TJ's Mim

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2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

triangle 2

Shapes

2010-10-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Circle 1

Oval think I should crop more?

Circle 2

rectangle/square 1

Oval 2

Triangle 1

Lunch with the mainlanders

2010-08-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

So as part of the tour that we did, we had lunch at a restaurant which was part of the package. We stopped in a very nice part of town and I thought things were looking up. As we strolled past the Siberian fur shop, we made sharp left down a little side street and went up some stairs to a restaurant.

I should have turned around and gone to the nearby McDonald's when I saw the dead roach on the stairs but I'd promised I wasn't going to be squeamish and be a spoilt brat about everything so I soldiered up the stairs.

The restaurant was packed with people but they gave us westerners our own table so that we didn't have to do the common Chinese practice of everyone eating out of the same serving dish. Somehow we tend to be a bit squeamish about stuff like that.

When we sat down they basically threw all of the food at us. There were about 8 dishes that were placed in front of us and we had to dig in. That's where the fun started, they didn't tell us before but we had 15 mins to eat. Apparently that's how long most people take to ear and they had another group behind us waiting for the table so we had to shovel the food in and go.

I gotta say I didn't mind be because after seeing that roach on the stairs, I didn't want to have to spend another minute in that restaurant than I absolutely had to.

Onto the next stop.

Lost in Translation

2010-08-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

There is much to see and do here and everyday is an adventure.

One night while we were walking around, desperately trying not to go back to our hell room, I mean hotel room, we stumbled into a lovely oasis a 4.5 star hotel and therebwere signs for a day long bus tour of the main sights in Hong Kong. At 400 or 53 Canadian we would be in an air conditioned coach, get lunch and a day of festivities.

Mr. HK thought that was too expensive and instead thought that we should take the tour attached to our hotel for 328 (43cdn), I threw my hands up in the air and said tally ho.

The morning of the tour, as we sat in the lobby waiting for the bus to arrive, I had a quick thought, turned to the bride and asked this tour is in english right? As a native English speaker, she said of course it would be, he knows we don't speak Chinese.

A lady entered the lobby and said something in cantonese then left, Mr. HK said that's our tour guide let's go. Strange I thought she didn't introduce herself or say anything to us but we trudged along behind her and hopped onto a bus full of Chinese people. Of course our tour was in Chinese and Mandarin no less, which Mr. HK doesn't speak.

We trundled along behind our group all day and eventually had a good time but at every stop as I watched the english speaking tours go by, I couldn't help but wonder, would they notice me if I slipped onto their bus and took their tour with them. Hmmm!

Please don't make me go back there.

2010-08-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

So for anyone who's reading this blog, you know that I had some serios reservations about where we were staying while here. The words budget and local chinese hotel are not in my vocabulary. Our host, Mr. C's friend insisted on selecting and paying for our accommodation and since he is notoriously cheap, I knew this wasn't going to be a good idea. Well I was right and on Day 4, Mr. C broke down and finally admitted it.

The hotel/backpackers paradise is a DUMP. The was designed for Chinese people and if you are over 5'5 and weigh more than 105lbs, this is not the place for you.

The closet we are sleeping in has two Chinese sized twin beds, which is smaller and shorter than a western twin bed, so everynight when we stretch out, our calves are dangling off the bed.

In the closet, there is a kid sized table and chair from which you can do your make up (me) or surf the net, obviously not at the same time. Cause we're in a suite, we also get a couch which I've refused to sit on unless there's a sheet covering it. Let's just say that the couch has probably been around since the start of the cultural revolution.

Now there is a tv in the room. Well really a computer monitor disguised as a tv but... All of the stations are in Chinese and i only know 4 words so it's kinda useless. There is an armoire, okay really a box you can put your clothes in but.. It's dark and I can't see what lurks inside so our clothes have never left our suitcase.

The bathroom is a special place. The toilet seat lid is broken and the seat itself spins cause one side is broken. You can sit on the toilet and brush your teeth at the same time if you so choose. Thankfully the bathroom is not a fully wet bathroom or you could poprobably take a shower while also sitting on the throne.

This morning as I stood in the shower trying not to hit my head on the exposed water pipes hovering a mere two inches from my head, I felt vindicated cause Mr. C admitted to me that I was right this place is a dump but that was after he found ants swirling around his breakfast pastries.

Guess where we're staying when we come back from Shanghai - not here.

2010-08-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Survival tip #2 - please bring your own napkins to the restaurant. Yes that's right you won't get any here. Apparently HKers bring their own napkins to the restaurant because for some strange reason that's no included with your meal.

Survival tip #5 - don't stand at the edge of the street waiting for the light to change especially if the building behind you is an apartment building. People throw things out of their windows e.g. Dirty water and garbage being just to name a few.

Survival tip #14 - if you have an empty seat at your table someone will sit in it. Now I haven't been to a fancy restaurant but I sure hope that doesn't happen there.

Survival tip #4 - please don't try to look cute or dress fashionably in 50 degree weather it just doesn't work. Get yourself to the nearest star bucks and park it for the day.

Survival tip #6 - don't to go to a Vietnamese restaurant to have salami, apparently in Vietnam salami is white.

The two Hong Kongs

2010-08-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

So on my 12 hour jaunt yesterday, I noticed a couple of things there are definitely two Hong Kongs. There is A LOT of money in this city and there is a lot of poverty here as well. In rich HK, Louis Vuitton stores are in every street corner and there are a lot of mercedes, maybachs and I've never seen so many rolls Royce in my life in one place. These people have real money and wear their designer duds with real class and boy the bling - Mags, when I hit the big time you me are sooooo coming here because you would LOVE this side of Hong Kong. All of the money people live in the hills where they've built these sprawling mansions which are all gated with armed guards nonetheless.

Then there's the other Hong Kong which live 6 people in a 600sq foot living area. They are largest producers and consumers of the dollar store shit that makes it's way overseas. They are made up of people from all parts of Asia and are the working staff of rich and privileged upper classes. They live in what we would call tenement dwellings, hanging the clean clothes out to dry in the polluted, smog filled air and living one on top of each other. These are the people who have mainly come in from the rural areas trying to make it in the big city, I think they are really trying to live the Hong Kong big city dream. I wonder how many of them make it.

My calluses have calluses

2010-08-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

So today I had a good old fashinoned meltdown in the middle of Kowloon. I had been walking for 12 straight hours non-stop, literally. I just wanted to go back to the hotel and lay down in my chinese single bed and let my poor tootsies hang off the edge of my 5'6 bed, when our intrepid tour guide said "Let's go the night market on Temple street". I just lost it.

Now I'm flexible and adaptable as the next person but... after 2 ferry rides, 12 hours of hard walking, up hills (HK is surprisingly very hilly with incredibly steep hills) through steamy back allys, a fly by of the landmark shopping centre - very civilized place where one could have at least had a cool and refreshing beverage - a quick tour of HK's financial district, a trip to stanley market, two city bus rides, 2 tram car rides, getting drenched (all the way down to my skivvies) in a pre-monsoon rainstorm, getting stared at some more and oh yeah, being soaked by gutter rainwater while waiting for one city bus, I had enough. I was looking forward to just putting my feet up and perhaps letting one of the street massage vendors, massage my well worn feet and all I could think was not another god-dammed street market.

This is not how I vacation. I was looking forward to taking lazy afternoon strolls on the promenade (not sure which promenade), stopping in at exclusive yet affordable boutiques to look for gifts for family and friends and lazily taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Tomorrow I don't care what's on the agenda, that's the trip I'm going out to find and hell yeah, I'm gonna let some strange lady touch my feet but it'll probably be the strange lady at the Yankee spa cause mamma can't come back home with calluses.

Please don't poke me with your stick

2010-08-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I've been somewhere where I'm in the minority. Let me tell ya here I am THE mother fucking minority which doesn't really bother me but please don't poke me with your stick cause I will poke back.

So we are staying in Kowloon which used to a cargo centre back in the day, so I would think that they would have seen some people of colour at some point in time buuuuttt maybe not so much. Everwhere we go Mr. C and I are pointed and stared at which is really quite amusing until yesterday.

Most people here seem to be at least 5'4 or 5'5 so people like my friend Scribe, here she would not have freakishly short arms and legs, she'd fit right in. But I digress. So yesterday we were taking a casual stroll on the boardwalk at noon in the 45 degree heat, 50+ with the humidity, when I was beset upon by a large group who had clearly never seen a Nubian beauty in all her rubinesque beauty, so after much gesturing i agreed to take a picture with them, probably to be taken back to their village to be used in some bizarre version of guess what I saw on my summer vacation.

