The week-end report

It was a good week-end. Great weather, and no open house or any appointments at all. We golfed on Saturday late morning, Davey joined us and it was fun!

I started with a couple of beers on the back nine, (it didn't help my game at all) and when we got home I made a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea. I mixed just the booze, (luckily, we just happened to have the necessary rum, tequila, vodka, and gin...) and added the other ingredients as I drank. Dinner was fantastic, we had enormous Black Angus New York Strips that Davey brought.

We busted out the Wii after dinner, and Oh My God! is it ever fun! My brother Dave came over, then Mark O. after he finished a call. We tried all the games, and I was sweating like mad playing the boxing game, and I was really into it. Everyone was laughing at me. I don't mind looking like an idiot!

Fast forward through the pitcher of booze and playing Wii to the next morning. I had a tough time getting out of bed due to sore muscles and relentless hang-over. With the 11 am tee time looming I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. Feeling like a bag of poo, I went to the club and of course we're scheduled to golf with people that Billy had met the week previous. Perfect! While walking the first hole, I thought to myself, 'where can I puke?' I seriously considered calling the pro-shop and asking someone to come and pick me up.

After about 5 holes I started feeling human. There was hope in sight. Phase 1 of the hang-over process was complete, (that being the feeling of eminent vomiting) Phase 2 was beginning, (functioning but still nauseous) By the 9th hole I was at the final Phase 3 (thinking and needing food, preferably something greasy). On the turn I scarfed a egg salad sandwich and was fully recovered, (although not getting a beer at the snack shack with the rest of the group). It also helped that the women I was golfing with decided to get a power cart for the back nine. Ahh, the luxury of a power cart!

It was a fantastic day. Billy cut grass when we got home, and we ordered Chinese and picked up the pooch from MomG's. The week-end went by way to quick!

Rants in my pants

Okay, you know I love a good list, and you know I love a good rant, let's combine the two.

- Watching Bryon Nelson Classic on TV, I have to say that I can't stand the voice of the female commentator! Arg! She sounds like a guy! If they want a female commentator, why wouldn't they hire someone that sounds like a woman? Is that voice discrimination? Too bad! I want to scratch my ears out, and will probably have to watch golf on the week-end with the mute on.

- Billy bought Wii! (not a rant) how cool, I can't wait to get my paws on it tomorrow night!
- Don't stand on the counter to water the plants on top of the kitchen cabinets after you have scrubbed said counters clean. Especially don't hop up on the countertop when you recently mopped up spillage from watering plants with your socks. Footprints on the counter are not desirable. (I learned not to stand on a ceramic cooktop from TOL no matter the circumstance, or body size.)
- Occasionally I hate women in general. They can really be mean, vindictive and controlling. Ugh!
- I'm getting a little tired of the 3rd grey day in a row. Need a little sun here!
- I'm pretty sure that Kim Basinger is a bitch, but I don't know her, she just comes off that way.

Not too ranty now was I? Hmm!

Zitch Dog

It was a rainy day today. Grey, no sun at all, but the positive side of this is that the green has really popped, but no leaves on the trees yet.

Yesterday I golfed with Kiks, not well, I might add, then I went back for the women's 9 hole league, which was... nice. That's the word I guess: nice.

Where we golfed no women let alone men stuck around to eat, drink or socialize, so maybe I'm not accustomed to small talk with strangers as here everybody except one women came in for dinner, a drink and some conversation, (and they talked about her...).

I definitely felt like the new kid on the block in more than one sense if you get my meaning. Don't get me wrong, everyone seemed great, very friendly, etc. (one women in my group swore like a sailor and dropped the F bomb about 5 times...) It is just that these women have known each other for years. Being the first night for the league it was a boisterous gathering full of 'catching up'.

Soooo, hm, what to say... I don't have kids, let alone kids in college, I haven't ever been to Myrtle Beach, and I don't own a timeshare, I don't know Barb's cousin's best friend's vet.

It should be an interesting year. I'm really looking forward to knowing some people at the club, we'll see how that goes.

Good day

It's a super nice day outside. Lucky me is meeting Halia's former vet for lunch at Rizzo's, then meeting Kiks for 9 holes at Sutton Creek. I may stay for another 9, we'll see, I'm still pretty crispy.

