The obvious post on Dec. 31/06

I've been thinking for the last week or so about some resolutions. Some are big, and some are small, but all of them are an attempt to make me a better person one way or another. (picture is of me thinking... and Halia when she was a puppy...) Here they are:

Keep going to the gym - Billy said last week to me that the hard thing about going to the gym is not starting, that's easy, it's continuing to go. He's so right. I'd actually like to in good enough shape to feel confident in a bikini by May. In hand with this of course is eating better, more veggies, less chips, and lose weight. 20 lbs... lofty...

I will make efforts to be a better wife. More fun to live with, more spontaneous, (can one make an effort to be more spontaneous?), appreciative, and attentive. I have the best husband in the world, and he should feel like it everyday.

Sell at least a house a month. Sell smarter, with less work. Learn to weed out the wastes of my time, and be a better listener to my clients' needs. Keep in touch with past clients, and ask for referrals.

Take more pictures. I've always love picture taking, and now that I have an awesome camera, I have no reason not to. Post a picture everyday, that's fun...

Keep my car cleaner. It drives me nuts to have a messy car, yet it happens so easily.

Dress nicer. I have some nice clothes, I should wear them more often. At home, I'd like to wear nicer loungies, (perhaps not bright orange joggies with a baggy non-matching sweatshirt).

Speak better, swear less, and stop sounding like an uneducated redneck.

Read a classic novel every month. That doesn't sound too tough, unless you know how painful these books can be... Also watch more classic movies. (Funny that some of my favs are classic, but I rarely make the time to watch ones I haven't seen)

Spend more time with family and friends. Be a more active, positive part of the kids' lives.

Kayak at Point Pelee. Perhaps invest in a kayak.

Wear make-up more often and do something with my hair. In general, I need to make more efforts with my looks.

Recycle more, (if possible) use less and tread lightly on the world.

Be more careful with money. Stop spending money on things I don't need like Tim's coffee, gossip magazines, and groceries that we won't eat.

Break 85 at a reputable golf course. Practise putting, go to the driving range and work on pitching, chipping and sand shots every week. Also buy real golf shoes, (sandals are limited by the weather...).

Don't judge people, stop getting caught up in other people's drama, and learn to ignore bad behavior. I think it'll make be more carefree and happier.

Of course there are more that I can't think of right now. I've read that people that write out, review and share their goals are exponentially more likely to succeed. We'll see. If you ask me how I'm doing with my list, you'll only help me succeed! Happy New Year Everyone! (the three of you that read this...)

Good things about the holidays

This time-in-between Christmas and New Year's Eve is a holiday for me. Luckily I have chosen a profession that allows me to continue enjoying this childhood luxury. (Sadly this profession also doesn't always pay very well... however...)

There are some great things about the holidays that you don't find any other time of the year, (at least not with any consistancy...) Here are a few of my favs:

Charlie Brown Christmas - This to me is the absolute best Christmas program ever! It has a great message, (appearantly over-commericialization of Christmas existed in the 60's as well as today...) great music, (yes I know that the dancing is added in as fluff to make the show 22 minutes long...) and enough cheese to last the whole year. When the Charlie Brown Christmas show is on, you know that Christmas is near, and you can recall your childhood anticipation. Wonderful!

Christmas movies - I love the simplicity, the cheese, and the warm happy endings. Favs include: Christmas Story, White Chritmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, (TV show and movie...) It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and Sound of Music, (that may not qualify, but it is always on this time of year...).

Christmas music - lovely in small doses. Adds to party and festive atmosphere. Favs include: White Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Christmas Wrapping, Baby It's Cold Outside, and of course more...

Satellite programing - At no other time of year, can you regularily find movie marathons. Christmas Day I saw that there was a Star Trek marathon, (Oh, I seriously wish I saw that... I've never seen the entire 'Search for Spock') James Bond marathon on SpikeTV that lasted for days, (I finally saw the beginning of 'You Only Live Twice'...). It reminds me of the year my dad received the Godfather box set, and for 2 Christmases in a row we watched all three movies in one day... (hey, red is a festive colour, blood is red... you see the connection...)

I should mention that people are more likely to get off their couches and visit people. People have time off work, Christmas bonuses, and are generally in good moods. Some anxiously await the promise of a new year to make a change within themselves.

I'm only sad that this season is ending, and soon it will be back to reality. I'm still working on my resolutions.

OCD and me

I really don't have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Well, maybe just a paired down version - undiagnosed of course.

Today's plan, as most Fridays, is to clean the house. I have to clean the house on Friday. I can't leave any part of it until Saturday, and I can't start on Thursday. If I have something I have to do on Friday, then I won't clean the house until the next Friday.

I also have to walk the dog in the morning, (if it's not raining, and if she's here and not at Billy's mom's...) and get to the gym before 8:30 am. If I can't get to the gym before 8:30 am, (except Saturdays and Sundays, my OCD takes a break...) I won't go. Simple as that.

So this morning I drag my butt out of bed and take the dog for a walk. Right on time, lots of time to walk the pooch and make it to the gym.

On the way to the gym, I decided to stop at Home Hardware to buy hangers, new headphones (to make cardio more bearable), and a small recycle box. My mentality was avoid sweating all over the store, so go there first. All good, only 8:15 am!

On my way out, I bumped into a guy that I used to see around town a lot, (a time when if you wanted to find me on a week-end, check out a local watering hole...). He talked and talked and talked as I stood outside the car, nodding politely and occasionally throwing my 2 cents in. Ahhh, doesn't he know I'm on my own personal insane self prescribed schedule? Ahhh!

At 8:45 am I headed home with my new headphones that have yet to see a gym...

Good stuff

I want to now talk about some good stuff. Christmas was awesome and I totally made out like a bandit.

Some of the highlights include:
A new digital camera - I no longer have to run next door to borrow my mom's.
A new Odyssey putter - I no longer have any excuses for putting poorly.
Miracle perfume - I love that Billy can go and pick out perfume for me.
Dance Dance Revolution - Good God that game is fun, and yes, I am 33 (Billy plays it too, and he's 40!)Also Leisure Suit Larry for PS2 - that game is wrong on so many levels!
Some great clothes - Awesome outfit from Ricki's.
Golf balls and club organizer - We now need a garage organizer...
Wine decanter and aerator - no longer have to use a ziploc bag and kool-aid pitcher.
Some decorative things for our backyard.
Tanning gift certificate, bath and shower items and more!

Obviously it was a great Christmas

I also was brave enough to hit the mall on Boxing Day. It was busier than any day during the Christmas season. The sales were great, but I had to stay focused. I only wanted to purchase a party shirt for next year. I ended up at the Bay and in the designer dress area I tried on a few dresses that appeared to be on sale, as well as a party shirt. There I found a nice 3/4 length purple dress (usually purple is not my colour, but this one was really nice. When the clerk checked the price for me, it was only $9.99 - needless to say, it is hanging in my closet... In the men's department I found jeans and a shirt for my brother regularly $49.99 and $29.99. I picked up both for a total of $15.49! It was definitely worth fighting the crowds! (the Bay was empty!)

We're trying to get something going on for New Year's Eve, although Billy is on call, and we would prefer to stay at home. A couple of friends over would be perfect. A nice dinner, some interesting snacks, good wine or fun cocktails... what a way to begin a New Year. I've been thinking hard about resolutions. If anyone is looking for some inspiration, check out this site. I'd love to hear your resolutions - I think it really provides insight to who you are, and who you'd like to be!

Review part two

One of the attendees at KP's annual Christmas party is a wife of a friend of ours. I like this woman on many levels. I think she is intelligent, interesting and a bit strange. She stated at least 4 times that night that she is very open and sees no need to censure herself. Well, that is great, but she can come off as a complete b!tch.

That night, I wore nice dress pants, fancy high heel black party shoes and a red blouse with spaghetti straps that is low cut and at some angles can make me look pregnant. (you know the type) It is a party, and like I mentioned earlier, I want show effort and I want to look festive.

When this woman arrived, I was seated at kitchen table. She walked in greeting everyone and when she saw me she stopped, looked me up and down and said with a pissy look on her face,

Stupid comment #1
"You look cold."

What I wanted to say, "hmm, you look fat."
What I said after a pause, because everyone turned to look at us, "no actually, I'm quite comfortable."

Now she was dressed nicely, and her shirt was actually more revealing than mine, but hers had sleeves. Later she said to me many times that I looked great, she wishes she could wear a shirt like that, and that she 'admired my confidence'. Whatever.

I also should mention that she announced that she was too busy to prepare a snack, and tossed a wrapped wheel of Brie (with the price tag) on the kitchen counter. Great, what are we going to do with that?

Later that night I was talking and must have been gesturing with my hands, because she interrupted me and said, 'oh, let me see your nails..." I told her that I'd rather not, as they were acrylics that were put on weeks ago for the gala, and they didn't look very good. She insisted and pulled my hands to her and said,

Stupid comment #2
"They wouldn't look so fake if they were painted a better colour, like mine, look I have a nice French manicure done"

What I wanted to say, "yes, they are the only nice thing about you."
What I actually said, "yes, you're right, but this is the only colour I have." (a very, almost white, pink)

At another event, at Billy's old hang out, I was talking with a woman who has been friends with Billy for years. I commented that they have a crazy time approaching, and asked her if she was ready, as her 'husband' told me the day before that they were having 23 people seated for Christmas dinner, and 15 staying the night.

She looked at me with a little disgust, and said,

Stupid comment #3
"Jesus! Has fu(king 'Bob' invited everyone to our Boxing Day party?

