Chris and I went to the movies Monday night, we saw "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith (an excellent movie btw, not your usual Hollywood drivel). However, to mar the evening, there was a yob and his girlfriend sitting just behind us (I was on the right hand aisle seat, he was on the aisle of the centre section).
Obviously he didn't understand the movie and so chose to talk throughout. He became progressively louder until I finally turned around and said "would you please be quiet" (in an annoyed voice). WELL! He said (top volume) "You're a rude bitch." I ignored him but could hear him chattering away. "I can talk in a theatre if I want, I bought my ticket" (Yeah, so did everyone else, except we paid to see Will Smith, not listen to your thoughts on life!). As the movie ended they sprang from their seats and as he was walking down the aisle past me he said "You don't own the fucking theatre you bitch, you can't tell me not to talk" (I could tell I was dealing with an intellectual giant!). I said (sweet as can be) "No, I don't own the theatre, but I DID pay 13 bucks to watch a movie, not listen to you prattle on incoherently." He walked out and his girlfriend (another future MENSA member I'm sure) gave me the finger and told me to fuck off.
Is there something about me that attracts me to theatres that have loud mouthed assholes in them? It seems at least every 3 or 4 times I go to a theatre there's some jerk talking (full volume of course, after all how can their companion hear them over that movie that's playing) or (seriously) choosing a new ring tone for their cell phone, or playing with a laser pointer (that guy I grabbed by the scruff of the neck and pulled him out of the theatre). People have no respect for others. I don't enjoy going to the movies any more because of people like this. It's like they're raised by wolves or something (no offense to any wolves reading this!). It's a sad state of affairs and I grieve for the state of the future.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Life is finally getting back to normal!
Well, I quit my job on Dec 12. I was trying to hold out until my probation was over (Jan 14) but couldn't tolerate being treated like crap any more. I will probably post my rebuttal to my manager's accusations against me at a later time. The straw that broke the camel's back was Thursday (Dec 11) when she called me in and told me that I had made a tasteless, inappropriate joke in front of a patient. (Anyone who knows me will realize just how stupid an accusation this was) anyway, the joke was (brace yourself because you'll never look at me the same way after hearing the heinous thing that I said in front of a patient): "I'm so hungry I feel like I'm going to starve to death.".........that's it, that's the inappropriate, tasteless joke. I figured that I was in a lose lose situation but was planning on sticking it out. However, when I got home I was crying my eyes out and Chris, my mother, my dad and the drive through lady at Tim Horton's (was crying while getting a doughnut) all told me to quit.
I went in on the Friday and spoke to the medical director to tell her about how I was being treated. She told me to deal with it myself. I pointed out that it was difficult for me, a mere secretary, to tell my manager the proper way to behave, besides which I had already defended myself against her. Since she refused to do anything I handed in my notice and left on the lunch hour.
I'm slightly terrified about quitting a $21.00/hour job while going into a recession but I didn't do it in cold blood by any means. I called Officejobs.com to see if I can get back on the roster. They said they'll be happy to take me back (once I'm free and clear of the CHR). I'll call them tomorrow. In the meantime I'm back on Monster and Workopolis looking for jobs. The good news is that with Chris' raise we can survive without dipping into savings or using the VISA so even if it takes me a while to get a job we'll be okay. No repeat of last year after my contract expired!
In other news, we were supposed to fly to the island on December 24 to visit the family. Unfortunately all flights were canceled so we stayed here.
Muppet has just finished her heat. What a racket she made! She was a nuisance to the nth degree. We'll have to have her fixed soon. We bought a fish tank, complete with rocks, plants, a little temple and fish second hand off Kijiji. The cats are obsessed.
I went in on the Friday and spoke to the medical director to tell her about how I was being treated. She told me to deal with it myself. I pointed out that it was difficult for me, a mere secretary, to tell my manager the proper way to behave, besides which I had already defended myself against her. Since she refused to do anything I handed in my notice and left on the lunch hour.
I'm slightly terrified about quitting a $21.00/hour job while going into a recession but I didn't do it in cold blood by any means. I called Officejobs.com to see if I can get back on the roster. They said they'll be happy to take me back (once I'm free and clear of the CHR). I'll call them tomorrow. In the meantime I'm back on Monster and Workopolis looking for jobs. The good news is that with Chris' raise we can survive without dipping into savings or using the VISA so even if it takes me a while to get a job we'll be okay. No repeat of last year after my contract expired!
In other news, we were supposed to fly to the island on December 24 to visit the family. Unfortunately all flights were canceled so we stayed here.
Muppet has just finished her heat. What a racket she made! She was a nuisance to the nth degree. We'll have to have her fixed soon. We bought a fish tank, complete with rocks, plants, a little temple and fish second hand off Kijiji. The cats are obsessed.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Happy Birthday
I bought Chris his birthday/Christmas present today. He's been bugging me for a drill press for a while now. So as I sit here typing away he's playing with his new toy...er, I mean tool.
My parents bought a new stove so we've inherited their "old" one.
Other than that our lives are still pretty darn boring.
My parents bought a new stove so we've inherited their "old" one.
Other than that our lives are still pretty darn boring.
Friday, November 21, 2008
crankiness
I'm very cranky today. In truth I've been cranky since Wednesday. I went home early from work today due to stomach discomfort (she says being polite). I'm mad as hell that my bosses are mandating that my coworker and I change our hours. Right now we both work 7:00 - 3:00 which is awesome because a) it gives us time in the morning to catch up and b) (most important!) I miss most of the traffic. The hours they will be making us work are (they haven't decided yet) 8:00 - 4:15, 9:00-5:15 or even 10:00 - 6:15. I'm very angry about this. First off, I love my husband and don't want to be getting home just in time to go to bed. Secondly, I like having time alone at home to do laundry, make the supper and relax before he comes home. Thirdly, I HATE traffic and if I hit rush hour traffic coming home from work I'm probably going to kill someone. Fourthly, I hate being told that I must change my hours. My coworker and I have negotiated a little bit for a while we will take turns staying late. As soon as they hire a new full time person we will go back to our regular hours and that person will stay late. In the meantime I'm pissed off. My first "late" day is on Wednesday. If I'm stuck in traffic for hours (which is very bloody likely in the seventh circle of hell...er I mean, Calgary) I'm quitting. In fact, I'm looking right now for a new job (just in case).
I didn't mention it before (forgot, sorry) we've got a new pussy cat. She's a 10 month old kitten, we got her on October 30 and her name is Muppet. She's quite a sweet heart. We had Alastar put to sleep a few months ago due to his old age and various infirmities. We gave Caesar back to my parents as he kept getting arrested (concerned neighbours are a nuisance). Murdoch was depressed so that's why the new addition.
I'm going to my first "gothmas" party on Dec 13. I think it will be a hoot.
I didn't mention it before (forgot, sorry) we've got a new pussy cat. She's a 10 month old kitten, we got her on October 30 and her name is Muppet. She's quite a sweet heart. We had Alastar put to sleep a few months ago due to his old age and various infirmities. We gave Caesar back to my parents as he kept getting arrested (concerned neighbours are a nuisance). Murdoch was depressed so that's why the new addition.
I'm going to my first "gothmas" party on Dec 13. I think it will be a hoot.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Politics
Chris and I watched the election coverage last night. (Of course, we both voted as well). I was overjoyed to see that the conservatives did so well. The last thing we need going into a recession is parties (NDP, Liberals) hemorrhaging money out of us like there's no tomorrow. I'm not a fan of Jack Layton. Particularly, I found his ads attacking Harper and Dion to be in poor taste and a sign of someone who doesn't have much, if anything, to offer. I was pleased to see the NDP in 4th place (even if that means the Bloq Quebecois was in 3rd - just goes to show, you can't have everything!) I found it amusing to see Dion being such a poor loser. We were watching CTV. Dion lambasted the reporter and said, with MUCH bitterness "I don't have anything to say...especially to CTV". Classic moment. Oh well. I'm happy that Harper won (even if it is a minority government) I feel secure that he won't throw my money around like confetti at a parade and that we (Canadians) might survive the coming recession unscathed.
By the way, it's Chris and I's 2nd anniversary today. I went to the mall to pick up his gift and, shock of all shocks, there was Chris, lurking in the mall shopping for my gift.
