Saturday, November 09, 2013

Made the Move, Took the Chance ... Watch Me Fly.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Remembering Our Veterans ... A lot of them were family. Deep respects will be paid on Monday. Thank you, all. ~ Lea

Mood: Energetic - just can't sit still. I have things to do and I just wanna do them!
Music: Breaking the Silence ~ Loreena McKennit
Thought of the Day: Those that are able to help you will be there when you need them. those who will not help you will also be there ... and you must then learn to help yourself, and do what needs to be done.

The knife was sharp and I bled for days after. The pain in my chest was simply crushing ... but then the blissful Healing settled over me, and I found Calm. Eventually, I was slowly filled with joy and energy. And then, I realised ... you really are your mother's son.

Wow! What a week! I'm telling you now that I never want to do that again. Even though, in the long run, it all leads to the best things in life ... It's not something that I think I should put down here, despite my need to speak it. I have a few very close friends who I trust that know the story. Even now, I try to be fair, but it's getting harder. Sounds like I am making excuses, more than offering balance. Perhaps, I no longer believe what I am saying. The Faith has been broken. Perhaps ... the blindfold has slipped?

The love is still there, but it no longer reaches out and struggles to reach, never mind hold on. The connection remains though. Not sure if that will ever really go away. Not sure that I want it to. I want it put in the proper place, not broken.

My friends who know have been incredible. Supportive, warm and just ... there. Positive. Encouraging. I feel like I've finally fond what I've been missing for most of my life. And they are REAL. Only one thing is truly missing and I am going to concentrate on it ... and hope.

That's the one thing that has returned. Hope. I had mistaken Wishes for hope, and therefore missed out on Happiness. So I guess I was missing two things. And now I have them. And they brought friends. Confidence. Strengthened Self-Image. Strength.

I'm singing again. I'm dancing like nobody is watching ... sometimes even in public. I'm looking forward to the holidays and the celebrating ... I'm getting out and spending time with friends.

So, yeah, Greywhistle. I'm doing okay. Thanks for checking. (Yup. Sarcasm. You know it.)

Tavis came home from his military exercise and the first words were "Hi. I missed you." That was the final needed balm that set things right for me. Nothing was holding me down. The difference was noted by those that care. Most of them, anyway. :) Apparently, we both "have it bad" but neither of us are able to leap the small distance to the next step.

Actually, a couple of my friends seem to agree on a theory - they think that my life would be SO much simpler if I was simply addicted to sex. Unfortunately, I appear to be addicted to making love instead. That's much harder to find. Right now though, I think I might be able to settle. LOL!

Get to spend time with Lavender tomorrow ... and relax with some wool, good food, and friendly chatter.

Sweet Dreams ...

PS. Hallo, Shorty! Don't say that I never mention you. LOL!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Be Thankful That You Did

(aka Take the Chance. Make the Change.)

Sunday, October 13, 2013 - 22:15

Mood: Content, creative ... maybe even happy!
Music: Oh Bla Di, Oh Bla Dah ~ The Beatles
Thought of the Day: "What If" isn't an alternative choice. It's a Wall. Get past it and live Life.

     Cherish the Love honestly offered by another - no matter what form it takes, or what intensity it is offered - to the best of your ability. Anything less simply disrespects the gift being given.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours ...

     Well, another 24 Hour Comic Day Challenge has come and gone ... once again, I have challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and try something different ... all while hanging out and arguing with fellow geeks about who really said what and why and the history that lead to such an event in comic history. I was even interviewed ... twice! and even though I felt that I had to be disappointing news, I didn't let that stop me from being enthusiastic about being there. I was there to raise money for two really great causes. I was there to do a better job than I did last year when I made my first attempt to "draw". I accomplished both. I'm proud of that.

     PS. I also saw last year's attempt ... in print at last. I saw my name ... in published ink. That's just heady, y'all.

