Book review and etc.

I won't bore you with a real book review, unless it was to be amazing, I'm just going to rant a bit about some novel's I've recently read.

I've been slowly working my way through some classics this year. I've read 8 so called, 'classics' this year. Who made this list, I don't know, but I found it, and I'm not going to change it now. (Although certain novels are missing, like Treasure Island and Anna Karenina,) I must say that 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' was not that great. It was a nice little slice of upper class life in post World War I England. I liked the language, the customs, and descriptions of the household, land, cars etc. I have a degree in history so of course I find this compelling. What was not stimulating was the story itself. I thought because it was banned in the US for 30 some years for pornographic content, it would be quite racy. Perhaps it was, but today, any given page of a Danielle Steele novel would make D.H. Lawrence blush. It's a little tough to read because of the diction, I guess I'm more accustomed to plainly written lawyer/cop/medical thrillers, written to appeal to the masses... I give it an 5 out of 10.

Next was 'Howards End', which I personally renamed, 'Howards torturing me to the End' and 'Howards never going to let this novel End by E.M. Forster'. It was slightly better than 'Lady Chatterley', but I don't know why this book was made into a movie. I have read many books that would be more worthy, but of course, there is some self appointed person smarter than us all out there, who determines how the proletariat should be enlightened by the brilliance of their interpretation of what is 'classic literature... hmm, ranty! It was a decent novel for the reasons mentioned above... I'd rate it 6/10.

In the spirit of classic novelists, I think I'm going to now be known as E.S. Grady. Sounds intelligent eh?

I imagine this post is as boring as the novels were, so I will say that I had a great week-end. We played virtual golf in Lakeshore, and wow, what a money maker! That place was awesome, and I totally felt like I was in either a nice living room or comfortable clubhouse. Just great! I hope to go back soon... We went to the 'immys' house and had a great dinner, and tons of fun in general. (Billy had the beef tip belly blues the next day... hahaha)

It is nearly the end of February, and I have reviewed my resolutions and found:
- My work-out and weight loss dreams are slipping away, but I'm plowing along.
- Work wise, I'm quite behind, but will devote more time in March.
- Personally I'm doing fabulous, and I hope that my stress level decreases in the coming month.
- I have been attempting to dress better on a daily basis, wear make-up, but I haven't been very motivated to do something with my hair.
- I believe I am speaking better, less swearing, etc.
- I have been more careful with money.
- I have been taking more pictures.
- I (think that I) 've been a great wife. I love making Billy laugh, and will do anything so that he can relax when he gets home, and enjoy life in general.

Life's good!

The Oscars

So of course the first thing I did on the computer this morning is look up the list of winners on msn. The second thing, of course, was to check out the fashions. The pictures I saw looked great, very elegant, and I was happy to see full length gowns, as I've been concerned lately with the shorter dresses...

Anyway, the point is... it appears that most actresses are trying their best to imitate stick figures. They looked so pale and thin, with no definition on their arms. It looks like their stylist has locked them in a box for a few weeks, away from natural light, and fed only water and plain white rice to completely emaciate them. Really!

Did you see Reese Witherspoon? Her eyes look sunken - like she is near death. In my opinion, the best looking women were Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, and the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine. They looked real and happy.

The squeaky b!itch gets the worms

Or maybe it's the greasy bitch is an early bird, or even the early wheel gets the grease. The point is, sometimes idioms as such don't fully explain the story...

After digesting and internalizing multiple thoughts, gossips and stories, I have reached several conclusions about myself, someone I know, and the world...

Nearly Unnecessary Disclaimer: I have an incredible life, really. Relatively no stress, (operative word:relatively), an amazing husband, good, true friends and pretty much everything I want. Of course, the green eyed monster always lurks nearby, and there is that damned Jones' family to keep up with, not to mention a bombardment of advertising telling me to be skinny-er, more fashion conscience, and please, drive the right car etc. etc. ad nauseam to infinity!! ARG!

Here's the thing: I know someone who has absolutely everything that they want. Right down to the shoes on their feet. She gets her hair, nails, mani's and pedi's, and waxing done regularly. She shops till she drops. She goes out to dinner several nights a week, (not to mention breakfast and lunch). She vacations as much 'as she wants to'. She has the perfect house, kids, husband, etc. She has it all!