With 'Heroes' starting up again last night, (although we didn't watch it, we DVR'd it, as we started to watch '24', then decided to go to bed at 9:15, yes 9:15 pm - party animals we are...) I thought I would list some of my favorite TV shows. I know you must be enthralled...

In no particular order:
- Heroes (I knew it was going to be a hit)
- 24 (I'm sorry, Keifer Sutherland is not good looking, my sister-in law has a thing for him, but I don't get it, he's sort of an icky elf, but he's a great actor and kicks ass - although completely unrealistically - seriously - how many times can one avoid certain death in a 24 hour period? - as Jack Bauer)
- Survivor (Jeff Probst is awesome, I love how he lectures the tribe once they've voted someone off... too funny!)
- The Big Break (We just started watching it this year, and oh my God it is an awesome golf reality show, totally addictive)
- 20/20 (John Stossel is so cool, I'd invite him to dinner if he lived nearby)
- CBS Sunday Morning (I'm probably the only person under the age of 60 who watches this show religiously. I look forward to it every week)
-Mind of Mencia (That Carlos is so damned funny.. Dee dee dee!)
- Grey's Anatomy (Except I can't stand Meredeth. I've never seen such a self absorbed character in my life. How annoying! She reminds me of Alley McBeal, I'd like to suggest to the writers to kill her off)
- America's Funniest Home Videos (The host is good, I hated that other guy. I like the animal clips, it's a Sunday night tradition)
- Medium (Billy's not crazy about this show, so I don't see it all the time, but I like the characters, except Allison does tend to whine about her abilities a bit too much and her husband is without a doubt an icky elf.)
- How I met your mother (The guy talking at the beginning is the former host of America's Funniest Home Videos, but it's an awesome show, Barney is so funny!

That's about it, I think. That's enough! Although most shows we DVR so we can watch efficiently. Tonight it will be the rest of 24, and Heroes. Life is good!

Crispex

Yep, still in pain. Yes, still flaming red. I've tried vinegar, pure lavender oil, fake aloe from Hawaiian Tropic, and real aloe from our now decimated aloe plant. To no avail. Motrin helps. I will be adding sun block to the contents of my golf bag...

I had a pretty good Sunday. Open house went as well as it could go without receiving an offer. Dinner at MomG's was great. Prime rib. TOL called me from the Netherlands. It sounded like she was down the road. She is having an amazing time, lots of great little stories, it sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

Time for a list! Things I'm looking forward to:

- Miss Saigon and dinner with the girls on Friday

- Pre-golfing the ladies' league tomorrow with Kiki

- Getting a tan, (not a burn) on my legs so I can wear shorts in public

- My mom's pool opening

- Tonight in general. Hanging with Billy...

- Eating (I'm hungry, oh actually I was hungry at 3:30 this morning)

- Selling some damned houses

- Going to Tennessee, although I don't know when

- Watching 'Heroes'

- Breaking 90 at Sutton Creek

- TOL coming home

- My sunburn not hurting

- Lunch tomorrow with Doc Ola

- Going in the hot tub (once the burn goes away)

- Making and eating chicken Parmesan (are you seeing a theme here?)

- Solving the mysteries of the Universe

- The week-end, as I have no open house

- Seeing the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup (That'd make Billy really happy...)

Life is good.

Cris - pay

Well done Liz. It seems I got a wee sunburn while golfing yesterday. Okay, really - I'm completely fried. My arms, (due to sleeveless golf shirt) are bright red, and they hurt like real bad. Idiot! You can even see a distinct line from where my golf glove was, despite the fact that I remove the glove to putt... Moron! I'm going to look super-duper at my open house later, wearing a long sleeve shirt and long pants (shirt to hide the sunburn, long pants to hid the white cellulite-ridden 'winter' legs) when it's freakin' 80*F outside. Smart. Sunblock Liz, sunblock.

We invited PF out for the round, and he and Billy bet on everything possible. Billy won back the exact 2 fifty dollar bills that he lost to Paul last year at Ambassador. Only PF could walk around for a year not spending $100 in his wallet.

I golfed fairly well, but I still had some disastrous holes. I do not suck. I do not suck. I think I golfed better for the following reasons:
- I co-ordinated my nose ring to match my golf shirt, which also matches my glove (pink).
- I touched my nose ring before teeing off for luck.
- Consumption of multiple cans of Coors Light seems to improve my game.
- Clean clubs, balls, and bag.
- New bright white Capri's and of course tan and white Nike spikes. (I like the sound of Nike spikes, say it out loud... Nike spikes...)
- Nice warm day, without wind.

