Damn the Torpedoes! This Girl Can Dodge!

11:03

The forecast says that the for today is 18C (64.4F). It's already 25C ! (77F)

Stupid experts. Might get the thundershowers they thought were possible though. *Watches big fluffy cloud float by the window.*

The trip to Calgary was great! We took alot of side roads down because Jade wanted to avoid Hwy 2 (aka Q.E. II Highway - but only the media calls it that) We made it about half way to Red Deer before he gave it up and joined the lemmings. We'd found ourselves on a road that wasn't on the map and it died before we reached a road that was. We kept drifting west anyway and I have a hunch that we would have found ourselves on an Indian Reserve right quick if we'd gone the other direction.

He's so cute when he's trying to be different. *Silently thanks the Goddess that he doesn't read these entries.*

The weekend was wonderful! Weddings EVERYWHERE!! There were at least two in the hotel, one of which was HUGE! There were also three team groups, and at least one group of grads.

There were three weddings going on at the Devonian Gardens, including my god-brother's. The ceremony was lovely. Short, but lovely. There was a long pause in the middle. We were supposed to go to the bride and groom's apartment for refreshments and mingling until it was time for supper. It was a little disappointing. Three bags of chips ... firmly in the hands of three people. By the time we arrived, beer had been offered and slurped. My God-mother grabbed myself, Jade and my younger god-sister and we went upstairs to said god-sister's apartment. (You'd really like her, Lynne. Very solid Wiccan. Fantastic woman!)

We spent the rest of the wait upstairs, watching my god-nieces play with the cat or with video games and we chatted about all sorts of things. Was offered popsicles and happily accepted. Yummy. After a certain amount of time, we mosied back downstairs for a bit. I noted the time and warned my god-brother that there was 20 minutes before the dinner should be starting. He agreed that it would take that long to get everybody shoed up and out the door. Jade and I, along with my god-sister and her husband, shot out the door ahead of everybody else and made our way down to the restaurant. We walked in, told the server who we were and settled on our seats. We then waited for everybody else.

And waited.

And waited.

We finally phoned my god-mother's cell at about 16:53 and asked if they were lost. Apparently, they were standing outside because they didn't want to come in too early. Hello? We're already here. Come in, already!!

There apparently wasn't enough people for a buffet. So we got served selected dishes at the table. Some of it was really good. I actually ate won ton soup. I was very proud of myself. I ate a bit of everything. Still don't like spring rolls. Wish there had been egg rolls instead.

And that was it. When supper was cleared away and drinks were finished, everybody just kinda drifted away to their homes or hotels.

We, at the Cool Table, decided that it didn't really feel like a wedding. That, on the whole, it was a somewhat unsatisfying experience. Was it the pause in the middle? Was it the lack of dancing? The lack of celebrating in general? Not sure. Maybe a combo of everything. Even Jade admitted that it lacked something and that he hoped ours was a bit grander - although he's more than a fan of the short ceremonies and as little speeches as possible.

He's still fighting me about the kilt thing though.

We'll see.

Anyway, it was absolutely uplifting to see my family again. I didn't realise how much I missed them until I was there again. I finally met Gramma too. She was so thrilled to finally meet me. She didn't know who I was when she introduced herself at the ceremony. I was going to say I was the god-daughter, but what came out of my mouth was "I'm (Lea)", and oh my gosh, her eyes just lit up. Apparently, I was famous. She'd heard all about me for years. All good, she assured me. Lies; all lies, I told her. She loved me. I got just as many and sincere hugs as any of the other regular grandchildren.

I think I just added somebody else to the wedding guest list. LOL!

At some point before supper, I pointed out that nobody had introduced me to the bride yet. My god-mother was horrified. She'd been so scattered that she hadn't introduced me to anybody that she'd intended to. When we went back downstairs, she'd immediately fixed that over-sight. The bride and I were friendly with each other, and she's a lovely girl, but we didn't seem to have much to do with each other. But it was a busy day. No worries. A person's brain can only take so much.

We interacted a bit more at the wedding shower the next day. (Backwards, I know, but worth it.)

