I LOVE THIS MAN!

This is an article from Macleans magazine - for anyone outside of Canada - it is a Canadian newsmagazine. I love this man because he put into words how we are all feeling about this goddamn winter that never seems to end. Please oh please - let spring find us soon. I have some very pretty shoes that are dying to be worn.

What's eating you, Mother Nature? Is it us?

I always pictured you as a nice lady, but after this much snow you're one mean slut
SCOTT FESCHUK March 12, 2008

An Open Letter to Mother Nature

Dear Bitch,

Are you for real?

We know it was wrong of us to stand idly by and let Al Gore show all those explicit photographs of what you're going to look like 30 years from now. But seriously — ease off. Enough with the apocalyptic downfalls of snow mixed with ice pellets mixed with freezing rain mixed with snow pellets mixed with the frozen tears of sedentary Maclean's columnists who just can't lift the shovel even one more goddamn time. I'm not saying I'm totally sick of winter, but see that animal's head mounted above my fireplace? Say hello to Punxsutawney Phil. Shadow-seeing bastard had it coming.

In Ottawa, we're closing in on the all-time record snowfall of 444.1 cm — a mark that has stood for almost four decades. Spring seems as far off as Jessica Alba's Academy Award. How bad is it in the nation's capital? I have to wear an avalanche beacon when I go out to get the paper. The local TV weather guy has the eerily distant look of a soldier with post-traumatic shock or a teenage virgin who's been left alone with Charlie Sheen for seven minutes. And at press time Scatman Crothers was desperately trying to get here before Jack Nicholson attacks my family.

Word is you've been kinder to other parts of Canada. Calgary was pushing 12 degrees this week. The mercury in Whitehorse hit the positive numbers. And Winnipeg reportedly made it a record six straight days without a single mosquito joke. But you continue to treat Ontario and all parts east as your own personal snow globe.

We've tried to have patience. Some of us have also tried patience's little helper, Xanax. But look what you've done to us. We're a quivering mass of shattered nerves, deadened eyes and extended middle fingers. Our arms ache from all the ice-scraping. Our eyes sting from the unrelenting glare. Our brains atrophy from hours spent staring at the shelves of the local DVD shop and trying to remember which of the Ernest movies we still haven't seen.

What's eating you, Mother Nature? Is it us? Listen, we all still have regrets about those 1970s commercials for Chiffon margarine — the ones with the catchphrase, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature." The special effects were cheesy at best and some of those woodland creatures really phoned in their performances. And yes, we bear a collective responsibility for failing to punish Hollywood for callously having you portrayed in films by not only Phyllis Diller but also Bette Midler. Next time, Scarlett Johansson in a fig leaf. We promise.

But you need to lighten up. Winters like this — they're not something that humans are built to endure. In that way they're like all Robin Williams movies since 1987. We can't take the physical strain of trudging through this much snow. We can't take the mental strain of driving on impassable streets. And we can't outrun the yetis who've come down from the hills to feast.

What's that you say? If we don't like it we should go somewhere warmer? Oh you'd love that, wouldn't you? You'd love us to go to the airport so you can hurl another 50 cm of glistening white misery at us. We'll end up like those people on the news who spent half their March break in line at the departure-lounge Sbarro.

I always pictured you as a nice lady, sauntering through idyllic forests, bluebirds chirping merrily as they fluttered around your head. Maybe you'd stop now and then to enjoy a leisurely cup of tea with other famed anthropomorphized figures such as Jack Frost or Andy Rooney. And then you'd be on your way to cuddle a cute bunny rabbit or make the sun shine out of Barack Obama's ass.

But it turns out you're one mean slut. So much snow has fallen this winter that hell itself has frozen over — and you know what that means: now Rob Schneider gets to star in another movie. Thanks a lot, Mother Nature: first 410 cm of snow; next, Deuce Bigalow III: Gigolo Harder.

You and I have had our differences before. As one who sweats profusely under certain conditions, such as sitting quietly at room temperature, I wasn't too wild about the summer of 2005. By late June I was technically classified as an estuary. But this is different. This is worse. This winter has worn me down like a Rosie O'Donnell opinion. And to think this is the thanks I get from Mother Nature for spending 90 whole minutes cleaning up that riverbank that one afternoon 20 years ago when I was trying to hit on that enviro-chick who never wore a bra.

One last thing: because of the snow and the cold, I haven't been able to take down the Christmas lights yet. But with you in mind I did manage to rearrange them to spell, "Up Yours." We know it's not nice to fool you — but there's nothing in there that says we can't punch you in the face.

Sincerely,

Everyone

FEELING UNAPPRECIATED AT WORK LATELY?

Good lord - my colleagues would notice after 5 minutes at the lack of noise coming from my cube. Now that is a REALLY bad day at the office!

One more day until Friday!!!!

FINALLY!!!!

At long last - the Great Scanning Project of 2007 (yes I am aware that it is 2008) is now complete! All of our photos - taken before the great age of digital cameras are now scanned in and uploaded to Flickr.

I will now go and do the "I finished scanning dance" to celebrate! Should you wish to see the fruits of my labour - you can check out our Flickr site at www.flickr.com/photos/thesorority

Whew! Now what ever will I do with my time - I may actually have to work...

I HATE WINTER!

I hate snow, winter, cold, down-filled coats (even though it keeps my mighty warm), boots, gloves, hats, shovelling, shivering and generally all things associated with winter!

I am officially raising the white flag - You win winter! You have kicked my ass mightily and you are the winner! Now that you have won - can you please leave and let spring come! Pretty please with a cherry on top!

ALWAYS

My girlfriend Kacy sent me this email and I loved it! The author of this letter and I will probably never meet but I ADORE her! Only a team of men could have come up with the tagline that prompted this letter. Read on women of the internet and enjoy!

This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.



Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.


Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'



Isn't the human body amazing?As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong',

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullshit. And that's a promise I will keep. Always. . .

Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

THINGS TO DO WHILE YOUR HUSBAND IS AWAY SKIING!

Wilson was away skiing for 4 days and there was a brief moment where I was wondering how the hell am I going to deal with the mighty Arthur for 4 days - BY MYSELF!!! But then I took a breath and remembered that I could and did do the following:

- have popcorn and wine for dinner
- have Arthur all to myself
- eat pasta with tomato sauce (Wilson is not a pasta lover at all hence why we never eat it in our house)
- eat cookies and feel no guilt
- visit my gorgeous nephew and make him laugh - he is 8 months old today!
- watch movies that Wilson would never want to see - Away from Her, In the Valley of Elah, La Vie En Rose. Recommend all three but loved, loved, loved Away from Her and In the Valley of Elah.
- leave my shoes in the entry way (this makes Wilson INSANE!)
- not hang up my coat right away (see above)
- spend 2 fantastic hours with Mellie and Ivy (funniest moment of the weekend was watching Ivy try to dominate (aka hump) Arthur and then he decided to spin around and 'helicopter' Ivy.

All in all a good weekend for me. Got lots of stuff done and spent so much fun time with Arthur. By Sunday though - I had had enough alone time and wanted my husband back. And the best part of all - he missed me too! I got me lots and lots of kisses and a new pair of gloves.

And now - I am back at my desk but very happy that when I go home tonight there will be a brown puppy and a sweet but tired boy. A girl could not ask for anymore!

DAMN, IT'S MONDAY!

Well another Oscar Sunday as come and gone - and I really liked this ceremony! Jon Stewart was funny in the bland way that Oscar demands and I also loved that there was no runaway winner. I finished 2nd in my Oscar Pool with 13 correct guesses.

My faves of the evening were Tilda Swinton's look of utter shock when she won and then 'taking the mickey' (as they say) out of George from the stage. Apparently he played many a practical joke on her during filming and that was the best payback ever issued.

Helen Mirren 'knighting' Daniel Day-Lewis - and his speech. He is an eloquent bugger.

Javier Bardem (whom Regis called Xavier) and speaking in Spanish to his mother, grandparents, father and the people of Spain. I could listen to him read me the phone book. I do love a Spain Spanish accent. So damn elegant!

Marion Cotillard - total surprise and how gobsmacked she was. You could tell she was struggling to remember to speak English and I thought she did a great job with her speech.

I love that Juno won for Best Original Screenplay - it wa so new and fresh. I hope Diablo Cody can follow it up with another one that is a good.

And George Clooney - whom I have loved since he was on the Facts of Life - although he is much better looking now. No one wears a tux better or is more of a movie star! He also looks like he is a great friend, gets the joke and doesn't take himself to seriously. Wilson is well aware that George is one of my Freebie Five.

ReRe and Mellie - hate you both for being somewhere warm when they are calling for more snow tonight and tomorrow. However, I will be in Ottawa so Wilson will be doing the shoveling this time.

THANK GOD

It's Friday. Also - that February is almost over! This month maybe the shortest but DAMN! does it ever drag its ass!

And Sunday - The Oscars!!!! Imagine dear internet - a chubby Canadian girl sitting on the couch - remote in hand - watching every single minute and so damn happy!. Yipeeee!!!!

Now - if only the end of the day would get here faster so I can go home to my Arthur and Wilson!

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE...

My girlfriend Sharon sent me this on Valentine's Day and I had to laugh out loud. Some of it is more true than I would probably like to admit and if truth be told, I have used numbers 1, 3 and 9 a fair amount in our relationship. Oh come on - so have you!

Anyhoo - read and enjoy!

1.) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3.) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5.) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7.) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome. 8.) Whatever : Is a women's way of saying FUCK YOU!

9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

SENTIMENTAL

Every so often I read or hear or see something that strikes a chord within me – and it is usually about a couple who has overcome some kind of crazy odds together. Usually, because I am some kind of sap, it moves me to tears. OK so I am a sap that happens a lot.

Recently I was reading a very emotional novel about the hard choices of love and my sappy heart is very emotional. I welled up continuously as I read the difficult choices the characters in the book have to make and, of course, being the sappy, impractical girl that I am, I put myself and Wilson in their shoes. I, of course fast forward to the end when we overcome that obstacle and move closer to our happily ever after. I know that life isn’t like that but somehow I know that no matter what life throws us, we will hold tight and get through it together. Some would call me naïve – and I don’t care. I know that what we have, our partnership, can withstand any test.

There are times that when I am with him that my love for him almost brings me to my knees such as when he reaches for my hand during a difficult moment just to give me support or when he puts in my favourite movie after he has made me a wonderful dinner just to make me happy; when he rolls over in bed, snuggles close to me and whispers he loves me; the love behind the kiss that he gives me before he leaves for work every morning and when he comes home from work every night; the kindness that he shows my aging parents, small nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters.

Some would say that I love too easily, feel too much, blah, blah blah! What I know is this - I waited a long time to find someone who loves me! Me – this sometimes too loud, crazy girl who never thought that she would find someone who would see through the crazy and love the girl under it all. He is home to me – where ever that may be – here in Toronto, on a boat in the Caribbean or where ever life takes us. He has taught me that love isn’t loud or flowery – it is solid, quiet, caring, sweet and truly better than I could have ever imagined.

I know every day that I married the best man for me. Our story is a journey – with highs and lows, clear sailing or bumps in the road – but as long as we travel hand in hand, seeing each other as only we can, caring for each other and forgiving each other when need be – that we will reach our sunset together. I know that my life is better for having him in it and I am grateful for every shared moment. Wilson I love you today, tomorrow and forever. You are the one I never thought I would find and I so glad that I stopped looking and that you found me.

I love you! Happy Valentine's Day!

