More random thoughts

Last night The Other Liz and I went and heard Jane Goodall speak. Wow, is she ever amazing! I have to add her to the top of my 'Hero' list. If you ever get the chance to hear her speak, I really recommend it!

So anyway... here are some incredibly offensive pictures of our pooch Halia. If there is such a thing as dog porno, then this would qualify as harcore. This is her favorite way to unwind after a hard day of being a dog. I wasn't going to post these pictures but Billy thought it would be funny, but I think that he likes exploiting our dog.
























Well I have to go and prepare for our little camping adventure. It is so much work to go away. It's all worth it!

Lovely frogs

Seriously I'm not obsessed with frogs. They live in our tiny pond, and I find them intersting. They still don't trust me since I cleaned out their home, but I was able to take the following picture the other day.



Who knew that frogs are that loving?

Post week-end thoughts

Another great week-end. It was however one of those rare week-ends where I worked my butt off.

The details are boring, so suffice to say I met with clients A, B and C several times, and had 2 accepted offers by Friday morning and another presentation on Saturday night in the counter offer stage, (now dead).

Billy and I had drinks and dinner at the Keg on Friday - awesome! I spent a little time with Beth, Mrs. Grady, and had a nice conversation with my Broker.

Billy had a guys' night at our house consisting of a pay per view fight, poker and drinking. He normally only does this when I'm out of town, but because it was 2 friends' birthdays, I offered to make myself scarce, and I actually spent the night at my mom's.

It was a good week-end, but it went by too fast, and was really busy. Once again, I'm looking forward to some serious couch time this week and catching up on some DVR'd shows.

Tonight The Other Liz and I are going to listen to Jane Goodall speak. Very cool. I'm also looking forward to this week-end as we're camping at the Pinery with some friends. (Drive in movie!) It's only supposed to be in the 60's, but last year it was colder. Can't wait!

All in all, life is great.

Just checking...

I just pulled out my marriage certificate. Of course being incredibly over organized I knew exactly where to find this little underused document.

I wanted to know if there was something on it about *owning* a spouse once married. Nope, nothing. Something perhaps about one person being an *insignificant other*. Again nothing on the license.(issued by Cook County, Nevada... I'm not even sure if we're legally married...)

I must have a different certificate then some people I know. Or perhaps others have an Addendum, Appendix, Schedule A, or a Post Script that we don't have.

Some people, (who don't think much beyond their small lives) think that they own their spouses. They lay down laws: "Don't even think you're going out tonight!" B!tch for no reason: "I can't believe your home late!" and even publicly humiliate their spouse: "I told you ten minutes ago that we're leaving, and then you get another drink, I told you to pack up our stuff and get in the car - NOW!"

I'm really grateful that we lack that clause. It wouldn't be very much fun to be kept under a thumb, constantly put down, and generally spend a life walking, eating, sleeping, breathing, pooping and thinking on eggshells. Not much of a life really.

So why not prepare a new document and move on? Here's why: kids, fear, finances, and the simple fact that some people are better as spouse than an psycho ex-spouses.

Finally!

Finally my license plates came in the mail.

According to my *friend* Rachel who works at the License Bureau, the plates are made by inmates at the Kingston Penn. I thought that was something just in movies...

I waited 7 weeks for them to arrive in 4-6 weeks... Apparently there were a pile in the 'basement' of the Penn ready to be mailed out. I guess that the inmates lack good work ethic and motivation. Gee, I wonder why?

Well, the new plates, (Which are a complete luxury item purchased by my brother Dave for my recent 33rd birthday) say the following:

10 S C

If you know me, you know how I love that great state. It only seemed right that I express it to everyone that glances at the rear of my car.... (okay, seriously...)

I also liked:

URA ID10T

That seemed a little rude, and not at all applicable to all who read my plate, unless they were the ones attempting to crawl into my trunk while traveling 110 kms on the #3 Bypass this afternoon. Then that plate would have been perfect!

I'm pleased with my new plates! Little things...

I'm done

Tonight I have finished the dreaded and awful Satanic Verses.

Actually, looking back, the last half wasn't bad. I think that I became accustomed to the author's language and writing style.

Let me tell you: I'm looking forward to finishing The Lord of The Rings now!

Whew! Only took me a month!

Attention parents

Here's the disclaimer: I'm not a parent, I have no right to judge parents, but I do have a right to an opinion and here it is:

Kids are like little recorders. When you say something in their presence, they are likely to repeat it to others. If you are talking about someone, the kids are likely to discuss what you were saying to the people you were talking about. Dangerous eh?

