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!!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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 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...
Monday, March 10, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
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
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
Monday, March 03, 2008
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!
- 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!
Monday, February 25, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, February 22, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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????
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????
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
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!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, February 01, 2008
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!"
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!"
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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
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
Thursday, January 24, 2008
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...
Thursday, January 03, 2008
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.
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
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
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year to all! May 2008 bring all health, happiness and all that you can wish for.
2008 kisses,
DiDi
2008 kisses,
DiDi
Monday, December 24, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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!
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!
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