DiDi

PS - now that I have written this wonderful entry about you, can we please buy a snowblower so I never have to shovel again????

LOVE - PART DEUX

More smooshy love stuff coming at you. Do you ever wonder at those couples who are married for 60 years and still in love. My parents are that couple - still happily married, still in love and shockingly still best friends. They will be marrid 59 years in 2008 and when I think about that, it moves me Every.Single.Time.

Being only 14 months into my marriage, they have been the best example any daughter could have in what to emulate in her own marriage. Growing up, I never heard them say a mean word to each other. No fighting, no throwing things, nothing. That does not mean that they didn't have squabbles but as my mom once told me - "If you keep your eye on the prize, they bumps along the way really don't mean all that much". Their prize was and is a long and happy marriage and they never forgot that. While that is what Wilson and I want - sometimes his crankiness and my bitchiness do get the better of us.

Their story is very simple - my dad was sent to Canada from England by his parents when he was 14 years old. He moved into the same area where my mother lived and somehow they never met. After the war, my dad served with the Royal Canadian Navy, he decided to come back to Canada and live in the same area where he'd lived when he was sent over from England. They both lived in the same area for a couple of years until a chance meeting - at church late in 1948. Six months after meeting, my dad popped the question and they were married in a small ceremony.

July 23, 1949

They decided not to wait to have kids and sure enough my oldest brother was born on Mother's Day of 1950 (true story - my mother said she was going to be a mother by Mother's day and sure enough, out he came on the day. Do not mess with my mom and her determination!) Five more kids followed - of which I am the sixth. When I was just over a year old, decided to add another one to the brood and adopted my brother to make it 7. They did not know that when they adopted my brother that he was developmentally disabled but when it started to show itself at around age 4 or 5 - they just rolled up their sleeves and dealt with that too. Many people told them to institutionalize him - but nope. They kept him with us and our family intact. I never knew life any other way but it had to have been so difficult for them - but you would never have known. This was their family and they would do whatever they could to make our lives better than theirs were growing up. They suceeded - in spades!


Now all of us are grown and out of the house. They spend every day together taking care of each other and I marvel at them. I watch my daddy age with my heart in my throat but my mom still sees that young guy that she married oh so long ago. I see them holding hands, caring for each other, helping each other and loving each other after so many years and it always brings tears to my eyes. I know that I don’t have many more years with this wonderful example around me and I cherish every moment.

Married 58 years and counting

Their loving legacy will continue on for so many years to come - with their 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

I love you Mom and Dad - more than you could possibly know. Thank you for teaching me how to love and for showing me everyday what love brings to your life. Because of you I never settled and I found the love of my life. You both truly are the best!

LOVE

This is a week where people talk about love A LOT! I am not a big lover of Valentine's Day for many reasons (overpriced flowers, stupid restaurants that charge to much for bad meals, blah, blah, blah). But, never being one to miss jumping on a bandwagon - I too will talk about love this week here at blog central.

There are so many kinds of love - the "I just found the prettiest pair of shoes" love, the "happily married - even though he annoys me to bits at times, I still love him more than anything" kind, the new "just fell in love and never want to have this feeling end" kind, the "wet sloppy puppy kisses all over your face" kind(could not resist a shout-out to Arthur) and the kind that parents have for their children.

Today, I share with you a wonderful story of love. Our friends T & D have a gorgeous son C - and I do mean truly gorgeous. Both T & D have siblings and they wanted C to know the love of a brother or sister (as well as the special kind of torture that a sibling brings to your life).

So, being the truly loving parents they are, they decided that there waaaay too many kids in the world who REALLY do need a loving home, they started the process of adoption. China was their first option and did all the paperwork and were waiting for the call.

Funny sidebar - Along the way, they told C that they were going to get him a sister and they decided to name her Libby. C, being the sweet child that he is, went to school and talked about his sister Libby - apparently a lot as his teachers felt the need to pull T aside one day as she picked him up from school. They were concerned about C as he is telling fibs to the other children about his sister - as they knew he was an only child. T quickly filled them in on the missing details and C's reputation was saved.

Then this year, they found their daughter. She did not live in China but in South Africa. T, D and C all went to South Africa late in 2007 to meet her and make her a member of their family. T stayed with her daughter to finalize everything and the entire family was reunited in time for Christmas. Never did a more deserving family get the best present in the whole world.

Look what love brough to Canada - Miss Andile Elizabeth Victoria. Welcome to Canada Miss Libby! You were wanted before they ever met you and are now loved to distraction by more people than you could have dreamed. Your parents and brother are what love is all about!

More smooshy love stuff to come this week - it is Valentine's after all!

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Ok, I get it, really I do! I live in a country where we have winter. But that godamned groundhog didn't see his goddamned shadow and now we have 6 more weeks of this crap. I am so tired of snow, cold, winter, snow, cold, shovelling, snow - well you get the point.

Last night, after we landed from Houston (where it was warm!) we drove home from the airport in a blizzard, we (that is Wilson) shoveled a foot of snow so we could get into our driveway last night. He pulls a muscle in his back and then I (yes me!) shovelled 6 more inches of that blasted white stuff this morning. To top it all off, the damn snowplow came and deposited a foot of that shit back at the end of the driveway - so I had to shovel AGAIN! (on the plus side, I am wearing my JCrew green and white polka dotted wellies when I shovel - so my feet look fab!)

Spring - this is a message from a sick and tired girl in Canada - get your ass here as fast as you can! If you don't, I will not be held responsible for the consequences!

SNOWED IN!

Wilson and I were supposed to be winging our way to Houston today for a conference but alas Mother Nature had other plans. She decided to drop a foot of snow over Southern Ontario and cancel our flight. On the plus side - am sitting at my dining room table, in my pjs with my fuzzy slippers on, surfing the net, ooops I mean working.

