down when there is a huge queue at the stuffer and I'm the only one filling bears). SO after a shift, you have to review the sheet with a manager/asst manager and get it signed (they keep them all in a binder, I guess to review performance). I was with one of the assistant managers, the one I feel the least comfortable with (after one other tiny little thing - a few weeks ago, we had just closed on a Sunday at 6. I was scheduled until 6, and they are usually sticklers about signing out and getting out as soon as your shift is over. Well, the asst manager asked me to sweep, and I knew Hubby and the kids were waiting for me, and he was probably getting pissed off because I told him I'd be out by 6:10. Anyway, I was trying to hurry and knocked over something and said "shit". Not loud, not yelled, and I was 3/4 of the way back in the store. The asst manager says "I heard that" and I laughed and said "we're closed, there aren't any kids here." And she starts with "what if a child was walking by and heard you? Yada yada yada" and I felt like saying "fuck off, I'm ten years older than you, not some little high school student!" . . . but I didn't). And she looks at the back of my sheet and says I get a zero because I didn't do the thing. And I told her that I hadn't realized that we were supposed to, was this an all the time thing, was it new, because I was only asked to do it that one time and hadn't been told any differently. And she said "all the time", and kept it a zero. Well, thank you very fucking much. On Sunday, I got a 3. On Wed I did my second party, which I was rated well on, and also got a 4 on the other sheet. I find this whole thing kind of weird - I've worked quite a bit of retail, including managing a scuba shop, and I've never worked for a place that is so driven by percentages and sales goals (we check hourly. HOURLY. To see if we're selling enough per guest - $ and items, plus percentages for shoes and sounds).

Allergy season is here. Corwin and Clara are both stuffy and have the post-nasal drip cough. Corwin's started last Friday, and I started giving him his Aerius. Clara's kicked in on Monday, and I think she has a bit of a cold, too. And Hubby's have started. By Wednesday, I was basically threatening divorce unless he got some allergy medication and started (not to mention continued) taking it because I can't deal with his itchy, sneezy grumpiness anymore!!! You'll be happy to know that he got himself some Aerius that night.

Flute choir is going well. We played in the Kiwanis Festival, but in a non-competitive class. There was one other flute choir in the class, and the adjudicator gave us both very good comments and feedback. Waverley (our conductor) told us afterwards that she thought we played much better than the other group, and that the comment about watching our tuning in the first piece was just so the adjudicator had something to say, because we were bang on. I'm not so sure she isn't a bit biased, but I think we had an awesome performance. The most interesting thing is that I didn't feel like I was going to throw up, and also wasn't tremendously nervous during. I didn't even start shaking, which is a first. Maybe I'm conquering the performance anxiety? Or maybe because there are eight players, I feel less exposed? Whatever it is, I'll take it!

Choir is overall going well, with a few little moments. Most notably is that a woman who used to be in the choir returned (she was before my time), and she is a second soprano. Gordon wanted her next to me, with Raindrop on her other side. When I asked where he was going to put Annie (very long story, but she ended up being between Raindrop and I for the concerts because Gordon needed Raindrop more in the middle since another strong second was away for the concerts. Annie gets frustrated easily, bitches about stuff during rehearsal, and often doesn't sing. She is on my right, with no one on my left. This is not so easy). Anyway, Gordon said to put Annie on the end, because she couldn't even bother coming to rehearsals. Fine. That was two weeks ago, and Annie hadn't come to practice or church since Easter. She showed up that Sunday, and got all huffy when I said she had moved to my left, and wouldn't stand there. I told her to talk to Gordon. Well, guess who got to stay where she wanted because otherwise there would have been a big fucking tantrum? Not me, that's for sure. The interesting thing is that since I was playing the flute for the communion motet at the back of the church, Annie ended up on the end. And she hissy fitted about that and went to stand at the other end because she doesn't like standing too close to one of the basses because "he creeps her out" (nevermind that he is in his late 50's at least, extremely round, walks with a cane, and has wicked asthma/emphysema - what the hell? Does she think he's going to attack her or something?). Last Thursday, Gordon was away, but Annie didn't come to rehearsal (keep in mind, the only time we've seen her since Easter was that Sunday), and I was away on Sunday (she wasn't there then, either). Well, she showed up last night. So there is me, on the end, with Annie to my right, then the returning woman, then Raindrop, and two others. The first sopranos were in front, but clumped together to the right, starting in front of Raindrop. So . . . I couldn't hear ANYTHING but basses, and occasionally Bugle Boy (which is nice, but since he's a tenor, not so helpful). I actually got teary at one point and had to disguise it a a sneeze, because I was so ridiculously frustrated. And then Annie starts freaking out about two of the pieces ("We're going too fast. I've never seen them before. How am I supposed to do this? I can't do this." Etc Etc Etc). So she's not fucking singing. And I am on my own, singing my ass off in this one really wicked piece that I LOVE because even though I'm a second, we have our own line in it, and it's not just about being the harmony to the firsts. And I have worked really hard on it, but have no one and I mean NO ONE to blend with because I CAN'T FUCKING HEAR ANYTHING!!!!!!! Yeah, I'm a little frustrated. I can deal with it for the next five weeks, because then choir is out for the summer, but Gordon needs to do something about it for the fall. Oh, and to add insult to injury, the seconds have to sing the stupid alto line in one of the pieces (that I know very well). I don't mind the divisi at one part, because it helps the altos a bit, and the split could go either way. But the last three bars? It's clearly alto and I'm really not happy. (side note to say to Beck that if you comment here about how you'd love to be an alto and I'm just complaining, I may have to kill you! :)

Wow, I think I may have a little bit of anger that I haven't been expressing very well - I'm actually shaking at the moment. Now I'm off to register Corwin and Clara for a week of day camp for July, and then I'm going to get my hair cut. Unfortunately, my stylist didn't have time for a cut and colour, so I guess I'll have to do some home colour myself.

Belated Blogiversary

2008-04-22T08:56:00.002-04:00

Wow, time flies. I have been blogging since March 6, 2006. Happy blogiversary to me!!

Overwhelmed!

2008-04-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

So currently my house is a complete disaster. I need to rearrange the living room to the warm weather configuration, which allows better views outside and also allows the window to be opened more easily. The front entrance gets piles of grit and sand on a daily basis - I spend all my time sweeping and vacuuming. I want to switch to the sisal area rug but am worried that the wet and muddy portion of spring is still to come. The family room furniture needs the slipcovers changed, but I have yet to wash them (I hate washing them in the winter because they have to hang to dry and I hate having them hanging all over the place!). And the laundry . . . . oh the laundry. There are piles that need to be folded, and a couple more loads to do. I got backlogged a few weeks ago when the washing machine needed a minor repair (it wasn't agitating properly, but at least it was spinning and draining). I had almost gotten caught up when fuck if the dryer didn't go on the fritz! Thankfully it was a minor part (a fuse), but still - an $18 part that cost $130 by the time the labour was added in - highway robbery!

