Last week some friends of ours were over and the topic of boiled eggs and dogs came up. He had given his dog, Ozzy, a hard boiled egg and was amused at how gently Ozzy treated the egg. Gimli, *gasp*, had never had a hard boiled egg before.
I know, I'm a horrid owner.
So, this morning, I made one extra egg to give to Gimli...
For your viewing pleasure:
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Boogedy Boo
I hadn't planned on talking about the 'ghostly' phenomenon at this time, but something strange happened again this morning.
A bit of history:
Last year, sometime in late November, Gimli and I were home alone during the day. The house was quiet, the furnace wasn't even on. I heard 4 thuds, which I call footsteps. At first I thought Gimli was playing with his toys a little too roughly, but when I peeked at him, he was dozing at the window.
If it wasn't Gimli and it wasn't me, who was it?
Naturally Mike thought I was crazy and dismissed it quite quickly.
Since then my imagination has been playing tricks on me, at least that's what I tell myself. Sometimes if I'm alone, I'll see something stir in the corner of my eye, only when I look properly there's nothing there.
Sometimes Gimli will bark at something in a room, only when I go investigate there's nothing there. More to the point, there's nothing like a pile of clothes or the ironing board or something that could scare chicken Gimli, so what's he barking at?
This morning, I was in the middle of a lovely dream where I visited the zoo, and then I was being pushed to move out of the way. Turns out Mike was shoving my leg and asking, "Do you hear that?"
It was the same thuds again. I was too groggy to count them, but it was the same sound. I mumbled that it was probably the neighbor shoveling his driveway...
Except...
There was no snow last night, the driveways have been clear since Wednesday when we were all out after the storm and the neighbors parked their cars in the garage so there was no snow to clean off of them.
Maybe now Mike will believe me.
A bit of history:
Last year, sometime in late November, Gimli and I were home alone during the day. The house was quiet, the furnace wasn't even on. I heard 4 thuds, which I call footsteps. At first I thought Gimli was playing with his toys a little too roughly, but when I peeked at him, he was dozing at the window.
If it wasn't Gimli and it wasn't me, who was it?
Naturally Mike thought I was crazy and dismissed it quite quickly.
Since then my imagination has been playing tricks on me, at least that's what I tell myself. Sometimes if I'm alone, I'll see something stir in the corner of my eye, only when I look properly there's nothing there.
Sometimes Gimli will bark at something in a room, only when I go investigate there's nothing there. More to the point, there's nothing like a pile of clothes or the ironing board or something that could scare chicken Gimli, so what's he barking at?
This morning, I was in the middle of a lovely dream where I visited the zoo, and then I was being pushed to move out of the way. Turns out Mike was shoving my leg and asking, "Do you hear that?"
It was the same thuds again. I was too groggy to count them, but it was the same sound. I mumbled that it was probably the neighbor shoveling his driveway...
Except...
There was no snow last night, the driveways have been clear since Wednesday when we were all out after the storm and the neighbors parked their cars in the garage so there was no snow to clean off of them.
Maybe now Mike will believe me.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tunnel Vision
I was supposed to post this yesterday, but I conked out around 9.30 and said forget it, I'll post it tomorrow.
Of course, by the time I made it upstairs and into bed, I had to get out of bed again to pick up Gimli and place him onto the bed. I got comfy only to feel Gimli roaming around on the bed and then a small corgi butt squished up against my back.
I pressed back against him and then he pushed me back. We continued amid my giggles until my corgi allotted snuggle time was over and he went to lie down at the foot of the bed. Yes, Gimli was a psychiatrist in his last life and so snuggling only lasts so long until the timer goes off in his head.
In any event, the picture below was taking with my BlackBerry on our walk last evening. This is following the rampant amounts of snow we were supposed to get in Ontario. Although for a corgi, snow taller than 11 inches is lots of snow.
This is Gimli waiting for me to join him in the mud room to get ready for our walk. How can you resist that face?
Of course, by the time I made it upstairs and into bed, I had to get out of bed again to pick up Gimli and place him onto the bed. I got comfy only to feel Gimli roaming around on the bed and then a small corgi butt squished up against my back.
I pressed back against him and then he pushed me back. We continued amid my giggles until my corgi allotted snuggle time was over and he went to lie down at the foot of the bed. Yes, Gimli was a psychiatrist in his last life and so snuggling only lasts so long until the timer goes off in his head.
In any event, the picture below was taking with my BlackBerry on our walk last evening. This is following the rampant amounts of snow we were supposed to get in Ontario. Although for a corgi, snow taller than 11 inches is lots of snow.
This is Gimli waiting for me to join him in the mud room to get ready for our walk. How can you resist that face?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My dog is taking lessons from the ghost
I am convinced our house is haunted, mainly because Gimli and I were home alone one day and I distinctly heard 4 footsteps on the stairs. But that is a story for another time.
Today after work, I headed into the bathroom for a scrunchy, yes, I still use that 80s term, its cuz I'm that cool. Anyways, I walked back into the bedroom only to be scared by Gimli, who proceeded to look at me with his head to the side... I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy.
He doesn't wear his collar in the house because the metal pieces were discoloring his chest hair and because I'm paranoid he would get stuck somewhere and strangle himself.
That being said, I'm convinced he uses this to his advantage as its not the first time he's sneaked up on me and scared me.
Oh oh, this reminds me of the time I was reading The Shining in a somewhat darkened room when I heard Gimli's clicking toenails on the floor but didn't actually see him until he was a couple feet away from me. Yeah, I was reading the part where Danny first sees the old lady in the tub. Don't laugh, you'd be scared too!
Today after work, I headed into the bathroom for a scrunchy, yes, I still use that 80s term, its cuz I'm that cool. Anyways, I walked back into the bedroom only to be scared by Gimli, who proceeded to look at me with his head to the side... I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy.
He doesn't wear his collar in the house because the metal pieces were discoloring his chest hair and because I'm paranoid he would get stuck somewhere and strangle himself.
That being said, I'm convinced he uses this to his advantage as its not the first time he's sneaked up on me and scared me.
Oh oh, this reminds me of the time I was reading The Shining in a somewhat darkened room when I heard Gimli's clicking toenails on the floor but didn't actually see him until he was a couple feet away from me. Yeah, I was reading the part where Danny first sees the old lady in the tub. Don't laugh, you'd be scared too!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Otherwordly Wednesday
I'm foregoing the Wordless Wednesday this week, because I say so.
I've only recently discovered how to get mp3 files onto my Blackberry to assign them to ringtones for different people... No, really I don't work in IT, I don't do anything technological in my day to day work...
As such, I've been poring over songs to use as my default ringtone, with little success. I can't decide, there are too many good ones!
To date, I've been focusing on Rammstein songs, but alas I can't decide out of those either... argh, this is difficult.
On the Rammstein front, I've been listening to their newish album, came out in 2009 and I'm just now listening to the songs. What sort of fan am I? One who bought their album even though Mike said I should have downloaded it, the deluxe album too, which was twice the price of the regular album.
The first song on the album, Rammlied, was in fact the song they opened with in Montreal. Not having the album, I didn't know this. I also didn't think to look up the English translation til today...
Rammlied *
Whoever waits patiently
will be rewarded when the time is right
Now, the wait is over
Lend your ears to a legend
Rammstein
Some lead, some follow
Heart and soul, hand in hand
Forwards, forwards, don't stop
Reason gains meaning and form
If happiness makes you sad
If there are no stars in the night
If you're lonely and alone
We are here, tune in
Rammstein
Some lead, some follow
Evil face, good game
Devouring and being devoured
We take little and give a lot
When you don't know the answer
what's right is right
If you're sad and alone
We are back, tune in
Rammstein
One way
One goal
One motif
Rammstein
One direction
One feeling
Made of flesh and blood
A collective
Whoever waits patiently
will be rewarded when the time is right
Now, the wait is over
Lend your ears to a legend
Rammstein
* Taken from Herzeleid.com
A great song, which captures that night and how long we had waited to see them.
And yes, its on the short list of songs that's already 6 strong...
I've only recently discovered how to get mp3 files onto my Blackberry to assign them to ringtones for different people... No, really I don't work in IT, I don't do anything technological in my day to day work...
As such, I've been poring over songs to use as my default ringtone, with little success. I can't decide, there are too many good ones!
To date, I've been focusing on Rammstein songs, but alas I can't decide out of those either... argh, this is difficult.
On the Rammstein front, I've been listening to their newish album, came out in 2009 and I'm just now listening to the songs. What sort of fan am I? One who bought their album even though Mike said I should have downloaded it, the deluxe album too, which was twice the price of the regular album.
The first song on the album, Rammlied, was in fact the song they opened with in Montreal. Not having the album, I didn't know this. I also didn't think to look up the English translation til today...
Rammlied *
Whoever waits patiently
will be rewarded when the time is right
Now, the wait is over
Lend your ears to a legend
Rammstein
Some lead, some follow
Heart and soul, hand in hand
Forwards, forwards, don't stop
Reason gains meaning and form
If happiness makes you sad
If there are no stars in the night
If you're lonely and alone
We are here, tune in
Rammstein
Some lead, some follow
Evil face, good game
Devouring and being devoured
We take little and give a lot
When you don't know the answer
what's right is right
If you're sad and alone
We are back, tune in
Rammstein
One way
One goal
One motif
Rammstein
One direction
One feeling
Made of flesh and blood
A collective
Whoever waits patiently
will be rewarded when the time is right
Now, the wait is over
Lend your ears to a legend
Rammstein
* Taken from Herzeleid.com
A great song, which captures that night and how long we had waited to see them.
And yes, its on the short list of songs that's already 6 strong...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Before and After
The other day I was getting ready to go out to Mike's company's Christmas/New Years celebration when the idea struck to take a before and after picture of myself - no make up vs with make up.
For your viewing pleasure:
Not to be outdone by Gimli - pre and post brushing.
I think we both look lovely in the after pictures, what do you think?
For your viewing pleasure:
Not to be outdone by Gimli - pre and post brushing.
I think we both look lovely in the after pictures, what do you think?
Monday, January 24, 2011
-3
After our weigh in yesterday morning, somehow I've managed to lose roughly 2-3 lbs. Mike is about the same.
Its good for him because he's starting to see some real results, which means that I'll be buying him a belt for his birthday in March, as he shrinks toward his initial weight loss goal.
Its good for me because my muffin top has shrunk ever so slightly. I have set a goal for myself of the end of March to be a bit more toned than I am now so if I need to pick up a new bikini at the start of the season I can. I'm being a bit vague about all this for my sake because at ~120 lbs, I don't want to be losing weight like a crazy person, yet I have some areas that need to be 'tightened' up a bit.
So long as I can still eat my chocolatecookies, cake, nachos, wings, french fries, I'll be fine!
Its good for him because he's starting to see some real results, which means that I'll be buying him a belt for his birthday in March, as he shrinks toward his initial weight loss goal.