We leave tomorrow on some convoluted flight plan but we will get there. And the best part - no snow and sunshine!

As the commercial used to say - "It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature!"

AN OPEN LETTER TO WINTER

Dear Winter,
I know that you come for a duration of time, once a year and I know that I live in a country that is north of the equator. Taking all of that into consideration, I would like to inform you that I am tired of all of your baggage - tired of snow, wearing more layers than one human ever should, being forced to wear a coat that looks like a sleeping bag, getting out of bed and being cold, walking the dog in the dark of night when it is only 5pm and the list could go on.

Please, with all due respect - go and bother another country and let me where pretty clothes, open toed shoes and bare legs.

Seriously winter - go the fuck away!

Kind regards,
DiDi

CURIOUS

How do 2 people create so much laundry? We dry clean most things that we wear to work and still I do copious amounts of the stuff. How is this possible...

A YEAR IN REVIEW

I did this for the first time last year and found it a really good way to look back over your year. So here it is again - my own personal Year in Review!


1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before? Paid off my horrible tax debt!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I really didn't make any resolutions but Wilson and I set goals for 2007 and I achieved more than I thought I would.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My niece Lisa had her first child - a baby boy named Quinn.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Our sweet dog Maggie - she was a beloved member of our family.

5. What places did you visit? The Grenadines (Bequia, Canouan, Palm Island, Mayreau, Union Island) Vancouver (2) Calgary (2) Ottawa (2) Montreal (1)


6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Better financial outlook for our retirement. Because of the crippling tax debt (that is now gone! HOORAY!!) I was not contributing to my RRSP and now need to contribute as much as possible.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 30th - the day we lost our Maggie. July 20th - the day we brought our Arthur home. December 9 - My first wedding anniversary

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Being someone's wife, paying off the crippling tax debt

9. What was your biggest failure? Being lazy and not keeping off the 15lbs I lost before getting married. Also, knowing that diabetes is on both sides of my family and the best thing I can do is exercise and eat right to prevent me from ever sticking needles into me.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Other than a couple of bad colds - nope.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My very pretty new Cole Haan Mary Janes.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? ReRe's - she figured out that turning 40 really isn't so bad.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? George Bush

14. Where did most of your money go? The government

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? - getting our hot tub, paying off the government, our first anniversary, giving Wilson his birthday present, bringing home Arthur

16. What song will always remind you of 2007? Before he cheats - Carrie Underwood and Rehab by Amy Winehouse

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier - I was very happy last year and am glad that I am still in a happy state

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Saving.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Spending.

20. How did you spend Christmas last year? With family

21. Did you fall in love in 2006? Yup - with a sweet puppy named Arthur.

22. How many one-night stands? None.

23. What was your favorite TV program? So you think you can dance? Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters

24. What did you do for your birthday in 2007? Had dinner with my husband and his parents on the Ottawa River

25. What was the best book you read? I would have to say Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Not sure - I did love hearing more of Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone.

27. What did you want and get? A great vacation with my husband

28. What did you want and not get? A telephoto lens

29. What was your favorite film of this year? Hairspray, Dreamgirls - am a total sucker for musicals.

30. Did you make some new friends this year? Alison

31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More time relaxing with my husband

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Hatred of my clothes always feeling tight

33. What kept you sane? Weekends on our boat, my husband, our dog, wine, time with friends

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? No one really

35. What political issue stirred you the most? poverty, genocide in Sudan

36. Who did you miss? Kacy

37. Who was the best new person you met? no one person springs to mine

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. That happiness just doesn't happen, you work at it every day and some days it is easier than others.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS - FINALLY!

I am taking a page from our real life and putting my goals down on internet paper... Some say resolutions others say goals - either way the following is stuff I would like to accomplish this year at some point...

FAMILY and FRIENDS
1. Be grateful for my family - they may be crazy but they are the only family you get.
2. Be less judgemental about Wilson's family. They are what they are and I have to roll with it better. besides, in the year that we have been married, they have been nothing but loving towards me (except for Nana telling me that I was fat at Christmas...)
3. Visit the family that I have in the city more.
4. Be a good friend and call more.


COOKING
5. Make cooking healthy a lifestyle choice.
6. Use less butter and cheese
7. Grill meats as much as possible
8. Eat vegetarian 2 times per week
9. Smaller portions for both of us
10. Have healthy snacks only in our house
11. Have only grains or healthy carbs once per day.



Health
11. Stop being so damn lazy and get my ass on the treadmill 3 times per week
12. Find and take yoga class once per week
13. Try to start running - 20 minutes 2 times per week by June
14. Lose this persistent 15-20 lbs and keep it off through consistent excercise and good eating.




Home
15. Do more gardening
16. Find and refinish inexpensive bedside tables for the spare bedroom
17. Find and refinish better side tables for basement family room
19. Frame photographs for spare bedroom


Hobbies
20. Take a photography course
21. Buy telephoto lens and become proficient with it
22. Learn photoshop



Finance
23. Maintain debt free status
24. Build better nest egg
25. Contribute as much as possible to pension plan and RRSPs



Fun
26. Play more games rather than watch TV
27. Go to more movies
28. Have more friends over when on the boat
29. Go to the theatre 3 times this year
30. See a concert I have always wanted to see
31. Ride a horse at least once per year




Love
32. Stop being so sensitive and realize that Wilson is trying to help more than hurt
33. Count to 5 before I say something hurtful
34. Remember that even when he pisses me off, how much I love him
35. Thank him for taking such care of me and Arthur
36. Kiss him 10 times per day
37. Plan a weekend trip to somewhere he wants to go
38. Put my crap away promptly so that it doens't make him crazy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all! May 2008 bring all health, happiness and all that you can wish for.