The worst is that I worked 11-5 yesterday, and we had in-law brunch today to celebrate my MIL's birthday. And I am working 2-6 today. How much laundry folding am I going to have the energy for this evening? Not much. Tomorrow is dentist for Corwin, Clara and me, and Tuesday is new car day (yay!!!!!). I'm just tired. I want a vacation. Or a spa day - that could work. Well, better go get changed into my bear building clothing and go make some kids happy.

And My Door Really Is Red

2008-04-19T23:06:00.002-04:00

What Your Front Door Says

You are bold, brave, and easily excited.

You are passionate about what you believe.

And you're never afraid to tell people exactly what you think.

You're picky and particular. It's sometimes hard to meet your standards.

The Front Door Test

As seen at Maggie May's

Sounds Like I Had A Good Time!!!

2008-04-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

Haiku² for just-jump-in
really couldn't put on pants and really couldn't put on pants
@

Created by Grahame

Ummm . . . Maybe Because I AM Canadian?

2008-04-09T23:03:00.001-04:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: North Central "North Central" is what professional linguists call the Minnesota accent. If you saw "Fargo" you probably didn't think the characters sounded very out of the ordinary. Outsiders probably mistake you for a Canadian a lot.
The West
Boston
The Midland
The Inland North
The Northeast
Philadelphia
The South
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Stolen from Luckybuzz, as usual.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

2008-04-07T09:03:00.003-04:00

It's the last before the big 4-0, so a celebration is in order. As I have been AWOL for almost a month, a few RBOC to catch up . . .

The three concert plus many rehearsal schedule for the Requiem was gruelling, but I made it through. The highlight (for me) was the descant that the second sopranos had in one movement, which basically was Raindrop and I singing it loud enough to be heard.
After the Friday night concert (it was Good Friday), a whole bunch of us went to what is now known as "The Church Bar". Newfie Postdoc (NP for short) brought her boyfriend so we got to check him out. (BTW, NP is the new soprano who started in the fall - you know, the first soprano! I got over the pout).
In the middle of the night, I woke up with a very swollen gland on the right side of my throat and a bit of a sore throat. Water and Advil helped.
I was really tired the next day. I had to pick my parents up at the airport at 9. They were tired and tanned. They dropped me off at home and we were back to being a one car family. We had a big gathering at Aunt Kit's boyfriend's house for a late lunch/early dinner. There were 15 of us. It was really nice, but I was really tired. And then I had Easter vigil at 7:30.
Easter Vigil was quiet, but this year the incense was really smoky and the smoke lingered in the choir stalls. Afterwards, I took Diva grocery shopping and we had fun chatting about men and various recipe ideas. My throat was pretty swollen, all glands seemed to be up.
The Easter bunny made it to our house. Due to the snow, he hid the eggs inside :) The hunt occurred at 6:58 am. Church was good, then we went to my in-laws for lunch. We came home and changed, the kids played a bit, then we went to my parents' place for dinner (I had to take stuff out of the freezer on the Thurs so it could thaw in time - my mom is ridiculously organized!!!). I went to bed early.
I finally admitted to myself that I was getting a bit sick. I liberally used Vick's and seriously wondered if I was getting pneumonia. Finally got my inhaler prescription refilled and started feeling better. Although I also had a bit of laryngitis.
Car shopping continued. Hubby? Cannot play the game. He gets all stressed out and acts miserable. So . . . I went by myself last Monday to get final prices on the Toyota Rav4 (the Matrix is awesome, but my guitar will not fit in the back without the seats down - it would be an ideal second car) and the Subaru Forester. The Forester won - better price, both overall and insurance-wise. No heated seats (bummer!!), and the only thing it doesn't have that I really wanted is an auxilliary outlet for my iPod. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use my FM transmitter. We even got the colour we wanted, and it should arrive next week sometime.
Corwin and Clara had their first communion and confirmation yesterday (in the Catholic church). Eeeesh. The religion classes were all done at school - it is a grade two thing in Catholic school. Some kids don't do the sacrament because they don't go to Catholic church, and some do it at their own parish if they go somewhere different than the one affiliated with the school. Corwin was really annoyed last year that he didn't get to have "the bread" during mass at school, when he gets to at our church. Welcome to the confusion between Anglican and Catholic - two religions that are pretty much the same. So . . . they did the sacrament, and we will continue going to St John's (because really, catholics don't sing - even Corwin thinks that the music is much better at St John's with Gordon and the organ and harp, etc, rather than the one guy with the guitar!)
Now I am waiting for the cable/phone guy - they came on Sat to install Rogers homephone, but he didn't screw the jack into the wall properly so my phone crackles. I hope he gets here soon - my parents are picking me up to go for lunch to celebrate my Dad's and my birthdays - I was the non-returnable gift!!!

A New Addiction

2008-03-19T00:23:00.002-04:00

This one is slightly twisted. You all know about my enjoyment of Facebook (okay, okay, we'll call it what it really is - my obsession with Facebook). There are several applications that I particularly like. Scrabulous is one, Scramble (basically Boggle) is another. But lately I log in frequently (ummm . . . constantly) to see how much I'm worth, and which of my friends I still own. Friends for Sale is a little creepy if you really think about it. And some woman in Sweden is pissing me off because she keeps buying PoD away from me. But the twisted part is how ridiculously happy I am that he keeps buying me whenever anyone else "owns" me. Huh . . . who would've guessed that I'd enjoy being a "kept woman"?

For Those With Nothing Else To Do

2008-03-11T15:07:00.002-04:00

Boomshine.

Clear your schedule. And play your scrabulous moves first - I don't want to be left hanging!

Roar!!!!

2008-03-10T09:14:00.009-04:00

March has certainly come in like a lion, but the going out like a lamb part might be in question. A reassuring quote from Environment Canada's senior climatologist:

Even the official arrival of spring on March 20 doesn't guarantee relief, Phillips gloomily added, citing Environment Canada projections.

"We're showing colder-than-normal conditions for the spring period," he explained, "It doesn't mean every day is going to be like that, but it means the flavour of the personality of the next three months should represent cooler conditions."

"I'm probably not going to put away my snow shovel until the long weekend in May," he said.

Here are some lovely photos from this weekend. We got 53 cm of snow in 36 hours. That's 20.9 inches - almost two feet!! If you live somewhere warm (LB, Ash, Trixie, LGS), I may just show up on your doorstep soon!!!

That is an eight foot fence!

View of the drifts from the second floor.