Its good for me because my muffin top has shrunk ever so slightly. I have set a goal for myself of the end of March to be a bit more toned than I am now so if I need to pick up a new bikini at the start of the season I can. I'm being a bit vague about all this for my sake because at ~120 lbs, I don't want to be losing weight like a crazy person, yet I have some areas that need to be 'tightened' up a bit.
So long as I can still eat my chocolate
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Things for 2011 - January update
An update on my 2011 list. We're off to a slow start, but I've never done this before, so I think its a good learning curve.
2. Pay attention to my blog and post more - already started
3. Join BlogHer
4. Attend BlogHer 2011, wherever it is
5. Do what I need to do to get off one of my medications
6. Go to the Zoo
7. Make a better attempt at brushing Gimli more than once a week
8. To achieve this, setup a grooming table in the laundry room
9. Start expanding the list of meals that I can cook from memory
10. Start branching out and cooking different things, planning is key and laziness is no excuse
11. Eat more fruits and veggies
12. Cut my hair, and not just a trim either, goodbye long locks.
13. Get a 2nd corgi
14. Learn to walk two of them properly
15. Improve Gimli’s recall
16. Make a Pooh Bear gingerbread house
17. See The Lion King stage show - bought tickets for June!
18. Continue with the No Complaint experiment - ongoing
19. Take more visits to The Arboretum and see our coyote friend again
20. Get off my butt and be more active - started with Wii Fit
21. Play with Gimli in the snow
22. Try to make a snow ‘animal’
23. Get more sleep
24. Read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection and apply it to myself
25. Woofstock?
26. Parasailing @Castaway Cay - not happening as its cost prohibitive
27. Discover local restaurants in my city
28. See the Tim Burton exhibit - going in February
29. Go to the Animal mass with Jeannie
30. Make it to Trinidad to introduce Mike to the rest of my crazy family, hopefully I'll still be married by the time we return.
31. Go to the Winter Walk with your dog - Starting on January 29th
32. Start a new job - going to Feb. 1st
33. Eat at a Summerlicious restaurant
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Carpe Diem
I first learned about this term in high school, Junior year British Literature. Incidentally, this was one of my favorite English courses ever!
However, despite learning about it, its not something I practiced. Well, except when I needed to do something around the house and it built and built up until I couldn't take it anymore and the day was just as good as any. Although now that I think about it, that's not really Carpe Diem is it?
This past year, (2010), as I've previously mentioned, was one of the best years of my life in a very long time. It was the year I turned 30 and something switched in my head. Although I still feel the same as when I was 29, last year there was this feeling in me that wanted to take stock of the past decade. I think that's part of why I started the No Complaint Experiment and while that continues on, at the latter part of 2010 the Carpe Diem thoughts came back.
I look back and recognize our entire Rammstein experience was based on Carpe Diem. Yes, we were against odds on both fronts, but at least we took the opportunity to try for the tickets.
Around Christmastime, an email update on a new team went out at work and before I knew what I was doing, I went after it. Not fully understanding it all, but I asked for more information. I pored over the information over my Christmas holidays and when I returned to work, I started the process. It all passed in a blur, but on February 1, I start my new position at work!
Its all very exciting and some days I forget all about it until I'm reminded of it again. All because I chose to see what else was out there, because I grabbed the opportunity to look for more information.
I feel 2011 will be the year of seizing the day, of trying new things and not wondering what if.
However, despite learning about it, its not something I practiced. Well, except when I needed to do something around the house and it built and built up until I couldn't take it anymore and the day was just as good as any. Although now that I think about it, that's not really Carpe Diem is it?
This past year, (2010), as I've previously mentioned, was one of the best years of my life in a very long time. It was the year I turned 30 and something switched in my head. Although I still feel the same as when I was 29, last year there was this feeling in me that wanted to take stock of the past decade. I think that's part of why I started the No Complaint Experiment and while that continues on, at the latter part of 2010 the Carpe Diem thoughts came back.
I look back and recognize our entire Rammstein experience was based on Carpe Diem. Yes, we were against odds on both fronts, but at least we took the opportunity to try for the tickets.
Around Christmastime, an email update on a new team went out at work and before I knew what I was doing, I went after it. Not fully understanding it all, but I asked for more information. I pored over the information over my Christmas holidays and when I returned to work, I started the process. It all passed in a blur, but on February 1, I start my new position at work!
Its all very exciting and some days I forget all about it until I'm reminded of it again. All because I chose to see what else was out there, because I grabbed the opportunity to look for more information.
I feel 2011 will be the year of seizing the day, of trying new things and not wondering what if.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Downward facing dog pose
This evening while doing my Wii Fit exercises, I happened to try the Downward Facing Dog pose for the first time.
There I was with my head down towards the balance board, my butt up in the air when who comes by to investigate but Gimli.
He meanders his way underneath my body, looks up at me and does his own version of the Downward Facing Dog pose, his little white feet sticking out, his brown eyes looking up at me as if to say,
"I can do it better than you can!"
These corgis I tell ya...
There I was with my head down towards the balance board, my butt up in the air when who comes by to investigate but Gimli.
He meanders his way underneath my body, looks up at me and does his own version of the Downward Facing Dog pose, his little white feet sticking out, his brown eyes looking up at me as if to say,
"I can do it better than you can!"
These corgis I tell ya...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Gimli and his sheep
As seen in the last Wordless Wednesday, Gimli received a number of Christmas presents in 2010. One of them was a stuffed animal sheep. I'm not entirely sure Gimli knows what to make of it, but he does enjoy running around with him throughout the house, upstairs and downstairs and into his lady's chamber.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
56 calories
Surprise surprise, I was up at 5.30 am again this morning. Except this time, it was because I couldn't breathe. Yes friends, I'm sick with a cold again. Let's not get into how I picked up this bug shall we, there was already an argument that took place.
I've been sick since Sunday and its pretty much in its later stages where the mucus reaches your throat and you end up with a sexy hag voice.
Instead of getting onto the computer and wasting time, I opted to try my hand at Wii Fit Plus. We received this for Christmas in an attempt to help us be more active. In the winter months especially, its tough for Mike to be active because a wheelchair and snow don't mix too well. For me, I can get away with daily walks with Gimli and romps in the snow, but its not enough.
We started using the game this week and I have to say its a nice way to go from very little activity to light-medium activity. This game is not for hardcore gym attendees, but there are some Yoga and strength training exercises that really make you feel the burn, especially when you have little core strength to begin with.
Today I managed to burn 56 calories. It was my second attempt at Wii Fit and I felt a bit better as I'm starting to get accustomed to it and the mistaken belief that I was fit was quickly draining away.
Today there's all this talk about losing weight especially in light of the levels of obesity in North America, but I feel not enough is done to help people understand that you can have a healthy weight/BMI, which I do, but am I in shape? Nope! Do I pass all the lab tests like cholesterol and glucose, am I a model patient on paper? Yup! But can I run up a few flights of stairs? With difficulty.
I've been sick since Sunday and its pretty much in its later stages where the mucus reaches your throat and you end up with a sexy hag voice.
Instead of getting onto the computer and wasting time, I opted to try my hand at Wii Fit Plus. We received this for Christmas in an attempt to help us be more active. In the winter months especially, its tough for Mike to be active because a wheelchair and snow don't mix too well. For me, I can get away with daily walks with Gimli and romps in the snow, but its not enough.
We started using the game this week and I have to say its a nice way to go from very little activity to light-medium activity. This game is not for hardcore gym attendees, but there are some Yoga and strength training exercises that really make you feel the burn, especially when you have little core strength to begin with.
Today I managed to burn 56 calories. It was my second attempt at Wii Fit and I felt a bit better as I'm starting to get accustomed to it and the mistaken belief that I was fit was quickly draining away.
Today there's all this talk about losing weight especially in light of the levels of obesity in North America, but I feel not enough is done to help people understand that you can have a healthy weight/BMI, which I do, but am I in shape? Nope! Do I pass all the lab tests like cholesterol and glucose, am I a model patient on paper? Yup! But can I run up a few flights of stairs? With difficulty.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
I don't know how to read...
A simple bathroom scale.
My weight has been fluctuating a bit over the past 10 years, going from roughly 110-130 lbs. At 110, I looked too skinny and unhealthy. At 130, I had a muffin top and did not like the way I looked in my clothes.
Right now, I have a slight muffin top that jiggles a bit. I don't like it. I haven't liked it for quite some time. Last year I wore a bikini for the first time since I was 6. I looked fine, just a little too much padding here and there so I resolved to do something about it.
I told myself I would weigh myself and based on that figure, I'd adjust accordingly and try to maintain that figure.
I stepped on the scale and it read 130 lbs. Ok, I have a bit more work to do, no problem, I can do it! Months passed to this past weekend.
As part of our things to do in 2011, Mike and I are going to be more active and work on toning etc.
When I stepped on the scale, it went like this:
"Mike, can you tell me the number on that scale?"
"125."
"It is not!"
"It is, look for yourself."
I made Mike mark the spot on the scale and I got down and took a good look. 125. Blast, I thought I was 5 lbs heavier for a good portion of last year!
Oh well, maybe I'll pick up a digital scale...
My weight has been fluctuating a bit over the past 10 years, going from roughly 110-130 lbs. At 110, I looked too skinny and unhealthy. At 130, I had a muffin top and did not like the way I looked in my clothes.
Right now, I have a slight muffin top that jiggles a bit. I don't like it. I haven't liked it for quite some time. Last year I wore a bikini for the first time since I was 6. I looked fine, just a little too much padding here and there so I resolved to do something about it.
I told myself I would weigh myself and based on that figure, I'd adjust accordingly and try to maintain that figure.
I stepped on the scale and it read 130 lbs. Ok, I have a bit more work to do, no problem, I can do it! Months passed to this past weekend.
As part of our things to do in 2011, Mike and I are going to be more active and work on toning etc.
When I stepped on the scale, it went like this:
"Mike, can you tell me the number on that scale?"
"125."
"It is not!"
"It is, look for yourself."
I made Mike mark the spot on the scale and I got down and took a good look. 125. Blast, I thought I was 5 lbs heavier for a good portion of last year!
Oh well, maybe I'll pick up a digital scale...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
its 5.30 am
Its roughly 5.30 am and I'm lying in bed staring into the darkness. I haven't slept much over the course of the night. Lucky for him, Mike is sound asleep.
Its 6.20 now and I'm sitting here writing.
I get like this from time to time, something will always keep me up or wake me up at an ungodly hour.
This was a strange week. It started off with my dream of having a baby, a girl again, who then grew at an advanced rate so that in a few days she was now a few months old. As usual, I woke up, rolled my eyes, shook my head and decided I had been watching too many strange things on Youtube so I put it out of my mind.
Then the later events of the week hint that change is in the wind. I can't say too much about it just yet, but I really hope this week coming goes well.
Here are some bonus pictures of Gimli who, unlike me, finds it easy to fall asleep when completing a sudoku puzzle.
Its 6.20 now and I'm sitting here writing.
I get like this from time to time, something will always keep me up or wake me up at an ungodly hour.