     New office is finally complete! It's a relief for both Tavis and I. He insisted that he didn't mind sharing the space, but I think even he was starting to twitch about the boxes all over the place. Me? I was beyond twitching ... I was getting depressed just LOOKING at the damn boxes for a month and a half. No ... longer, since I was packing for a good two weeks before the actual move. Now, I can slowly get things where I want them and Tavis can work on his personal space the way he likes it too. (He was really sweet about Mom going into his room and rearranging it while we were both out. He couldn't hide the shock, but he was good about it. Personally, I would have- ... well, it's over and done. Mom immediately felt ashamed about her trespass and apologised. I took a bit longer to forgive her ... I was disappointed and embarrassed.So ... his space, his way, and I will not change anything in those spaces unless absolutely necessary. Vacuuming doesn't count.)

     He'll be leaving for some field work soon, so I'll have a lot to keep me busy. Wish we'd made it to IKEA for some much needed storage shelving, but I guess it can wait.

     So much has happened since I last wrote (as usual)! Most importantly, I feel like writing again!! The idea just leaves me giddy. No, really ... giddy. Actually, I'm rediscovering many interests with joy. Writing gives me the greatest relief though. Ironically, it's impossible to properly describe ... you'll just have to take my word for it.

     Oh ... my room ... my office. I love them both. LOVE them! They have character ... they talk to me like I haven't been spoken to since my Little Shack. Mom tried to convince me to have my office upstairs instead of a spare room. I was horrified. No, no ... that would segregate me from the house. Cut me off from ... life. No, my office is in the basement and I'm perfectly happy with it. I feel like me here. Happy, happy ... happy.

     Health ... I'm getting there. Been a bit of troubles lately, but they've been minor. Mostly stress, as mild as it's been. Weight fluctuating, but enjoying a slow but steady loss.

     Been busy, busy, busy!! Got a house that needs a lot of love, a yard that also needs a lot of love (it's improved a lot this summer, but OMGawd, it sure has spots of rebellion left to conquer.) In addition to that I have school in the mornings from Monday to Friday, and then Work in the afternoons - also Monday to Friday with an additional Saturday shift ... add the cleaning, cooking, crafting, writing, reading, watching a few recorded shows, organising, working on genealogy, and socialising and I've got a pretty full plate. And somewhere in there I also manage to find time for myself and the two gorgeous kitties, Tiberius and Cleo. Yes, I still squeeze in some time with Ashley as well.

     Ashley, I must point out, is totally thrilled to live here. She really hated the apartment. I'll never really know why. Maybe she doesn't like being so high above the canopy? Cleo is learning how to play too. Against her will, but she's learning. Poor Cleo.

     So ... Been finding out who my friends really are lately. This is a horrible phrase - I've always thought so - but at the same time it does a good job of expressing the bitterness one inevitably feels when they've been let down over and over by the same people that you've done your best to be there for.  Seems like every time I need a friend I hear the same thing from most people - "Sorry, I have a life here, if you know what I mean."

     So, here are the things that I am thankful for right now ...

     Ivan, you and your wife ROCK. We're not even close, but you've both always done your best and gone the distance when needed. I really appreciate this. ;) Have a cookie.
     Lavender, you are, as usual, fantastically supportive. I always feel at peace when I'm with you. I can tell you things and you offer your best advice ... and do your best to make sure that I follow it. LOL!
     My two new friends at school who make me a small part of their lives ... even outside of school.
     Ryder, an old high school buddy who not only helped me get my new job, but he offered to be anything I needed him to be. As long as I don't want a boyfriend. LOL! You didn't just help me with a new job, my friend, but you brought into a group of really great and welcoming ladies. I'm proud to be one of their number.
     Cleo, Tiberius, Ashley ... It's damn difficult to be depressed when you are all being cute, funny and just damn impossible. You keep me moving forward and help me with purpose in life.
     Mom, you're just growing up so fast ... *sniff* LOL!
     Jade, yes, even you, you delightful jackass. Despite the bad times, there have been good times too. I won't forget them.You were there for me at my lowest points, even if not always when needed. You brought a lot of good experiences into my life and told me that I managed to do the same for you. Even though we 'divorced' 5 years ago now, we've remained friends. That's special and a little rare. Besides, you introduced me to good music and helped me to appreciate some of the smaller things over the years. You've taught me a lot and I will carry that with me where ever I go.
     Tavis, Goddess, I don't even know where to begin ... I'm just thankful that you are there, and that you are you. You are my rock, my safety line, and, in some ways, my sanity. You make me feel special. I needed that. It's a heck of a lot easier to believe I'm fabulous when somebody agrees with me. ;) You are the main reason that I am in the place I'm in.
     Lynne, I guess I'm thankful that you introduced me to Tavis.