Shovelling out my dad's vehicle (which I am SO happy
to have while they're in Mexico - four wheel drive
came in very handy!!!)

Somewhere in there is my azalea and my
rhododendron.

This is the view from the porch. Similar to the
previous shot, but shows that my four foot fence is
mostly buried!

Getting into the backyard is more than a little challenging.
That's the door to the garage and the side gate.

(yes, I know I've been incredibly boring with all the weather posts but seriously, it has been a little consuming!! I promise that I have a non-weather post coming up!)

I Wonder What Made Me Choose These . . .

2008-03-07T11:35:00.001-05:00

Maybe that tulips just scream "SPRING"?

What These Tulips Say About You

You are very popular and universally admired.

You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily.

You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

See at the lovely Lina's

Tag I'm It!

2008-03-06T09:19:00.004-05:00

Luckybuzz tagged me a few days ago so here you have it . . .

1. I can’t believe I’ve never… joined the mile high club.

2. Every time I think about …my psychotic behaviour before my 30th birthday, I still cringe.
(Keeping in mind that I was dealing with infertility and turning 30. On my actual b-day, Hubby's best friend from childhood called. She didn't wish me a happy b-day, but announced that she was pregnant. It wasn't pretty)

3. I wish I’d … chosen to build the Valecraft home when I had the chance.

4. I’ve never felt so out of place as when I… worked in the mailroom at BNR (a former subsidiary of Nortel).

5. Dill pickle chips and home decor shows (also Restaurant Makeover) … is/are my guiltiest pleasure.

6. I hope … my parents know how grateful I am for … everything they have done and still do for me (support, education, love, etc)

7. In my darkest hours, I secretly blame … for my dysfunction.
Ummm . . . I don't so much think I'm dysfunctional. Which probably means I really am, huh?

8. Moving to Kanata for my last year of high school … changed my life forever.
(It was bad at the time, but it changed things for the better because of what followed - what university I went to, meeting Hubby at that university, etc)

The tagging part - if you read it and want to do it, consider yourself tagged.

Yet Another Snow Day

2008-03-05T10:41:00.005-05:00

Seriously, this is getting tedious. The buses were cancelled on Monday because we had freezing rain overnight. By 8:30, all main roads were cleared and salted/sanded, plus the temperature was climbing so everything was melting. I took the kids to school, then went to spend some time with Kat. She's doing well, but very, very bored!!!

Today, we have received a whack of snow, and then ice pellets, and we're getting more snow throughout the day. We anticipate about a foot in total by the time it's done. I was scheduled to work at the stuffed animal place at 10:30, so I got the kids to school and came home to get ready. Well, I got stuck on our street. Boss Lady's husband happened to pull in right behind me and gave me a push. How happy was I to get the message that I didn't need to go to work because the roads were too bad, and no one was likely to be shopping anyway? Since the kids are already at school . . . . I'm leaving them there. Besides, as Corwin was begging to stay home this morning, Clara announced in a very bossy voice "Well, I'm going! It's Beach Day today and I'm NOT missing it!!!" Too funny!

In other news, our vehicle lease is up at the end of April and we have been trying to decided whether to buy it out, or get something else. We currently have a Ford Freestyle (this model is now called the Ford Taurus XL or XE or something). It is NOT a van, but has 6 seats and cargo space. We needed the extra seating for trips to Oakville - Jazz dog needed somewhere to sit, too. But now that my parents live here, we can probably get something smaller, and cheaper, and better on gas. (and maybe, just maybe, we can get a second car next year or the year after!). So . . . I'm playing on the car manufacturer's websites, building and pricing and comparing. Apparently I shouldn't look for a vehicle in the winter, though - I don't give a crap about any other features, but I am desperately trying to include heated seats!!!!

20 Days (but who's counting?)

2008-03-01T12:51:00.003-05:00

Spring officially begins on the twentieth of this month with the spring equinox. Here is the lovely picture on my calendar for this month:

How lovely, how green! Of course, this is the view from my front door yet again. To get the complete scenario, please imagine the thrum of several snowblowers as background noise. We got another 15 cm last night. Things are looking up though - freezing rain in the forecast for Monday (yes, that last bit is dripping with sarcasm)

RBOC - the Holy Crap Edition

2008-02-29T14:49:00.002-05:00

Until my music therapy practice builds up a bit more, I have started another part time job. I love working with Boss Lady doing decor, but it isn't consistent. I will still be doing that, but have added the job title of "Builder of Bears" to my resume. Yep, I'm working for that company which specializes in custom stuffed animals made at retail locations. It's flexible and they need more people for daytime, less for evenings and weekends which suits me fine. I've worked two shifts and even though the money isn't great, at least it's fun.
So speaking of the music therapy practice. I have a proposal to make to the school board for which I currently provide 1.5 contract hours/week. I e-mailed the correct person (after consulting with the education assistants at the two schools I go to), and have been waiting to hear from him. Well, he called today to say he is interested in hearing my proposal. We're in phone tag mode at the moment, but keep your fingers crossed!!!!!!!
My sister-in-law, Kat, suffered 3rd degree burns to her thighs and groin on Monday. She has no idea how it happened, but she managed to drop her entire cup of tea in her lap before she even had a sip. Frogman (her boyfriend/basically husband) was all ready to drive her to the hospital until they realized that she really couldn't put on pants, and really couldn't go out with a bare ass! They called the ambulance (smart move - it was rush hour, and they took her to the correct hospital with the burn unit). She's home, and will be at least until March 17th. I called her this morning to see if she wanted me to bring her some lunch, and she was really weepy. Turns out she had asked her parents to come over yesterday to help her (she can't move around very well and she's pretty sore), but they said they were too busy. They're fucking retired!!!!!!!! OMG!!!! Seriously, I have no idea what the hell is wrong with my in-laws. Anyway, her mom was going today. I did drop over and bring her some books and DVDs and the travel DVD player (in case she wants to stay in bed but is too tired to concentrate on a book). Also some tulips, which I put in her bedroom, and a little plant arrangement, as well as some homemade soup for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow.
We're getting MORE snow overnight. Like we need it, right? Is it spring yet? Oh, and freezing rain is forecast for Monday - yay.

Ten Things I Miss About Miami

2008-02-21T08:58:00.004-05:00

If you look at my Weather Pixie and see the temperature (currently -20 Celsius), you'll understand why I'm doing this post!

1. The hot and sour soup from Lotus Garden on LeJeune. There is other hot and sour soup that I like, but none compares to this. It's especially sad when I get sick and crave it - I used to eat it every time I was sick with tonsillitis, which was about every 6 weeks in my second year of my master's.

2. Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

3. The Venetian Pool, which was just around the corner from my apartment. Especially during the "winter" months, when very few native Floridians would be there.