What I wanted to say, "I don't know, but he invited us because he likes me, and incidentally thinks I'm hot."
What I actually said, "oh, no, I was talking about your huge Christmas dinner."

She kind of faltered a bit. Do people think before they speak?

At the girl's Christmas get together which Billy and I crashed for an hour, there was a few jokes about us being there not invited. It was funny, and I even joked about it myself. The fact of the matter is that we weren't going to be there all night, imposing on their conversations, drinking their booze or eating their food. We made it known we were just going to be there for a few minutes. They thought it funny that Billy was hanging with the girls.

I was seated next to a woman whom I don't know very well, but Billy always has had really nice things to say about her. I noticed that she had on really cool, colourful socks, (I'm a big fan of stripped and patterned socks of late) and I commented that I really liked them. I then asked the woman on my other side if she was a fancy sock kind of girl, and if she had seen 'Barb's' socks. She said that she is not, and had not seen Barb's. I then, just trying to make conversation and be nice, leaned over to 'Barb' and asked her to show the other woman her socks. She leaned in close to me, and quietly, and evenly said, before turning away from me,

Stupid comment #4
"I'm not here to talk about my socks."

What I wanted to say, "oh, obviously you are here to be a b!tch"
What I actually said, "oh, of course, sorry."

I was so stunned by her rudeness, I sat there until Billy noticed that there was something wrong, and asked me if I was ready to go. I was.

I realize that the above comments are not a big deal in the scheme of things. I know that these people probably did not intend to be rude or single me out. I just don't get why some people behave poorly. Just because it may be one's nature to 'call it as they see it', doesn't mean that they should say anything. I am a bit sensitive, which means that I take some comments to heart, but it also means that I try to be considerate of others.

Some people suck. Oh well, lessons learned and cynicism gained. It will only make me a better person. I guess, we'll see.... more holiday posts to come...

Let us review...

So much to discuss, ponder and deliberate, (especially with my ability to over-analyze). I should first mention Christmas was awesome. I hope everyone had a good one!

Okay, let us start at the beginning, (a very good place to start). Below is a quick overview of 3 of the parties that I attended of which become the background for future posts... I should have started this weeks ago, so there shall be multiple parts, addendum's and appendixes, if time allows...

Christmas Party Background

The Christmas parties in general were fantastic. A great opportunity to see friends, co-workers and family at the most lighthearted and fun time of the year. Everyone is kind, generous and considerate of others... or not. Perhaps they are petty, jealous, and shallow. (Rude comments in the next post DD, I'm so happy you lurk...)

The Real Estate Gala at the beginning of the month was fantastic. The event was held at the best hall in our area, and it featured excellent food, a top band, a champagne fountain, and of course a cash bar, (hey, at least they free-pour...) I wore a gown that would decidedly look better on me if I was say 15 lbs less. However, I have decided that I am only 33 once. I have looked back on my life and thought, 'why didn't I wear that bikini? Why didn't I dance at that party?' etc. I don't want to look in my closet in 20 years from now and wonder why I didn't wear that dress. So I wore it. I taped up the girls, sucked it in and put it on.

In the coat check line, I stood with an older lady that I know slightly on several levels, (of course she was wearing a heavy wool jacket, (in fall colours...). When I took off my coat, seriously, the entire line was quiet. It was like a scene in a movie. I was the only one that moved forward in the line, everyone else stood back and stared at me. Really, I'm not exaggerating.

You have to know that this dress is dark gray with glittery thread throughout. It is full length and sits quite high on the chest. It is totally backless, (only two little straps at top) and dips down just above one's ass crack. In addition, it woos in a bit just above the waist. If I was looking at you head on, you'd see a bit of skin on each side of my waist, wooing back out just in time to cover my boobs. I also should mention that it is not my gown, but KT's. It is very dramatic.

So needless to say, it (I) attracted some attention that night, which was not my plan. I'm happy I wore it, and I even garnered some compliments, also not my plan. The point is that I wore it with confidence, and more importantly - and this comes into context later - I'll never regret not wearing it. Also I have learned never to look at a woman and think, 'she shouldn't be wearing that!' and instead think, 'good for her!'

Okay moving on...

Our friend KP has a Christmas party every year. I believe I mentioned before in an earlier post, that she goes all out. She has every inch of her house decorated. It is a huge social event for Billy's group of friends. Now, days before the party I called and asked what I could bring, if I could help out in anyway, etc. Apparently I was the only one who did...

At the party, which was great, only 2 other people brought food. Nobody brought a 'hostess gift' or card, (only 2 people mailed cards to them previously...) and nobody acknowledged KP's birthday which was days before, until someone said, 'oh my God, we forgot your birthday!' and then sung an impromptu HB. One girl showed up in joggies, (not cute ones either, more like your husband's gym clothes). The one woman that brought some snacks obviously stopped at Sobey's on her way and bought pre-made dip and a loaf of bread. No effort, no consideration. This is a Christmas party where the hosts go all out. I don't get it!

And lastly

Billy's group of friends always meet at this one bar. The girls in this group were going to have a 'girls' party at one of their apartments. I was not invited, although it was discussed right in front of me. That's okay really, as like I've mentioned: these are Billy's friends. Billy and I were out visiting that night, and we thought it would be fun to pop by for a drink. It was fun. Billy was the only guy among 12 women, and we stayed for two drinks. Lots of laughs, but a bad ending for me...

I'll be back!

The final countdown

We are officially on the down slope, heading directly for Christmas. Here's the stats as so far as I can recall them:

Alcohol consumption: 50-60 units
Total parties involving said consumption (including when people 'drop by'): 7
Christmas shopping: Completed and wrapped!
Merriment level: High
Weight gained: 0 lbs (Although I'll see at the gym this morning....)
Visa Bill: Um, decidedly more than I would prefer
Stupid comments by morons/times I was insulted at parties: 4

Those are the numbers.

So much to talk about, so much I could discuss. When I have more time I'll properly reflect on above mentioned statistics. Oh oh resolutions coming soon!

Christmas miracle

Wow, I am truly blessed!

This morning I was working in the office and I could hear a little rustle from the next room. I entered to find Halia tearing into a Christmas present.

Halia can read!

Out of about 30 wrapped gifts under the tree, Halia picked out the only one addressed to her to open! It wasn't even a smelly gift that she could sniff out, just a stuffed toy with a squeaker in it! How brilliant!

Okay, maybe not quite a miracle. Really Halia probably can't read, and perhaps when I was wrapping it yesterday I shouldn't have been squeaking it, and bouncing it off her nose....

But still - how funny!

Traditions

With Christmas approaching fast I think of my childhood. This morning on my walk with the pooch, it was cold, (it has been in the 40's lately...) and there was frost on the ground. It felt like Christmas was near, and it made me remember.

When I was very young, our family would dress in our Sunday best on Christmas eve, and venture to nearby Amherstburg to visit with my mom's friend's parents, (she spent some of her highschool years living next door to this couple and became great friends with their daughter - my sister's Godmother).

On the way there I would be in so happy to see all the Christmas lights and decorations. Sometimes I would count them. I also remember the decorations hung from light poles in the town of Amherstburg, (I was there on the week-end and I think that they use the same decorations as nearly 30 years ago...).

The Watson's home had a great view of the Detroit River, I always liked looking at the ice crammed up against the shore. Inside was always bright and cosy. The colours were very warm: burnt orange, yellow and brown. They had a fireplace that was always lit, and sometimes they would let me throw 'special' crystals into the fire that would make it burn red or purple.

The kids would sit quietly, (I think... although it is hard to believe...) while the adults had coffee and conversation. We would eat cookies that were either stale, tasted like rum (no kids like that!) or seemed okay at first only to discover a nasty marinated cherry in the centre. There was a crystal bowl in the hallway that had peppermints in it, and I always snuck some extras.

After a short visit we would go to my grandparents' house, also in Amherstburg, also on the Detroit River. I can't remember if we ate dinner there, but I do remember huge platters of cookies. I liked the chocolate ones that I called 'mudpies'.

They had the largest, fakest tree I had ever seen. Very 70's. I always tried to find and count all the Winnie the Pooh ornaments, (I am lucky to have 2 of the same ornaments on our tree today). They had a fire burning in the living room, and occasionally my grandfather would play a Christmas song on the piano. I recall being enthralled.

My 2 cousins from Ancaster would be there, (if they weren't skiing...) and I loved my Uncle Newman so much! He always paid special attention to me, maybe because I was the youngest, and they didn't have any daughters. My Aunt Mary was stern and I was scared of her. Still am... haha!

My Aunt Joan, (and later her husband Gino) was larger than life. She was loud, opinionated, yet classy in a big city way. She and my dad would get into serious political discussions and I knew not to interrupt.

I couldn't wait until we opened gifts, although I knew there would only be a couple. I'm pretty sure that whomever was opening a gift had to sit on a stool beside the tree and in front of the fireplace. I was probably going crazy with anticipation... The best thing I remember receiving was a Winnie the Pooh bag that was in the shape of the bear. It looked like a big flimsy stuffed animal.

I remember once going to Midnight Mass, (although I'm sure it wasn't midnight, and we're not Catholic...) it was snowing, cold and I looked in the sky for Santa on the way home, as the personality on the radio, and my Dad told me he was nearby.

