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Thursday, August 31, 2006

Go Ahead and Laugh


Canada's Thirteen Eye Candy Selections

(possibly the lamest TT, but my brain is not functioning!)


1. Clive Owen (Greenfingers, The Inside Man, Closer, Beyond Borders)
2. John Hannah (Sliding Doors, The Mummy, Four Weddings and a Funeral)
3. C David Johnson (Canadian show - Street Legal, small part - The Safety of Objects)
4. Simon le Bon (go ahead and laugh!)
5. Viggo Mortensen (only in LOTR)
6. Alan Rickman (only in Love Actually)
7. Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Bend It Like Beckham, Match Point)
8. Colin Firth (Bridget Jones, Love Actually)
9. Russell Crowe (only in Mystery, Alaska)
10.Mikhail Baryshnikov (when he was a dancer)
11.Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects, Stigmata)
12.Bono
13.Patrick Dempsey (yes, Dr McDreamy!)

So, who are yours?


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun!



Monday, August 28, 2006

8 Days (Make That 6) . . . Not That I'm Counting

Okay, I feel like I'm losing my mind at an even more rapid clip. Last week ended up being fun, yet very tiring for the kids, and full of WAY more errands than I thought. I give you the basic update, 'cause I'm tired.
- started going to the chiropractor again (a new one - loved the one I went to years ago, but it's too far, hated the one I went to when I was pregnant). Neck and shoulder issues are doing better.
- voice lesson was great. Have been invited to a Master Class (in early Dec) in which we will sing through the arias and recitatives of Handel's Messiah. Very excited!
- finished Boot Camp. Did it all, baby!! And I wanted more so . . .
- went to check out new gym that has cardio and weights and classes, and is women's only. I've never felt like doing aerobics classes, but this place has a good mix, and if I can do Boot Camp, I can do this. Details later.
- QUIT MY CRAPPY GYM!!!!!! And smiled the whole time. Ha!!!!
- Sunday the kids had their soccer tournament. In the rain. Nothing like playing soccer in the rain. Unfortunately, Corwin got chilled between the second and third(last) game, and was shivering and miserable. He did manage to stop two goals - yay Corwin!! Clara almost scored one - it hit the post. They had fun, then a hot bath and off to Aunt Kit's to celebrate Tal's 25th birthday. Tal is Aunt Kit's daughter. Corwin ate well, but only two bites of cake, then he went for a nap in Aunt Kit's bed. Poor Corwin - totally unlike him. Slept well Sunday night, was fine Monday morning. However . . .
- Clara spiked a fever. We went to Parc Omega anyway (very cool place, lots of fun). My mother-in-law came, too, and it was a good day. Gave Clara some kid's Advil, she slept the whole way home, didn't eat dinner, went to bed early (after sleeping all evening on the couch). More Advil during the night. Nothing is sore, nothing aches, she's just really hot and really tired, when she has a fever, or totally fine if she doesn't.
- Same yesterday - we went to the cottage of a friend, had a great day, and just gave Clara Advil to maintain her temp.
- Last night - Clara needed more Advil around 1 am, then Corwin woke with wicked croup at 5 am. Steam bathroom worked, but he was panicking and kept saying "I'm going to die!!!" because he was having such a hard time breathing. No fun for him, no fun for me. We went to the doc today and he's supposed to drink lots of fluids (was doing that), no dairy (was doing that), steam before bed (was going to do that), keep quiet today (was planning on it), and not talk much (for those who know Corwin - GOOD LUCK!!)

So, as you can see, I started this on Monday, but this is the first chance I've had. Yikes. I'm tired. I need a nap.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Too Damn Funny!

Okay, so Thursday Thirteen didn't happen. Instead, I offer you Funny Friday for this week only. Really, watch the whole thing. And don't be sipping anything that you don't want on your monitor screen.


More Videos on KillSomeTime.com


Thanks to Nancycle for finding it!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Freedom!!!!!

And they're off. To camp. The countdown - fifteen days 'til school. Woo hoo!!

Yes, I love my children, but I am very, very over being a referee. Seriously, I was about ready to buy a whistle. It got THAT bad towards the end of the week. Both of them are tired, Corwin is experiencing major stress about grade one ("It's going to be too hard. What if I can't do it? Everyone will think I'm stupid! And I'm going to miss Mrs Mac!!!!!"), and they are just ready for a more formal routine. So . . . camp is a very good thing. It will also get them into the swing of full days for grade one.