It was all in good natured fun until the grandmother in the group pulled out a stick from her bag and decided to poke me and then seeing that I didn't react, she decided to pull at one of my braids. Well, it's all fun and game until some touches mamma's hair. Not wanting to be the cause of the breakdown in Chinese Canadian relations, I calmly reached into my handbag pulled out a pen, poked her with it and yanked on her hair.

See it's not so nice is it!

T

I'll have the Chinese choice please...

2010-08-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well we finally made it here to the big C, or rather the big HK. Fianlly after months of planning and painful shots we are here. We left our home at 7:30am and 24 hours and two planes later we landed in Hong Kong at exactly 7:30pm at night.

The flight from Toronto to Detroit was largely uneventful. Small plane, smaller seats, piss poor peanuts and not much else. After a painful 3.5 hour wait - painful cause Mr. C couldn't find a wifi hot spot and him without wifi is not a good thing- we boarded the plane for Hong Kong.

We settled into our seats, which were not much bigger than the ones from Toronto just a bigger plane with waaaaay more people, and were handed a meal card which outlined the meal selections western choice and a chinese choice. As the plane took off down the runway, I was finally excited cause I was about to embark on a journey the likes of which I might never experience again. Whooooo Hooooooooo! Oh Yes, I'll have the Chinese meal please!

Wordless Wednesday: A new day dawns

2010-05-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.

2010-05-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's time to change directions. It's taken me a couple of months to get to this point but I think that I finally get it - no more swimming upstream. I am exhausted. You sent someone to see me a couple of months ago and they told me what you needed me to do and I've been resisting because I felt that my way was better than the path that you laid out for me. I don't know why I doubted or why I thought that I could do a much better job that you. Today I finally got it and truth be told I'm exhausted cause it's tiring swimming upstream.

I'm putting it all your hands, I'm giving it all to you. I can't do this my way anymore cause my way ain't working, you're going to have to carry me for a while.

*******************************************************************************
Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to me, the other to the Lord.   

After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.  

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”  

 The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering, when you could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

When words just aren't enough...

2010-05-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

What do you say when words are not enough. There are cards and pithy sayings for every momentous occasion in life but what do you say to someone who has recently lost a loved one. What do you say to a parent who has lost a child.

A dear friend recently lost her son who I have never met, but have come know and love through the stories and pictures of him. Today was his memorial service and it was a beautiful send off for a much loved son, brother and friend.

It was an honour to have been there - Thanks for having me and allowing me to share in the celebration of Gus.

Feeling a whole lot brighter

2010-05-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

It's a new week so new tings-a-gwaan.

Excuse me for a minute, I just need to cry...

2010-05-08T02:27:00.000-07:00

Please note - This blog contains real life emotions and foul language so if this will offend, read no further. I'll be back to normal in a few.

Well this week has ended with a major fucking bang! I feel really shitty and in need of a good cry! In Month 5, heading into Month 6 of unemployment and all of a sudden it just feels like I'll never find another fucking job. I am so sick and tired of congratulating other people for the jobs that they've landed and trying to find really positive words to encourage those looking for a job.

I've run out of steam! I don't want to comb my hair, brush my teeth, shower or make witty conversation with people who call wanting to know why I'm not returning their phone calls. Well here's why fuckers - take it personal or don't take it personal I ain't talking to nobody these days. (Except Mags, Shoppers and G - who are really helping me from descending into sheer madness)

For some reason this month it's hitting me really hard and I just don't feel like doing anything other sitting on the couch in my jammies which is exactly how G found me earlier today. After listening to me wail about my miserable life, he sent me upstairs to put my game face on before we went across the street for a coffee and a good cry (Me not him).

So if you're reading this and about to call please note:

I'm not meeting anyone for lunch, coffee, dinner (certain exceptions apply - if you're wondering if you are the exception then guess what you're probably not)
I'm not talking to anyone other than a prospective employer right now (I've heard the pity in your voice and listened to your condescending remarks about why I'm not employed and all I gotta say is Karma is a mother fucker, you'll get yours bitch!)
I am not interested in doing your marketing work for free to keep my skills sharp (I have an hourly rate and I actually have clients so if you think it's too high - FUCK YOU!)
I'm not calling around to find a painter for you for since you think I have lots of free time on my hands
I am not going to pull the dandelions out of your front garden for $40
I am not interested in joining your Ponzi scheme
I'm not going to run by your house to feed your dog, cat, goldfish or water your plants while you are at a work event
I'm really angry and don't have any positive energy for anyone. Why don't you try pumping me up for a change?
As well meaning as your suggestion was, I will not submit my application to be a school bus driver or work in the school cafeteria.
If you are in any way, shape or form related to or resemble the spineless asshole that fired me (because he has no balls and is fucking his boss) I will run you over with my car.

Well I feel so much better now that I've said my piece, how about you?

Dear God. Are you listening it's me ....Mim aka Foxy Forties

2010-05-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was born on a Saturday at 9:56am so if I following the nursery rhyme is true, I have to work hard for a living. Well that just sucks the big one!

Hmmm... if I adjust the year that I was actually born and put in the year that I actually tell people...oh that's much better...

Monday's child is fair of grace....

Patience is not a virtue that I have inherited but I must be patient because all good things come to those who wait...or rather to those who stomp their feet and act like a child.....

Only 24 more hours...

2010-04-26T03:31:00.000-07:00

before this

and this

will be in my hot lil paws!

Sigh....

Should I or shouldn't I

2010-04-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about getting a personal stylist for a while now cause I'm thinking that I'd like to freshen up my look a bit.

Now I do't think that iI'm completely heinous in the fashion department but I could use some help maybe coming up with a couple great foundation pieces which I could mix and match into some fabulous outfits.

so now i ask myself will the juice be worth the squeeze?

Am I not worthy....

2010-04-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am getting really anxious and nervous and can barely contain my excitement. I am a MASSIVE J.R. Ward fan and her latest book LOVER MINE. I was online just now and saw that my local bookstore has 36 of them in store.

It's killing me cause I know that they are in the back stockroom and I'm just a few steps away from the book that I've been waiting anxiously to read.

I NEED THIS BOOK.

Dear Virgin Scribe... I can't wait for 12 days to get this book. You gotta hook me up today or tomorrow, I'll be in your debt forever.

I was scouring the 'net today looking for a spoiler, any spoiler to whet my appetite when I found a review by someone who got an advance copy and inhaled it (the way Butch inhales the Lessers)! They likened it to Acheron's book and I inhaled that several times over.

I WANT AN ADVANCE COPY. I'll review it and blog about it dammit.

Help me please, don't leave me out in the Fade...

With friends like these...

2010-04-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

You can really tell who your friends are when you're down and out. For the last couple of months I've been searching for a job and my lady friends have really stepped up and shown me their love. They are such an eclectic group of ladies but I love them for all of the ways that they contribute to my life so in no particular order

Thanks for being my friend Mags - You're such a good listener as you've patiently listened to me whining about all of the pretty things that I suddenly want to buy. It is fabulous that you've finally understood that the world revolves around me and only me! You really need to do something about your NASCAR addiction, not everyone loves Tony Stewart. By the way, the change is coming so get ready...

Thanks Shoppers (that's what I'll call you on the blog) - I've known you since I was a young and dewy twentysomething some two or three years ago. You make me howl with your stories about the Fruitarian & weekend road trips. It's fabulous that you share my love of Twilight, the Vampire Diaries and the importance of a good pension - I knew I liked you for a reason. I know that we're going to be friends until we're old and wrinkled :) Heck if the Fruitarian can have a well paying job, I know I can get one too! Love the support! BTW - How do you eat chocolate croissants and stay so slim...

Bless you Scribe - I swear woman you must have X-ray eyes or mood sensing radar 'cause whenever I seem to be really low, the phone rings and it's you. I really look forward to our coffee and convo - sometimes I think that you must be an earthly manifestation of one of my spirit guides. But then I look at those freakishly short arms and legs that I love so much and think...nah my guide's gotta be taller. No offence but...

Dreaming about you Doris.. - Well it's 40 below and I don't give a cluck....I will forever have Brewsters and Motherclucker burned in my memory. Because of you and ONLY you, I broke my hard and fast karoke rule (never sing in public) and laughed so much that night that it carried me through the entire weekend. Now if only I was coming to the DR with ya, honey. Have a Gran Ventana special for me...

Bella - My personal Heroine - Bella Swan's got nuttin on you chica! I wanna be just like you when I grow up. You are the most fearless woman that I know and always there with a helping hand and a ego boost when needed. How the heck did you learn so many languages... I can barely remember what I had for dinner last week.