I have a job interview/try out day on Thursday. Another farm has requested my services and I'm thrilled so far. they want me to groom horses!! They even have some buffalo (which I won't be responsible for, but I've never seen up close.) And best ever reason to be happy and excited? They are only one Range Road away!! Less than 10 minutes driving!! I could ride my bike if I wanted to!!

WHEEE!!!

And they want to know what my wage expectations are ... Egad, I can never decide how much is too much and what is selling myself cheap.

Shut up. Yes, you.

This is going to put a damper on some of the projects that I have going and have partially committed myself to. I'm supposed to go out to my Aunt-in-law's to help her with her flower beds. Dona had bragged about my flower bed out front, and her sister came to see. She wants to hire me to do hers to. She even wants a bed like mine. Jade said he'd help build it, but, please, no more round beds. LOL!

Oooh ... Blogger now auto saves your drafts!! Don't even need a title!!

Cool!

Well, I have to run out and buy some new boots for work.

Have a good day and feel free to leave a comment! Don't just be a lurker!! It's a disturbingly suggestive title!

Sweet Dreams!

Circles in the Sand

21:52

Just a quick note before bed ...

Getting lots done in the yard, and I have proof. My sun burn. Why is that proof, you ask? I could have been tanning, you think?

You people don't know me very well, do you? I can't stay still long enough to do that stuff. I have to be busy.

Today we received a dump truck load of black garden mix dirt. OH, so much more than we needed for that new flower bed in the front yard. We raked down what we needed and proceeded to take the rest out by tractor and wheelbarrow. Still haven't quite managed to get out all that we need to, but it's almost done. The lilac bush is planted and the decorative rocks (there's always SOME in my gardens!) have been planned, but Wayne and I were WAY too tired to try to move them at that point. I have the next one all planned out too. The next plant, that is ... that's how I'll make the fantastic display that Lynne loves to see every year. One thing at a time. I can't plan it ahead, because no matter how well planned it is, I will change my mind when I actually see how it looks in front of me. It's going to look fantastic, I can tell you right now.

Have you seen a great rock of colour/size/shape? Tell me about it or bring it over. I'll find a use for it!

In other news, my chicken wings are GONE! No, these aren't the kind you eat, although I'll smack anybody who eats all my wings on me. No, I'm talking about a bit of flab that women start to get on their backs just below the shoulder blades. They were getting bad for a while. Yesterday, I looked at them ... and had to look for them! Only a faint outline, instead of the droopy bags, now exists! So there's my proof! Curves does work! Even if it's only because I'm finally working a set of muscles that work doesn't help me with!

Ugh, I'm exhausted!

Bed time!

Sweet Dreams!!

Just Wingin' It!

17:18

Went out to wings last night. BY MYSELF! Yes, I drove. Thought I was being smart about it too ... until I got to the zoo. Okay, so I was a little late, but at least I went! Next week, if I go, I'll take the proper way.

Stupid River.

Anyway, had a good time. Even when I was trying to eat some ice cream in a waffle cone that kept breaking every time I licked.

Stupid waffle cones.

We talked about a little bit of everything ... easier with a small group. Lessee, Lynne, Colbat, Daniel, Faith, and me. Another girl showed up right at the end, but I've actually forgoten her name. She wasn't there long enough for me to remember. Took me a while just to remember Faith's. Besides, I was distracted by my presents!!

I gotted presents from Lynne. A wish/prayer bracelet, seeds (none that I had, bless you, Poppet!), and a scented candle with holder. Made me feel cheap in regards to my presents to her ...

I actually missed seeing her reaction to them too. And there was no camera, either! Never is when she's out with me, has anybody else noticed that? Only once have we gone out and there was a camera involved - and that was almost a year ago! (Which really is fine, because I think I look horrible in pictures when I know the camera is there. Especially in close ups.) Jade has some beautiful ones of me in Jasper ... I had no idea I was in the pictures, or that a camera was out. The few times I'm actually looking at the camera, I either glanced over just as it snapped, or I managed to freeze at just the right time and he took it fast enough.

That's what gets me nervous about pics ... having the camera stare at you forever while the photographer waits for GOKW. *sigh* Such a waste ... I used to be a pretty girl ...

Except when I tried too hard to look like everybody else. For some reason, I never looked good then.

Anyway, we had a good time at Wing's.