We had no problem getting up this morning, and they were very excited about camp. We drove to the mall where the bus was picking them up, and we were early (on purpose - I wasn't sure how bad traffic would be). Shortly after we arrived, C. and his mom, J, pulled up. We walked over to the bus stop area, and it wasn't long before the school bus drove into the parking lot. The kids were excited, all lined up. Clara gave her name, and got on the bus. Big smile, big wave. C. gave his name, got on the bus. He sat next to Clara. Corwin gave his name, gotr on the bus, and squished into the same seat. All three were grinning and waving. But the bus had to wait for a few minutes. J and I were chatting as we waited, and then I looked up to see Clara's little face creased up, with the pouty lip, mouthing "Mummy". Oh No!!!!!! I stepped onto the bus, told her to take her backpack off so she'd be more comfortable, and she said "Mummy, I want to go with you". At least there was a female camp counsellor, who said "Wait until you get to camp, and then if you're still sad after we do some fun things, we'll call your mom". When the bus pulled out a minute or two later, Clara didn't look happy, but at least she wasn't crying. WHY could the bus not have left once they all got on?!?!?! I'm sure Clara will be fine (esp because Corwin and C. are there, too), but I hate seeing her be all sad like that, when she should still be excited and having fun.

Well, off to get some stuff accomplished. First - rearrange Clara's room. And do laundry. And maybe relax with my coffee and book. Yeah, I think I'll do the coffee thing first. I have all day!

Friday, August 18, 2006

Can You Say "Mojito"?

Last night there was some deperation to get OUT.OF.THE.HOUSE., since V. couldn't make our weekly movie (selfishly, she had to pack. I mean, what could be so difficult in getting ready for the ten hour drive she will be doing alone today with her two kids, aged 7 and 2? LOL!). Obviously, I understood, although it left me in a panic, feeling claustauphobic. I NEED to get A-Waaaaaaay! This week, Corwin and Clara have been AWFUL. First, Clara's big disappointment and general bitchiness that Corwin lost a tooth first that continued the next day once the Tooth Fairy had made her visit. On Tuesday, the two of them were constantly at each other's throats, and were constantly in trouble for fighting and for arguing with me. Oh, and this was AFTER I took them to the Valleyview Little Animal Farm so they could play, go on the tractor/train ride, pet the animals, and have a blast on the climbers. Did I mention that they have been begging to go ("when are we going? Please! It's been a very long time! Mummy, please can we go?") every time we've driven by all summer. And then they had the gall to tell Hubby that I MADE them go, that they really didn't want to go. So he got all annoyed with me ("Why did you bother? They didn't want to go. It was a waste of money Blah, blah, blah") Uuuuh . . . fuck off? I mean, really!

Wednesday, I kept it low key. They have had swimming from 4:30-5:00 every afternoon this week, and it's pretty intense. There is a lot of front crawl, back crawl, and treading water. And they are learning whip kick. Plus all the running around, playing at the park, etc. I think that a big part of the behaviour is that they are TIRED! Wednesday was pretty good until just before we left for swimming, but they both got into a spot of trouble right before we left (a little disagreement about picking up their toys. I don't mean all, but the basement looked like a tornado had gone through). I had Boot Camp from 5:45-6:45, and when I came home, everyone was screaming. Clara was crying, Corwin was yelling at Hubby, and he was yelling back. Turns out that they had gone for a big bike ride after dinner (did I mention that they had a full half hour of swimming right before dinner?), and then stopped for ice cream. Great, all good. Then Clara wanted to run through the sprinkler when they got home, even though it was really too late, and it was bath time. Hubby said yes, for five minutes. Of course that never happens, and it ended up being 15. Then it was time to come in. Which neither kid wanted to do. So there was an argument, which culminated in Corwin THROWING the sprinkler into the street. In case you wondered - no, this did not go over very well. So, bath time was a scream fest because everyone was in trouble and in bad moods. This is what I came home to. Now, I ask, WHY would Hubby ruin all my hard work of "low key because they're tired" day? I know I'm not alone in this - I have many friends whose husbands are very good at playing wildly with the kids - right before bed. And the same husbands get annoyed that their kids won't go to sleep. Duh, do the math!

Yesterday was much improved. We played and did crafts/colouring in the morning, then went to the park in the afternoon, then went to swimming. We even went out to dinner - Boston Pizza. The kids had baths and a quiet evening, and we read another chapter of Hotel for Dogs by Lois Duncan (I LOVE that book! I'm SO happy Corwin is really into it, too). And then they went to bed, falling asleep almost immediately. Thank God for La Pattisseria, who asked if I wanted to hang out and have a drink while she figured out how she was designing a pirate cake. Mojito, baby, Mojito. And now it's Friday - the light at the end of the tunnel! Because next week, my kids are in camp!!! Mornings will be crazy (we have to leave the house at 8. We'll be testing out their alarm clocks, for sure), but then I'm FREE until 4:30!!! Woo hoo!!!!!

Hmmmm . . . Mojito Mondays. I think I should start that tradition next week.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Saturday Night Adventures

Okay, as Weasley has pointed out, I have been a little behind in posting about my big night out on the town. And if I don't want everyone reading his version, I'd better get cracking. Just to clarify things for anyone who read Weasley's comment, this is what I was wearing, with dark jeans and black Bass wedge heels. Not that you need to have this info, but . . .Weasley started it, making it seem far more revealing than it was!