Jacques - My oldest and dearest friend who knows me almost better than I know myself and although we don't live in the same city, you've always got my back and I have yours. I'm really hoping that sometime before I die we will both end up living in the same city or at least the same time zone. This year I hope all of your dreams come true.

If it wasn't for these ladies I would've gone 'round the bend a long time ago. Then again maybe I've finally gone around the bend to meet them too.

I have many things to be grateful for

2010-04-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Rainy days - now I don't have to wet my lawn - The neighbours were starting to give me the evil eye cause they were all out in their gardens last weekend and I was actually OUT enjoying the weather. To my neighbour who was out mowing his lawn on Sunday, you might wanna consider taking your Xmas garland down...It's April..I guess on the plus side, only 8 more months to Xmas.

A supportive,loving mate - All of my blog readers (all 2 of you) know by now I'm entering month 5 of looking for work and I'm on such a roller coaster of emotions, I'm sure Mr. C doesn't know who he's going to come home to meet... happy bubbly me or dark and twisty Ms. C. I'm looking for a fairly senior position and according to the experts, it takes about a month for every 20K you're looking for. I wonder if I should be factoring that into my salary negotiations...hmmm

New friends - GH and CLF have kept me company during some of the long days and are a constant source of humour for me. Now that CLF has found a job - yay for her! GH and I will continue with the time honoured Friday afternoon drink.

Travel plans - An upcoming trip to China for a good friend's wedding and a weekend in New York with Shoppers Drug Mart - as soon as I find a job - NY that is, China is on job or not :)

A snoring, farting, loving dog - Along with his horrible bowl manners - excessive slurping when drinking, crunching with his mouth open and burping in your face he seems to be developing a flatulence problem as he gets older. On a good day you hope it's a SD - Silent and Deadly one but sometimes it's LFF - Loud and Fragrance Free, so loud someone asked me once if I was farting while on the phone and I had to say it's my dog, but I have a feeling they really didn't believe me, thank god it wasn't a prospective employer...

Namaste

2010-03-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

I seem to be going through some kind of spiritual shift, awakening.

Ever since I was a little child, I've always had a fascination with the Hindu religion but when I expressed my fascination with the religion and my desire to experiment to my grandmother and father quickly quashed those desires.

Over the years, the feeling has raised itself several times and over the last couple of months I've felt a really strong pull to explore the teachings of the gurus and explore the wonders of Vedic meditation. For the last 2-3 months, I've been meditating every day or almost everyday and as I grow in my practise and become more confident in my chants, so does the desire to switch from Catholicism to Hinduism.

My dear grandmother passed away a couple of years ago and sometimes I wonder if she's looking over my shoulder while I'm in the lotus position chanting the miracle mantra from the Guru Vashista...

Desperate to go somewhere, anywhere

2010-03-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

That looks like this or,

like this,

I love little pussy

2010-03-14T13:57:00.001-07:00

Sunday Reflections

2010-03-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Some funny things that I found while surfing the net on a Wet n Wild Sunday

Saturday mornings

2010-03-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

So I'm relaxing, drinking my morning coffee, listening to the rain and wind knock against the window - wild yet strangely peaceful.

When suddenly I hear, the words that every woman wants to hear when they are relaxing. "What's for breakfast this morning?"

My morning reverie is clearly over.

This was a great week!

2010-03-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Nothing overly special happened but I had a great week.

I met an old friend

Heard a great joke

Celebrated a birthday

Got a phone call

Found a new blog

Had a Glass of Wine

Have a great weekend everyone!

My Vision

2010-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have a new job and new sources of income,

I love my job

I love the people I work with

I work with terrific, supportive people

My work takes me to interesting places

My bosses love my work

We work well together in an easy, collaborative environment.

My office is really nice and has a great view

My home office is in Mississauga or Toronto.

My work nourishes me spiritually, emotionally and financially.

I am paid very well.

I earn all the money I need and want.

I have plenty of money to spend and save.

I give thanks for my new job & sources of income.

I am open to what the universe is creating for me.

It is creating my new job effortlessly.

It’s happening for me now.

People who want to work with me are finding me now.

People who want to pay me money find me easily.

This or something better is now manifesting for me.

I am deeply grateful, for not only am I powerful and creative,

I am open and receptive.

So be it.

For so it is.

I send

this susbstance of love

to bless and prosper all who receive it knowing

it returns to me VASTLY MULTIPLIED!

The end (is only the beginning)

Counting my blessings!

2010-03-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

It was a really tough week last week, the lowest I think during this process of job searching. For some reason, I slid into a funk and felt like there was going to be no way out of this situation and no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to pull myself out of it.

Now believe me, I have no desire to go back to the place that I worked. It was a really toxic environment that was eating away at my spirit so I’m very glad that it is over. The thing that I miss the most is the paycheque! For a while I was toying with the idea of self employment but I don't think that the time was right for me to go down that road. I haven't closed the door fully on that yet but I need to have a steady paycheque for a while because I've got some other plans.

This morning when I woke up, I awoke with a new attitude - I'm determined to embrace all opportunities that come, I've surrendered to my job search to God and most importantly I'm counting my blessings. I've had some really good things happen to me over the last couple of months and I need to really acknowledge that

1. Blessing #1 - Mr. C has been really supportive and often has to talk me down off the ledge when I start feeling a bit anxious about this situation.

2. Blessing #2 - I have a great network of friends that have been incredibly supportive both emotionally and financially. One of my friends has even hired me on to work on a project for her company which has helped in topping up my severance.

3. Blessing #3 - I have been getting interviews. I seems to be averaging an interview every 1.5 weeks since I really started looking from the last week in January. I had initially thought this was pretty bad but after a conversation with a career counsellor, it seems that it is better than average. So I think I'm due for another interview sometime this week,

4. Blessing #4 - I've been able to devote a lot of time meditating, praying, reading , trying different visualization techniques and trying to focus on manifesting to get the position that I want and bring abundance into my life.

With all these blessings, I'm confident that something new and fabulous job wise is on it's way to me soon.

Nǐ Hǎo

2010-02-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

OMG - The dates have been set, and we're getting ready to purchase our tickets. We're going to China this summer!

Our very good friends are getting married this summer and we are so honoured to be going to their wedding. He's Chinese and she's Canadian so they are having a traditional chinese tea ceremony in Hong Kong and then a Canadian ceremony back here in September.

We were there the night he proposed so there is no way that we were going to miss either one of these ceremonies. We are meeting them in Hong Kong and then from there we are going to Shanghai and perhaps Beijing.

Ever since they told us two weeks ago, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on in advance of the trip. Mr. C is not prepping for anything he says he doesn't need to cause he's thinks he's going home cause he thinks that he's chinese.

Babe - Sorry to say but you're not!

My Get up and Go just got up and went

2010-02-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

To say it's been a while is a complete understatement. I don't even think anyone drops by here anymore but nonetheless I've got to get back into the swing of putting my thoughts down on a page again.

A lot has happened since I was last in the blogosphere - let's see.

1. I lost my job (not the worst thing in the world to happen to me - it was time to move on and I got to do it with a package - YEAH!)

2. Mr. C's Aunt passed away after a short but valiant battle with cancer. That really put the job loss into perspective.

3. I've become a lot calmer and more balanced (on account of number 1) which is a great thing because I've been able to take up a lot of activities that I otherwise would not have had the time to do. For example meditating - i've been doing that for up to 1.5 hours a day and it is a great stress relief and really keeps me focused while I look for a job.

4. I'm looking for a job and I feel really fortunate because I'm averaging at least one interview a week since I really started looking - I'm looking for a Director of Marketing position or a Senior Marketing Manager position in Toronto or in Mississauga so if you know of anyone hiring, please let me know.

5. I've got a contract that's bringing in some coin and helping keep my sanity and keeping the coffers topped up.

6. I've become a serial networker and have met some really cool people that I know I'll be friends with for a while. One of my goals every year is to meet new people and I've met some great people that I'm looking forward to developing friendships with.

7. I GOT A MAC - Whooo Hoooo! I haven't named her yet but she's never far from my side when I'm at home.

So that's it for now. I'll see you all soon.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

2009-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I was catching up on my blog reading this evening and my good friend Scribe wrote a post about her Xmas wish list and I really liked it so I decided to copy it and share it with anyone who still comes to check out this blog.

1. MacBook Pro 15 inch - In 2010 it's out with the old and in with the new. I'm done with PC, I've had enough of Vista, IE and the general frustration and bull shit that comes with being a PC user. I've been drooling over this for a while now and while it's probably not an ideal time to spend that kind of money on a new computer. I'm determined that this beauty will be mine.