It should be fairly obvious that kids brains are not developed enough to always know what should and should not be talked about. They might not realize that you, as a parent, are being completely malicious and immature when talking to your spouse/friends/family/ about someone. Kids don't always understand sarcasm or exaggeration. They will not interpret conversations correctly. In the end, the parents are the ones that look like idiots. Big, stupid, ill-bred, redneck, selfish, juvenile, dim, obtuse, idiots.

Here's a hint: If you feel the need to gossip about someone, get a friend. That's right, get out of Mommy and Daddy world and find some grown ups to chat with.

Things that make you go hmm

Today I was supposed to golf with Kim at Seven Lakes to catch up on some rounds that she has missed, (I'm caught up). I couldn't make it though due to some work obligations.

It's a good thing to have work obligations. That means the possibility of money in the future.

I had a real dry spell for closings this past late winter and spring. I did sell a few homes, but they were all set to close in the summer, which made me feel like I was not contributing to the health of our finances. Not a good feeling to have.

Now that I've recently had some closings, and some checks come in, I feel much better. Savings are up and debts are down. It's a good thing.

Not a good thing is the fact that I don't have any work clothes that fit me comfortably. Of course I've been avoiding the typical Realtor appearance in the summer months by donning golf shorts and polos. That doesn't cut in this cool fall weather.

I ventured to the mall yesterday, and after perusing some stores, I settled on one to try on some clothes. Never fun.

I think that Reitman's (formally known the world over as carrying apparel suitable for grandmothers and spinster aunts did have an excellent selection...), has skinny mirrors in the dressing room. I looked good, (a rare occurrence). Hmm

I tried on 3 pairs of dress pants, (all different sizes) and purchased all of them. Hmm, odd. If I average out the size I bought, I discover that I am the same size as I was last year, yet those pants are no longer comfortable. Hmm

Well, I'm happy to be suitably clothed for what I hope to be a prosperous fall season. Although I just heard on the news something about some serious Chrysler layoffs. Ouch! Not good for real estate in the Canadian Motor City. I think it's going to be even more of a buyers' market. I'll keep you updated, or of course you can check out my website. Plug, hmm

If only...

What a great week-end! If every week-end was like the last one, we'd die broke with giant smiles on our faces.

The good stuff started on Thursday with the new season of Survivor. It was really good, and we have 10 people in the pool. I only wish that it was on 3 times a week like Big Brother was. Other than Survivor, Desperate Housewife, Grey's Anatomy, and maybe CSI Vegas, there are no other shows that I'm into, which is a good thing, I have a lot of books to read, (and an Indigo gift certificate from Deb burning a hole in my purse). So anyway, I'm loving that Survivor is back for another few months.

If you read my post on Friday, you may have got the sensed that I wasn't feeling too great. It was a busy day, but it ended very well. I felt better, and after running around half the county I met up with the girls at Karen's house. I hadn't seen NFL or Rachelle in a long time, and The Other Liz always has great stories. It was nice to see Bek again, and of course Tania. I didn't stay too long, but we I was able to catch up a little and have some laughs.

On Saturday morning Billy and I packed up our clubs and a cooler and headed out to Grand Bend. It was a great day, not too hot, and no wind. We arrived at Oakwood Resort a bit early and discovered that the course was absolutely packed. I mean there were people everywhere. Apparently they had a few small tournaments planned, and we were squeezed in there somewhere.

We were pretty anxious to tee off, and were just about ready to go, when the starter realized that we were not part of the O'Grady tournament. Another O'Grady siting in less than 2 weeks! We ended playing directly behind them with a couple from Tecumseh who were given a gift certificate to stay and play at Oakwood as the husband just retired from the CAW. Luckily they were a very nice couple, and the husband Glen complimented my swing many times which made me feel great.

The play was really slow. The course was packed. It is incredibly nerve racking teeing off on the 1st and 10th holes, as you tee off from the deck, just off the restaurant and bar, near the proshop. Needless to say, there was a gallery of onlookers, and of course I duffed my shots to start both of these holes. Ugh, embarrassing. Billy showed off well as he hit the green with a 3 wood on his drive on the 10th hole, (then 3 putted for par...)

I finished with a 90, which is really good for me, (although it is only a par 70...), but it was relaxing, and Billy and I were joking around the entire time. After consuming a couple of beers on the course we enjoyed the company of our golf mates on the beautiful deck which overlooks a couple of holes. It was a great night. Dinner was excellent, and the drinks were flowing well.

