Today I was on a mission after work. It was a dangerous assignment, involving a drive down Number 3 Road (where RAV work is underway). C'mon, take a ride with me..... I sat in THIS in the mid afternoon sun. They're ruining my city and driving's a nightmare...a guy almost veered into me here. Welcome to the jungle baby. This is the main drag in Richmond. It currently takes about 12 hours to get from one end to the other. That's on a good day. ALMOST THERE!!!! YEA!!!! Whew, made it! Make mine a double. Service with a smile...what more could you ask for? And we start all over again.... Didn't even make it in the house before I cracked the jewel case. D'oh.THE END
A few years ago I was flipping through a magazine when I stumbled across an article on places in the world that are "must see" resorts/attractions. And one caught my eye so much that I ripped out the pages and kept it, saying to myself "one day I'm going to get there". As someone who's never travelled beyond the usual Disneyland/Hawaii trips, when I win that lottery I'm heading here.
It's situated on the western edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa. I'd have a hard time choosing between one of 10 rooms in the cliffside Rock Lodge, one in the rope-bridge access treehouse-style suites in the Safari Lodge, or part of the new Singita Lodge that is a 15 room compound that features glass windowed suites. Either way, it's a maze of elevated walkways that connect common areas and viewing decks that offer eye popping vistas of the savanna and distant mountains. Spectacular. There's nothing wrong with dreaming, is there?
Boy, have I really been away that long? Geez, time flies. I've been galavanting all around town and having quite a nice time while doing so. Usually Ty goes away with Linds and K but this year he gave it a miss. And normally when they're gone I got a lot accomplished around here...this year I decided I'M on vacation and am going to have fun and spend quality time with Ty. So that's what I'm doing.Stocked up on fresh fruit/veggies at the stand up the road....every time I do I think of how very lucky I am that I have local, farm fresh produce 5 minutes away. I love this place.
I went down to the thrift store yesterday - it was Mom's favorite place and I've avoided going back without her. We had a real routine when we were there. I had a quick look around, found a bunch of cassettes (for the car) and then decided I didn't need them because I already had them all. Had considered buying them anyhow (at .50 each) to have "back up" for when the deck eats them. But I'm trying to get rid of junk, not pack more in, so I put them back. 4 Non Blondes, Alice In Chains, etc. Now I wish I'd bought them.
I was about to leave when something caught my eye...a beautiful huge vase for flowers. I smiled as I thought of Mom - she and I had been desperately looking for one at every thrift store/garage sale we'd been to in the past year or two. I'd heard the story at least a dozen times of WHY she needed one...Dad had put theirs outside and it froze/cracked in the winter. He'd never live that one down. She'd wanted another one for the calla lillies that he'd pick from the garden and bring to her, but we'd never managed to find one (bought a whole shitload of crap looking for one mind you). Now I'd found the perfect one and she wasn't here to see it. I bought it, "for her". I took it to Dad's and was going to leave it there for him, but he insisted I have it. So I will treasure it (pics will come later). The kicker...it was marked $5 (a steal - I'd have paid $25) and when I went up to pay for it she rang it through at $2.50. I corrected her mistake, to which she replied, "oh no, today's half price day". Score.
Well Ty and I are off to the track AGAIN. We normally make it 4-5 times a season, this year we've already been about 8 times. We're making the most of it while Lindsay's away - she hates it there. And when the PNE starts it's chaos, so we avoid it then.
Well friends, summer means limited posting and more "visiting" of your blogs. So I'll be back, just don't know when. Have a great Sunday.
A quick post, as I'm exhausted tonight. I worked then we "pitched and putted", went to Pajo's for dinner and just got back home.
The very good news is that Dad had a milestone cancer check today and he's cancer free!! I won't jinx this by talking numbers, but he's inching towards the "out of the woods" stage...although I don't know that you can ever really be completely worry free or totally feel that way. I think the fear of cancer is something that just sticks with you once it's been planted.
I tossed and turned all night last night with worry. After what we've been through over the past couple of years, I expected the worst. We've been told that, should it return, there's nothing much that can be done. I woke up having nightmares and in a cold sweat early this morning. Then I went to work and worried my brains out there. My brother called me out of the blue (which has NEVER happened before) and that made my heart sink...I thought for sure he had bad news. But it seems that maybe things are turning around for us...although they'll never be "good" without Mom here, we'll take any bit of good news we can get. And this really is the best we've had in a long time.
So we celebrated with Hedgehog Gelatos in fresh waffle cones at the river. Yee frickin' ha...go Dad! Today is a good day.
I'm being a lazy blogger again...just not much to talk about. I've been on the go all weekend...got Linds ready to go away with her Dad and, quite frankly, I'm sad that I don't get to "holiday" with my kids anymore. All I seem to do is work. I composed a post about how I miss the "family" vacations - the quiet, moonlit nights in front of the fire, the water skiing during the day...all of it. I miss it this year more than ever. I may or may not post what I wrote, we'll see.
Ty and I have spent the last two days at the track - Saturday with Joyce and Sunday with my Dad (who hasn't been in years). We love it there - plain and simple. I've said it before - it's gorgeous and I can't think of too many places in town that I'd rather spend an afternoon. I can't imagine going there to sit inside (as the heavy gamblers/drinkers) do. It's all about the fresh air and the horseshit for me.
Anyhow, not much happening in my world. Nothing newsworthy for sure. Ooh, except that "The Province" news here did a story about my customer who got busted at Safeway. Seems it's an ongoing problem for him and it's not his first offense. Creepy. He told me he had a "dj'ing" business, yet he told police he's a "photographer". A pervert, that's what he is.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Barb - I fear I've neglected my Rocker Girl tag and mostly it's because I don't know any others here that aren't already on the list. But I'm still working on it and want you to know that I'm not just ignoring it.