*wandered away ...*

19:40

Today I put my little seedlings outside in the shade so that they'd be there when the sun moved the few inches left and they'd get a full sun bathing instead of spurts ... well, I forgot to bring them in during high peak ... and I lost a few plants. All the chard, but one, 1.5 broccoli and the cucumber looks wilted, but might come back. the only thing that htrived out there was the watermelon!!

Ah, well, still time to plant more ...

A bat just flew onto our garden shed!! Jade got a pic, so I have proof! He's very cute looking. Hope he eats lots of mosquitoes! And spiders. He can have as many of those as he wants.

Going to run out to roast marshmallows now ...

Sweet dreams!

It Isn't Always About Me, You Know - I Just Like to Pretend It Is.

17:37

I thought I'd type a few things while I wait for Jade to call and come home. It keeps me busy.

I managed to go through the entire day (so far) without talking to the in-laws. I left this afternoon to do a spot of shopping and get a hair cut and the I went to Curves. the shopping was nice and depressing all at once. I found some books for myself and others, then tried to find some clothes. The store I went into was one I've never shopped at before. Today I realised why. their cuts are strange. the jacket puffed out in the back and my arms swam in the sleeves no matter what size I tried on, and the skirt (NOT generously sized) was snug in the hips. I tried a size up (the numbers are mortifying so I'm not sharing) and it fit in the hips, but the waist was horribly loose.

It sucks being curvy. And there are woman out there trying to look like this?? *sigh* I'll just have to try another shopping mall. Maybe I'll go in town this weekend. Not WEM, though, I get a headache when I shop there. Kingsway, maybe.

Curves was fun, as usual. I don't know if anybody actually knows my name yet, but I'm definitely being recognised and acknowledged! It's a good feeling for somebody who went through life with a natural cloaking device. (Don't laugh; I've had teachers admit that they forgot I was in the class until I made a noise of some sort.)

I've been having a lot of trouble with dry air. I thought it was just the house, but I'm starting to think it's actually me. When I pet the cat, I can feel the shocks grounding themselves into my body from his feet. I am constantly shocking myself on the vehicle doors when I do to close them. I'm starting to wonder if I should ground myself before touching the computer. I remember the old keyboards that actually had a metal disk on them wired to a metal leg on the desk. You had to touch that before you touched the computer to ground yourself and get rid of static shock or you could damage the computer. Damn, I miss those days. Some of those schools were nice.

I wonder if a magnetic bracelet or something would help?

Princess Mum has suggested a Personage to me who will help me with certain aspects of my Life. She says that he does readings and can tell you your spirit guide's name and your animal guide's shape. I'm a little unsure about that. In some cultures, telling somebody about your spirit guide is an insult to your guide. they are supposed to be just for you. On the other hand, there are some that seem to thrive on publicity. I'm thinking of going to see this guy. PM says that he does readings over the phone too, but I find that harder to swallow. If I wanted a phone reading, I'd call a Psychic Hotline. Not that I think it's impossible, I just prefer to make these things more personal and I happen to think that eye contact and body language is very important. Especially for me. Very few people can interpret my words properly and in context if it's not said in person. Heck, there are a few that can't even do that. One of my friends has described my personality as difficult. I'm hoping she means 'complex', since she's still my friend. I have another friend who not only agrees with her, but admits that that is WHY we are friends. He thinks I'm interesting in my complexity. I guess one man's insanity is another man's genius.

"You are a child's PLAYTHING!"

The book that I actually bought for myself was a spur of the moment buy. That's actually rare for me, but the price helped. ;) Empowering Your Life with Natural Magic by Sirona Knight. It was the only book of it's kind in the large display and it really snagged my attention. I kept coming back to it. The last name of the author meant something special to me. The sale price was dramatically affordable, and the description looked reasonable. I went in looking for the Warrior Series novels. I came out with this. Go figure.

I can't wait to get to HH for my next pick up! My D&D shirts are FINALLY in! MWAHAHAHAHA! I can't wait to show them to Greywhistle and Naomi!! If I ever get the chance.