We arrived at the Acorn Lodge (that's where the Lion's Head group was staying) at about 10. I felt bombed and sloppy, although I think I only had about 6 drinks over the course of 7 hours.... I only stayed up for an hour visiting then crashed on the futon mattress in the back of Billy's pick-up. It was very redneck of us to toss a mattress in the back of the cab and sleep, but we didn't want to impose on any of our friends in the cabins. It actually worked out great, and at about 7:40 am, we crawled into the front of the truck and headed home.

I had a pretty busy Sunday work-wise, but it also ended on a high note. I picked up Kim at 6:30 and we went to Big Tony's (the old California's) for Michelle's (Squishy) farewell party. It was nice to see some people from the office, and Michelle appreciated the gesture.

I hope to be at home most evenings this week. Last week was pretty busy, which translates into expensive, and I'm looking forward to more great week-ends, and some serious couch time in between.

I feel like crap

I hate feeling like crap, especially when it is undeserved, (no blurry good alcoholic memories from the night before).

I have a lot of things that I should have done today. I should have cleaned the house, I should have made Brie dip, I should have bought Jacob a birthday card, (luckily I have a really funny card that will be perfect), I should have taken the dog for a walk, prepared Tamara for the open house on Sunday, and made up and dropped off open house flyers. But I didn't because I feel like crap.

We're zipping out of town tomorrow to golf and hang out with friends. Not conducive to feeling like poo and not accomplishing anything. I didn't even empty the dishwasher!

In a few moments we'll be off the Mrs. Grady's for dinner, then to my brother's for Jacob's birthday, and then I'm supposed to go to Karen's for a little get together with the girls. I just want to lie on the couch.

So why am I writing an entry right now? Why don't I go empty the dishwasher? Because I feel dizzy when I stand for more than a minute or so. I have got to get that checked out. Ugh. I love life so much, that I hate when I feel bad...

Here's to a good week-end though...

The simple life

During a quick phone conversation today with The Other Liz, we both became quite excited over the prospect of indulging in Brie dip at a little get together this coming Friday evening at Karen's house. We both acknowledged that sometimes it is the little things that make life great.

Here are some little things:

Big black garage bags. I now appreciate them after running out and using small white garbage bags for a week. In Tennessee I have scented garbage bags, which smell quite good, until they are filled with garbage of course.

My orthodic sandals. Yep, they're not too cool looking, but they are very comfortable and I appreciate the fact that I don't have severe ankle pain any more. I'm going to miss them in the winter...

The hole in our house. If you've never seen our house, it's had to describe quickly. Suffice to say, we have a big void on the mainfloor that is open to the walk-out basement below. I love it because it gives us a great view outside, and I throw things in the hole as opposed to carrying them downstairs. (clean blankets for the couch, towels for the hot tub, robes, etc.) Very handy indeed!

Blue socks. I have this pair of blue socks that I just love. They look great with jeans. I think I'll go put them on now....

I love it when Halia gets a new bone and is enthralled with chewing it. It keeps her busy and happy.

Kicking back with Billy, salsa and nachos and watching a really good TV show. Especially when it is DVR'd as there are no commericials. (Unless I forget to 'flip' which I often do...)

Brie dip. Of course this is the inspiration for today's post. I looked and the recipe is lost, but basically here's how to make it:
Freeze a round of Brie for a few minutes and cut it in half so you have two equal rounds. (use the smaller sized Brie)
In a bowl mix about 3 good sized chopped artichoke hearts. If they are marinated, then rinse them first. Be sure to pull away and discard any tough pieces.
Add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic
In the same bowl add about 10 finely chopped leaves of fresh basil. (Dried won't cut it!)
Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
Add a few turns of fresh black pepper.
Add enough olive oil just to bind the above ingredients together (like two tablespoons), and mix well.
In a pie plate (I like the disposable ones, although they are not attractive) place half the Brie in the bottam, spread the bowl of ingredients onto it, and top it with the other half of the cheese.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes at 400 F until melted.
I love it best with garlic Canape rounds (Kinda like melba toast...) It is awesome, and now I want some....

Being able to have the window open at night. We sleep so much better.

Flannel sheets, and a feather down duvet.

I love that our recycle boxes are in the attached garage just off the kitchen. It's so easy to toss everything in.

Trashy movie star tabloids. Hearing that Jessica Simpson gained 10 pounds makes me feel good.

Billy's Cumberland Mountain sweat shirt and Big Orange. (aptly named as it is a big orange sweat shirt)

3/4 length gray joggies from Old Navy. Still love them!

When a client that I haven't heard from in a while calls out of the blue. It's nice to know people are thinking about you, and that those annoying letters and emails keep me in people's heads.