By the way, it's Chris and I's 2nd anniversary today. I went to the mall to pick up his gift and, shock of all shocks, there was Chris, lurking in the mall shopping for my gift.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Old dogs, fond memories
Poor old Maya is REALLY slowing down. Even with her medicine she's still limping quite badly. I hadn't noticed before just how different she is now. It used to be that when I would get up to get a drink or go to the washroom that she would get up and follow me (just in case I slip into an inter-dimensional vortex or something). Now, she keeps me in sight and only gets painfully to her feet when I'm out of her sight. She sleeps all day (I was mad at myself for shelling out money for an "orthopedic" bed for her, now I'm glad I did as I'm sure it's more comfortable for her than the floor). I'm not sure what to do about my old lady. She's still enjoying life, not in much pain. I don't want her to suffer, but at the same time I don't want to put her to sleep too soon. I'm hoping she'll let me know when it's time. In the meantime I'll cuddle her as much as possible and remember her as my good dog.
I have been offered a job with the CHR, it's basically the same job I'm already doing but it won't be through the temp agency. It's kind of weird when I was at Godfrey Morrow I worked 5 days a week. Working for the CHR I'll be working a .5 rotation (2.5 days/week) and making more money. The only downside is that it's a union position. I suppose one could think of that as a good thing but I'm very much anti union. They (unions) do have their place but with all the government regulation I think they're mostly just a vehicle for squeezing the living hell out of employers. Oh well, maybe I'll have a moment and run for union rep or something. Anyway my interview is tomorrow. Let's just hope I don't screw it up (as I usually do!).
I have been offered a job with the CHR, it's basically the same job I'm already doing but it won't be through the temp agency. It's kind of weird when I was at Godfrey Morrow I worked 5 days a week. Working for the CHR I'll be working a .5 rotation (2.5 days/week) and making more money. The only downside is that it's a union position. I suppose one could think of that as a good thing but I'm very much anti union. They (unions) do have their place but with all the government regulation I think they're mostly just a vehicle for squeezing the living hell out of employers. Oh well, maybe I'll have a moment and run for union rep or something. Anyway my interview is tomorrow. Let's just hope I don't screw it up (as I usually do!).
Friday, October 3, 2008
All work and no play...
Not much to report. My house smells like a bar thanks to my home made wine. The smell has permeated the whole basement and if coming up through the vents. It's a nice smell but I wonder what the neigbours will say!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bad boys bad boys whatcha gonna do?
I had a bit of a disturbing incident yesterday. I was driving home from work, took a different route due to a pit stop, I was behind a man at a light and he suddenly got out of his GMC envoy and shouted at me "you stupid fucking bitch, learn how to fucking drive".
I was (understandably) puzzled so I rolled down my window and said "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
He waved me off and said "fuck you, you stupid bitch you need to get your head out of your ass".
We were stuck in traffic and he wasn't going anywhere so I got out, and shouted through his window "I'm sorry sir, what have I done?"
He yelled at me to "fuck off" so I stood in front of his car (again, he couldn't go anywhere we were stuck in traffic) and said "Sir, please tell me what I've done to offend you."
He said "fuck you" and moved his car forward and hit me (not hard just a nudge). I walked up to his window and tapped on the glass and said "What have I done sir?"
He said "fuck you".
I got back in my car (the light changed) and we went around the corner. As we were driving up a side-ish street in an industrial area I saw him signal to go left into a U-shaped parking lot. I thought, "this guy is gonna come up behind me and a) run me off the road or b) follow me home" so I followed him so that he couldn't get behind me.
He did a U and came out of the parking lot and shouted out his window "you stupid fucking cunt fuck off".
So, I shouted out my window "What the fuck did I do to offend you? You're a fucking asshole and you have no right to talk to me like that you stupid fucking prick. It's not my fault you have a non functioning penis!"
He shouted a few more "fuck you, you stupid bitch/cunt" and circled around again. As I was turning onto the street I noticed that he had pulled into the same parking lot and looked like he was parking. I thought, "good, he's going to tell me what's wrong, I can apologise and we can move on with out lives". Instead he pulled up outside a building, there were a lot (about 7) of people standing about and I thought "well at least he won't attack me in front of all these people, I can finally get some answers from him".
I stopped behind him (giving him plenty of room to pull out and leave), got out of my car and said "sir, can you please just tell me what I've done"
He said "fuck you I'm calling the fucking cops on you"
I said, "fine, please do, but tell me what I've done to offend you."
There was a woman standing between my car and his black GMC envoy so I approached her and said, "ma'am this man started shouting abuse at me at the traffic light down the street. I don't know what I've done to him and I just want to know so I can apologise".
She didn't say anything but turned around and got into his truck (he was out of the truck looking at my license number). He started shouting at her to write down "this fucking bitch's license number". He got back in the car and I approached the driver's side (where SHE was sitting) the window was down and she was trying to find a pen to write my license number, she found one and was writing it on her hand, he was quoting it to her incorrectly so I gave her the correct license number.
I rested my hands on the side of the car and asked him again just to tell me what I had done to incur his wrath. He told me to "get your fucking hands off my fucking car" and reiterated that he was going to call the police.
I said, "fair enough, I'll be making my own call to the police."
She drove away with him in the car, he was still shouting obscenities out the window at me.
I noticed some men standing in the shipping door of the "Norampac" building nearby so I approached them and asked them if they had witnessed the altercation between me and the gentleman (yes, I actually used the word gentleman). They suddenly decided that, although they had been there the entire time, they hadn't seen or heard anything. I thanked them and approached the building that "his" woman was standing outside of "Essilor". There were some people milling about and I asked if anyone had witnessed the altercation.
4 people stepped forward and one lady said that although she hadn't seen much she did know the man who had attacked me (she works with his wife) she said he's a lunatic and a bully and that she was impressed that I had stood up to him. A delivery man approached and said he'd "kind of" seen what happened but "didn't want to get involved". I took one lady's name, the other told me the name of the man who attacked me but didn't want to get involved and I thanked them and left.
I drove home and called the police. A few hours later a male constable with a very strong middle eastern accent called me and asked me about my "incident" in the afternoon. I gave him most of my version of events, he kept interrupting me and did not listen very well at all. He told me that they were thinking of pressing charges against me for "stalking behaviour". I was quite unhappy with the rude way he was addressing me and that he did not give me a chance to get a word in edgewise. He heard what he wanted to hear and nothing else.
Apparently it's okay for him to verbally attack me and hit me with his SUV but it's not okay for me to ask him why he was attacking me.
About an hour after this phone call another, female, officer called me and we had a similar conversation, I told her that I'd already spoken to an officer and she said she'd look into it. I'm not sure what story he told the police, there's no way on earth I could have cut him off as it was gridlock traffic and those who know me know that I pick a lane and stay in it, also, I was behind him. I didn't hit anyone with my car. And I was at least 4 feet behind him at the traffic light.
So, to sum up, some asshole decided he needed to vent his anger. I called him on his bad behaviour and I may be in trouble for it. Also, I would be willing to bet money that he's a wife beater. A more cowed woman you have never seen in your life! So, that's my exciting story.
Perhaps my next blog will be from prison, after all I was polite (most of the time) and non aggressive (all of the time) I didn't threaten him in any way and other than returning some of his own words to him I did not attack him in any way. Taking all that into account the judge will probably give me a life sentence, after all strong willed women who don't take shit from men are a danger to the moral fabric of our society. Any bets if this goes to court my word is counted as half of his?
In other news I found the perfect gift for you know who's going away party. I am officially a genius!
In other, other news, I took care of the Dr. Powell slide problem, there's a company in town that specialises in transferring slides etc onto computers.
I was (understandably) puzzled so I rolled down my window and said "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
He waved me off and said "fuck you, you stupid bitch you need to get your head out of your ass".
We were stuck in traffic and he wasn't going anywhere so I got out, and shouted through his window "I'm sorry sir, what have I done?"
He yelled at me to "fuck off" so I stood in front of his car (again, he couldn't go anywhere we were stuck in traffic) and said "Sir, please tell me what I've done to offend you."
He said "fuck you" and moved his car forward and hit me (not hard just a nudge). I walked up to his window and tapped on the glass and said "What have I done sir?"
He said "fuck you".
I got back in my car (the light changed) and we went around the corner. As we were driving up a side-ish street in an industrial area I saw him signal to go left into a U-shaped parking lot. I thought, "this guy is gonna come up behind me and a) run me off the road or b) follow me home" so I followed him so that he couldn't get behind me.
He did a U and came out of the parking lot and shouted out his window "you stupid fucking cunt fuck off".
So, I shouted out my window "What the fuck did I do to offend you? You're a fucking asshole and you have no right to talk to me like that you stupid fucking prick. It's not my fault you have a non functioning penis!"
He shouted a few more "fuck you, you stupid bitch/cunt" and circled around again. As I was turning onto the street I noticed that he had pulled into the same parking lot and looked like he was parking. I thought, "good, he's going to tell me what's wrong, I can apologise and we can move on with out lives". Instead he pulled up outside a building, there were a lot (about 7) of people standing about and I thought "well at least he won't attack me in front of all these people, I can finally get some answers from him".