Junky...you really WILL get your goodies in the mail. I'm actually throwing in a couple other doo-dads, so it's taking me a bit longer. But I haven't forgotten or broken my promise. And I'll be damned if, in the meantime, we haven't "eaten" the supply and I've had to replace it. Thought of you though.
Patience my friends.
Anyhow, off to work now. Here's a pic I snapped at the races that reminded me of another that I'd taken awhile ago:
Wow, the laundromat was a trip tonight. When I arrived there was only one other guy in there along with the young Filipino girl who worked there. The guy looked like an old friend from high school...K was always a little jealous of him. I thought it was Frank, as he immediately started talking to me as he helped me with the door. It took me quite awhile to figure out that it wasn't him. By that time we'd already initiated "small talk". Anyhow, it quickly became apparent that this guy was having a hell of a good time doing his laundry. There, out in the open on the "folding" table, were two 26 oz bottles of Mike's Hard Lemonade. One was uncapped and half gone and he was slugging from it. He also had a bottle of water and it seemed he was "pacing" himself this way. His stuff was spread out everywhere...he had more booze in a liquor store bag and appeared to be having himself a little party. Now drunk people don't worry me...I'm quite used to them. Hell, I found him amusing. But the girl that worked there was less than impressed and expressed how glad she was that I'd arrived. Could've been a scary situation for her if I hadn't I guess. But I thought I'd just sit back and enjoy the ride.
This guy was a piece of work, let me tell you - hyper as hell and really entertaining. He was dropping laundry all over the floor and at one point his washer had stopped and he didn't seem to give a rat's ass - twenty minutes later he was still facing it but making no moves to proceed to stage II and dry the stuff. It was obvious that he was in no hurry (despite the fact that the place was near closing). The attendant snuck over to his machine at one point when he wasn't looking, took his quarters from the roll he had beside his booze and chucked his stuff into the dryer. He didn't even notice. A few minutes later he said "hey, where are my quarters. They were right here". And then rummaged around his bag of stuff and found them. Triumphantly, he lifted them high in the air to show me he'd found them. Yeeha. You rule dude.
He was in and out of the place, apparently looking for somewhere to eat. He asked me about the local places and when I suggested one (and gave him a coupon I had) he asked if I'd eaten yet. Then he asked me to join him.
Anyhow, I normally HATE doing laundry at the laundromat. It's sweltering hot in there. Usually crowded and noisy as shit. But tonight was quite different and I was thoroughly amused. It was almost as if I'd stepped into a movie or something. The Filipino girl was telling me her life story and all the while the drunk was making me giggle to myself as I watched his antics as he fumbled around behind her. The best part was when he decided to check out the tanning bed (yes, there's one at the laundromat). He'd never been in one and was quite willing to share the fact that he was "undressing now" behind the closed door to the booth. "My clothes are off girls". The attendant mouthed to me "are we supposed to care?". It was all very surreal. She rolled her eyes and told me that when he'd first arrived he started stripping down and threw the clothes right off his back into the machine. She said he got down to his boxers when she decided she'd had enough and intervened - throwing him some clothes to put on that someone had left behind. He was in very good shape and obvioiusly quite proud of it. He also seemed harmless - very courteous, happy go lucky and completely oblivious to the fact that it was inappropriate to be getting pie eyed in the laundromat. He acted like it was all quite normal and smiled the entire time. He was flirtatious with both of us, but not in an aggressive way. It was all quite innocent and, although the girl working there expressed her anger to me, she couldn't help but crack a smile at him on more than one occassion. When he went into the tanning bed we laughed as we heard him banging around. He spent 11 minutes in there and came out a little red. He looked at me and said "I don't think I liked that. I'm itchy now". And then he spent the next 8 minutes looking at and rubbing his shoulders. I was just glad he'd made it out alive.
He went and ordered some sushi and then came back and forgot he'd ordered it. I said "do you have to go back and pick up your food?" and he said "I don't know. I've never eaten there before". Logical. He then asked us if we'd like him to order some food in...the attendant quickly responded with "no, we're closing now". He was quite disappointed and I think he was planning an all nighter or something. He said "so where do I go now?". Apparently he was from Ontario and was working in Squamish - 28 days on, 14 off. He went on another little jaunt around the block at that point (leaving his laundry there so we'd have to let him back in) and came back to declare that he'd found a massage parlour, but it was already closed. "Hell, if I'd known that was there....". Then he asked if we'd give him a massage. Uh, no.
The Filipino girl then whispered to me, "I'm telling him we're closing now". This was despite the fact that they were open another half hour. "You can stay...just pretend we're closing". He was saddened by this. He politely asked if he could stay longer and when she said he couldn't he ignored her. She finally convinced hm he had to go, at which point he asked us to call him a cab. The girl asked if he knew the number and he rattled off an Ontario number that she tried to call. We looked up a cab in the phone book and he then headed out to wait for it (without his laundry). We called him back in to retrieve it and he stuffed everything into his hockey bag - clean laundry straight out of the dryer in with his dirty old shoes, booze, quarters, cartons of smokes that he'd just bought across the street on one of his "walks"....everything just stuffed together in there. No folding was involved. Just cram it all in.
He then went outside and waited for his cab.
The attendant went over to one of the dryers and said "shit, he left his towels behind". His cab pulled out of the driveway at that point.
It was the best laundry experience I've had in awhile. Seriously, I've gotta get out more.
Things that need to be done today and how I'll go about doing them:
Laundry - I'll curse, rant & swear. Then hurt my back piling 40,000 pounds of clothing into the car that's quite likely been worn once or tried on, then thrown on the floor. I'd make them come and do it, but that's too painful. Don't even talk to me about when I actually get to the laundromat and have to fight people who are jostling for machines and trying to pull a fast one by going ahead of me. It gets ugly.