This was a strange week. It started off with my dream of having a baby, a girl again, who then grew at an advanced rate so that in a few days she was now a few months old. As usual, I woke up, rolled my eyes, shook my head and decided I had been watching too many strange things on Youtube so I put it out of my mind.
Then the later events of the week hint that change is in the wind. I can't say too much about it just yet, but I really hope this week coming goes well.
Here are some bonus pictures of Gimli who, unlike me, finds it easy to fall asleep when completing a sudoku puzzle.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Real Christmas tree?
We have an artificial Christmas tree. Right now its sitting in the corner of our living room naked except for a couple strings of lights, the other decorations already relegated to the basement.
I wondered about getting a real tree this year because growing up we only ever had a real tree once. I vaguely remember it, except that it shed pine needles all over the floor and made the house smell like Pine Sol. At that time, I expected the Pine Sol lady to come around the corner and talk about the power of the real tree.
Today on the walk, many of our neighbors had put their real Christmas trees to the curb. Gimli proceeded to sniff and bury his head into its branches and then mark every one of them. Maybe he smells the animals that used to live in them and wants to find them, who knows.
Yeah, no real Christmas tree for us...
I wondered about getting a real tree this year because growing up we only ever had a real tree once. I vaguely remember it, except that it shed pine needles all over the floor and made the house smell like Pine Sol. At that time, I expected the Pine Sol lady to come around the corner and talk about the power of the real tree.
Today on the walk, many of our neighbors had put their real Christmas trees to the curb. Gimli proceeded to sniff and bury his head into its branches and then mark every one of them. Maybe he smells the animals that used to live in them and wants to find them, who knows.
Yeah, no real Christmas tree for us...
Monday, January 3, 2011
What was 2010?
2010 was one of the best years we've had in a very long time. 2006 was the year we were married, bought our first house and the year I started my current job. 2008 was the year we brought home Gimli, went to California & Las Vegas with friends and went to Walt Disney World with a different set of friends. 2007 was nothing to write home about.
2009 was dreadful. Aside from the good things - attended 2 weddings, bought and moved into our current house, saw Metallica there were these...
Underwent the stress of selling and moving to the in-laws, living with the in-laws for 3 lovely months, a full year of Mike's unemployment, shouldering the finances and the stress of being the sole bread winner, work suffering as a result of all these factors, plus the beginning of my migraines, which would occur sometimes 2 or 3 times a week, attending 2 funerals.
When 2010 rolled around, I was glad. Glad to close the book on that year and move onto a new year of hopeful possibilities.
What 2009 lacked, 2010 made up for it in spades.
As 2011 begins, I have a list of things that I'd like to accomplish in 2011. Who knows if I'll get to them all, but at least its a start.
Lastly, a few pictures of what was 2010.
2009 was dreadful. Aside from the good things - attended 2 weddings, bought and moved into our current house, saw Metallica there were these...
Underwent the stress of selling and moving to the in-laws, living with the in-laws for 3 lovely months, a full year of Mike's unemployment, shouldering the finances and the stress of being the sole bread winner, work suffering as a result of all these factors, plus the beginning of my migraines, which would occur sometimes 2 or 3 times a week, attending 2 funerals.
When 2010 rolled around, I was glad. Glad to close the book on that year and move onto a new year of hopeful possibilities.
What 2009 lacked, 2010 made up for it in spades.
- Mike started a job in January, (Thank God!)
- Finances slowly starting to come around again
- Went on vacation on a Disney cruise where a stingray tried to eat my finger!!!
- Erected our gazebo in the back yard
- Erected the fence so Gimli could play outside
- Saw Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper!!
- Saw Young Frankenstein - the play
- Took Gimli to the Arboretum where we saw a coyote
- Got to play my inner model by posing for an awesome photographer, Danny Yam!
- Went to Chicago to see The Jim Henson Exhibit
- Started this Blog - something I've been wanting to do for a long time
- Went to the Pirate Festival with Zombieman where we won a raffle to stay at a haunted hotel - heading there in the Spring
- Went to Oktoberfest
- Saw Rammstein!!!
- Turned 30
- Made Christmas dinner with all the fixins twice!
As 2011 begins, I have a list of things that I'd like to accomplish in 2011. Who knows if I'll get to them all, but at least its a start.
Lastly, a few pictures of what was 2010.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
12 years in the making
December was quite busy for us and I'm just now catching up on all the things I should have been writing about for the past month. Remember the list from this post, My head is full and no one likes my cookies, well, I'm going to talk about one of the items on that list.
12 years ago I was a young, naive teenager fresh out of high school with grand ambitions swirling in my head. I was going to do this and I was going to do that and nothing would stop me.
(It seems quite sad to think I would fall so far in a couple years and yet I would manage to grab onto a quivering ledge and start on another path. That's me, always clawing, in my stubborn way, back...)
At this time in my life, musically at least, I was a wanderer. I didn't have any favorite bands or musicians. My radio was stuck on a station that I didn't much care for. This all changed when I happened to see some music videos on MTV, (yes, when it actually used to play music videos as opposed to the drivel it broadcasts today), that quite literally opened my eyes.
The two videos that stuck out are The Unforgiven II by Metallica and Du Hast by Rammstein. I scouted around for radio stations that played these songs and I've been a fan since then, adding on more bands as time wore on.
Later on, I met Mike and we often spoke and still do about going to Germany to see Rammstein because it had been so long since they had played in North America. Plus, with my love of the German spoken voice AND Christoph 'Doom' Schneider (drummer for Rammstein), it seemed the only way we'd be able to see Rammstein was to travel to Germany...
Until...
May 2010
We discovered Rammstein was playing at an outdoor festival in Montreal, in July, during the summer of eternal heat waves. Given this along with Mike being in a wheelchair we decided against purchasing tickets.
Late September 2010
We find out Rammstein is going to play just ONE show in New York on December 11th. This was billed as their only North American show. Knowing we would be up against scores of people all trying for a finite amount of tickets, we tried any way. Alas, this was not to be. As Mike was on the phone with the rep at Madison Square Gardens, the handicapped seats were sold. We were saddened, yes, but in the pit of our stomachs we knew there was little chance we would be able to score tickets.
October 2010
We learn they are planning a 2ND North American show in Montreal on December 9th. I thought this was a ruse and it took a few days for me to fully accept we'd have a second chance, even after I confirmed the show at the venue's website. At this time, the tickets were not going to be on sale for a couple weeks, so we had our game plan ready. Ticket day was a Saturday at 12pm. Mike was going to try again for 3 tickets - one for me, one for him and one for our friend, Zombieman.
Saturday came and I had forgotten the day was ticket sale day until Mike reminded me. I was off to the mall looking for purses. There I stood in the store, looking at purses when the phone rings. I had no concept of the time, although it must have been around 12.15 pm. Its Mike. The first thing I hear is his laughter. (Note, at this time, Rammstein is far from my mind). I can't remember what he says next, but the realization sinks in and my stomach turns over and a large smile creeps over my face. I can't remember purchasing the purses, nor the drive home, I was that shocked surprised ecstatic that it was true.
The tickets arrived some time in November and they were stuck up on the fridge. It was then that I started having mini paranoia attacks that we would forget the tickets on the fridge on concert day.
December 9th, 2010
We decided to take the train to Montreal on the Thursday, see the concert and return on the Friday. Wednesday night, it took a while for me to fall asleep as I fully prepared myself that this was a huge fabricated dream and that I'd wake up on Thursday expecting to go on the train but instead someone would tell me it was all a lie. Fully expecting to go to the side of the fridge and see no tickets there.
Instead, it was real. I grabbed the tickets, placed into my purse and off we went to the train station. I even made Mike and Zombieman 'sign off' that the tickets were placed into my purse and the purse was then put around my neck, I was that paranoid.
The train trip up was uneventful. I read, I napped, I colored, I looked out the window. I tried to force myself to believe this was actually happening.
I did have something stuck in my head though. The entire train ride up, this song was in my head, Du riechst so gut. I don't know why, it just was. I hadn't even listened to it recently, in fact I hadn't really listened to Rammstein prior to the concert.
We arrived to a snowy Montreal with slushy streets that was a nightmare to traverse with Mike in his new wheelchair. We ate poutine, well not me, but Mike and Zombieman did. We struggled to return to the hotel, where I double checked the tickets had made the trip with us.
We readied ourselves and headed to the Bell Center. Being in a strange city, we took the 'wrong' way into the arena for a wheelchair. Had we known, we could have just walked above ground for a block and it would have taken us straight in without needing to navigate stairs, but it wouldn't be us if it was that easy. Waiting in line was agony.
Finally, we made it up the escalator and handed over the tickets I had so lovingly carried and into our seats. We were in the accessible section somewhat opposite to the stage.
The opening act was Combichrist. I really cannot tell you about this part of the concert. Its a blur and this is no slight on Combichrist whatsoever, but my impatience was starting to rear its ugly head. We then had to wait for about 1/2 hour for the setup before Rammstein took the stage. This was maddening. I don't know why, but each minute felt like forever.
Then, finally, after 12 years this happened...
I was rapt. Time itself stopped. Songs ran into songs. Two encores and they played this...
Words cannot describe how I felt, this concert for which I had waited for so long. When they said goodbye, I was truly saddened. It seemed like they had just taken the stage and now they were leaving. I wanted them to continue, I wanted to hear more.
I guess I will have to head to Germany for more.
12 years ago I was a young, naive teenager fresh out of high school with grand ambitions swirling in my head. I was going to do this and I was going to do that and nothing would stop me.
(It seems quite sad to think I would fall so far in a couple years and yet I would manage to grab onto a quivering ledge and start on another path. That's me, always clawing, in my stubborn way, back...)
At this time in my life, musically at least, I was a wanderer. I didn't have any favorite bands or musicians. My radio was stuck on a station that I didn't much care for. This all changed when I happened to see some music videos on MTV, (yes, when it actually used to play music videos as opposed to the drivel it broadcasts today), that quite literally opened my eyes.
The two videos that stuck out are The Unforgiven II by Metallica and Du Hast by Rammstein. I scouted around for radio stations that played these songs and I've been a fan since then, adding on more bands as time wore on.
Later on, I met Mike and we often spoke and still do about going to Germany to see Rammstein because it had been so long since they had played in North America. Plus, with my love of the German spoken voice AND Christoph 'Doom' Schneider (drummer for Rammstein), it seemed the only way we'd be able to see Rammstein was to travel to Germany...
Until...
May 2010
We discovered Rammstein was playing at an outdoor festival in Montreal, in July, during the summer of eternal heat waves. Given this along with Mike being in a wheelchair we decided against purchasing tickets.
Late September 2010
We find out Rammstein is going to play just ONE show in New York on December 11th. This was billed as their only North American show. Knowing we would be up against scores of people all trying for a finite amount of tickets, we tried any way. Alas, this was not to be. As Mike was on the phone with the rep at Madison Square Gardens, the handicapped seats were sold. We were saddened, yes, but in the pit of our stomachs we knew there was little chance we would be able to score tickets.
