Well, we're off today for 2 weeks in England. Note that despite my having left 7 messages for our darling lawyer she made no attempt at contact whatsoever. We phoned CIC ourselves and figured out how to get Chris back into the country. I think when it comes time to pay the silly cow we're going to have a chat about services rendered.
Not much to say, I have to finish packing so I'm going to get to it.
Probably will "blog" again when we get back.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Misogyny in the media
Reading the paper this morning I found a lovely misogynistic article written about a rapist.
The gist. A "man" offered a lost 18 year old girl a ride to the bus depot. Instead, he raped her in a cemetery. He's been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison (whoopdee effing doo! He'll be out in a month.....says the jaded woman who's been screwed too many times by the justice system).
The misogyny comes in by comments made by the prosecuting attorney, John Rooke. He said, "He was the predator, she was the mouse, within five minutes of meeting her he started planning to assault her. This predator pounced on a young woman who was extremely naive, PERHAPS STUPID BECAUSE OF THE CLOTHING SHE WAS WEARING, WHAT SHE WAS DOING, WHERE SHE DID IT AND WHEN." Excuse me? She was "stupid"?!?!?!? Yeah she was 18 years old, they're not exactly the brightest crayons in the box at that age. She was wearing pajamas, not a bloody lace teddy. "What she was doing." Seeking help because she was lost and had a bus to catch. That gives him the right to rape her? I don't effing think so.
Perhaps I'm naive (or stupid, at least according to John Rooke) but I thought that women had equal rights to men. So, if he'd raped her in full daylight after threatening her into a car with a weapon and she was wearing a bhurka at the time, it would have been heinous but as he raped her at night, luring her into the car with the promise of assistance and she was wearing pajamas it's her fault? John Rooke, I hope you're not married and if you are that you don't have any children. I can't imagine what it would be like living with an asshole like you. And as for the rapist, Stafano Priolo, who showed no remorse (shockingly), I hope they sodomize you until you bleed to death. As for the previous judges who let him off for "13 prior convictions, including assault and weapons offences." Congratulations, you're all accessories to rape.
I think it's time the Canadian "justice" system grew some teeth and started punishing people for their crimes. As for this offenders data bank where he must be registered for 10 years. Why not life? What the fuck?
It's scary to be a woman, you're not safe from sexual predators and when one attacks you, you're not protected by the courts. I think the daily prayer of men of a certain religious group sums it up best: Thank you god for not having me be born a woman.
The gist. A "man" offered a lost 18 year old girl a ride to the bus depot. Instead, he raped her in a cemetery. He's been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison (whoopdee effing doo! He'll be out in a month.....says the jaded woman who's been screwed too many times by the justice system).
The misogyny comes in by comments made by the prosecuting attorney, John Rooke. He said, "He was the predator, she was the mouse, within five minutes of meeting her he started planning to assault her. This predator pounced on a young woman who was extremely naive, PERHAPS STUPID BECAUSE OF THE CLOTHING SHE WAS WEARING, WHAT SHE WAS DOING, WHERE SHE DID IT AND WHEN." Excuse me? She was "stupid"?!?!?!? Yeah she was 18 years old, they're not exactly the brightest crayons in the box at that age. She was wearing pajamas, not a bloody lace teddy. "What she was doing." Seeking help because she was lost and had a bus to catch. That gives him the right to rape her? I don't effing think so.
Perhaps I'm naive (or stupid, at least according to John Rooke) but I thought that women had equal rights to men. So, if he'd raped her in full daylight after threatening her into a car with a weapon and she was wearing a bhurka at the time, it would have been heinous but as he raped her at night, luring her into the car with the promise of assistance and she was wearing pajamas it's her fault? John Rooke, I hope you're not married and if you are that you don't have any children. I can't imagine what it would be like living with an asshole like you. And as for the rapist, Stafano Priolo, who showed no remorse (shockingly), I hope they sodomize you until you bleed to death. As for the previous judges who let him off for "13 prior convictions, including assault and weapons offences." Congratulations, you're all accessories to rape.
I think it's time the Canadian "justice" system grew some teeth and started punishing people for their crimes. As for this offenders data bank where he must be registered for 10 years. Why not life? What the fuck?
It's scary to be a woman, you're not safe from sexual predators and when one attacks you, you're not protected by the courts. I think the daily prayer of men of a certain religious group sums it up best: Thank you god for not having me be born a woman.
Why is it that every time I read the paper....
I find something (usually more than one) that ticks me off? There was an article today that made me want to stab someone in the eye with a fork. People do not a) take responsibility for their own actions b) respect animals and c) think before they speak.
The article that ticked me off today is in the Herald in City & Region, page 1, titled "Designer forced to muzzle 'vicious' dog". The gist is a man had his dog tied up outside a restaurant, several people petted the dog then "without warning" (why is it always "without warning"? Are people too stupid to see the warning signs that a dog gives when it's frightened, frustrated or ticked off?) it bit a little girl. The judge, who obviously doesn't know his backside from a hole in the ground said "The cute dog that bites without warning is an allurement, a trap, for the unsuspecting and the young...." The owner of the dog now has to keep him muzzled and on a short leash when in public and was also fined.
The person at fault for the little girl being bitten is.........the girl's mother/father whatever. It's a shame she was bitten. She should have been shown the proper way to approach a dog. If she had approached properly and he had "turned" she would not have been bitten. The parents have to take responsibility for not teaching their child correctly. Having said that, I do believe the owner of the dog should pay for any medical treatment that the girl received for the bite.
I would bet money that she bounded up to the dog (a puppy at the time) and thrust her hand at his face. He felt threatened and bit. Once. A bite is not the sign of a vicious dog, if he were vicious there wouldn't be much of the girl left. It's time people learned to live appropriately with animals. And no, I don't see anything wrong with tying a dog up outside a business. Dogs aren't the problem, people are. Thank god they didn't decide to kill the dog for defending himself.
The article that ticked me off today is in the Herald in City & Region, page 1, titled "Designer forced to muzzle 'vicious' dog". The gist is a man had his dog tied up outside a restaurant, several people petted the dog then "without warning" (why is it always "without warning"? Are people too stupid to see the warning signs that a dog gives when it's frightened, frustrated or ticked off?) it bit a little girl. The judge, who obviously doesn't know his backside from a hole in the ground said "The cute dog that bites without warning is an allurement, a trap, for the unsuspecting and the young...." The owner of the dog now has to keep him muzzled and on a short leash when in public and was also fined.
The person at fault for the little girl being bitten is.........the girl's mother/father whatever. It's a shame she was bitten. She should have been shown the proper way to approach a dog. If she had approached properly and he had "turned" she would not have been bitten. The parents have to take responsibility for not teaching their child correctly. Having said that, I do believe the owner of the dog should pay for any medical treatment that the girl received for the bite.
I would bet money that she bounded up to the dog (a puppy at the time) and thrust her hand at his face. He felt threatened and bit. Once. A bite is not the sign of a vicious dog, if he were vicious there wouldn't be much of the girl left. It's time people learned to live appropriately with animals. And no, I don't see anything wrong with tying a dog up outside a business. Dogs aren't the problem, people are. Thank god they didn't decide to kill the dog for defending himself.
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Golden Compass
Saw the Golden Compass tonight. Didn't see any anti-christian sentiments. Just pro rational thought. I wouldn't take a younger child to it though (13 and under) simply because it's very violent and has a bit of gore (poor old polar bear gets his jaw ripped off...fairly graphic). Honestly I don't see what all the fuss is about banning it and such. Mountain out of a molehill. Sad really that people are so insecure in their faith that they have to attack anything that may remotely challenge it. As an adult, I could vaguely see a little bit of anti organised religion but it was nothing to write home about. Maybe a little bit of intelligent debate will help cement people's beliefs in god. Or, hopefully, not!
By the by, one thing I find amusing. When Phillip Pullman is mentioned in the paper they usually say something along the lines of he's a "self proclaimed atheist" (usually one can detect the undercurrent of hysteria) It's funny to me because it's as though he's a "self-proclaimed rapist" or something. Quite funny.
Oh, by the way, only 8 days until we leave for England. I'm REALLY looking forward to that 5 million hour plane ride............
By the by, one thing I find amusing. When Phillip Pullman is mentioned in the paper they usually say something along the lines of he's a "self proclaimed atheist" (usually one can detect the undercurrent of hysteria) It's funny to me because it's as though he's a "self-proclaimed rapist" or something. Quite funny.
Oh, by the way, only 8 days until we leave for England. I'm REALLY looking forward to that 5 million hour plane ride............
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Why I hate Christmas!
1 word: People
We had to get some essential supplies from WalMart today (food such) it was utter bedlam. People are ignorant, rude, pushy, nasty and horrible. I wanted to start randomly shooting people. Can't people who celebrate christmas just go to church or something? Is it really necessary to swarm the malls?
We had to get some essential supplies from WalMart today (food such) it was utter bedlam. People are ignorant, rude, pushy, nasty and horrible. I wanted to start randomly shooting people. Can't people who celebrate christmas just go to church or something? Is it really necessary to swarm the malls?
Saturday, December 8, 2007
As for the job....
I called the lady who interviewed me. She said that I know all my stuff and definitely have the skills to do the job. However, I was "flippant" and the interviewers could not "take me seriously". She felt that personality wise it would be difficult to match me up to an office.
So there you go, personality and government don't mix, it doesn't matter what you know, it's how you present yourself. And (most importantly) make sure to lie like a rug in an interview. DO NOT tell the truth, DO NOT be yourself! After all, if you represent yourself truthfully, they may get an idea of what type of person you are and how you will actually react in a real situation.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, the Canadian government is comprised of imbeciles, morons and humourless automatons.
So there you go, personality and government don't mix, it doesn't matter what you know, it's how you present yourself. And (most importantly) make sure to lie like a rug in an interview. DO NOT tell the truth, DO NOT be yourself! After all, if you represent yourself truthfully, they may get an idea of what type of person you are and how you will actually react in a real situation.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, the Canadian government is comprised of imbeciles, morons and humourless automatons.
Pedophiles on the run
I was disgusted when reading the paper today. In the Calgary Herald, Friday December 7 2007 edition, City & Region section, page B5 There is an article titled "Child sex offender back in jail after probation breach".
This pedophile, Eric Brian Wanamaker, served "over a decade" in jail for a violent sex crime against a teenage girl. Then, once released (I'm not sure how long after he was released he did this), he pleaded guilty last June to "possession of child pornography after being caught viewing child porn images on a laptop computer during a children's festival." Does anyone else think this man is a monster?
He lied to his probation officer about where he was living. He told the probation officer that he was living at the Mustard Seed men's Shelter when in fact he was actually living in "a residence in the community of Citadel." There are a lot of kids, and schools and playgrounds in Citadel. His lawyer, I have no idea how these lawyers can look at themselves in the mirror and not vomit, said that he moved out of the Mustard Seed because he was "constantly being beaten up" (Remind me to make some donations to the Mustard Seed, those men have the right idea as to how to treat a pedophile!) This is the part of the story that gets really sick. His lawyer, a woman who has obviously never been molested, raped or otherwise sexually abused, is arguing for him to get double credit for his time in remand because his time in custody "has not been pleasant" What does she want? He's not in effing Disneyland! She wants his time to be served to be reduced to 4 1/2 months. Absolutely sickening. A man violently attacks a young girl, masturbates, in front of children to images of children being tortured and he gets less than a year in prison.
In the Canadian "justice" system a man puts his severely disabled, suffering, daughter out of her misery is put in prison for 6 years and counting, yet a true monster gets less than a year (4 1/2 months if his cow of a lawyer gets her way). Is it just me or is there something very deeply wrong with our "justice" system. I guess as long as we live in a patriarchal society then the rights of women and children will always take a back burner.