I stopped behind him (giving him plenty of room to pull out and leave), got out of my car and said "sir, can you please just tell me what I've done"
He said "fuck you I'm calling the fucking cops on you"
I said, "fine, please do, but tell me what I've done to offend you."
There was a woman standing between my car and his black GMC envoy so I approached her and said, "ma'am this man started shouting abuse at me at the traffic light down the street. I don't know what I've done to him and I just want to know so I can apologise".
She didn't say anything but turned around and got into his truck (he was out of the truck looking at my license number). He started shouting at her to write down "this fucking bitch's license number". He got back in the car and I approached the driver's side (where SHE was sitting) the window was down and she was trying to find a pen to write my license number, she found one and was writing it on her hand, he was quoting it to her incorrectly so I gave her the correct license number.
I rested my hands on the side of the car and asked him again just to tell me what I had done to incur his wrath. He told me to "get your fucking hands off my fucking car" and reiterated that he was going to call the police.
I said, "fair enough, I'll be making my own call to the police."
She drove away with him in the car, he was still shouting obscenities out the window at me.
I noticed some men standing in the shipping door of the "Norampac" building nearby so I approached them and asked them if they had witnessed the altercation between me and the gentleman (yes, I actually used the word gentleman). They suddenly decided that, although they had been there the entire time, they hadn't seen or heard anything. I thanked them and approached the building that "his" woman was standing outside of "Essilor". There were some people milling about and I asked if anyone had witnessed the altercation.
4 people stepped forward and one lady said that although she hadn't seen much she did know the man who had attacked me (she works with his wife) she said he's a lunatic and a bully and that she was impressed that I had stood up to him. A delivery man approached and said he'd "kind of" seen what happened but "didn't want to get involved". I took one lady's name, the other told me the name of the man who attacked me but didn't want to get involved and I thanked them and left.
I drove home and called the police. A few hours later a male constable with a very strong middle eastern accent called me and asked me about my "incident" in the afternoon. I gave him most of my version of events, he kept interrupting me and did not listen very well at all. He told me that they were thinking of pressing charges against me for "stalking behaviour". I was quite unhappy with the rude way he was addressing me and that he did not give me a chance to get a word in edgewise. He heard what he wanted to hear and nothing else.
Apparently it's okay for him to verbally attack me and hit me with his SUV but it's not okay for me to ask him why he was attacking me.
About an hour after this phone call another, female, officer called me and we had a similar conversation, I told her that I'd already spoken to an officer and she said she'd look into it. I'm not sure what story he told the police, there's no way on earth I could have cut him off as it was gridlock traffic and those who know me know that I pick a lane and stay in it, also, I was behind him. I didn't hit anyone with my car. And I was at least 4 feet behind him at the traffic light.
So, to sum up, some asshole decided he needed to vent his anger. I called him on his bad behaviour and I may be in trouble for it. Also, I would be willing to bet money that he's a wife beater. A more cowed woman you have never seen in your life! So, that's my exciting story.
Perhaps my next blog will be from prison, after all I was polite (most of the time) and non aggressive (all of the time) I didn't threaten him in any way and other than returning some of his own words to him I did not attack him in any way. Taking all that into account the judge will probably give me a life sentence, after all strong willed women who don't take shit from men are a danger to the moral fabric of our society. Any bets if this goes to court my word is counted as half of his?
In other news I found the perfect gift for you know who's going away party. I am officially a genius!
In other, other news, I took care of the Dr. Powell slide problem, there's a company in town that specialises in transferring slides etc onto computers.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
All work and no play...
I had "one of those days" at work today. Due to a coworker going on holiday and 2 coworkers quitting I've done the work of 3 people (plus covered the front desk at lunch) for the past 2 days. I have not had a moment to think lately! In two days I've only managed to type 2 reports as I've been interrupted constantly. It's very frustrating for me. I don't mind being interrupted for important things (for example a doctor needed a presentation made so I helped Charlotte do that) it's the little stupid, inane things that drive me nuts. I need a good stiff drink!
So I'm waiting with bated breath for the SPCA to come knocking at my door. On Tuesday Mush took it upon herself to eat a large amount of dark chocolate (highly toxic to dogs). I had to induce vomiting and clean up the resulting mess. Before inducing vomiting I called my vet to see whether or not I should induce vomiting. Yesterday I found Maya drinking out of the toilet bowl...no big deal right? WRONG! I don't normally mind animals drinking out of the toilet bowl, it's clean water so who cares. Yesterday however, there was toilet bowl cleaner in the aforementioned toilet. SO, I called the vet again. As it turns out there was nothing to worry about but they're going to think I'm intentionally trying to kill my dogs! Bloody animals!
So I'm waiting with bated breath for the SPCA to come knocking at my door. On Tuesday Mush took it upon herself to eat a large amount of dark chocolate (highly toxic to dogs). I had to induce vomiting and clean up the resulting mess. Before inducing vomiting I called my vet to see whether or not I should induce vomiting. Yesterday I found Maya drinking out of the toilet bowl...no big deal right? WRONG! I don't normally mind animals drinking out of the toilet bowl, it's clean water so who cares. Yesterday however, there was toilet bowl cleaner in the aforementioned toilet. SO, I called the vet again. As it turns out there was nothing to worry about but they're going to think I'm intentionally trying to kill my dogs! Bloody animals!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Twenty Questions
I’ve been tagged by anonymous.
The rules:
A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs & replace any question that they dislike with a new question. (I haven’t changed any questions.)
B) Tag 8 people to answer the questions.
1. How many songs are on your iPod?
I don't have an iPod. I listen to the radio or to CDs.
2. What music would you want played at your funeral?
The Bad Touch
3. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
Reader's Digest. I buy Skeptic so often I should probably save myself a few pennies and just subscribe though.
4. What is your favorite scent?
Lilac and/or plumeria.
5. If you had a million dollars that you could only spend on yourself, what would you do with it?
Pay off my debt then invest the rest so I've got a comfy retirement fund (a million dollars doesn't go very far these days)
6. What is your theme song?
Who the hell needs a theme song? How self centered do you have to be to think you need a theme song?
7. Do you trust easily?
Too easily. I always think people will treat me the way I would treat them. I get screwed often but I still keep hoping for the best in people.
8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
I often act before I think but I'm trying to change that.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Hormones!
10. Do you have a good body-image?
No.
11. Is being tagged fun?
Meh.
12. How do you spend your social networking (Facebook, etc.) time?
Farting around, I prefer to speak to people in person (or on the phone, computers are too impersonal)
13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Banana splits.
14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Decent and honest. Smart.
15. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
"Who Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
16. What’s your favorite item of clothing?
Blue Sweater.
17. Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
No.
18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?
If I knew who lost it I'd return it. If it was outside a store I'd hand it in to the customer service desk so someone could claim it. If it was just lying outside my house I'd ask my neighbour if she has lost some $$. If she said no, I'd keep it.
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
Chapstick.
20. What should you be doing right now?
Cleaning up vomit and diarrhea. (thanks Mush!)
The rules:
A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs & replace any question that they dislike with a new question. (I haven’t changed any questions.)
B) Tag 8 people to answer the questions.
1. How many songs are on your iPod?
I don't have an iPod. I listen to the radio or to CDs.
2. What music would you want played at your funeral?
The Bad Touch
3. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?
Reader's Digest. I buy Skeptic so often I should probably save myself a few pennies and just subscribe though.
4. What is your favorite scent?
Lilac and/or plumeria.
5. If you had a million dollars that you could only spend on yourself, what would you do with it?
Pay off my debt then invest the rest so I've got a comfy retirement fund (a million dollars doesn't go very far these days)
6. What is your theme song?
Who the hell needs a theme song? How self centered do you have to be to think you need a theme song?
7. Do you trust easily?
Too easily. I always think people will treat me the way I would treat them. I get screwed often but I still keep hoping for the best in people.
8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
I often act before I think but I'm trying to change that.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Hormones!
10. Do you have a good body-image?
No.
11. Is being tagged fun?
Meh.
12. How do you spend your social networking (Facebook, etc.) time?
Farting around, I prefer to speak to people in person (or on the phone, computers are too impersonal)
13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Banana splits.
14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Decent and honest. Smart.
15. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
"Who Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
16. What’s your favorite item of clothing?
Blue Sweater.
17. Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
No.
18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?
If I knew who lost it I'd return it. If it was outside a store I'd hand it in to the customer service desk so someone could claim it. If it was just lying outside my house I'd ask my neighbour if she has lost some $$. If she said no, I'd keep it.
19. What items could you not go without during the day?
Chapstick.