Okay, I'm done. I could go on, but I like writing things that are on the top of my head. If I have to force it then it's not real. I hope y'all (I love the words y'all) have simple little things in your life that you appreciate too!

Real estate moguls

Have you ever seen the show 'Flip This House'? It's on A&E.

This season they have changed the 'cast'. Last year the show featured a company from South Carolina, owned by a guy named Richard. He and his employees would search out houses in very poor shape to fix up in a week or two, and flip for huge profit. There was a episode where they purchased a home for $130,ooo in a great neighborhood, and invested $70,000. (new flooring, drywall, kitchens and baths...) They stage the home with furniture, hold an open house after owning it for only 2 weeks, and generally sell it immediately. This one house sold for $330,000, netting a profit of $130,000 for 2 weeks work.

This year the scene is San Antonio, same general idea with flipping homes, and the company is owned by two brothers along with their wives. In the last episode that I DVR'd, the one brother was a little upset at his beautiful designer clad, model like wife because she hadn't sold a home in 2 weeks, and apparently normally she sells 3 or 4 a week.

Well holy crap, if I sold 3 or 4 homes a week, that would be like 182 homes a year, and lets say the average commission after all expenses were accounted for is $2,000 (that's a very moderate estimate.... but anyway....) That is $364,000 a year. Add in the fact that they own the company that flips the home, and they wouldn't purchase a flip house unless they can profit $30,000 (that's after paying for the contractors and materials, etc) at a minimum. Of course they have expenses like marketing, overhead like office space, (they recently purchased a huge office building, that if only 70% occupied would pay for itself...) salaries, etc....

So needless to say that this family are real estate moguls. Keep in mind that they are all quite gorgeous, and are not any older than 30.

It makes me feel like I'm missing out. Obviously the market in our area currently could not support such real estate investments... but I could do more than my paltry dozen or so sales a year....

So basically, if you hear of anyone interested in buying or selling a house, please let me know so I can build my empire.

Fun fun fun

This last week-end was a good one. I love it when I can look back on good times, as well as looking forward to fun.

On Friday Liz (the Other Liz) and I ventured out to Fort Malden in Amherstburg to attend the Shores of Lake Erie Wine Festival. (I always want to say the Ears of Lake Shorie...) Apparently the money raised is to promote local tourism. I suspect the local wineries would really benefit from increased tourism, hence a perfect pairing.

Liz and I initially wandered aimlessly throughout the well dressed, good-looking crowd, searching for friends Bek, Darryl, Denise and Matt, and setting our sites on the local wineries and restaurants of which we would indulge.

We hadn't found anyone yet, and were walking by a table of people sitting on the river's edge, when one guy said, 'uh excuse me, did you drop your cell phone?' I looked down and it was a silver phone, so I knew it wasn't mine, but looked exactly like Liz's. She bent down to pick it, confused at how her phone could leap out of her zipped purse, and POOF! It was gone. Those funny drunk jokers had attached fishing wire to the phone, and pulled it away when it was just out of Liz's grasp. Needless to say we laughed pretty hard, not so much about the cell phone gag, but that grown adults would be behaving in such a manner at a wine fest. Liz and I pretty much agreed that the fest was just like a beer tent with the following exceptions:

- Attendees wobbled about with plastic wine glasses instead of plastic beer cups.
- People wore generally button up shirts, and nice clothing as opposed to belly shirts and jogging shorts. (except for the overweight woman wearing an offensively tight lace getup...)
- At last call, as opposed to loading up on beer, many individuals were seen purchasing full bottles of wine to consume.
- Beemers, caddies, and Lincolns as opposed to pick-ups and G-G-Geo's.
- The wine fest attracted citizens like local mayors, and other people of influence as opposed to a beer tent that generally attracts degenerates, the local mentally challenged populace, and people under the influence.
- There were no eleven teen year olds, but we did see the old librarian from our highschool, who I thought died eleven years ago.

So, anyway, it was a great time.

My first glass was from Erie Shores Winery, and it was an awesome Summer Cab. Light peachy pink in colour it was lightly fruity and perfect on a late summer evening. Liz really enjoyed her Baco Noir.

After we hooked up with our friends and basically circled a table like buzzards until the group left, we bought a bottle from Viewpoint Winery - as Liz pointed out that they weren't open yet, and we should be among the first to try it. Well, it sucked. It was way too peppery, oaky, and if I could imagine what Windex would taste like, it would be very comparable. So, we finished the bottle..... If you would like a read a blog about local wine, check out this one, it's pretty good!

Matt bought a bottle of I Don't Know What, and it was fairly delicious, but by this time Windex was starting to taste pretty good....