I guess what I've learned from these stories is, if you alleviate suffering, you're a monster. If you cause suffering and revel in it and lie and attack young children, you're an unfortunate victim of circumstance. I hope to god that Eric Wanamaker doesn't get some soft hearted (headed) liberal judge with a penchant for child porn to let him out early.
This pedophile, Eric Brian Wanamaker, served "over a decade" in jail for a violent sex crime against a teenage girl. Then, once released (I'm not sure how long after he was released he did this), he pleaded guilty last June to "possession of child pornography after being caught viewing child porn images on a laptop computer during a children's festival." Does anyone else think this man is a monster?
He lied to his probation officer about where he was living. He told the probation officer that he was living at the Mustard Seed men's Shelter when in fact he was actually living in "a residence in the community of Citadel." There are a lot of kids, and schools and playgrounds in Citadel. His lawyer, I have no idea how these lawyers can look at themselves in the mirror and not vomit, said that he moved out of the Mustard Seed because he was "constantly being beaten up" (Remind me to make some donations to the Mustard Seed, those men have the right idea as to how to treat a pedophile!) This is the part of the story that gets really sick. His lawyer, a woman who has obviously never been molested, raped or otherwise sexually abused, is arguing for him to get double credit for his time in remand because his time in custody "has not been pleasant" What does she want? He's not in effing Disneyland! She wants his time to be served to be reduced to 4 1/2 months. Absolutely sickening. A man violently attacks a young girl, masturbates, in front of children to images of children being tortured and he gets less than a year in prison.
In the Canadian "justice" system a man puts his severely disabled, suffering, daughter out of her misery is put in prison for 6 years and counting, yet a true monster gets less than a year (4 1/2 months if his cow of a lawyer gets her way). Is it just me or is there something very deeply wrong with our "justice" system. I guess as long as we live in a patriarchal society then the rights of women and children will always take a back burner.
I guess what I've learned from these stories is, if you alleviate suffering, you're a monster. If you cause suffering and revel in it and lie and attack young children, you're an unfortunate victim of circumstance. I hope to god that Eric Wanamaker doesn't get some soft hearted (headed) liberal judge with a penchant for child porn to let him out early.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
By the way
I had my interview on Monday (Dec 3) I babbled like an idiot (as I'm wont to do hee hee) and received an email this evening telling me that (drum roll please.........) I didn't get the job. That, friends and neighbours, is why I love the government.
Robert Latimer refused parole....not funny
I am appalled at the Canadian "justice" system. In 1993 Robert Latimer killed his severely disabled daughter using CO. His daughter had severe cerebral palsy, had the mental capacity of an infant, was in constant pain and had a bleak future ahead of her.
Having worked in a nursing home and seen the suffering that people go through in order to keep their families happy, I am a strong proponent of euthanasia. I'm not saying that as soon as grandpa gets a diagnosis of cancer he should be offed. I'm saying that quality of life is far more important than quantity of life. In other words, I'm saying he did the right thing.
What would keeping his daughter alive have accomplished? His family would be stressed to the breaking point looking after her 24 hours a day 7 days a week. She would have continued to experience unrelenting pain. She never would walk, talk, feed herself, have a boyfriend (not that that's necessarily a bad thing) have a family, get a job, go to school etc etc etc. All the things that everyone takes for granted, she would NEVER be able to do. I think that what Robert Latimer did was an act of compassion and he saved her from a miserable existence.
Now, I know you're thinking "but there are lots of people with CP (cerebral palsy) and people in wheelchairs who are perfectly happy. I've had two boyfriend's with CP, one was in a wheelchair (he experienced a lot of pain, a lot of the time, BUT he still had his mental faculties) Yes, there are many people in wheelchairs are are happy, but was she happy? Who knows, for all intents and purposes (and this sounds incredibly cruel but it's the truth so I'm saying it anyway) she was nothing more than a piece of furniture. A piece of furniture no less who cost a fortune, financially and emotionally to maintain.
How can you have dignity when you need someone to feed you, clothe you, wipe your bottom, bathe you etc etc? That alone, in my opinion would be enough to justify helping her die, add to that the fact that she was in chronic pain and keeping her alive is far more monstrous than helping her die. Ask yourself this, would YOU want her life?
A lot of people say that "life is precious" and every life is "a gift" and we don't have the right to take a life away. I say to those people....well, this is a family blog so I won't say it but it's not very nice. Try walking a mile in her shoes, in her family's shoes and tell me how precious her life is. The ironic thing is these are the same people who say that now she's "with Jesus" and she's "whole again." So if she's better off in "heaven" then why are you bemoaning the fact that she's there now?
I couldn't help but laugh reading a statement by Kelly-Ann Speck (any relation to Richard Speck I wonder?) representative of the parole board. She said "We were left with a feeling that you have not developed the kind of sufficient insight and understanding of your actions." What planet does she live on? Lack of insight? Kelly-Ann, that man had more insight in his little finger than you will EVER have. I've always said the penal system is run by morons and she is living proof of that.
Robert Latimer, I wish you all the luck in the world, thank you for standing up for your daughter's right to die with as much dignity as possible.
As for Canada's "justice" system....what can you say about a system that lets Karla Homolka run free but locks up a loving father.
Having worked in a nursing home and seen the suffering that people go through in order to keep their families happy, I am a strong proponent of euthanasia. I'm not saying that as soon as grandpa gets a diagnosis of cancer he should be offed. I'm saying that quality of life is far more important than quantity of life. In other words, I'm saying he did the right thing.
What would keeping his daughter alive have accomplished? His family would be stressed to the breaking point looking after her 24 hours a day 7 days a week. She would have continued to experience unrelenting pain. She never would walk, talk, feed herself, have a boyfriend (not that that's necessarily a bad thing) have a family, get a job, go to school etc etc etc. All the things that everyone takes for granted, she would NEVER be able to do. I think that what Robert Latimer did was an act of compassion and he saved her from a miserable existence.
Now, I know you're thinking "but there are lots of people with CP (cerebral palsy) and people in wheelchairs who are perfectly happy. I've had two boyfriend's with CP, one was in a wheelchair (he experienced a lot of pain, a lot of the time, BUT he still had his mental faculties) Yes, there are many people in wheelchairs are are happy, but was she happy? Who knows, for all intents and purposes (and this sounds incredibly cruel but it's the truth so I'm saying it anyway) she was nothing more than a piece of furniture. A piece of furniture no less who cost a fortune, financially and emotionally to maintain.
How can you have dignity when you need someone to feed you, clothe you, wipe your bottom, bathe you etc etc? That alone, in my opinion would be enough to justify helping her die, add to that the fact that she was in chronic pain and keeping her alive is far more monstrous than helping her die. Ask yourself this, would YOU want her life?
A lot of people say that "life is precious" and every life is "a gift" and we don't have the right to take a life away. I say to those people....well, this is a family blog so I won't say it but it's not very nice. Try walking a mile in her shoes, in her family's shoes and tell me how precious her life is. The ironic thing is these are the same people who say that now she's "with Jesus" and she's "whole again." So if she's better off in "heaven" then why are you bemoaning the fact that she's there now?
I couldn't help but laugh reading a statement by Kelly-Ann Speck (any relation to Richard Speck I wonder?) representative of the parole board. She said "We were left with a feeling that you have not developed the kind of sufficient insight and understanding of your actions." What planet does she live on? Lack of insight? Kelly-Ann, that man had more insight in his little finger than you will EVER have. I've always said the penal system is run by morons and she is living proof of that.
Robert Latimer, I wish you all the luck in the world, thank you for standing up for your daughter's right to die with as much dignity as possible.
As for Canada's "justice" system....what can you say about a system that lets Karla Homolka run free but locks up a loving father.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Tempest in a teapot pt II
I just read the paper and the little girl has, in essence, "pinned her cross to her bra" Instead of wearing her head scarf (hijab) in the traditional way, she's rewrapped it so that it's like a bandana. A clever solution that is in keeping with her traditional values and also conforms to the league's rules. Nice job on her part to meet in the middle.
Tempest in a teapot
There's a little girl in town who is a Muslim. She wears a traditional head scarf at all times. A referee in her soccer league told her she couldn't wear the head scarf while playing because it's a safety hazard.
There are two camps on the issue, those who say that freedom of religious expression should be honoured and she be allowed to wear the scarf. This camp states that there is virtually no danger to the girl or to others from her scarf.
The other camp says that she should either a) quit the league or b) obey the league's rules and play but not wear her scarf.
I have to admit I'm a bit of a fence sitter on this one. I agree that the scarf doesn't really pose much of a safety risk to anyone and is really not a big deal. However, I also believe that when you join an organisation you have to obey their rules. When I was in Stetsons (Marching band) they dictated everything that we wore, from our hair to our socks. The issue never came up with head scarves or turbans or anything like that but I remember a christian girl getting upset because she had to take her cross off (she eventually did, she pinned it to her bra instead of hanging it around her neck and the "issue" was resolved)
I think, all fence sitting aside, I'm going to have to side with the soccer organisation on this one. It's a shame that some refs turned a blind eye and let her play until this one followed the league's rules. I think if she'd been told off the bat that it was unacceptable attire there wouldn't be all this hoopla about it. I think they're being a bit silly saying that she can't wear it for safety reasons, that, to me, is an attempt to stop people thinking that they're racist. I don't believe that uniform dress codes are racist at all. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When you join a team or an organisation, the dress code is clearly laid out and if you want to be a member of that team or organisation you have to follow the rules of that organisation. It's time the many stopped conforming to the needs of the few.
Oh, by the way, we STILL haven't heard from our lawyer. My status has changed from cheesed off to pissed off. What a waste of F@cking money!
There are two camps on the issue, those who say that freedom of religious expression should be honoured and she be allowed to wear the scarf. This camp states that there is virtually no danger to the girl or to others from her scarf.
The other camp says that she should either a) quit the league or b) obey the league's rules and play but not wear her scarf.
I have to admit I'm a bit of a fence sitter on this one. I agree that the scarf doesn't really pose much of a safety risk to anyone and is really not a big deal. However, I also believe that when you join an organisation you have to obey their rules. When I was in Stetsons (Marching band) they dictated everything that we wore, from our hair to our socks. The issue never came up with head scarves or turbans or anything like that but I remember a christian girl getting upset because she had to take her cross off (she eventually did, she pinned it to her bra instead of hanging it around her neck and the "issue" was resolved)
I think, all fence sitting aside, I'm going to have to side with the soccer organisation on this one. It's a shame that some refs turned a blind eye and let her play until this one followed the league's rules. I think if she'd been told off the bat that it was unacceptable attire there wouldn't be all this hoopla about it. I think they're being a bit silly saying that she can't wear it for safety reasons, that, to me, is an attempt to stop people thinking that they're racist. I don't believe that uniform dress codes are racist at all. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When you join a team or an organisation, the dress code is clearly laid out and if you want to be a member of that team or organisation you have to follow the rules of that organisation. It's time the many stopped conforming to the needs of the few.
Oh, by the way, we STILL haven't heard from our lawyer. My status has changed from cheesed off to pissed off. What a waste of F@cking money!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
My husband is no longer an alien....
no thanks to our lawyer...I'm getting really cheesed off with our immigration lawyer. When we moved I phoned her 7 or 8 times to give her our new address, she didn't call back for three months. Finally, I sent her an email. Not nasty, just not overly nice. She wrote back with a tale of woe about suffering a miscarriage and being in hospital for 3 months. A sad story to be sure but couldn't she have had a partner or someone phone her anxious clients and let them know that they were without a life raft in the cruel sea of bureaucracy? Now, Chris has his landed immigrant status but he doesn't have his card. Without his card he can't travel out of the country without some sort of special permission from an embassy (we actually don't understand what the issue is which is why we hired a lawyer). I have called her every night and left a message every night since November 22 (it's now the 29th) How frigging long does it take to return a freaking phone call. Especially to someone who is paying you $1400 for your effing services?!?!?!?!?! I'm ticked off at her!