Things change fast. My Grandfather died when I was 10, and Mr. Watson passed before him. My grandmother moved to a seniors condo a couple of years later, and Mrs. Watson eventually died as well. Now my Aunt, Grandmother, and Dad are gone (12, 10 and 7 years now), and we are estranged from the family in Ancaster. Our traditions are not nearly as formal or structured, but they are great. They involve family, friends and of course food. I hope that everyone can look back on years gone by and find warm memories. Sometimes nostalgia brings sadness and longing for the past, so be kind and considerate of other people's traditions, because you are part of their memories!

Smatterings

For some reason I've been busy. How did this happen? I'm so slow at work, it's painful. The tree is up and decorated, so what else is there to do? I've been over to my mom's a couple of times to help her out with the decorating... I've done some extra cleaning around here... I've been to 3 Christmas parties, (1 1/2 more to go) shopping a couple of times... and that's it! Where does the time go?

Today I'm drinking great home brew coffee, watching CBS News Sunday Morning, (one of my favorite shows...) I'll eventually shower, (already have been to the gym) visit Mrs. Grady and the pooch, (we're not having dinner there tonight, and I think that Billy will bring the pooch home later...) go to the mall to (hopefully) finish Christmas shopping, meet the girls at 2 pm for a late 'Christmas' lunch, and home to watch the Survivor Finale, (Ozzy better win, I like him best and I have him to win in the pool....) What a great Sunday. No couching watching football, (football is much less exciting when you forget to enter the pool for the 2nd week in a row, due to Thursday night games...) but it is the holidays, and I love it!

Today and yesterday

Finally, the tree is up and decorated! It looks pretty sparse this year, I didn't put up as many ornaments as I normally would. I tried to just use the ones that mean something to us...

I usually would decorate the house after the tree. I just put out a few things. I think it's nice to switch things up once in a while. I don't have to have the collection of polar bears out every year do I? No, I don't think so...

Yesterday I popped by my friend Kim's house, (she is having a party on Friday night...) and her house is decorated to the nine's. Even the bathrooms are decorated. She has a great style, I'd say casual elegant when it comes to her seasonal decorations. It kind of depressed me that we don't have that look, but of course I realized that the things we have mean something to us, besides being pretty... (actually none of our decorations could be called 'pretty'...)

Last night Billy and I decided to go see Casino Royale. I really like James Bond movies, and this one was awesome. Daniel Craig did a great job, and could surely kick Pierce Brosnan's ass, and would laugh in the face of Roger Moore, (I can't stand Roger Moore!) and all others, except Sean Connery. I think that Mr. Connery would shake hands with Daniel and say, 'good job'. Not much of a plot, but lots of action, and enough character development to keep me interested. So that was good. I ate way too much popcorn...

The dog is driving me insane. It is raining out, and she is full of energy. I couldn't drag her outside if I wanted to. Billy is trying to nap (the show didn't end until almost 1 am), and I don't want her wondering around... today she was not further than 1 1/2 feet from me as I decorated the tree. She sniffed every ornament. Ugh!

Better go, the couch is calling... as long as Halia allows me to it...

Post week-end thoughts

What a great week-end. On Saturday morning we ventured out to Sloan's in Bothwell for a Christmas tree. In record time we found a great tree. I took a picture to see how it looks before and then after it's decorated.

On Saturday night we had Billy's work Christmas party at Beachgrove, and it was fun! One of Billy's co-workers and Dave came over for a few pre-party cocktails. He brought wine from a winery in Aylmer. One of the wines is a chocolate-strawberry. The smell is pure chocolate, the taste is strawberry and the after-taste is chocolate! Very good. Unfortunately I drank entirely too much and spent all day Sunday in bed, or on the couch. Ugh...

So today's plans include starting to decorate the tree. I have to run into Windsor for an oil change, and a quick trip to the mall. I have to stop by a friends' house whose birthday was yesterday. It will be another good day... thank God I'm feeling human...

Grocery time

Here's my grocery list, just in case you care:

- Celery
- Christmas cards, (not as brilliant as I thought I was, as I did not purchase nearly enough cards during the Boxing Day sales last year...)
- Nachos
- Dishwasher detergent
- Dog food
- Diet Pepsi
- Grape flavoured water
- Kidney beans
- Processed cheese slices
- Coffee

That's about it. We're not going to be eating at home on Friday, (Deb's birthday at Mrs. Grady's)
Saturday (Christmas party at Beachgrove), and Sunday (dinner at Mrs. Grady's). I was going to try a new recipe on Sunday, and invite the 'moms' over for dinner, that I saw on Everyday Italian, but it has not been posted on the internet yet. Rats!

Okay, better start my day. It's a good day.

Evil be gone!

That's it, I'm done! In the spirit of the season I'm through with the negative thoughts, gossip, as well as talking and thinking poorly of others... (most of my guilty pleasures that I enjoy).

There was no event that spurred this new found feeling. It's just taking too much of my energy.

I however will listen intently (or read voraciously) when good gossip is being spread...

Still a little evil, but not as much...

Funniest! Christmas! Card! Ever!

Okay, I have a ton of things to do, write ads, write Christmas cards, fold laundry, etc... but I have to take some time to talk about what I received in that mail yesterday.

Oh, how excited I was to get the first (non work-related) Christmas card! I eagerly tore the envelop, anxiously anticipating holiday cheer.... What is this? A vacation photo? A sunny day, a pool 2 kids, their parents and a cartoon snowman? I recognized the faces immediately, but was confused as to why I received a vacation photo in the form of a Christmas card.

Hmm, the inside reads like a Christmas card, but they were sending warm holiday wishes from Mexico. Strange, they live 5 kms away...

Oh, I get it! The person that made the card obviously wants to remind everyone in their social circle that they had a great vacation in Mexico! This also may infer (if you have an evil mind like mine...) the following:
- they have the money to vacation
- the husband loves the wife more than any man has every loved a woman, as he easily whisks her and their kids away several times a year to exotic locales... just to show her love...
- this picture is just an average snapshot in their everyday lives
- remind the recipient that the sender has recently lost weight, and obviously looks fabulous!

Sound evil? Jealous perhaps? Vindictive? If you think I'm any of those things, you don't know the sender of the card and her motivations... hehe, life is soooo good!

Smarter every day

Here is something that I learned only today:

Do not attempt to write more than 2 Christmas cards with Sharpie markers. You will catch a huge buzz.

The buzz will not go away after writing 10 Christmas cards.

The buzz will intensify after 15 Christmas cards.

After writing about 20 Christmas cards with lovely, new and festive green and red Sharpie markers, you will have to cancel all plans for the rest of the afternoon and evening, as the resulting hang-over equates to a deep need within your body to lie on the couch for several hours and stare listlessly at the TV...

Brilliant!

Oh yes, here's a picture of Halia - not the Christmas card one... but very cute!

Confounded

We have new neighbors directly next door, (which is about 130 metres from our house), as of August this year. I sold Mrs. Liebsch's house, which was tough, as she lived there for over 30 years. This young couple from the city purchased it. They can't be over 25.

Initially I was concerned that they were going to be partiers, and because they have a phone line that rings outside, and can be heard from a distance of up to 500 metres, I dreaded the constant annoyance.

Well, I couldn't be more wrong. They don't get any calls, and I think that they must have disabled the outdoor ringer, because I never hear it ring. They also never have people over. Besides 2 cars there on Thanksgiving, I've only seen 2 other cars there in total, beside their own since August. Definitely not the entertaining couple.

They have a dog, which I rarely see or hear. I assume from their car activity that he works midnights, and she works steady days. Here is where my nosiness confounds me:
- Sometimes both cars are gone all night.
- Sometimes both cars are there all day.
- They never seem to leave for work at a consistant time. Sometimes her car is gone by 7am, sometimes she doesn't leave until 8:45am.

Now, you have to understand that we can see their driveway perfectly from our bedroom. Everytime I let the pooch out, walk out of the bedroom, or pretty much even look outside, I see their driveway. I am by no means a nosy neighbbor, or a stalker, (I have however busted out the binoculars a few times...) I just don't get them, and it is annoying...

The couple that lives across the road are both retired. They have this creepy wood statue on their driveway of a man. Very creepy.

There are constantly people coming and going from this house. I have seen in a single day up to 15 cars pull in for a few minutes then leave. If the guy was not known to be a highly respected conservative figure in our community I would swear that it was a crack house. We can see their front yard anytime that we are in our kitchen, (our kitchen overlooks our front yard). Even Billy has commented on the constant traffic, and he does not normally pay attention to those type of things...

I wonder what people think of us? I guess we are the partiers in the area. (except the punk kids about 4 houses away...) What do the neighbors think when they see me coming and going, while Billy's truck is gone for more than a week? What do they think when they see Davey's car in the driveway overnight almost every week-end last year? Do they care? Hmm... I should just mind my own business and get to my Christmas cards...

Gala la la la la and etc.

I should mention that on Friday night I attended my board's Christmas Gala. It was fun. I don't know many of my co-workers very well, but it was great to see how many of us attended the event. Some offices only had a few people there, and we had almost 30, (our office only has about 40 agents...) My sister was there with her boyfriend, my friend Lisa with her new boyfriend, and I spent some time with an agent whom I like and respect, but have never met. Very cool. The volunteers that put the party together did a great job. I saw some agents that I have worked with over the years, and some agents that I used to work with at other offices. A few agents I avoided like the plague, but it is good seeing that these people can have fun.

Billy is in Buffalo. He called me when they arrived at the hotel, and then later from a local bar. Very lucky man! I hope that he is having a great time, he's been a little stressed lately, and life is about these little side trips. It's what you remember down the road. Rarely does one look back at a long week of work and think, 'yeah, that week was great, what an adventure...' You've got to do these things while you can...