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Vacuum - Again, a backbreaker. I think my bag's been full for 8 weeks now - I need a new one. My lack of success in purchasing the right ones has made me finally want to give up. Anyone need bags for their vacuum?....I have Hoover, Kenmore, Dirt Devils, Shit Suckers and every other brand except the ones I need...which are Beaumark. I swear when I vacuum I'm blowing more crud into the air than I'm actually picking up. Screw it, I need a mask first. I'll do it later.
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Go to work - I feel totally under appreciated lately. I'm being asked for things without any kind of recognition, compensation or so much as a simple "thank you, we appreciated that". Which is impacting how I feel about my job, that I once loved (still do love the people there). But no, I won't do a split shift because your daughter has plans in both the morning AND the late afternoon and can't make hers. There was a time that I would've - I'm flexible and able to. But once you accomodate something like this the first time, it never ends. Before you know it it's "Deb, can you come in for 12 minutes this morning then do 6 hours this evening, followed by a quick trip in at midnight, to secure the joint? Oh, and bring a camel with you, we need one". You get my drift, not doing it. And I really did have other plans. REALLY.
So I'll arrive right on time (not early and during unpaid hours). I'll leave right on time (and not serve those customers after the CLOSED sign is up, like I used to do). And if I have to pee during my shift, I'M GONNA damn it (long story).
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Grocery Shop - I used to love it, not so much anymore. I find myself wandering the aisles, not really knowing what to buy. Everyone in this house is on the fly, noone eats the same things at the same times and I'm tired of throwing out enough food to feed the entire population of Africa. And until they come up with 0 calorie, low fat/high fibre chocolate flavored salad, I can't seem to find anything that appeals to me. So we'll order in today.
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Work Out - which lately has meant putting on good music and wandering aimlessly around the house for two minutes until finding myself parked back in front of this time sucking machine. I've been tired and slacking this week. And that needs to change. Tomorrow.
I was standing in line somewhere yesterday and was subjected to music(?) that quite literally felt like a nail being driven into my brain and made me want to turn and run out of the place (fast and very far). I'm quite sure that I've heard braying donkeys that sound better. Repetitive lyrics that aren't even good to begin with, over and over and OVER AGAIN, don't make for good listening for me. It made me think....what, exactly, is the criteria for some lyricists? Try and string a sentence together (unsuccessfully I might add), then run with it?
Much to my dismay, I see that this song is #6 on Itunes "Top Songs" list. Who thinks so? People without ears? Who's listening to this crap? Deaf people, that's who.
You be the judge...here's the masterpiece (*sighs*).....
party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rockstar
t-t-t-totally dude!!!!
i'm on a money makin mission but I party like a rockstar flyin' down 20 lookin' good in my hot car you know them hoes be at my show worried bout where my chain go I uh rubba in ma pants but these hoes won't let my thang go
I uwa like I uwa cuz you know them hoes be tryin us hoe don't you know I fuck wit fine dimonds that look like Pa-me-la they fine and they hot bra when i'm in the spot bra...... I PARTY LIKE UH ROCKSTAAARRR!!!!!!
party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rockstar
t-t-t-totally dude!!!!
iiii...iiii party like a rockstar do it wit da black and da white like a cop car whoop, whoop,whoop,wha,whoop me and my band, man on the yacht relaxin gettin a tan man uuwaaa
(cool)you know me wit a skull belt and wallet chain shop boyz, rockstars yeah, we 'bout to change the game change the game? uh oh they know that i'm a star I make it rain from the center of my guitar
party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rockstar
t-t-t-totally dude!!!!
as soon as I came out the womb my momma knew a star was born now i'm on the golf course trippin' wit da Osbournes I seen da show w/travis barker rockstar mentality i'm jumpin in the crowd just to see if they would carry me
bitches wanna marry me they see me they just might panic my ice make em go down quick like the Titanic! yeah, i'm wit da shop boyz you know what we do i'm surfin' screamin' kowabonga TOTALLY DUDE!!
party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rock party like a rockstar party like a rockstar
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
First of all, if I was to hear this on a record player, I'd be pushin' the needle over to get it to stop skipping.
Now let's break it down here a little bit:
"totally dude"
Don't steal Allison's shit guys. Copyright, o.k.?
* * *
"you know them hoes be at my show worried bout where my chain go I uh rubba in ma pants but these hoes won't let my thang go"
Get over yourself already. And I think you made me pee mine.
* * *
"I uwa like I uwa cuz you know them hoes be tryin us hoe don't you know I fuck wit fine dimonds that look like Pa-me-la they fine and they hot bra when i'm in the spot bra....."
????????? translation please (is there a beluga whale in the house?)
* * *
"iiii...iiii party like a rockstar do it wit da black and da white like a cop car whoop, whoop,whoop,wha,whoop me and my band, man on the yacht relaxin gettin a tan man uuwaaa"
"whoop, whoop, whoop, wha, whoop" what the fuck was that?
* * *
"(cool)you know me wit a skull belt and wallet chain shop boyz, rockstars yeah, we 'bout to change the game change the game? uh oh they know that i'm a star I make it rain from the center of my guitar"
"skull belt/wallet chain"...puh-LEASE. My six year old had those. So 1994.
* * *
"as soon as I came out the womb my momma knew a star was born now i'm on the golf course trippin' wit da Osbournes I seen da show w/travis barker rockstar mentality i'm jumpin in the crowd just to see if they would carry me"
was OJ with you by any chance? Too bad he didn't kill this song instead of those people.
She shoulda shoved you back in. (Did I really just say that?)