20. What should you be doing right now?
Cleaning up vomit and diarrhea. (thanks Mush!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Management Speak
We had a big meeting today. People sitting uncomfortably in hard plastic chairs, power point presentation, the whole nine yards. The meeting was to elucidate some of the changes taking place in our milieu. I haven't been to a proper meeting in ages. I'd forgotten just how horrendous management speak is! They prattle on for ages and use lots of words but don't actually SAY anything. A man asked a simple question. "Should our doctors prescribe meds to the patients or should they simply make recommendations to the patient's GP?" (simple question right?) The answer, was...well, actually I'm not sure what the answer was, there was talk about accountability, procedure, process and such. The presenter spoke for more than 7 minutes to answer his question but honest to god DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!! It was bizarre. The answer is as simple as: it depends on the circumstance and the doctor's opinion. OR No, they shouldn't they should only recommend to the GP. OR Yes, they should prescribe whatever meds they see fit. Shouldn't a simple question demand a simple answer? This is why I would make a terrible manager. If someone asks me a question, I give them a straight answer. Oh well. I put my two cents in. I know I'm well known for being demure and keeping my mouth shut and never giving my opinion on ANYTHING but I did speak up. Several (5 actually) people thanked me and told me my comments were helpful. Of course, they were surreptitious about it, as though by being seen with me they'd be canned on the spot, but they complimented me. I wonder what tomorrow will bring? I was speaking to my direct manager (who, surprisingly [for a manager] has a head on her shoulders) and she was quite pleasant to me. I guess I'll find out when I go in tomorrow and there's a padlock on my office door! Har de har har *starts frantically thumbing through the want ads*
In other news...my life is completely and utterly boring! I had my first band practice on Monday night, quite enjoyed it, will definitely be going again. I decided to play the clarinet rather than the French horn as it's my new instrument and I want to stretch its legs a bit.
In other news...my life is completely and utterly boring! I had my first band practice on Monday night, quite enjoyed it, will definitely be going again. I decided to play the clarinet rather than the French horn as it's my new instrument and I want to stretch its legs a bit.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Joining the 21st Century
Last night I bottled all my wine. It tastes pretty darn good if I do say so myself. This morning we had cable installed. It has occurred to me that I see WAY too much of my vet! I know his phone number and office hours by heart, and he knows the dogs by sight (he barely needs to glance at Maya's chart). I've got to take Maya in again today. I think she's got a kidney infection (or maybe kidney failure, she's not exactly a spring chicken) she's also developed warts all over her (quite gross) and she seems to have an ear infection! On the plus side, the medicine he gave us for her arthritis is working so that's okay. Mush needs to go because the medicine he gave us for her panosteitis is not working. We're going to have to try something else. Oh well, at least the cats are healthy. (touch wood!)
Friday, September 12, 2008
I hate thinking of titles!
Here I am again, I know I'm a horrible person who rags on people for "never posting" and her I am taking a million years between posts. My bad I apologise!
So, what's new and exciting in life? Chris is on call for the next 3 weeks as it seems everyone and their dog is on holiday. Hopefully it won't take long for him to teach them the difference between a "crisis" and "leave it 'til the morning".
I went to Spruce Meadows last weekend with my friend Catherine and I brought Mush with me. She was as good as gold. She was petted hundreds (literally!) of times and never growled or snapped, even when people were being a little rough with her. She stuck to me like glue and was very obedient, even when off leash. On a sad note, both Mush and Maya are on medication for pain. Maya's got severe arthritis and Mush has that stupid bone disorder that doesn't seem to want to go away. The plus side is that the new medication is working. (I won't tell you how much it costs 'cause you'll throw up!)
I'm still at the CHR, still enjoying my job. I'm hoping to get a semi/permanent position instead of working via the temp. agency. The manager at Seniors' Health told me they were looking into a way of getting me, but not having to pay out so much on my contract (I'm being bartered over, not necessarily a nice feeling!)
Chris and I are hoping to get to Edmonton next weekend to see the Body Worlds Exhibit. It'll be a nice little mini break for us.
I just got back from BC. The Kristy monster was having some stress in her life so I rode in on my white horse (Air Canada) and helped cheer her up a bit.
I just, as of 1 hour ago, joined a band (well, we'll see how I like it before I commit myself) it's called the "Sherwood Like to Play" band and it looks like it'll be a lot of fun. As I was creaking my way up the stairs today I realized my marching band days are FAR behind me. hee hee hee.
My wine will (hopefully) be ready to rack into bottles on Monday. I hope I won't have to filter it, I shouldn't need to but knowing my luck...
Anyway, I'm starting to get the hand of this blog thing now. I still keep getting weird comments, not from people (hint hint) but from companies advertising on my blog. It's weird, do they realize that there are only about 2 people on the entire planet who READ my blog...and I'm one of them! In any case, I'm going to try to find a way to eliminate the advertisements ASAP. And I will try to write at least once a week.
So, what's new and exciting in life? Chris is on call for the next 3 weeks as it seems everyone and their dog is on holiday. Hopefully it won't take long for him to teach them the difference between a "crisis" and "leave it 'til the morning".
I went to Spruce Meadows last weekend with my friend Catherine and I brought Mush with me. She was as good as gold. She was petted hundreds (literally!) of times and never growled or snapped, even when people were being a little rough with her. She stuck to me like glue and was very obedient, even when off leash. On a sad note, both Mush and Maya are on medication for pain. Maya's got severe arthritis and Mush has that stupid bone disorder that doesn't seem to want to go away. The plus side is that the new medication is working. (I won't tell you how much it costs 'cause you'll throw up!)
I'm still at the CHR, still enjoying my job. I'm hoping to get a semi/permanent position instead of working via the temp. agency. The manager at Seniors' Health told me they were looking into a way of getting me, but not having to pay out so much on my contract (I'm being bartered over, not necessarily a nice feeling!)
Chris and I are hoping to get to Edmonton next weekend to see the Body Worlds Exhibit. It'll be a nice little mini break for us.
I just got back from BC. The Kristy monster was having some stress in her life so I rode in on my white horse (Air Canada) and helped cheer her up a bit.
I just, as of 1 hour ago, joined a band (well, we'll see how I like it before I commit myself) it's called the "Sherwood Like to Play" band and it looks like it'll be a lot of fun. As I was creaking my way up the stairs today I realized my marching band days are FAR behind me. hee hee hee.
My wine will (hopefully) be ready to rack into bottles on Monday. I hope I won't have to filter it, I shouldn't need to but knowing my luck...
Anyway, I'm starting to get the hand of this blog thing now. I still keep getting weird comments, not from people (hint hint) but from companies advertising on my blog. It's weird, do they realize that there are only about 2 people on the entire planet who READ my blog...and I'm one of them! In any case, I'm going to try to find a way to eliminate the advertisements ASAP. And I will try to write at least once a week.
Friday, August 15, 2008
It's been a while
I noticed I haven't posted in about 5 million years so I thought I'd drop a line.
Chris and I have been working like dogs on the house. We pulled up all the grass in the back yard (a previous owner had thought it would be clever to lay sod on top of sod so we had various hills and valleys in the yard). We laid sod on most of the yard (28 m2 to be precise) and are going to put some landscaping rocks on the other part. We've started preppng to paint the trim and have chosen a nice peacock blue (by "we" have chosen I mean "I" have chosen). Work is going well, I don't know if it will be permanent yet but they like me. I'm not getting my hopes up like last time. (with CFS)
We nearly lost Maya last week, she was violently ill, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. I feel bad, we thought it was something she ate and it would pass so we waited a while to take her to the Vet. When we did he diagnosed her with Giardia. She probably got it from eating rabbit poop (that's what I think). We have a river down the hill from us and rabbits and gophers everywhere. So, lessons learned: when your dog is sick with vomiting and diarrhea for more than a day, take her to the vet and don't let your dog eat rabbit poop (or "gifts" brought home by the cat).
I bought a kitchen table at a garage sale, it's very retro 60s/70s with the vinyl chairs and the formica top, lots of chrome. I love it, Chris tolerates it.
Chris and I have been working like dogs on the house. We pulled up all the grass in the back yard (a previous owner had thought it would be clever to lay sod on top of sod so we had various hills and valleys in the yard). We laid sod on most of the yard (28 m2 to be precise) and are going to put some landscaping rocks on the other part. We've started preppng to paint the trim and have chosen a nice peacock blue (by "we" have chosen I mean "I" have chosen). Work is going well, I don't know if it will be permanent yet but they like me. I'm not getting my hopes up like last time. (with CFS)
We nearly lost Maya last week, she was violently ill, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. I feel bad, we thought it was something she ate and it would pass so we waited a while to take her to the Vet. When we did he diagnosed her with Giardia. She probably got it from eating rabbit poop (that's what I think). We have a river down the hill from us and rabbits and gophers everywhere. So, lessons learned: when your dog is sick with vomiting and diarrhea for more than a day, take her to the vet and don't let your dog eat rabbit poop (or "gifts" brought home by the cat).