So she says. All this comes at a great expense. Because, (drum roll please... climax time... clear the aisle here it comes!) she is a bad person.

That's right folks, she's just plain old not nice. Let me further explain, then I'll wrap this up in a tidy package for y'all.

Backing up, and being honest, I would like to have my hair done more, (or at all really...) nails, have more clothes, dining experiences, vacations, etc. I really would. This is why I had to step back and ask myself, "I am just plain jealous? " Analysing, assessing, pondering, processing.... I could have more of those things if I wanted, it's not a matter of my husband withholding money, or feeling that I'm undeserving of such luxuries, (she would say necessities...). It is just this:
- I would have to work more to afford what we have plus what I (sort of) want
- Without the extra income, our normal lifestyle would suffer
- If I worked more, I wouldn't really have the time or energy to enjoy the extras or our normal lifestyle
- We could just go into debt!

(This is the meaty body, where I really get into it!)
Although I would like those things, they are not really important to me. I really can't be bothered about my hair too often, make-up more than I have to, and most of the time I wear joggies about the house, and jeans in public. While we could vacation more as a couple, I know that it is important that my husband get away with his friends, and I would never take that away from him. We don't eat out a lot for many reasons. I like to cook, and Billy likes what I cook. When we do go out, we go all out, and that's what I prefer. I'd rather go crazy at the Keg one night every few months and make it memorable, an event, than go out once a week to Applebees, Kelseys', etc.

So my life is just as I want it, and her life is just as she likes. Fine right? No, not really. She pushes her life on you. She tells you all the wonderful ways she spends money, how her husband takes her away to exotic locales because he loves her, and owes his life to her. He doesn't need time with friends, she is all he wants. Anything she doesn't have or do, is simply because that's how she wants it, (believe me, she'll tell you that...). She knows everyone and everything, and everyone thinks that she is amazing, (yes, she'll tell you that too..). I could go on and on...

Here's another momentous point: She's not nice. Living with her must be hell. She is demanding, self-centred, vindictive, dictatorial, and mean. They are in huge debt. He lives under her thumb. She's not mother of the year. She is incredibly loud, obnoxious and embarrassing. She goes to great lengths to boost her ego, because she is quite vacuous. She lies continuously and erroneously, without regard to whom she is speaking, (she'll tell me falsities about one of my best friends!) Outside appearance is everything, because there is nothing else. (and the outside appearance is quite lacking...)

So in conclusion, I have learned before being envious of others, fully consider what it is that you want in life, and don't compare to what others purport. Thankfully I have also realized that I don't want anything that resembles her 'existence'. I'm not jealous, or even spiteful in my attitude towards her. I'm as accurate as any non-fly on the wall could be.

Thanks, once again I feel better... Does anyone know who I'm talking about? Hehe.

In the spirit of the Oscars

We like movies and watch quite a few.

We have several favorite movies and of course from famous movies comes movie quotes. This is a funny thing, because quoting from a movie with a husband or friend is quite an intimate thing. If I said some of the things listed below to a stranger, they'd have me committed. When Billy and I in normal conversation drop a quote in, I believe it is something simple that bonds us. Same with friends.

Here are some of my most used and favorites that I could possibly use in everyday conversation, and examples of proper usage:

When there is a slim possibility of something happening:
"So you're saying there's a chance" - Dumb and Dumber
When someone is getting their butt kicked:
"Kick his ass Sea Bass!" - Dumb and Dumber
When hearing the name, or meeting anyone named 'Julia':
"...your last name's gonna be Guilia? Julia Guilia, that's funny!" - The Wedding Singer
Upon seeing insane behavior:
"He's losing his mind, and I'm reaping all the benefits." - The Wedding Singer
When somebody says something stupid:
"You eat pieces of shit for breakfast?"- Happy Gilmore
When I'm closer to the hole then the other player in my group:
"Somebody's closer" - Happy Gilmore
When you see a gym rat guy:
"Do you know where the weight room is? I'll check it out" - Tommy Boy
Anytime you see someone wearing something too small for them:
"Fat guy in a little coat..." (if I'm in public I'd just hum it, and Billy and KT would get it) Tommy Boy
After a good putt:
"Happy learned how to putt!" - Happy Gilmore
After getting hurt:
"That's gonna leave a mark!" - Tommy Boy
When the ball just won't go in the hole:
"Son of a bitch ball. Why can't you go home? Aren't you good enough for your home?" - Happy Gilmore
After doing something good:
"Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills" - Napoleon Dynamite
When talking about an animal:
"It's pretty much my favorite animal" - Napoleon Dynamite
When putting a good shot:
"It's in the hole!" - Caddyshack
Anytime I need something:
"We're gonna need a bigger boat" - Jaws (Can also be changed into many other combinations, including: I'm gonna need a warmer coat, I'm gonna need a bigger tote, etc...)