4. My Monday night routine, which included chillin' in front of the tv and take out dinner from Pollo Tropical. I would always get the 1/4 chicken with black beans and rice (with the lime), and an order of maduros - fried plaintains. Mmmmmm.

5. The Car Wash, on South Dixie Highway. Seriously, I have never experienced anything like this anywhere else (even in other warm climates). People would even go here for first dates. Read the review.

6. The Biltmore Hotel. I only stayed there once, when I was defending my thesis, but I loved seeing it every day. It was also in my neighbourhood. I love the tower and the red tiled roof. After Hurricane Andrew, it was kind of a beacon at night, as they had power and my street was in a block of homes that did not.

7. South Beach. The whole art deco steetscape, the nightlife, the News Cafe, the hustle and bustle right next to the beach. And this little flower wholesaler that my friend Golden Boy introduced me to. I used to get huge ginger blossoms and birds of paradise, or lilies, or roses . . . dirt cheap.

8. Cocowalk in Coconut Grove. This was a favourite place to go to a movie. The best idea was to go to a double feature - we'd buy tickets for two movies, with a good chunk of time in between. Then we would go sit at Fat Tuesdays and drink slushy alcoholic beverages while overlooking the courtyard of Cocowalk. And we would be the "fashion police". Really, Miami has a mishmash of people, and there is always some sort of fashion disaster happening on a Friday night!

9. Sushi. There were several places I liked to go, and all of them had amazingly fresh fish!!!

10. Friends. Most have left Miami now - one in Germany, one in NY, one in NC, one in Chicago, several I have lost touch with. And Golden Boy, who died on June 4, 1994. The fact that none of them are there anymore makes me think that Miami would just be less than I remember without them there.

Yet Another Meme (stolen from a random blog)

2008-02-18T20:39:00.001-05:00

60 Things You Possibly Didn't Know About Me

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
Two booster seats, and two striped polar fleece blankets

2. When was the last time you threw up?
In Meriden, CT at the New England Regional conference in March 2006. Corwin had a 24 hour flu before I left and I thought nothing of it. Until I was lying on the bathroom floor, feeling like death. Bonus? Hubby was back home, doing the same thing with the added joy of parenting 2 five year olds!

3. What's your favorite curse word?
Shit is popular.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Corwin, Clara, Lina (she commented on the previous post and her comment made me laugh!

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
trying to get Corwin to brush his teeth and get dressed

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Getting the kids ready for the Beaver campfire.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Hopefully, watching Restaurant Makeover (I am SO addicted!!)

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Nope

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Hurry up and get in the car! Buckle in or you'll be late!!

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
By brand:
Ben & Jerry's - Chubby Hubby
Haagen Daz - Deep Chocolate Peanut Butter (which I don't think they even make anymore). Coffee.
Baskin Robbins - Jamocha Almond Fudge. Daiquiri Ice.
Piccolo Grande Gelato - Bacci
President's Choice - Candy Cane Crackle (only available at Christmas)

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water. How un-exciting!

12. What are you wearing right now?
Pink flannel lounge pants, pink long sleeved t-shirt, bare feet

13. What was the last thing you ate?
Bowl of chili with a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Oh, and a banana.

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Nope

15. When was the last time you ran?
When I was late for a flight.

16. What's the last sporting event you watched?
Some show jumping from Spruce Meadows (found while channel surfing). The kids' soccer games last summer.

18. Who is the last person you emailed?
Senate Woman and my dad.

19. Ever go camping?
Not if I can help it!!! Last time I slept in a tent was at the camp reunion in 2005. Before that, it was when I attended the camp - last year was when I was 16!

20. Do you have a tan?
Ummm, it's Feb. I live in Ottawa. I currently have the skin tone of the underside of a dead fish.

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Not usually. And I don't often drink soda anyway.

25. What did your last IM say?
Beats me, I don't often IM.

26. Are you someone's best friend?
Yes.

27. What are you doing tomorrow?
Getting the kids off to school (yay!!!!!!!!! They were off today, and they have a PD Day on Friday so it's a short week for them, but a LONG one for me!). Getting a proposal off to another potential client. Voice lesson for me. Taking Clara to violin. Flute rehearsal in the evening. Oh, and Parish Council before flute (I may actually have to miss flute because it may be a crazy PC meeting)

28. Where is your mom right now?
At home, probably cleaning something!

29. Look to your left, what do you see?
A laundry rack with drying clothes. A wall.

30. What color is your watch?
Gold Gucci bracelet style. It has changeable bezels, which I haven't bothered to do in years. Hmmm, maybe I'll do that tomorrow and be exciting. (hmm, I wonder where the box with the bezels is?)

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
Ayers Rock. It was the most amazing place I have ever been. And Nick Dowson ,the cutest concierge a girl could possibly hope to go clubbing with while in Cairns.

32. Would you consider plastic surgery?
Probably not

33. What is your birthstone?
Diamond

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
Depends.

35.How many kids do you want?
Sometimes the two I have are too much, so we'll just stop there!!!!

36. Do you have a dog?
Absolutely. Miss Jazz is getting more and more spoiled in her old age.

37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Hubby.

38. Have you met anyone famous?
Ben Heppner, Jann Arden, Yo-Yo Ma (if you can count my squeaked out hello when he said hi to me as meeting!), several ballet dancers from the National Ballet of Canada, C David Johnson (who was on Street Legal, my fave Canadian show in the late 80's/early 90's). I also sat behind Gary Busey on a flight from LA to Toronto. He was a complete jackass.

39. Any plans today?
Well, it's almost 7 so . . . tidying up, getting the kids into bed when they come home, and chilling out with Hubby (hopefully watching the aforementioned Restaurant Makeover!)

40. How many states have you lived in?
Two. And Three provinces (I am Canadian!)

41. Ever go to college?
Yep. And grad school - got the Master's, decided to stop there.

42. Where are you right now?
In my sitting room off the master bedroom.

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Snow - too much of it. Followed by rain - too much of it!

44. Last song listened to?
Over You - Chris Daughtry

46. Are you allergic to anything?
Cigarette smoke, mould.
And penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin. Yeah, it's really fun when I get sick and need antibiotics!

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Black short boots with 3" heels.

48. Are you jealous of anyone?
Pretty much anyone who can get up and sing or perform with confidence and without feeling that they may die of terror.

50. Is anyone jealous of you?
I doubt it!

51. What time is it?
6:54 pm

52. Do any of your friends have children?
Lots

53. Do you eat healthy?
I try to. However, if you refer back to question 10 you'll see that I have tendencies to slip!

54. What do you usually do during the day?
Depends on the day! Take care of the kids, laundry (I think I do this every day!), vacuum (I usually try to do this every day), see clients, practice flute and singing, have rehearsals, do decor work, cook . . . and the list goes on. Oh, there's also the blogging, the blog-reading, and the Facebooking!