This coming Friday our couples league is playing a Scotch 2 ball format, which I've never played before, but it sounds so fun! Plus this Friday, being the last in the month, is a huge Italian buffet at the club. However, I'm going to see Miss Saigon and out to dinner with Rach, Bek, KT (her sister is in it) and a women from KT's work. That will be a great night. I think Billy may ask his sister to be his partner on Friday, lucky girl.

This week-end has flown by. Time to get ready for the open house. Lucky man is going golfing in about T minus 2 hours and 13 minutes, and oh, he is not sunburnt in the least. I think his arm hair provides sun protection...

It's official

I suck.

I golfed very poorly yesterday. So many stupid little mistakes. It was fun though and the weather was great. Tonight is the first night for the couples league, and I'm not sure how we will be playing. I heard that it is a fun league, so it may be a best ball, ball and chain, I don't know. It should be a good time, and I'm definitely looking forward to having some cocktails afterwards and socializing a bit.

I have to sell some damn houses! It's really starting to annoy me the lack of sales this year. I'm going to send out some positive vibes and see what I get back. Here I go... so far nothing...

I should start moving on my day. I have to send out a pile of emails, shower, etc, drop off the pooch, go to the Nike Outlet, (I heard that all golf items are 40% off... we'll see about that...). I already cleaned the house so I'm off to a pretty good start. Life is good, the sun is shining...

Some pictures

Here are some recent photos that I've taken.
With my order from Tattoo Golf, I received some temporary tats, so before golfing yesterday I decided to stick one on, and try to freak Billy out when I went to place a tee, or pick up the ball, etc. My plan was foiled as I was sweating so much on the nine holes I golfed before Billy came that the tattoo pretty much came off... This is some of the crap I pulled out of my golf bag. I especially got a chuckle out of the Corona bottle opener. Please note: first aid kit, sewing kit, coolie cup, Team Canada toque, and 12 pencils.

Billy and I were snacking on some chips. Halia became tired after begging for quite some time and eventually feel asleep in the unusual position.

What should I say?

Prepare yourself for some random, unrelated, disjointed thoughts.

TOL is in the Netherlands and her blog is awesome. So interesting! Her adventures make me want to apply to the Finland trip next year. Except it is in Finland... Anyways, I'm uber jealous of TOL and wish her the best of time!

I had to drag my ass to the gym today. My only motivation is the coffee that awaits me at home when I'm done... and it would be easier just to wake up and make the coffee and stay home... but I've got to get rid of some flabs.

Davey's wife had a tummy tuck yesterday, and I hope she is well. I have no problem with people getting plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, as long as it is for the right reason. She is doing it for the right reason. Good for her.

I golfed nine holes yesterday, then Billy joined me for another nine. I golfed really poorly. The fact is I can't accurately reach the green in 2 on long par 4's or 3 in long par 5's. I lay up (accurately) but I'm still too short to put it close enough to the hole to one putt. Therefore, my game yesterday was chock full of doubles. Yuck! I have to lengthen and straighten my second and third shots.

Billy bought new ECCO golf kicks yesterday and he was stylin'. He didn't golf great either, but we did have an excellent dinner at the 'club' (I'm such a snob - oh oh I actually had a club, I'm so clever as well!) Actually, people there are really, really, overly, incredibly nice. They're very cool, not quite what I expected!

This guy at the gym today turned the channel from the Canadian news I was watching, (I find the Virginia Tech tragedy overwhelming to deal with), to Saved by the Bell. WTF? Saved by the Bell? I've seen this same guy taking a break between sets, walking over to the TV to see what Screech, Zach and their zany friends are up to. What a goof.

So Virginia Tech, good God, it makes me sick. I'm so sensitive to things like that, I have a hard time even listening to the reports. I haven't seen much TV this week, and in the car I have been listening to Howard Stern on Sirius, so I had no idea of how bad it was at VT until last night. The immediate report I heard was 1 dead and 30 injured. Good God, how do these people handle a disaster of this significance? My heart goes out to them all, so very sad... I find it difficult how casually the reporters and TV people talk about this tragedy... "and now for the weather..." We are so desensitized when it comes to violence. That is disturbing as well...