Here are ones only KT would understand:
Upon seeing awkward behavior:
"Big gulps huh? Cool! All right, welp - see ya later! - Dumb and Dumber
When someone needs help and is unlikely to get it:
"Need a little wind here!" - Tommy Boy
Seeing a crap car:
"hey, chicks dig it, it's the shaggin' wagon" - Dumb and Dumber
Upon view bad luck:
"Our pet's heads are falling off..." - Dumb and Dumber

Billy's favorites...
When I hit a good shot in golf:
"That's a peach hon!" - Caddyshack
Anytime he feels like it, and for no reason at all...:
"They were cones!"

Ah nothing like a good movie quote to make someone smile. We have such fun with these... ah, it makes me laugh!

Books

Here are some books that I have to read. Having a stack of books or magazines to read always reminds my of my grandmother. She was eccentric to say the least and her house was cluttered with dusty books, and piles of magazines. She always knew where everything was, and had many books and magazines on the go. I always thought how incredible to have so many interests and such a thirst for knowledge. It was quite scholarly. I'm sure people like that still exist, and I realize that my pile does not represent intelligence or a driving desire to acquire wisdom - it just reminds me of my grandmother, and I like it!

Real quick like

I survived shopping on Wednesday. It was tough, but I did it. To further complicate, and irritate my OCD-ed-ness, I'm partly going to clean the house this morning, (makes my heart race just thinking about it - as it is not Friday...) then venture to the passport office, (with book and comfortable shoes).

Friday I'm going for bloodwork, (finally!) and then I will clean the rest of the house, and hopefully meet TOL for lunch.

It's a crazy, crazy world! When my schedule returns to normal, I have a few rants to discuss...

Uh-oh

It is a very scary day! I'm actually grocery shopping today as opposed to Thursday. I hope that the Earth doesn't fall off its axis! You see, in my slightly OCD world, this is a big deal.

I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon, in which I'm hoping he orders bloodwork, of which I would have done first thing tomorrow morning (no cocktails tonight after volleyball...), then I hope to go to the passport office, (where I will stand in line for about 5 hours...). So obviously I can't possibly go grocery shopping tomorrow!

This may through my entire week off kilter, but I should be able to manage.

Well I should go to the food store. Wish me luck! (Imagine: grocery shopping on a Wednesday! Indeed!)

Gym annoyances

I've been going to the gym regularly since October, (Although you can't tell by the size of my ass...) and there are people that seriously and continuously perplex and annoy me.

Here's an example.
There is this couple, she is probably in her mid fifties, and he a little older. She is in great shape for any age, and always wears the same, once black, now faded to gray, 3/4 work out top, and pants, which shows about 2 inches of her flat belly. That's great, if you've got it, flaunt it. But, I want to tell her to dispose of her pants, as they sit 2 inches above her belly button, and make her ass look two feet long. She completely over-ages herself in the outfit, but that's not the annoying part...
I remember seeing them years ago when I was a member, and they are still doing the exact same thing...
They will make a big production about doing cardio, (being beside each other, towels, water, etc.) then they ride the bike for 5 minutes. They do one set of weights, of maybe 8 repetitions, switching off, then they move to another machine, a completely different body part mind you, and do one set of about 8 reps. They go to the ab mats, and do no more than 10 sit-ups. When done, she actually said, 'I'm so glad I'm done with abs!" WTF? They both do their entire work out in about 20 minutes, with no effort, rhyme or reason... Watching them is like watching butterflies flit and flutter throughout the gym.

There are so many other people I could rant about, but why? I feel better already!

Week-end update

Our week-end went from 60 to 0 in 2.8 seconds. We were hoping to get together with the most unlikely, newly engaged couple for a nice dinner sometime this week-end, and that got cancelled, as he is on medication, and is unable to consume alcoholic beverages, (a major factor when dining out...) Rats!