* * *
"bitches wanna marry me they see me they just might panic my ice make em go down quick like the Titanic! yeah, i'm wit da shop boyz you know what we do i'm surfin' screamin' kowabonga"
Dude, if your pick up line is "cowabunga" (note: sp), then I can only imagine the "bitches" you get. Are they cold, slimy and green by any chance?
* * *
Wow, wasn't that something?
If you're looking to get out of work today, put this on, give yourself a migraine and call in sick. I have to go now, my ears are bleeding.
There was a police car out front of Safeway yesterday for hours as I did my shift at work. I wondered what was going on and knew it was more than the typical shoplifting incident, as they were there for far too long. Today I learned what had gone down from my friend who works there.
She said, "do you know that guy who....." and I went "yup, he's one of my regular customers". She then proceeded to tell me that he'd been arrested for sexual assault on one of the employees. She continued and told me that he'd been involved in previous incidents and I quickly connected his name to reports that I'd read in the paper a year or so ago....."him?...wow". He'd been causing problems on the buses back then, grabbing young girls and behaving very inappropriately.
I was totally shocked, as I'd never have guessed this customer of mine could possibly be the guy responsible for such conduct...not at all what I'd picture as the type. He was a jovial, chubby, greying haired man who rode around on an adult "tricycle". He had a ghetto blaster in the back and blasted music as he rode around town (o.k., maybe just a little weird)...but he'd told me he had a "business" and rented himself out for parties. A "dj" or such and I just figured he was "advertising". He's a regular Keno player at my booth and, although something always seemed a little "off" about him, I just thought he was a bit immature and goofy. I'd never believe he was a pervert. (FTR - this is not him, this is a google image)
I came home and told Linds (she'd been at the booth before when he'd been there and immediately knew who I was talking about)....she was also shocked. "HIM?!...we got a warning about that at school last year. It was him?". As was the case with me, she had a hard time making the connection to this guy. Who knew? So it just goes to show, you can't really judge a book by its cover...perverts come in all shapes and sizes and do not always wear long, black trenchcoats. This guy was like someone's happy go lucky grandpa.
* * * * *
Shifting gears to the really bad news department here (which doesn't even begin to describe this)....I'm completely devastated. Vince isn't expected to make it and they've given him one year. My God, why?? Linds just returned from a week away with them and when he came to drop her off I thought he looked great. Although, when I gave him a big hug I did find it a little strange that he hugged me back so hard. Then we talked of me heading up to the cabin with them next year...it wasn't until Linds and I came inside that she brought me up to speed. They don't expect he'll make it for the trip next year. I can't believe it...why him? He's one of the nicest people I know - both of them are. I'm refusing to accept this and will hold out hope for him. If you do that stuff, remember him in your prayers...he's truly worthy of the help, believe me.
Without being too disrespectful, I'd like to change the subject...it's hard to end with such tragedy. So I'll focus on something that could've had a tragic ending, but didn't.
Was it really 30 years ago? I shudder to think of what could've been the outcome. As I look out my window and see the same highway that I started my journey on 30 years ago today, I think of my daughter who is older than I was that day. And much smarter. I'm just lucky fate was on my side and I made it home that night. Although I did die and go to heaven during this.....
Besides Hospital Music, this is my favorite song of the moment. It just does me in pretty much every time...
Thanks Linds (she and Ty give me most of my new music.)....I miss you guys when you're not here.
Anyhow, here's the video for it (it's a little emo but, hey, so am I...Linds hates that word and would be giving me a death glare right now if she were here). If you're feeling sad, I warn you......
O.K., so I'm now using Firefox, which Ty's bugged me to use from day one! It appears to me that this will be much easier and I don't know why I was ever using Safari. Oh, I remember...when I inherited this computer I had the three options (Safari, Firefox, Mozilla) and went with the first one in line. I have all my stuff bookmarked there so will have to transfer it over. It'll take me awhile to get used to the new deal here, but if it's good enough for Mr. Cock and Master Fly, it's good enough for me.
I just discovered my alias over on Allison's blog and "Jennifer Williams" did nothing much for me beyond conjuring up the image of a librarian. I guess she could be that uptight, pony tailed, bespeckled librarian by day who, come nightfall, stands on her desk in her high heels, tosseling her hair outta that pony tail as she rips open her blazer to reveal her wild side...like I said in my last post, life's too short. If you're using an alias, live it up.
In wanting to follow up and create an exciting new name for myself, I found myself a sexy Brazilian name generator and they came up with this for me:
Much better. I then switched over to the 1920's names to see what they'd come up with and loved my new name: Sciorrca Aurora. And finally, since I'm on a roll and may need several aliases with the exciting life I lead at the laundromat, my Italian name is Lia Gallo. Hmmm, not feeling it. Linds has a real ditzy friend name Lia who's kind of spoiled that name for me.
As you can see, I'm real busy today. We're heading out to the track soon - my favorite place to spend a sunny day on the weekend. I love everything about it - the view, the fresh air, the horses, the people. I don't even care much about the betting/winning....although I never snub the prospect of leaving with more than I came with.
Oh, lastly - I think I'm listening to Hospital Music FAR too much....dreamt last night that I saw you (oh wait, that's a lyric from the song - see what I mean?). Dreamt last night that I saw Matt....he was at the hospital while I was there in a waiting room. There was this "buzz" happening as people were throwing around the possibility that they'd seen him in there. I took it upon myself to tell them I "knew" him and then acted like his personal security as he entered our waiting room to use the pay phone. I shuffled around to keep people at bay and give him his privacy, telling people "GAAWD, he's in the hospital people, give him his space"...all the while trying to keep him cornered for myself. My entire dream focused on "where'd Matt go?". So I may have to shut it down for a few hours and deprogram myself.