I bought a kitchen table at a garage sale, it's very retro 60s/70s with the vinyl chairs and the formica top, lots of chrome. I love it, Chris tolerates it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
They're he-ere
The house is immaculate. Chris and I have worked like dogs to get it nice for him mom comimg. Brandon stayed last night, he's hoping to get a job at Calaway Park, or maybe Heritage Park for the summer. I'm picking James and mom up at the airport in 2 hours. Unfortunately I couldn't get the time off work while they're here so its not really a vacation for me, but oh well, somebody has to pay the bills!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Heigh ho, heigh ho it's off to work I go
I'm working at the mo. I've got a part time (three days a week) job at the Rockyview Hospital. Why the Rockyview? You ask. Because there were no openings available in Northern Siberia, that's why! It's a long haul and I'm forcibly reminded of why I hate the human race every second of my commute. However, I do enjoy the job itself and though I've only been there a few days have already made some friends.
We sold the piano to a nice young couple. They had movers pick it up on Monday. I've got the piano tuner coming on Monday to tune the Bell so that'll start sounding the way it should.
Other than that, no real news to report. The parents are in Hawaii as I write this. We're looking after their animals while they're away. We're going to start calling ourselves "Animal House" rather than "Rean House" We've got 4 dogs, and 3 cats at the moment. It's utter madness.
We sold the piano to a nice young couple. They had movers pick it up on Monday. I've got the piano tuner coming on Monday to tune the Bell so that'll start sounding the way it should.
Other than that, no real news to report. The parents are in Hawaii as I write this. We're looking after their animals while they're away. We're going to start calling ourselves "Animal House" rather than "Rean House" We've got 4 dogs, and 3 cats at the moment. It's utter madness.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
In the limelight
A few days ago there was an article in the Herald, I can't for the life of me find it, or remember when it was written but it spurred me to write a response. The gist of the article was that some students at Chestermere Lake Middle School had worn home made T-shirts to school with slogans like "homophobia is wrong" and "homophobia is gay" with the "gay" scratched out and replaced with "lame". Anyway, the teachers sent the kids home and/or forced them to change their outfits. The teachers said that the shirts were offensive and could be taken the wrong way.
This is the letter I wrote in response to that article:
(They titled it "Out of Line")
"I am writing to express my disgust of the students at the Chestermere Lake Middle School. Wearing T-shirts with positive messages about homosexuality is a sure way to promote tolerance and understanding. How dare they upset the status quo by expecting people to be tolerant of others. [I had a period but the editor changed it to a ? for some reason...idiots] Their parents should be ashamed fo themselves for raising socially aware, kind children who try to defend the downtrodden. Hopefully, any readers will have picked up on my sarcasm. My disgust is aimed at the school staff. I'm not sure what could possibly be considered inappropriate about a shirt saying "homophobia is wrong." If the shirt had said "racism is wrong," would the school have shunted the kids out the door in a panic? As for statements that the shirts could have two different meanings, that is a load of bollocks. I think the teachers are woefully unaware of how savvy children are. As for people who found the T-shirts offencsive, perhaps it is your world view that is offensive - my heart goes out to any gay people you may come in contact with."
I thought that would be the end of it, but today there was a response to my letter.
(the Herald Title it "Teachable moment")
"Re: "Out of line," Letter, May 24.
It is unfortunate Sarah Rean was so quick to conclude that staff at Chestermere Lake Middle School were not aware of how "savvy our students are" and that our "world view is offensive." The T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is gay," not "Homophobia is wrong." I don't feel that wearing a shirt saying something is gay (with the connotation that it is stupid) is appropriate for an educational facility for students in grades 5 through 8. Some students I discussed this with suggested it was insulting to gay people to use the word in that way. School is a place of higher learning and respect, not the mall or the street.
This was a case of actions by a group of students who were not suitable for this venue. In Grade 6 social studies, we teach students about being politically active and fighting for their beliefs, yet we also stress that being a good citizen includes following rules and laws and being respectful of others. Our students are bright and are learning the best ways to express their beliefs. They will make mistakes along the way. I embrace this incident as a teaching opportunity on how to get our message across without breaking rules and being offensive to others.
Tracey Bowes,
Okotoks
Tracey Bowes teaches Grade 6 at Chestermere Lake Middle School."
So, I've written back, I don't know if they'll publish it but we'll see. My letter is:
"In response to Tracey Bowes response to my letter I feel I need to clarify a few things. According to the article in question, the children's T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is gay" with gay scratched out and "lame" written underneath. It was also reported that some of the T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is wrong." I was fully aware of the "gay" T-shirts but felt that using them as an example, while doing nothing to further my point, would be grammatically awkward as you can see from the above example. Actually, I found the "homophobia is gay" with the gay scratched out and replaced with "lame" to be a better example of the student's ability to wittily get their point across. In one stroke they said that homophobia is lame and that the word gay should not be used in a derogatory manner. Kudos again, to them.
You mentioned that some of the students you discussed "this" with suggested it was insulting to gay people to use the word in that way. Obviously they didn't get the point of the shirts either. I would much rather see the kids painting the word gay on a T-shirt than other words that have been used in the past. Perhaps these, "insulted" students should learn about irony.
You also mentioned that "school is a place of higher learning and respect, not the mall or the street." I agree wholeheartedly with that. However, if students do not learn respect at school, they most definitely won't learn it at the mall or on the street. I think you, and other administrative staff, must have missed the point these kids were trying to make. They obviously feel that there needs to be something said about the way homosexuals are treated. Instead of stifling them why don't you engage them in an honest debate?
I enjoyed the irony in your second paragraph. "we teach students about being politically active and fighting for their beliefs, yet we also stress that being a good citizen includes following rules and laws and being respectful of others." Apparently you are unable to see the contradiction in your own statement. Obviously your students felt that it was necessary for them to be politically active and fight for their beliefs in order to respect others (homosexuals). I'm sure they felt like the lone student in front of the tank in Tiananmen square. Hopefully their fighting spirits will survive your teaching them how to get your message across. They already know how to be inoffensive to others."
It looks like I just manage to piss everybody off. :D
This is the letter I wrote in response to that article:
(They titled it "Out of Line")
"I am writing to express my disgust of the students at the Chestermere Lake Middle School. Wearing T-shirts with positive messages about homosexuality is a sure way to promote tolerance and understanding. How dare they upset the status quo by expecting people to be tolerant of others. [I had a period but the editor changed it to a ? for some reason...idiots] Their parents should be ashamed fo themselves for raising socially aware, kind children who try to defend the downtrodden. Hopefully, any readers will have picked up on my sarcasm. My disgust is aimed at the school staff. I'm not sure what could possibly be considered inappropriate about a shirt saying "homophobia is wrong." If the shirt had said "racism is wrong," would the school have shunted the kids out the door in a panic? As for statements that the shirts could have two different meanings, that is a load of bollocks. I think the teachers are woefully unaware of how savvy children are. As for people who found the T-shirts offencsive, perhaps it is your world view that is offensive - my heart goes out to any gay people you may come in contact with."
I thought that would be the end of it, but today there was a response to my letter.
(the Herald Title it "Teachable moment")
"Re: "Out of line," Letter, May 24.
It is unfortunate Sarah Rean was so quick to conclude that staff at Chestermere Lake Middle School were not aware of how "savvy our students are" and that our "world view is offensive." The T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is gay," not "Homophobia is wrong." I don't feel that wearing a shirt saying something is gay (with the connotation that it is stupid) is appropriate for an educational facility for students in grades 5 through 8. Some students I discussed this with suggested it was insulting to gay people to use the word in that way. School is a place of higher learning and respect, not the mall or the street.
This was a case of actions by a group of students who were not suitable for this venue. In Grade 6 social studies, we teach students about being politically active and fighting for their beliefs, yet we also stress that being a good citizen includes following rules and laws and being respectful of others. Our students are bright and are learning the best ways to express their beliefs. They will make mistakes along the way. I embrace this incident as a teaching opportunity on how to get our message across without breaking rules and being offensive to others.
Tracey Bowes,
Okotoks
Tracey Bowes teaches Grade 6 at Chestermere Lake Middle School."