Billy's cousin was supposed to come down this week-end, but they had 14 other commitments, so no prime rib dinner for us. Billy invited Davey over, but he declined as they and another couple are going to hotel for the night for some fun with the kids...

So the plan is to read, (I now have 5 books waiting to fulfill their destiny), catch up on recorded shows, and Billy will undoubtedly play World of Warcraft.

I must say a huge thanks to Vito, who came to the rescue and installed Word, PP, new Outlook, Office, Publisher, etc. on the computer. Ahh, that's better! (Don't worry, it was all legally installed, he's a beta tester...) I must say that I LOVE the new Outlook. The new Word looks great too, I hope to put it to good use soon... Billy also now has a landed email address and is using my old outlook express. I hope he likes it! It is so much better than hotmail. The computer is getting back to normal, except for some sound issues.

Such a quiet week-end again!

Help!

Can someone please tell me why songs get stuck in my head?

Today's greatest hit is from the family classic, 'The Sound of Music' whereby the beautiful, and perhaps the slightly androgynous, Julie Andrews, sings with the most dreamiest man in his time, Christopher Plummer, "Something good".

Also, I would like explained how I know all the words to the above mentioned song, when I have seen it on a yearly basis for about 10 years?

Don't get me wrong, I love the song, but not stuck playing like a broken record in my brain. Here's the lyrics, so you can share my pain. (Try to imagine staring into Christopher Plummer's bedroom eyes....ahhh....)

(Maria) Perhaps I had a wicked childhood, perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past, there must have been a moment of truth
For here you are standing there loving me, whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good
Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.
(Captain) For here you are standing there loving me, whether or not you should
(Maria) So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.
(Both) Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could
(Maria) So somewhere in my youth
(Captain) or childhood,
(Maria) I must have done something,
(Both) something good.

Oh you did something good alright there Captain! Indeed! Sing is like you mean it! (I notice that this post took a different turn than I intended... Liz is dreamily imagining C.P in the gazebo....)

Random blatherings

First of all, I would like to wish the US mint good luck today with their third serious attempt to weigh American currency holders down with the re-introduction of the new $1 US coin. To the US public, I say give it a try. We've had $1 coins for, um, it has to be about 20 years now, and $2 coins for about 12. It's all good. Go with it, next may be the Metric System! (God forbid, give me inches, feet, and miles any day...) Oh, it may help if the government would take steps to remove the $1 bills from circulation, but who am I to say? Your tax dollars at work...

Secondly, if you are one of the many people in this area that own large pick-ups with snow scraper things on the front, I would like to remind you that the world does not revolve around you and your not even part time duties as a snow remover. Several times yesterday I had kamikaze plows dart in front of me, and once in front of a semi-truck. I know it must be a huge adrenaline rush as you live out your childhood fantasies of playing with big trucks with multiple attachments, etc., but seriously have some consideration. Also you may want to realize that plowing a parking lot is great for business, but pushing the snow on the road is not good for the drivers attempting to get to that, or any business. You annoy me. I was fairly pleased to see a tractor and a 4 wheeler, both with plows, in the ditch outside Essex yesterday. I felt vindicated, like the gods were finally doing my bidding, ('bout time!).

Thirdly, I like to see little kids playing in the snow, or outside in general. All kids should be forced to step away from their computers, ipods, PS2s, Wiis, TVs, portable DVD players, and experience snow pants, being cold and wet, flying down a hill on a sled, and tunneling in a snow drift, (of course if weather permitting). I was happy to see one of our nephews and two nieces playing on, and completely ruining our pristine snow drifts. Good for them!

Lastly, when are people going to learn? How about not asking someone what they 'got' for Valentine's Day? If you know that they are a couple, perhaps instead inquire if they celebrate it. When you ask me 'what I got' translates into: 'Ask me what I got, so I can prove to you that I am more loved than any human being ever!' And when you kind of make up the answer anyway, it really doesn't have the same effect... (ex) 'oh, for Valentine's Day, we booked a trip for the late fall...' Really now? You weren't going to book that trip otherwise? And when you act upset that you can't properly celebrate V-day due to a child's activity, I may feel bad for you. However, because I know that you also can't celebrate because of your husband's work commitments, then I know you are a big liar, liar! (Oh, and it makes me laugh... some people are so transparent...)

I feel better already!