By the way, I've been reminded recently that I forgot to write about something that I meant to write about earlier. On Jade's birthday, we had appointments with a massage therapist. None other than Princess Mum, Shorty's mother. She came out to our place and performed her magic in my living room. It was nothing short of fabulous. I had instant relief with my shoulder and Jade's back felt ever so much better. We are definitely going to make further appointments with her. The next one will probably be for MY birthday this time. Our schedule is pretty full until then. A wedding out of town, a golf tourney, a garage sale ... So it's going to have to wait for June. Hopefully, I'll have settled for myself what I want to do with myself. I still haven't written Dragonlady yet. I'll have to make sure that I get this done soon. Or I can bite the bullet and see her when I'm in Calgary next weekend.

Makes me wanna throw up just thinking about it.

Stupid images ... they are supposed to be down here. Stupid 'Blogger. Bah! and it keeps changing the spacing in my entry too, every time I try to add them. What a pain. Next time I'll upload the images and then write around them! Less painful! Anyway, these are a couple of avatars I found that I liked. There are others, but I'm through playing with these for this entry. I'll share more later, if you want to see them. One of these I got off a site, another I borrowed off of a mutual friendly acquaintance. I'm sure he won't mind.

And I know the perfect place to use it!! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!

The Shepherd knows. The Shepherd always knows ... (PS. It didn't work!! *weep*)

Sweet Dreams!

Knowledge is Power

10:44

A recipe for all you witches, would-be witches, hedge wizards, tree huggers, or whatever you might call yourselves.

Insect Repelling Diffuser Blend

A simple but bright, energetic and fresh blend. Repels mosquitoes, black flies, no-seeums and other flying bugs as well as fleas.
5 parts Citronella Oil
5 parts Eucalyptus Oil
5 parts Tea Tree Oil
Combine essential oils in a small glass vial or bottle, shake gently to mix. Use this blend in a nebulizing or candle style diffuser or by placing a few drops on a cotton pad for passive diffusion. You can diffuse the blend outdoors or add some to a soy candle (extinguish the flame; add 2-3 drops of your blend to the wax pool; ignite again).

Works like magic, really.


What else can I do naturally to keep bugs away?
(Stay indoors! BWAHAHAHA!)

• Insects are attracted to standing water, change any birdbaths, or kid’s pools at least once a week.
• Clean your rain gutters periodically as well as flowerpots, pet dishes and garbage cans, which can all be breeding grounds for insects.
• Mosquitoes love shady areas, so keep the lawn cut short and trim trees and hedges.
• When sitting outdoors, pick a slightly breezy spot. Mosquitoes have a hard time moving in the wind.
• Wear light-coloured clothing; mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.
• Don’t wear heavy, synthetic perfumes; bugs are attracted to heavy scents.
• Limit your outdoor activities during the dawn or dusk when bugs generally feed.

Don't say I never do anything useful for you.

Spot is driving me up the wall. He wants outside and I won't take him yet. It's still a bit cool out there and I ahve to go out with him on the balcony. Not that I'm very worried he'll jump off. I doubt that he will. (Which doesn't mean he won't.) But we've a tremendous number of red-tail hawks around here and at least one golden eagle and one bald eagle have been sighted. So you have to make sure the cats don't become unwilling hitch-hikers that get invited out to dinner.

May 9, 2007 - 10:45

Oops, didn't come back to this as soon as I thought I would. I got caught up in adding more poeple to the family tree program again. I'm past the 2500 point. I think I added almost two hundred people yesterday ... and I still have, at least, a generation and a half to go!! @_@;

Speaking of family, my brother is on his way to attempting to become a police officer. This decision kinda surprised the rest of the family, but I'm sure he'll be a damn good one. He likes to be in charge of things, especially during a situation, and I know he'll remain fair minded in regards to other "situations". You'll never catch MY brother on the take. He takes his first aid course this weekend and I've asked him to grab me one of the "mouth-to-mouth" kits. They're only $5, so it won't break him. The training might though. I'm cheering for you, Michael.

Wonder what Lynne would do for a pic of him in uniform? Hmmm ... guess we'll have to wait and see.

Not a whole lot happening right now. The in-laws are keeping themselves busy with yard stuff and errands. They got their cat shaved. Now it's a funny looking useless lump instead of just a useless lump.

Damn, I have to learn to close my chip bags ... stale rice cakes are not the best things, diet or no.