55. Do you hate anyone right now?
No. I'm not even really annoyed at anyone at the moment.

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
I think so.

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
39. Which I will gloat over for the next year as Hubby turns the big Four-Oh in June!!!

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yes, in Georgia.

60. How did you get one of your scars?
The c-section is kinda boring so I'll go with the one on my right bicep. I was 8 or 9 and was climbing a fence into a paddock to see a horse. I wasn't supposed to be there. When I saw someone coming, I climbed up partway and vaulted over the fence. It was one of those green-coated chain link fences and one of the ends was apparently sticking out.

I Am A Terrible Mother

2008-02-18T08:11:00.002-05:00

Clara came to see me this morning, saying in a sad voice "the tooth fairy forgot to come. There's no money and the tooth is still there". Oh Crap!!!!!!!!!

She lost her fifth tooth yesterday, a really big deal because Corwin has been first to lose every other tooth so far. We got it all ready and of course the tooth fairy had the money ready, but since she worked doing decor on Saturday, including takedown until 4:20 am, and had 2.5 hours of sleep before singing a solo at church, and then went to bed early, it's not surprising that the tooth fairy forgot. Clara said "I guess she forgot", but I reminded her that we were having really wicked rain and freezing rain last night, and that it would be really hard for her to fly in that. Clara brightened up at that and said "She'll just come tonight". Whew! Future therapy avoided :)

Oh Look!

2008-02-15T09:03:00.002-05:00

It's snowing again. These pictures aren't grainy - those are flurries swirling around. Because obviously we haven't had enough snow. I guess I'll be doing some shovelling.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T13:43:00.006-05:00

Did I mention that I decorate for most holidays and events? So, here's a little snapshot into the life and times of Canada at Valentine's. Bonus shot of the insane amount of snow is included.

Sunny Valentine's Day.
Can't see the red front door because of the snow!!!

Flowers from Hubby (awww!) and Webkinz "Love Frogs"
for Corwin and Clara from my parents

The little lump behind the vase?
One of about a dozen red glass hearts.

View of flowers from above

The sideboard in the dining room,
with heart garlands in the glass jars

The kitchen table. Glass heart hanging from the chandelier,
cinnamon hearts in the bottom of the candleholders.

Kitchen sideboard, with lots of cinnamon hearts
in glass hurricane jars

Valentine's mantel, complete with kissing cherubs.

Is It Spring Yet?

2008-02-13T23:10:00.004-05:00

I can't get warm. Monday was a -37 windchill. Tuesday wasn't much better. And today? Today we got more flippin' snow. My back hurts because I twisted funny trying to shovel my way out and the snowbanks are too high. Hubby does the snowblower stuff (the best hand-me-down EVER from my parents), and he was obviously at work at the time. I gave up and just shovelled half the driveway onto the other side for Hubby to do when he got home. And guess what? More snow forecast for tomorrow night and Friday. I will take and post pictures of the insane amount of white stuff. So far this winter, we have gotten 283.9 cm of snow (that's 111.8 inches). Can I go hibernate now?

Mmm Hmmm

2008-02-09T11:36:00.000-05:00


		Your time of day has a split personality -- sometimes it's sweat-streaked and loud, and you're on the dance floor, getting your third wind, and shouting lyrics like you'll never run out of energy. You are the time of night that carves itself into your memory forever, because you'll never forget how much you love these people and this moment and this song. It's not always about unforgettable parties, though. Sometimes your late night (err… early morning) burst of energy happens when you're home alone. Those are the times when you say, "I flat out refuse to go to sleep until I finish reading this book, or typing this page, or reorganizing my entire closet." In either case, you are the time of night when it feels sort of forbidden to be awake, but you love accomplishing something special long after everyone else went to bed. And hey -- you can always catch up on sleep tomorrow, right?

From both Luckybuzz and Maggie May , who are both much later in the morning than I am.

I Think I Even Managed To Sound Intelligent!

2008-01-28T13:33:00.001-05:00

I just finished my phone consultation with the Handsome British Researcher. I had submitted some questions in the past couple of weeks, and he rang me promptly at 12:30. I was very nervous, thinking "I submitted 5 questions, what if they get answered in 15 minutes and then I have nothing to say?". I needn't have worried. My questions were apparently sound, and they led to more discussion of research and also clinical practice. I have 5 pages of notes, and he is sending me a few journal articles by e-mail. HBR also told me that if I get a study designed, and have it looked at by the people he suggested (music therapists who do research, the Educational Board that I will be conducting the study under, etc), he will also be happy to look at the study before it is implemented (after August - he's swamped until then).

Dude, did I just agree to do a study? Am I actually going to get brave and do research? Apparently I am! (how can I not after HBR told me that he thought it was wonderful that I was so motivated?) And I actually have a potential idea for a study floating around in my brain. I just need to clarify it on paper. I guess I'll be doing some in-depth reading of journals (Journal of Music Therapy, Perspectives in Music Therapy, British Journal of Music Therapy, etc) in the months to come.

If I Was REALLY Hungry . . .

2008-01-24T15:33:00.000-05:00

You're safer around me than Dr Brazen Hussy, but your best bet is to hang with Luckybuzz.

43%

A High School Meme

2008-01-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know I just did a meme, but this is stolen from Beck's FB notes, and it looked fun so . . . . here it goes!

Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be. (I have taken the liberty of including some info from my gr 12 year as well as my gr 13, since we moved to a new city for gr 13)

1. Who was your best friend(s)?
In gr 12: Bev, Kirst, Laurie, Chris, Karim and Sanj. Gr 13: Jane and Tania

2.What sports did you play?
sports? What are those? I was in concert band and a couple of ensembles (ensembles were in gr 11 & 12)

3. It's Friday night, where were you?
Working at Black's Cameras in the Hazeldean Mall

4. Were you a partier?
Umm, no.

5. Were you considered a flirt?
Apparently yes, though apparently it's just my personality.

6. Ever skip school?
Only a couple of times

7. Were you a nerd?
No

8. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Definitely not!!!!!!