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

I thought I would throw the 'St.' in there just for fun, I'm not a purist...

I hope that everyone is having a great day, whether they have someone special in their lives or not. Vanlentine's day should not be just for couples, it should celebrate love in all forms. So I say...

You may know that I'm married to the greatest guy in the world, (coming up 5 years next month...) and I hope that he feels my adoration.

Have a great day!

Snow fun

If you ever need a laugh, just find the following:

- 3 dogs

- Snowdrifts up to 6 feet deep

- Snow pants, gloves, and two hats

I just had the three dogs out in my mom's yard, and oh my God, did I laugh.

Normally I would take Halia to the back porch door to get the other dogs, but I wanted to get a picture of my mom's pool, so we went around the side where the snow was about 3 feet deep. Halia decided she just couldn't take walking anymore, and stood in front of me, like she expected me to pick up her 110 lbs and carry her to the clearing. Well, I fell, and there I am, a 33 year old women, (wearing snow pants, mind), lying in the snow next to my dog, laughing my butt off.

Now it is snowing again, big flat flakes driven in 20 mile an hour wind. More drifting. This is winter!

Here's Lily digging in a snowbank. I think she found more snow...

That's a snowdrift!

There is a pool under there...

Happy Birthday Halia!

Today is Halia's 2nd birthday. We are celebrating at Mom G's with either a fish dinner, or Taco salad, (Billy will try to convince his mom that Halia would prefer taco salad, as he is not in the mood for fish...) Presents, a cake, candles and singing. Oh yes, this is what happens when you don't have children or grandchildren...

I'm feeling incredibly craptacular today due to, well women issues, but not what you think. The first few days 'in a new pack' kill me hormonally, and I walk around for a couple of days nauseous, dizzy, and weak. Fun, good times...

I have finished reading my 12th book of the year, (Yes I'm counting and listing, it's what I do if you haven't noticed...) I'm now reading 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' which Billy promptly informed me was one of his favorite pubescent movies, due to the pornographic content. Well! I never knew, I have come to find out that the book was banned in the US for like 38 years after publishing due to its nasty dirtiness.

I'd like to suggest reading 'The Wind In The Willows' if you have a penchant for reading lighthearted stories involving a nattily dressed, wealthy, egotistical, motor car driving/thief - Toad, a reliable and often pistol carrying Water Rat, a sensible Mole, and a wise and elusive Badger. The language was great, and I loved their near obsession with mealtime. (Of course I did...)

I have 4 books on order at the Library, so I have to read fast, not to mention that I really want to read Rach's 'Hannibal Rising' because I want to see it at the theatre... That reminds me, the Valentines' Day before I started dating Billy, a friend and I protested the holiday by going to see 'Hannibal' at the movies. Defiance indeed!

Have I mentioned the weather lately? Well it is damned cold. I don't think that it's been above freezing in about 3 weeks. I think the high tomorrow is supposed to be 12*F. Today a high of 13*F, and a wind chill factor of -1F. (Billy would say that's almost balmy...) Oh, did I mention a little more snow heading our way? About 7-10 inches by tonight. That's nothing compared to northern New York State. They have 10 FEET of snow, and are expecting more. Yikes, double yikes!

Well I have to go either to vomit or take the pooch next door to let my mom's dog's out to play. Obviously not for long... too cold...

I'm back baby!

We have the computer back! I missed it so much! I will be spending the evening catching up on emails, blogs and news. I will be adding websites to my favorites, (did I mention that we lost everything on our hard drive?) and surfing the night away. The only reason that I'm on the pute and Billy is not reinstalling and playing World of Warcraft is because he is playing poker at the Grand tonight. (Someone got let out of the house, and I don't mean Billy!)

Don't be surprised if I post 8 times a day for a little while, I have so much to say... (Did I mention that we don't have Word, PP, Office, Adobe, etc...?) Oh well life is good...

Memories

I think that I may have a bizarre habit. Sometimes I sit and force myself to remember things.

Obviously not bad things, those memories I do try to push away. I guess more so the feelings that those memories invoke, I try to dissuade.

For the last few weeks, and I'm not sure why, I've been thinking about our old house in Cottam, that we moved out of in October of 2004. So, as I sat drinking coffee this morning, (that which I'd normally do in front of the computer), I allowed myself to pretend that I was sitting on the love seat, but in our old house. My mind's eye looked around nostalgically.