I've got an interview on December 3rd at Child and Family services. Hopefully I'll get the job. The girls are quizzing me and trying to surreptitiously trying to give me an ace in the hole. I think I'll be okay.
We've been leaving Mush out periodically while we're at work. So far she's eaten my best shoes ($125.00) Chris' dress shoes ($40.00) my favourite rug ($52.00) and some sort of plastic thing. Her toys are untouched. Little darling! If she keeps this BS up I'm probably going to strangle her!
I've got an interview on December 3rd at Child and Family services. Hopefully I'll get the job. The girls are quizzing me and trying to surreptitiously trying to give me an ace in the hole. I think I'll be okay.
We've been leaving Mush out periodically while we're at work. So far she's eaten my best shoes ($125.00) Chris' dress shoes ($40.00) my favourite rug ($52.00) and some sort of plastic thing. Her toys are untouched. Little darling! If she keeps this BS up I'm probably going to strangle her!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
My opinion on the Robert Dziekanski matter
My mother phoned me last night and we had a heated discussion about the death of Robert Dziekanski in the Vancouver airport at the hands of police. She thinks the police behaved heinously, I think that, while they over reacted, they did the right thing. For those of you who are gnashing their teeth and organising a mob to come for me, let me tell you WHY I feel this way.
Police deal with strung out drug addicts and mentally ill people all the time. They know that someone high on drugs has super human strength. A man high on drugs or in the grips of mental illness can easily overpower 4 policemen and injure them in the process. When I was 16 I had an insulin reaction and beat the tar out of 4 big (over 200 lbs each) men, one of whom was a former Olympic wrestler. If a 16 year old girl can do that a 40 year old man definitely can. The police didn't know why he was behaving irrationally (actually only he know that, saying he was frustrated from being detained is, although it looks painfully obvious, conjecture) they saw a man acting in an irrational manner and (maybe) assumed he was high on drugs. Looking at the video tape of his behaviour, he easily looked like someone either high or having some sort of mental moment. I believe they judged him to be potentially dangerous and so protected themselves and the surrounding civilians accordingly.
Another argument brought up by my mother was that he didn't speak English. Well, whose fault is that? If you're visiting Canada you are wise to learn at least a few phrases English (or French). Even if all you can say is "Where's the bathroom? I need a Polish interpreter. " etc. If you were going to visit Poland wouldn't you learn a few simple phrases? If you're planning on immigrating to a country (as he was) you should definitely have at LEAST a rudimentary grasp of the native tongue. When in Rome and all that. So, yes, he was frustrated and locked in the secure area of the airport (my husband was held for 4 hours when he came over to marry me and was not a happy camper). However, he chose to throw things around, and threaten people.
His choices led him to being restrained by the police. If he had learned a few important phrases in English (please contact my mother Mrs. so and so) and acted like an adult and remained calm he would be sitting at him mother's house right now bemoaning the fact that Canada wouldn't let him immigrate because of his criminal record (5 years for robbery in Poland).
I feel saddened by the fact that he died because of the taser blast and admit that the police could have been a bit more sympathetic to him but I would rather the police have tasered him and got him under control than for them to wrestle with him and have him kill or injure one of them. My fear now is that next time someone's acting up in public the police will be afraid to take him down and he'll wind up killing someone.
Police deal with strung out drug addicts and mentally ill people all the time. They know that someone high on drugs has super human strength. A man high on drugs or in the grips of mental illness can easily overpower 4 policemen and injure them in the process. When I was 16 I had an insulin reaction and beat the tar out of 4 big (over 200 lbs each) men, one of whom was a former Olympic wrestler. If a 16 year old girl can do that a 40 year old man definitely can. The police didn't know why he was behaving irrationally (actually only he know that, saying he was frustrated from being detained is, although it looks painfully obvious, conjecture) they saw a man acting in an irrational manner and (maybe) assumed he was high on drugs. Looking at the video tape of his behaviour, he easily looked like someone either high or having some sort of mental moment. I believe they judged him to be potentially dangerous and so protected themselves and the surrounding civilians accordingly.
Another argument brought up by my mother was that he didn't speak English. Well, whose fault is that? If you're visiting Canada you are wise to learn at least a few phrases English (or French). Even if all you can say is "Where's the bathroom? I need a Polish interpreter. " etc. If you were going to visit Poland wouldn't you learn a few simple phrases? If you're planning on immigrating to a country (as he was) you should definitely have at LEAST a rudimentary grasp of the native tongue. When in Rome and all that. So, yes, he was frustrated and locked in the secure area of the airport (my husband was held for 4 hours when he came over to marry me and was not a happy camper). However, he chose to throw things around, and threaten people.
His choices led him to being restrained by the police. If he had learned a few important phrases in English (please contact my mother Mrs. so and so) and acted like an adult and remained calm he would be sitting at him mother's house right now bemoaning the fact that Canada wouldn't let him immigrate because of his criminal record (5 years for robbery in Poland).
I feel saddened by the fact that he died because of the taser blast and admit that the police could have been a bit more sympathetic to him but I would rather the police have tasered him and got him under control than for them to wrestle with him and have him kill or injure one of them. My fear now is that next time someone's acting up in public the police will be afraid to take him down and he'll wind up killing someone.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Who needs sleep anyway?
I've had a horrible couple of nights for sleeping. Last night I dreamed that I was in a strange country/city/planet (who knows) and they were cutting the spines out of dead people and grafting them (the spines) onto living people so that the dead people would still be alive. I have no idea how that would work but that's how my subconscious thinks immortality will be achieved. Weirdly, I've been dreaming about a lady at work. (Not in that way you perv!) in my dreams I always deeply disappoint her in some way. It's bizarre. We don't really interact much day to day. I did discover something potentially useful last night. I noticed a bit of a trend. When I have difficulty getting to sleep (like last night) I end up having a reaction in the middle of the night. Last night I went to bed at 10.4 tossed and turned all night then at about 1 am I woke up and I was 2.2.
Christopher is making a chicken curry for supper and it smells delicious. We're taking turns cooking and doing other household chores because I was feeling a bit burnt out with doing it all the time.
We left Mush out and about in the house today, we half expected to come home to a catastrophe but apart from an ugly flower arrangement having been demolished, the house was in pristine condition (perhaps Mush was simply saying she didn't approve of the flower arrangement?)
We've got Bob the carpenter coming round soon (I always want to call him Bob the builder but I'm too mature to do that). We're hoping he'll put in new kitchen counter tops for us. Chris could do it but he doesn't have an appropriate saw for cutting arborite so we thought we'd hire a professional.
We're going to have to get a new sliding door for the patio, it's a gale force wind in our dining room...and that's with the door closed. We might actually put in French doors (Chris can install). It's wonderful having a handy husband. I don't know how people cope with an inept husband, we'd definitely be in the poor house with all the home improvements we've been doing.
Christopher is making a chicken curry for supper and it smells delicious. We're taking turns cooking and doing other household chores because I was feeling a bit burnt out with doing it all the time.
We left Mush out and about in the house today, we half expected to come home to a catastrophe but apart from an ugly flower arrangement having been demolished, the house was in pristine condition (perhaps Mush was simply saying she didn't approve of the flower arrangement?)
We've got Bob the carpenter coming round soon (I always want to call him Bob the builder but I'm too mature to do that). We're hoping he'll put in new kitchen counter tops for us. Chris could do it but he doesn't have an appropriate saw for cutting arborite so we thought we'd hire a professional.
We're going to have to get a new sliding door for the patio, it's a gale force wind in our dining room...and that's with the door closed. We might actually put in French doors (Chris can install). It's wonderful having a handy husband. I don't know how people cope with an inept husband, we'd definitely be in the poor house with all the home improvements we've been doing.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Life is just a bowl of cherries
Still waiting for a call from the HR person at child and family services. The ATL (administrative team leader) sent my resume for the 3rd time and told the woman to email her back as soon as she received it. Can the government do ANYTHING efficiently? Um, no, that's why they're the government. Stupid question.
Christopher and I have our immigration meeting next week, that should be fun. We'll see how personal they get.
I've bought most of the christmas presents, the only people we need to buy for now are the 2 dads, grandpa, James, Jack and Katie-May. All right that sounds like a lot but it really isn't. I've bought Chris his birthday present, silly goose thinks I've bought him a video game but doesn't realize I don't find that personal enough and bought him something else entirely. Poor him.
Christopher and I have our immigration meeting next week, that should be fun. We'll see how personal they get.
I've bought most of the christmas presents, the only people we need to buy for now are the 2 dads, grandpa, James, Jack and Katie-May. All right that sounds like a lot but it really isn't. I've bought Chris his birthday present, silly goose thinks I've bought him a video game but doesn't realize I don't find that personal enough and bought him something else entirely. Poor him.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
or perhaps in 4s and 5s....
We received the piano yesterday, it's in good working order and sounds good. It needs a bit of a tune.
Took Mush to the vet, her back end has been collapsing every now and then. The vet says she's got a bone disorder, I can't remembe what he called it. But it's affected her bones causing her pain and that's why she'd been collapsing. He's given her some pills and I'll take her back in a month's time to get her checked over again. Joy.
My 2nd cousin, Helga was found dead in her house on Sunday morning. Turns out she died of liver failure (for those who drink...that's what will happen so don't drink).
That's about it, no more news good, or bad.
Took Mush to the vet, her back end has been collapsing every now and then. The vet says she's got a bone disorder, I can't remembe what he called it. But it's affected her bones causing her pain and that's why she'd been collapsing. He's given her some pills and I'll take her back in a month's time to get her checked over again. Joy.
My 2nd cousin, Helga was found dead in her house on Sunday morning. Turns out she died of liver failure (for those who drink...that's what will happen so don't drink).
That's about it, no more news good, or bad.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Bad Things come in threes.....
Lousy day today. I bought a piano from a coworker and it was supposed to be delivered last night, the piano movers didn't call, or show up. I called the company this morning and they didn't take responsibility, the man said, it wasn't his fault they didn't show up, um, excuse me, if it's not your fault, oh owner and manager of the company, whose fault is it? So, I called another company, they can't move it for at least 2 weeks. The next one couldn't give me a definite answer and I had to tell him my phone number about 6 times (not my usual hyperbole, he really couldn't seem to figure it out). Now I'm waiting for a call back from someone...anyone...oh well I'll just have to be patient.
So, last night (Halloween) Chris was eating some candy and his crown fell off (basically his whole tooth fell out). Poor guy. Fortunately today our dentist was able to get him in at 3:00.
Here's where the day gets lousy. At work they're doing some sort of work in the ceiling. As the workman came into my cage...er, I mean office, he opened a ceiling panel and I saw (cue scary music) some fibreglass insulation. I thought, it's miles away from me, it can't hurt me. Well, within minutes I was scratching like some sort of demented person. I scratched myself so badly I was bleeding. However, intelligent person that I am *ahem* I ignored it and thought, I'd run to the drug store and get some antihistamines on my lunch break. My mind was changed for me when I went into the admin area and one of the girls screamed and told me to get myself to the hospital. After looking in the mirror (I looked like a victim in a slasher movie) I decided to heed her advice and get the truck out of there. I drove to Chris' work so that he could take me to the hospital (as an aside here. We take 1 car to work, I drop him off then continue to my office. On the way home I pick him up. I had to get him because if I was at the hospital for 12 hours he'd be SOL for getting home) We went to the hospital and they gave me some antihistamine (by this time I looked like I'd had lip implants) sent me home and told me a) to come back if I was unable to breathe b) not to be alone for at least 24 hours and c) not to EVER drive again while experiencing an allergic reaction. So, joy of joys poor Chris had to take the rest of the day of work so he could babysit me, and I got to sit in the dentist's waiting room for and hour while he had his tooth fixed. Oh yes, and if they're still working on the ceiling, I can't go to work tomorrow. I'm no longer scratching the hell out of myself, although I've got deep furrows on my back and my shirt is blood stained. Where the lumps were I've got little red dots, it looks a bit like I've been bitten by ticks or fleas, very sexy.