2. A new gym membership - My subscription expires on Jan 5 2010 and I'm really quite proud of myself because not only have I managed to go to the gym all year at least 2 or 3 times a week but I also managed to work out with a personal trainer as well for the same length of time. It was a sacrifice but I'm stronger, faster and better than I was one year ago.

3. 10 more sessions with my personal trainer in 2010 cause my new plan is to drop 20 pounds by March 2010. See wish list item #2

4. Success in my new venture - More details to follow on this later but I'm asking the angels for their help with this one. I know that I'm going to be wildly successful but I need to exercise a little patience and I'm not really known for my patience.

5. A new and bigger bed. I listened to Mr. C when we bought our last bed and bought a Queen size when we really needed a King. There's not enough room for us all in there - TJ has started sleeping on the bed again and he needs a double for him alone.

6. A new blackberry to help with Wish List #4

Then the usual peace on earth, goodwill to men, yada, yada, yada. What's on your wish list?

It's been a while Biatches but I'm baaaack

2009-12-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

I needed some powerful motivation this morning to get up and out of bed :)

Lots of big changes happening in my neck of the woods but I gotta wait a few before I give you all an update. In the meantime.... I am back stronger, better, faster than before, kinda like Steve Austin.

Love Hurts!

2009-11-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to preface this and say this work is fictional. When I read it in class people immediately thought I was writing about myself.

Enjoy! Mr. C didn't like it so I'm curious to know what your thoughts are...
*****************************************************************

You love me. You want to protect me and have a family with me. I am your world. When you look at me, you say your heart races. You love the soft, slightly husky sound of my voice and you tell me you feel safe when my arms are wrapped around you.

When you look at me, I look at your brow, jaw, nose and lips to tell me what kind of mood you’re in. I listen to the timbre and pitch of your voice for the sound of any discordant notes. When you put your arms around me, I am afraid.

You push me into furniture and walls, down stairs and through windows, draw blood and break bones. You encourage the lies to cover the bumps and bruises from those who could see the real you. You don’t love me. You want to possess me.

Private Dancer

2009-11-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

This is a scene that I'm going to use in my book
************************************
She leaned against the bar, vodka mojito in hand, and looked out at the bridal party stuffing $5 bills down the male dancers’ g-string. Why on earth did I agree to come out with these girls tonight?

Since moving to Toronto 5 years ago, Vicky had completely reinvented herself. She’d lost 50 pounds, successfully established herself as a highly sought after freelance photographer, purchased a 1,400 square foot condo overlooking the lake, made a few friends and dated frequently. To her friends and family back home, she seemed to have it all.

She checked her watch and realized that if she left at that moment, she could make it to her condo with 10 minutes to spare before the opening montage of Saturday Night Live. As she looked up, the bridal party was hooting and hollering at the newest group of dancers making their way on stage so she picked up her handbag and left.

As she pushed her way through the crowds on the sidewalk on her way to the subway, one lone tear escaped but she quickly brushed it away. So she kept going - past the long line ups with the trendy people hoping to get into the clubs, past the patios with people spilling out onto the street and past the restaurants with happy couples sitting in the window.

Then, she saw him.

Spectators

2009-10-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Crunch punctures the white, foggy stillness.

Crackle calls the redolent treat from within.

I move though the veil towards her smile

A loud pop pierces the silence.

A furtive glance behind reveals

Silent ghostly spectators.

My heart gallops,

their ghostly aura remains

Unbroken, I am alone.

Pop, I hurry forward

Something cold touches me

I scream. They scamper. It falls.

As I run towards her now widening smile

I hear them ripping open their spoils.

Fashion maestro???

2009-10-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw him, he was eating a bilious looking bowl of broad beans. I stood in the doorway and watched with abject fascination as three beans were fighting their way out of his mouth while he attempted to shovel another twenty or so in. He summoned me forward, set down the bowl, jumped up and started to careen towards me hand outstretched.

He had a wore a dingy white shirt that had a big, wet stain above the left breast pocket, his pockmarked glistening jowls hid the knot of his tie and his shirt cuffs were rolled halfway up hairy forearms. His wrinkled, grey pants were too tight and two inches too short and but, surprisingly showcased the intricate Navajo design of the buckles on his boots - beautifully.

I stepped forward extending my arm hopeful that, at least, I was going to make a good first impression. As my dry, soft hand touched his slippery one – I wondered - How on earth did this man – Andreas Morton - rise to the top of the world’s most illustrious fashion empire?

Looking for Inspiration

2009-10-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

I wish that I could be so eloquent when I sit down to write my poem. So assignment #5 is going to be about poetry so I've been reading different styles and trying to find my own poetic voice. I recently read two poems that I thought I'd share. They are both by Maya Angelou and are profound in their simplicity

During the years when you knew nothing

And I knew everything, I loved you still

Condescendingly of course,

From my high perch

Of teenage wisdom.

I grew older and

was stunned to find.

How much knowledge you had gleaned,

And so quickly.

and then

During those earliest, dearest days

I did not dream that you had

A large life which included me,

For I had a life

Which was only you.

Dramaz!!!!!

2009-10-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

They dimmed the lights, turned up the music and over 300 people began to converge on the dance floor. The perfect time for her to slip away. She was trying to make her way through the mass of writhing bodies when, an arm snaked out of the crowd and pulled her in a different direction. Someone leaned into her ear and said,
“I’m taking you out of here. We need to talk!”

She recognized his voice.

  “Mark? Wha, Wha… What are you doing here? Stop I’m no-not going anywhere with you. Mark stop!”

Her cries went unheard over the music as he kept moving her towards the closest door. She tried to pull away but he purposefully pushed them through the crowd. The door slammed shut behind them and then there was silence.

“Why are you doing this? Why today?” she whispered brokenly.

   “I couldn’t stay away Chloe... Not today... Today should have been our day. This should have been our wedding reception. I love you and I want to be with YOU, so please don’t throw that away. Don’t give up on us.”

Her eyes widened as she stepped forward shaking

   “Throw it away? YOU GOT SUSAN PREGNANT WHILE WE WERE ENGAGED! YOU betrayed me. You BETRAYED US! YOU BROKE US! You threw us away. There is no more us…”

Mark looked at her with disbelief…

Honestly the pressure was just too much.

2009-10-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

I tried to jump on the technology bandwagon but it just left without me.

Such was the case with my twitter account. How the hell do people find time to tweet all during the day? Somedays it's just exhausting thinking about what I'm going to put in my blog. I found the pressure of trying to tweet about the interesting things in my life very hard - cause quite simply I just don't have enough going on to keep posting constantly. My tweets were beginning to look like this.

7:30am: Just waking up, rolling over to kiss Mr C and dog.
7:32am: Dog and Mr. C passed out due to morning breath
8:00am: Pervy neighbour trying to catch a glimpse of me in my skivies. God I really detest that man.
8:45am: Leaving for work
Noon: Going to eat lunch
5:00p: Going home now
6:30pm: Walking dog. Making Dinner, falling asleep in front of TV

So I decided to spare my 9 followers the horror of reading about the minutiae of my life and deleted my twitter account. Now I'm trying to decide about what I'm going to do about Facebook!

The Sound of Freedom!!!!

2009-10-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

So not the most creative blog title but, excuse me - I'm brain dead and sitting on the world's most boring sales call so I'm doing what I need to do - finishing my homework. So I have class tonight and I really struggled on this assignment. I am having performance anxiety!

After last week I didn't want to submit something that was the equivalent of a wet noodle. So I decided to write something about my favourite subject and the muse behind my blog - TJ.

Assigment #2

The Sound of Freedom

The sound of the front door slamming softly shook the house. They were gone. After weeks of plotting he’d finally found his opportunity to escape. While he was tempted to spring up and rush upstairs, he lay there quietly listening to the wooden floor boards and the walls settling in around him. After what seemed like an eternity, he noiselessly crept towards the stairs and looked up – half expecting to see someone looking down at him – but much to his surprise the door to the basement was open.

He took the stairs two at a time and burst out onto the main floor. It was a big cavernous room partially filled with furniture and long shadows with lots of hiding places to explore. He bounded over to the half-opened window, where he could hear the distant float of laughter and music and smell the blissful aroma of fresh baked bread. He could barely contain himself as he jumped around, howled and yipped excitedly. THIS WAS FREEDOM!

He was so caught celebrating that he didn’t hear the sound of the key fumbling in the lock of the front door, nor the soft creak as the door opened. In mid yip he turned and as his arctic blue eye met her nut brown ones, he knew he was in trouble.

So I had my trusty workplace editor Miss V review my homework and she made some really great tightening tips so I followed her advice. Again any comments would be appreciated.