October 2010
We learn they are planning a 2ND North American show in Montreal on December 9th. I thought this was a ruse and it took a few days for me to fully accept we'd have a second chance, even after I confirmed the show at the venue's website. At this time, the tickets were not going to be on sale for a couple weeks, so we had our game plan ready. Ticket day was a Saturday at 12pm. Mike was going to try again for 3 tickets - one for me, one for him and one for our friend, Zombieman.
Saturday came and I had forgotten the day was ticket sale day until Mike reminded me. I was off to the mall looking for purses. There I stood in the store, looking at purses when the phone rings. I had no concept of the time, although it must have been around 12.15 pm. Its Mike. The first thing I hear is his laughter. (Note, at this time, Rammstein is far from my mind). I can't remember what he says next, but the realization sinks in and my stomach turns over and a large smile creeps over my face. I can't remember purchasing the purses, nor the drive home, I was that shocked surprised ecstatic that it was true.
The tickets arrived some time in November and they were stuck up on the fridge. It was then that I started having mini paranoia attacks that we would forget the tickets on the fridge on concert day.
December 9th, 2010
We decided to take the train to Montreal on the Thursday, see the concert and return on the Friday. Wednesday night, it took a while for me to fall asleep as I fully prepared myself that this was a huge fabricated dream and that I'd wake up on Thursday expecting to go on the train but instead someone would tell me it was all a lie. Fully expecting to go to the side of the fridge and see no tickets there.
Instead, it was real. I grabbed the tickets, placed into my purse and off we went to the train station. I even made Mike and Zombieman 'sign off' that the tickets were placed into my purse and the purse was then put around my neck, I was that paranoid.
The train trip up was uneventful. I read, I napped, I colored, I looked out the window. I tried to force myself to believe this was actually happening.
I did have something stuck in my head though. The entire train ride up, this song was in my head, Du riechst so gut. I don't know why, it just was. I hadn't even listened to it recently, in fact I hadn't really listened to Rammstein prior to the concert.
We arrived to a snowy Montreal with slushy streets that was a nightmare to traverse with Mike in his new wheelchair. We ate poutine, well not me, but Mike and Zombieman did. We struggled to return to the hotel, where I double checked the tickets had made the trip with us.
We readied ourselves and headed to the Bell Center. Being in a strange city, we took the 'wrong' way into the arena for a wheelchair. Had we known, we could have just walked above ground for a block and it would have taken us straight in without needing to navigate stairs, but it wouldn't be us if it was that easy. Waiting in line was agony.
Finally, we made it up the escalator and handed over the tickets I had so lovingly carried and into our seats. We were in the accessible section somewhat opposite to the stage.
The opening act was Combichrist. I really cannot tell you about this part of the concert. Its a blur and this is no slight on Combichrist whatsoever, but my impatience was starting to rear its ugly head. We then had to wait for about 1/2 hour for the setup before Rammstein took the stage. This was maddening. I don't know why, but each minute felt like forever.
Then, finally, after 12 years this happened...
The song: Rammlied
I was rapt. Time itself stopped. Songs ran into songs. Two encores and they played this...
The song: Du riechst so gut
Words cannot describe how I felt, this concert for which I had waited for so long. When they said goodbye, I was truly saddened. It seemed like they had just taken the stage and now they were leaving. I wanted them to continue, I wanted to hear more.
I guess I will have to head to Germany for more.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas from the corgi
Normally, we have our Christmas picture taken, which we then include in our Christmas cards, but we were quite behind this year. Alas, there is no picture of our threesome this year, maybe we'll get it tomorrow.
Instead, Gimli wishes a Merry Christmas!
Instead, Gimli wishes a Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Things for 2011
So a bunch of people I know are doing a '100 things I want to do in 2011' list and while I agree its a great idea, I am finding it difficult to come up with 100 things.
Therefore, I'm just going to write things down until I can't think of anything else and see where I end up.
1. Read More, nothing special, just reading.
2. Pay attention to my blog and post more
3. Join BlogHer
4. Attend BlogHer 2011, wherever it is
5. Do what I need to do to get off one of my medications
6. Go to the Zoo
7. Make a better attempt at brushing Gimli more than once a week
8. To achieve this, setup a grooming table in the laundry room
9. Start expanding the list of meals that I can cook from memory
10. Start branching out and cooking different things, planning is key and laziness is no excuse
11. Eat more fruits and veggies
12. Cut my hair, and not just a trim either, goodbye long locks.
13. Get a 2nd corgi
14. Learn to walk two of them properly
15. Improve Gimli’s recall
16. Make a Pooh Bear gingerbread house
17. See The Lion King stage show
18. Continue with the No Complaint experiment
19. Take more visits to The Arboretum and see our coyote friend again
20. Get off my butt and be more active
21. Play with Gimli in the snow
22. Try to make a snow ‘animal’
23. Get more sleep
24. Read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection and apply it to myself
25. Woofstock?
26. Parasailing @Castaway Cay
27. Discover local restaurants in my city
28. See the Tim Burton exhibit
29. Go to the Animal mass with Jeannie
30. Make it to Trinidad to introduce Mike to the rest of my crazy family, hopefully I'll still be married by the time we return.
31. ...
Therefore, I'm just going to write things down until I can't think of anything else and see where I end up.
1. Read More, nothing special, just reading.
2. Pay attention to my blog and post more
3. Join BlogHer
4. Attend BlogHer 2011, wherever it is
5. Do what I need to do to get off one of my medications
6. Go to the Zoo
7. Make a better attempt at brushing Gimli more than once a week
8. To achieve this, setup a grooming table in the laundry room
9. Start expanding the list of meals that I can cook from memory
10. Start branching out and cooking different things, planning is key and laziness is no excuse
11. Eat more fruits and veggies
12. Cut my hair, and not just a trim either, goodbye long locks.
13. Get a 2nd corgi
14. Learn to walk two of them properly
15. Improve Gimli’s recall
16. Make a Pooh Bear gingerbread house
17. See The Lion King stage show
18. Continue with the No Complaint experiment
19. Take more visits to The Arboretum and see our coyote friend again
20. Get off my butt and be more active
21. Play with Gimli in the snow
22. Try to make a snow ‘animal’
23. Get more sleep
24. Read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection and apply it to myself
25. Woofstock?
26. Parasailing @Castaway Cay
27. Discover local restaurants in my city
28. See the Tim Burton exhibit
29. Go to the Animal mass with Jeannie
30. Make it to Trinidad to introduce Mike to the rest of my crazy family, hopefully I'll still be married by the time we return.
31. ...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What to do when you can't get through the door?
Pull the fire alarm! Yes, this device that one must only pull in the event there is a real fire.
I went into the office yesterday to catch up with everyone so they wouldn't think I've succumbed to cabin fever. It was nasty cold outside, -18 or something like that with the wind chill. Colder than a witch's tit.
It was the middle of the afternoon, the office is quiet and all of a sudden we hear this noise, which doesn't sound like any fire alarm at all. We're all walking around for about a minute trying to figure out if this is the actual fire alarm, since most of us work from home. Finally it sinks in and we rush back to our desks to grab our coats to head downstairs.
Outside its freezing. We're standing there bracing behind minivans trying to stay out of the biting wind, secretly cursing whoever planned the fire drill and equally hoping the building burned down so we weren't freezing in vain. Finally they gave us the all clear and we trudged back upstairs.
I later found out someone had pulled, yes pulled the fire alarm. Why you ask? Was it a prank? A method to break up the monotony?
Nope, not in the least.
See, in our stairwells at each door there's a security box where you swipe your badge and you gain access. Its quite simple really. Well, this person, swiped her badge and I suppose it didn't take, so instead of swiping again, she pulls the fire alarm... why? Because the lever on the fire alarm would open the door.
I went into the office yesterday to catch up with everyone so they wouldn't think I've succumbed to cabin fever. It was nasty cold outside, -18 or something like that with the wind chill. Colder than a witch's tit.
It was the middle of the afternoon, the office is quiet and all of a sudden we hear this noise, which doesn't sound like any fire alarm at all. We're all walking around for about a minute trying to figure out if this is the actual fire alarm, since most of us work from home. Finally it sinks in and we rush back to our desks to grab our coats to head downstairs.
Outside its freezing. We're standing there bracing behind minivans trying to stay out of the biting wind, secretly cursing whoever planned the fire drill and equally hoping the building burned down so we weren't freezing in vain. Finally they gave us the all clear and we trudged back upstairs.
I later found out someone had pulled, yes pulled the fire alarm. Why you ask? Was it a prank? A method to break up the monotony?
Nope, not in the least.
See, in our stairwells at each door there's a security box where you swipe your badge and you gain access. Its quite simple really. Well, this person, swiped her badge and I suppose it didn't take, so instead of swiping again, she pulls the fire alarm... why? Because the lever on the fire alarm would open the door.
Monday, December 13, 2010
No tv, no phone, no Internet make Candy something something...
As I have mentioned before, I work from home. Every day, Monday - Friday I'm up in the office with two work machines plugged into the VPN via the Internet.
Today, this did not happen...
See, there was a slight snowstorm last night, at least I think there was. There wasn't enough snow to qualify for a snowstorm on the ground, but the roads and sidewalks were a bit icy. About two blocks away from our house sits the 'transformer' box that holds our telephone/cable/internet connections as configured by our ISP. Well, sometime last night a car smashed into that box. It totaled the box. To quote Mike, who saw the box this morning, "Smooshed!".
Needless to say, this morning there was no phone, no tv and no Internet.
I came back home from walking Gimli on icy sidewalks and blowing snow to hear Mike say, "We are dead in the water.", then turn around and walk back to the kitchen. I thought of Jaws for a split second before he clarified himself and said the phone, tv and Internet was down.
Crap! I was away on Thursday and Friday, (the topic of which I will post in a few days once I have the videos nicely compressed), and I had a large enough pile of work before I left that I couldn't possibly take another day off, especially when I'm going to be away again next week for Christmas!!, ran through my head
The next few minutes were spent scrambling to figure out how I could get to 'work'. We have one car and Mike's office and my head office are in different directions. The highway was a write off, it took Mike 1 1/2 hours to get to his office, which is closer than mine.
Thankfully, my boss lives in the same city and so I was able to work from his house sitting at his dining room table. Mike picked me up after work and we came home to find our phone, tv and Internet working again.
How much do you want to bet it came up about an hour after I made it to my boss' house?
Today, this did not happen...
See, there was a slight snowstorm last night, at least I think there was. There wasn't enough snow to qualify for a snowstorm on the ground, but the roads and sidewalks were a bit icy. About two blocks away from our house sits the 'transformer' box that holds our telephone/cable/internet connections as configured by our ISP. Well, sometime last night a car smashed into that box. It totaled the box. To quote Mike, who saw the box this morning, "Smooshed!".
Needless to say, this morning there was no phone, no tv and no Internet.