Christopher is in a bit of discomfort so instead of a nice hot curry we're having soup for dinner tonight. How fun. I might just make the curry and feed him the soup.
So, last night (Halloween) Chris was eating some candy and his crown fell off (basically his whole tooth fell out). Poor guy. Fortunately today our dentist was able to get him in at 3:00.
Here's where the day gets lousy. At work they're doing some sort of work in the ceiling. As the workman came into my cage...er, I mean office, he opened a ceiling panel and I saw (cue scary music) some fibreglass insulation. I thought, it's miles away from me, it can't hurt me. Well, within minutes I was scratching like some sort of demented person. I scratched myself so badly I was bleeding. However, intelligent person that I am *ahem* I ignored it and thought, I'd run to the drug store and get some antihistamines on my lunch break. My mind was changed for me when I went into the admin area and one of the girls screamed and told me to get myself to the hospital. After looking in the mirror (I looked like a victim in a slasher movie) I decided to heed her advice and get the truck out of there. I drove to Chris' work so that he could take me to the hospital (as an aside here. We take 1 car to work, I drop him off then continue to my office. On the way home I pick him up. I had to get him because if I was at the hospital for 12 hours he'd be SOL for getting home) We went to the hospital and they gave me some antihistamine (by this time I looked like I'd had lip implants) sent me home and told me a) to come back if I was unable to breathe b) not to be alone for at least 24 hours and c) not to EVER drive again while experiencing an allergic reaction. So, joy of joys poor Chris had to take the rest of the day of work so he could babysit me, and I got to sit in the dentist's waiting room for and hour while he had his tooth fixed. Oh yes, and if they're still working on the ceiling, I can't go to work tomorrow. I'm no longer scratching the hell out of myself, although I've got deep furrows on my back and my shirt is blood stained. Where the lumps were I've got little red dots, it looks a bit like I've been bitten by ticks or fleas, very sexy.
Christopher is in a bit of discomfort so instead of a nice hot curry we're having soup for dinner tonight. How fun. I might just make the curry and feed him the soup.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Musical Meanderings
When we were first married, I asked my husband if, when we have some money, he would buy me a "real" piano (as opposed to the electric one I've got).. Yesterday we went into Irene Besse (a piano store in town) and saw an antique piano that matches our decor that was within our price range. So, he bought it for me. I'm quite pleased, it's excellent quality. We noticed that the new pianos a) are WAY out of our price range b) are all very shiney and plastic looking c) have laminated soundboards vs solid wood and d) are made in China. Don't get me wrong, I bear no malice towards things made in China, however, I have noticed a certain lack of quality in all items that I've purchased the last few years that have been made in China. I'd hate to drop $4000 on a piano and have it sound like crap or crack or something because of poor workmanship.
I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but we're going to England for two weeks at Christmas. It will probably be freezing cold there (what with the excessive humidity).
I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but we're going to England for two weeks at Christmas. It will probably be freezing cold there (what with the excessive humidity).
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
It's off the the vet we go
Maya was at the vet's all day. We took her in to have her cyst removed from her eye and while she was under remove the tumours from her chest. Dr. Torrence (best vet in Calgary by the way) removed 5 tumours from her chest, all were just fatty tumours and not cancerous. So Maya's walking around looking like Frankenstein's monster.
I've been feeling like death warmed up all day. Nauseous and dizzy. It's been fun.
I've been feeling like death warmed up all day. Nauseous and dizzy. It's been fun.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
the long arm of the law
I spent the day in court today. Literally the whole day! I got a parking ticket in April and I felt that the "peace officer" was being a jerk about it. I got the the court house at 10 am and only just got home now, at 4:45. On the plus side, although the judge said that technically I deserved the ticket, there were mitigating circumstances and he lowered my fine from $40 to $5. SO I feel somewhat vindicated and am pleased that I got to have my say. Other than that nothing new to report.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
No pain, no gain
I've been miserable for the last week. I've been in absolute agony with my back. A new trick its been playing on me is seizing up with no warning and no precipitating event. Also, this is fun, tingling and numbness in my legs and arms. Apparently the tingling and numbness are signs of nerve damage. Who knew? So, I've been fairly grumpy and had to miss some work because of it (not cool, especially since I've only been at the job a few weeks) I've bitten the bullet and am going to see a chiropractor over this spine of mine (hey, I'm a poet and I don't even know it). That should be fun, more X-rays. It's been especially hard on me because I've been having trouble sleeping. I wear my mouth splint at night (to stop me grinding and popping my jaw) and I'm sleeping with a special pillow between my legs to keep them apart and (supposedly) help keep my spine aligned (hey more rhymes!) Poor old Christopher has become my pack horse, he won't let me carry anything heavier than a lettuce leaf. However, the important thing is that I'm not doped to the gills with painkillers. No sir, I just lather myself in Ben Gay and try not to let Chris see me cry (or hear me scream).
No job yet for Chris, he was offered one job but it was unsuitable for him. The job consisted of mowing lawns. I've told him I'll screen any jobs he applies for in the future. I ask you, what made the man think he would enjoy mowing bloody lawns for a living?!?!?!?
So I'm in BC at the moment (I feel horrible being here as I missed Thursday and Friday from work with my back...it was legit, I was bedridden for two days!) If I'd backed out of the trip a) I'd be out +++ $$$ and b) (more importantly) I'd have missed the Titanic exhibition HELLO?!?!?!? THE TITANIC EXHIBITION! I've got OCD how the hell can I honestly be expected to miss and EXHIBITION of TITANIC artifacts?!?!?!?!?!?!? It was very nice and I'm glad I went, I made sure not to let Chris walk in front of me so that he wouldn't see me limping and grimacing with every step. I bought over $400 worth of books/DVDs/memorobilia. Yeah, I'm an addict what are you going to do about it? Everyone has a vice, this is mine. Besides it's not like I'm ever going to get an opportunity to go again. The sad thing was that I've got more books than they had there, also, my books were much better than the ones they had. They didn't have Walter Lord's "A Night to Remember" also missing were the disaster enquiry hearing transcripts. Sad. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of the people who went to the exhibit were expecting to see pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, maybe some were hoping to get autographs. Oh well, I'm sure some people learned some things despite themselves. I learned that when I'm subjected to the body odour or a 300+ pound man who hasn't showered in about 6 years that I have difficulty not vomiting. Seriously people! If you're going to go out in public PLEASE BATHE! Cripes, some people should be shot.
Anyway we're going home tomorrow (here less than 48 hours) so that's sad. I think when we come up for Mark's funeral...er, wedding reception. We'll stay a few days and enjoy a bit.
No job yet for Chris, he was offered one job but it was unsuitable for him. The job consisted of mowing lawns. I've told him I'll screen any jobs he applies for in the future. I ask you, what made the man think he would enjoy mowing bloody lawns for a living?!?!?!?
So I'm in BC at the moment (I feel horrible being here as I missed Thursday and Friday from work with my back...it was legit, I was bedridden for two days!) If I'd backed out of the trip a) I'd be out +++ $$$ and b) (more importantly) I'd have missed the Titanic exhibition HELLO?!?!?!? THE TITANIC EXHIBITION! I've got OCD how the hell can I honestly be expected to miss and EXHIBITION of TITANIC artifacts?!?!?!?!?!?!? It was very nice and I'm glad I went, I made sure not to let Chris walk in front of me so that he wouldn't see me limping and grimacing with every step. I bought over $400 worth of books/DVDs/memorobilia. Yeah, I'm an addict what are you going to do about it? Everyone has a vice, this is mine. Besides it's not like I'm ever going to get an opportunity to go again. The sad thing was that I've got more books than they had there, also, my books were much better than the ones they had. They didn't have Walter Lord's "A Night to Remember" also missing were the disaster enquiry hearing transcripts. Sad. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of the people who went to the exhibit were expecting to see pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, maybe some were hoping to get autographs. Oh well, I'm sure some people learned some things despite themselves. I learned that when I'm subjected to the body odour or a 300+ pound man who hasn't showered in about 6 years that I have difficulty not vomiting. Seriously people! If you're going to go out in public PLEASE BATHE! Cripes, some people should be shot.
Anyway we're going home tomorrow (here less than 48 hours) so that's sad. I think when we come up for Mark's funeral...er, wedding reception. We'll stay a few days and enjoy a bit.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Jobs and sobs
Chris had an interview today at a hotel, actually the same hotel that I worked at a few months ago (small world and all). He was offered the job but didn't accept because it was stupid hours. He's got his name down at a few placement agencies so it shouldn't be too long. He's only been looking two days.
Poor thing had a root canal on that nasty tooth today, he's a bit achy but not complaining too much.
I've got the funny numbness in the back of my throat again. I'm not sure what that's all about, probably bloody cancer or something.
I'm going to talk to the diabetes and pregnancy clinic. I'm very ticked off about the whole conception thing. They promised they'd get my A1C down to 7 in three months. Well, in 5 months they didn't manage to move it one iota. I'm going to ask Dr. Edwards if I can see a reproductive endocrinologist concurrently with the diabetes clinic. That way, I can work on getting the A1C down while at the same time seeing what else may or may not be wrong with me. It would suck to spend all that time, energy and money getting my A1C down only to find out that I've got blocked fallopian tubes and can't conceive anyway. We'll see what he says.
Poor thing had a root canal on that nasty tooth today, he's a bit achy but not complaining too much.
I've got the funny numbness in the back of my throat again. I'm not sure what that's all about, probably bloody cancer or something.
I'm going to talk to the diabetes and pregnancy clinic. I'm very ticked off about the whole conception thing. They promised they'd get my A1C down to 7 in three months. Well, in 5 months they didn't manage to move it one iota. I'm going to ask Dr. Edwards if I can see a reproductive endocrinologist concurrently with the diabetes clinic. That way, I can work on getting the A1C down while at the same time seeing what else may or may not be wrong with me. It would suck to spend all that time, energy and money getting my A1C down only to find out that I've got blocked fallopian tubes and can't conceive anyway. We'll see what he says.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"Silly Questionaire"
Received this from a friend on facebook I usually find these things silly but will fill it out anyway 'cause I'm like that.
What are 5 things that you cannot live without for under $10 each
1. chap stick (usually the mint kind)
2. diet coke
3. Beer (Chris)
4. ....
5. ....
What are your 5 favourite movies?
1. Schindler's List
2. Marvin's Room
3. Beaches
4. The Bird Cage
5. Das Boot (Chris and me)
5 Favourite BOY baby names
1. David
2. William
3. Rhys
4. Ewan
5. Johnathan
5 Favourite GIRL baby names
1. Hazel
2. Anne
3. Marie
4. Lucy
5. Eleanor
5 favourite songs
1. The Best Man - Blaine Larson
2. He Didn't Have to Be - Brad Paisley
3. The Broken Road - Rascall Flatts (our wedding song)
4. The Theme from "Driving Miss Daisy"
5. The Theme from "The Mission"
5 People who have influenced my life in a positive way
1. Heather (the rec lady from the Bev) the kindest, most altruistic woman I've ever met in my life
2. Kristy - who always was and always will be there.
3. Chris - who loves me just as I am, and taught me how to love myself
4. Anne-Marie Clavelle who taught me how a mother is supposed to be treated/loved
5. Moe - who taught me the meaning of "never give up"
5 Items that I keep in my purse at all times
Well, I don't carry a purse, but if I did it would probably contain
1. my wallet
2. chapstick
3. my blood testing kit
4. random pens
5. wads of kleenex (used or otherwise...hey, you asked!)