A slightly dark room, although it could be sunny outside, dark burgundy plaid Roman blinds that my mom made for us. Light blue carpet, funky Dijon mustard walls, that Billy picked the colour for, and it turned out fantastic, deep burgundy couches, lots of plants, and rough wood tables and bookcase. Those are the things that are easy to remember, partly because we still own all of that furniture.

Things that can be forgotten include how the sun poked through the sides of the shades, as they were a millimetre too small on each side and dust could be seen floating through the air. The scraping sound the tall evergreen tree made on the window behind the couch, The constant, slightly musty smell. The plant in the corner that died in our new house, in the pot that NFL hand painted for me. The trailing plant which sat upon the old ironing board I bought in a dirty Tennessee flea market and refinished to match the wookwork in our house. The picture of Billy and I from our first cruise. The view of the recently painted bathroom. (After I removed the terrible English garden and manor wall paper border.) I could go on and on.

It was a great house. The kitchen was big and bright. I love the colour we painted it, the bright white cupboards, the gray counter, and the steel-like light fixtures and drawer pulls. The backyard was one of the best features. Deep with big shady trees, nice, thick grass, a vegetable garden in the back, a big porch, a small pond, and a cute walkway to the detached garage.

We thought we would live there forever. Why not? It was the perfect size, and had everything we needed. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret building our new house in the least, it just makes me wonder how different or how similar our life would be if we stayed in that house? There are tough questions I could ask myself, but I choose not to dwell on those. Instead, I'm pleased that I can remember our happy little gray house in Cottam, with the sidewalk out front, and landscaping all around, the friends we had over, the good times on the the back porch in the summers. I'm so lucky to have so many good memories.

This nostalgic phase will pass soon, perhaps I have too much time on my hands without continual access to the computer, perhaps I should get a job, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps... It's all good though...

Withdrawl

Still without pute. I'm at my mother-in-laws, which is must more conducive to typing than my own mother's sub zero abode.

We seem to be adjusting well without the pute. Billy has not complained at all about not being able to play World of Warcraft, so my guilt has substantially subsided...

Us girls went out for DD's birthday last night, (I forgot to mention that in the list of things I'm looking forward to). It was really nice and relaxing. No underlying stress. Refreshing, fun conversations, good drinks and a nice dinner. Missed SuperT though...

I just finished reading the Wind in the Willows, and I'm looking forward to a little social reading, not involving classics. I think I'll read 5 before reverting back. I have two new ones at home waiting to be cracked, the last Harry Potter I'm going to re-read, then Rach has 2 books for me that she really enjoyed and recommended, I can't wait...

I was very sad to hear about Anna Nicole's death. Very tragic ending to a tumultuous life. I wonder why she didn't clean up her act after her son died? You think that would set someone straight.

Hmm, what else? Billy is on call this week-end, but I think that Davey might be coming over tonight, if not, I hope to play a little Tiger Woods' 2007 PGA on PS2. Open house tomorrow in Kingsville, dinner at Mom G's, then back to the regular week, sans pute. Life is good, it's the little things right? Right, right...

Hanging on

Still without 'pute, and I must say that I'm adjusting fairly well. Like today for instance, I'm at my mom's wearing a winter coat and toque. That's better!

I have so much to say, alas I fear that my fingers may freeze up at any given moment, so I shall be brief.

After reliving and discussing recent Superbowl events and conversations, I will say that I don't miss the stress and general annoyance conveyed by... ahem... certain people. There are many thousands of things more enjoyable to chat about than evil, strange, and completely self absorbed behavior... however, it is quite humorous, especially knowing that I'm not alone in my opinions.

I'm almost done reading the children's book, 'The Wind In the Willows', (I think that is what it is called...). It's okay, the stories are funny, and I love the language used. I will quote some from the book once I get the pute back.

I found out today that my seller in K'ville is having panic attacks and is now suffering from high blood pressure and fainting spells. I am now feeling more pressure than ever to get that house sold. As a Realtor, and a sales person, there is only so much I can do. I have to remember that I can't force a pen into someone's hand to make them sign on the dotted line if they aren't interested in the house. Limited indeed! Arg, please, someone, buy the house!