I came back home from walking Gimli on icy sidewalks and blowing snow to hear Mike say, "We are dead in the water.", then turn around and walk back to the kitchen. I thought of Jaws for a split second before he clarified himself and said the phone, tv and Internet was down.
Crap! I was away on Thursday and Friday, (the topic of which I will post in a few days once I have the videos nicely compressed), and I had a large enough pile of work before I left that I couldn't possibly take another day off, especially when I'm going to be away again next week for Christmas!!, ran through my head
The next few minutes were spent scrambling to figure out how I could get to 'work'. We have one car and Mike's office and my head office are in different directions. The highway was a write off, it took Mike 1 1/2 hours to get to his office, which is closer than mine.
Thankfully, my boss lives in the same city and so I was able to work from his house sitting at his dining room table. Mike picked me up after work and we came home to find our phone, tv and Internet working again.
How much do you want to bet it came up about an hour after I made it to my boss' house?
Monday, December 6, 2010
My head is full and no one likes my cookies
I had a nasty horrible headache today, which I can only attribute to the fact that I have so many blog posts swirling in my head that its full. The blog area of my brain has reached capacity and is threatening the other portions of my brain.
So, in no particular order, here's what Ineed intend to write about in the next little while:
1. Christmas decorations
2. My birthday
3. Impending trip to another province, the reason I'm going there I've waited for about 12 years.
4. That other thing that was in my mind, but now I can't remember probably because a new thought came in and that thought was banished away.
Last Friday, I went to a social gathering in the neighborhood. I was very proud of myself, I went there, was nice, polite, dare I say it - warm. I mingled, I laughed and smiled and tried to join conversations. Sometimes I succeeded, other times I stood there listening to women's birth stories.
I made peanut butter cookies with two little chocolate chips stuck in the middle. We each were asked to bring something to eat, so I was glad to bring my cookies... Except it seemed no one ate them. :( By the time I left, the container was practically still full.
Here's a picture, don't they look appetizing?
On second thought, maybe they were scared off because the cookies do rather look like little beady eyed mouthless monsters.... hmmmmm
So, in no particular order, here's what I
1. Christmas decorations
2. My birthday
3. Impending trip to another province, the reason I'm going there I've waited for about 12 years.
4. That other thing that was in my mind, but now I can't remember probably because a new thought came in and that thought was banished away.
Last Friday, I went to a social gathering in the neighborhood. I was very proud of myself, I went there, was nice, polite, dare I say it - warm. I mingled, I laughed and smiled and tried to join conversations. Sometimes I succeeded, other times I stood there listening to women's birth stories.
I made peanut butter cookies with two little chocolate chips stuck in the middle. We each were asked to bring something to eat, so I was glad to bring my cookies... Except it seemed no one ate them. :( By the time I left, the container was practically still full.
Here's a picture, don't they look appetizing?
On second thought, maybe they were scared off because the cookies do rather look like little beady eyed mouthless monsters.... hmmmmm
Monday, November 29, 2010
The First bit of Snow
On Saturday it snowed. We woke up to see snow on the ground and it steadily continued on til around midday. We had to take Gimli to the vet for his annual checkup, so when I took him for a pee pee break and he saw the snow, he went nuts! He wanted to root his nose into it like a pig looking for truffles and he wanted to run around and pounce in it.
Sadly, we piled into the car and went to the vet. But, I knew, I knew I would have to indulge him upon our return.
The vet visit was uneventful, Gimli is healthy as a horse. He's a bit of a fat ass though, at 31 lbs, I am not happy about this number but we'll see about getting in more exercise over the winter. Our backyard is fenced so that means he can run around in the snow over the course of the season. He got his usual shots and next year we are going to start alternating the shots now that he has built up his immunity.
We stopped off at Walmart so I could run in and grab some Tupperware that was on sale... it was all gone, big surprise huh? I looked at the crazy people running around and sighed that I haven't even begun my Christmas shopping yet.
Upon our arrival at home, Mike started shoveling the driveway in his old wheelchair so as not to dirty the new one, and the passersby all slowed down to watch. I should charge admission the next time it snows. Yes folks, step right up to see the amazing man in a wheelchair use a shovel! Wait til they see him use the snowblower! That's at least $2 admission fee.
I took Gimli into the backyard and all hell broke loose! He ran around in the snow, frapping and barking at it, eating some and sniffing some. He found his snowy soccer ball and we played fetch for a bit.
On Sunday, we were out again for a bit longer this time. He frapped around and rolled in it. I made snowballs and he chased and ate them. I started making a snow pile, but Gimli wanted none of that and every time I made some progress, he came running up and pounced on it, digging and eating to his heart's content.
The snow is gone today and I don't think we'll have snow til the weekend, maybe, but I know Gimli's anxiously waiting for it!
Sadly, we piled into the car and went to the vet. But, I knew, I knew I would have to indulge him upon our return.
The vet visit was uneventful, Gimli is healthy as a horse. He's a bit of a fat ass though, at 31 lbs, I am not happy about this number but we'll see about getting in more exercise over the winter. Our backyard is fenced so that means he can run around in the snow over the course of the season. He got his usual shots and next year we are going to start alternating the shots now that he has built up his immunity.
We stopped off at Walmart so I could run in and grab some Tupperware that was on sale... it was all gone, big surprise huh? I looked at the crazy people running around and sighed that I haven't even begun my Christmas shopping yet.
Upon our arrival at home, Mike started shoveling the driveway in his old wheelchair so as not to dirty the new one, and the passersby all slowed down to watch. I should charge admission the next time it snows. Yes folks, step right up to see the amazing man in a wheelchair use a shovel! Wait til they see him use the snowblower! That's at least $2 admission fee.
I took Gimli into the backyard and all hell broke loose! He ran around in the snow, frapping and barking at it, eating some and sniffing some. He found his snowy soccer ball and we played fetch for a bit.
On Sunday, we were out again for a bit longer this time. He frapped around and rolled in it. I made snowballs and he chased and ate them. I started making a snow pile, but Gimli wanted none of that and every time I made some progress, he came running up and pounced on it, digging and eating to his heart's content.
The snow is gone today and I don't think we'll have snow til the weekend, maybe, but I know Gimli's anxiously waiting for it!
Snow puff balls stuck to my fluff!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gimli's crazy morning
I've realized I haven't posted anything on Gimli lately, so this post is allll about him!
He had a strange morning today...
Our staircase has two landings. Its not a true 'boxed' in staircase, it has a slight curve as it comes down so there's 2 landings there so you don't fall on your butt as you descend the stairs. Each area before the landing has about 4 or 5 stairs. Gimli, in his infinite wisdom, because he is 'Looooorrrrd Gimli!', feels it is his duty to race down the stairs at break neck speed. So much so that his front legs propel him downwards and his bunny butt is left hanging on for dear life and swaying like a rickety 18th century caboose that's been fastened onto a Japanese speed train.
This morning, he ran downstairs first and stood at the foot of the stairs looking up at me with that crazed 'feed me' look on his face. I had forgotten something upstairs so I ran back up to fetch it. He thought it was a game and ran back up with me. When it came time to come down to go on the walk, he was even more excited and started down after me. He reached the first landing and thenslid fumbled fell down the 4 steps to the second landing.
I yelled at him, 'Gimli!' and we slowly went down the last bit of stairs where I felt him all over and stretched his legs to make sure there was nothing broken. There wasn't, but I could tell he was a little startled by the whole experience.
We got ready and went on our walk.
It was blustery this morning and Gimli, being a little shaken up, was even more terrified because these frightening plastic trash can covers were spinning in the streets and threatening to get him. Even the brittle leaves were scaring him, so much so he was less walking and more running/pulling with an air of, 'Let's just get this over with, hurry up woman!' Normally I'm happy when he walks fast, but today it was almost a run to keep up with him, something I was not prepared to do because Iam a lazy fat ass wasn't fully awake yet.
He calmed down as we turned the corner and slowed down a bit. I happened to look behind us and saw the 'Golden Retriever Guy', (GRG), far behind us, but on our side of the street.
To explain a bit, neither Mike nor myself like this guy mainly because he's a bit rude and doesn't have a concept of personal space when it comes to him and his dog. More on this later.
Gimli and I continued on into the park and we headed toward the bin so he could make his morning deposit. After the bin, there's a small hill where the path dips down a bit and into the full park area with swings and a slide etc. Gimli and I usually stop at the bin, then cross the grass back to the sidewalk, bypassing the full park altogether. This morning, we ran into our neighbor from across the street. She's a nice lady, with a senior German Shepherd, Pax (a male), and a puppy, I figure less than a year old, but nearly full grown. We'll call her 2GS. She's had the puppy for about a week so far, but we haven't met him yet because we haven't really run into each other and when we have, it hasn't been a good time to socialize. Today was one of those days.
Gimli knows Pax and they get on well. Pax is verrry mellowww. We came upon Pax who was sitting on the path and Gimli said hi. 2GS was a little further away taking care of business with puppy. As we reached her, the puppy was a little barky, mainly because he's never met us. I somehow got Gimli to lie down in between my feet and he was behaving. This normally never happens and I was pleasantly surprised. Except I looked over to the left and there was GRG coming over the hill.
2GS then went into a bit of a scramble to move the puppy away from GRG because as she says to me, "He, GRG, told me his dog doesn't like puppies." At this point, GRG was much closer and Gimli started acting up, mainly because his dog was getting closer and closer. I heard GRG say, "Look, 2GS can't control two dogs.".
2GS started moving away and I stepped back with Gimli trying to get him to calm down before we started moving again. I said to GRG as he was coming over, "Go ahead". Meaning I'll wait here, you continue on ahead and cross the park to go to your house, which was directly across the street from where we were standing, so he could have just walked around where we were standing to go home. He continued over to me, both of us trying to keep our dogs away from each other, and he says, "Is your dog a male?" (Which he asked me before).
"Yes he is."
"Oh, well, I don't want them to meet because males will fight."
I knew what he was going to say before he even finished the sentence because he had said this before. I brought Gimli next to me in a tight heel and walked away. Gimli kept looking behind, but by the time we reached the sidewalk, about 20ft away, he was back under control.
I don't want this to be a rant or preachy soapbox ramblings, but some people just don't have common sense. If you have it in your mind that your dog will fight with every other dog out there, then why bring your dog close enough to another dog? Furthermore, why project this feeling onto yourself and by extension, your dog so that whenever you encounter another dog, that feeling is always there?
I'm not a genius and I'm not the world's best dog trainer and Gimli certainly isn't the most well behaved dog out there, but I know my dog and I know how I feel on any given day and if I feel like Gimli is 'off' or I'm 'off' or whatever the situation is, then on the walk, I avoid everyone. I cross the street, I walk fast, I take detours. I don't look for trouble, I don't see a situation and bring my dog into it with the pre-conceived notion that my dog is going to fight the 2 males dogs there.
I know there are 50 million ways to raise and train a dog and what works for me doesn't work for the next person. But it would be nice if all dog owners out there practiced some common sense, awareness and respect people's personal space when on a walk.
Ok, now that's off my chest, pictures of Gimli! I especially like the last one.