It's a little strange being here sans Billy and Pooch. Usually I'm with one, the other, or both. Not last night! Needless to say that I sleep like a rock...

So let's see, my mom is visiting her brother in Michigan this week-end, and my brother Dave is working today. That means I have to go let out the dogs a couple of times. When Dave called last night to ask me, (my mom already did...) he laughed pretty hard when I told him that I have an open house today, and he realized I have to take the Riverside Elevator truck. Not very professional. I thought that I would just park around the corner, but then potential attendees think that nobody is there.... Rats! Oh well...

I have to start thinking about Christmas cards. I usually send out about 200-250. Oh yes, each personalized, handwritten, (I love getting all cards, but it bugs me when they arrive with only a signature,) and hand addressed. It usually takes me an entire day. I love Canada411.com for finding addresses, much easier than flipping through a phone book, then busting out a magnifying glass to find the postal code... I had enough forethought last year to purchase a pile of cards during the Boxing Day sales. Brilliant! In order to get started I have to almost empty the Closet Under The Stairs. Never an exciting prospect.

I should start thinking about making some flyers and preparing for the open house. I have to run to Sears this morning to buy a gift card, and dinner at Mrs. Grady's tonight. I think at the open house I'll make a Christmas list, and add some names to my Christmas card list, (if I don't do it before I start I will be sending out cards to forgotten friends and clients until December 24th...) Do you find yourself becoming better prepared and organized over the years? More efficient? If I could just get the Closet Under The Stairs more accessible...

4 funny things about Die Hard 2

I've been very lazy today. Just splayed out on the couch channel surfing. It amazes me that with hundreds of channels to chose from, the best thing I could find on was Die Hard 2. That's pretty sad. It's also more sad that I didn't remove myself from the couch and do something productive...

After the movie, I checked out IMDB, one of my favorite website. If you search for Die Hard 2, you can find pages of mistakes that this movie made with regard to continuity, plot, and facts. Very fun indeed!

The things that I find most funny have nothing to do with the VERY cheesy story, but rather how much things have changed since this movie was made in 1990.

Let's review:

- The main character, John McClane, strolls through the airport, smoking away. Not only is smoking not prohibited, it appears that there are not even any designated areas. Smoke 'em if you got 'em!

- No security checks, anywhere. Apparently not a priority in 1990.

- The old lady that sits next to John's wife, Holly, on the plane has a stun gun in her purse. Sure, that could happen today...

- There was a huge line up at the payphones. When was the last time you saw a line up at a payphone?

Oh I love a good laugh. Long live the cheese!

More random thoughts

I'm still working on Mrs. Grady's house. Today is the day where I put the room back together, clean up my huge mess, and generally make the place look shiny. Thank God she was gone this week, because her house is in total disarray.

The weather is bad! Rain, cold, and dark. Tonight is also the Christmas 'Gala' for the Windsor Essex County Real Estate Board of which I'm attending. The bad weather makes me want to stay at home. I'm not at all excited about dressing up, doing the hair, etc. to get wet and blown around. Ugh, if I don't go I have to pay $60. (Funny, it's free if I attend...) We'll see...

My friend Tania has either had her baby last night, or will be induced today. 4 kids under the age of 3 for about a month, with no twins. I don't know how she does it. I hope everything turns out well!

The dog is driving me crazy. I know that she has to go outside to do her business, but she hates the rain, and even if I trick her, and get her outside, she just stands beside the door, with her head down, looking quite sad. The last few days, she's been trapped in Mrs. Grady's house while I ignore her. Not a good dog's life...

I was watching the local news, (the Canadian local news - yes, it's a first...) I saw that London has a ban on selling spray paint and some type of markers to kids under the age of 18. Brilliant! London has a huge graffiti problem, and other cities should follow suit.

So tomorrow Billy goes to Buffalo for 2 nights, tonight I'm supposed to attend this 'Gala' and Monday night, I'm going out with the girls. So I won't really see Billy until Tuesday night. Hmm, when will life slow down a bit?

Well, I should get started on the day. (I was at Mrs. Grady at 7:10am, as Billy had to help me move some furniture before he went to work...)

Random thoughts

Well, I'm still painting Mrs. Grady's house. It took me 3 hours to tape the room, (my least favorite part of the job, and equally the least rewarding, except when I'm finished, there is much less 'touch ups' to do...) The actual first coat took a solid 5 hours. Luckily from experience (yes, I said experience, I've painted every square inch of flat surface - except floors and counters - in the house in Tennessee, at least once...) I know that the second coat takes much less time to complete, and of course, the taping is done. It will look really good when I'm done, although for a time yesterday I was concerned that the colour was peachy-looking. It looks better now, when dry. Mrs. Grady will love it, and that's what matters.

I have this client that won't email me back. I'm a little frustrated with that. "Hello, do you want to sell your house? You need a price reduction! You need to email me!" Oh well, if that's my biggest complaint, then I'm doing okay.

Yesterday the Detroit news' 'breaking story' was a winter storm watch FOR FRIDAY. HELLO! IT"S WEDNESDAY! In addition to that, the actual watch is for the west side of the state. Detroit news always blow weather way out of proportion. It borders on ridiculous, and you almost can't believe anything they say. Often they'll predict 10 inches of snow, and we'll only get less than an inch. Rarely, I mean RARELY do they underestimate... In contrast, the news in Tennessee is pretty lax about the weather. Meanwhile, if they get more than 2 inches, pretty much everything closes, or opens with a delay. Does this make sense? For really good weather prediction in this area, Billy and I find the Toledo news to be the most accurate. (I don't watch Windsor weather, because they always seems to be for the London area, and a little blurb about ours. Very annoying. (Oh, and embarrassingly, I don't 'know' Celsius beyond 0* is cold and 30* is hot, and you can wear shorts somewhere in between...)

On Saturday morning, Billy ventures to Buffalo, (of all places to go....) He and Davey are taking in a Bills game, and will probably hit the casino in Niagara Falls, and find a good steakhouse. Lucky boys. To me that would be a prefect week-end getaway. I'd rather do that than shop, or... what do girls do when they go away? Oh, we watched a show one time, that was fun... hmm... I may have to think about that one... I'm sure Billy will have a great time, and he totally deserves it.

I can either hear the dog in the other room poking about or a mouse. I think it's a mouse. I don't want to go look, so instead I'll cross my legs underneath me, and continue to ignore the sound.

Well I should think about heading to Mrs. Grady's. It's dark and gray, and threatening rain, so no walk for the dog today. Truly nothing better to do than paint.

Highway to Hell

Well, if you know me, and if you've had a conversation with me in the last couple of weeks, you may have heard why I believe that I'm going straight to Hell, (do not pass go, do not collect $200, etc. you get my point...) So I'm trying to do some good deeds.

Good deed 1) Raising money for Essex Animal Clinic's Angel Pet Fund. Okay, this shouldn't count because my friends and I discussed and agreed to do this before my incredible bad act...
Rats! Also super bummed because the world's best vet is no longer employed there...
Good deed 2) Shall donate the pictures from Tennessee. My mom's church is always having having yard sales to raise money. However, I just realized that I benefit from this as well, as I needed to unload these pictures anyway...
It's not looking good for me...
Good deed 4) Will call the volunteer association that I've been involved with on and off for about 11 years, to let them I'm available if needed. Of course I haven't done this yet... I will, I will!
Good deed 5) This is a sure fire winner! I'm currently painting my mother-in-law's living/dining room while she is away, (yes she'd aware that I'm doing it). My mother-in-law has threatened to pay me for it though... that will not fly with me or Billy... Ugh!

So, if you have any suggestions on how I can counter my bad thing, I'd appreciate it, (besides atonement... that won't do...)

Ugh

For some reason, I'm in a funk. I woke up in a little bit of a bad mood, for no reason at all. Just one of those days where I internally grumble about the things I have to do, (none of which are anything worthy of b!tching about...) conversations I recently had, and things I'm feeling guilty about.

I have absolutely no reason to feel this way, if anything I should be excited about the upcoming holidays, the parties, the fun, etc.

I'll hope this is just a Monday morning thing.

And it begins!

It is only a few short hours until the Christmas season officially begins. Yes, it seems even in this part of Canada that the Christmas season begins on 'Black Friday'. Even here we have sales, (of course trying to attract the cross border shoppers...) and now it is socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music, (although WNIC has been playing it for weeks now...)

I love the traditions that go with the season. Today's tradition is watching football at Billy's old regular hang-out. Guys skip work, and slip in for a few beers. People trickle in after work. (not Billy - he declares himself done at It is truly the tip off of merry fun holiday get togethers.

Loved the result of the Lions game. Miami killed with Joey as the quarterback. (dumped last year by the Lions...) great game, and good fun.

From this week-end until Christmas, I have at least one party every week. (I'm really not that popular) I can't wait. I love the relaxed social atmosphere of the holidays. Everyone is in a good mood and eager to socialize, (of course lots of great stories, laughs and gossip results...)

Ahh, bring it on!

One last rant

Happy Thanksgiving to all those Americans out there! Billy just commented last night that he wished our Thanksgiving was at the same time as the US's. I think because he would really like a 4 day week-end right about now, and what a treat to watch great football (Lions VS Miami - GO JOEY!) on a Thursday afternoon. Needless to say, Billy is going to try to park his butt and watch the game somewhere this afternoon. It seems that our Thanksgiving was forever ago! Time flies, but it was October 9th and it seems like months... I could use some turkey....