Also (I guess that wasn't the last thing afterall), I'm still using Safari here and it sucks donkey balls (thanks Barb) as I don't have any options to use itallics or change fonts or anything. It's just boring, same o'l and monotonous. So look for me switching things up in the near future as I use one of the other browsers like Mozilla or Firefox. Dale over on Matt's site has recommended I try "Camino"...does anyone have the scoop on that? I know so very little here.
Well, here we go again. Today Dad goes for testing re his aneurysm and to find out how close to the crucial stage we are. Surgery's inevitable...it's just a matter of time and they're prolonging it as long as possible because he's recently been through the ringer and came close to dying. He needs to be stronger, so while this thing bulges like a ticking time bomb, we wait for the right moment. It's all too scary. Wednesday he goes for his cancer check - which is always an anxious time as well. He's my rock and, although it's really strange how we don't connect as much now that Mom's gone, I can't imagine this world without him. It's already a shocker not having Mom here.
You know, I take nothing for granted these days. Besides my kids, my Dad's my world and, after experiencing the shock of losing Mom, nothing's a given anymore. I didn't expect her to die, she's always bounced back from everything. And this time she didn't. The next week will be excruciating while we wait for results.
Again, I find myself questioning what this life's all about. I haven't been "enjoying" life for awhile - I've been working hard and being responsible and worrying about things. Before that I lived with K and, at times, that was no picnic. When I think about it, I haven't really been "living" for a long time. You know, really enjoying the moment rather than worrying my way through it with a "to do" list in my hand. So that's gonna' change real soon. With that being said, I'm off to the pool now with my tunes, a newspaper and a couple of hours that are earmarked "mine". The bathroom's been cleaned, vacuuming's done and I think it's time for some r & r.
Catch you in awhile. Enjoy your life, it's too damn short.
I swear all I do is work and cook lately. We've had company here pretty much every day this week and I feed them. All. I'm posting pictures as proof tomorrow because when I keel over from heat stroke and exhaustion, you'll know what got me. I'm also going to post my phenomenal poker week...I kicked everyone's ass and now they all hate me because of it. Guys don't like losing to girls. Not one single bit. I take a lot of heat over on Poker Room because I'm supposed to lose...one problem though, I don't like to. My dream is to be on the tour. One day my friends, one day.
Anyhow, here's my random shuffle. As I don't know what time it is, I don't know if this qualifies as the Friday shuffle...hang on, I'll go check. Hell, it's already 12:45 - officially the Saturday shuffle.
How are you all doing?
1/ where did you sleep last night? - nirvana (nowhere dipshit, i never sleep, remember? which is why i'm too tired for capitals) 2/ at the bottom of everything - bright eyes (unlike mine right now) 3/ crazy baby - joan osborne (oooh, it's been awhile for this one...love it) 4/ it ain't easy - long john baldry (tell me about it) 5/ she's a jar - wilco (thanks junky, love this one) 5/ o.k., stone me now....slipped away - avril lavigne (hey, I like it. but damn, it makes me cry) 6/ i am trying to break your heart - wilco 7/ rooftop - melissa mcclelland (beautiful) 8/ painted on my heart - cult 9/ day old hate - city and color 10/ 11 am - incubus
Well I think that's it for me. Ty's friend Steve just left...we watched the Lion's kick Saskatchewan's ass. And yes, I cooked (again). Fajitas. I'm now officially on strike for the weekend...care to join me in that?
That last post was WAY too long...I've really gotta learn to keep it short & sweet.
Anyhow, the good news of the day is that our city council has decided to ban the use of anything but free range eggs at city-run facilities and functions. This comes with some resistance (obviously) from the chair of the BC Egg Marketing Board, who says there will be a negative impact on the industry by supporting a "specialty" egg over the classic egg. I say we cage him...he's an egghead anyways. (Lame, I know)
I applaud our council - you won't find me doing that very often. They're breaking new ground here and other cities seem to be following our lead. Vancouver is now considering the pledge to use only free range eggs as well.
If you've ever eaten a free range egg, there's no turning back, as the others pale in comparison (literally). Sure, they cost a little more, but they're well worth every penny...not only for the taste/quality, but for the chicken's sake.
To whomever plugged up my exhaust for the second time - YOU'RE PLAYING WITH FIRE. You obviously haven't seen this woman mad and, I warn you, it's not a pretty sight. I've been wondering why my car is running like shit and this explains it. Today some young guy was honking and waving at me and I thought, "gee, this guy really loves me". As he pulled up beside me he said "it looks like you're dragging cats behind your car. There's something in your exhaust and a big piece of it flew out but you're still dragging about eight feet of it". I thanked him and went and pulled over to see that yes, I was dragging something. This wasn't the first time and this was eerily similar to the first incident. We'd noticed it as we came out of a restaurant a year or so ago...Ty said "Mom there's a tail hanging out of your exhaust". I was too creeped out to touch it and thought maybe an animal had crawled up in there. He pulled it out and it seemed to go on forever....it looked like a really long Hallowe'en witch's wig. And, once again, it's the same kind of material this time.