He had a strange morning today...
Our staircase has two landings. Its not a true 'boxed' in staircase, it has a slight curve as it comes down so there's 2 landings there so you don't fall on your butt as you descend the stairs. Each area before the landing has about 4 or 5 stairs. Gimli, in his infinite wisdom, because he is 'Looooorrrrd Gimli!', feels it is his duty to race down the stairs at break neck speed. So much so that his front legs propel him downwards and his bunny butt is left hanging on for dear life and swaying like a rickety 18th century caboose that's been fastened onto a Japanese speed train.
This morning, he ran downstairs first and stood at the foot of the stairs looking up at me with that crazed 'feed me' look on his face. I had forgotten something upstairs so I ran back up to fetch it. He thought it was a game and ran back up with me. When it came time to come down to go on the walk, he was even more excited and started down after me. He reached the first landing and then
I yelled at him, 'Gimli!' and we slowly went down the last bit of stairs where I felt him all over and stretched his legs to make sure there was nothing broken. There wasn't, but I could tell he was a little startled by the whole experience.
We got ready and went on our walk.
It was blustery this morning and Gimli, being a little shaken up, was even more terrified because these frightening plastic trash can covers were spinning in the streets and threatening to get him. Even the brittle leaves were scaring him, so much so he was less walking and more running/pulling with an air of, 'Let's just get this over with, hurry up woman!' Normally I'm happy when he walks fast, but today it was almost a run to keep up with him, something I was not prepared to do because I
He calmed down as we turned the corner and slowed down a bit. I happened to look behind us and saw the 'Golden Retriever Guy', (GRG), far behind us, but on our side of the street.
To explain a bit, neither Mike nor myself like this guy mainly because he's a bit rude and doesn't have a concept of personal space when it comes to him and his dog. More on this later.
Gimli and I continued on into the park and we headed toward the bin so he could make his morning deposit. After the bin, there's a small hill where the path dips down a bit and into the full park area with swings and a slide etc. Gimli and I usually stop at the bin, then cross the grass back to the sidewalk, bypassing the full park altogether. This morning, we ran into our neighbor from across the street. She's a nice lady, with a senior German Shepherd, Pax (a male), and a puppy, I figure less than a year old, but nearly full grown. We'll call her 2GS. She's had the puppy for about a week so far, but we haven't met him yet because we haven't really run into each other and when we have, it hasn't been a good time to socialize. Today was one of those days.
Gimli knows Pax and they get on well. Pax is verrry mellowww. We came upon Pax who was sitting on the path and Gimli said hi. 2GS was a little further away taking care of business with puppy. As we reached her, the puppy was a little barky, mainly because he's never met us. I somehow got Gimli to lie down in between my feet and he was behaving. This normally never happens and I was pleasantly surprised. Except I looked over to the left and there was GRG coming over the hill.
2GS then went into a bit of a scramble to move the puppy away from GRG because as she says to me, "He, GRG, told me his dog doesn't like puppies." At this point, GRG was much closer and Gimli started acting up, mainly because his dog was getting closer and closer. I heard GRG say, "Look, 2GS can't control two dogs.".
2GS started moving away and I stepped back with Gimli trying to get him to calm down before we started moving again. I said to GRG as he was coming over, "Go ahead". Meaning I'll wait here, you continue on ahead and cross the park to go to your house, which was directly across the street from where we were standing, so he could have just walked around where we were standing to go home. He continued over to me, both of us trying to keep our dogs away from each other, and he says, "Is your dog a male?" (Which he asked me before).
"Yes he is."
"Oh, well, I don't want them to meet because males will fight."
I knew what he was going to say before he even finished the sentence because he had said this before. I brought Gimli next to me in a tight heel and walked away. Gimli kept looking behind, but by the time we reached the sidewalk, about 20ft away, he was back under control.
I don't want this to be a rant or preachy soapbox ramblings, but some people just don't have common sense. If you have it in your mind that your dog will fight with every other dog out there, then why bring your dog close enough to another dog? Furthermore, why project this feeling onto yourself and by extension, your dog so that whenever you encounter another dog, that feeling is always there?
I'm not a genius and I'm not the world's best dog trainer and Gimli certainly isn't the most well behaved dog out there, but I know my dog and I know how I feel on any given day and if I feel like Gimli is 'off' or I'm 'off' or whatever the situation is, then on the walk, I avoid everyone. I cross the street, I walk fast, I take detours. I don't look for trouble, I don't see a situation and bring my dog into it with the pre-conceived notion that my dog is going to fight the 2 males dogs there.
I know there are 50 million ways to raise and train a dog and what works for me doesn't work for the next person. But it would be nice if all dog owners out there practiced some common sense, awareness and respect people's personal space when on a walk.
Ok, now that's off my chest, pictures of Gimli! I especially like the last one.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Halloweenish Guinea Pigs
Mike and I moved into our first house in July 2006. It was a great house, open concept main floor with the dining room about 1/2 open concept. We lived in that house for 3 years and never had a dining room table. Because of this, we never hosted any large dinners, you know like the big ones - Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. I was secretly happy for this, shhh, don't tell Mike.
We moved into this house on Halloween 2009. This house has the dining room incorporated into the kitchen and living room and so we purchased this dining room table soon after moving in and the sideboard this year.
This year we are hosting Christmas dinner for about 8-10 guests.
Because I had never made a turkey with all the fixins before and because I'm ahuge perfectionist and paranoid things would go wrong, Mike and I held a Halloweenish Guinea Pig dinner party this past Saturday. There was 11 guests in attendance.
Mike and I started preparing the night before. We made the sour cream/cream cheese potatoes, (I made waaaay too much, a 5 lb bag, I'll use 5 less potatoes next time), and shoved them into the fridge and I made my two layer Dracula imprinted blood cake, (of which I didn't take a picture and I'm very sad).
The day of, my brother and I made some Halloween shaped cookies, (no pictures here either), but take my word for it, they were GOOD!
I used the convection oven for the first time, which cut the turkey roasting time by about 2 hours, (YES!). Except because I was paranoid, I put the turkey in around 1 pm and the turkey was ready well before anyone had arrived, (BOOOOOO!). No matter, it was still moist and juicy and awesome! At least that's what everyone told me to my face...
Mike and I finished up with some corn, maple baby carrots, our gravy, which ran out, (oops) and my favorite non-dessert part of the meal, the sausage stuffing. Oh yeah, slightly spiced Italian sausage cut into 1/2 moons mixed into the stuffing along with its oh so bad for you drippings. Man, that was good! My only problem with it was I didn't make enough! I'm buying more boxes of stuffing for Christmas, never mind what Mike says. The stuffing is all mine...
... I wonder what the stuffing would taste like if I put bacon into it... hmmmmmmmmmm
We moved into this house on Halloween 2009. This house has the dining room incorporated into the kitchen and living room and so we purchased this dining room table soon after moving in and the sideboard this year.
This year we are hosting Christmas dinner for about 8-10 guests.
Because I had never made a turkey with all the fixins before and because I'm a
Mike and I started preparing the night before. We made the sour cream/cream cheese potatoes, (I made waaaay too much, a 5 lb bag, I'll use 5 less potatoes next time), and shoved them into the fridge and I made my two layer Dracula imprinted blood cake, (of which I didn't take a picture and I'm very sad).
The day of, my brother and I made some Halloween shaped cookies, (no pictures here either), but take my word for it, they were GOOD!
I used the convection oven for the first time, which cut the turkey roasting time by about 2 hours, (YES!). Except because I was paranoid, I put the turkey in around 1 pm and the turkey was ready well before anyone had arrived, (BOOOOOO!). No matter, it was still moist and juicy and awesome! At least that's what everyone told me to my face...
Mike and I finished up with some corn, maple baby carrots, our gravy, which ran out, (oops) and my favorite non-dessert part of the meal, the sausage stuffing. Oh yeah, slightly spiced Italian sausage cut into 1/2 moons mixed into the stuffing along with its oh so bad for you drippings. Man, that was good! My only problem with it was I didn't make enough! I'm buying more boxes of stuffing for Christmas, never mind what Mike says. The stuffing is all mine...
... I wonder what the stuffing would taste like if I put bacon into it... hmmmmmmmmmm
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
We're going to need a bigger boat.
While its not my favorite movie, (I don't have one), but Jaws is one of those movies that I watch whenever I catch it on television. I can't tell you how many times I've seen it, but trust me, its plenty. I can't remember when I first saw Jaws, but it was when I was an adult. My first foray into the Jaws franchise was Jaws: The Revenge, which I saw as a child. Yes, that abomination that subconsciously preached that a great white shark could track a plane from Amity all the way to The Bahamas. Yes, didn't you know they had a built in tracker?
Anyways, if you've ever seen that movie, you might remember in the first scene the shark attacks, Sean Brody, the police officer on a boat while in the background you hear carolers singing, The First Noel. To this day, when I hear that song I think of that scene. Christmas and a bloody shark attack where a man's arm is taken off, then he's eaten...
Because when I become interested in a topic, I have to consume everything about it, I've subsequently seen the rest of the Jaws movies, including the 3D version set at Sea World and I've read the original Peter Benchley novel. I credit the Jaws franchise for my interest in great whites and one day I'd like to go to South Africa to see them up close... if I ever have the guts to actually get into the water with those magnificent creatures.
Last Friday, we caught up with some friends of ours to watch Jaws on the big screen. Some 35 years after the original premiered, (I wasn't born yet), I was able to watch it on the big screen. In a word, awesome.
Anyways, if you've ever seen that movie, you might remember in the first scene the shark attacks, Sean Brody, the police officer on a boat while in the background you hear carolers singing, The First Noel. To this day, when I hear that song I think of that scene. Christmas and a bloody shark attack where a man's arm is taken off, then he's eaten...
Because when I become interested in a topic, I have to consume everything about it, I've subsequently seen the rest of the Jaws movies, including the 3D version set at Sea World and I've read the original Peter Benchley novel. I credit the Jaws franchise for my interest in great whites and one day I'd like to go to South Africa to see them up close... if I ever have the guts to actually get into the water with those magnificent creatures.
Last Friday, we caught up with some friends of ours to watch Jaws on the big screen. Some 35 years after the original premiered, (I wasn't born yet), I was able to watch it on the big screen. In a word, awesome.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Automatic corgi
When Gimli was a puppy, went to Obedience classes at Petsmart. He learned the usual things like, sit, down, stay, wait, come (sometimes), and all about walking on a leash.
I taught him shake a paw, wave, touch, pray and roll over.
This went well up until very recently. Because everyday he visits Mike's parents who stuff him with cheese, he goes through a routine of tricks so he gets his cheese.
When he comes home, I make him perform a trick before he's fed and at other times in the day. It varies each time to keep him on his toes.
Except now, he does his tricks by memory like a trained seal. If I so much as hesitate before giving him a command, he waves, then touches, then prays etc.
I'm not entirely sure how to remedy this, but perhaps when he doesn't listen or performs the wrong trick, then the game is over and I'll walk away and we'll try again in a few minutes.