This type of thing has happened in Canada as well. It's not just a dirty American thing. I remember when I was in university, a gunman went nuts at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, separated the men, and killed 16 women. Ugh, sick. Also about a year ago, at a college in Quebec a gunman killed one and injured 20. Gun control people, really. So sad, again, my heart goes out to them all. Is there a lesson we can learn? Possibly. Enjoy life to the fullest. Pay attention to the people around you, be kind to everyone and listen when someone is talking or not talking to you. I guess.

Hahaha

Taking a closer look at the guy rolling our lawn, I can see numerous squished blob of poop on his roller. Hahaha. I wonder if there is an extra charge for removing said poo? I should be embarrassed that I haven't picked up Halia's poop in months, but I'm not, instead I'm laughing.

This is up

This morning I had an interesting seminar, which of course helps me acquire the necessary educational credits to be a Real Estate mogul, on Air Quality Awareness and Energy Efficiencies in homes. It actually kept me awake. Good job RBC and CMHC. Also a bonus was that it was held at Colasanti's, and not at the Caboto Club. Refreshing indeed, (and closer to my abode).

I came home to see some guy rolling our lawn. I waved as I pulled into the garage, he waved back. Hmm, I hope he has the right address! Billy knows nothing about it, so I'm hoping that my mom decided to get all (hers, mine, Sis' and BroJ's) the yards done in one fell swoop. Brilliant!

It's a nice day finally, so I'm going to Sutton Creek about about 2 to play nine, then hopefully Billy will join me after work for another nine. Good day! So do I take out chicken for dinner? Do I presume that we are going to eat there? Dilemma, dilemma... (I didn't know dilemma had two M's until I spell checked, so if it doesn't don't blame me... I freely admit that I can't spell!

Timing

Timing is a funny thing. Often I shake my head and say, 'what are the odds?'

On Thursday night Billy decided to go to bed early. It was a momentous occasion. I was shutting the drapes that adorn our French doors to our bedroom, so the light below wouldn't bother him. (not enough foresight when we were building to put in reflective glass in the doors, so the the blinds are the means of privacy in our bedroom...) Well I pull the drapes as I've done a hundred times, and opps! the rod fell off. Upon inspection I realize that the middle support for the rod has come out of the wall (again) despite the best efforts of an enormous drywall plug. Okay, no drapes tonight. Billy doesn't care, as he can anywhere, anytime. He tells me he'll grab a plug from work tomorrow. Okey dokey.

He had a really busy day at work, nothing new there, so when he arrives at home he realizes that he forgot the plug. No big deal, really, I didn't expect him to remember anyway, we can live for a week-end without the drapes.

Well!

I have determined that our immediate neighbors, (that I'm not related to) are wack-a-doos. Mostly because I like the word, but also because I can't figure them out. Of course this is based on simply their car habits, as I really don't know them in the least. It appears that they work opposite shifts, and are gone most week-ends. Sometimes with both vehicles, sometimes only one.

So!

This happened to be a week-end where they were gone, evidenced by the fact that there weren't any cars in their drive way (and they never park in the garage). They left leaving 2 bright, annoying, penetrating spotlights on. These lights can be seen from our bedroom. It also happens that I'm often a bad sleeper (sometimes the little orange light on the phone will keep me awake) so lights plus me equals not immediate sleep.

The point is: What are the odds that the week-end that the neighbors are out of town, and leave their outdoor lights on is the same week-end that the drapes fall off our doors?

I have to put my brainwaves to better use...

Yesterday

Yesterday started off a little on the shaky side, as I consumed more than my fair share of wine with some of the girls. Once again getting together to say goodbye to TOL. It was great. I purchased 3 local red wines, all from different wineries, and Rach, KT and myself took our time commenting and chatting about the wine. Very nice. Not so nice was waking up with a wee headache and slight nausea.

I was flipping and flopping all around in the bed, so I decided to be considerate of Billy's need for sleep, and I went into the spare bedroom.

Well, at ten minutes to 8, DING DONG! Someone at the door. Perfect. I'm naked and boozaliscous. Well I scurry back into our bedroom, throw on red plaid pants and a bright orange shirt (I looked hot) and ran for the door.

It was the roofer. When they built out house 2 1/2 years ago, they apparently neglected to complete the roofing job. About 8 shingles were missing from the cap at the peak. My uber perceptive husband noticed this after taking down the Christmas lights a month ago, and of course I called the builder.