I've decided to take the plunge and develop assignment number one into a short story.Now I have to come up with the rest of the words for it. Scribe I may need some professional editing assistance from you.

Just another post

2009-10-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm totally procrastinating right now because I'm supposed to be doing my homework. I even blew off the gym for this. I found this meme and thought it was really cool so I filled it out so that I can now go back to my homework.

Why did I sign up for this feckin class again? Oh yeah personal development.. Ok here goes

RULE 1- You can only say Guilty or Innocent.
RULE 2- You are not allowed to explain anything unless someone messages you and asks!
RULE 3- Copy and paste this into your notes , delete mine and type in your answers and tag your friends to answer this.

Here I go:

Asked someone to marry you? Innocent.
Ever kissed someone of the same sex? Guilty.
Danced on a table in a bar? Guilty.
Ever told a lie? Guilty.
Had feelings for someone whom you can’t have back? Guilty.
Kissed a picture? Guilty.
Slept in until 5 PM? Innocent.
Fallen asleep at work/school? Guilty.
Held a snake? Innocent.
Been suspended from school? Innocent.
Worked at a fast food restaurant? Innocent.
Stolen from a store? Guilty.
Been fired from a job? Guilty.
Done something you regret? Guilty.
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? Guilty.
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Guilty.
Pee'd yourself? Guilty
Kissed in the rain? Guilty.
Sat on a roof top? Guilty.
Kissed someone you shouldn't? Guilty.
Sang in the shower? Guilty.
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? Innocent.
Shaved your head? Innocent.
Had a boxing membership? Guilty.
Made a girlfriend cry? Guilty.
Been in a band? Innocent.
Shot a gun? Guilty.
Donated Blood? Innocent.
Eaten alligator meat? Guilty.
Eaten cheesecake? Guilty.
Still love someone you shouldn't? Innocent.
Have/had a tattoo? Innocent.
Liked someone, but will never tell who? Guilty.
Been too honest? Guilty.
Ruined a surprise? Innocent.
Ate in a restaurant and got really bloated that you couldn’t walk afterwards? Guilty.
Erased someone in your friends list? Guilty.
Dressed in a woman’s clothes (if you’re a guy) or man’s clothes (if you’re a girl)? Guilty.
Joined a pageant? Innocent.
Been told that you’re handsome or beautiful by someone who totally meant what they said? Guilty.
Got drunk in a bar and made out with a guy and a girl. Guilty
Had communication with an ex? Guilty.
Got totally drunk on the night before an exam? Innocent.
Got so angry that you cried? Guilty.

Question of the day?

2009-09-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Where were men like this when I was single and dating? - Sigh, slurp!

Innocence Lost, Paradise Regained

2009-09-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

I raised my hand, pointed the gun, closed my eyes and squeezed the trigger.

I wasn't prepared for the loud explosive boom; nor was I prepared to absorb the seismic force of the recoil as it rocked through my prepubescent frame. I dropped to my knees and covered my face but I could still hear the horrible sucking sound of the air being dragged out of the room; then the ear shattering sound of falling glass.

We could now clearly hear the cacophonous sounds of the looters interspersed with the sounds of bullets seeking, then finding their unintended targets. As we shrank back into the shadows – me clutching the gun, my grandmother clutching me – we softly began to recite Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd.

So peeps - I've done it. I've started to take a creative writing class to see if I've got what it takes to maybe write a book one day. I had an assignment where I had to describe a childhood memory in half a page with 12 font and that's what I wrote.

Thoughts???

When does a strategy become a stragedy?

2009-09-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

About 15 mins into a meeting if you work where I do....

I was sitting in a meeting yesterday listening to the buzzword king go on and on about setting a strategic course for the direction of the rest of the year activities. In 7 minutes the word strategy was mentioned 9 times and throughout the entire 60 mins he kept stressing that he wanted to keep the discussion focused on strategy and not about tactics - then he proceeded to get into the proverbial weeds.

It was at this point that the whole meeting devolved into a stragedy. Thanks for word Chris.

Between the low hanging fruit and being really determined to focus on strategy and not tactics I managed to write down at least 34 words that I could use to create a new meeting game that I'm planning on introducing tomorrow - buzzword bingo.

During one of his four soliloquies, I started surfing the web and came across a site that tells you how to create a bingo card from overused buzzwords. According to the site

Buzzword Bingo is a fun game to play during meetings at work (but don't blame anyone but yourself if you get fired). Each member of the team takes one card into the meeting, and discretely ticks whatever words on his card that your boss says during the meeting. Whenever a player achieves the agreed upon bingo (such as a line of 5, or two overlapping lines of 5), depending on how brave he is, and whether he wishes to keep his job, he can either stand up and yell "BINGO!" or give a more subtle pre-agreed signal to the other players.

Buzzword Bingo is of course popular for those working with software and computers, but there's nothing to stop you playing the game in other industries that are full of jargon... Although, if you do work in the nuclear-power or aviation industries, perhaps it might be better to forego the game, and actually listen to the meeting.

Advanced Rules: Most meetings involve a two way conversation with the boss. Skilled players, will steer the boss towards saying the right target words. In the "Advanced Rules" version, this is encouraged, but you may only claim words that you have not said yourself during the meeting. Thus the challenge becomes (1) to get your boss to say "Erlang" without saying it yourself, and (2) to survive the meeting without saying too many buzzwords and killing your chances. In this variant, you can also manoeuvre your co-workers into saying the buzzwords and reducing their chances of winning.

I downloaded the instructions and we are SOOO playing this tomorrow and I'm determined to be the first one to yell BINGO!!!!!!!!!!

I will never leave my house without makeup again......

2009-09-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

To punish myself I'm outing myself so that others may be learn. There is quite simply no excuse for it, especially cause I live with a major shutterbug so I've got to be on at all times. Trying to look all all cute in a club without a scrap of make-up on my face is not priceless.

Thank God - when I've got my act together I think that I clean up pretty nice :)

99 Red Balloons go by...

2009-09-15T18:30:00.001-07:00

Well my grand plan for tonight was something like this.

Come home, do some light vacuuming, finish the laundry, download some new songs on my ipod, make a fabulous dinner for Mr. C, walk TJ, go to the gym, read a couple of chapters from the latest Christine Feehan novel and settle in to watch TV while finishing the bottle of Crianza that we opened a couple of days ago.

Then I came home...

I started dinner and had just put the chicken in the oven when... there was a knock on the door... it was angelic-faced circus freak dropping off a bouquet of 99 red balloons ... the evening went downhill from here.

I then spent the rest of the evening running around trying to keep the balloons in check while, searching high and low for a piece of paper that was just determined not to be found, dealing with an angry LARGE dog who was not pleased to have missed his walkies, answering calls from telemarketers trying to sell me duct cleaning that I really don't need.

THEN to top it off, I kept getting emails from people at work asking me completely random questions about stuff that I REALLY don't care about after 5pm.

I'm heading to bed now hugging my bottle of crianza, only stopping to grab a straw cause that's how really classy people drink wine.

Later ya'll

I'm back or at least most of me is...

2009-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while but I'll be back to my regular posting soon. I'm so exhausted right now I'm about to fall over and while I'd love to use the excuse that Mags is using, I tend to fall asleep once I start taking my allergy medicine.

So I've been all over the world recently (well not really the world but most of the tristate area) and while I was there I saw a couple things that I coveted.

I tried this dress on and it looked fab - shoulda bought it but though it'd be too much clothes for partying.

Who am I kidding, I don't party... May have to order it online, unless... a trip to Buffalo may be in my future.

Tried these on and damn near broke my ankle walking to the mirror to see how good they looked and no big surprise here - looked fabulous.

Note to self take lessons from Mags the Queen of the CFM shoes...then order shoes online.

Absolutely fell in love with this bag but considering it costs more than my monthly mortgage payment, I figure it's going to be part of my wish list for Xmas 2018!

Unless I can find in on ebay in a couple of months for a much more reasonable price....

Thank You Gandhi

2009-08-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday - I had just come back after a particularly gruelling trip with Mother when I came home to find a young man tugging at the cable box which is at the side of my house.

As I approached him warily, I motioned to Mother to bring TJ out since the sight of my 100 lb dog, straining at his leash with his teeth bared is usually enough to send the most persistent door-to-door salesman running.

It seems that my neighbour had placed a call to the local cable company because they were having some problems with their tv signal and the sub contractors that the cable company sent out were complete cluckheads. In their zeal to fix the neighbours cable they cut mine off. WTF?

Three hours, 2 bottles of water (for them), a glass of white wine (for me) and a rather heated discussion later - the cable and the phone were back on but the internet was dead. I knew then that I had to make the call that I was dreading - I had to tell Mr C. that he would be offline for 7 days which was the earliest that they could get someone out to look at the Internet.