2008 kisses,
DiDi

Christmas

Here it is another Christmas Eve and this is my favourite night of the holiday season! I have my handsome husband of 1 year by my side. Rounding our our wee clan this year is our wee Arthur - the sweetest, craziest puppy you ever did meet. With those gifts in my life - whatever is under the tree is just icing on the cupcake!

Safe travels Mellie & Jewemy! Can't wait to take the dogs for walkies when you get back!

ReRe - have a great visit with your mom.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

DiDi

DECEMBER 9, 2007

I know, I know - it is waaaaaay past December 9th but I have been a busy girl. Went on a catamaran cruise around St. Vincent & the Grenadines (FAB!), got back, went back to work, Christmas shopped my brains out as well as a myriad of stuff that is too boring to even mention.

But December 9th came and that means that my beloved Wilson and I have been married for an entire year. And what a year it has been for us both! Running away and getting married on a beach with Wilson was the smartest thing I have ever done! This year has had it hard moments but having this wonderful, smart, sexy, funny, sweet, aggravating, oh so loving man by my side has made every moment sweeter. Having him by my side, holding my hand makes every day married to him the best day. While there are days when I could cheerfully punch him hard, I know that in an hour we will have forgotten about it and be laughing at something else.

I always knew that being married was something that I wanted - I have the best example in my parents who are still in love and happily married after 58 1/2 years together. But never in my wildest dreams did I think to myself that I would find a man who has the same picture in his head of marriage and is so in it for the long haul with me. Knowing that, being married to that - makes it all worth it. I am looking forward to more years of fighting and making up, snuggling in bed, walking the dog in all kinds of weather, vacations, summers, winters, kissing him good bye as he leaves for work and then kissing him hello when he comes home again for the rest of my life. You and me baby - it's all I could ever ask for!

Happy anniversary baby!

IT'S A GOOD DAY TODAY!

So far - I am having a very good day! I decided to work from home today and that really means I do whatever the hell I want. So today - I am blogging, playing Scrabble on Facebook, smooching Arthur at every given opportunity and scanning pictures! To anyone who reads this (Mellie) you are probably thinking that I need to get a life because that is an incredibly boring day. To me - it is like a vacation day and exactly what I needed. Shortly, I will take wee Arthur for a long walk and throw him his ball 1000 times. The only way life could be better is if Wilson was home to play with me.

DiDi

LEST WE FORGET

Yesterday was Remembrance Day and I am always moved by this day. I have a WW2 vet for a dad and the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice was always reinforced in our house. Wearing a poppy was mandatory as was thanking the man from the Legion who was selling them because he too was a veteran of a far off conflict.

While Wilson and I spent the morning with Mellie and Jewemy watching our puppies romp and play it wasn't far from my mind that it was November 11th and that I needed to take a moment and reflect on all that we have because of the sacrifice of so many.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who have fought and those still fighting. It is because of you that I could spend the day with my husband, dear friends and our dogs, walking on a Toronto beach and just enjoying the day.

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place;

and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived,

felt dawn,

saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch;

be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

WENT TO DENVER AND HAD A BIG ACCIDENT

Wilson and I went to Denver for Kacy and Ed's wedding reception - which was a total blast! However, my real plan was to shop until I dropped as the Canadian dollar is pretty much a par with the US dollar (everybody give a big HELL YEAH! on that one) and DiDi just finished paying off a huge tax debt so I was ready to celebrate with some new clothes.

And celebrate I did. Here is what I bought:
- black and white wrap dress - Banana Republic
- black turtleneck - Banana Republic
- 4 pairs of dress pants - Ann Taylor - have I mentioned that I could turn gay for Ann Taylor?
- 3 blouses - Ann Taylor
- 1 green turtleneck - Ann Taylor
- 1 grey sweater - Ann Taylor
- 2 new pairs of jeans - Garment District
- 1 pair flat shoes - Nordstroms
- 4 new bras and 5 pairs undies - Nordstroms
- new dress shirt for Wilson - Nordstroms

Then we went and got manis and pedis so that I can recover from spending like a wild fiend. And now that I am home, I realize that I should have bought more stuff - couple of more tops, some casual wear, etc but the amount that I had spent scared the crap out of me. But did it ever feel good! Thank you Mellie for paving the way for shopping accidents. If not for your example - I would not have known how to accidentally fall into new clothes quite as easily!

New clothes kisses to all,
DiDi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! (if you are Canadian)

The first long weekend of fall - YIPEEE!!!!!! We are going to my parent's farm to be one with the crisp fall air, walks in fields and lots of turkey. Most of my crazy family will be there and I get to see my newest nephew again. Then on the Sunday, my brother is having a turkey dinner for his kids and Wilson and I are going to that as well. Two turkey dinners - I LOVE IT!!!!! Arthur gets to run around with my parents dog, be leash free, get smelly and have the best time!

Most of all, we are thankful that my Mom is healthy and doing so well after her fall earlier this year. So for turkey, time with family, Arthur being tired and my mom being healthy - we are thankful.

Have a great long weekend and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
DiDi

PS - just realized that this is my first married Thanksgiving. I am very, very thankful for my smart, handsome, funny husband.

IT'S TIME TO CALL IT A DAY!

Another boating season has come to an end and Summer Breeze is no longer in the water. Sniff, sniff.... I love when she goes into the water and hate it when she comes out. However, this winter will be much more bearable with the addition of a hot tub in our back yard.

Farewell Summer Breeze for another winter! We will come down and visit you often.

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

For some reason, I get a lot of forwarded jokes. I think this is because my family is so riduculously large. However, I got this one this morning and it made me shriek with laughter!

Little Girl or Chris Farley? You be the judge...

I know, I know - I am going to hell! And I don't care. Am totally giggling now just looking at the picture again.