After briefly chatting with the roofer (he no doubt was admiring my early morning fashion and good looks in general) I went back into the spare bedroom. I was laying there when I could hear him walking on the roof, (not delicately either mind you) and then the nailing began.

This immediately put a huge smile on my face, as I thought to myself, 'what is Billy going to think when he wakes up to this noise?' Well I mosey back into our room, and Billy is sitting bolt upright and he eyes are as wide as saucers (yes saucers, I cannot stress this point enough, I've never seen his eyes so wide open in my life!) and he says to me slowly with deliberation: 'What the f*ck are you doin'?'

I start laughing my ass off. I managed to tell him that the roofer was here to add the shingles, but I could not stop laughing at his reaction. It was priceless. How funny that he immediately jumps to the conclusion that I'm the cause of the banging. Laughing like that is the best way to start the day. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live!

Lost in thoughts of socks

The other day I mentioned the Oprah show discussing happiness. I DVR'd it and had a chance yesterday to watch some of it, and of course I'd like to comment.

Just in case you don't know, I'm happier now than I have been in my entire life. I can look back to times during my teen years with great memories, and God knows my early 20's were packed full of crazy fun, however, that is not happiness.

To me happiness is finding joy everyday in a million different things. Looking forward to little events and moments in my life is where I find the most happiness. This has a direct correlation to my relationship with my husband, my friends and my family. These are the reasons I find myself most happy now.

Sometimes I get lost looking at my new socks. They're so cute. I love the look of my new golf shoes. I appreciate the symmetry and beauty of our fireplace. I notice the grass getting greener and patches of insane, violent florescent green - how is this possible in nature? I love thinking about a nice golf swing, the look of red wine in a big fat glass, and of course the first taste, slow and deliberate. I like thinking about Billy driving home from work, happy to be done his day. I look forward to dinner (of course), but I also don't mind cleaning up afterwards and restoring our simple order. I love sharing moments with Billy, whether it be in the hot tub, in front of the TV or .... other times. I love reading a good book, watching the dogs play, knowing a client is pleased with my efforts, buying cheese on sale.

I know I'm lucky to have the life that I do. I realize that I may have more time in the day for luxurious thoughts than most people.

Would I be happier if I was 20 lbs skinner? Sold more houses? On vacation? A better golfer? No, I wouldn't. Those things may add to my life in a good way, but they don't make me a better, more appreciate person. When I was in my early 20's I worked my ass off to get skinny, and I wasn't any happier. I was miserable. All I did was work out, I didn't eat or enjoy myself nearly as much. It was a good lesson for me.

So if you're not happy, this is what I'd recommend:
See a doctor, maybe it's hormonal, or chemical.
Look at the big picture - you're probably not dying, you have a job, you have a family, etc.
Consider all the good little things - getting to eat your favorite dinner, a get together with friends, your favorite TV show.
Don't get caught up in other people's drama - it can bring you down, instead acknowledge your part in the situation, and do what is in your power to change it.
Take time for yourself - Enjoy a quiet coffee, read the news, look at some trees, whatever.
Know that you deserve to be happy - do what it takes to get there, plant your own garden, don't wait for someone to bring you flowers.

That's my 2 cents. I hope that everyone has a great day! Time to clean the house.

List

Here is my grocery list for today:

- Fresh parsley
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Lunch meat (4 slices of kielbasa loaf, 10 thin slices of Genoa hot, 1/3 lb of very thin black forest ham)
- 2 sub buns
- Flavored water, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Beneful dog food (the stuff that looks like stew, real stew)
- Diet dog treats (for Fatty McPooch)
- Instant rice
- Fresh angel hair pasta (oh yes, we're having chicken Parmesan this week...)
- Spray - able wd-40 (I'm tired of squeaky doors)
- 1 litre of 1% milk (for my Honey Nut Cheerio addiction)
- Humpty Dumpty Onion Rings (gross, but Billy loves them, only when the bag is left open and they become stale)
- Plain ruffled Lay's chips and dip
- Medium cheddar cheese

That's about it. We have enough chicken, pork, green peppers, celery, onions, cheerios and some sausage to last the week, so maybe this grocery bill will actually be under $100. If it is, I'll reward myself with an okay bottle of vino. Isn't my life fascinating? Oh, by the way, Oprah had a show on happiness yesterday and on the quickie quiz I scored perfectamundo. Very happy indeed!