I don't know who would be doing this...Ty figures it's punk kids just pulling pranks. But I can't help but wonder who might be out to get me. I don't make enemies...I'm usually really cheery and outgoing and make friends when I'm out. Unless I'm road raging...that's a differernt story.I'm a bit of an aggressive driver at times, usually because I'm in a hurry. Once a weirdo actually followed me all the way home after I'd blasted him for cutting me off. When I noticed that he wasn't giving up the chase I turned around and drove to the police station, where he continued on past me. Was it him? Or maybe it was the recycling truck driver who almost ran Linds over when she was young. He'd been speeding in and out of here each week and, at first, I politely asked him to slow down. But he never did and the incident where he almost ran Linds down was after my frustration had built up over time and during a heated exchange with him....I called him a bleeping bleep and he put the truck in reverse and nearly mowed right over her. My Dad was just pulling in and witnessed the whole thing. Did I tell you my Dad does not handle anger well? He hopped out of his car, ran over and hauled the guy out of his truck and was just about to pummel him when I intervened. I didn't want him to go to jail and that's what would've happened. But you just don't jeopardize his granddaughter's life without paying a serious price for that. I got him to let go of the guy, who brushed himself off and left as quickly as he came. He was taken off our route after I filed (yet another) complaint about him. But a year or so later I was shocked to see him back out there. I'm pretty sure he stole a bike of mine...I'd just returned home from my ride one day and ran upstairs to get a water bottle. I was going to clean my bike off so I left it in the carport, but when I came back down the recycling truck was pulling out and my bike was gone. Like an idiot, I hopped in my car and chased him down. I pulled in front of the truck and he stopped. I got out and said "you took my bike" and he just smiled - I think he put it in the bin in the back of the truck and I had no way of proving it without seeing it. He denied it, but I could tell he got great satisfaction from seeing me agitated.
The only other person that I can think of is the guy from the booth (the one I've told you about) who keeps hounding me to go out with him (the Jamaican one). He's persistent as shit and, althougth he's really nice, he's just not my type at all. He's quite a bit younger than me and just won't take no for an answer. The other day he came in (for the tenth time) and said my brake light was out and he'd fix it for me. I asked him how he knew and he said "I watched you pull out of here". Weird. So maybe he's messing with my car so he can fix it? I don't know, just a thought. Don't get me wrong...I don't think I'm "all that" and am bragging here. These guys probably just love the fact that I give money out to them. They come in and leave with more than they came with on many occassions. Even though they've won it, the fact that I give them cash probably makes me a goddess right there. Plus, I tend to be a good listener.
Anyhow, back on topic here. The first time my exhaust was plugged they did a damn good job of it and it really messed with my car and created a lot of problems. Exhaust fumes were actually coming back into the car and it was pretty dangerous. Hopefully this clog hasn't been in there too long and no major damage has been done. But I think I'm going to the cops this time, although I'm sure they don't have the resources to go after exhaust cloggers. "Just look for the guy buying Halloween wigs". Somehow I think a lot of snickering will be done.
Today's been a weird day all day...I'm going to check and see if it's a full moon or not. I almost hit a beautiful black dog as the brain dead owner didn't have it on a leash near the busiest road in Richmond and it darted into the road in front of me. Luckily I reacted quickly and just missed it. Ms. Hilton wannabe barely blinked an eye and didn't skip a beat on the cell phone that was plastered to her ear. It's been one of those days, you know? Do you ever have them...the kind that everything's like a train wreck and you wonder why you got out of bed?
Oh, the last thing (and to think, I was going to make this a short post). I'm beginning to feel like Lucy in her little kiosk, giving advice to complete strangers and listening to their life stories. Another guy who hangs around the booth alot (again, from Jamaica) has been telling me of how he's extremely unhappy in his marriage and is only staying for his young daughter. His father is a raging alcoholic who's hitting his bottom and this guy's just tormented right now. He's gone into detail about his father's escapades and it ain't pretty. I feel for him as he just doesn't know what to do about his Dad, who's drinking himself to death. He seems so lost and comes in a lot - doesn't even buy a thing, just stops in to shoot the shit. Anyhow, I seem to run into him every where I go and we usually exchange stories. Today he came to the booth and after a brief exchange of small talk, he looked me in the eye and said "are you single?". "Oh God" I thought, "how do I deal with THIS?". I'm not good with rejection...don't like to hurt people's feelings. That lead to me asking if he was still with his wife and he said that he was, but that he wasn't "committed" to her. Then he said "and I'm seeing someone else" (at that point I let out a big "whew"). There was a brief pause and then he continued...."and it's not a woman". Kind of caught me off guard there. TMI. Now, don't get me wrong...I have no problem with gay people....as a matter of fact, my best friends from next door were lesbians. They were awesome and I loved the hell out of them...I actually inherited this computer from one of them when she died. But the way he just blurted it out...what do you say to that? He seemed very uncomfortable with it...almost like he was in a confessional and needed to get it off his chest. I told him that the main point in life is being happy so he needed to do what it was that made him happy. He seemed to accept that and was on his way.
Today was a weird day, have I told you that? Oh God, tomorrow's Friday the 13th....I'm hiding out somewhere.
This is too funny...I'm extremely tired (which I explained in a post I just put together). So tired, in fact, that I posted it over on Food Porn. So please, humor me and go check it out. And maybe leave a few recipes there while you're at it. I tried guys. I'll fix things up tomorrow. :)
It's a gorgeous day here so I just can't justify sitting on my computer for too long...so much to do. So a "quick" hello (well as quick as I can do...you all know me by now).
Yesterday was hectic....Ty and the ex braved the depths of hell (otherwise known as the Future Shop customer service line up) and successfully exchanged the a/c, now dubbed "r2d2" by Fiona.
We did a bunch of stuff around here - the tradeoff for the use of K's truck...I had to "dogsit" Charlie. I'm down with that - took him to the beach for a swim. (Do ya see that?...I swear he's sticking his tongue out at me because he's in the cool water and I'm sweating it out on the beach)
I miss having a dog - ours died a few years ago now and, for me, she was irreplaceable. I know you can never "replace" a pet with another one, but she'd be a particularly hard act to follow. She was a pound puppy that we had for fifteen years - smartest dog I've ever known. When people would ask what breed she was I'd say lab/border collie crossed with human because she was that tuned in. She understood. I've opted to remain dogless because I just don't have time to fully commit to owning another dog - there's no "halfway" with me. So I consider Charlie "my" dog. The best kind of pet to have -he pays for the food/vet bills and cleans up after him and I get to enjoy him. It works for me.