Shorty has been imitating Lindsey Lohan's "ew" noise. Why? I don't know. I don't try to pretend to understand. Those little girl pop-star wanna-be's don't do anything for me. Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan ... whatever; they all look the same and sound the same to me. You show me one that is successful and doesn't need rehab, and then I'll be impressed. Meanwhile, I worry about Shorty. Dude, are you sure you're not gay? (teasing.)

We missed Spot's birthday ... He's 11 years old now and I'm getting nervous. I lost Pepper when she was 12. Granted, she was very sick with a liver diease and Spot is healthy for his age, but I'm still nervous. That wart, or whatever it is, still hasn't left his chin, so the theory that he's allergic to his dishes is out the window. Stupidest thing I ever heard, though I can see the plausibility of it. Anyway, Whiskers lasted until he was 16 and he was just as energetic as my baby here. He died of luekemia, I think.

I'll know when it's time. I've never bought a cat in my life. When one leaves, another shows up on the doorstep. Always a younger cat. We'll see. I told Jade that I hoped the next cat wouldn't be black and white ... the last four have been black and white. The last two have had places by my pillow. I keep seeing a graduating process with my cats. My "bestest"experiences are with the ones that have chosen me for themselves though.

We'll see. Life has a way of showing you things when you most see to see them. I'm sure that everything will be all right. (Bonus points to anybody who can tell me who that spell belongs to and what it's called.)

Today, I go shopping and then to Curves. I'll work on my tree some more and hopefully get some writing done. If there's still time left in the day, I'll work some more on my stitching and stare my seedinglings into sprouting. ;)

Sweet Dreams!

Sometimes Fairytales Suck

16:16

What a stupid, let-down, I-need-to-smack-something weekend. So far.

I was SO looking forward to having Lynne over for dinner last night. I got all my errands done and caught a headache sneaking up on me. I came home to find Jade already having a nap, so I lay down for a bit beside him. I didn't take anything for it, thinking that relaxation would be all I needed.

Wrong.

Full blown migraine soon had me tight in it's grip. Worse, Jade wasn't napping because he was just tired. He also had a migraine and it was just as strong as mine. He's not used to those ones, so that made it a bit worse for him. I'm fairly sure that we were pain-sharing too, because they seemed to hit and ease off about the same time. Whose pain was whose ... I don't think I'll ever know.

So, I was severely disappointed, Lynne was severely disappointed, and I'm sure The Shepherd probably isn't happy that I missed either. (I'm sure he had plenty of help though. On the other hand, if he just shrugs it off, I might be hurt. A lose-lose sitch there for me.)

Lynne and I are going to try again on Sunday. By gad, I'm going to drug up as soon as I wake up! Just in case!

Got some planting done today - finally!. One tray of veggies, a pot of flowers and a pot of special watermelons I'm trying out. I can't find my pumpkin seeds, but I'll have to get those started right away too. We're waiting on some dirt to arrive before anything can really be planted, and the garden area need another tilling, but the seeds are started and we're that much closer, aye?

Well, that's it for now. I think I'll do some stitching during a movie tonight. Gotta get things ready to sell, right?

Sweet Dreams!

Riding the Whirlwind But Always Looking Forward

13:00

I was all set to write when something that Dona said brought a picture to my mind that made me shudder and I suddenly don't feel like writing. Ugh.

Quote of the Day: Temptation usually comes in through a door that has delibrately been left open." - Arnold Glasow

It's gonna be busy weekend for me. Luckily, Jade's new job is only 4 10's so he'll have Friday off and we can do things. Get our errands all done. Then I have to make supper for Lynne. She wants mashed potatoes. Says she's craving it. She doesn't care what we have with it as long as there are mashed potatoes. Okay, then ... So I was thinking BBQ'd Chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes. Maybe some devilled eggs too. Love the devilled eggs. Which I also find amusing.

No, don't ask. Lady knows that I haven't. Some things should just be accepted without question.

Saturday is FCBD! I'll be helping out at Happy Harbor's Downtown location, for at least the morning. Last year they had more than enough people, but I still managed to help out a few people here and there. Not as much fun as my first year though. THAT was cool. Only thing that marred it was that one of Star's friends kept flirting with Jade behind my back ... and not-so behind my back. (She just thought that I wasn't looking.) And a certain shepherd couldn't understand why Jade wasn't interested.