5 life changing moments
1. when I finally realized my biological father didn't love me and I was able to let go
2. when I met my husband
3. when I FINALLY got rid of Malcolm for good
4. when I received my certificate for graduation form the DBT program
5. when I buried my grandmother's ashes
5 obsessions
1. installing a new patio door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Dr. Who (more specifically, David Tennant)
3. growing my hair out (at the in between stage, it's KILLING ME!)
4. getting the house squared away
5. getting a "real" job instead of working for a temp agency
This wasn't on the list so I'm adding it myself (WAY deeper than bloody movies!)
5 Favourite books
1. When Rabbit Howls (Truddi Chase)
2. Oryx and Crake (Margaret Atwood)
3. Any and all of my Titanic books
4. The Ancestor's Tale (Richard Dawkins)
5. The God Delusion (Richard Dawkins)
What are 5 things that you cannot live without for under $10 each
1. chap stick (usually the mint kind)
2. diet coke
3. Beer (Chris)
4. ....
5. ....
What are your 5 favourite movies?
1. Schindler's List
2. Marvin's Room
3. Beaches
4. The Bird Cage
5. Das Boot (Chris and me)
5 Favourite BOY baby names
1. David
2. William
3. Rhys
4. Ewan
5. Johnathan
5 Favourite GIRL baby names
1. Hazel
2. Anne
3. Marie
4. Lucy
5. Eleanor
5 favourite songs
1. The Best Man - Blaine Larson
2. He Didn't Have to Be - Brad Paisley
3. The Broken Road - Rascall Flatts (our wedding song)
4. The Theme from "Driving Miss Daisy"
5. The Theme from "The Mission"
5 People who have influenced my life in a positive way
1. Heather (the rec lady from the Bev) the kindest, most altruistic woman I've ever met in my life
2. Kristy - who always was and always will be there.
3. Chris - who loves me just as I am, and taught me how to love myself
4. Anne-Marie Clavelle who taught me how a mother is supposed to be treated/loved
5. Moe - who taught me the meaning of "never give up"
5 Items that I keep in my purse at all times
Well, I don't carry a purse, but if I did it would probably contain
1. my wallet
2. chapstick
3. my blood testing kit
4. random pens
5. wads of kleenex (used or otherwise...hey, you asked!)
5 life changing moments
1. when I finally realized my biological father didn't love me and I was able to let go
2. when I met my husband
3. when I FINALLY got rid of Malcolm for good
4. when I received my certificate for graduation form the DBT program
5. when I buried my grandmother's ashes
5 obsessions
1. installing a new patio door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Dr. Who (more specifically, David Tennant)
3. growing my hair out (at the in between stage, it's KILLING ME!)
4. getting the house squared away
5. getting a "real" job instead of working for a temp agency
This wasn't on the list so I'm adding it myself (WAY deeper than bloody movies!)
5 Favourite books
1. When Rabbit Howls (Truddi Chase)
2. Oryx and Crake (Margaret Atwood)
3. Any and all of my Titanic books
4. The Ancestor's Tale (Richard Dawkins)
5. The God Delusion (Richard Dawkins)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
All quiet on the western front....NOT
Well, Mr. Rean has quit his job in a fit of temper. Although when he told me the circumstances behind his walking out I agree that he made a decent choice.
Of course, this comes less than 24 hours after we've spent almost $2000 on two separate trips to BC. We're going down to see the Titanic exhibition (which ends on Oct. 14) then we have to go down on the 27th of October for Mark's wedding. Yes, he's finally tying the knot.
Chris going to work his little fingers to the bone writing up cover letters and getting his resume out tomorrow. Until he gets another job I'll look forward to coming home to find a nice clean house and a hot meal.
Of course, this comes less than 24 hours after we've spent almost $2000 on two separate trips to BC. We're going down to see the Titanic exhibition (which ends on Oct. 14) then we have to go down on the 27th of October for Mark's wedding. Yes, he's finally tying the knot.
Chris going to work his little fingers to the bone writing up cover letters and getting his resume out tomorrow. Until he gets another job I'll look forward to coming home to find a nice clean house and a hot meal.
Monday, September 3, 2007
sexism is alive and well!
I went to the local hardware store this afternoon to get a piece of plumbing pipe that Chris needed to put in the sink downstairs. He gave me the piece that he needed and asked me to get the exact same thing. I couldn't find what he wanted so I asked the staff person. He was extremely condescending to me, I felt like a drooling retard who had no right to be there the way he was looking at me. He showed me a pipe that was the same size as what Chris wanted but was black (instead of copper) I said that my husband wanted copper, not black. The man sighed and said slowly, they're exactly the same. He lectured me on the difference between the black and the copper (they're exactly the same but they paint the black ones so you can tell them apart). I was extremely offended. I brought home what he told me to, feeling like a failure and worrying that it was the wrong thing. Of course, when I got in and showed Chris he said, these aren't the right thing, they're hardened with heat and the copper ones aren't (or something to that effect.)
I've noticed a lot that when I go into a "man" shop, like an auto parts store or a hardware store that I get attitude. Once, we went to Mopac (an auto parts store) and three men, standing behind the desk ignored me completely, I may as well have not existed. One was doing some paperwork, okay fair enough. One was on a call to a supplier and the other was doing absolutely dick all. Standing with his arms crossed gazing into the store. When the one on the phone hung up, he looked at me, then turned and started shuffling through some papers. I was extremely angry. Chris had been wandering through the store looking for what he needed. He approached the desk and all three of them sprang into action clamouring to serve him. He said to them (this is why I love him) "my wife has been standing here for 15 minutes. Even if you had the phase inverter (or whatever it was that he needed, I can't remember now) I wouldn't buy it from you. Then he gave them a withering look and we left.
I don't know why men feel that it's okay for them to treat a woman that way when we're looking for something "manly". I think that chauvinistic (word that rhymes with brass moles) should not be in customer service. When a man comes into a "woman's" shop, like Michaels or something they are treated exactly the same as anyone else. I think these dinosaurs need to realize the world is changing, women aren't going to stand for arrogant pricks belittling us and treating us like second class citizens. Although, who am I trying to kid, as long as we live in a patriarchal society and the good ole boys club is in full swing, what chance do we have? I'm going to have my say by boycotting Mopac and I think I'll talk to the manager at the hardware store I went to.
I've noticed a lot that when I go into a "man" shop, like an auto parts store or a hardware store that I get attitude. Once, we went to Mopac (an auto parts store) and three men, standing behind the desk ignored me completely, I may as well have not existed. One was doing some paperwork, okay fair enough. One was on a call to a supplier and the other was doing absolutely dick all. Standing with his arms crossed gazing into the store. When the one on the phone hung up, he looked at me, then turned and started shuffling through some papers. I was extremely angry. Chris had been wandering through the store looking for what he needed. He approached the desk and all three of them sprang into action clamouring to serve him. He said to them (this is why I love him) "my wife has been standing here for 15 minutes. Even if you had the phase inverter (or whatever it was that he needed, I can't remember now) I wouldn't buy it from you. Then he gave them a withering look and we left.
I don't know why men feel that it's okay for them to treat a woman that way when we're looking for something "manly". I think that chauvinistic (word that rhymes with brass moles) should not be in customer service. When a man comes into a "woman's" shop, like Michaels or something they are treated exactly the same as anyone else. I think these dinosaurs need to realize the world is changing, women aren't going to stand for arrogant pricks belittling us and treating us like second class citizens. Although, who am I trying to kid, as long as we live in a patriarchal society and the good ole boys club is in full swing, what chance do we have? I'm going to have my say by boycotting Mopac and I think I'll talk to the manager at the hardware store I went to.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
The depth of a puddle
I've been reading some of my friend's friend's blogs. (Does that make sense?) I find that no blog that I have read has done anything to dispel my original belief that blogs are for narcissistic idiots.
One blog I was perusing is by a professional woman who acts like a high school girl. "My fiance is the greatest fiance in the world because he buys me lots of things." Um, excuse me? Shouldn't he be the best husband in the world because he's kind, caring, intelligent, helps around the house etc.?
Most of her blogs are chronicles of things she's bought and places she's gone. "Today we went to La Chez restaurant and ate le brie en rouge (not a proper food, but then I don't really care) then we went to Urban barn (not the actual name of the store, I just made that one up) and bought an awesome loveseat to go with our chairs, then they delivered the adorable table I bought the other day. Then we went to Le Gristle I had the lamb chops and my cute husband had the roast duck....." ad nauseum. Okay. 1) no one cares where or if you went out for breakfast/lunch/dinner unless something exciting or gruesome happens (like the woman at the next table went into labour and you helped deliver the baby there and then) 2) what exactly is an "awesome" loveseat? Is your life that pathetic that you need to hyperbolize every piece of furniture in your house? Is it studded with twenty carat diamonds? Is it self cleaning? Or is it just a run of the mill, yuppie couch that can be found in 99% of modern homes? If it's from the Urban Barn I can almost guarantee that it's crap. 3) what the hell is a "cute" table? Really, cute is for puppies and babies not freaking blocks of wood! This girl's blog is a stunning example of why yuppies shouldn't be allowed out of the house (or on the internet) without adult supervision.
She also goes on about her fiance, I'll call him Jim (not his real name, his real name is pure yuppie spawn) anyway, she thinks its adorable that he gets facials and pedicures and occasionally a manicure. Now, I'm all for equality of the sexes but seriously, does anybody else think he might be batting for the other team? Most men I know don't know what a facial is. I don't mean to stereotype but really what can you say?
Now I must admit I'm seeing the hypocrisy of my bashing blogs and their authors in my blog. Believe me I see it. I'm not saying the my blog is absolutely breath taking and worthy of awards but at least I don't keep a running inventory of my home furnishings and gastronomical delights. That's just sad.
Anyway, cranky rant out of the way, I'm going to go blog whoring again, maybe find some other blogs that drive me nuts.
PS, I'm stressed and cranky, can you tell?
One blog I was perusing is by a professional woman who acts like a high school girl. "My fiance is the greatest fiance in the world because he buys me lots of things." Um, excuse me? Shouldn't he be the best husband in the world because he's kind, caring, intelligent, helps around the house etc.?
Most of her blogs are chronicles of things she's bought and places she's gone. "Today we went to La Chez restaurant and ate le brie en rouge (not a proper food, but then I don't really care) then we went to Urban barn (not the actual name of the store, I just made that one up) and bought an awesome loveseat to go with our chairs, then they delivered the adorable table I bought the other day. Then we went to Le Gristle I had the lamb chops and my cute husband had the roast duck....." ad nauseum. Okay. 1) no one cares where or if you went out for breakfast/lunch/dinner unless something exciting or gruesome happens (like the woman at the next table went into labour and you helped deliver the baby there and then) 2) what exactly is an "awesome" loveseat? Is your life that pathetic that you need to hyperbolize every piece of furniture in your house? Is it studded with twenty carat diamonds? Is it self cleaning? Or is it just a run of the mill, yuppie couch that can be found in 99% of modern homes? If it's from the Urban Barn I can almost guarantee that it's crap. 3) what the hell is a "cute" table? Really, cute is for puppies and babies not freaking blocks of wood! This girl's blog is a stunning example of why yuppies shouldn't be allowed out of the house (or on the internet) without adult supervision.
She also goes on about her fiance, I'll call him Jim (not his real name, his real name is pure yuppie spawn) anyway, she thinks its adorable that he gets facials and pedicures and occasionally a manicure. Now, I'm all for equality of the sexes but seriously, does anybody else think he might be batting for the other team? Most men I know don't know what a facial is. I don't mean to stereotype but really what can you say?