9. Can you sing the fight song?
Did we have one?

10. Who was your favorite teacher?
In gr 12, Mr Gillespie, the music teacher. In gr 13, at the new school, I HATED the music teacher (he was a total idiot who wore a beret!!!). In gr 13, I liked Mrs Connelly and Miss Cover (both English)

11. Favorite class?
gr 13 - Independent Study (music). And English - Creative Writing
gr 12 - music. And English

12. What was your school's full name?
Up until gr 12 - North Park Secondary School
gr 13 - Earl of March Secondary School

13. School mascot?
North Park - teams were Vikings, don't recall a mascot
EoM - some Lion

14. Did you go to Prom?
I went to Grad, both gr 12 and gr 13. Gr 12 was amazing, downtown Toronto at the Hilton Harbourcastle. I had 2 dates, Karim & Stuart. I had pics taken after grad on the subway vents outside of Toronto city hall a la Marilyn Monroe. Gr 13 was at Ottawa's Chateau Laurier. EoM had stupid rules, like you could only go as couples and had to pick tables ahead of time. I had a boyfriend, but Jane got set up by another friend with a friend of her boyfriend who was quite a little jerk. The fire alarm went off during the evening.

15. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
I would absolutely go back to North Park. Aside from Jane and Tania and a very few other things, gr 13 was the worst year of my life.

16. What do you remember most about graduation?
Well, convocation is in November, so I came back from university to Kanata (where I no longer lived - my parents had moved to Atlanta), got my diploma and broke up with Clint (Hubby and I were already dating). That was pretty memorable.

17. Favorite memory of your Senior Year?
Too many to count from gr 12, and nothing stands out for grade 13!

18. Where were you on senior skip day?
Did we have those?

19.Did you have a job your senior year?
gr 12 - at the Brass Touch (I hate all things brass now)
gr 13 - Black's Cameras. It was a great place to work.

20. Where did you go most often for lunch?
home - I could walk.

21. Have you gained weight since then?
Hello, I'm pushing 40. Of course!! (though not the freshman 15 in first year)

22. What did you do after graduation?
Undergrad, Master's, marriage, internship, work, kids, work . . .

23. When did you graduate?
1987

24. Who was your Senior prom date?
gr 12 - Karim (& Stuart) - neither of whom I was dating (but Karim got me the corsage and I got him the boutinniere)
gr 13 - Clint, my boyfriend at the time

25. Are you going to your 10 year reunion?
Oh, we are so far past 10. And no, I didn't go. But I am trying to organize a music alumni reunion from North Park for this summer.

26. Who was your home room teacher?
Gr 12 - Mr Gillespie.
Gr 13 - Beats the hell out of me - EoM was weird, you didn't have any classes with that teacher. Useless waste of time to send you somewhere for 10 minutes, then move around again.

27. Who was President of your class?
Beats me!

Decadent

2008-01-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, you're entitled to a lazy day. With all the client shifting in the schedule, I now have nothing until 2:55 every other Wed. This is that day. I could be really responsible and clean the linen closet or something, but that doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Instead, I am going to get groceries now, come home and put them away, and then take myself to the 10:40 showing of Juno. I have heard many mixed reviews and I want to see it for myself. I could wait until it comes out on video, but I'm here, the movie is playing, and the popcorn beckons so . . . . off I go.

As a quick footnote, Weasley and I went to a movie on Monday evening. We saw Mad Money. It was really entertaining, and I would see it again. There's a bit of everything - suspense, drama, and a lot of laughs.

My First Meme of 2008

2008-01-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

I'm sure there will be many more. Seen at Dr Brazen Hussy's and Luckybuzz's.

The bold is yes, obviously. And number 12? I have no idea.

1. Father went to college
2. Father finished college
3. Mother went to college
4. Mother finished college
5. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor
6. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers.
7. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
8. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home.
9. Were read children’s books by a parent
10. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18
11. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18
12. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed
13. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
14. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs
15. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs (and grad school)
16. Went to a private high school (no, but I did for grades 6-8)
17. Went to summer camp
18. Had a private tutor before you turned 18
19. Family vacations involved staying at hotels
20. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18
21. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them (it wasn't new, though. Well, the first one wasn't)
22. There was original art in your house when you were a child (more like starving artist oil paintings of nature and ocean scenes than Monet or Picasso)
23. You and your family lived in a single-family house (from grade 6 on)
24. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home
25. You had your own room as a child (I'm an only child)
27. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course (we don't have SATs in Canada)
28. Had your own TV in your room in high school
29. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college
30. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16
31. Went on a cruise with your family
32. Went on more than one cruise with your family
33. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up (some museums, and lots of ballet, theatre, and symphony performances)
34. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family

Red Wine, Weird Dreams

2008-01-22T08:59:00.001-05:00

On Saturday night, Hubby and I went out (together! no kids!) to celebrate his sister Kit's fiftieth birthday. It was a surprise party at an Italian restaurant with thirteen of us in attendance. His other sister, Kat, and her boyfriend, Frogman, drove with us. We arrived early to put up a few decorations. We all had a beer once we were done decorating, and were waiting for everyone else. Kat and Frogman each had a second beer, and then Frogman and I decided to share wine with dinner. Hubby doesn't drink much, and he can't do wine at all anymore (age! Seriously, though, the sulfites and tannins make him very ill even with half a glass), and Kat was at the next table, sticking with beer. It was a lovely red, not too tannin-y, and it paired nicely with our appetizers. By the time the main course arrived, the wine was gone, so we got a second bottle. I was a little worried about singing the next day because, even though I was not drunk, just feeling a little happy buzz, wine has been giving me pretty wicked hangovers lately (just dehydrated and headachey). Oh well, that's what Advil's for, right?

Sunday morning dawned peacefully (Corwin and Clara had slept over at my parents' place), and Hubby and I headed to church - me with coffee only, no need for Advil. I'm calling the restaurant to get the name of that wine because it was lovely, and so was the lack of headache!! I did have weird dreams, though. Allow me to elaborate, but first a little background info. Do you recall the panic I had back in November about winning the bid for the research consultation with Handsome British Researcher? Well, I finally sent him some questions, and a got a reply asking for my phone number and a time for him to call me. I sent the info, and another question, but have been trying to think of something else to send (sadly, I go blank when I think of trying to sound smart enough to have this conversation with him. Again, what was I thinking when I bid on this?). So that's been on my mind, as has the fact that he wort of reminds me of Alan Rickman (not as Snape, but my crush has finally transferred so that I have a little Snape crush going on too. Sad). So this dream . . . .

For some reason, it started with Handsome British Reasearcher (HBR) getting ready to fly to North Carolina (why, I have no idea. He works in England for his practice, and spends a lot of time in Denmark, where he teaches at the University of Aalborg). Anyway, I was to be ready with my questions so we could have our consultation before he left. Then I was at the summer camp that my children went to, with Bugle Boy helping me to look for a lost blanket/towel/sweater of a little girl. Her father was waiting. It turned out that she was missing (or had died) and her father just wanted this item she had lost. I think we found it, but I was tearing up and Bugle Boy asked if I was okay and I thanked him for helping, but didn't actually cry. And then I had to hurry to meet HBR, because he was picking me up in his green Range Rover so we could have the consult as he was driving to the airport. Alan Rickman/HBR picked me up and then we drove and drove and drove on these windy roads over gently rolling hills that climbed higher and higher and looked much more like New Zealand (as seen in Lord of the Rings) than England, or North Carolina. Weird, very weird.