So, Weasley and I planned on going to the Greek Festival on Saturday night. His friend, Costas, was dancing, and we might meet up with a few other people, may even go out for a few drinks after. I drove to Weasley's, parked, and we headed off in his car. We scored primo parking, and wandered into the Hellenic Community Centre grounds. We lined up to grab a bite to eat, and Weasley bumped into the very tall, very good-looking blue-eyed Art Curate (AC), who is also a friend of Costas. Can we say eye candy?!?!?! Anyway, AC and the Chica were in line for food and beverages, so we all sat together. Fabulous Greek food (gyro in a pita, shared pikilia platter with dolmades, spanakopita, taramasalata, tzatziki, feta, and olives). We ate quickly and headed out to see the dancing at 8. Costas was even interviewed (albeit for cable), and danced, and then we waited. We were also waiting for the Guy, another of Weasley's friends. And, apparently, the only other straight person besides me in the group that evening.

While we waited for the Guy, and then for Costas, we had a great time being the fashion police about everyone else in the crowd. We're quite certain that we saw Paris Hilton's twin, but with dark hair - same vapid, bimbo-expression, same more-is-more makeup approach, same less-is-more/the-tighter-the-better clothing. Once Costas appeared, he was hungry and we were ready for dessert (loukemades!!! my favourite!!! SO hard to get outside of Greece or someone's Greek grandmother's kitchen). We took our time, enjoying the dessert and the atmosphere. Finally, it was time to head out, so we had to decide what to do next.

Dancing and drinking were decided upon, so after some organizational logistics (who's driving, who needed to change shirts, where to meet), we departed. Heading for Club Soda. Which is, of course, a gay bar. After paying our cover (thanks, Weasley!!), we descended to the bar and ordered up some drinks. Between my tab, and the Chica's desire to get everyone buzzed, none of us ever had an empty hand. We danced. And danced. And danced some more. Until about 1:40 am, when it was time to go to The Edge, another, (much) younger gay bar. It was packed, but at least there was air conditioning (I'm pretty sure that Club Soda's plan is to keep it hot, so people remove layers. Lots of layers, as a matter of fact!). I had stopped drinking a while before we left the first club, because I would have to drive home from Weasley's later. And the crowd and the music at the Edge? Not as fun. Oh well, live and learn. At around 2:30, it was time for this princess to turn back into a mom, so Weasley drove me back to my car (yes, I was totally fine to drive, or else I would have hung out longer). I got home around 3, in bed by 3:30. And up at 8. Amazingly, I wasn't tired until much later in the day, at soccer. And I even survived entertaining my in-laws for lunch.

It had been way too long since I went dancing. And I'm hoping to be invited again - it was a blast!!!! Thanks Weasley.

:)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Canada Will Accomplish
Once The Kids Go Back To School!

1. Organize the linen closet. Get rid of old towels and stuff. Put some stuff in the trunk in the basement. Buy some new towels and facecloths.
2. Paint the trim around the windows in Clara's room, the ensuite, and the window in the stairwell. The new windows were put in OVER a year ago, but last summer was too hot to paint, ditto this one, and no time with just 2.5 hrs of no kids/day during last school year (esp with work/the gym/etc)
3. Re-pot my houseplants. Particularly Harold, the only one with a name, who started out about 4 inces tall in university, and is now over 6 feet tall. And hasn't been replanted since I got married (over 12 years ago).
4. Organize closets - master walk-in, Clara's, Corwin's, hall closet. Get rid of stuff!
5. Kitchen cupboards - same thing. (damn, if I can't get some new cupboards, at least these can be tidy!)
6. Paint the French doors (pocket doors) from the master bedroom to the sitting room. All the trim in this house was a hideous pinky-beige, and I painted it crisp Architectural White. Except these two doors. Okay, and one baseboard in the family room, so I can add it to the list.
7. More painting - the two pillars in the living room. But first, I need to shellac over all the annoying knots that have bled through. Cheap-ass builders! (never, never buy a model home. Or former model home)
8. Do block-print trumpet vine and flowers, and dragonflies, in Clara's room. I managed to get Corwin's moose and evergreen trees border done last year, but I still have to get Clara's finished (fyi - she does have a chair rail put up, with a sunrise-effect colourwash on the top, with the chair rail and bottom part in a spring green (New Leaf)
9. Sand and paint the cabinet that I've been working on refinishing for years. This is the year.
10. Sand and paint kids' Muskoka chairs (also known as Adirondack or Laurentian chairs, depending on where you're from).
11. Organize photos that are kind of organized. Get negs into neg files, label, put photos into albums. Chronologically. Scrapbook. (yes, I'm extremely obsessive. Also known as anal)
12. Sand and paint the wrought iron chairs and table on the front porch. Find the right colour of off-white.
13. Sand and paint (crackle finish) two windows from the old cabin, one for each of my sisters-in-law, as housewarming gifts. Fit panes with mirrors.
14. Get a manicure and pedicure. 'Cause with all that painting, my nails are gonna look like crap!
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun!


Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Bad Blogger

I have been lax, I know . I have yet to blog about my fabulous Saturday night, and it's already Wednesday. True, I was pre-empted by the all-important lost tooth (update - the tooth fairy gave 2 toonies = $4, and let Corwin keep the tooth. And Clara is still a bit disgruntled. Whenever the phone rang for the rest of the day, she would say "Is it another stupid tooth call?" Yes, a diva at the age of five. And a half). But basically, I'm counting the days until school starts **(13!!!!!!!), because I swear that I'm losing my mind. I can't get anything accomplished! Next week will be somewhat better - they have camp, so we have to leave the house at 8 to get them to the mall, where the camp bus will pick them up. Drop off is at 4:30. The scary part about this is getting up on time. Like 7 am, in order to eat, get dressed, etc. Clara got up at 8:50 am this morning, so you can see why I'm concerned. Anyway, I'll attempt more later, but now it's time to round up the troops and do something fun.

**Edited to say: in my haste to get the little darlings back to school, I miscounted. By a whole week. The number of days until school starts? That would be 20.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Another Book Meme

Okay, this is actually the first book meme I've done, but I know it's not the only one out there. Borrowed from Clare, who got it from Profgrrl.

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag five people.

Mine is from the last book I read with the Virtual Bookworm online bookclub, Radical Prunings by Bonnie Thomas Abbott. (not the current one, which I still have to get but refuse to ask for by name!)

"The GRAND PRIZE, a Sheffield steel trowel with rosewood handle (page 2 in the Mertensia Post Haste Catalogue) from our Signature Line of garden accessories, goes to Avid Gardener (he/she prefers to remain anonymous) who came up with a very tricky design of pale apricot digitalis (foxglove), a light orange papaver somniferum (opium poppy), and salmon-colored datura (angels-trumpet). Tying it all together is impomoea batatus "Blackie," the deeply purple, nearly black-leaved sweet potato vine, allowed to sprawl on the ground. All toxic. All malevolence in the guise of beauty. "
A very funny book, especially if you enjoy gardening.

Waiting For A Visit

From the Tooth Fairy. Yes, tonight the Tooth Fairy will be making her first appearance at our house. Corwin's tooth has been wiggling for the last few days, the bottom front on the left. This morning, he said it was really wiggly and he wanted it to come out. I suggested that he go brush his teeth, and pay particular attention to the wiggly one. Seconds later I heard "Mom, my tooth came out!!!" We have had to call everyone - Daddy, Gramma and Pappy, Nanny and Grampa, Aunt Kit, Aunt Kat, Uncle Gerhard. He has even been yelling out the window to the neighbourhood in general. I have taken many pictures of "The Gap", and he can't wait to put it under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy to collect. Hmmm . . . somehow I think it may be an evening when he has a hard time falling asleep. So exciting.

The downside, however, is Clara. Who has been in tears because her tooth hasn't fallen out yet. And her wiggly one isn't wiggly anymore (you know how they firm up and get wiggly, then firm up again?). Oh, the joys of twins. I'm glad that Corwin is having his moment to shine, just as she will when hers falls out. But it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking to see the big tears roll down her cheeks. Particularly because she has been dying to lose a tooth for months! She doesn't seemed comforted when I tell her that her time will come.

So, what's the going rate for the Tooth Fairy these days?

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Well, This Explains Last Night!

Your Personality Is Like Alcohol

You're the life of the party, a total flirt, and probably a pretty big jokester.
Sometimes your behavior gets you in trouble, but you still remain socially acceptable.
You're a pretty bad driver, and you're dancing could also use a little work!


Seen at both Ink and Incapability and Dr Brazen Hussy's. Cheers!!!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Psalmation

This is the e-mail that Gordon sent me on Wednesday about my singing last Sunday. See if you have the same first thought that I did after reading it.

You did a great job on Sunday! I didn't get a chance to chat
with you afterwards, but I thought you sounded really good. Were you
nervous? I couldn't hear it in your voice. Afterward, I listened to the
digital recording of the service and heard the psalm on the recording -- it
sounded really good. Your voice is clear and strong, and suits your
personality more than a tiny, shy voice.

Thanks again for doing the psalm. I'd like to keep you on the regular
rotation of cantors, okay?


A lovely e-mail. Although my first thought was "what recording?!"

Sounds like I'll be doing this again during the regular choir season. Hopefully it won't be as stressful.

Thursday, August 10, 2006


Thirteen Home Improvements Canada Would Make


The "if money was no object" fantasy version.