So anyway, here is my last rant for a while. After shopping in Tennessee, and with American Thanksgiving here, I am really getting in the mood for Christmas, and want to stay happy and positive.

This rant is about fast food in the States. (Okay, not the whole 50 of them, just a little slice in Crossville Tennessee...)

Crossville has a population of about 10,000, but it is pretty much the only town in the centre of a big, although rural, county. Crossville has every fast food outlet you can imagine, and with a location on I-40, it boasts an additional McD's, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Cancun Mexican Restautant, (I didn't know that Cancun was known for good food...). In the town itself, is everything from Rally's to BK to Long John Silver's, Krystal, Pizza Hut, Hardees - you name it!

Let's compare that with Kingsville, Ontario. It has a population of about 7,000 with a greater area population of 20,000. Now, (obvious disclaimer...) Kingsville is located fairly close to a city, so it may not need to have all the amenities that an isolated town needs... Kingsville has a Subway, (I think....) Naples, (local chain pizza) McD's, and a Tim Hortons. That's about it, please forgive me if I've missing something.

In Crossville from 8-9am, the Dairy Queen, McD's, BK, (everything that is open essentially) has a drive through line up of at least 15 cars. For one thing, get out of your car! You're idling, killing the environment, (not to mention that there is no regulations post purchase of car emissions in the US....) Park the car, waddle your fat butt inside, be polite to the counter help, say hi to your neighbor, and walk away with your ridiculously fattening, sugar loaded morning meal.

I am truly stunned and in awe of how packed these fast food chains are in the mornings. Now of course, some people are just getting coffee, (coffee there is not like it is here.. here it is a religion, a way of life, a social outlet...) but many of these people are feeding themselves and their kids this everyday. Shocking! Gross! Did you read my post yesterday where I talked about childhood obesity rates?

So let's check out Kingsville. The Tim's Drive thru is packed. Out to the road. No parking in the lot. (K-ville seriously needs another Tim's.) I choose to avoid Tims in K-ville because it is so busy. I can definitely say that most people are getting just coffee. Yes the occasional box of doughnuts, bagel, and now the - wanna be McMuffin - Breakfast Sandwich. In contrast, next door is the McD's. Hardly a car line. No cars in the lot. It looks closed.

Why the difference? Well I think it's because we know what good coffee tastes like. (I usually grind my own, and only have Tim's rarely...) As Canadians, we are generally healthier and don't want pure sugar and fat for breakfast. We take the time to make our kid's some breakfast, (really now, how hard is cereal? - the cereal available in the States is a whole other rant which I will not get into now...) We are not obsessed with convenience, and fast food is still viewed as 'eating out' and not done daily, or even weekly.

Now of course, (another obvious disclaimer) there are people that eat at the drive thru everyday around here. There are morbidly obese people here that feel the need to 'treat' themselves to some fast food. I also realize that perhaps in a healthy city like Denver, or Seattle people behave more like they do here. I am just talking in generals here. Billy says that I eat more fast food than just about anyone he knows. Maybe that's true. Maybe I and the mom in Tennessee have something in common.

I think that we should just look at ourselves, and how we interact with the world. Do you depend on fast food? Is is because it tastes so good, or because you are out and about and truly need to eat something fast? Have you also tried every diet in the world and nothing has worked? Is there a relationship here? Are your kids crying and driving you crazy because they want the latest toy in the kids' meal? They have all the others! They need this one to finish their collection! Can't you say no to your kids? Aren't you the one who decides what is good for them? Who do you blame? Have you ever looked at yourself?

Rant done. Truly sorry if I offended anyone. Please remember that I am overweight myself, I eat fast food. I also know who I am. I don't blame this or that for my time issues or weight problems. I am the way I am because of who I am and the choices that I make everyday, good or bad.

The grocery store

So now that I'm back from Tennessee, and I had 9 hours in a car by myself to reflect on my observations, I think it is the right time to talk about the grocery store.

In Crossville, the grocery store of my choice is the Super Wal-Mart. It generally carries everything under the sun, and if I have to require painters' tape and a package of chicken, I can easily get both at one stop. (That is why the company does so well, right?) So the word of the day is definitely 'convenience'.

My favorite store to shop at in our area is Kingsville Zehrs. I find that their produce is excellent, the butcher is very good, and will customize your order if need be, and the products in the ailse are varied, diverse, not to mention well organized. Very important.

There is a big difference between this US grocery store, and our stores. A difference in layout and in the products they carry. The grocery section of the Wal Mart is about the same size as Zehrs so let's talk about the products offered:

In Crossville's Super Wal-Mart carries about 22 different varieties of Pop Tarts, Kingsville Zehrs carries 4.
CSWM carries 4 different mustards, KZ carries about 17.
CSWM has a produce ailse that is about 1/2 the size of KZ.
CSWM has 4 times the frozen food products than KZ.

I am shocked by the number of 'Lunchables', pre-packaged frozen dinners, frozen pizza's, easy bake mixes for brownies and cakes, and pre-shredded cheese. Basically the amount convenience foods are amazing. (Yes, okay I realize that this is a Wal Mart in Crossville, Tennessee, and not say a Whole Foods Store in Bloomfield Hills....)

Americans wonder why obesity is an epidemic? Easy, pre-packaged Mac n' Cheese, super high in ingredients not found in nature, but made in a lab - that may be one reason. How hard is it to make your kid a sandwich instead of a 'Lunchable'? What do you think is better for your kid? (Childhood obesity rates in the US is nearly 20% - Canada's is - still bad - 8%)

Okay, moving on.... CSWM does not carry sun dried tomatoes in oil. It's not a big deal, but they carry every known candy known to man. The deli only offers 1 kind of turkey breast. (there are many pre-packaged and pre-cut available for 10 times the price.) The cheese varieties are totally limited, and the vegetables and fruit does not even compare to ours. The selection is terrible. BUT, the CSWM does carry every conceivable frozen entree known to exist. It sells at least 80 different varieties of granola bars, (most with chocolate and marshmallows.)

Do you see what I'm getting at? Have you ever looked into someone else's cart? Guess what? The mom with bad skin and a huge @ss, is the one with all the pre-packaged crap and screaming fat kids, and not a vegetable to be seen within 10 feet of her cart. Hmm...

If you know me, you know that I am not a health freak. I do eat the occasional Lean Cuisine, and I love chips. I'm about 25 lbs' overweight. Let's be honest here. BUT - I am just shocked that Americans struggle with their weight, are confounded why their kids are fat, wondering why they have high blood pressure and diabetes, and the reasons are so obvious to me.

Just wait until I get started on fast food...

Greetings from Tennessee

Here I am, at Megabites internet cafe, just outside Crossville, TN. It has been a long week. Here are some things that I've accomplished:

Cleaned out rain gutters
Raked the front yard
Painted the big bedroom. (acutally just a glaze...)
Painted the small bedroom
Cleaned the bathroom from top to bottam. (gross)
Washed the floors in the 2 bedrooms, and bathroom
Cleaned out the fridge and some cupboards

I still have to see if I can get the weed-wacker working, clean out the garage, and generally do the pre-departure clean up.

It has been a good week, but I really miss Billy and the pooch. I don't feel lonely, but it is strange going for days on end without talking to anyone, (in person at least, I talk to Billy a couple of times a day...) At least this time away by myself I'm not scared sh!tless like I was last time. (I think is has to do with not watching a scary movie days before leaving.

Did I mention that I'm sick? I think it is just because of all the different and intersting fumes I've been subjecting myself to. (Paint, Pine Sol, gasoline....) Being sick by yourself is not fun, especially when I felt too crappy to drive into town to get some sinus medicine.

I golfed twice, once by myself and the second time with a guy who was a little annoying. He kept saying things like, "well when you're a better golfer you'll realize...." or "if you decide to keep trying at golf..." or "I hope it doesn't seem like I'm giving you advice, but you should reconsider your grip and stance..." Little obvious hints and tips. It really made me self conscience and bothered. Needless to say I golfed like crap, which is a bummer because it is probably the last time I'll golf until next year...

I've tried to be observant, and hopefully will have some insightful posts in the near future. I'm looking forward to coming home and seeing Billy.

I'm outta here!

I was planning on going down to Tennessee this Thursday, but I've moved it up due to a closing that I have next week. I have to be back for a final inspection and the buyers are a little nervous, so I'm leaving tomorrow.

Here are some things that I'm hoping to accomplish:
- rake leaves, (hopefully it will be really dry and I can rent a lawnmower and cut them up...)
- clean out eaves, (must be done before the raking!)
- paint little bedroom, (it's getting old)
- paint porno bedroom, (the paint is not that old, but it's flat, and there are some nasty handprints on the walls if you know what I mean...)
- golf at least 3 times, (looking forward to that after my 88 at Seven Lakes last week with Kim...)

I'm looking forward to driving our new car, and enjoying Sirius radio all the way down...

Here are some things that I will miss:
- Billy, (the best part of my life)
- Halia, (best pooch in the world...)
- Hanging out on the couch with Billy and watching our shows, like Survivor, and Grey's Anatomy, (that means I'll also miss the satellite.)
- Our nice house, (our house smells good, unlike the Tennessee house...)
- HOT TUB - oh yeah, I'll miss that!
- The moms.
- Internet access.

Well there are more things, but I have many things to do today, so I best get started. I'll try to post down there when I visit the Internet Cafe. Have a great week!

No time

Today I don't have time to post any thoughts. Actually I feel like I don't have any thoughts to post, so today's entry is compliments of my sister, Terry. This morning I received an email from her that I thought worthy of a blog.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some thoughts of my own....