The conversation with him and his drive home were surprisingly short.

Mr. C came through the door guns (or should I say Mouses/Mice (sp?) ablazing ready to do battle. After exchanging pleasantries with Mother, a cursory pat for the dog and a brief kiss for me - he excused himself to go to the bathroom. On his way there he stopped to pick up the cordless phone.

He was in there for 30 mins and although he tried rather valiantly to keep his voice down, I could hear him speaking rather strongly to the person on the phone. By the time he emerged - he'd manged to get us 2 free weeks of Internet Service and most importantly a Friday visit from the cable company. Only 3 nights without the internet not the 7 that I'd been quoted.

Tuesday night (Night #1) was fine but Wednesday night (Night #2) as we sat there looking at each other - Mother, me, Mr. C - Mr. C, Mother, me (you get the picture) I realized that we needed help - we had to get access to the internet ASAP! I frantically searched for an unsecured wireless connection and much to my surprise there was a new unsecured network in the neighbourhood and it was called Ghandi.

As we both raced to log onto Ghandi and get back into the cyberworld - I wondered what would this peace loving, non-confrontal man think about this unlawful act on his namesake but then I found this quote from him which I thought quite appropriate.

As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it.
Mahatma Ghandi

You want to look at what... my lady bits?

2009-08-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of getting older is having to go for medical tests to make sure that your lady bits aren't about to fall apart. I recently had to have an exam done at a hospital downtown which happened to be a teaching facility. I was asked if I would mind if a trainee could sit in on the exam and perhaps examine me. I said sure I don't mind, everyone's got to start somewhere.

I had just changed in the flattering blue paper gown and assumed the position (ladies you know what I mean) ... when there was a knock on the door. I looked up and God walked in... at least that's what I thought. The doctor in training - Dr. McChocolate was the most beautiful black man I'd seen in a while - quite frankly he was gorgeous. I sat up and stared at him absolutely dumbfounded.

He had to have been in his late 20's early 30's, 6ft 2in and not a spare ounce of fat on his 220lb muscled frame. He had a closely cropped fade, small goatee, big strong hands, white teeth, big strong hands, chocolate brown eyes, a killer smile, big strong hands and my god he smelled good. I looked at my doctor and said - ya gotta be kidding. He kinda looked like Henry Simmons (left).

You really want me to expose my gorgeous but rubinesque body to this beautiful man - under the harsh, unforgiving fluorescent light where there was absolutely no place for the me or the cellulite to hide. I needed soft lighting, an airbrushing machine and a couple bottles of wine.

My doctor asked if I would mind if McChocolate did my workup -between you and me - I was already worked up. As I was prepped for the procedure, the nurse dimmed the lights (she musta read my mind), I lay back and she turned on the spotlight on my vajay-jay. As the doctors leaned in closer... McChocolate said we're about to put the speculum in and you may feel a slight pressure as I begin the procedure.

For 6 minutes McChocolate and the doctor poked, prodded and apologized as they went about their business in my business. As I lay there on the table I wondered how appropriate would it be to ask the nurse to take a picture of McChocolate and me in my blue paper gown...

Excuse me ma'am, can I show you my $68 panty...

2009-08-21T01:38:00.000-07:00

Now I've been known to spend a bit of money on clothes because I like to make sure that I look good without spending a fortune. Okay my fortune might seem exorbitant to some but... I don't smoke, drink or have kiddies so I buy pretty things when my heart desires... however I had to draw the line the other day at a pair of smalls aka undies.

I took Mother for a bra fitting the other day and hadn't planned on buying anything for myself but... a sheer black and pink bra called my name and well... my wallet answered. Being a specialty bra shop, I knew that the bra would be insanely priced and braced myself for that. At the end of my fitting the bra consultant (salesperson) asked me if I'd like to get the matching panties to go with it and I said sure... thinking if Mr. C was good tonight he might get to see me model the set.

When I got to the register, I really wasn't paying attention but when the bill was totalled, I almost had a heart attack - the matching panties were $68 dollars. Now they were very pretty and would go beautifully with my new bra but I just couldn't part with that kind of cash just so they'd match a bra.

The bra consultant valiantly tried to get me to take the matching panties but in the end gave in when I said to her... Lady if I buy these panties every time I put them on I'm going to have to out without pants to get my money's worth and you really don't want to expose everyone to these thighs.

Mr. C goes Bollywood...

2009-08-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Yup it's happened people - Mr. C has decided to embrace his heritage and returned to his roots. Well at least for one night...He met up with a few of his Bollywood peeps to have an "authentic meal" in Little India. If it's one thing that you gotta know about me is that I Lurve Indian food.

I fell asleep before he came home so with baited breath I waited to hear about all of the gastronomic delights and his rating of the restaurant. The conversation went something like this.

Mim: How was it? Did you enjoy it? What'd you have?
Mr. C: It was aiight! I had some biriyani and some other crap.
Mim: Was it spicy? Did you try something new anything that we can try sometime soon? What was the name of the restaurant? Would you go again?
Mr. C: Is the AC on 'cause it's hot in here?

That was the end of the conversation. Looking back I realized I probably asked way to many questions at once and he lost the plot or tuned me out. I would have been gushing about the meal, the presentation of the dishes, the spices, the smells and the overall experience. Oh well - he did bring home a souvenir from the night now I just wonder if he'll watch it with me.

Quite Simply - I'm fabulous

2009-08-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier today - I got asked to describe the essence of who I am in 160 characters or less. After wrestling with the politically correct thing I could say, I thought who am I kidding - I'm fabulous!

Some might say it's a little arrogant but quite frankly they can go and eff themselves because if I don't think that I'm fabulous and then best thing since sliced bread, I'm sure as hell not waiting on them to tell me who I am.

I've been finding and reading a lot of blogs in the blogsphere this week and I've been absolutely inspired by some that I've read and others... not so much. I'm still trying to figure out what direction I'm going to take this blog in but until that day comes, thanks to all who drop by and

Bikini .. Burquini...

2009-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article today about a muslim woman in France who was denied access to a public pool because she was wearing a burquini.

I'd never heard of this exotic swimsuit so after a quick google search here's what I found. A Burquini is a a two piece full length lycra swimsuit made up of pants and a loose A line top with a hijab head covering attached. Modest enough - to meet strict Islamic standards, but light fitting enough to enable the wearer to swim without encumbrance. (see pic on left)

This suit seems quite inventive because I couldn't image how much of a drag it would be to go to the beach on a hot day and have to sit there under a burqua. According to the french official they were saving the other swimmers from the food dropping, viruses, bacteria, sweat and bodily waste that clings to the fabric of the burquini. WTF?

He was worried that muslim women would run around town in their swimsuit running errands before heading to the pool for a quick dip and in the process transfer their germs the other scantily clad swimmers. I mean haven't you seen me at the supermarket in my tankini?

What a crock of pure, unadulterated shit! Pehaps the jackass had never been to a resort where people eat, swim, going to town and even going on horseback riding in their swimsuits. But I guess those swimsuits are stitched up with some germ repellent thread and because of their size, the germs have less places to hide.

Well to the Bigot who caused such a stir - that the interational news picked up this story -I say Thank You! Not only have you stirred up thousands of dollars in free advertising for the designer but you've educated some women on the fact that this wonderful suit is there.

For women that have been scarred or disfigured and have perhaps been unable to go swimming for fear of people staring at their bodies, there is hope.
For the women who are so sensitive to the sun that they can't expose their skin for large periods of time for fear of incurring 1st degree burns - there is hope
For those who have more than a few pounds they'd like to hide - there is hope
For those who exhibit poor taste in swimsuit selection - it should be mandatory

Now, not everyone has a body that can fill out a teeny gold bikini like my buddy Mags but Mags there's even a burquini available for you!
Just Kiiidddddinggggg!

Mac n Cheese, Collards and Fried Catfish...

2009-08-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

If you hear slurping sounds it's the sound of me licking my computer screen and it's not cause of this tasty dish.

It's cause of this tasty dish. His name is Van he is one of the chef's on this season of Hell's Kitchen and I've fallen in ~~lust~~ love with him and oh yeah... homeboy can cook.

God what wouldn't I give to go visit Hell's Kitchen one day during taping so that I could watch the king in action. Sigh... If asked I'd choose from the Blue Team's menu not cause the men are rocking 'tis season, but cause I'd know that Van was touching my food.