1. The kitchen. Completely rip out, and get new everything, including flooring. Cabinets would be light (like cream with a darker glaze to give an aged look, probably maple) on the outer part, and dark cherry on the island. Honed granite counter on the island with an apron front farmer's sink that would be CENTERED!! Dishwasher would move (yes, I want to move plumbing. Cha-ching!!!). Keep built-in gas cooktop (that we put in), keep faucet (that we put in), keep range hood (that we put in). Double oven or oven/convection-microwave combo. Built-in GE profile refrigerator. Floor - either slate or a rustic tile, set on the diagonal. Not that I've given it much thought. :)
2. Replace the crap hardwood on the main floor. There were gouges in it when we moved in, and it has steadily gotten worse. Yes, we have a dog. And we had hardwood and the same dog at our old house for 5 years, with a few very fine scratches. This looked like crap about 5 weeks after we moved in! Ideally, I would pick Jatoba (Brazilian cherry) in a wide plank (maybe 4"). Maybe in the kitchen, too.
3. Patio. We have a deck, but we want a patio leading from the deck. With a built-in, natural gas barbeque. And a privacy screen consisting of three posts and two panels of wide-space lattice at the corner of the patio (we're on a corner lot, so that part of our yard faces the street. Yes, we have a fence, but still . . . the other houses look into our yard. It would be nice to feel somewhat more secluded. Not that we're doing anything that needs to be secluded!).
4. Refinish the hardwood stairs and replace the crap railing (it's all bumpy and starting to separate). Instead of painted, wooden spindles, I'd choose a simple wrought-iron with the dark wood railing and the dark wood newel posts.
5. Finish the ensuite renovation. We had an unplanned bathroom reno last fall because the Roman tub cracked and leaked into the kitchen (it had been installed incorrectly. Did I mention that we live in the money pit?). We got an awesome tub (no jets, lights, or waterfall, but we did get the alternate filling system and the faucet that is pictured). We also got a new toilet - a one piece Toto toilet with the self-closing seat that doesn't bang. New tile around the tub and backsplash was required, as the old stuff got destroyed during the removal of the old tub. Once this was complete, we looked around the rest of the bathroom and thought - hmmm, looks like we'll have to redo the rest at some point. So . . . one day we'll get a new sink, smaller counter, much better shower, replace tile to match the surround tile. Yes, I know exactly what I want. That is the problem.
6. Build a mudroom at the entry. More of a mudroom alcove. I have figured out how to do this, I know that it is possible - I just need to figure out how to get the cash! This is actually the one thing that I would do RIGHT NOW and it would make my life so much easier and make the entry area drive me far less insane, esp during the snowsuit and boots months (of which we have many!)
7. Replace the carpet and the pitifully crappy underpad upstairs. It will need to be done in the next few years. I'll be so happy to get rid of the purple stripe border around our bedroom (did I mention that this was a former model home?). The good news is that since the carpet is pretty low quality, the purple colour has faded and could almost pass as a dark brown. I'd replace the carpet with the same carpet we have bound as a rug in the living room. Sort of a sisal-look, but a soft wool blend, so it's more comfortable and is cleanable (imperative).
8. Replace the main floor windows. We've done the upstairs because they had many problems. One day we'll get around to the main floor. And more of them will open (in the family room there are two large double windows. Only one side of one of them is an operating window - the rest are fixed picture windows. We get sun all day there - talk about stupid!)
9. Rip out the patchy grass on the shady side of the house, and replace with packed, pea gravel with a few patio stones leading down the side of the house and through the gate, bordered by river rock.
10. Four Pottery Barn dupioni silk drapery panels for the dining room. Two panels for each window, hanging down as side panels with wrought iron rods and fleur-de-lis finials. (price per panel - about $200 US. Likelihood of this ever happening? Slim to none!)
11. Venetian plaster the walls in the kitchen and family room. Finish with an uneven ochre wash to add depth. Yes, I have watched Under the Tuscan Sun too many times!
12. California Closet the master walk-in. Ridiculously priced, but the organization would be awesome! There are also some really cool closet organizers at IKEA.
13. Replace the horrible gas fireplace in the family room. We can't use it because the burning smell is awful, fills the house, and makes Corwin's mild asthma flare up big time. The fireplace that we put in the basement? No problems. That's the one that we use, but it would be nice to have one that works in the family room. And I would put a mantel something like this around it.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy and fun!

Random (Mostly Useless) Information

- There is some truly disgusting toothpaste out there. Somehow we ended up with a sample of one weird flavour - a full tube. I stuck it in the cupboard, and continued using Colgate Total in Clean Mint flavour. We were running low, so Hubby opened a new tube. I guess he didn't realize (or maybe he did, but I sure didn't!) that it was Crest in Citrus Splash flavour. Yes, orange. It was like brushing my teeth with *Creamsicles! Blech!!!!
*I love creamsicles, but not to brush my teeth. What's next - Margarita Mouthwash?*

- Boot Camp. Each week it seems to get more challenging. And each week, a different part of my body aches the following day. The first week, it was my abs. Last week, it was my upper arms and a bit in my shoulders. Tomorrow, I may not be able to walk. My legs are already stiffening up, and I also overdid a sprint so my ankle is a little tender (previous bad sprain and major ligament damage doesn't help). Oooh, and I can feel my abs, too. But I love this workout. Does this mean I'm a masochist?
*edited to add: Ow, Ow - also back/waist from all the twists, upper arms, and left knee. And glutes. *

- August is my least favourite month. As soon as the sun starts slanting a bit differently, it just means summer is over. Summer, to me, is all about July. August is just a waiting game for my favourite season. And I always loved the back to school, esp in undergrad. Grad school, not so much. Since I was in Miami, I was missing the whole crisp evenings, changing leaves, bonfires, non-tropical kind of autumn. Bring on Labour Day! (okay, not too fast - there's still some summer left to enjoy!)