Brr fore!

Damn it's cold outside! It's currently 36*F but feels like 25*F. WTF?

Yesterday Billy was done work early due to a doctors' appointment and his absolute refusal to go back to work - who could disagree? Being that it was a balmy 45*F of course we decided to go to go golfing.

Okay, 45* isn't exactly warm and I've always considered myself to be a fair weather golfer, but c'mon! It's the second week in April, and we're feeling a little desperate. (I think that one of the reasons I feel the pull to Tennessee...) Well, anyway, it was sunny with very little wind, and that is the difference.

I'm still not 100% familiar with the course, as it was only the 4th time I've played it in the last 5 years, and the first time I've played it without 30 mile an hour winds, so I have some excuses. We started off on the back and it was wide open. Apparently not quite warm enough for players other then a high school team that was behind us...

There are some damn long par fours for chicks... let's see, 368, 365, 346. Seeing as most girls can't drive 200 yards, that leaves a long second shot. I have come to the realization I can't make it to the green accurately in 2, so I decided to suck it up, and play a safe second shot leaving me a nice chip in, and hopefully a good putt or two for par or bogey. Better than being in the sand, or donating my ball to the water fairies.

I'm going to practise chipping and putting, and once the range opens, I'll start working on distance with my driver, (I didn't mishit once yesterday, although I did hit the ground behind the ball first, but it still went 150ish - my best drive was about 220 due to a lovely breeze on my back) and accuracy and distance for the second shot - 3 wood, 5 wood and 4 iron.

So the back I shot a poopy 50 and the front I picked it up a bit with 3 pars and bird for a 44, (it only took 57 holes to get a bird...). I'll take it. (This course is a par 73 for chicks.) The more familiar I become with the course, the more confident I feel. I can definitely say the better weather helped and the fact that the course was slow took all pressure off. Plus I was playing with my super awesome husband, who always helps and encourages. That boy shot 80. Grrr.

Okay I'm sure that this post is absolutely riviting for non-golfers, or perhaps even golfers. Oh well, anyway I'm really looking forward to the season! The womens' league registration/luncheon/9 hole scramble is this Saturday, (58* with rain...). My goal is consistently show 88-92 this year. We'll see! If you can't find me this year, I'll be golfing!

Hello, my name is Halia

Hello, my name is Halia, I'm sure that you'd heard a little about me over the last few months, but I'm here now to give you the full scoop on who I am. (aside from a gorgeous well behaved dog)

- My full name: Rindurr's The Way She Loves Me

- My common name is Halia, which is Hawaiian for 'In memory of a loved one'.

- I was born in Peterborough, Ontario on February 13th, 2005. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. My father is Pirate, the #1 Ridgeback in Canada and my mom is Tia, also a liver nose like me.

- I currently weigh 117 lbs, which is apparently 20% more than I should weigh for my height. However I've been told that the average female Ridgie is only 60 lbs. I'm way taller than those girls!- My grandmother, Ranga, is the Ridgie featured in April in the 2007 Rhodesian Ridgeback calender. I've had cousins and other family members in the calender over the years as well. We are a gorgeous lot!

- I usually spend Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at Billy's mom's house, where I go for walks and am in general spoiled sweet, (not rotten!).

Some of my likes include:

- Eating, especially people food. I like prime rib, turkey, ham, cheese, eggs, and bacon. I also enjoy deserts, chips, jube-jubes and cheesies, although since my last visit to the vet I haven't had any good people treats.

- Going for walks, especially at Point Pelee, or the Maidstone Conservation area.

- Playing with other dogs, especially Lily, whom I torture, bite and chase. Sometimes I annoy her.

- I like sleeping in Liz and Billy's bed, but now I'm stuck on the floor until the alarm goes off. I like to spread out and take up all the blankets.

- Eating rib bones.
- When people come to see me. Just about every week-end people come to admire my beauty and play with me. I lie behind them on the couch and try to get them to part with their snacks.

- Laying in the sun.

- Eating grass.

- Sniffing and smelling things.

I dislike:

- Going to the vet, especially now that Doctor Ola is not there.

- Getting wet. I hate the rain and will not go outside when it's raining without MomG holding an umbrella for me. (is that weird that she holds an umbrella for me?)

- Being told to 'be a good girl' - I know that translates into 'you're going to be all alone for several hours, deal with it'.