Tonight he threw down some collards that I just about licked the screen for. Hmmm - I could just taste the mac n cheese, collards and fried catfish that Robert and him prepared. ( I know it's not grammatically correct but let me tell you that dish was that good)

I keep waiting on them to come up with a story line around him but I think he's such a good cook that they're saving it until they get rid of all of the other idiots. I can't wait to see what they do with him next.

Van you've got a fan here in Toronto!

The things we do for love...

2009-08-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I was planning on writing tonight about Channeling your Inner Sexpot but I just had to stop, hit backspace, backspace, delete, delete, delete. (Sorry Mags)

Tonight I'm trying to watch "More to Love" which has been billed as the new dating competition show from Mike Fleiss ("The Bachelor"), and it follows one regular guy's search for love among a group of real women determined to prove that love comes in all shapes and sizes.

People I gotta tell ya people I didn't think it was possible but reality tv has hit an all time low.
WTF? Now plus sized girls need help finding love too. Thanks but no thanks - I've tried to find one redeeming quality in this show but there is none.

One plus size guy and 20 plus sized girl DOES NOT good reality tv make. Between the crying and the protestations of love for a guy that they've met twice, someone please pull the trigger and put me out of my misery.

I mean I love the fact that they're trying to show us curvy girls in a good light but hellooooo where'd they get these losers from? And the guy... holy crap what an insanely dull and boring loser! I even forced Mr. C to look at it with me and at the end he turned to me and said...

Now what're you gonna to do to give me back that hour of my life....

Where do you find the words...

2009-08-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Some dear friends of mine are going a very difficult time in their life right now. They are in a battle to save their child and every so often they get thrown a new challenge that would rock anyone to their core.

I spoke to another friend tonight and she asked what do you say to someone in that situation and that got me thinking... There are a multitude of platitudes that you can say at a time like this but they all seem so inappropriate...although well meaning.

Although I don't live very close to the family and I'm not as close to them as others. If I could, I would reach out and just a rest a hand on their shoulder to let them know that I've joined the ranks of those standing behind them giving them strength and love to carry on...

Buyer's remorse... I don't think so

2009-08-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Before we bought our house we were told to expect some sleepless nights cause we'd feel so overwhelmed by buyers remorse - did we make the right decision, should we have chosen another house, how are we going to pay off the mortgage. Apparently buyer's remorse takes many different forms, most of them typified by a high level of anxiety, usually about having made the wrong decision.

I felt none of that, in fact I was so excited I couldn't wait to start decorating and could barely wait the 8 months to get the house. In fact I think the only sleepless night throughout the whole process was whether or not the house would be ready on the closing date and would my cabinets be stained the right colour.

Mr. C, Mother and I went shopping yesterday. We went to the mall cause I'm going to be buying my first apple computer in the next couple of weeks/months. I saw what I wanted online and just wanted to buy but Mr. C is the type that he has to research the heck out of a purchase before he commits - kinda like squeezing all the juice out of a lemon.

He is mystified that I can plunk down that kind of cash and not even blink. It got me thinking is Should I feel bad, should I be tossing and turning at night thinking about the impending purchase? Well I am anxious alright, I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my newest toy...

I've gotta say I've never really felt buyers remorse about anything that I've purchased... Well there was that one pair of pants that looked good front but far from good from the back...

We're okay... we've just got some trust issues...

2009-08-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

I really ~~love~~, ~~lust~~ like you!

Dear Jillian,

You don't know me, I'm TJ's Mim - earlier this spring I found myself watching The Bachelorette for the first time in ... years, or at least not since Meredith chose Ian and chickie although I don't like these relationship shows - I liked your style and I could feel your desire to find - The One.

You had quite a dramatic night/day when you picked Ed- gosh Jill, you woulda had three proposals if Kiptyn ever got around to pulling the damn ring out of his pocket. I guess it's every girl's ~~nightmare~~ dream.

Pssss Jilly....I'd have picked Reid cause gosh darn it - I think he was the real deal - but I respect your decision cause Ed does look like he has his shit together and a girl needs a little $ecurity cause love only goes so far.

Girlfriend, what is going on... your bizness is alllll over the net and people are talking about the latest with you two. Who are these two bitches that are now saying they been with your man after you said I do - WTF?

Jilly - girlfriend-to-girlfriend- yo boy sure has some drama going on that you really don't need to get caught up in. Now I'm not going to tell you to leave your man but honey... you had a problem with him in the fantasy suite ..nudge, nudge, wink, wink and now this. I'm not liking where this is heading.

Honey, I'll admit I've been cheated on in relationships and I've cheated in relationships and as a result I've got some trust issues that quite frankly I ain't ever or don't ever want to work through. But this thing with Edward is sooo new and you're having so many issues already - Do you really know the guy you've picked?

When I was younger and more svelte, I remember saying if a man ever cheated on me he'd be out the door. Well now I'm a bit older and slightly rubinesque and it's a bit more of a pain in the ass 'cause you've got assets, animals and other things to consider. But at some point in time you've got to throw your hands in the air and say - FU Asshole - I'm soooo outta here!

Sweetie let me tell you - relationships all have high and low points and in the beginning the highs should far outnumber the lows. After you've been together for a while - boredom sets in - and you may feel you know everything there is to know about each other and you've become accustomed to having each other around. Sometimes, this can lead to infidelity. If your man looks like he has his shit together the bitches will flock to him and honey the male ego is such a fragile thing, they can't resist.

So the way I see it you have three options

1. You can lay low and work shit out and honey although you can forgive him - don't evah forget!

2. You can call it off now - it's early days and you don't have any ties - financial or otherwise as yet. Emotional ties can heal really quickly (it's called the rebound guy)

3. You can play what's good for the goose is good for the gander! Men tend to assume that while they're out "playing" the woman's sitting at home. If they're out til three am they shouldn't take it for granted that you've been home sleeping, you catch my drift Jill.

Take care of you Jilly Bean (and honey give Reid a call :))

I've got that not so fresh feeling...

2009-08-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've got a problem and so far it's not too serious but I sometimes wonder am I the only person who feels this way.

I consider myself to be a halfway decent cook and I think that Mr. C would agree. I like to experiment sometimes and like to take great pride in making sure that my food looks, smells and tastes appealing. I like to use my "good dishes" quite often and I'll set the table formally for dinner at least once a week - on Sunday's generally.

However, I've got a serious problem with leftovers. There's something about food that's been re-heated past one day that really turns my stomach. I can't stand the smell of it, the sight of it or the taste of it.

I listen to people who talk about cooking on a Sunday and then not having to cook again until Thursday or Friday and I think - how efficient and THANK GOD I don't live with them. Past one or two days even the best tasting meal loses it's appeal. I've tried to figure out why this is a problem and I think it's cause of what happened to me as a child.

My paternal grandmother was a fabulous cook and she cooked every day. My mother did not. My granny made every meal super exciting and oh so tasty. My mother did not. Granny was a fabulous baker who never measured a thing. My mother - not so much. Granny taught me how to cook and bake and my mother did not.

Now don't get me wrong - it's not that I don't love and appreciate all of the things that my mother has done and continues to do for me but she has no idea of about to cook just enough food for two days. She's been staying with me for a few weeks and I think that she's starting to get bored.

On Monday we decided to make a big Sunday dinner and I gave Mother the recipe for a casserole that I've made many times before and I knew would last for 2 to 3 days. I went outside to water the plants and when I came back and looked in the oven where there should have been one dish there were two.

Mother added some extra ingredients to "spice up" the recipe cause she felt that it could have used a little "help". In addition to the extra ingredients, she decided that she should double the recipe because the one dish would clearly not be enough for three adults and one dog. In absolute frustration I left Mr. C to deal with her while I continued to water the plants. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind but instead of overcommunicating - I decided to focus on something else instead.

At the end of the day, the pie was baked and it was okay but now we be eating the casserole until Saturday. I can feel my stomach churning already and the bad memories of not-so-fresh food returning.

Let Sleeping dogs lie...

2009-08-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Mr. C and I have a fur baby TJ aka Bobo who is the muse behind my writings. While we both love and adore Bobo we've got a bit of a problem because ....he doesn't know he's a dog.

Bobo is a large 100 pound dog (who thinks he's human) with light blue eyes and a wide toothy grin only which can only be rivaled by one underwear loving Kao. I think that he may be a little spoiled....

In Bobo's world Mr. C aka poppa is the alpha who he has the utmost respect for. "Mim" is his playmate and his momma. She is also the one who gives him the most yummy treats but Grammy aka Mother is the LOVE of his life. When Grammy comes to visit, he spends all of his waking moments and many of his sleeping moments with her - both Mim and Poppa are simply ignored unless it's time to eat or go for walkies...