So, I've written back, I don't know if they'll publish it but we'll see. My letter is:
"In response to Tracey Bowes response to my letter I feel I need to clarify a few things. According to the article in question, the children's T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is gay" with gay scratched out and "lame" written underneath. It was also reported that some of the T-shirts had the phrase "Homophobia is wrong." I was fully aware of the "gay" T-shirts but felt that using them as an example, while doing nothing to further my point, would be grammatically awkward as you can see from the above example. Actually, I found the "homophobia is gay" with the gay scratched out and replaced with "lame" to be a better example of the student's ability to wittily get their point across. In one stroke they said that homophobia is lame and that the word gay should not be used in a derogatory manner. Kudos again, to them.
You mentioned that some of the students you discussed "this" with suggested it was insulting to gay people to use the word in that way. Obviously they didn't get the point of the shirts either. I would much rather see the kids painting the word gay on a T-shirt than other words that have been used in the past. Perhaps these, "insulted" students should learn about irony.
You also mentioned that "school is a place of higher learning and respect, not the mall or the street." I agree wholeheartedly with that. However, if students do not learn respect at school, they most definitely won't learn it at the mall or on the street. I think you, and other administrative staff, must have missed the point these kids were trying to make. They obviously feel that there needs to be something said about the way homosexuals are treated. Instead of stifling them why don't you engage them in an honest debate?
I enjoyed the irony in your second paragraph. "we teach students about being politically active and fighting for their beliefs, yet we also stress that being a good citizen includes following rules and laws and being respectful of others." Apparently you are unable to see the contradiction in your own statement. Obviously your students felt that it was necessary for them to be politically active and fight for their beliefs in order to respect others (homosexuals). I'm sure they felt like the lone student in front of the tank in Tiananmen square. Hopefully their fighting spirits will survive your teaching them how to get your message across. They already know how to be inoffensive to others."
It looks like I just manage to piss everybody off. :D
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Update
WOW! 2 posts in one day, you're not going to know what hit you! Just writing to give a couple of updates, also to escape the cacophony in the kitchen (Chris is cutting holes in the arborite to fit the sink, also drilling something). Item number 1, I have acquired a job (maybe temporary, maybe permanent, who knows) it's 3 days a week at the Rockyview. The irony of it is, I applied for the job through the CHR's website but have been offered the job through officejobs.com as a temp position. Hilarious. Item number 2, we have someone coming round to look at the piano tonight so, fingers crossed, hopefully it'll sell! (I'll let you know later)
Don't say it!
I know, I know I'm a delinquent! I haven't written in about 500 years! Don't be mad though, the reason I haven't written is because my life is about as interesting as a lump of compost. LESS interesting, and less productive for that matter. Since my last proper post I have aged a year. Been put on hefty benzodiazepines to control my sleep disorder, been thrown in the psych ward at the hospital again and purchased a piano. So, long story!
I've been in and out of work for 5 months now. It's been extremely stressful for me emotionally and financially. As much as I like temping, it's just not reliable enough for me (emotionally or financially). I've begun the hunt for a proper job, hopefully part time, casual if need be. Chris is still working at the hotel, he's enjoying it but I don't think he feels challenging enough, he complains that all he does it move furniture all day. However, he has been promoted to supervisor and he got another raise today. I've told him to go in on Monday armed with some info and ask for a proper raise, he's still making far less than he technically should based on Calgary's job market. I'm doing all the research for him (as I'm a lazy bum who doesn't have her own work to do at the moment).
In April I had a BPD breakdown and wound up in the psych ward at the PLC. I was only in there for 2 days which just gave me enough time to get some help with my emotional distress. I'm also back to seeing Dr. Coll who is (hopefully) going to help me with my sleep disorder. Speaking of my sleep disorder. I'm no longer seeing Dr. M. He kept me waiting in the waiting room for over an hour (the third time he'd done this to me) so I told the receptionist that I was not going to wait for the "egocentric wind bag who loves the sound of his own voice" any longer and asked to be transferred to another doctor. I'm now seeing Dr. Flotre at the sleep institute and he's punting me back to Dr. Coll to deal with the disorder (if Dr. Coll is qualified). As for the drugs Dr. M. put me on, Dr. Coll is trying to wean me off of them because they're addicting, and he doesn't want me to build up a tolerance to them thus rendering them useless.
Dr. Stzukowski is getting me blood tests to test my fertility (so that as soon as my A1C is down, currently at 8.0%) I can get to work getting preggers. Poor Chris (cue the sad violin music) has to provide a sample to test whether he's the "problem". I'm finding it difficult to muster any sympathy for him as I've got to have a million blood tests, possibly a hysterosalpingogram and all he's got to do is provide a sample in a cup.
Maya is much better than she was last time I wrote. Her eye is fine. She's starting to develop those lumps again, but we figure that we'll just let them grow (they don't hurt her) and she can die with them. She's really slowed down a lot and is a lot more grey than even last month.
Mush, on the other hand, is not doing so well. In November she was diagnosed with panosteitis which means her bones are inflamed. She's been in a lot of pain on and off since February but we just figured it was part of her disorder and dismissed it. Finally, last weekend, she was in pain all day every day for 3 days (long weekend, vet was closed) we gave her baby Tylenol for the pain and I took her in first thing Tues. morning. Well, trouble is, she's twisted her back (probably when she first started exhibiting signs of pain in Feb.) So, she's on special medication, and she's confined to a small area so she can't run around and hurt her back any more. It's a long shot but she could potentially paralyse herself. She's not in any pain at the moment, thanks to the pills and hopefully the rest she's getting will give her back time to heal.
Alastar, the wunder cat is on antidepressants. He was peeing in strange places which is apparently a sing of obsessive compulsive disorder. The pills he's on are, technically anti-depressants, but work to control OCD as well. He was a bit gorked when we first put him on them but he's back to his old self and isn't peeing anywhere.
Murdoch is fine, we had him shaved except for a puff at the end of his tail, but health-wise, he's fine.
My parents and grandpa are going to Hawaii in about a week. That means that we get to look after Susie, Parsley and Ceasar for two weeks. Oh joy of joys!
I was at a garage sale and saw a 1903 Bell upright grand piano. So, of course, I bought it. Now, I'm trying to get rid of my "old" piano, my 1968 Hammond Console. It's a damn good piano, but it can't compare to a Bell! The Bell needs a lot of work, I think just getting it fully playable is going to cost me about $700. To refinish it, unless we can do it ourselves, is going to be about another $2000-$3000. Oh well, it's worth it. I've got John Musselwhite, the piano tech, coming on June 10th to take a look at it. He's probably going to have kittens when he sees what shape its in. Oh well.
We're nearly finished the kitchen (FINALLY!!!!) Chris will be screwing down the counter tops tonight and we'll probably tile on the weekend. Our next big project will be installing a new patio door. Then (cue scary music) developing the basement. It shouldn't be too bad, we've got it all mapped out on AutoCAD.
Chris is making his own beer now, beer is disgustingly expensive and we simply can't afford to buy it any more. (Not that he drinks copious amounts, it's just grossly expensive.)
I will try to be more diligent in posting, but I can't promise miracles.
I've been in and out of work for 5 months now. It's been extremely stressful for me emotionally and financially. As much as I like temping, it's just not reliable enough for me (emotionally or financially). I've begun the hunt for a proper job, hopefully part time, casual if need be. Chris is still working at the hotel, he's enjoying it but I don't think he feels challenging enough, he complains that all he does it move furniture all day. However, he has been promoted to supervisor and he got another raise today. I've told him to go in on Monday armed with some info and ask for a proper raise, he's still making far less than he technically should based on Calgary's job market. I'm doing all the research for him (as I'm a lazy bum who doesn't have her own work to do at the moment).
In April I had a BPD breakdown and wound up in the psych ward at the PLC. I was only in there for 2 days which just gave me enough time to get some help with my emotional distress. I'm also back to seeing Dr. Coll who is (hopefully) going to help me with my sleep disorder. Speaking of my sleep disorder. I'm no longer seeing Dr. M. He kept me waiting in the waiting room for over an hour (the third time he'd done this to me) so I told the receptionist that I was not going to wait for the "egocentric wind bag who loves the sound of his own voice" any longer and asked to be transferred to another doctor. I'm now seeing Dr. Flotre at the sleep institute and he's punting me back to Dr. Coll to deal with the disorder (if Dr. Coll is qualified). As for the drugs Dr. M. put me on, Dr. Coll is trying to wean me off of them because they're addicting, and he doesn't want me to build up a tolerance to them thus rendering them useless.
Dr. Stzukowski is getting me blood tests to test my fertility (so that as soon as my A1C is down, currently at 8.0%) I can get to work getting preggers. Poor Chris (cue the sad violin music) has to provide a sample to test whether he's the "problem". I'm finding it difficult to muster any sympathy for him as I've got to have a million blood tests, possibly a hysterosalpingogram and all he's got to do is provide a sample in a cup.