I think it must have been the wine. And I am obviously very nervous about this phone consult, which may happen next Monday. Oh My God!

Pathetic

2008-01-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I watched the last 40 min if Stepmom on tv. Big mistake. Now, I am stuffy and have a headache from crying, and I'm sure my eyes are puffy, too. Why do I do these things when I know I will sob my heart out?

Did I mention I saw Atonement a couple of weeks ago? And wore mascara? I mean, really, what was I thinking?

The Accidental Diva

2008-01-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

You'd think, that with the whole performance anxiety thing, I would choose more subdued pieces to perform. Well, the Pie Jesu from Faure's Requiem probably fits that description, and the Italian piece that I hated so intensely wasn't my choice, nor was it very common so therefore if I screwed up, it wouldn't be as noticeable.

So what am I thinking, convincing AVT that I want to sing Un bel di vedremo from Puccini's Madama Butterfly? And jumping at the chance to try the soprano part in the duet Sous le dome epais (The Flower Duet) from Lakme, by Delibes. If that isn't recognizable, it just means that people haven't been watching British Airways commercials. I think it has even been used for Whirlpool or another dishwasher/washing machine commercial, too. I think the two extremes of my personality are fighting it out, and the diva side is currently winning!

A Few Of My NOT Favourite Things

2008-01-18T09:08:00.000-05:00

(to the tune of "My Favourite Things")

Children who whine and fight with each other
Corwin who doesn't listen to his mother
Dalmatians that wake me at 6 for a treat
These are a few of my not favourite things.

Wet boots and mitts, snow melting in puddles
Soaking wet socks, everything in a muddle
The musty and stagnant smell lingering
These are a few of my not favourite things.

Husbands in snitty moods, in-laws with attitude
Damn telemarketers and people being rude
Drivers that change lanes without signaling
These are a few of my not favourite things.

When the doors slam
When there's yelling
When there's crying, too
I simply remember the wine in the fridge
So I don't start feeling blue!!!!

(Okay, not the best scansion and lyrics, but not bad for a morning bitch session)

Not Quite What I Expected

2008-01-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

Somehow, last March, I found myself agreeing to be on parish council. (I still place most of the blame firmly on Beck!). Anyway, I go to the meetings, and try to contribute some sort of opinion at least once during each. This fall, when I joined the advanced flute choir, I realized I would be missing some meetings because they are on the same evening. So, I miss every other parish council meeting (they are once a month). Last night, I planned on missing the meeting and attending next month, because it was our first flute choir rehearsal of 2008. That was before I found out that in the budget proposal, there was a plan to slash the music budget by $1000. Not on my watch!

Overall, the meeting went well. As with most churches, there are budget issues, especially when the church is as large and old a building as ours. It is also in the downtown core, with quite a high turnover of parishioners. Anyway, there is an attempt to put forward a balanced budget, which is all well and good until you look closely and realize that it's only balanced because our priest retired and we are in the process of hiring a new one. Until Sept, we only have the curate's salary to pay (and she is currently the priest in charge). Anyway, it looks like we may be starting a new stewardship campaign (basically, trying to get people "on the payroll" - with weekly planned giving instead of loose donations), as well as adjusting both the music and Christian Education budgets (which was also cut by $1000). The revenue from both the facility rentals and the community shop are higher than expected, so projections for 2008 for those will be adjusted accordingly, which should offset the music and Christian Ed cuts. Seems like the Vestry meeting may actually be exciting this year. Well, as exciting as Vestry can actually get.

Wild and Crazy 2008

2008-01-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

So far, the new year has been busy. Corwin and Clara rang in 2008 with a sleepover at my parents' house, while Hubby and I went to Senate Woman and Traffic Dude's place for a lovely dinner. New Year's Day saw quite a bit of snow in the morning, the result of which was the in-laws "taking a rain check" on dinner at our house (hello, at 10 in the morning the blowing snow was bad, but it had stopped by mid afternoon and the roads were clear by dinnertime. Whatever!). Beck came with the kids and I to see The Water Horse on the Thursday, and my parents took them to see Alvin and the Chipmunks on the Friday, while I undecorated at Scotiabank Place. Basically, from the fourth through the seventh, I was undecorating all over town. Then I got to do it all over again at my house!

Clara started violin lessons last Tuesday - the whole lesson was with a faux violin to practice holding the instrument (held between chin and shoulder, no hands). This week, the real instrument comes out. I'm trying to decide if I'll need to buy earplugs by the gross to hand out to all the neighbours!

My mom turned 65 last Thursday, and the kids and I went over for a visit and dinner before I had to dash off to choir. (The inconvenience of being a one car family is that hubby got home too late from work to join us. If we had 2 vehicles, he could have come over, and then I could have left directly from there to choir. One day we'll have to cave and get a second, but at the moment, we're managing with one). We got my mom a Lampe Berger with Mandarin oil (they were out of orange cinnamon, my first choice. This will be perfect since she likes to cook a lot, but now they have this huge great room. The Lampe Berger can eliminate the cooking smells and look beautiful while doing so. On Saturday night, we all went out to dinner for my mom's birthday. She didn't know that my dad had arranged for a super stretch limo to pick them up, and then come and pick us up. The kids didn't know, either, and Corwin was beyond thrilled. He thoroughly enjoyed pouring and sipping water out of a champagne glass. Clara was all prim and proper, and kept fluffing her dress and futzing with her shoes. We had a lovely meal at L'Oree du Bois, and Corwin and Clara had a fabulous time at their first very fancy dinner. We left the restaurant around 8, forgoing the dessert menu because it was getting late and the kds were tired. We did, however, order 3 plates of the homemade dark chocolates to go - one each for the kids, and one for the rest of us to share. Corwin is saving his money to go back to the restaurant because he thought the mushrooms in puff pastry were "totally delicious". That I can handle. It took a bit of convincing to make him realize that we would NOT be booking a limo for his next birthday!