- John Tucker Must Die was a very amusing movie. V and I went to a movie this evening, and we arrived at an off time. Since neither of us wanted to wait for over an hour, we picked this movie. It was surprisingly funny. And the actress who plays Kate? Unbelieveably like a younger Reese Witherspoon. Also cool - the soundtrack had a lot of 80s remakes.

That's it, that's all I got. Maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow. Or maybe not.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

I Am A Red, Red Rose

You Are a Red Flower

A red flower tends to represent power, seduction, and desire.
At times, you are loving like a red tulip.
And at other times, you're very enthusiastic, like a bouvardia.
And more than you wish, your passion is a bit overwhelming, like a red rose.


As seen at Dr Brazen Hussy's

Monday, August 07, 2006

The 2-4 Meme

2 moments in your life you'd like to erase:
Actually, this is hard. I usually think that everything happens for a reason.
1. seeing the look on Gerhard's face when I was walking out the door and he was walking in on Dec 4, 1990.
2. scraping the car in Tintagel, late July 2002 (although it has become an entertaining story. And even though I was driving, it was mostly Gerhard's fault!)
4 moments you'd like to relive:
1. last Labour Day weekend - the Circle R Ranch reunion
2. most of undergrad
3. wedding and honeymoon with Hubby
4. most moments with Corwin and Clara, esp all those snuggly baby moments

2 places you wouldn't go to/go to again:
1. I'm really not dying to go back to Rome. Other places in Italy, yes, but I could pass on Rome.
2. where PoD is right now - not a vacation destination!
4 places you can't wait to visit/visit again:
1. I want to go to Provence and the French countryside
2. I want to go back to Australia, esp Ayers Rock/Uluru
3. I need to go back to Nova Scotia, esp Antigonish, where I haven't been since May 1991 when I graduated from St FX
4. This is hard - I love to travel, so there are many places. I want to go back to Greece, though, and see more. Most of the Mediterranean coast would be lovely to visit.

2 foods you can't stand:
1. Brussels Sprouts
2. kidneys/liver/organ stuff
4 foods you love:
1. sushi (mostly)
2. Thai
3. Indian
4. Mexican

2 current songs that make you change the station:
1. Had a Bad Day - I'm SO sick of it!
2. You're Beautiful - James Blunt - also sick of it
4 current songs you play over and over:
1. Afterglow - INXS
2. Into the Mystic - Colin James
3. Trip - Hedley
4. Since You've Been Gone - Theory of a Deadman

2 books you'd never finish/read again:
1. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
2. ummm . . Beowolf? Sir Gawain and the Green Knight? I won't read them again!
4 books you have read more than once, and/or will read again:
1. The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis (over and over and over)
2. Harry Potter (all) - J.K. Rowling (ditto)
3. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
4. Riders and the rest of the series - Jilly Cooper (not exactly high literature, but I love these books. They have seen me through undergrad, masters, internship from hell, etc. The best is that I can immerse myself in the story for a while, but I can put it down when I need to, because I already know what's going to happen)

Tag 2 - 4 people. Hmmm. . . .whoever wants to do it, I guess. crse? Luckybuzz? Jesse? wanna play?

Sunday, August 06, 2006

My Big Debut

I did not sleep well at all on Saturday night. I kept having the refrain run through my head, and various phrases from the psalm when I was trying to sleep. And the nervousness translated into my dreams. In my dream, I went to church in my pajamas. I mean, they're nice pajamas, but not so much for church! My dream-self kept wanting to change, but didn't think I'd have time. Then I realized that Gordon (the music director) was not there - he left for a conference and forgot to tell me. So another lady from the choir was playing the organ. This left my dream-self very confused, and even more so when someone else got up to sing a psalm - an entirely different one. Then I wasn't sure if I was supposed to go next, or later, and I was still grappling with the pajama issue. It was almost a relief when Hubby told the real me it was five to eight, and time to get up.

I managed to grab a bite for breakfast, and headed out at about 9:20. Later than I'd planned, but still enough time to get there for the run through at 9:45. I sang in the car to warm up (so not a morning person, and neither is my voice!), and found parking with no problem. I sat quietly in church for a few minutes, and then Gordon arrived. There were a few people already there, and I managed the run through just fine. Okay, I was ready, and wanted to get the show on the road - so I could be done and stop worrying! Finally it was 10:15, and the service started. Summer is a bit different - no Sunday school, the altar is relocated (well, they use a different one), no choir, and no processional at the beginning. Instead, there is a gathering hymn - the same each week - followed by some quiet time for reflection/meditation (mine? "Please let me get through this!" Breathe, breathe. Repeat). Then the service started. The greeting, the collect, the collect for the day, a reading, then . . . the psalm. (and then the rest - the service obviously didn't end with the psalm!). As the woman doing the first reading stood up, I picked up my choir folder. And hoped she had a lot to read. There were more people than I was hoping for - it's a long weekend, shouldn't they be camping? At the cottage? The reading ended, and I stood up as she came to sit down. I made it up the three steps to stand by the organ, turned around, and opened my folder.