Anyhow, after I'd finished dogsitting, Ty and I headed off to the Lion's game to watch the home opener. A slow start to the game and we traded field goals back and forth until the Lions finally took charge and ran away with it. Ty had to remind me that part of the roof had caved in on BC Place during a wind storm. I'd forgotten all about it until he pointed it out. "Thanks for reminding me...got a helmet?"
Well I've got a carport that needs tackling now...stuff piles up awfully quickly, doesn't it? Wish me luck...Robosquirrel and I have been having a turf war out there and he's not going down easily. The little bugger seems to challenge me when I wave a broom at him. May be time to buy some pepper spray.
(Since I am far too busy playing with my friends on Facebook to give this blog any real attention or write anything meaningful)
Woke up.
Immediately woke Ty up, which he'd asked me not to (I am not a good listener).
Sat in front of my computer and waited to buy Matt Good tickets.
Sat.
Sat some more.
Made sure Ty was up to get the tickets for us, even though he said he would be.
Waited with my fingers crossed.
Did the front row chant/spirit dance. It's sort of an Indian thing. It makes it rain and gets us good seats. It didn't work. We got row 12 on the side and how can I kiss Matt from there? And the sun made my brain blister with no rain in sight.
I then thought about housework. Not too hard though, as it gives me a headache.
I started to sweat by 11 am as summer has exploded here.
I thought I should workout.
Then thought "nah, I'll do nothing instead". (I'm getting good at that)
Practiced nothing for two hours.
Went to work.
Did more nothing there.
Took Ty to Future Shop to look at air conditioners because he is determined to drive me bat shit until we get one, even though I don't want one. He thinks he's melting.
Waited as the one sales clerk in the appliance department stood and watched people as they looked at appliances. Finally got his attention, which helped us about as much as a stale donut would've. He knew nothing and we spent most of the time bringing him up to speed because apparently his previous employment had nothing to do with appliances and involved stuffing bananas down chutes for monkeys. I don't know that he'd ever even owned an appliance. "Me cook on fire". He also didn't know that the window a/c's come in vertical and horizontal models. Well I didn't either but Ty told me. Anyhow, our conversation went something like this:
"Can we put the vertical one in if our window opens and closes horizontally?"
Abdulla Babulla: "I don't know".
"Well, which is better - the portable or the installed unit?"
AB: "Gee, I'm not sure".
"If we buy the portable, can we buy an extra slider for the window so we don't have to move it from room to room?"
AB: "Maybe you might have to go to the place to get one" (no shit, his exact words....WHAT fucking place?)
"What place, the manufacturer's?"
AB: "Yes"
"So I can get one there?"
AB: "I don't know"
"What happens if the exhaust hose cracks or breaks?...can it be replaced?"
AB: "No don't break it"
"But if I do, can I get another one?"
AB: "I don't know"
"Were you the guy we dealt with last night who said he'd match the internet price?"
AB: "Yes"
"Well, are you still honoring that?"
AB: "That wasn't me." "Would you like the extended warranty?"
(at this point I had to pull my eyeballs back outta my brain)
We purchased the portable one and I then had to ask him to get a dolly to take it to the car because he stood there looking stupid like we were going to carry it out (it was a 4' box and very heavy). I honestly think he was exhausted from answering so many questions. A tough day for him. Eventually he did go and get a dolly and loaded the box on it, then proceeded to try and get down the escalator with it (despite the fact that we were right beside the elevator). We got to the bottom with the box laying on its side. It said on all four sides in big, black letters "DO NOT LAY THIS ON ITS SIDE". I pointed that out and told him I wanted a different one, so we headed back up and exchanged it. I then convinced him to take the elevator with it. He got it to my car and, despite me saying "o.k., we've got it from here", insisted on loading it. I went around and unlocked the driver's door and before I could stop him he had the damn thing on its side as he wrestled it into the back seat. DF. I give up. We brought it home and hooked it up and it rattles because you're not supposed to lay it on its side. They tried to warn us.
Anyhow, I think I'll get the ex and Ty to go exchange it.....I really can't handle another dose of this magician.
I then went to Save On to get something that resembles "dinner" because I refuse to cook in this sweatshop. I keep going up to King Tyler's room to stand in the doorway and cool off but he's got it so fucking cold in there that I need a jacket and mittens or I'll die of hypothermia. So there is no happy place for me today. Which is why I'm going to bed now.
Just a reminder that Matt Good's new cd will be available July 31 and everyone should go buy a copy. Why? Because it's a masterpiece that you can put on and leave on from start to finish. No crappy songs to make you hit the skip button, it just flows from one great song into another. Seriously.
Here's a sample (one of Lindsay's favorites). Out of the fifteen tracks, I've narrowed my favorites down to 7. They are Champions of Nothing, Odette, 99% Of Us Is Failure, The Boy Come Home, Moon Over Marin, She's In It For The Money and this one (Metal Airplanes). Hell, it's all good (but don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself).
To all of my friends to the south of us, Happy Independence Day. I truly hope you are all safe and happy as you celebrate with your families. That being said, my friends Ethel and Lucy have put a new spin on things and are proposing a Declaration of Independence II that's worth a read. Clever gals, those two.