Billy is on call this week-end, but we do have some fun things planned in the next few weeks, including:
- Cousin and wife visiting from London for a night - that means prime rib!
- Survivor starts tonight, and we love that show!
- Going to a golf simulator in Lakeshore, then dinner and cocktails at a friends' house. I really appreciate the reciprocal invite. It's nice to know that Billy is not the only one that makes efforts amongst his friends. This other couple host many parties and social events as well. Where there are friends that we constantly invite, and the occasions that they (we'd prefer if it was just 'he') can come, we are never asked to their house, much less to dinner and drinks. Hmmm...)
- Going out to the Keg with a recently and most incredibly surprising engaged couple I've ever known. I never thought that they would get married. That means a blue cheese filet mignon and a twice baked potato, and of course, good Australian wine. I should mention that the last time we went to the Keg with this couple our bar and dinner bill was nearly $500. Hahaha, what a fun night, I can't wait for a repeat. May have to take a cab.

Right now, Lily is licking Mike's entire head, such as a mother would do to a pup. Very strange. Halia is gazing at them questionably... I am too...

So, aside from the average, everyday things that life brings us, I'm absolutely committed to making the best life for us possible. Appreciating the little things... It's so amazing to me to wake up each day, looking forward to what it will bring.

Various updates

I'm next door at my mom's to use the computer. You may have noticed from my lack of posts that yes, we're still without the 'pute. I can't tell you how many times I've walked into the office to look something up, check my email, and etc. Very strange not to have a computer...

This is what the computer experience is like at my mom's:
- Heavy comforter on, because it is freezing in this room
- Drooling, purring, demanding cat on my lap
- Three dogs playing, barking, and wanting attention
- I'm seated so high that the keyboard and mouse are below my thighs
- Slower speed computer
- None of my favorites saved which means I have to google around to find what I need

I can't wait to get our computer back.

Superbowl was a super-success if I do say so myself. Although I am a football fan, I didn't see more than 10 seconds of the game, here's why:
- Played Dance Dance Revolution on the big screen, while some watched the game on the 13 inch bar TV, that's pretty funny.
- Went briefly to B&B's big Superbowl bash. Was very fun.
- Indulged in some hot tub action, which involved snow angels, Kim doing a belly flop on the ground, (failed hill side slide ...), snow ball making and throwing, frozen drinks, and a ton of laughs.
- Eating, making snacks and drinks. Very distracting indeed! Must say I love Belvedere Vodka, just wish it wasn't so expensive!

It was great fun. I definitely want more get togethers with friends for on non-occasions. It is so great to relax at home with good food and people. Billy's prime rib was a huge success, as usual. The horseradish from the Keg, nearly killed me. Seriously, I was gagging and choking, but it was so good... Kudos Billy.

Well I have to surf some more before my fingers freeze up. Got to go and make the Survivor pool. Can't wait. Life is good, it has to be... we only have one!

Word of the week-end: Arg!

Okay, we are currently without 'pute'. My completely unsuccessful attempt to load Windows Vista has resulted in our computer stubbornly refusing to co-operate. When I run a DOS like diagnostic, and the message that appears is, 'Windows can't fix this problem' - it's time to call in the experts.

So I called tech support, which I have concluded, doesn't help computer morons such as myself. He kept telling me to go to the 'Start' menu, and I kept telling him there was no start menu! If there was a start menu, I'm pretty sure that I would have some version of Windows still loaded on the pute, and I wouldn't be having this conversation! Did I mention that there was a huge language barrier? Did I mention that it took 20 minutes for him to properly record my email address? Did I mention that Staples delivered the program 'not' next day? I should have known not to get involved in this mess...

So, I decide to bring in the big guns. I called the guy who worked with the guy that built our computer. "Brilliant!" I thought, "I'll get the professional's phone number and drop off the tower". Well the guy insisted that he could take care of it, and he'd call me when he got home from work, so I could drop off the tower. That time came and went... no phone call. Meanwhile, I'm having big guilt issues as Billy is unable to play World of Warcraft, and sometimes I'm convinced that that is his only joy in life... Arg! I can't bug this guy to fix the pute, as he is 'helping us! More guilt... Arg!

I wish I could go back in time. A time when I was happy with Windows XP, a time when my husband was happy that I was reading a book on the couch, so he could go play WOW, a time when we were $190 richer, a time when I don't have to check my email, golf pool, random blogs and news from the office...Arg!