Now I must admit I'm seeing the hypocrisy of my bashing blogs and their authors in my blog. Believe me I see it. I'm not saying the my blog is absolutely breath taking and worthy of awards but at least I don't keep a running inventory of my home furnishings and gastronomical delights. That's just sad.
Anyway, cranky rant out of the way, I'm going to go blog whoring again, maybe find some other blogs that drive me nuts.
PS, I'm stressed and cranky, can you tell?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Lots to do
We took possession on the 15th (the money didn't go through until 3:30 pm so thank god I didn't book the day off work!) On the 16th the movers came to move everything in. They really annoyed me though. The two men were very sweet and nice but they dawdled and, when they were supposed to be following me from my parent's house (where we'd stored everything) to the new house, they "followed the wrong van" and took an hour to get to the new house! I was upset about that, especially since they charged me for that hour (as well as the extra kilometres they used taking a cicuitous route. Not amused. They bitched and moaned about the lathe (I can't blame them but really, if you don't want to move things....don't become a mover.) I'd been quoted $400 over the phone but figured, with the amount of stuff we have as well as the lathe it would probably be closer to $800. When they gave me the bill it was a tadge under $1000. I was gobsmacked! I'm going to call up and complain on Monday I don't think I should have been charged for them taking a long route (and probably going out to lunch) and the breaks they took. They also left cigarette butts on my lawn and left some stuff out on the lawn. Not impressed. The moving company by the way, was TSM "Total Service Moving" Total service my ass. NOT recommended.
We're slowly getting the house up to par. There are still millions of boxes strewn about but the kitchen is functioning (except for the total absence of food) and the bedroom is somewhat okay.
Today I've been busy. I bought a computer desk (ours is useless). a dog cage for Mush, and grandpa and I went out and he bought us a lawnmower.
Chris has been busy replacing the radiator in the car, it literally exploded the other day. The car is poorly designed and he had to dismantle most of the front end to get to the radiator. He said that there were a lot of holes and that it's been leaking for a long time. He thinks the dealer put some "stop leak" in it and tried to get rid of it as quickly and cheaply as possible before it died. Oh well, live and learn, not everyone is honest. To get it replaced at a garage is over $1000. Chris doing it cost us $350. Not bad eh? They charge extra for flushing it, checking the thermostat and changing the fluid (all things that should, theoretically come standard as they have to be done for the new radiator to work) I'm learning not to trust ANYONE! Thank god I have a husband who can fix a car, it would absolutely suck to have some useless metrosexual husband who wouldn't want to get his hands dirty.
Anyway that's my rant for today.
We're slowly getting the house up to par. There are still millions of boxes strewn about but the kitchen is functioning (except for the total absence of food) and the bedroom is somewhat okay.
Today I've been busy. I bought a computer desk (ours is useless). a dog cage for Mush, and grandpa and I went out and he bought us a lawnmower.
Chris has been busy replacing the radiator in the car, it literally exploded the other day. The car is poorly designed and he had to dismantle most of the front end to get to the radiator. He said that there were a lot of holes and that it's been leaking for a long time. He thinks the dealer put some "stop leak" in it and tried to get rid of it as quickly and cheaply as possible before it died. Oh well, live and learn, not everyone is honest. To get it replaced at a garage is over $1000. Chris doing it cost us $350. Not bad eh? They charge extra for flushing it, checking the thermostat and changing the fluid (all things that should, theoretically come standard as they have to be done for the new radiator to work) I'm learning not to trust ANYONE! Thank god I have a husband who can fix a car, it would absolutely suck to have some useless metrosexual husband who wouldn't want to get his hands dirty.
Anyway that's my rant for today.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It's that time of year...
We just finished cleaning the condo. The "new" people take possession tomorrow, we take possession of the house tomorrow too although I've booked the movers for Thursday (day after tomorrow) in case the lawyer doesn't get the $$$$ through in time and we don't take possession until 6:00 pm or something. Chris and I are exhausted, physically and mentally, we keep snapping at each other. I'm completely spent, I'm ready to die right now!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Best Buys
Well, we bought a 42" LCD TV today. Our TV has been crapping out on us for a while now and we thought what better time to buy a new one than just as we're moving into a new house.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Carpet Day
The carpet fixer guy came early to fix the carpet. He's fixing it as I write this. I just hope the floor doesn't look like a patchwork quilt when he's done! We're frantically packing everything in sight. Chris is procrastinating like mad, I don't think it's sunk it yet that we've only got 3 days to get rid of everything.
We went to RONA last night to get some mover's straps and some packing tape. There was a line up about 12-15 people long, and 1 cashier. We didn't bother lining up. What a useless way to run things. They need to either hire more staff or use the staff they have more efficiently.
We went to RONA last night to get some mover's straps and some packing tape. There was a line up about 12-15 people long, and 1 cashier. We didn't bother lining up. What a useless way to run things. They need to either hire more staff or use the staff they have more efficiently.
Friday, August 10, 2007
TGIF
Long day at work today, several times I checked the clock to make sure it was actually working.
Had a NASTY surprise waiting for me on Wednesday when I got home from work. I went to let the dogs out of the bedroom (where we lock them up for the safety of the house). Mush had annihilated the carpet in there! She's destroyed an area about 6X3 feet. Never a break! I've got a man coming on Monday to (hopefully) repair it if we have enough spare carpet and/or carpet in the closets. Hopefully it won't be TOO expensive to fix.
That's it on the news front. Pretty boring.
Had a NASTY surprise waiting for me on Wednesday when I got home from work. I went to let the dogs out of the bedroom (where we lock them up for the safety of the house). Mush had annihilated the carpet in there! She's destroyed an area about 6X3 feet. Never a break! I've got a man coming on Monday to (hopefully) repair it if we have enough spare carpet and/or carpet in the closets. Hopefully it won't be TOO expensive to fix.
That's it on the news front. Pretty boring.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
TGIO (Thank god it's over!)
Met with the lawyer today. We owe less than we thought we would (which is a good thing) but the lawyer's fees are absurdly high ($2000) but I guess that's the price you pay for....um....lawyers. He was actually quite a sweet man, bit of a chatty cathy but personable. No colour sense whatsoever, I think my retinas are bleeding after looking at his office for an hour. We can't register the car today because my insurance broker forgot to email the pink card to us (she also didn't fax a copy to the registry office). So that's another day wasted. I guess it's just hard to find good help these days.
Chris won't talk about his first day at work except to say that it was "all right". For all he's told me they could have sat around all day watching porn and playing poker. Oh well, it's not as though he's usually loquacious and is only being taciturn about his job.
Work went well for me today, I felt bad about leaving early to see the lawyer so I showed up 1/2 an hour early and only took a half lunch. They taught me how to split a file today so that was cool. There are some files so thick you need a donkey to transport them to the work table. I'm astounded at the amount of paperwork generated! Some of it (to me) seems irrelevant and there are copies and copies of the same email in each chart.
The house is still standing even after leaving Mush unsupervised for the day. We're amazed there's anything left of it given her track record. We didn't have the heart to keep her locked in her "bed" all day so locked her in the spare room.
Chris seems to be sulking about something but he won't tell me what it is. I hope it's just the inconvenience and irritation of the bloody car. Although, if he is unhappy with his job he can, of course, look for a new one.
Chris won't talk about his first day at work except to say that it was "all right". For all he's told me they could have sat around all day watching porn and playing poker. Oh well, it's not as though he's usually loquacious and is only being taciturn about his job.
Work went well for me today, I felt bad about leaving early to see the lawyer so I showed up 1/2 an hour early and only took a half lunch. They taught me how to split a file today so that was cool. There are some files so thick you need a donkey to transport them to the work table. I'm astounded at the amount of paperwork generated! Some of it (to me) seems irrelevant and there are copies and copies of the same email in each chart.
The house is still standing even after leaving Mush unsupervised for the day. We're amazed there's anything left of it given her track record. We didn't have the heart to keep her locked in her "bed" all day so locked her in the spare room.
Chris seems to be sulking about something but he won't tell me what it is. I hope it's just the inconvenience and irritation of the bloody car. Although, if he is unhappy with his job he can, of course, look for a new one.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Lawyers!
Lawyers drive me nuts! I used to be of the opinion that only defense attorneys were evil but in the last two years I've increased that list to include: real estate lawyers, immigration lawyers, prosecution lawyers and any lawyer with breath in his/her lungs! My real estate lawyer called me yesterday to tell me that we were "cutting things a bit fine" to be signing papers this Tuesday as though it were my fault that he took his sweet time calling me to set up a time. Now, because of his tardiness I will probably, at a cost of "a couple hundred dollars" have to get a bridging loan on the house. Um, excuse me, but WTF?!?!?!?! Very angry about this right now, I hate it when people leave things to the last minute, I go out of my way to make sure that I get things done ASAP and expect the same courtesy in return. Death to all lawyers!!! Anyway, a before bed rant so that hopefully I can sleep tonight.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Sunday Morning
We did a lot of packing last night. 99% of the books, and all the furniture in the spare room are now sitting in my parents garage. Chris dismantled most of his lathe to make it easier to transport and I properly packed a lot of the boxes we'd taken over to my parents and labeled them. Today I'm packing the unessentials in the kitchen, the bathroom and putting all the clothes from the tall boy into suitcases so we can get rid of it. I think we'll have all the unessentials out by next weekend doing a little bit of work each evening after work. Next weekend we'll get rid of the entertainment centre, maybe keep the TV and DVD player so we don't die of boredom in the meantime. Today we'll take the sideboard and the pink chair over.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Busy as bees
We bought a car today (FINALLY!!) It's a 1997 Mercury Sable GS. It's teal coloured and runs very well. The only thing that needs doing is new bulbs for the brake lights. Chris is going to Canadian Tire tomorrow to get same.
Time is running out to get packed to move. We take possession in 9 days and we still have loads of stuff to pack. Now that we're both working full time we're starting to panic a bit. It doesn't help that our animals (all 4 of them) are out to get us. Both dogs are vomiting, Murdoch has bloody diarrhea again and Alastar has been vomiting too. Of course, god forbid they should vomit/poo on the laminate or tile floor, oh no, not our pets, they have to mess on the carpet (not the rugs either, the actual carpet). So, we think we're going to have to clean the carpets again before the new owners take possession. Rotten animals, I'm going to sell them to a lab for animal testing!
Time is running out to get packed to move. We take possession in 9 days and we still have loads of stuff to pack. Now that we're both working full time we're starting to panic a bit. It doesn't help that our animals (all 4 of them) are out to get us. Both dogs are vomiting, Murdoch has bloody diarrhea again and Alastar has been vomiting too. Of course, god forbid they should vomit/poo on the laminate or tile floor, oh no, not our pets, they have to mess on the carpet (not the rugs either, the actual carpet). So, we think we're going to have to clean the carpets again before the new owners take possession. Rotten animals, I'm going to sell them to a lab for animal testing!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
What a job!
I had my first day of work at the Child and family services. I felt like a prat this morning though. I went to the wrong office, and was lurking about outside said wrong office for a good 10 minutes before my brain switched on and I phoned to see where I was actually supposed to go. Idiot, oh well.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Car Crazy
We experienced the joys of shopping for a used, oh I'm sorry, "pre-owned" car today. It's amazing the crap they try to pass off as decent. We took a pretty red car for a test drive, barely made it to the end of the street and it overheated. The second one had been in a wreck (although according to the salesman it was in pristine condition) the paint didn't match on some of the panels, the airbags had been previously deployed and the brakes didn't work, but other than that, it was in pristine condition. Also, the salesman was creepy, kept looking at me, asked Chris if I was his wife...spooky. The final car we drove today (this is after looking at approximately 5,000,000 cars) had a dodgy gear box. Oh the humanity!