Gordon played the introduction and the refrain, then I sang it, and then again with the congregation. Verse one, refrain, verse two, refrain, verse three, refrain, verse four, refrain, verse five - the killer "and worship him upon his holy hill" was in here - refrain. Go sit down. Breathe. I did it. Gordon's aunt was sitting right behind me, and whispered that it sounded great when I came back. And during the peace, a woman from the choir who has an amazing voice came to tell me that I sang well. I hadn't realized how many choir members were there before I sang (and I'm glad, because I would have been more nervous), but it was nice to get a lot of feedback after the fact. Oh, and I managed to sing the whole thing, and project, and appear to be looking out, while maintaining focus only on the music!

So . . . it sounds like I might be added to the psalm rotation in the fall. I'll have to wait and see. The good news about that is that even if I'm worried, the pajamas wouldn't be an issue - I'll be wearing my choir robe! Oh, as for wardrobe - I ended up wearing fitted black linen cropped pants that have side slits, black Bass wedge sandals (slip on, 2.5" heel), and a white cotton/linen blouse, the kind that stays untucked, that has a bit of a ruffle at the moderately low-cut neckline. Comfy, and cool.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

This Is It!

Tomorrow morning is the solo. My solo. I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd be, and hopefully it will stay that way. Had a rehearsal on Thursday at the church. I got to sing it exactly once. Then Gordon turned to me and said "What happened? That was awesome!" I guess vocal lessons aren't a bad idea - I actually projected my voice in our extremely sound-absorbing church. That's with 2 voice lessons. I wonder how many lessons I'll need to sing the Queen of the Night's aria from the Magic Flute (okay, there may not be enough time for that many lessons - and I may not have that kind of range. I'll keep you posted). So . . . since this is a long weekend here in Canada, I'm hoping on a small turnout at church in the morning. Because my big fear is getting up there and choking, not being able to sing or just barely squeaking something awful out.

Oh crap, what should I wear?!?!?!

Friday, August 04, 2006

How NOT to Start the Day

Let me set the stage.

Clara - tiny frame but tall, with long, long dark hair. Her goal is to sit on her hair - if she leans her head back and her hair is wet, she's almost there.

Trident, bubble gum flavour, one piece, chewed.


Can you see where this is going?



Do you really want to know?



Matted, sticky clump by Clara's left temple.

fuck.

Many tears and "don't cut it, please Mummy, don't cut my hair"

Hello peanut butter . . . gobs and gobs of it.

Choosy moms may choose Jif, but this one didn't care about the brand - I was just happy it worked!

Outta the Water!

I'm thinking that watching When Sharks Attack, part of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, late at night before bed might not be such a good idea. It leads to strange and disturbing dreams. And you know that I wasn't watching because of the sharks. It was all those good-looking surfer men with Australian accents (and South African accents, too).

Thursday, August 03, 2006


Thirteen Songs CANADA Likes To Sing

(Alone, Usually in the Car)

1. On my Own (from Les Miserables )
2. Another Suitcase, Another Hall (from Evita)
3. My Immortal (Evanesence)
4. Behind These Hazel Eyes (Kelly Clarkson)
5. Only You (Yaz)
6. I Would Know You Anywhere (Adrienne Jones)
7. Seven Wishes (Adrienne Jones)
8. Borders and Time (The Rankin Family)
9. When You Kiss Me (Shania Twain)
10. Foolish Games (Jewel)
11. Closer To Fine (Indigo Girls)
12. Piece of My Heart (Faith Hill)
13. Similar Features (Melissa Etheridge)

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Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Mamba, Anyone?

A quick update on PoD. He's still fine, and he wasn't the Canadian UN Military Observer who was killed in the horrible stuff happening in Lebanon. That isn't where he is. There was a bit of action a few weeks ago in his locale, but it has been relatively quiet since then. Except for this:




A Black Mamba, one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. On the same day, they also saw a Puff Adder, another extremely poisonous snake. Nice! The funny thing is, PoD can't stand snakes! He sent a picture of him holding the mamba with a stick, as far away as possible, with a rather uncomfortable look on his face. Bullets, mines, grenades? No problem, but a dead snake has him squirming. Made me laugh, for sure!

Getting Back in Shape - Again!

It's Wednesday, so that means Boot Camp tonight. I know I posted a bit about it after the first class, but nothing since then. This is an hour of pretty intense exercise. We use the BOSU, we have sprint races, we skip, do push-ups (okay, I just plank - push-ups are bad for my neck/shoulder issues), and all kinds of other drills. We SWEAT. Really sweat. And I absolutely love it. In the fall, I'm going to see if there is a three times a week boot camp, because I find it to be more motivating than my gym. Did I mention how much I dislike my gym?