Tuesday kisses to all,

DiDi

Arthur

Week 16
- has kennel cough
28 pounds
19 inches high
19 inches long

It never ceases to amaze me how much he as grown since we brought him home 9 short weeks ago. He has completely transformed our lives - in the way that only a puppy can. That being said - when he spills my wine I still could cheerfully give him away but then I would want him back 10 minutes later. When I see Wilson snuggled up with him my heart melts into this big pile of goo!

We can't wait until this damn kennel cough is gone so that he can go back to doggie daycare and playing with his best pal Ivy again.

Growing puppy kisses to all!
DiDi

WHAT IS A MOM TO DO...

I now really feel like a mom! Arthur has kennel cough - which sounds a lot like croup. Apparently as I have since found out - this is 'kennel cough season'...who knew??? It is like a bad dog cold with a horrible cough that makes you think your sweet puppy is about to die. Then you feel like you are about to die as you get NO sleep! Then the drugs are seemingly making Arthur forget all of his housetraining. I am afraid to have a shower - and let me tell you I need one for fear that Arthur is going to pee on my shoes or something.

And on top of it, I am very PMessSy and hate everything and everyone. Frankly I have enough of a hate on right now that if there is someone that you do not have enough hate for - let me know, I have extra hate and can spare you some.

I do not know how real moms do this with live children - who actually talk back and everything. It is all I can do to handle this small puppy some days and not murder all and sundry around me. Wine certainly does help - A LOT!!!!!!

I will stop whining now and go back to trying to work from home. Thank you Internet for allowing me to whine AGAIN!

Whiny, pmeSy kisses to all
DiDi

BORED!!!!

I am so bored of all the bullshit that I have to do at work that I can't conceal it anymore!!!! Here is a short list of the things that I would rather be doing than be here:


- anything
- playing with Arthur
- drinking wine
- anything
- having a massage or mani or pedi or all of the previously mentioned items
- anything
- sticking a pencil in my eye
- walking dogs with Mellie
- playing with Arthur
- anything


I am not sure if I have made it clear how little I want to work anymore. However the lottery is not cooperating with me. Where is the money tree from which I can help myself? Why doesn't my husband make so much money that he looks at me and says with great affection "I make so much money that you do not have to work if you do not want too!" (that is a bit 1950s for me but still a nice fantasy).

I either have to find a new way to make money, win the lottery or shut up and quit whining about it. I know which option I will have to choose...

Bored kisses to all,
DiDi

PS - walked the dogs with Mellie last nite! Much fun and hilarity ensued as we watched our dogs frolic and play. And then we ate sushi!!! Loved it and want to do it again soon!

SEPTEMBER 11TH

Six years ago today, I was blithely sitting at my desk when my phone rang and a girlfriend told me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Tower. I was shocked but thought the pilot had had a stroke or something like that. Never did I think it was a terrorist attack. I came out of my meeting to find that the entire world had changed as we knew it and life in so many ways would never be the same. I left work, went home and spent the day with my best friend and my dog - somewhere safe, warm and comfortable. I knew that while life for me might include inconveniences it was still all as I knew it. I think about those people calling home for the last I love you every once in a while and am so grateful that no one I know lost their life on that fateful day.

Then last year a good thing happened for me - our dear friends Jer & Tif had a gorgeous baby boy named Jonah on September 11th and now for me September 11th is about renewal. I celebrate a birth instead of looking back at sadness.

People die, things change, time passes and we all move forward. Such is the circle of life and today - I marvel at the resiliancy of the human spirit.

So happy birthday Jonah and may all of you call home to tell someone that you love them - for no other reason than you can.

Kisses to all,
DiDi

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

On Sunday, 365 days ago, our sweet Mellie became a wife on a cottage dock! Never had she looked more beautiful or happy and never did ReRe and I drink more wine than we did that night! (Internet, remind me to share the story of me singing "Sweet Caroline" on the DJ's microphone, ReRe trying to wrestle it away from me and then Mellie's friend Caroline saying it was her song and then singing into the mic! Good times!!)

Jewemy got it so right when he picked our girl to spend his life with - smart, funny, gorgeous she really is all that and a bag of chips (low fat of course)!

Happy anniversary dear friends and we look forward to celebrating many more of life's milestones with you!

Anniversary kisses,

DiDi

GEORGE CARLIN'S NEW RULES FOR 2007

I am now back from vacation and am not happy - until I just read this email from my girl Cari in Vancouver. I laughed out loud and then decided to waste more time by posting this for all to see!

Reality sucks when you come back from vacation - desparately need a lottery win so that we can live like that all the time! Hope you enjoy the chuckle internet!

New Rules for living - courtesy of George Carlin
1. No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.

2. Stop giving me that pop-up ad for classmates.com <> ! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days --- mowing my lawn.

3. Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Lobster?

4. Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged . I have a better description for these kids: 'Lucky bastards.'

5. If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're a dope. If you're a kid, the cards are keep sakes of your idols. If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.

6. Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: Do you have two of them? Good, we're done.

7. There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at t he supermarket, water, but, without that watery taste. Sorry, but flavored water is call ed a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.

8. Stop screwing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.

9. The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger t he asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a 'decaf grandee, half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low, and One NutraSweet,' ooooh, you're a hug e asshole.

10. I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card, entering My PIN number, pressing 'Enter,' verifying the amount, deciding, no, I don't want Cash back, and pressing 'Enter' again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up Is standing there eating my Almond Joy.

11. Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you Spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to 'beef with broccoli.' The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.

12. Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN Recently televised th e U.S. Open of Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait, they're already doing that. It's called 'The Howard Stern Show.'

13. I don't need a bigger mega M&Ms. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.

14. If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good enough to be a movie.

15. And this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants. After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell If he's supposed to be there, or just some freak with a fetish. I don't want to be on your webcam, Dude. I just want to wash my hands

16. When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to hear '27 months.' 'He's two' will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.

17. If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than Minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, 'Do you want fries with that?'