It was a great night full of laughs, and it's definitely on my radar for next year.

Of course it's September 11th

Unless you live under a rock in a cave, (hopefully not cavemates with Mr. Laden...) you must know that today is the 5th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th.

It was one of those moments that I will forever remember where I was, and what I was doing.

We just got possession on our home in Cottam a week earlier, and my mom was going to stop by for a coffee on her way to meet with her financial advisor in Windsor. It was a really nice sunny morning. I turned on the news and instantly assumed I was seeing a preview for a new very realistic and disturbing movie. I quickly realized that it was a nightmare coming true.

Billy phoned from Jack's restaurant in Leamington, as he was doing a mod at Leamington Hospital, and asked me if I had seen what was going on.

My mom sat in complete disbelief watching the television. She thought it was an accident, until we saw the second tower hit. It was a very sad day, and the things that I clearly remember are obscure, and minute in detail. For instance, I remember that I had Paul Foster's house listed for sale, and an agent called me just after 9 am to view it. Strange and very sad.

I don't know anyone that died or was injured in the attack. Paul's wife was greatly affected as she lived in New York, and works for an airline, and knew some of the attendants that died. How awful. The world is a truly crazy place. Is it any better or safer than 5 years ago? Absolutely not. All these deaths and wars in the name of religion. Unbelievable.

So what should we do to make the world a better place? Tolerance, understanding, empathy, forgiveness. That's all I can offer.

All good

Halia is just fine. After a brutal drive to Guelph, we met with a top dog cardiologist, (and like 6 vets to be), had a 45 minute ultrasound done, and they determined that yes Halia has a heart murmur. The good news is that it is the best type to have. She will not have to go on medication, it will not affect her activity level or diet, longevity. All things considered, who could ask for more?

When we first met the doctor, he shook Billy's hand and said, "Hi, I'm Michael Grady it's nice to meet you." Billy was like... "Yeah, uh, me too, I'm Michael Grady and it's good to meet you." actually the doctor's name is O'Grady, but he and everyone else dropped the O. That was weird.

Halia was really good considering she had several strange people touching her in odd places, and had her movement and breathing restricted while on a table in a darkened room for almost an hour. She was pretty happy to pass out in the back seat of Billy's truck for the ride home, rising only to eat a cheeseburger from McDonald's. Good girl!

So anyways, lots of good stuff coming up this next week and over the next couple of months. A party, camping, Survivor, Big Brother, a couple of closings, etc... Sadly golf ends very soon, but Billy and I are going to do our very best to extend the season by golfing a bunch in Tennessee. Volleyball starts in less than a month, which will be great because we:

- Go back to Murphy's every week, and have not been there to enjoy a pint (or 3) of Stongbow since Easter.
- Get to see Dave Bedard weekly who always has great stories, and is officially Mr. Party Maker of Fun.
- Get to actually play volleyball
- Tree's siblings Rose and Eug are playing this year... should be fun.

It's a good relief to have Halia's health concerns behind us now, so we can move on and enjoy the good things.

Back to school

Not me of course, but September always has that feeling about it, doesn't it?

This week-end Billy and I pretty much just hung out. That lucky guy played 3 rounds of golf, 2 with Paul Foster at Ambassador, and 1 with me at Ridgetown. (I think I lost my mojo...) We watched a few movies and had the kids sleep over on Thursday night (for the last time for a long time, I need a kid break.)

I'm still grinding my way through 'Satanic Verses' by Salman Rushdie. It's quite painful. There is only one story line that I'm curious about, and it's quite a lot of wading through poop to get to the brief moments that could be considered 'interesting'. I have absolutely decided to only read 2 classics then revert to some enjoyable reading. Next is the third book of 'Lord of the Rings', but I'm only half way through 'Satanic Verses'...

Tomorrow is Halia's big day. We (or I) are (or am) taking her to the Ontario Vet Hospital School in Guelph so she can get an untrasound to determine the severity of her heart murmur. I'm dreading it. A long car ride, plus a strange place, plus a physical exam, plus shaving her side, plus the actual ultrasound.... equals a pretty bad day. Oh well, it's something we have to do. I hope she doesn't behave like this:

I am very much looking forward to the finale of 'Big Brother All Stars', the beginning of the new 'Survivor' (We are the biggest fans out there...) and the end to re-runs in general.

We have more tomatoes ready and hopefully are making the last of the salsa tonight. I screwed up the last batch because I didn't buy the right amount of onions. We finally have perfected the recipe, (see 'Salsa' post). We are using only 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of salt. It only took us about 28 jars to figure it out....