Fool. He's with me. He doesn't NEED anybody else.

I'm not mad at my friend, despite his strange ideas. Some guys will never understand until they find it ... find it and realise that they have it. Most don't ...

Lynne and I had a similar conversation once in regards to another mutual friend. I'm not sure if I convinced her of my views, but she stopped nagging me about it. From that angle at least. Didn't stop the theoretical ones. "What if ..."

Is it such a difficult concept for people to go into a relationship and expecting forever? Has society really become to jaded? Maybe it's because people have stopped expecting it that they've stopped being able to achieve it. They've stopped reading and wanting the fairytale. Everything is so disposable in the world now-a-days ... your life-mate shouldn't be one of them.

I'm getting very tired of the lack of knocking around here, but I've been holding back from saying anything until an opportunity comes up with Jade home. I'm tired of feeling alone in the fight against Perpetual Parenthood. He claims that he doesn't understand his mother any more than the rest of the world, but he's not going to do anything about it either. No point in fighting a losing battle. Great. So we're going to just let her walk all over us because she's crazy?

F**k that.

She's not my mother and I'm not used to having to explain my every move to anybody. Even my mother never demanded so much detail in regards to my private life. Everything is whywhywhy with her. And it pisses her off when I don't answer automatically, but say something evasive instead. I know damn well that she fishing me for info, because Jade doesn't tell her squat.

She's still being polite to me right now and asking permission for things now and again, so I have to wonder if she's become somewhat reasonable in her thinking, or if somebody has been talking to her. (Wayne?? Possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.)

Anyway, after FCBD, I have to pick a few things up from the Farmer's Market and somewhere in there, I plan on getting a haircut. I SO need a trim!! I also need to find some clothes to wear to the wedding that we are going to next weekend. I hold no hope that the outfit that I wanted is still available, but I'm sure that something similar will be available. I really don't have anything else to wear. Really.

I've lost more weight, more body fat and more inches. I'm going to ignore the bust measurement .. it really depends on what bra I wear, I think. So, in total, I've lost 2.5 inches on my waist, 2 inches from my abdomen, .5 inch on the hips (I gained a bit there), .5 inch on the thigh, and a total of 7 pounds and 2.10 % of my body fat. Sounds pretty good ... I just wish I could see it!

Lynne, I think you should come with me to Curves and check it out. Now that we're both unemployed bums, we'll have the time, right? They aren't like Spa Lady - they aren't pushy about joining. And maybe you'll like it. It's great for getting you out of the house for a short period of time.

I have to try and fit that in tomorrow too ... Hmmm ...

I finally started to write more of my SM story. It's the beginning of the end ... and of the beginning. Something that can only be understood by those who are a fan of Sailor Moon. I admit, in case you are curious, that's it's very rough. But once I get it finished, I plan on polishing it up. I'll also finally be able to focus on something else. For example, I still want to write D&D adventures. I think I even have a title picked out that will allow me to avoid the big background info for my Nessa. I was worried that I'd have to explain EVERYTHING in regards to her past adventures, and it's helped me to stall. Of course, that character is so old now that I remember little of what happened and the Chronicler has already tossed the notes. (GAH!!) So, i can start fresh and only worry a bit about background info. I'm also interested in doing a bit writing about my Amber. Greywhistle told me that I had actually created her quite well and that he only understood how well after I left the group. Pity. Still proves that I have a good understanding of the character though and it can be used in writing. We'll see. I doubt she'll ever be used again for adventuring in any other form.

Maybe Lynne would like to play with me ... she mentioned that she's played before. Hmm ... Will have to give this some thought.

(Get your mind out of the gutter.)

Sunday ... Sunday is still fairly open and I think will be spent here at home or finishing up on any errands that weren't completed previously.

Next weekend ... next weekend, we're going to Calgary. Gonna stay at a nice place (if the reservations ever get made) and have some god times. (Yeah, good times in Calgary is hard for me to imagine too, but I tend to focus more on who I am with and less about where I am. It helps. ;)

Found a new way to decorate my walls ... with writing. Looks interesting. No, not graffiti, with a product called Write on the Wall. It looks worth checking out.

There, I updated something ... I feel better. Hope Lynne does too! ;)

Sweet Dreams!