Maya is much better than she was last time I wrote. Her eye is fine. She's starting to develop those lumps again, but we figure that we'll just let them grow (they don't hurt her) and she can die with them. She's really slowed down a lot and is a lot more grey than even last month.
Mush, on the other hand, is not doing so well. In November she was diagnosed with panosteitis which means her bones are inflamed. She's been in a lot of pain on and off since February but we just figured it was part of her disorder and dismissed it. Finally, last weekend, she was in pain all day every day for 3 days (long weekend, vet was closed) we gave her baby Tylenol for the pain and I took her in first thing Tues. morning. Well, trouble is, she's twisted her back (probably when she first started exhibiting signs of pain in Feb.) So, she's on special medication, and she's confined to a small area so she can't run around and hurt her back any more. It's a long shot but she could potentially paralyse herself. She's not in any pain at the moment, thanks to the pills and hopefully the rest she's getting will give her back time to heal.
Alastar, the wunder cat is on antidepressants. He was peeing in strange places which is apparently a sing of obsessive compulsive disorder. The pills he's on are, technically anti-depressants, but work to control OCD as well. He was a bit gorked when we first put him on them but he's back to his old self and isn't peeing anywhere.
Murdoch is fine, we had him shaved except for a puff at the end of his tail, but health-wise, he's fine.
My parents and grandpa are going to Hawaii in about a week. That means that we get to look after Susie, Parsley and Ceasar for two weeks. Oh joy of joys!
I was at a garage sale and saw a 1903 Bell upright grand piano. So, of course, I bought it. Now, I'm trying to get rid of my "old" piano, my 1968 Hammond Console. It's a damn good piano, but it can't compare to a Bell! The Bell needs a lot of work, I think just getting it fully playable is going to cost me about $700. To refinish it, unless we can do it ourselves, is going to be about another $2000-$3000. Oh well, it's worth it. I've got John Musselwhite, the piano tech, coming on June 10th to take a look at it. He's probably going to have kittens when he sees what shape its in. Oh well.
We're nearly finished the kitchen (FINALLY!!!!) Chris will be screwing down the counter tops tonight and we'll probably tile on the weekend. Our next big project will be installing a new patio door. Then (cue scary music) developing the basement. It shouldn't be too bad, we've got it all mapped out on AutoCAD.
Chris is making his own beer now, beer is disgustingly expensive and we simply can't afford to buy it any more. (Not that he drinks copious amounts, it's just grossly expensive.)
I will try to be more diligent in posting, but I can't promise miracles.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
I believe there are a$$holes among us
I went for a job interview the other day and was offered the job. He asked for my references and I provided them. Yesterday he called me back and told me that my reference check had fallen through and that I should rethink who I use for my references. I'm not so much mad because I got a bad reference check, although, as a hard, honest, intelligent worker it baffles me as to why I'd get a poor check. What irritates me the most is that the people I used for references are all people who either volunteered to be a reference or answered in the positive when I asked if I could use them. I with that the person had the common decency and the intestinal fortitude to say to me "you know, I'm not sure I can be a reference for you at the moment." (And preferably tell me what I need to work on). I hate cowards.
I suppose every dark cloud has a silver lining though. I'm looking into taking a course to become an animal health technician. As my old friends know my original plan when I went to college was to become an AHT but lack of funds and the impracticality of living in Olds prevented me. We'll see how this pans out and I'll keep you updated.....all none of you.
I suppose every dark cloud has a silver lining though. I'm looking into taking a course to become an animal health technician. As my old friends know my original plan when I went to college was to become an AHT but lack of funds and the impracticality of living in Olds prevented me. We'll see how this pans out and I'll keep you updated.....all none of you.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Enter Sandman
I had an interesting day yesterday....well actually it was mind numbingly boring but to anyone but me it was somewhat interesting. On the night of the 5th I went to the Canadian Sleep Institute to get tested for my sleep disorder. They wired me up (I felt like the $6,000,000 Man) I had electrodes all over my head, neck, chest, and legs, I had a nasal prong shoved up my nose, bands around my waist and chest and a pulse oximetre on my finger. The intention was to see what was going on in my poor tortured little brain when I did weird things in my sleep (talking, walking, breaking things, screaming etc etc.) so, of course, I slept like a log. Actually last night I slept like a log too. I sincerely hope I don't have to go back and do it again. Also, to add insult to injury we had to pay $1000 out of our own pockets for this because it's not covered by Alberta Health Care. This ticks me off. What the hell do I pay my freakin' health care premiums for if I don't get anything in return? Also, most private insurance companies don't cover it (we don't know about Chris' yet). Basically though, the doctor told that if I don't get it done ASAP he'll have to rescind my driver's license, I fall asleep during the day and apparently have little micro naps without knowing it, I know I have fallen asleep while driving. It's a bit of a catch-22. I'll see what I can get in the way of coverage though it seems stupid to me that a person with no choice in the matter should be black balled like that.
Our money situation what with Maya and Mush getting sick as well as our useless waste of skin for a lawyer charging us $860 and Direct Energy giving us a bill (for a house we haven't lived in for 6 months) for $720 and this stupid sleep test costing $1000 has put us in the dog house financially. I assumed I'd get a job fairly quickly but, of course here I sit, unemployed and, at the moment unemployable (how the hell would I get to work?) So, no stress at all (NOT!) Chris got a little baby of a raise so we'll see how that pans out. Knowing our luck it will be just enough to push him into a higher tax bracket thus decreasing our income. Never rains but it pours. Oh well, on the plus side, Maya is good as new, Mush is okay (still in pain but we've got it under control) and in two weeks time I'll know whether I need a padded cell or not. Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Our money situation what with Maya and Mush getting sick as well as our useless waste of skin for a lawyer charging us $860 and Direct Energy giving us a bill (for a house we haven't lived in for 6 months) for $720 and this stupid sleep test costing $1000 has put us in the dog house financially. I assumed I'd get a job fairly quickly but, of course here I sit, unemployed and, at the moment unemployable (how the hell would I get to work?) So, no stress at all (NOT!) Chris got a little baby of a raise so we'll see how that pans out. Knowing our luck it will be just enough to push him into a higher tax bracket thus decreasing our income. Never rains but it pours. Oh well, on the plus side, Maya is good as new, Mush is okay (still in pain but we've got it under control) and in two weeks time I'll know whether I need a padded cell or not. Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Not my video, but a favourite of mine
If I had the technical skills to make a video, I'd make one similar to this...but as I'm a techno phobe I'll allow the video maker to speak my mind for me.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
When are they going to stop monsters like this?
I was reading the Calgary Herald today. City & Region section, Wed Jan 23 2008. on Page B3 There's an article titled "Child porn collector faces one year in jail" (written by David Slade)
The story goes (paraphrased here and there for convenience) "A Calgary man faces upto a year in jail after admitting to possessing 10,000 images and more than 500 movies of child pornography, many of them involving pre-pubescent girls and babies being sexually assaulted....Weighill, 39 played no role in the production of the images and videos....The offender lost his job and has attempted suicide because of the nature of the charges.....Defence lawyer Paul Brunnen, who argued for a six-month sentence, said his client did not share and never intended to share the child pornography with anyone else. "My client said he was downloading it for himself," said Brunnen....[police] were able to download a movie from the offender's folder, depicting a three-year-old girl crying as she was being sexually assaulted by a man.....A search warrant of his southwest home uncovered 2,700 imaged and 82 movies of child pornography on a portable hard drive, as well as 7000 more imaged and 100 movies on his laptop computer and 340 ore movies on 34 discs. Forensic psychologist Patrick Baillie's report categorized the man's risk to reoffend as low."
Now, aside from the blindingly obvious, what the hell is wrong with this picture? This bastard has thousands of images of children being tortured and he's a "low risk to reoffend"?!?!?!? Um, what university did this dickhead psychologist go to? Or, perhaps more relevant, what planet is he from? The bastard probably spent years downloading these images and movies masturbating to them all the while and the psychologist thinks he's a low risk to reoffend. Okay. Meanwhile, back on earth....I'm just not sure what can be said about that. My favourite is the defense attorney saying that the pedophile didn't intend to share the videos with anyone else. OH! Well that makes it all right then! Gee I guess no one was really hurt then eh? Effing moron! I honestly don't know how these defense attorney's sleep at night. I couldn't look myself in the mirror without vomiting if I defended something like him.
I think, aside from the blindingly obvious, the saddest part of this story is not that he's only going to get 10 seconds in jail, but that he was unsuccessful in killing himself. Someone should tell him to try harder next time.