I did not know......

....that mice could swim....did you? They are in fact very good swimmers. They do a doggy-paddle like thing, and scoot themselves around very quickly wiggling their tails.

They have quite a bit of endurance too - I'm surprised.

How do I know this?

Well, after finally finishing up my work at 11:30 last night, went into the bathroom and there is a mouse in my tub. He froze....I jumped. Trying to be level headed in my terrified state I thought "I must do what I need to do to terminate him". Seized by fear I cautiously put the plug in the tub, hoping he wouldn't attack me or worse yet, jump out. I turned the water on. I debated: do I stay and watch the death of this wee creature or do I leave the room, let him die alone and come back in 5 minutes? I opted to leave the room as I could not watch another die by my hands.

5 minutes later....he's swimming around, trying to get climb up the slippery slides to no avail. 10 minutes later....he's swimming around, trying to get climb up the slippery slides to no avail. 15 minutes later.....he's swimming around, trying to get climb up the slippery slides to no avail. 20 minutes later - same thing!!! I am ridden with guilt - - not only have I sentenced to death the smallest of God's creatures but I'm torturing him by the length of time it takes for him to just give up and expire.

So how long can mice swim before they give up you ask???? Try about an hour and a half!!! I feel terrible I tortured him like that!!! It haunted me all night. And now I fear that I can't live with myself after what I've done to that poor little soul. So as of today my new crusade is:

SAVE OUR MICE!
LEARN TO CO-HABITATE!
YOU SOMEDAY MAY RETURN AS A MOUSE!
STOP KILLING GOD'S SMALLEST CREATURES!

I think I shall turn my house into a mouse refuge...a place where they can come, live, be together and enjoy life, a place where they can eat cheese and peanut butter without fear.

Well, gotta get ready for another busy day - - but first I must go scoop the little floating-fu

Spoiled rotten!

Okay I'm spoiled. Last night Billy and I picked up my (our) new Ford Fusion.

Oh yes, it's loaded. I need those heated leather seats! I need the sunroof! Oh, and of course I need the Sirius Satellite radio, (free for 6 months).

Really I don't need any of those things. If you could see the pieces of crap I've driven over the years you'd shake your head. My 1986 Celebrity had a rust spot on the driver's door that resembled a large mail slot. The insane asylum green colour (exterior and interior) made my passengers nauseous. My 1984 VW Rabbit convertible was super fun to drive, (especially in my early 20
s) but it was loud! It constantly made a sound like, 'ding d'ding ting tin t'ting ting ting'. It was stick, and it always grinded on 2nd, and could start in 4th from a dead stop. Fun car, but junky.

This car is fantastic. I can't wait to take it to Tennessee!

This leads into other feelings.... do I deserve this car? Am I worthy of it? Couldn't I have done with less?

I'm trying to accept the fact that I'm spoiled rotten, (Am I a good enough wife/Realtor/person to have such wonderful people/husband/things in my life?) and of course I will enjoy driving the car. Billy is very happy that I have a reliable, safe (beaucoup de airbags...) car to drive, especially to Tennessee. That makes me feel great. New cars do leave good impressions with clients as well. (I guess I should stop wearing jeans to appointments...)

Can a new car/house/or good things in general (not to mention good health...) make you a better person? Do you acknowledge all that you have and how lucky you are? I'll try...

Tennessee thoughts....

It's always fun and a bit strange when I arrive at the house in Tennessee. Because we rent it out weekly as a vacation getaway to people we know, (and sometimes friends of friends....) there are always strange things left there.

Some discoveries are incredibly wrong, (like the little girls' dirty underwear I found in a footlocker), and somethings are great, (someone once put up a TV antennae).

Other items make me shake my head. Here's some examples of things at the house:

- 18 foam beer coolies. I realize that someone didn't go out and buy 18 foam coolies, but over time they've added up.
- Thomas the some train part birthday party hats. Wow, I really missed some party!
- 5 bibles
- 4 salt and pepper shakers
- 6 boxes of Kleenex spread throughout the house (That's more than 1 per room!)

Opening the fridge and the cupboards is always an adventure. Last time Billy and I were there we discovered:
- A 50 pack of hot dogs. (50!)
- A case of Old Milwalkee (I'm sure that was PF's)
- 4 bottles of Clamato juice (also PF)
- A case of 'snowballs' (Cake covered with coconut...)
- Rotting limes and carrots
- A box of ice cream that was ripped apart, perhaps in a feeding frenzy.

Other times I have arrived at the house to see that items are missing. The worst was arriving to discover no toilet paper, (as well as paper towels) luckily there was Kleenex... if you know what I mean.

It's always exciting! Occasionally I'm super pissed, but I'm so looking forward to going next week, (we were also the last ones there...) I'm only thinking of the good stuff.

Please step away from yourself

Have you ever decided to take a look at who you are? Take a step back and see how you affect the world?

Now this could be something as monumental as offending major religious groups, (say if you're not covering your head in a Islamic mosque), or something simple like swearing in public, (especially around grandmother types).

So when you're out and about, do you:

- Eat with your mouth open?
- Talk with your mouth full?
- Use a napkin? Lick your fingers like a four year old?
- Notice people leaning away from you because you talk so loudly?
- Swear loudly and perhaps profusely?
- Do things to get attention from strangers? (Talking loudly about subjects that may interest people at another table.)
- Interrupt?
- Lie? Telling a group of friends that your Aunt had a stroke, just to get attention, may come back to bite you in the ass if she didn't have one. Let's be real here.
- Constantly remark that your story can top all others told that night?
- Repeat yourself? Repeat yourself?
- Degrade your spouse in front of others? (or at all for that matter?) You are trying to be in control, and let others know that you're the boss, when we all know that you're just a bully who is not fun to live with, and your spouse wants to divorce you, but is afraid to lose everything including the kids.
- Not really listen to other people because you're waiting with baited breath to tell your storey?
- Use really poor grammar?
- Tell people that 'Bob' thinks you're smart? That 'John' says that you're the best employee ever? That 'Stella' says that you're the best cook in the world? All in a 4 minute conversation?
- Dress so that your flab is overhanging your jeans? Show your ass crack or g-string when bending at a anything more than a 15* angle? Constantly show cleavage? Over make-up yourself to the point where you look like a clown?
- Think about what you're saying knowing that you may be conversing with intelligent people? (Guess what? If you constantly remark that you hate the colour blue, and then you ask if my new couch is blue - I know what you're getting at... you think I have bad taste... I'm pretty quick....)
- Talk badly or gossip about people that you know I'm friends with? (Possibly better friends than you are?)

I know that I'm not perfect, but I judge people by the way that they react to others in normal everyday situations.

If you have a cart full of groceries and don't let the person behind you go ahead in line, if they only have milk, eggs and bread, you are not aware of the others around you. You are impolite and perhaps self centered.

If you talk with your mouth full, smack your lips and lick your fingers in public, (or even at home for that matter) you weren't raised with any manners. It is unlikely that you will ever be invited to a really nice restaurant. Other people notice how rude and disgusting you are, and talk about it behind your back.

If you talk or swear loudly, show unnecessary body parts, you are looking, desperately for attention. If you were less offensive, you may have some friends that would pay attention to you...

If you tell people how great others think you are, you are bragging, and probably lying. You are fishing for compliments. If you don't hear the compliments, you will probably make them up. You also lie and exaggerate a lot. You lose friends and good people avoid you because you lie so much. You need people to think that you are great because you know that you are not a nice person. You are painful to be around, and nobody knows if you're being truthful.

In conclusion, if you think that any of the above mentioned points apply to you; do you care? Would you like to be more considerate and polite? Do you mind that you are labeled as rude and disgusting?

Things you do and say affect how people look at you. Here's my advice for you:

Listen
Put yourself in someone else's position
Look around, be a part of the world, don't just trample upon it

Baby names

I recently found out that friends of mine are having a baby boy. That always makes me think of baby names. Besides getting a tattoo, there's not too many things in life that are as permanent as a name. Very important.

I don't personally know anyone who has given their child an outrageous name. Well, not really, here's some I know:

- Tigh (pronounced 'tie', very cute boy...)
- Madison Gerald (Gerald is the middle name of a gorgeous little girl, it was the first name of her deceased grandfather)
- Hailey Scott (another gorgeous girl, Scott is her dad's first name)
- Phoenix Aurora (Hailey's sister, middle name after maternal Grandmother who was Native American...)
- -------- Amy (a friend of mine, pronounced ---------, her parent's made it up.)
- Terry Scott (that's my mom... Scott was my Grandfather's Grandfather's middle name, and he was named after a family friend - Winfield Scott - apparently someone well known and respected in California)
- Terry Barker (that's my sister. Barker is my maternal grandmother's maiden name)
- Elizabeth Scott (that's me... see above)
Okay this last one is the kicker... my maternal Grandmother's name was Patricia Charles Barker. She was allowed to choose her name when she was about 5. She perhaps chose Patricia as she was born on St. Patrick's day, and nobody knows where Charles came from. (Apparently she hated her name as an adult and enrolled in college as 'Terry'....)

So most of the above strange names are not from this current generation. (except Madison, Phoenix, Tigh and Hailey) People are seemingly turning away from traditional names. It is very acceptable for girls to have boy's names, and you don't see any boys today names Sydney, Taylor, Kelsey or Cameron although those are traditionally boys' names...

Hmmm

So there are some really crazy baby names out there. Crazy spellings. I like names that are significant for family reasons. I'm quite happy with the middle name Scott. It means something. It carries on life.