Just back from vacation and not at all happy about it kisses to all,
DiDi

VACATION

I LOVE VACATIONS!!! Wilson and I are off for an entire week together and I love it. The rest of the world is working and we are a lovely combination of boating, being lazy, walking Arthur, drinking A LOT of wine and anything else that we can think of that people do on a vacation. IT IS FABULOUS!!!

Arthur is loving having his parents home for the week and I am afraid that he will never go in his crate again. He is over 20 pounds now and is growing so fast that I can' believe it. He loves vacations too - although any day that he gets to play with another puppy or run off leash is a vacation in his mind.

For those of you not on a vacation right this very minute - I feel for you. Get yourself on vacation as fast as you possibly can - it is just what needs to be done this last week of August.

Have a safe and happy Labour Day dear internet! Back at you in September!

Vacation kisses to all,
DiDi

ARTHUR UPDATE

Playing at Grandma's house - he is about to take flight!

Much has happened in the last week but before I can write about that - there is much to update on Arthur!

Week 3

15 inches high, 15 inches long and 15 pounds

Week 4

17.3 pounds - not sure of his measurements yet but he grows every time he takes a nap!

Arthur will be 12 weeks next Saturday and has brought so much love and laughter into our house. He is one crazy puppy and can frustrate the crap out of me but when he snuggles into his mommy - all is forgotten as my heart melts inside of me.

So tired from all of the playing! It is very hard being almost 11 weeks old!

So glad that Arthur got to meet his grandparents (both of them as my mother is now home from the hospital - YAY!!!) and he got to play with their dog. There is nothing funnier than watching your dog (who is small now but not for long) play with a really big dog. Arthur figured out the only way to have a fighting chance at being able to keep up with the playtime is to do so from a height advantage - from the couch! They would play for hours and then drop of exhaustion only to wake up and do it all over again!

Anyhoo - DiDi is tired but happy!

Kisses to all,

DiDi

CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!

Get ready dear internet - the whining is about to begin!

First - Wilson has been working up a storm - to make up for taking an extra long, long holiday last weekend and being a girl - I miss him and hate that he doesn't get home until 8:30 pm or later.

Second, I have to go to Calgary this weekend - leaving tomorrow - and miss a whole weekend with Wilson and Arthur. Because of this damn trip, we miss the annual friends weekend at Mellie and Jewemy's cottage (aka - The Compound) and it sounded like mucho fun!!!

Third and the worst of all - my mummy fell last Friday and cracked her pelvis and 2 ribs and is in the hospital! As I have to go out of town, I will not get to go to their house until next Wednesday morning (yes, that is the morning after I land from Calgary). This damn trip is making it so that I can't see her and help out other members of my family. I really, really, really hate business travel - especially when it totally interferes with my weekend and my life! However my boss is being a total rock star about letting me go home to help and not making me take vacation. Lizzie is really the best boss EVER!!!! Also, God bless the Brand for giving me a blackberry and air card to help me stay connected and on top of things! This way I can say that I am working remotely when really I am grocery shopping, housecleaning, getting a cleaning service organized, visiting, dog-walking and any thing else that is needed of me for 2 days.

There - that is my whine du jour! I am sure that the trip will be great and all will be fine. My mom is getting better everyday and has started rehab. Thank heavens that no surgery was needed at all or I would not be going on this trip AT ALL!

On the plus side - Arthur gets to go to Grandma and Grandpa's farm and play with a big dog and go for walks without his leash. This will make him so tired and that makes his mummy so happy! I promise that my next post will not be so whiny and my lovely cynical self will be back in action.

Whiny kisses to all,

DiDi

PS - just because I can - here are some of the latest pictures of Arthur! These were taken outside of Pembroke, ON - on Arthur's 9 week birthday. Smooshiness galore!!!!!

GOOD LORD - HE'S EXPLODING!

The story of Arthur...

ARTHUR ARRIVES AND IS 7 WEEKS
He is 10 Lbs and we forgot to measure everything else

WEEK 1 - 8 WEEKS OLD
Arthur is now 12 pounds, 12 inches high and 12 inches long. A gain of 2 pounds in 1 week!

WEEK 2 - 9 WEEKS OLD
15 pounds, 16 inches long, 14 inches high. Wilson averaged it out - he grew approximately 1/2 an inch each day of last week!

He is growing so fast - each time he wakes up from a nap I swear to God he is bigger! So friggen cute but holy is he going to be big!

Growing puppy kisses to all!
DiDi

HOW CAN SOMETHING SO SMALL CHANGE YOUR LIFE SO COMPLETELY?

Sitting pretty for mama!

It has been just over a week since our wee boy Arthur came to live with us - and what a week it has been! I have been run ragged by a 10 lb puppy who thinks that my boobs and ankles are chew toys. I have been woken up in the wee small hours by his crys and I have never been so sleep deprived in my life!

Story Sidebar

Seriously - I have learned that I do not function well on no or little sleep. Besides being so tired that I could hurl on the spot - I become very, very cranky. Mellie says this is all normal but I don't think she turned into a cranky old lady who yelled at neighbourhood kids. (However in my defense - they were shooting off cap guns for an extended period of time and I snapped and yelled out - "We are trying to have dinner here!" and silence reigned over the neighbourhood once more. Then Wilson came in 15 minutes later and he said I got the kids in trouble - I got a big smooch for that one! Ah the benefits of a loud-mouthed wife!) Our conclusion after just one week of a puppy - no babies for Wilson and DiDi!!!

Having now complained about all of the above - I wouldn't have it any other way! He is just such a delightful boy - full of love and fun. When he falls asleep on me - my heart just melts inside me. He loves his mummy so much because she was home with him for his first week. His daddy is equally enamoured of his smooshiness and Arthur loves his daddy sooo much!