Last night Grammy and Bobo had their first fight and it was quite traumatic. Grammy is staying in the blue bedroom which he considers to be his and she got up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom and he decided he was going to stake his claim on the bed. He doesn't normally sleep in that room at night cause it's his sun room during the day while he waits for us to come home from work.

Apparently he lay across the bed so that she couldn't lie down comfortably and when she tried to get him to move, he growled and bared his teeth at his beloved. Grammy got scared and decided not to move him. She then decided to spent the rest of the night in a chair in the study. At 4am when I got up to use the facilities, I heard a noise and checked the bedroom and found her in the study and Bobo splayed across the bed. (No... he doesn't wear a nightgown to bed)

I attempted to move him and was treated to the same grumpy old man behaviour cause if it's one thing he hates - it's to be moved while he's trying to catch some zzz's.

After much moaning, wrangling and snapping of teeth (mine not his), he was off the bed and out of the room. He looked so hurt that he could barely looked at his beloved as he walked out of the room. Mother - forgetting that she was about to spend the night in the chair because of a dog - wanted to go after him and comfort him but I assured her that he'd be fine.

After getting her settled and getting me a drink of water, I went back to my room only to find Bobo splayed across my side of the bed on his back, legs in the air, looking at me askance from one eye as if to say - Biatch bring it on!

I guess this means I don't have to talk to you anymore

2009-07-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

That's what Mr. Computer aka Mr. C said when told him I've started a blog. That plus "don't put our business on the street". I keep wondering what business do we have to put out there. We've got a lot of electronics that I'd like to put out but no other business that really belongs out there.

There are two adults and one rather large dog (who thinks that he's human) that live here (aka "the barracks" according to Mr. C) and I'm ashamed to say we have more than 5 working computers at the barracks at any given point in time.

Although I'm a fabulous multitasker even I can't use two computers at the same time. Mr. C is a one task at a time kinda guy (love ya babe!) and most times he's only on one computer at a time. So if Mr. C is on the #1 and I'm on #2 other - does that mean that TJ's working on #3 through 5?

I've never seen it myself but since he's got four legs, I can only imagine that he's probably using his front paws for #3, his back legs for #4 and for #5 - he's really quite adept at using his tail to move objects around so a keyboard is no big deal.

Earlier this week #4 suddenly and rather unexpectedly passed away. A moment of silence please............ Ok so #4 went back to the big CPU in the sky and after a brief but poignant service, I was dispatched to Geek Squad to see if there was anyway to resuscitate him.

Unfortunately - after extensive probing, the news was not good. With a heavy heart I called Mr. C and had to break the news that #4 was just not worth $$ fixing. My suggestion which was agreed to at that time - Clean the hard drive and donate it someone who can give it a better home.

I gathered my thoughts, prepared my best arguments and counter arguments and proposed to Mr. C that we should also perhaps put #2 #3 and #5 up for adoption and let's replace #4 with a Mac which we both can share. That would then mean that we would be down to 2 machines - #1 and #4b. You'd swear I'd asked Mr. C to go without his BB for a week. (we'll save that for another post)

We discussed my proposal back and forth for hours (probably seemed like hours to him - more like 15 mins for me) and I'm not sure how it happened but it appears that we're going to be trying to fix #4 and we're going to add #6. What the heck happened to my well rounded argument? Where's #6 going to go and who's it for?

As I type Mr. C has announced to all present in the room - Mother, TJ, #3 and #4 and me that -"this is the perfect weekend to buy some electronics"

God help us all!

Dora the Explorer!

2009-07-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

Is my name that difficult to pronounce?

Today I had someone call me Maura and I wondered how on earth could you get Maura from Rhonda. hmmm!!! To be honest I think I made them nervous so they just blurted out the first name that came to mind. I just have that effect on people, sometimes.

To be honest it's never really bothered me because when someone's mucked up my name it's either
a) Someone that I really don't give a shit about or,
b) Someone who's calling me to do something I really don't want to do anyway.
But it got me thinking why Rhonda - why not Sally? I did some research on my name and found out that it is of Welsh origin and means - "Good lance" or "noisy" and it was popularized in the US during the 1960's by the Beach boys with their song "Help me Rhonda" (which I personally hate, so please don't sing it to me.)

There are 11 varations on my name which range from LaRhonda to Rondelle (trust me when I say I got the best of the variations). So it got me thinking why Rhonda and why not something exotic Alexandra or Zoie. Mother is in town for a couple of weeks, so I decided to ask why and the convo went something like this:

Me: Why'd you name me Rhonda?
Mother: Well your maternal grandmother wanted to call you Rosemary and your grandfather wanted to call you Sandrine.
Me: Huh? No I asked why'd you and Father pick the name Rhonda?
Mother: Well your grandmother liked the name Roger and if we had a boy that was going to be his name.

At this point in time, I got up to pour myself a glass of wine - because it appears that this was going to be a loooong conversation.
Me: Oh that's a nice boy's name!
Mother: What's the problem don't you like your name - I picked it cause I liked it and after all you were born close to Christmas and we wanted to have a saints name we used a variation of St. Nicholas for your name.
Me: I never said I didn't like my name it's just that I'm curious as to to why that name. I never ...ah knew... that Rhonda was a variation of Nicholas
Mother: You are not listening to me! I said I knew a lady named Rhonda and I liked her name. Quite frankly you should be happy I saved you from a life of ridicule because your father's mother wanted to call you - Dora!
Me: Thank yoooou Mother!
Mother: I thought that you'd see it my way. When are we leaving to go shopping?

While Dora is my niece's favourite tv character I couldn't imagine what it would have been like to have grown up as Dora in the 70's and 80's. So when I sat down to take stock of all of the different ways that my name has been written or mis-pronounced

honda
Randa
Rohonda
Rohondah (how the heck do you pronounce this)
Rounder (I know that I could stand to lose a few pounds but really is it necessary to point it out)
Brenda (usually said by people for whom English is not their first language)
Brenna (same as above)
Rolonda
Rawlanda

It's really not that bad cause it could have been a WHOLE LOT WORSE!

Waiting in the dark

2009-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

My cousin told me this the other day and it really resonated with me. It reminds me of something someone else told me back in April that continues to stay with me.

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do no see the one which has opened for us.

I don't want to be one of those people who keeps looking at the close door but I constantly find myself constantly having to remind myself to STOP LOOKING AT THE CLOSED DOOR!

I'm a little bit in the dark right now waiting for the pin prick of light to appear so I can move in the right direction. It's so hard because sometimes I feel like the powers that be can't see or hear me waiting impatiently in the dark alone. So I'm sending out this simple prayer to you Dear Lord asking you to protect and watch over me while I wait in the dark

Because he loves me,
I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation

Amen

Ouch I hit my Weenis!

2009-07-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll,

Well I think i've figured out what's wrong with me - I'm going multiball and i'm not even on those meds yet. In addition this morning I hit my weenis - Ouch what a way to start the day!

Last night I had some pretty violent dreams - I was street fighting in the slums of Mississauga and I was getting my ass kicked left and right. No matter how hard I tried some soccer mom in a mini-van get cutting me off, it was horrible - no wonder I woke up in a foul mood.

After the bad dream and the weenis incident I was in an absolutely fabulous mood heading to BFL. Needless to say I was an absolute bear in the office. According to Mags - she thinks I have officitis - I know I was trying to create Kittywompus.

I'm normally a very agreeable and likeable person but I know that they were glad to see the back of me today.

Heck I was glad to see the back of me today!

For the love of television

2009-07-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

There are a few good shows on television this summer that I'm following

1. Tuesday night Hell's Kitchen - God I love Gordon Ramsey! He calls it like he sees it and is not afraid to light a fire under the contestants arses! The show started with a bang tonight with one of the contestants losing control.

2. Sunday Night True Blood - Sookie Stackhouse is the bomb! This paranormal drama is loosely modelled after the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse series. Alan Ball has done an amazing job of bringing Bon Temps Louisana to life - the characters leap off the screen and have gone far beyond what Harris pre-ordained for them. This is one series where the TV show outshines the book.

3. Monday Night Nurse Jackie - Edie Falco rocks as the dysnfunctional, drug addicted nurse working in a very busy hospital - it's early days but it looks promising.

4. Sunday Night Hung - It's kinda out there. A high school coach who is a well hung gigolo - ahmm, i don't know

5. The Bachelorette - It's over and she chose the wrong guy. I'm gonna go on record here and say it's not going to last - She shoulda picked Reid!

6. Sunday night Entourage - Ari, Vince and the boys are back and hotter than ever.

Am I going to look at the fat guy finding love! Sure why the hell not - I'm an equal opportunity TV watcher.

Yay for summer TV!