- Being yelled at.

- Having ticks, getting my nails clipped, having a bath and getting my flea treatment.

I have to admit that life is pretty good. I do hope to lose weight because I know that the other dogs tease me, and I could run faster if it wasn't for my big belly. I'm really looking forward to the summer so that I can be outdoors more. Life is good!

Brilliant!

If you would like to become more informed on Canadian symbolism there are some links indicated below. I found this information easily on the internet and thought this site to be simple and entertaining.

Here you go:
Beaver
Moose
Polar Bear
Loon
The Canada Goose

I feel incredibly less ignorant...

The eagle has landed

One of the most prominent signs of American patriotism has decided to nest on the East Beach at Point Pelee - Leamington, Ontario, Canada.

MomG took the pooch today to the point, despite the 38*F weather and apparently there was a sign posted indicating that Bald Eagles are nesting on the East Beach. I never knew we had eagles in this area. How very cool!

So how long has this been going on? I can find local eagle activity at the point dating back to 1998 on Google. Obviously I'm ignorant in the behavior of wing'ed American symbols of freedom. Why are they here? Why are the Americans keeping this exodus a secret? Is it our heath care? Our quality of living? It can't be the high taxes...

Well good luck eagles. Enjoy the fine climate and protected woodland of the point. Feel free to invite other wing'ed and furry friends north (or South, depending). I'd love to see armadillos roaming around (those pre-historic freaks), also a wider selection of lizards would be nice.

I should also mention, that I've never seen a real live beaver or moose, and they are a Canadian symbol. I'm not exactly sure what they represent... we build good dams? We freak out motorists? I'll look into it in attempt to be less ignorant and more informed...

Bunny? What giant pink bunny

I took this picture yesterday while going to MomG's for dinner. We heard that there was a giant pink bunny in the area, but we had no idea that it was this big. Keep in mind this is a two storey house! Jessica is probably mortified...

Happy Easter - WTF?

Okay seriously, it is 27*F outside, and with the wind chill, it feels like 15*F. There is 1 1/2 inch of snow on the ground! When you hear on the TV, 'much of the US is in an unseasonable deep freeze' that's us, but in Canada, (actually south of Detroit). Isn't Easter supposed to be a holiday with little girls frolicking outside with new frilly dresses and white shoes? Isn't it supposed to be sunny? Warm? Nope, not this year. In fact, in the 10 day forecast it is not predicted to be above 50*F. WTF? Oh well!

Last night several of us ventured to the Keg downtown for a goodbye/good-luck/happy birthday while you're gone party for TOL who leaves for the Netherlands next Saturday for 4 weeks, plus 1 week in England. Very exciting indeed! It was a great time, so many laughs and good conversations. I really have an excellent group of friends. I admire TOL for doing this, it's a big commitment, but will definitely be one of the best times of her life. Ah, enjoy it TOL!

I'm starting to get the Tennessee itch. I haven't been there since early November, which is not a long stretch by any means, but I have the desire none the less. I think that it may have to do with the dreary weather here, and the promise of 70* days down there... Ah, sunshine, golf... I also try to venture there within my sales goals, and I have to firm up 2 offers before I go. That could be 2 weeks or 4 months... Let's hope for the 2 weeks...

Today is a relaxing Sunday. We're going to MomG's for Easter dinner tonight. I'm so spoiled!

Well, I'm going to watch CBS Sunday morning, read Artemis Fowl, drink coffee and make a bagel. Life is good!

Friday already

Happy good Friday to y'all. It is here 26*F, pretty chilly for Easter week-end. I recall when I was about 5 swimming in the lake in front of my uncle's house on Easter week-end. Hm, not this week-end!

Earlier this week I was mentally composing a post, (I usually don't do this) about people who piss my off. Invariably I was driving behind someone traveling a solid 10 kms under the speed limit, probably on their way to the Dairy Freez... However, life is so good that I can't possibly imagine being upset at anyone or anything. (of course slow drivers in and around the Freez) My drugs must be working. (wink wink)

So let's chat about good things on the horizon and life in general:
- Tomorrow a group of us are heading to the downtown Keg for a farewell TOL/Happy Birthday while you're away TOL celebration. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone including the rare and elusive male counterparts that make up our circle of friends
- I'm so very happy that we have heated seats in the Fusion. Comes in handy when it is 26*F in April. In April
- The Masters is this week-end, and if I watch it intensely enough perhaps I'll absorb some golfing skills. I can't wait to golf, however, I can wait until it's at least 60* outside to golf.
- The staff at the Essex Animal Clinic have declared Halia obese. Obviously we had a chat with her about her eating habits, and she is going to make efforts to avoid chips, deserts and unnecessary snacking. Good girl!
- No open house this week-end. Open house is replaced with turkey dinner at Mom G's. Can't beat that! I do have an appointment this afternoon. Hello! It's a holiday! Oh well.