For his first week it has been a busy one - even I don't have this kind of activity but here is a quick synopsis:

• 
  
  met his new best friend Ivey (fur baby of Mellie and Jewemy)
• 
  
  had his first walk in the neighbourhood
• 
  
  2 - yes 2 vet visits (there goes my shoe budget again!) - but he had a clean bill of health so all is good there
• 
  
  his first taste of peanut butter and cream cheese - Mmmm Mmmm Good!
• 
  
  played with many neighbourhood dogs
• 
  
  he discovered how much fun shoe laces are to play with - especially when they are attached to other peoples shoes (great for tug of war)
• 
  
  how much fun Auntie Terri's cottage is
• 
  
  his first boat ride
• 
  
  first excursion into a lake - did not like that one so much

Not bad for someone who is only 8 weeks old. While there is no replacement for our sweet Maggie and she will always be the best girl - Arthur is his own man and we love him so! He fills my heart in a different way - with his sweet puppy breath, chin kisses and so soft fur. Everything is an adventure to him and he has no fear - I think that there is a life lesson in there somewhere!

This weekend our wee family will be going to Wilson's parents for 4 days (4 adults and 1 puppy on a 34' boat - YIKES! Anyone who knows me knows that I will be drinking copiously to get through the weekend!) and he will play on a beach for the first time. Somehow I think he is going to love it!

Long weekend kisses to all!

DiDi

ARTHUR MEET THE INTERNET, INTERNET MEET ARTHUR

Well we did it - that is became parents again! We went to a breeder this morning and picked our our new baby boy. He is 4 weeks old, his name is Arthur and he is a German Shorthaired Pointer. This is both mine and Wilson's first time with a puppy in many, many years and also with a purebred dog. We are mutt people and more the rescue kind of family. However our Maggie was a rescue and I didn't want to do that so soon as she was practically perfect and no rescue dog is that and I didn't want him/her to suffer by comparison.

So we are a family of 3 again and it feels right.

This is Arthur being held by his dad!

It doesn't make me miss Maggie any less but it will be so amazing to have that face at the door (eventually) and all that wonderful dog love.

Puppy kisses to all!

DiDi

A Star Is Born

I can't believe this guy! He has bad British teeth, works at Cell Phone Warehouse and has the voice of an angel. Apparently he was sick for quite some time and has a lot of medical bills. My fave moment is how gobsmacked Simon is - that is not something you see every day! Also the 2 old ladies in the audience and how he gets a standing ovation way before he is finished.

I have no idea why I like this so much - perhaps it is the Cinderella aspect of it all. He went on to win the entire competition and hopefully he will have a long career some where other than Cell Phone World.

GOOD BYE SWEET GIRL

Maggie just after she came to live with me

On Friday afternoon, with much thought and consideration we said good bye to our sweet Maggie. It was the right thing to do for her even though it was the most difficult decision we have had to make as a couple.

She came into my life on October 31st, 1999 from the Toronto Humane Society and my life was never the same. It is amazing to me how a four-legged family member can change the course of a life so much. She was love wrapped in fur and was truly our girl. She always managed to make a bad day better just by being her sweet self.

Wilson and I miss her like crazy but just having had her with us for the time we did made our lives richer and more full. The beginning of her life was not so good but we did our best to make her time with us full of love and happiness. It was our way of giving back to her a fraction of what she gave to us.

Good bye sweet Maggie. You will always be our best girl!

On our boat, after a long walk - so happy!

MAGGIE

This is the saddest thing I have ever had to write but right now our beloved Maggie is at our wonderful vet's office after spending the night at the Emergency Hospital and she is not doing well at all.

Wilson and I are facing the toughest decision we will ever have to make about her and I am utterly and completely miserable about it. She really is the sweetest dog on the planet and a true lady (other than her love of eating shit, birds and dead things).

We love her so much and want her back with us healthy and happy but we are not sure that it is going to happen. We will know more this afternoon.

Sweet Maggie kisses to all...

DiDi

HOLY CRAP IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME...

Yowza it has been a long time since I have written anything here. Either my life is incredibly boring or incredibly busy....I will lean towards the latter as it has been crazy and hectic and BUSY!!!

Here is the summary of the last 2 months in a nutshell...

• still married to Wilson and he is still wonderful and the best husband in the whole world!
• still the mom to Maggie the Wonder Dog - and she is still the best dog in the whole world!
• planted our garden and it looks BEE-YOU-TI-FULL!
• our boat is in the water - YIPEEE!!!
• Wilson helped Mellie and Jewemy build their new deck
• Maggie had a vet appointment for her spring blood work and it came back GREAT! No more melamine complications from eating that damn Menu Foods stuff for 2 lousy weeks. I thought I was being an indulgent parent by giving her moist food so that she could have some extra calories but instead I almost killed her.
• I coloured my hair brown - so now have to amend the description of us at on the blog as we are no longer the blonde, brunette and redhead. It was not an easy adjustment let me tell you - I had been red for 10 or more years and I loved it. But I now like and am leaning towards loving the brun. I will stay with the brun for a bit I think. Besides Wilson really likes it and that is fun!
• am taking lots of pictures with the new camera. Have got some real winners this summer and all are tired of me with a camera to my face...
• Wilson's dad has fixed my tax-man problem and that beast of burden will soon be off my back and my paycheque. WHEW!!!! This will give Wilson and I a significant chunk of money every month that we have not had for all of our life together.
• was re-org'd again at the office. Not sure about this but at least I still have a job where many people in the company do not. For this, I (and of course Wilson and Maggie) are very grateful. (It would have been delightful to have the summer off though...)
• we have booked our winter vacation - we will be sailing around the Grenadines and Tobago Keys with Kacy, Ed, Kacy's mom and step-dad (whom I adore) and another pair of friends of Kacy's that I am sure will be fun. We can't wait!!!

So in a nutshell dear Internet, you are now up to date. I promise not to be so lax in posting from now on.
Updated kisses to all,
DiDi