Will update again once I have some results.
I taught him shake a paw, wave, touch, pray and roll over.
This went well up until very recently. Because everyday he visits Mike's parents who stuff him with cheese, he goes through a routine of tricks so he gets his cheese.
When he comes home, I make him perform a trick before he's fed and at other times in the day. It varies each time to keep him on his toes.
Except now, he does his tricks by memory like a trained seal. If I so much as hesitate before giving him a command, he waves, then touches, then prays etc.
I'm not entirely sure how to remedy this, but perhaps when he doesn't listen or performs the wrong trick, then the game is over and I'll walk away and we'll try again in a few minutes.
Will update again once I have some results.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Bacon! Baaaacon!
There's a Begging Strips commercial where the dog goes nuts for bacon. See it here. It should have been written for me.
Well, I have a confession to make, I'm addicted to bacon. Crispy bacon, stringy bacon or chewy bacon, I love it all. Except its bad for you and with my addiction, I'm apt to eat all of it in one sitting, making it really bad and really good at the same time. I've had a craving for bacon for quite some time because its now Fall and Fall makes me want to make my stew, which calls for bacon!!!
This morning Mike asked what I wanted for breakfast, (yes, he's trained well!), and I told him eggs and hashbrowns.
"No bacon?"
"No, we don't have the 'bad bacon', so I don't want any of the other bacon."
I took Gimli for a walk and some fetch in the backyard. We came inside, fed Gimli and I turned the TV to the Food Network to watch "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Today's best thing was, you guessed it, BACON!
I ate my breakfast in silence admiring the bacon on tv and envying the guests as they devoured their bacon.
*sigh*
Well, I have a confession to make, I'm addicted to bacon. Crispy bacon, stringy bacon or chewy bacon, I love it all. Except its bad for you and with my addiction, I'm apt to eat all of it in one sitting, making it really bad and really good at the same time. I've had a craving for bacon for quite some time because its now Fall and Fall makes me want to make my stew, which calls for bacon!!!
This morning Mike asked what I wanted for breakfast, (yes, he's trained well!), and I told him eggs and hashbrowns.
"No bacon?"
"No, we don't have the 'bad bacon', so I don't want any of the other bacon."
I took Gimli for a walk and some fetch in the backyard. We came inside, fed Gimli and I turned the TV to the Food Network to watch "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Today's best thing was, you guessed it, BACON!
I ate my breakfast in silence admiring the bacon on tv and envying the guests as they devoured their bacon.
*sigh*
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I'm walkin' here!
Today must have been, 'Let's slam Candy!' Day.
Had a crummy day and a headache during the afternoon... YAY! Yes, I get migraines every once in a while and they pretty much cripple me. Unfortunately, I don't get any warnings or auras that other migraine sufferers do, so for me its like in the cartoons when the ACME anvil falls on the character's head. It hits right out of the blue!
We went grocery shopping this evening, all was well until I was returning the cart. I returned it to the corral and started back to the car. All of a sudden, this woman zooms into the parking lane and zooms into the parking spot next to our car narrowly missing running me over! I had to jump out of the way and almost bumped into this guy who was heading into the supermarket to buy some strawberries or Coke.
I got into the car ranting and raving how this mad woman driving like Cruella deVille trying to get some Dalmatian puppies almost ran me over. Then, Cruella proceeded to sit in the car and organize 'things'. She nearly killed me going for a parking spot so she could sit there and organize 'things'.
Where's my Stewie death ray when I need it?
Oh and ranting when you've nearly been killed doesn't count against the No Complaints thing.
Had a crummy day and a headache during the afternoon... YAY! Yes, I get migraines every once in a while and they pretty much cripple me. Unfortunately, I don't get any warnings or auras that other migraine sufferers do, so for me its like in the cartoons when the ACME anvil falls on the character's head. It hits right out of the blue!
We went grocery shopping this evening, all was well until I was returning the cart. I returned it to the corral and started back to the car. All of a sudden, this woman zooms into the parking lane and zooms into the parking spot next to our car narrowly missing running me over! I had to jump out of the way and almost bumped into this guy who was heading into the supermarket to buy some strawberries or Coke.
I got into the car ranting and raving how this mad woman driving like Cruella deVille trying to get some Dalmatian puppies almost ran me over. Then, Cruella proceeded to sit in the car and organize 'things'. She nearly killed me going for a parking spot so she could sit there and organize 'things'.
Where's my Stewie death ray when I need it?
Oh and ranting when you've nearly been killed doesn't count against the No Complaints thing.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween!
Yes, its now November, but better late than never right? Besides, I took some pictures of Gimli yesterday that I have to post today.
Even though we like all things horror-ble, we didn't go all out for Halloween this year. Our only decoration consisted of this skull that a friend made for us. Skully has been sitting in the window for most of the month and we aren't sure if he's going to stay there forever...
On Saturday we picked up close to 200 pieces of candy to distribute on Halloween night, thinking we were going to receive plenty of children... WRONG! We have about 100 pieces of candy left over! Ay and I'm supposed to be on a diet. Oh well, they'll all end up in my belly at some point!
On Sunday, we dressed Gimli in his bandanna, mainly because he doesn't have any costumes and I don't think he would like wearing one. It takes us about 5 minutes to put the bandanna on him. This is leftover baggage from the cone of shame he had to wear when he was neutered at 6 months of age. I think it scarred him for life and its taken quite a bit of working and treats to get him to the point where he'll tolerate the bandanna. I did contemplate putting a white towel on him and letting him roam around the house or putting his foot blanket on his head so he could grab it from the side and pretend to be 'Phantom puppy', but decided not to. I will have pictures of the 'Phantom puppy' one of these days cuz its just too cute for words!
So, to make up for the lack of costume, I took a few pictures of Gimli with his Halloween toys and Skully.
When the trick-or-treaters came around, Mike manned the door and Gimli and I sat on the staircase where I could correct him and help him understand that its ok if the doorbell is hit 4 times in a row, we don't need to bark at each one. I'm not sure how much he understood and how much was for the treats, but one can hope!
The absolute best costume was a toddler wearing a sheep's costume. I kid you not, had we known this family, we would have asked to have Gimli pose with their child!
Now that Halloween is over, my sights turn to Christmas, and for someone that's not a big fan of what Christmas has become, from somewhere comes this need to put up the tree, get some extras to hide in stockings and bake like there's no tomorrow!
Even though we like all things horror-ble, we didn't go all out for Halloween this year. Our only decoration consisted of this skull that a friend made for us. Skully has been sitting in the window for most of the month and we aren't sure if he's going to stay there forever...
On Saturday we picked up close to 200 pieces of candy to distribute on Halloween night, thinking we were going to receive plenty of children... WRONG! We have about 100 pieces of candy left over! Ay and I'm supposed to be on a diet. Oh well, they'll all end up in my belly at some point!
On Sunday, we dressed Gimli in his bandanna, mainly because he doesn't have any costumes and I don't think he would like wearing one. It takes us about 5 minutes to put the bandanna on him. This is leftover baggage from the cone of shame he had to wear when he was neutered at 6 months of age. I think it scarred him for life and its taken quite a bit of working and treats to get him to the point where he'll tolerate the bandanna. I did contemplate putting a white towel on him and letting him roam around the house or putting his foot blanket on his head so he could grab it from the side and pretend to be 'Phantom puppy', but decided not to. I will have pictures of the 'Phantom puppy' one of these days cuz its just too cute for words!
So, to make up for the lack of costume, I took a few pictures of Gimli with his Halloween toys and Skully.
When the trick-or-treaters came around, Mike manned the door and Gimli and I sat on the staircase where I could correct him and help him understand that its ok if the doorbell is hit 4 times in a row, we don't need to bark at each one. I'm not sure how much he understood and how much was for the treats, but one can hope!
The absolute best costume was a toddler wearing a sheep's costume. I kid you not, had we known this family, we would have asked to have Gimli pose with their child!
Now that Halloween is over, my sights turn to Christmas, and for someone that's not a big fan of what Christmas has become, from somewhere comes this need to put up the tree, get some extras to hide in stockings and bake like there's no tomorrow!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Poop, crap, excrement
I had a craptacular day at work, hence the title. Yes, all that I planned to do today went out the window. Nevermind I didn't feel well, so it put me into a right mood this afternoon.
Our cable box and remote is acting funny. At first I thought Mike wasn't standing directly in front of the box, which is where you must stand in order for the sensor to detect the signal, but he was. Its just acting weird. Maybe this weekend I'll make the guide freeze again, that was fun!
We were invited to a Halloween party tonight, but we aren't attending. My old standby costume of Morticia Addams doesn't work anymore since the top ripped :(. I haven't had a chance or the forethought to go looking for another one so I don't have a costume, unless of course I make a fast ghost costume out of bedsheets. Check out what this blogger made, its quite good - Bedsheet Ghost.
There was a meltdown over at the in-laws because they received their new kitchen appliance today. We received a frantic call with regard to the dishwasher because it wasn't the one they wanted. I can only imagine the shrieks and gnashing of teeth going on when they realized they received a plastic tub instead of the stainless tub. Even though the plastic tub was the one that was ordered. Can you imagine what would have happened if the box had been scuffed??? Heads will roll!!
Gimli and I came across the icky cat that likes to poop in our backyard. Gimli wanted to eat him, the cat just sit in a driveway and hissed.
Last but not least, as I sat here on the floor composing this post, Gimli lay down next to me and put his head on my foot. I thought to myself, "Awww, Gimli knows I've had a bad day and is keeping me company. I love my dog"... until... it happened. He farted.
(Come on, you had to know this was coming!)
I'm off to find some alcohol now.
Our cable box and remote is acting funny. At first I thought Mike wasn't standing directly in front of the box, which is where you must stand in order for the sensor to detect the signal, but he was. Its just acting weird. Maybe this weekend I'll make the guide freeze again, that was fun!
We were invited to a Halloween party tonight, but we aren't attending. My old standby costume of Morticia Addams doesn't work anymore since the top ripped :(. I haven't had a chance or the forethought to go looking for another one so I don't have a costume, unless of course I make a fast ghost costume out of bedsheets. Check out what this blogger made, its quite good - Bedsheet Ghost.
There was a meltdown over at the in-laws because they received their new kitchen appliance today. We received a frantic call with regard to the dishwasher because it wasn't the one they wanted. I can only imagine the shrieks and gnashing of teeth going on when they realized they received a plastic tub instead of the stainless tub. Even though the plastic tub was the one that was ordered. Can you imagine what would have happened if the box had been scuffed??? Heads will roll!!
Gimli and I came across the icky cat that likes to poop in our backyard. Gimli wanted to eat him, the cat just sit in a driveway and hissed.
Last but not least, as I sat here on the floor composing this post, Gimli lay down next to me and put his head on my foot. I thought to myself, "Awww, Gimli knows I've had a bad day and is keeping me company. I love my dog"... until... it happened. He farted.
(Come on, you had to know this was coming!)