I've said it before and I'm saddened to hear myself saying it again, the Canadian justice system is a farce. The laws are made my middle aged, perverts (who else would think it's okay to possess torture videos as long as you don't intend to share them) who hate women and children. god help us all. Oh wait, they wrote the laws based on biblical precepts.....um, let's just hope we get some atheists into office so we can fix this sad, sorry system.
The story goes (paraphrased here and there for convenience) "A Calgary man faces upto a year in jail after admitting to possessing 10,000 images and more than 500 movies of child pornography, many of them involving pre-pubescent girls and babies being sexually assaulted....Weighill, 39 played no role in the production of the images and videos....The offender lost his job and has attempted suicide because of the nature of the charges.....Defence lawyer Paul Brunnen, who argued for a six-month sentence, said his client did not share and never intended to share the child pornography with anyone else. "My client said he was downloading it for himself," said Brunnen....[police] were able to download a movie from the offender's folder, depicting a three-year-old girl crying as she was being sexually assaulted by a man.....A search warrant of his southwest home uncovered 2,700 imaged and 82 movies of child pornography on a portable hard drive, as well as 7000 more imaged and 100 movies on his laptop computer and 340 ore movies on 34 discs. Forensic psychologist Patrick Baillie's report categorized the man's risk to reoffend as low."
Now, aside from the blindingly obvious, what the hell is wrong with this picture? This bastard has thousands of images of children being tortured and he's a "low risk to reoffend"?!?!?!? Um, what university did this dickhead psychologist go to? Or, perhaps more relevant, what planet is he from? The bastard probably spent years downloading these images and movies masturbating to them all the while and the psychologist thinks he's a low risk to reoffend. Okay. Meanwhile, back on earth....I'm just not sure what can be said about that. My favourite is the defense attorney saying that the pedophile didn't intend to share the videos with anyone else. OH! Well that makes it all right then! Gee I guess no one was really hurt then eh? Effing moron! I honestly don't know how these defense attorney's sleep at night. I couldn't look myself in the mirror without vomiting if I defended something like him.
I think, aside from the blindingly obvious, the saddest part of this story is not that he's only going to get 10 seconds in jail, but that he was unsuccessful in killing himself. Someone should tell him to try harder next time.
I've said it before and I'm saddened to hear myself saying it again, the Canadian justice system is a farce. The laws are made my middle aged, perverts (who else would think it's okay to possess torture videos as long as you don't intend to share them) who hate women and children. god help us all. Oh wait, they wrote the laws based on biblical precepts.....um, let's just hope we get some atheists into office so we can fix this sad, sorry system.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
It's a soap opera world in the winter...
Maya had surgery on her eye yesterday. She's got basement membrane disease. The opthalmologist fixed her yesterday in ten minutes and charged me almost $300.00 and he wants to see her in two weeks (another $100) yippee! It's a good thing money grows on trees. Anyway at least she's not in pain any more.
Friday, January 4, 2008
I didn't mention it before
To all those who helped me acquire goods to give to the sunrise community centre (you know who you are) They were over the moon when they saw all that we'd collected for them. Their cupboards were bare.
I don't know about you but I always prefer helping a little front line community centre than throw my money at a big name charity (not that there's anything wrong with big name charity). I feel that my money and time is better spent on a small community resource centre because it goes straight to those who need it.
Anyway, I can't believe I didn't say anything sooner about how appreciated everything was, what can I say, I'm a delinquent.
I don't know about you but I always prefer helping a little front line community centre than throw my money at a big name charity (not that there's anything wrong with big name charity). I feel that my money and time is better spent on a small community resource centre because it goes straight to those who need it.
Anyway, I can't believe I didn't say anything sooner about how appreciated everything was, what can I say, I'm a delinquent.
Boredom is a disease.
I've been off work for 3 days now (well, almost three weeks but time on holiday doesn't count). I'm BORED! I keep trying to find things to do and my poor addled brain keeps saying "buy stuff buy stuff". Sad. Trouble is, because I'm home, our income is halved so I can't spend money. It's too bad I don't like soaps 'cuz that would be an effective way of wasting several hours a day.
I'm getting the piano tuned on the 9th which is great because I'm finding the piano offensive at the moment.
I'm hunting for my book of family recipes and when I find it I'm going to make the infamous "French Silk Pie" mmmmmmmmmm......three pounds of butter. My arteries are screaming just thinking about it.
I have turned into little Suzie Homemaker. I fixed a tear in Christopher's trousers (thank god for iron on patches).
I'm getting the piano tuned on the 9th which is great because I'm finding the piano offensive at the moment.
I'm hunting for my book of family recipes and when I find it I'm going to make the infamous "French Silk Pie" mmmmmmmmmm......three pounds of butter. My arteries are screaming just thinking about it.
I have turned into little Suzie Homemaker. I fixed a tear in Christopher's trousers (thank god for iron on patches).
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A Year in Review
We're back from England (obviously or I wouldn't be writing this!)
We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Except of course for London. Seventh circle of hell that, horrible place.
We flew with Air Canada and were pleasantly surprised with everything. I've heard a lot of complaints about Air Canada but we didn't find it that bad at all. The food was wonderful, there was adequate leg room and Chris got free beer so he was happy. England was nice, a bit cold and damp for my taste but it wasn't as cold as I'd been expecting.
So now, a year in review....2007 what hath thou wrought upon me?
January 2007 - silly bitch rammed into us with her car because she was fiddling with knobs. The Mazda was a write off and I've been in agony with my back ever since. Also, got a puppy...Mush
February 2007 - got a nice cheque for the Mazda $1000. Which was good because we couldn't GIVE the damn thing away.
March 2007 - bought the PT cruiser, celebrated 6 months of married bliss
April 2007- my 26th birthday. Went to BC for holiday.
May 2007 - boring, more of the same
June 2007- put the house up for sale
July 2007 - Sold the house on the 5th, bought a house on the 6th, Grandma died on the 8th after a gargantuan battle with colon cancer. She went very quietly and wasn't in pain and most importantly, we were all there with her. On the 9th Chris got his work permit and other papers so we went to England for 2 weeks.
August 2007 - I started working for child and family services, Chris started working for IMS machinery, we moved into our new house
September 2007 - Chris quit IMS because the boss was a jerk, starting working at the Port o' Call Inn, we went to BC to see the Titanic exhibit
October 2007 - went to BC for Mark and Dorothy's wedding, celebrated our 1 year anniversary
November 2007 - bought a piano
December 2007 - had a job interview for a permanent position with Child and Family services. Flunked the interview due to having too much personality. Contract expired with temp position. Went to England for Christmas holiday
January 2008....let's see what the future will hold for us! Child and Family services would like me back but they have to have a 4 week period before they can. So, I'm taking 2 weeks off so that I'll be available to go back. In the meantime I've sent in my resume again and will hopefully not screw up the interview this time.
We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Except of course for London. Seventh circle of hell that, horrible place.
We flew with Air Canada and were pleasantly surprised with everything. I've heard a lot of complaints about Air Canada but we didn't find it that bad at all. The food was wonderful, there was adequate leg room and Chris got free beer so he was happy. England was nice, a bit cold and damp for my taste but it wasn't as cold as I'd been expecting.
So now, a year in review....2007 what hath thou wrought upon me?
January 2007 - silly bitch rammed into us with her car because she was fiddling with knobs. The Mazda was a write off and I've been in agony with my back ever since. Also, got a puppy...Mush
February 2007 - got a nice cheque for the Mazda $1000. Which was good because we couldn't GIVE the damn thing away.
March 2007 - bought the PT cruiser, celebrated 6 months of married bliss
April 2007- my 26th birthday. Went to BC for holiday.
May 2007 - boring, more of the same
June 2007- put the house up for sale
July 2007 - Sold the house on the 5th, bought a house on the 6th, Grandma died on the 8th after a gargantuan battle with colon cancer. She went very quietly and wasn't in pain and most importantly, we were all there with her. On the 9th Chris got his work permit and other papers so we went to England for 2 weeks.
August 2007 - I started working for child and family services, Chris started working for IMS machinery, we moved into our new house
September 2007 - Chris quit IMS because the boss was a jerk, starting working at the Port o' Call Inn, we went to BC to see the Titanic exhibit
October 2007 - went to BC for Mark and Dorothy's wedding, celebrated our 1 year anniversary
November 2007 - bought a piano
December 2007 - had a job interview for a permanent position with Child and Family services. Flunked the interview due to having too much personality. Contract expired with temp position. Went to England for Christmas holiday
January 2008....let's see what the future will hold for us! Child and Family services would like me back but they have to have a 4 week period before they can. So, I'm taking 2 weeks off so that I'll be available to go back. In the meantime I've sent in my resume again and will hopefully not screw up the interview this time.
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