Well I hear a rustling upstairs, Billy and Halia must be up. Time to clean the house!

More

So let's see, it's Tuesday morning and Billy and I went golfing again last night. It was a way nicer night than anticipated, and still a satisfactory round of golf eludes me. I must say again, that Sutton Creek is gorgeous. Out there last night, I couldn't believe how lucky I was to A: be a member, B: have a fantastic husband, C: who wants me to golf as much as I can. I'm so lucky. Somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd holes I thought to myself there is no place in the world I'd rather be and no one else I'd rather be with. That's a good feeling, let me tell you!

Today writing an email to a friend I was completely stumped on how to spell the word 'answer'. Have you ever looked at that word? It just doesn't look right. I think I may start a movement on eliminating the 'w'. Would anyone care if it was gone from that word? I think not!

Things are coming together professionally. Clients A have sold their home near Guelph, and will be fulfilling conditions this week-end for their purchase in A'burg. Thank God! Clients B and C are quite happy with their offers, now client C has to sell their house. That however, is not my stress, as they are using another agent. Although not much is going on with client D, he knows I'm working hard, and doing all I can to get their house sold. I ditched potential client E, which was a difficult conversation involving, 'It's not you, it's me...' Potential clients F and G are well on their way to preparing their homes for sale. Not much I can do, things are out of my hands, and I'm fairly stress-free.

Tomorrow is the final night of volleyball, and I must say that I'm quite relieved. I've not particularly enjoyed it for months now. I like the people of course, but I've had enough of that sport. On with the golf season. Except it is supposed to snow tomorrow. Yes, snow.

I should get to things like:
-feed the pooch
-fold laundry
-call Billy
-register for 'Education Week' with exciting topics to learn such as: 'Multiple offers' (when do we so those in this market?) Mould-the secret destroyer (on the edge of your seat action packed thriller, no relation to the Blob) Understanding the Internet (what exactly don't you understand? there are many archaic Realtors in our board who still don't use computers...) A landlord's rights and obligations (It's my right not to attend, as I'd be obligated to sleep through it...) Merv's comments (I won't even go there, you just wouldn't understand) Realtor's and home inspectors (a love story) and finally, Buyer beware: the buyer's duty to inspect, the Agent's duty to protect (I said 'duty'...)
-put on socks, my feet are freezing
-call KT, TOL and SuperT and BW
-eat
-do GST (I'm just kidding, I have to mentally prepare for that days in advance)
-take the dogs out to play
-write and ad
-email a few hundred agents

Better get on it!

Time flies...

It certainly does! This week has completely vanished, and I have no idea where it went.

It is now a beautiful Sunday morning, I slept well last night, CBS Sunday morning is about to come on, and my coffee is really good.

I've been busy this week with work things. I hope that it culminates into something resembling cash. We could use some extra right now. Keep your fingers crossed.

Billy and I are now members of Sutton Creek. It is very exciting! We golfed Friday afternoon, and it was fantastic. The course is absolutely beautiful! We stayed for dinner after 18 holes and it was amazing. I could have eaten all night long. The chef there is the former chef from the Chop House, so he has a good reputation.

Billy, Davey and I golfed yesterday despite the 45* weather and the strong wind. The first few holes weren't too bad because of the trees, but the last few were really hard. My golf score reflected my struggling. It's a tough course, and in two attempts I didn't even break 100. That's okay, I still can't wait until our next outing! Billy is golfing really well.

I've eaten at the Dairy Freez twice and both times were heavenly. Ah, cheeseburger.... maybe tomorrow...

Last week I finished a book that Rachelle lent me and it was really good. It's called 'The Red Tent'. I'd recommend it to mothers, daughter, women in general. It's an interesting read. I'm now reading the uber creepy 'Stolen Child' also Rachelle's. Captivating indeed!

More postings soon.