I'm off to find some alcohol now.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Smitten
I'm pretty sure I'm biased, but I really can't see myself owning another breed for the rest of my life. I'm pretty much devoted to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. I'm not averse to Cardigans, I like them too, but something about the Pembroke spoke to me all those years ago when Mike and I sat watching the Westminster Dog Show and started whittling down our doggie lists based on looks.
Shallow, I know but I needed to have a dog that I loved the look of. Both corgis made the cut, but the Pemmie always was a step above the Cardi.
There's something about that mischievous 1/2 smiling face that gets me, that slightly leaning body with the tilted head that looks back at me as if to say, "Are you coming???".
The bunny butt as it wiggles when he runs or walks. That silhouette when Gimli walks with Mike and his wheelchair and he stops to look up at Mike and his topline looks ever so straight.
When he lies on his back and motions to me with his little feet to come play.
The little ears and beady little eyes that peek up from behind the coffee table, reeking of sweetness.
Those ears that hold so much emotion - straight up, straight back, down to the side.
Shallow, I know but I needed to have a dog that I loved the look of. Both corgis made the cut, but the Pemmie always was a step above the Cardi.
There's something about that mischievous 1/2 smiling face that gets me, that slightly leaning body with the tilted head that looks back at me as if to say, "Are you coming???".
The bunny butt as it wiggles when he runs or walks. That silhouette when Gimli walks with Mike and his wheelchair and he stops to look up at Mike and his topline looks ever so straight.
When he lies on his back and motions to me with his little feet to come play.
The little ears and beady little eyes that peek up from behind the coffee table, reeking of sweetness.
Those ears that hold so much emotion - straight up, straight back, down to the side.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Where did it go?
Where oh where did October go? Its a little freaky to say the least that I blinked and we're in the last week of October!
It also didn't help that we celebrated our 4 year anniversary, went to Oktoberfest, went to Chicago, took off my complaint bracelet because I'm now on day 75 and I think I've got it down pat now and a bunch of other things in the span of this month.
In reality I took it off because it gave me a bruise that wouldn't heal because the bracelet kept attacking the same spot and plus it became really stretched and was a pain to keep track of, so its off.
I have much on which to post, but not tonight, I haven't even downloaded the pictures from the camera yet, so nothing recent to post on here... I'm solazy bad.
It also didn't help that we celebrated our 4 year anniversary, went to Oktoberfest, went to Chicago, took off my complaint bracelet because I'm now on day 75 and I think I've got it down pat now and a bunch of other things in the span of this month.
In reality I took it off because it gave me a bruise that wouldn't heal because the bracelet kept attacking the same spot and plus it became really stretched and was a pain to keep track of, so its off.
I have much on which to post, but not tonight, I haven't even downloaded the pictures from the camera yet, so nothing recent to post on here... I'm so
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bark at the Moon
We have 3 floor to ceiling windows at the front of the house. Two on either side of the door and one on the side of the house. Gimli adores these windows because it allows him to lie down and look outside. In our previous house, the bottom of the windows were about a foot off of the ground so he couldn't see out unless he jumped up on the sill.
Needless to say, Gimli is now a neighborhood busy body. No one can go by without his permission and he lets you know by barking and arooing. He often falls asleep at the window with one of his many toys.
Tonight there's a crescent moon.
I came downstairs to see Gimli sitting in front of the window staring at the moon.
Then, he turned into this...
It must be close to Halloween, what do you think?
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 62.
Needless to say, Gimli is now a neighborhood busy body. No one can go by without his permission and he lets you know by barking and arooing. He often falls asleep at the window with one of his many toys.
Tonight there's a crescent moon.
I came downstairs to see Gimli sitting in front of the window staring at the moon.
Then, he turned into this...
It must be close to Halloween, what do you think?
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 62.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Will I ever learn?
Its probably no surprise that I adore Gimli. Its hard to put into words actually, but its true.
I love stroking his back, giving belly rubs and scratching his ears.
He's a fluffy corgi, so his coat is much softer than a corgi's coat should be, as such, its great to snuggle next to him and rub my head into his back and neck until he looks up at me and grumbles in annoyance.
My most favorite thing to do, however, is to shower him with kisses... on his head, on his ears, on his snout, that spot in between his eyes.
All great places, however, Inever know when to stop don't have the best timing and I have been headbutted many times. I've hurt my nose and busted my lip a few times.
Tonight was no exception, I went in to kiss him on his head, he jerked up and hit me squarely on my top lip. He continued playing without missing a beat. I now have 2 front teeth stenciled into the underside of my lip.
I love my dog!
I love stroking his back, giving belly rubs and scratching his ears.
He's a fluffy corgi, so his coat is much softer than a corgi's coat should be, as such, its great to snuggle next to him and rub my head into his back and neck until he looks up at me and grumbles in annoyance.
My most favorite thing to do, however, is to shower him with kisses... on his head, on his ears, on his snout, that spot in between his eyes.
All great places, however, I
Tonight was no exception, I went in to kiss him on his head, he jerked up and hit me squarely on my top lip. He continued playing without missing a beat. I now have 2 front teeth stenciled into the underside of my lip.
I love my dog!
DNA
Mike is the last of 3 boys. He was given up for adoption when he was a newborn. Therefore it goes without saying, there's no familial genes between Mike and the rest of his family, anymore than there are familial genes between him and I.
This weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada and while we're sitting around the table, this comment was made...
"Mike you're adopted but you must have the same genes as this family because you and J, (his brother), both have weight problems."
Riiight.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 61.
This weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada and while we're sitting around the table, this comment was made...
"Mike you're adopted but you must have the same genes as this family because you and J, (his brother), both have weight problems."
Riiight.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 61.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Its Loser, not Luser
On our morning walk today, we happened to pass by one of those green electric boxes that's erected every 5 or 6 houses. Crudely scribbled on the side were the words, "Daphnee is a luser".
Yes, you read it correctly. What's the state of the school system where childhood bullying isn't done properly?
I'm thinking Daphne probably knows how to spell, which is why she's a luser.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 59.
Yes, you read it correctly. What's the state of the school system where childhood bullying isn't done properly?
I'm thinking Daphne probably knows how to spell, which is why she's a luser.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 59.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I just want to watch my tv shows
Mike and I have a roster of television shows we watch on a weekly basis.
Family Guy
The Amazing Race
The Event
Little People/Big World
Law and Order: svu
Criminal Minds
Survivor
CSI: NY
CSI: Las vegas
We used to be on one particular television service provider, let's call it 'Ding Dong'. We were sharing this with friends of ours. we ended up switching because the satellite dish died and it was increasingly difficult to get channels added or removed.
We are now on a new television service provider, let's call it 'Tool'. This provider advertises time shifting so we can catch episodes aired in the Maritime provinces or episodes aired in the western provinces. It also advertises their On Demand feature, so you can catch up on episodes you may have missed.
This Fall, Mike are I are upside down and backwards in terms of television watching. We don't subscribe to the Sunday newspaper or to TV Guide magazine so we don't know the air days of the above shows. Yes, I know, we could have looked on the website, but bear with me on this one. Certain shows are on at the same time as others. In the past, we would utilize the time shifting so we could watch some episodes earlier or later than the EST time slot.
Each day consists of going through the guide trying to locate the show and its airtime and arranging our evening schedule around it. Well, we missed CSI:NY on the last two Fridays. We also missed Law and Order: SVU last week.
Tonight, Law and Order:SVU is on at 10pm, so, since its 7 pm now, we had the bright idea to see if we could watch one of those missed episodes on the On Demand service or online. No dice. On the American sites, it doesn't stream in Canada for some reason. On the Canadian networked site for Law and Order, it doesn't show either. I haven't figured out why, just that it shows clips and not the full episode. We checked the On Demand service, which we have used to watch Family Guy, so we assumed it would have the other episodes too, (that should have been my first clue since I was assuming), it didn't have either show.
As a last resort, we fell upon the time shifting feature. It seems to work for Law and Order:SVU. It doesn't seem to work for the rest of the episodes.
My point is, I'm growing increasingly tired of having only two television companies to choose from. I'm tired of seeing the American commercials on the stations for programs that aren't available in Canada, case in point Shark Week. I'm tired of not having a choice and for being held over a barrel because Ding Dong and Tool know residents of Ontario don't have much of a choice in the matter.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 55.
Family Guy
The Amazing Race
The Event
Little People/Big World
Law and Order: svu
Criminal Minds
Survivor
CSI: NY
CSI: Las vegas
We used to be on one particular television service provider, let's call it 'Ding Dong'. We were sharing this with friends of ours. we ended up switching because the satellite dish died and it was increasingly difficult to get channels added or removed.
We are now on a new television service provider, let's call it 'Tool'. This provider advertises time shifting so we can catch episodes aired in the Maritime provinces or episodes aired in the western provinces. It also advertises their On Demand feature, so you can catch up on episodes you may have missed.
This Fall, Mike are I are upside down and backwards in terms of television watching. We don't subscribe to the Sunday newspaper or to TV Guide magazine so we don't know the air days of the above shows. Yes, I know, we could have looked on the website, but bear with me on this one. Certain shows are on at the same time as others. In the past, we would utilize the time shifting so we could watch some episodes earlier or later than the EST time slot.
Each day consists of going through the guide trying to locate the show and its airtime and arranging our evening schedule around it. Well, we missed CSI:NY on the last two Fridays. We also missed Law and Order: SVU last week.
Tonight, Law and Order:SVU is on at 10pm, so, since its 7 pm now, we had the bright idea to see if we could watch one of those missed episodes on the On Demand service or online. No dice. On the American sites, it doesn't stream in Canada for some reason. On the Canadian networked site for Law and Order, it doesn't show either. I haven't figured out why, just that it shows clips and not the full episode. We checked the On Demand service, which we have used to watch Family Guy, so we assumed it would have the other episodes too, (that should have been my first clue since I was assuming), it didn't have either show.
As a last resort, we fell upon the time shifting feature. It seems to work for Law and Order:SVU. It doesn't seem to work for the rest of the episodes.
My point is, I'm growing increasingly tired of having only two television companies to choose from. I'm tired of seeing the American commercials on the stations for programs that aren't available in Canada, case in point Shark Week. I'm tired of not having a choice and for being held over a barrel because Ding Dong and Tool know residents of Ontario don't have much of a choice in the matter.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 55.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Only 2 years...
2 years ago this weekend, we drove 2 hours west to pick up Gimli. We came home with a small ball of fur who cried for about 45 minutes on the drive home.
He went for his first mini walk up and down the street, then fell asleep in his crate for a few hours.
After many sparring matches with those pointy puppy teeth and plenty of puppy cuddles, we have this little monster.
2 years isn't a long time at all, but it feels like he's always been with us.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 53.
He went for his first mini walk up and down the street, then fell asleep in his crate for a few hours.
After many sparring matches with those pointy puppy teeth and plenty of puppy cuddles, we have this little monster.
2 years isn't a long time at all, but it feels like he's always been with us.
Complaint-O-Meter: On day 53.
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