On Sunday evening at Compline, I got to sing the soprano part instead of the middle line (which is far more first alto than second soprano, and I HATE it). This was due to a little chat beforehand with Gordon, when I asked how many were coming, and if I was going to be singing the middle line. He said yes, and asked why. He was very surprised that I didn't like it, and said "But you're a second soprano!", at which point I told him how much I dislike that, too. Again, he was a bit surprised, and told me that it is a compliment to be a second soprano because we get to sing high but also sing harmony, and he tries to put strong singers and readers there. Damn, I knew I should have faked my ability to sight-read at the audition! Anyway, I started on the middle line, and then he mixed it up by moving Beck down to the middle, and me up (yay!!!! Beck wants to sing harmony. I really don't, unless it's a descant). It all went well, I was really happy, and when I got home, I messaged Gordon and just said "thank you :)". I found his reply particularly amusing "Anything to keep you happy -- as you know, it's my primary goal in life ;) Take care, sleep well ...", to which I replied "I'm glad to see you have your priorities straight ;)". Even if I don't always get to sing the part I want, I'm very happy that I have a choir director with a great sense of humour!

I guess I should get back to the grind. I have a lesson with AVT today, and I badly need to practice. Belated Happy New Year to all!

2007 Archive Meme

2007-12-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

2007, in a nutshell meme

Stolen, as usual, from Luckybuzz.

The general directions:

1) Harken back to your archives.
2) Collect the first sentence you wrote every month for the whole year. (I've gone one step further and put the title as well as the first sentence. Because I felt like it!)
3) Entertain us.

January: Is ANYONE Surprised By This?The Neat Freak
You scored 50 anxiety, 34 awkwardness, and 61 neuroticism!
You exhibit neurotic behaviors without the underlying anxieties, and you manage fine socially while balancing compulsive urges...so you must be The Neat Freak!

February: Random 13
1. Suddenly realized that I am too old to drink caffeine at night.

March: Maybe It'll Let Me Do This
Since Blogger won't let me post my five questions from Sidonia (I started, then saved the draft.

April: Search and Rescue
I know, I need to finish the update and details of my trip, and I will, I promise.

May: The Lazy Blogger
Yes, I am still alive.

June: Tagged Again!
Well, while hibernating (translates to "while completely immersed in Facebook"), I have been tagged for a meme by Gretty.

July: So True - I Even Have Lotion In This Scent
Your Scent is Pumpkin Pie

August: Peace, Man!!!
I have been away decorating since Sunday.

September: And They're Off!
The big yellow bus picked them up and headed down the road to learning.

October: A Grand Affair
No, not the romantic type (but I can think of a few possibilities . . . .kidding!).

November: The Insanity Update
I was feeling a bit (bitter? upset? bitchy? sad? hysterical? pissed off? insulted? you fill in the blank, because I'm sure I felt it this week) because I hadn't heard from PoD, except through his FB status updates.

December: Canada Got Run Over By A Reindeer
Well, not really, but that would explain the extended absence.

Hmmmm . . . seems to me it has been a year of blog-slacking, and unoriginal thought (memes and quizzes abound). Oh well, New Year's resolutions to write more consistently will probably be broken by Valentine's Day, but I'll do my best.

Where's the Mistletoe?

2007-12-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

You Are Vixen

Sexy and sultry, you're the one all the other reindeer dream about.

Why You're Naughty: That fur pulling spat you got into with Dancer over Santa.

Why You're Nice: Because even when you're nice, you're still delightfully naughty!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

I Won't Be Singing Today

2007-12-16T08:03:00.000-05:00

Not at the concert, at any rate. Here are some excerpts from the weather warnings issues by Environment Canada.

A crippling Major winter storm with heavy snow and blowing snow as well as some ice pellets is moving in right on schedule this morning.

A massive winter storm has begun over southern Ontario and the stage is set for this dangerous storm to kick into high gear over the entire forecast district today with near record snowfall amounts.

. . . There have been several reports from the OPP of freezing rain and low to almost nil visibility in heavy snow over southern Ontario earlier this morning.

A few claps of thunder along with bursts of very heavy snow are also likely. . .

Copious amounts of snow as well as strong winds causing blowing snow are expected. The snow will be mixed at times with ice pellets and freezing rain . . .

. . . 40 to 50 cm or more are quite likely in a few areas. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm an hour are expected with low to nil visibility in sustained bursts of heavy snow likely.

Significant blowing snow is expected to accompany the heavy snow due to strong northeast winds gusting to 70 km/h whipping up the freshly fallen snow and causing whiteout conditions.

This is a dangerous winter storm. It is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary travel during this storm. This massive snow storm has the potential to cause paralyzing conditions as road travel on any unplowed streets becomes next to impossible today.
There remains a high degree of certainty with this storm as the the latest computer model and observed trends continue to forecast this potential record setting winter storm.

I quite like the use of the words crippling, copious, massive, and paralyzing conditions. Very reassuring, I must say. FYI, 40 cm is about 16 inches.

The most unfortunate part? This afternoon's concert was supposed to be recorded. It went very well last night, and would have been a great Christmas stocking stuffer for my Dad. Oh, and my entire family was coming today, including Corwin and Clara. Oh well!

**Edited to say that the concert is going ahead. The snow is so bad that I can't see the house across the street, but the concert is going ahead. And I feel guilty that I'm not there. This sucks.

7 Things Meme

2007-12-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

In the better late than never department . . . Dr Medusa tagged me in November for this meme, and you all know I love me some meme! Here goes . . .

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. On it.

My seven randoms and/or weirds:

1. I have an obscene amount of magazines that I can't bring myself to get rid of. I have Bon Appetit back to 1992!! And decorating magazines. I am trying to go through and rip out what ideas I want to keep and put them in a folder, and then recycle the rest. We'll see how well that goes.
2. I have to sleep on the left side of the bed (if you're standing facing the bed) because I sleep on my right side and I hate breathing warm air.In a similar vein, I hate it when my pillows are hot. Particularly when Hubby has stolen them before I come to bed and they're just . . . warm. Ugh!
3. I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Corwin (and Clara when she felt like listening). Occasionally, I had a hard time reading because I would get all choked up at the parts where Harry is talking about his parents being dead, and also just the fact that I was sharing the magic of Harry with Corwin, who absolutely loved it and is just as hooked as I am!! (one morning, 7 am, he came into my room and said "Mom . . . more Harry, please!!!)
4. Hubby jokes that he married me for my cheesecake - I make a mean Oreo Cookie cheesecake, and a very decadent Chocolate Turtle cheesecake, Oh, and a Bailey's cheesecake that might get you a DUI if you drive too soon afterwards!
5. On Monday at our first rehearsal with orchestra for the Choir Christmas concert, I had the emotional reaction to the flutes again (like I did in March/April 2006). What kept going through my head was "If I can't be first soprano, I'd rather be second flute".
6. I am very good at picking paint colours, and other interior decor stuff.
7. Last year, I had 5 full size Christmas trees in my house (well, one was on the porch). This year, due to the chaos of the extra occupants, I only have 2 up (so far), and I won't have a porch tree. This is completely stressing me out!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I am supposed to tag people. Consider yourself tagged if you haven't done this, and feel the urge!