It doesn't help that we have different ideas as to what type of car to get. I'm looking for something cheap, economical and reliable. Chris is looking for a bloody thunderbird or something, in mint condition that's on sale for $0.50. Men, can't live with 'em, can't kill them and bury the body under the floorboards.
I start work tomorrow, it'll be a long haul from here but once we move it will be a hop skip and a jump from home.
Chris has a second interview tomorrow with the same engineering firm he had the interview yesterday. I think they'll probably take him (why wouldn't they, he's a genious).
I've got a splitting headache. I've had it for about 3 hours now and I'm at the point where I'd just like to kill myself so that I don't have to put up with it any more. I'll give the pain killers another 10 minutes (I only took them about 10 minutes ago) then I'm throwing myself off a bridge.
It doesn't help that we have different ideas as to what type of car to get. I'm looking for something cheap, economical and reliable. Chris is looking for a bloody thunderbird or something, in mint condition that's on sale for $0.50. Men, can't live with 'em, can't kill them and bury the body under the floorboards.
I start work tomorrow, it'll be a long haul from here but once we move it will be a hop skip and a jump from home.
Chris has a second interview tomorrow with the same engineering firm he had the interview yesterday. I think they'll probably take him (why wouldn't they, he's a genious).
I've got a splitting headache. I've had it for about 3 hours now and I'm at the point where I'd just like to kill myself so that I don't have to put up with it any more. I'll give the pain killers another 10 minutes (I only took them about 10 minutes ago) then I'm throwing myself off a bridge.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The hunters and the hunted
Well, we're searching doggedly for jobs at the moment. Chris had an interview today but the man who is in charge of hiring wasn't there and the one who interviewed him didn't have hiring authority so he has to go back and interview with the other man (does that make any sense? Probably not, I thrive on confusion). I've had a couple of phone calls from the temp agency but when I call them back I get voice mail. Oh well, we shall see.
I went to the diabetes clinic today. My A1C is 8.6%. In other words there has been no effect whatsoever. My nurse has given me a precise mathematical formula to calculate my fixes so that emotions won't play a part in my fixes. I'm very frustrated with my stupid diabetes at the moment but we'll see how this formula works. At least I'm not waking up in the 20's anymore. I'm usually about 12 ish. Not much to boast about but progress is progress. We still haven't finished packing, we're the worst procrastinator's in the world. I'm going to knuckle down today and clear out the spare bedroom, if himself wants to whine about it he's welcome to, but we're getting rid of the crap in there if it kills us.
I went to the diabetes clinic today. My A1C is 8.6%. In other words there has been no effect whatsoever. My nurse has given me a precise mathematical formula to calculate my fixes so that emotions won't play a part in my fixes. I'm very frustrated with my stupid diabetes at the moment but we'll see how this formula works. At least I'm not waking up in the 20's anymore. I'm usually about 12 ish. Not much to boast about but progress is progress. We still haven't finished packing, we're the worst procrastinator's in the world. I'm going to knuckle down today and clear out the spare bedroom, if himself wants to whine about it he's welcome to, but we're getting rid of the crap in there if it kills us.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Another day, another dollar
Sometimes I feel like we are the unluckiest people in the world! Yesterday we went to the antique mall. On our way back to the car we noticed that someone had relieved us of our license plate! So, home we drove (feeling like criminals all the way), phoned in the police report (apparently license plates get stolen all the time) then today we had to pay to re-register our poor old car. Not fair. So, to the "person" who stole our plate, go @#$^@#$@^%&@#$%^&$#@!#@% and, also, !@#^%#$(!)#@ %)!)# %*@()#@($! %^*(#)!#*%^)!!!!! So, there!
Not much new (other than the disgusting, aforementioned, theft) I had a job interview today, Chris has one tomorrow. It's disgustingly hot, I think we'll go down to the river and cool off again today (we went yesterday and there was a dead fish in the water....absolutely charming, I'm going to be in therapy until I'm 90!) Chris is very tanned, even his tummy is getting brown, I'm still white as a ghost although my arms are almost beige so that's something.
Not much new (other than the disgusting, aforementioned, theft) I had a job interview today, Chris has one tomorrow. It's disgustingly hot, I think we'll go down to the river and cool off again today (we went yesterday and there was a dead fish in the water....absolutely charming, I'm going to be in therapy until I'm 90!) Chris is very tanned, even his tummy is getting brown, I'm still white as a ghost although my arms are almost beige so that's something.
Friday, July 27, 2007
They're ba-ack!
Well, we're back from jolly old England. WORST country in the world! Rained every day we were there. I was flabbergasted that we had to pay for parking EVERYWHERE (even at supermarkets!) and also had to pay to use the toilet in some places. Also, the shops close at 5:30, and most are only open about 4 days a week. Major culture shock for me, but I digress.
I met my biological father's family. They are all really nice, and seeing them helped explain some of my eccentricities (no, I was not a foundling, my quirks come from him).
We buried grandma's ashes then had a little party with her side of the family, about 15 people were there. Meanwhile, in Canada they had a garden party in her honour and 51 people showed up. So, that was cool.
We stayed with the in-laws in their quaint little house (built in the 1890's). I would live in the house in a heartbeat. English houses have a lot of character. I met all my aunt and uncle in laws as well as my other sister in law and her family. They're all really nice and seemed to like me (I've asked Chris to interrogate his mother next time he calls her to make sure.)
When we got home I had a job offer waiting for me, although it's only a temp assignment every little bit helps.
Time is ticking away, when we were away I got an email from our Realtor asking if we'd like to bump up the possession date to the 15th of August (instead of the 19th). That's excellent because it saves spending 4 days with my parents (the horror!)
It's disgustingly hot here, 30 degrees last I checked. We just came back from a walk down by (and in) the bow river, always fun.
We got Chris his SIN number and are trying to get the printer to work so we can get him some Alberta Health care.
I met my biological father's family. They are all really nice, and seeing them helped explain some of my eccentricities (no, I was not a foundling, my quirks come from him).
We buried grandma's ashes then had a little party with her side of the family, about 15 people were there. Meanwhile, in Canada they had a garden party in her honour and 51 people showed up. So, that was cool.
We stayed with the in-laws in their quaint little house (built in the 1890's). I would live in the house in a heartbeat. English houses have a lot of character. I met all my aunt and uncle in laws as well as my other sister in law and her family. They're all really nice and seemed to like me (I've asked Chris to interrogate his mother next time he calls her to make sure.)
When we got home I had a job offer waiting for me, although it's only a temp assignment every little bit helps.
Time is ticking away, when we were away I got an email from our Realtor asking if we'd like to bump up the possession date to the 15th of August (instead of the 19th). That's excellent because it saves spending 4 days with my parents (the horror!)
It's disgustingly hot here, 30 degrees last I checked. We just came back from a walk down by (and in) the bow river, always fun.
We got Chris his SIN number and are trying to get the printer to work so we can get him some Alberta Health care.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Leaving
Well, we're off to the airport in 10 minutes. The dogs and cats are at my parent's house. Chris is very excited (as am I) he's pacing around like a lost soul. I'm killing time and trying to look busy. So, unless we can get to a computer in England, this is the last you'll hear from me until the 27th.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Going through the motions
My mother, aunt and I went through grandma's jewelery today. I was surprised to see that Grandma had the studs from the first time my ears were pierced (when I was a year old). I was quite touched to see that. I took the studs and also a necklace that I used to wear when I was 4 when I dressed up to do to McDonald's (yes, THAT McDonalds).
Two days and we're off!
Two days and we're off!
Pictures of the new house
These are the pictures of the house that the seller's Realtor took. It's not our furniture (which is a shame because it's quite nice but I digress)
The view from the front of the house
The view from the front of the house
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Fun and Games
Busy as bees today. We got a quote for insuring the new house (WAY more to insure a house than it is to insure a condo). Also, I got travel insurance, because of my diabetes some companies won't insure me at all and the company that finally did insure me charged twice as much as a normal rate. Oh well, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
I saw my therapist today, she's impressed with how well I'm doing and thinks I'm a.o.k for a September graduation from the DBT program.
We played BINGO tonight with grandpa, aunti Di and my mother, I won $67 (woo hoo) and embarrassed myself. I shouted "BINGO" while the ball was on the TV screen (and therefore not legal) then, in a silent hall, with all eyes on me, realized my mistake and shouted "oh shit, sorry, not bingo". A typical Sarah moment. Oh well.
Mush was kind enough to eat the BBQ cover for us, I guess she thought that the BBQ didn't need protection from the elements. Little jerk, that was an expensive one.
I saw my therapist today, she's impressed with how well I'm doing and thinks I'm a.o.k for a September graduation from the DBT program.
We played BINGO tonight with grandpa, aunti Di and my mother, I won $67 (woo hoo) and embarrassed myself. I shouted "BINGO" while the ball was on the TV screen (and therefore not legal) then, in a silent hall, with all eyes on me, realized my mistake and shouted "oh shit, sorry, not bingo". A typical Sarah moment. Oh well.
Mush was kind enough to eat the BBQ cover for us, I guess she thought that the BBQ didn't need protection from the elements. Little jerk, that was an expensive one.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Nothing like the last minute
Well, this Saturday we're leaving for England. Chris has his papers so we booked a flight ASAP.
Because of the house we have to be back before August 1st and we wanted to go sooner rather than later because we didn't want Chris to get a job then immediately take 2 weeks holiday. SO off we go, Chris' mum will have kittens tomorrow when we tell her.
Because of the house we have to be back before August 1st and we wanted to go sooner rather than later because we didn't want Chris to get a job then immediately take 2 weeks holiday. SO off we go, Chris' mum will have kittens tomorrow when we tell her.
Good News
We got a phone call from the lawyer today, Chris' papers came in, he's legally allowed to work and has had his immigration approved. It took 'em long enough but they finally did it!
We're picking the papers up from the lawyer tonight, we didn't want to have them sent in the mail.
We're picking the papers up from the lawyer tonight, we didn't want to have them sent in the mail.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Nothing New
Not much happening today, I didn't sleep well last night, nightmares and night terrors (whoever said that night terrors go away once you reach adulthood is a big fat liar!) Then, in a confused, half asleep haze, I annihilated the alarm clock. What a dork.
I bought 2 new pairs of shoes the other day(on sale) Both canvas "beach shoes" one pair has polka dots and the other is a patchwork design.
Well, other than being THE most boring post in the history of the internet, this post has nothing of value to add to civilization.
No word yet from the lawyer about Chris' immigration. However, just to keep things fun and interesting! Revenue Canada has again asked for Chris' SIN number and wants proof of our marriage. Yes, I did send them the information the first time they asked for it, and again the 2nd time. WHEN WHEN WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER???? Did we not register our marriage (for a hefty fee)? Will the Canadian government EVER do ANYTHING with any degree of competency???? Probably not. Oh well.
I bought 2 new pairs of shoes the other day(on sale) Both canvas "beach shoes" one pair has polka dots and the other is a patchwork design.
Well, other than being THE most boring post in the history of the internet, this post has nothing of value to add to civilization.
No word yet from the lawyer about Chris' immigration. However, just to keep things fun and interesting! Revenue Canada has again asked for Chris' SIN number and wants proof of our marriage. Yes, I did send them the information the first time they asked for it, and again the 2nd time. WHEN WHEN WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER???? Did we not register our marriage (for a hefty fee)? Will the Canadian government EVER do ANYTHING with any degree of competency???? Probably not. Oh well.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The End
This afternoon grandma passed away peacefully after her long, arduous battle with cancer, emphysema, et al. The whole family was with her, she wasn't in any pain. We're not having a funeral, but in about 2 weeks time (to allow people to make travel arrangements) we'll be holding a garden party in her memory.