I joined a women's circuit style gym in August 2004. It was great, I went 4 or 5 times/week. In February 2005, the owner sold because her husband got transferred to New Brunswick. The new owners were nice, but put up a strip of mirror along each wall. They also changed the format a bit, which was fine, but took a bit of getting used to. Well, I wasn't overly fond of the mirrors (didn't need to see my sweaty self and hated seeing my stomach every time I went up on the step), so I went a bit less. And had a bit more stomach to look at! I started going more again - at least 3 times/week - last summer. And the gym closed in October. Unlike most gyms going under, the owners had made provisions for another nearby women's gym to take all of us for the rest of our paid memberships (so for most of us until the end of October, a couple people had paid a full year). The other gym also waived their initiation fee if we wanted to continue. I didn't like this place as much, but I needed something close, because I only had the time that the kids were in school (sometimes I go after Hubby comes home, but usually during the day, since I often have clients in the evening). And definitely women only - co-ed gyms are fine, but have a totally different vibe, and I'm just not into doing my hair to work out.

This gym isn't as fun - most of the people aren't very friendly, and that includes staff. The music is never loud enough - as in, you can barely hear it, because of the travel agency next door. Their clients "don't like music". Whatever! If they had a bit of background classical on, they wouldn't hear the beat from the gym, but they don't and are always coming over to complain and ask us to turn it down. Not that it matters, because it's often too slow to get your heart rate up if you work out to the beat. One woman who works there always plays the same CD of fifties music, most of which is too slow. If I hear "Peggy Sue" again, I may have to kill someone. The other thing that annoys me is that they don't change things around at this one. At the old gym, they moved the machines around once each week, so you never got complacent, and your body didn't get used to the same exercises in the same order. Here, they've moved the machines maybe twice. And they didn't really mix things up. The old gym used to offer yoga courses, held once/week for 8 weeks in the evening, after the gym's regular hours. The new place finished out the session last fall, but refused to do it again. I really, really miss yoga.

I've been going less, doing other things like the Boot Camp, and swimming, etc. It's also summer, so I have to go in the evenings when Hubby gets home, since the kids are here during the day. And we were away on holidays for ten days. You think people would realize this. This is another thing that I don't like about the gym. If you haven't been there for a while, they will call you. During the winter, I had strep throat, the kids were sick, Hubby was sick, work, choir. I didn't get the opportuniy to go, so they called and left a message. "You haven't been here, just checking in to see if things are okay". I got a call last week, too. I find it annoying - because they are also trying to sell vitamins, weight loss products and other supplements. My opinion is that they have my money, I'm paying my membership, and people get busy. Don't call me, I'll call you. I'm very much looking forward to the new gym - a ladies' only GoodLife that is more of a regular gym, not a circuit. It will be opening when the new grocery store opens in September. I am planning on cancelling my current membership, and joining the GoodLife gym. Then maybe I'll be able to wear my favourite jeans again! (they haven't fit since a couple of months after the new owners/mirrors!)

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Already August

Is it just me, or is the summer flying by? Albeit in a sticky, hot, humid way. Last week, I went school supply shopping. Of course, that's because I refuse to do it when everyone else is shopping. I'll order their new backpacks and lunch bags (lunch bags! My babies will be gone all day!) from Land's End this week. And then I just need to get a few odds and ends. My parents will be here in exactly one month - Corwin called and asked if Granpappy would come for the first day of grade one (Sept 5), so they will arrive on the Friday of Labour Day weekend, and stay until the next Thursday. Grade one. Already. It's unbelieveable how fast they have grown.

Since Corwin and Clara will be in school full days, this means that I can work more. Money - what a concept! Now I just have to market myself, get my name out there once again. I may even go back to the group homes where I did music therapy before my maternity leave. Ideally, I would like to work just with kids, but until I can really get a full roster of clients again, I would add some group home sessions. I just hate the calling/marketing/etc. Oh well - time to get motivated, I guess.


And since it's August, it means that I am singing in church this Sunday. Solo. Being the cantor. The voice lesson went well last week, and I have another this evening. And I'll be singing on Sunday. I'm trying not to think too much about it, trying not to freak myself out.

What Flavour Martini Are You?

You Are a Chocolate Martini

You're an elegant drunk, who only likes the best bars and the most expensive drinks.
A bit of a cheapskate, you're likely to mooch ten dollar drinks off both friends and strangers.

You should never: Drink and dash. You're gonna get caught leaving someone with the tab!

Your ideal party: A posh celebrity party you crash, with an open bar.

Your drinking soulmates: those with a Classic Martini personality

Your drinking rivals: those with a Blueberry Martini personality


I feel vaugely offended - I've never done a dine/drink and dash in my life! Also the mooching drinks part - hmph! The part I can't deny is liking the best bars and most expensive drinks. Not that I get out to these classy places very much anymore!