The most traditional names I like for boys are:
- James (Sounds strong, and I love Jamie for a girl or a boy...)
- Michael (my husband's real name)
- Harrison (don't like Harry though...)
- Scott (for obvious reasons...)

Names that I like for boys that are newer include:
- Giger (sounds German - think he's the guy that created Alien)
- Gage (kid from Pet Sematary)
- League (made that up, I think it's cool)
- Seven (of course from Seinfeld, but it also makes me think of the creepy movie...)
- Cause (just heard that one, I like it!)
- Camden (read a book that took place in Camden, I like it!)
- Porter (kid from Desperate Housewives)
- Caleb
- Ethan
- Aiden

For girls I like:
- Jamie
- Mary (I know, but I like it, it's so wonderfully simple)
- McKenna
- Lauren (my favorite)
- Harvest
- Autumn
- Lake
- Rain
- Summer (are you seeing a theme here?)

Well that's today's thoughts anyway. I won't be naming any kids in the future, (at least not mine...)

Liz-isms

Not so much universal truths, just some things that are inevitable in my life!

- If I'm going out, and have an outfit to wear in mind, one part of said ensemble will be in the washing machine
- If I make the bed in the spare bedroom, the dog will immediately walk across it.
- If I promise myself not to eat any Halloween candy, I will eat about 16 Halloween candies. (same also applies to consumption of alcoholic beverages, but last night I was good...)
- If I forget my grocery list, I will also forget to purchase an important ingredient to a dish I'm making that night.
- If I go to the grocery store to pick up fresh basil, I will also purchase chips, (sometimes dip), bananas, cereal, milk, apples, celery, and a trashy magazine.
- I will always buy a trashy magazine (such as US, OK!, or Star) if there is a skinny celebrity on the front and people are concerned with their health, or if a celebrity has gained 4 pounds and the world is coming to an end...
- If I need a nap, Halia will decide to either chew on a bone, or want to go outside and play.
- If I'm running late, or feeling rushed, my gas tank will be on empty.
- Once the bank balance is surprisingly high, a huge bill will come in the mail.
- When I'm waiting for an email, it will never, ever come.
- I will get at least 4 useless group pages from my office, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. (today 3 before 9 am!)
- The person I like the most on any reality show will never win. It's a curse!
- If there is a commercial that annoys me, it will play all the time. (Jennifer Granholm has got to that thing cut off of her face!)

There is so many more. It just makes me shake my head. My one friend would tell me it's because of what I'm putting out in the universe. (She is that girl that wins everything...) I have to start making new vibes...

Woo Hoo

Let's keep it simple. Thank God for Daylight's Savings Time.

I am a morning person. I like the quiet, the beauty and the promise of a new day. I very much prefer to see the morning in light than darkness.

I was starting to stay in bed until the sun came out, and I'm happy to say that today I was out walking the dog at 7:40 am. Bright, cool and sunny.

Of course the negative is that it gets dark earlier. That means making dinner with the lights on, and going to volleyball in today darkness. Any home showings after 6 make me feel like a ninja or a criminal. Oh well, it's only less than 2 months until the days start getting longer again...

Not much happened this week-end. Billy had fun with his men friends, and I was absolutely unproductive in real estate. Ugh! Need a sale! Need some clients! Well, I'll keep trying... until I go to Tennessee again...

Positively positive

That last few posts have been a little ranty. A little negative. It is now Saturday morning. Billy is asleep. (Last night he and said friend sat in the hot tub in the pouring rain with a tarp over them, and a party tub full o beer.) It is gorgeous outside. Bright sun on one side, dark, stormy clouds on the other, and vivid fall colours in between. Coffee came out well, and I'm in my favorite joggies.

I think I will keep this good feeling going by listing some 'good things'.

- The smell of coffee brewing reminds me of Tennessee.
- Sharpie markers
- Billy loving and complimenting (some of) my cooking
- 2 homes closed successfully yesterday
- Having a DVR so I can indulge in guilty pleasures like 'The Bachelor' and Biggest Loser' without making Billy suffer
- My new brown boots (still a little tight...)
- Good quality, heavy, nice writing pens, (but not so good I would be upset if I lost them...)
- When Halia is so tired she just wants to put her head in my lap
- Oatmeal cookies from Foodland in Essex (OMG!)
- Having a really clean house, (usually last from Friday afternoon to Monday...)
- Having no open house Sunday, but perhaps writing an offer...
- Martha Stewart

Now I feel even better. Of course I could go on, but I was starting to have to think. We don't want that!

People whom I don't understand

Okay, I've thought about this for a while, and I realize that I must live in a vacuum, because there are a lot of people that I don't understand.

I don't understand people who:

- Are not financially responsible. I get going shopping, and maybe buying jeans that you don't need, and are little expensive. That I get. What is beyond me is people that without a second thought spend money on stuff they don't need, etc, and they can't pay their gas bill, and their credit cards are run through the roof.

- Are junk collectors. If you don't use it, throw it away. It is junk. If you are saving those 4 snowmobiles, all without engines, and one without a seat, all built in the early 70's, and you really lack all knowledge to repair said snowmobiles, then I think it's time to get rid of them. This can also be said for old bicycles, motorcycles, trailers, appliances of all kinds, a tractor, and old cars. If you haven't been in the same barn as these mentioned items in 6 months, it's time to pitch the whole lot. Don't they see that?

- Become attached to sh!t-knacks. I see sh!t-knacks all the time in people's houses. The worst is when someone needs to downsize their residence, and they can't part with the stuffed penguin that their boyfriend gave them 6 years ago. (this especially applies when you are 60ish years old...) I get antiques, and sentimentality, but there is a time to draw a line.

- Who have no pride in their homes. I don't care if you rent or own. I don't care if it is 400 sq ft or 4,400 sq ft. It is where you live and where you spend most of your time. Be clean, take care of it. This is the one place in the world that is all yours, and here you should feel at peace. Cut your grass once in a while. Take out the garbage. Don't let the cat poop on the floor.

- Are intolerant. Live and let live. Who cares what God someone prays to, or what they wear. Who cares if they speak kjahslkdjh in front of you. Who cares if someone chooses to be with someone of the same sex. It doesn't affect you at all. As long as I am living in Canada, and as long as in Canada you can sleep with, worship, speak and dress any way you want, let it be. Try to understand their side. Unless someone is going jihad on me personally in my own backyard, I don't care. (Of course we should be aware of what is happening in the world, but who am I or you to push my beliefs on others.) Whatever, let it go, you'll be happier, really.

- Who don't read. How do you get by? How do you know what is going on? I swear some people's intellectual growth stopped at grade 12 graduation. Read a book, or the paper. Do a puzzle, flip through a magazine. Be a part of the world.

- Are cruel or neglectful to children, the elderly or animals. Enough said, or I'll get mad...

- Are cheap. This drives me crazy! I was recently out with someone who had a $20 bar bill, and tipped the waitress $0.25. A quarter. This guy makes well over $100,000 a year. WTF! If you can afford it, go on vacation. Get internet access. Have cable. Go out to dinner. Buy name brand pop. Beyond that, be generous. You'll feel good. You save, and save, and save for the future and guess what? They might not be one, or you've pinched pennies for so long, you have no idea who to enjoy them when the time comes. If you can afford it.

That is just the start, but it's starting to rant, and I have things to do. So if you are any of the above mentioned types of people that I don't understand, - that's okay. You don't have to explain it to me. I try to be tolerant and understanding, but sometimes I'm at a loss.

GST and me

Well, well, well. I just finished doing my GST.

Here's my list of items necessary for the successful completion of that nasty tax form:

Socks (it's a little chilly in the basement)
An entire kitchen sized table
Coffee (I broke down and made some)
Pen
Paper clips
Stapler
Calculator
Receipts (divided into 5 categories)
Tax file (including pay stubs, trade record sheets, and misc. 'big' receipts)
GST form
Past GST forms, to be sure I'm filling the current form out correctly
Blank paper
Envelopes (for quarterly storage and organization of small receipts)
Hair tie (even short hair -with longish bangs- can get in my way...)
2 remote controls (1 for the stereo, 1 for the satellite)
Phone
Cell phone/pager
Candle (it was on the table, so I decided to light it)

That's about it. Lucky me had the honor of doing my calculations whilst listening to the esteemed George Double Yuh Bush address the nation. I then remember that I had an unfinished episode of 'The Bachelor - Rome' on the DVR. Much more conducive to productive paperwork than the US president. Although listening to him speak reminded my that I am lucky to be Canadian, despite the pesky GST.

It went pretty well. I'm off $26 from the amount of GST paid to me, and the GST I should pay based on my income.

I remember a few months back, I was so happy to do GST, as I was getting a rebate. Ahh, a rebate. Free money from Revenue Canada, (okay not really free, but it feels that way) A GST rebate also translates into 'No Income In the Last Quarter'. That's not good, I digress... No rebate now! I had practically all my closings July-August-September, so therefore I owe the government $976.24. And that amount is after my 'qualifying adjustments' or whatever it's called. I think it's line 5. KT would know...

So anyway, that's my story. Thank God I happen to have exactly $980 in my jewelry box for the express purpose of paying that bill. I was however hoping that I would only owe about $400, leaving me (us) some sweet cash to maybe, uh, actually I didn't have any plans for the left over money. Good thing. I (we)have $4. Maybe I'll get a Dairy Freez burger today before the place closes for the season...