Grandpa is coping well (although it's only been a few hours) he'll have the support of all of us in the next little while.
Chris and I are thankful that we chose a house near to him so we can help him out with things easily.
Grandpa is coping well (although it's only been a few hours) he'll have the support of all of us in the next little while.
Chris and I are thankful that we chose a house near to him so we can help him out with things easily.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Stampede Fun
Chis and I went to the Stampede last night. It cost us over one hundred dollars just for admission and ride tickets (all day pass as many rides as we want). Once I recovered from the awful shock of spending such a gross amount of money I really enjoyed myself. We went on nearly every ride and (prepare to be shocked) Christopher bought himself and wore (!!!!!!!!!) a cowboy hat. I've created a monster. I told him this would happen, it would start with a toque in the winter, then the furry winter hat, then the world of hats was his oyster. I'll have to get a picture of him to send to his mum, she won't believe it without photographic proof.
Grandma is too ill to get out of bed so we're going to videotape the house today and show her the tape. My mother, who has already started writing her obituary, called us this morning to say that the end is nigh. We've learned to take what she says with a grain of salt, but I must admit, grandma didn't look well at all when we saw her the day before yesterday.
Grandma is too ill to get out of bed so we're going to videotape the house today and show her the tape. My mother, who has already started writing her obituary, called us this morning to say that the end is nigh. We've learned to take what she says with a grain of salt, but I must admit, grandma didn't look well at all when we saw her the day before yesterday.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Good News (maybe)
We heard from our immigration lawyer today. Our application was mailed from the government yesterday. So, hopefully we'll know whether Chris is still an alien or not by Friday or Monday at the latest.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Home Free
We just received word that the financing has gone through on our house, so therefore we officially own the new house. So, that's good news.
I just came home from a job interview, they gave me all sorts of tests to take. I was concerned that I'd failed dismally but they told me that I got in the "high nineties" so that's all good. However, as usual, I think I flunked the interview, I always panic and start babbling like a moron. I guess only time will tell.
I just came home from a job interview, they gave me all sorts of tests to take. I was concerned that I'd failed dismally but they told me that I got in the "high nineties" so that's all good. However, as usual, I think I flunked the interview, I always panic and start babbling like a moron. I guess only time will tell.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Getting Closer
Well, our Realtor has told us that the Realtor of the people who are purchasing our house told her that their financing has been approved. The only trouble is, she can't tell the Realtor of the people whose house we're buying because she's only got verbal confirmation and has to wait until she has written confirmation (legalities).
Chris and I went to the pregnancy clinic for my monthly check up. My nurse reamed me out for not testing often enough (which I deserved) and they said that I'm doing well and should have my A1C down to below 7 within a few months if I keep on the way I'm going. Then, once my A1C is below 7 we can start trying to get pregnant. As usual, we got a parking ticket (I SWEAR those S.O.B's at the Parking "authority" are out to get me. Insert long string of colourful metaphors and expletives here). Those jerks have nothing better to do with their time.
I saw my massage therapist, Lisa, today. She said I'm doing loads better since last time she saw me....hhhhmmmm I wonder what's changed? She says, sarcastically. Could i perhaps be that I'm no longer working at the world's worst job for someone with back problems????
I've got an interview tomorrow for the position of receptionist at a car dealership (I know I know but beggars can't be choosers!) We'll see how that works out, I didn't know anything about insurance when I started at Godfrey Morrow so maybe I'll have a similar learning curve.
Chris and I went to the pregnancy clinic for my monthly check up. My nurse reamed me out for not testing often enough (which I deserved) and they said that I'm doing well and should have my A1C down to below 7 within a few months if I keep on the way I'm going. Then, once my A1C is below 7 we can start trying to get pregnant. As usual, we got a parking ticket (I SWEAR those S.O.B's at the Parking "authority" are out to get me. Insert long string of colourful metaphors and expletives here). Those jerks have nothing better to do with their time.
I saw my massage therapist, Lisa, today. She said I'm doing loads better since last time she saw me....hhhhmmmm I wonder what's changed? She says, sarcastically. Could i perhaps be that I'm no longer working at the world's worst job for someone with back problems????
I've got an interview tomorrow for the position of receptionist at a car dealership (I know I know but beggars can't be choosers!) We'll see how that works out, I didn't know anything about insurance when I started at Godfrey Morrow so maybe I'll have a similar learning curve.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Not much to say but...
Not much happened yesterday as it was a holiday. We didn't do much in the way of celebrating as Chris had a headache. We thought we'd go see the fire works but fell asleep on the couch and missed them so that was a washout.
We received news that grandma's cancer has spread and she probably will only be with us for a couple of weeks at most. Aunty Di is coming down ASAP to see her. She (grandma) had expressed an interest in seeing our new house so I spoke to a nurse at the hospice about taking her out in the wheelchair to see it. The nurse said we'll have to book a handi-bus. However, grandma is in so much pain she doesn't want to leave her bed so she's probably not going to make it to see the house. However, at least the offer is there and it can give her something to look forward to.
Brandon has a job at the Stampede, the little twerp will be making $11.75 an hour!
I'm still having sleep disturbances, apparently last night I got up, fetched a towel, and lay down on it. I've had a good two months with poor sleep. I end up napping during the day in order to survive. Oh well, sucks to be me.
We received news that grandma's cancer has spread and she probably will only be with us for a couple of weeks at most. Aunty Di is coming down ASAP to see her. She (grandma) had expressed an interest in seeing our new house so I spoke to a nurse at the hospice about taking her out in the wheelchair to see it. The nurse said we'll have to book a handi-bus. However, grandma is in so much pain she doesn't want to leave her bed so she's probably not going to make it to see the house. However, at least the offer is there and it can give her something to look forward to.
Brandon has a job at the Stampede, the little twerp will be making $11.75 an hour!
I'm still having sleep disturbances, apparently last night I got up, fetched a towel, and lay down on it. I've had a good two months with poor sleep. I end up napping during the day in order to survive. Oh well, sucks to be me.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
The waiting game
Well, we're playing the waiting game at the moment. We've made an offer on a house, it's been accepted. However, we need to wait until the conditions are removed on the sale of our house before we can remove the conditions on the one we want to buy. There's a 99.9% chance that everything will go smoothly but with out luck we've learned to never (EVER!) take anything for granted. We'll find out on Sunday whether the conditions will be removed or not (financing conditions).
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Getting there
Well, we saw a nice house yesterday with our Realtor. It is an older bungalow in Bowness, just within our price range. Gorgeous view, humongous yard and just the right size. However, it needs work so we decided not to stretch our budget for it. So back to the drawing board. There is a nice little bungalow in Coventry that we're eying that doesn't need much work.
I've got that day off work and am sitting on the couch with a hot pack on my back. I saw my massage therapist yesterday and she said that yes, I am getting worse, stress makes me worse and I should do a desk job. I was afraid that I had cancer or something because I had numbness and tingling in my left arm and both legs. She laughed and said that it's only because my muscles are spasming around the nerves. That was a great relief, I'd been planning my funeral and writing a will. Unfortunately I'm going to have to leave my job and get a desk job. I'm not looking forward to that conversation with my boss.
Chris and I are angry with immigration Canada (nothing new there) We looked at their list of processing times for various countries and were upset to see that people coming from Asia have a processing time of 4 months, whereas people coming from Europe have a processing time of 10 months. (Africa and South America were about 10 months, the middle east is 13 etc.) That doesn't sit well with us at all. I think it's absolutely unfair that people from Asia get into Canada in half the time as anybody else. Just more proof that the Canadian government is corrupt. I think everyone should be the same. (Well, honestly I think that English people should get in quicker but I'm a bit biased). S, there's my rant for the day.
I've got that day off work and am sitting on the couch with a hot pack on my back. I saw my massage therapist yesterday and she said that yes, I am getting worse, stress makes me worse and I should do a desk job. I was afraid that I had cancer or something because I had numbness and tingling in my left arm and both legs. She laughed and said that it's only because my muscles are spasming around the nerves. That was a great relief, I'd been planning my funeral and writing a will. Unfortunately I'm going to have to leave my job and get a desk job. I'm not looking forward to that conversation with my boss.
Chris and I are angry with immigration Canada (nothing new there) We looked at their list of processing times for various countries and were upset to see that people coming from Asia have a processing time of 4 months, whereas people coming from Europe have a processing time of 10 months. (Africa and South America were about 10 months, the middle east is 13 etc.) That doesn't sit well with us at all. I think it's absolutely unfair that people from Asia get into Canada in half the time as anybody else. Just more proof that the Canadian government is corrupt. I think everyone should be the same. (Well, honestly I think that English people should get in quicker but I'm a bit biased). S, there's my rant for the day.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Welcome
Welcome to the blog of Sarah and Chris Rean.
This is for family and friends to whom we've given our blog address, and for nosy people who stumble across us and need some sort of anesthetic.
We're still waiting for Chris' immigration papers, we're thinking/hoping/wishing that they'll arrive the end of July/beginning of August.
Our house is conditionally sold, the buyers are waiting on financing so we've got out fingers crossed. We're happy with the price we got for it, and are now hunting for a new (to us) house. Actually, we're going out today with our Realtor Judi. At risk of sounding like a mindless idiot, house hunting is fun.
I'm home early from work today, my back was killing me. It kept seizing up, my Achilles tendons are excruciating, my left shoulder is virtually immobile and my neck feels like its got a rusty screw running through it. It's not been a fun few days. This afternoon I'm seeing Lisa, my massage therapist. I'm going to ask her if she thinks I'm a moron for staying at this job (YES, I am!) and if she thinks I'd be better off at a desk job. (Definitely!) If only for my mental health I should be at a desk job, the only intellectual stimulation I get at this job is trying to ascertain what exactly possesses people to be such disgusting pigs (no offense to any pigs out there).
Chris is currently running a pipe through my dad's house. He wants an extra spigot outside so he can hook up his automatic watering system, and, as he's plumbing impaired, Chris gets to do it.
I bought him about 500 pounds of scrap metal the other day so that he can make things with his lathe. As usual he's very stoic about it but he's tickled pink.
Anyway, we've nothing more to say. (I was going to say nothing more interesting to say, but as I didn't say anything interesting to begin with, I don't think I can conclude with that.) Until next time.
This is for family and friends to whom we've given our blog address, and for nosy people who stumble across us and need some sort of anesthetic.
We're still waiting for Chris' immigration papers, we're thinking/hoping/wishing that they'll arrive the end of July/beginning of August.
Our house is conditionally sold, the buyers are waiting on financing so we've got out fingers crossed. We're happy with the price we got for it, and are now hunting for a new (to us) house. Actually, we're going out today with our Realtor Judi. At risk of sounding like a mindless idiot, house hunting is fun.
I'm home early from work today, my back was killing me. It kept seizing up, my Achilles tendons are excruciating, my left shoulder is virtually immobile and my neck feels like its got a rusty screw running through it. It's not been a fun few days. This afternoon I'm seeing Lisa, my massage therapist. I'm going to ask her if she thinks I'm a moron for staying at this job (YES, I am!) and if she thinks I'd be better off at a desk job. (Definitely!) If only for my mental health I should be at a desk job, the only intellectual stimulation I get at this job is trying to ascertain what exactly possesses people to be such disgusting pigs (no offense to any pigs out there).
Chris is currently running a pipe through my dad's house. He wants an extra spigot outside so he can hook up his automatic watering system, and, as he's plumbing impaired, Chris gets to do it.
I bought him about 500 pounds of scrap metal the other day so that he can make things with his lathe. As usual he's very stoic about it but he's tickled pink.
Anyway, we've nothing more to say. (I was going to say nothing more interesting to say, but as I didn't say anything interesting to begin with, I don't think I can conclude with that.) Until next time.
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