Unfortunately, I am not well enough informed to speak on the the situation in the US or even what's happening in the world today. I do read and try and keep up on things but I mostly keep my opinions to myself as I'm definitely no expert. I do think it's tragic, however, that people aren't being heard by their government and that some continue to steamroll their way through like bullies at the school playground.That there seems to be little accountability or honesty. It's frightening and I really don't know that I would've ever had kids if I'd known the world would be in this predicament. Will hope ever be restored? Will we ever live in peace or is this vision of acquiring peace through killing what we're stuck with? I know, it's not even about peace is it? It's about greed and power and those two things right there will get you in trouble everytime. (And then there's this guy....)
Even in our own back yard, it starts on a small scale and grows into something bigger when left unchecked. I just heard an example yesterday that made me question what things are coming to. And how far they can go.
People were celebrating a soccer win (apparently very loudly and disruptively). We've all been there, done that. Hell, just look to the streets of Vancouver after a playoff win by the Canucks to see things go wild. Anyhow, in the police's defense, noone is above the law and the fact that these people had children piled in the back of a moving vehicle was grounds to pull them over. It's a serious safety issue and, celebration or not, it creates a dangerous situation. This I feel strongly about - many years ago a boy from our neighbourhood fell out of a moving truck and is permanently brain damaged because of it. Coincidentally, it was on the July 1st holiday weekend. His life was changed forever in a split second moment of recklessness. And the very fact that the man driving the truck in this recent incident didn't stop when instructed to and was confrontational when he eventually did warranted police action. It's the law...you've got to pull over for police, plain and simple. And they get agitated when you don't. (I must say though, after have viewed the video, I don't see the man being confrontational as reported. I think things looked calm and the police officers appear to be smiling with the man, which contradicts the reports of him being aggressive). I do think, however, that the very boisterous children in the crowd should've been instructed by the adults there to "cool it" while police attended the scene. They failed to do that and it was their responsibility to quell the rowdiness when necessary. Let's face it, when you're addressing the police, a certain level of respect should be initiated by BOTH sides. And, in fairness to both sides, I think that everyone involved could've done more to avoid this situation. A little cooperation by everyone there and this might not have erupted as it did.
The end result......babies got peppered sprayed?! Please, someone tell me how this happens because there is no justifying it for me. Again - I blame all parties involved, not just police. The mothers, who screamed and yelled at police, had no business doing so with their babies in their arms. As mothers, it's our duty to get them out of harm's way...not move closer to it. Right or wrong, you give up the fight to get your child to safety and don't keep them in a volatile environment. And you certainly shouldn't be moving towards the scene in an arrest that's quickly escalating into a hostile environment...very irresponsible. You walk away and shield your baby from what's going down. In the same breath, the police had no business putting those children in harm's way either...I just don't think the pepper spray was necessary or helped diffuse the situation at all. Poor judgement by all involved.
There are two sides to every coin and this is no exception. The people celebrating did behave in a rowdy manner that police viewed as a threat at some point...so be it. But don't police understand that you don't fight fire with fire? Sure, they've got to take control of the situation and use authority to do so, but their actions were completely unwarranted as I saw it. They had the man under arrest and should've just proceeded to put him in the cruiser. Perhaps if they'd tried to be civilized and calm the already fired up crowd, they'd have had more success. This seems to happen a lot - police go in very confrontationally and in a threatening manner and what does that solve? S.F.A. It makes me question whether they really want to resolve things or if they just want to prove who's "boss". You just don't fight fire with fire...everyone knows that. If you want peace, you demonstrate peace. If you're trying to stop violence, you don't use violence. Seems so very simple.
I've all but shut down the news in this house (just for awhile). I know, a stick my head in the sand attitude is really quite irresponsible. But everytime I see something like this I just get so disheartened that I lose hope. So it's my survival mechanism that I become temporarily numb and immune to it all. For, in my little fantasy world everything's alright and we're all going to be ok. Care to join me in that?
My last post was a bit of a rant because I don't like people who act like spoiled brats. But I also don't like being so negative, so here are my cheery pics from the Salmon Fest yesterday. We missed the parade and most of the festivities because we picked up friends and made a few pits stops along the way. But we still had fun.....Our first stop was at Dad's...we're lucky to have parking so close to the event (although his attempt to collect $2.50/hour from us didn't wash with me). Nice try though Dad.Doesn't seem to matter where we go, Linds always knows someone and it ends up being a hugfest. Even in the middle of the street, five miles away from home....Nothin' says Canada Day like a huge can of Canadian beer. This is the pub up the road from Dad's and when I was young it was mandatory for all 191817 16 year olds to go there and whoop it up on Canada Day. It still gets rocking and there's a live band in the parking lot. I haven't gone there for years, but I do still enjoy the outskirts and seeing all the drunks in action. (Bikers love this place).This is the main drag in Steveston...the police close down the streets and people party. If you you went all the way down this street (Moncton) to the end, then up a hill, you'd end up at Garry Point (which is where my rock is).See?...I told ya. Bloody hugfest."Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?".......(the donut shop was closed today?)."Dude..........WHERE'S MY CAR??!"They had an art exhibit Al....I thought of you!!Lindsay's friends insisted that they were Power Rangers and that I needed to take their picture. Here's the proof.
And that pretty much wrapped up the day. Although I took many more pictures, this is the gist of it.
Today I was on a mission after work. It was a dangerous assignment, involving a drive down Number 3 Road (where RAV work is underway). C'mon, take a ride with me..... 
I sat in THIS in the mid afternoon sun. They're ruining my city and driving's a nightmare...a guy almost veered into me here.
Welcome to the jungle baby. This is the main drag in Richmond. It currently takes about 12 hours to get from one end to the other. That's on a good day.
ALMOST THERE!!!!
YEA!!!!
Service with a smile...what more could you ask for?
And we start all over again....
Didn't even make it in the house before I cracked the jewel case. D'oh.
THE END