Scatter brain

I'm feeling slightly scattered this morning.

For one thing, I crawled out of bed way too late, (in my own head) to make coffee this morning. I also was sick for a few days, and haven't written an entry since Sunday morning, (AKA: the morning before the afternoon I became ill), and I have many, many things to say.

Let's start with Monday night's adventure. I received a call from Mum G on Monday night. Last Wednesday, while Billy and I were away, she and a friend decided to spend the day wandering around Point Pelee, (very nice this time of year). They, along with the pooch had a great time. A few days later, Mum G thought she had a large pimple on her, uh, I'll say backside, because I am talking about my mother in law... She was a little concerned about this pimple, and asked her daughter, Deb to have a peek. (Okay, this is really getting personal now...) Deb discovered that this blemish had legs and a head. Oh yes, it was a tick!

So obviously Deb pulled the tick off, (the proper way) and everything was fine, although Mum G swears never to return to P.P. this time of year again. Well I heard this story on Monday night, while enjoying a little fever and a stomach flu. I thought it would be prudent to give Halia an exam. Lo and behold! A little hanger on near her shoulder blade. (By the way, parasites of all kinds Freak Me Out.) Well I got the little bugger out, was finished the once over and was petting Halia for being such a good pooch. Oh what is that near her ear? A quarter sized lump, a half inch thick! Oh great it's a bloody mess with another tick having its way with my dog. Well I took out that nasty thing, and decided to take Halia to the vet in the morning. (It seems I can't go 6 weeks without a visit to the vet...)

The spot is nasty, and they had to shave her head in that area. Gross! There is a raised, bruised, bloody lump. Fun. Oh, the lucky dog also had her anal glands 'expressed'. Here's a hint: Don't put your dog in the car immediately after having her ass sacks popped, as your car will smell like a dog's butt!

Okay, so that's all good, let's go to Sunday afternoon.

I'm at the open house, and although in this blog I hoped for a good turn out, as without, I would regret not hibernating on the couch and watching football. I cursed myself well, as it was the best open house turn out I've had in months, and I felt near death with fever and stomach *issues*. Believe me, everytime that doorbell rang a litany of curse words directed at perspective buyers rushed through my head. Fun,and not very productive.

Okay, other thoughts:

- The Other Liz, (the lucky girl not only because of a fabulous name, and gorgeous looks that always go with that incredible name...) was at a charity event on Friday night and won the grand-prize-all-inclusive-trip-for-two-including-airfare-at-any-Sandals-resort in Jamaica. She deserves the trip, and I couldn't be happier for anyone!
- With the GST quarterly deadline fast approaching, (today's mission if I choose to accept it...) it makes me shake my head. I know people that haven't paid their GST in years. How do you sleep at night? Don't you think every time the phone or doorbell rings that it may be Revenue Canada wanting to know WTF? Hmm, I guess that's what drugs are for.
- I also know someone who just had their debt consolidated, (now their house is about 90-100% mortgaged after owning it for a decade....), and they've just booked a lovely trip to the tropics. Wow, great priorities! This to me is crazy for 2 reasons:
REASON 1) So you run up your credit cards on crap like clothes, and eating out, and add that debt to your mortgage. So essentially you are going to pay for that nice $120 dinner out amortized over 25 years, running for perhaps a five year term, and let's say your interest rate is 5.5%... (Please hold as I retrieve my trusty dusty mortgage calculator...) at the end of the 5 year term, they still owe about $14 for that dinner. Plus, the interest on that $120 dinner, (not included whatever you accrued on your credit card) is about $40, (for only that five year term, as that little extra is still not paid off once the entire amount of the balance is considered...) Dee dee dee!
REASON 2) If you can't afford to pay cash, if your credit cards are starting to get a little out of control, if you think the future may hold a meeting with your mortgage broker to discuss consolidation of credit card debt: Don't Go Out To Dinner And Spend $120! Is that a difficult concept to grasp?

Whew! I feel better now. Without reaching for my soapbox, I really don't understand some people. I think that's what I'll write about in my next entry: People Whom I Don't Understand.. Right after I do my GST...

Some pics

Before I forget, I wanted to post a few pics from our Tennessee vacation. The following are pictures of Billy looking for a lost ball, a sunset from our side porch down there, and Billy on a cart at Lake Tansi.





I won't bore you with any more vacation photos - until the next time!

Oh that was good!

Last night I slept better than I have in recent memory.

It was so good. Yesterday we spent the afternoon tailgating at the Michigan game with friends, consuming Margaritas, and enjoyed a good game at 'The Big House'. I'd never been before and it was pretty overwhelming. Die hard fans of all ages. It was a little crazy.

It was pretty chilly outside, and the sun only peeked out for an hour or so, so I was fairly bundled and aided by the warmth of Tequila and 109,000 + frenzied fans pushing in from all sides.

We hung out for a while after the game, (more Margaritas) while thousands of vehicles struggled to get out of the area. On the way home we listened to the Tigers World Series Game.

We went back to Barry and Michelle's and ordered pizza and I settled in on a very comfy couch and was pretty much done from there.

I think the combination of tequila, cool fresh air, (except the exhausts of the departing cars and trucks) and a long day, did me in. When we arrived home I was too tired to partake in hot tub therapy, and instead crawled into bed.

I know that I in a deep sleep within 20 minutes because I didn't hear Billy come in from outside, nor did I hear him come to bed about 30 minutes after that. I was out. I woke at about 8 am. How luxurious!

Today is cold and rainy - a typical fall day. Instead of wearing joggies and curling up with a book in front of football all day, I'm putting on grown up clothes and having an open house in Kingsville. I hope it is a good one, or I'll even more regret not spending the day on the couch. Oh, then it's off to Mum G's for rib dinner and to pick up the pooch.

It's been a really good week-end. Back to the real world though... I'm glad the real world happens to be excellent...

I'm back baby!

We arrived at home last night at about 9:20. Billy won the bet on the time we pulled in the driveway.

It was a great trip. The weather was not so great, but we made the best of it, and we golfed in weather so bad, that we were the only ones on the course. (46*F, high winds, and rain) We golfed Tansi twice, Bear Trace twice and Dorchester once. (It was awesome!) We hung out, hacked away in the yard, went shopping, indulged in Margaritas, screwdrivers (with Belvedere Vodka - yum!), and ate at the country club twice. (The first time we drank much more than we ate, and I paid for it!)

In general it was a great vacation. No stress from the office, with my husband... nuff said!

There is always something great about coming home. We have a great place in Tennessee, but wow, our house here is awesome.

I cleaned the house from top to bottom before we left, and what a brilliant idea! When we arrived home, grungy and gross from sitting in a car for 9 hours, we were greeted with a nice clean smell and sparkling lights. We immediately dumped everything in the spare room, Billy went in search of his missing truck.... then we got in the hot tub. I missed that! Especially after golfing in gale force winds! Then to sleep in our own comfy bed, (sans pooch).

Life is good. Now I'm just waiting for Billy to get up, so I can get started on the projected 6 loads of laundry, get pooch (who we both missed), drive Billy to his MIA truck, and get to Kingsville for groceries and put up open house signs.

Great vacation. Very good to be home. Oh, I have so much to say!

Tennessee bound!

Woo hoo! On Thursday afternoon, Billy and I are going to Tennessee!

As you may see, I am quite excited about this trip. Golf, dining out, hanging out and shopping... (all with Billy except the shopping...) a perfect vacation! We haven't been there together in two years.

There is something about Tennessee that I love. I've been going there since I was about 11, and have owned the house (with PF) since 1999. I just love it! I feel at peace and at home. The area is really nice and the golf courses are great.

Crossville is a good town, (maybe just a little red neckish.. anyone remember The Shamrock?) Lake Tansi is awesome. Quiet, pretty, nice people, an excellent course, good 19th Hole and a great Restaurant, (the drinks are a little strong...)

I have a bunch of things to do before we go, but no serious stress. It's going to be great, and I can't wait!

Songs in my head

Just about everyday I wake up with a song in my head.

This is truly amazing to me, as I don't even listen to music everyday. In fact I rarely listen to music at all, instead I am a talk radio and news junkie. So how do I wake up with music as my constant background?

I think it sets the tone for my day. Along with that thought, I'm not sure which comes first: the music or my mood. Does my mood when I wake up determine what song I pull from obscurity? Does the song I hear determine the mood?

Today's tune is 'The Good Stuff' by Kenny Chesney. It's a simple song about a man who has a fight with his wife, and a kind old bartender tells him to appreciate what he has in his life including the little things, because before you know it, it'll be gone. It's a nice song. It's played on the radio quite a bit, so I understand why it's in my head. It also fits with my happy/content mood.

Other recent songs in my head include:
'Me and My Gang' by Rascal Flatts
'That's What I like About Sundays' by Craig Morgan
'Mayberry' by Rascal Flatts
'8th of November' by Big and Rich

Okay, those make sense, they are played on the radio often. The other day, however I couldn't shake, 'Lucille' by Kenny Rodgers. Y'know... 'You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille, four hungry children, and a crop in the field...' I can't even remember the last time I heard that song! It has nothing to do with my mood, and I can't even relate that song to my life! Weird. I remember a couple of years ago I had the song 'My Name is Luca' by Suzanne Vega stuck in my head for about 2 months! That was annoying, (it bothered Billy too!)

So maybe these songs are random. Maybe they hold no meaning whatsoever. All I know is that song lyrics crop up during the day whenever my brain is in a lull. Sometimes it is a nice break, other times I want to saw my head off with a rusty butter knife...