     I feel alive and I just feel like singing. And moving furniture. And ... just DOING things! I feel like a part of things again. A part of good things ... balanced things. And life is good.

Sweet Dreams ... we all deserve them.

Sunday, July 07, 2013

Together Again.

(aka Gravity Still Works. I know this because I randomly check it to be sure.)

July 7, 2013 - 02:33

Mood: Contemplative/Nostalgic ... and somewhat creative
Music: Lovers in a Dangerous Time ~ Barenaked Ladies
Thought of the Day: "This is the end. Hold your breath, and count to ten. Feel the Earth move, and then ... hear my heart burst again ..." ~ Skyfall (Adele)

Yeah, it's been a while since I wrote here. Heck ... It's even been a while since I wrote in my head. So much has been going on ... and yet not much has actually happened. Don't you just hate that? It makes all your plausible (true or not) excuses sounds small. Infantile. Weak.

I've been meaning to write. Something. Anything. But every time I turn to do it I find myself doing something else. Distracted. Restless. Doesn't matter if I used a computer or a pen/pencil. I decided I just wasn't ready and didn't push myself. Nothing good comes from that, I know.

I'm here. I writing again. I'm liking what I'm putting down, although it's just whatever is flowing from my mind. No real editing other than trying to watch my spelling. But even that I'm not being fussy about. I'll go back for it later. Maybe. I'm enjoying myself ... for the first time in months. While spoil that by worrying if I've spelled something correctly right away? Or that my fingers are working correctly, or my finger nails aren't too long and I'm hitting (or not hitting) keys I've actually aimed for. I'm feeling a joy in the flow. That's good enough for now. This is, I think, what Green Man was trying to get me to do years ago. not quite, but it feels about right. Doesn't, Green Man?

Oh, the typos ... they are killing me ... and yet, at the same time, I don't care. Flow, Gemini ... Flow ...

So ... since I spoke with you last, I started a new job ... and ended it as well. Such amazing people I met along the way. some actually remained friends with me. Friends form work and outside of work too ... it;'s a new thing for me. Normally, I keep them quite separate.

Now I'm in school *sigh* with a course that I picked after some research. I'm satisfied with it, although I'm not sure about the method itself. Sometimes it feels like I'm going through the motions without actually maintaining the info. Time will tell.

I'm doing genealogy again. I'm very excited with what I've discovered so far. small things, but joyful.

I've been very lonely. I find myself alternately latching on to people and pushing them away at the same time. I've caught myself acting the knowledge-able, patient, maternal immortal-type person ... everybody around me the child who is growing quickly, but not filing the void. I've come to realise that I use this as a buffer to protect myself. So much rejection and isolation in the last few years. I hurt. I ache. I yearn ... yearn for a touch I've lost and may never get back.

I woke to this a bit when I recently had my world rumbled. I was helping Tavis search for his lost cat ... when I was hit on by a passing 20 year old. It was such an odd experience. It was difficult to maintain my usual obliviousness in the face of his persistence. I found myself flattered and somewhat amused ... but still cautious. It doesn't help his case that he is the same as Campbell would be. My sweet boy. Strange how I miss you ... we vaguely knew each other for such a brief time, but you continue to haunt me in the strangest places. And your father ... he haunts me too. Although not quite in the same way. He once tried to keep me a in a safe place ... But it turned out to be a safe place for him, not for me. Comfort? Convenience? I don't know, but he used every trick in the book to keep me there. Cajoling, rewards, emotional blackmail, threats. Every trick. Holding me close to the wall as he could get me but never really letting me in. From this, I get the image of a prisoner in a cell, who took joy in the small things and danced each day in the sunlight that poured through the small window. How could he take my purpose in life and tell me that I had to choose between it and him? And yet he still does his best to protect me from things that could hurt me.

Around the time had started the new job, I got a new apartment ... ad then lost Spot. Oh, such a keen loss. And no time allowed to mourn properly. My heart screamed for days, raw with suppressed emotion. I'll never again find a friend like that. I know that ... but I doubt I'll ever give up looking. He came back to see me after. I was reaching breaking point, I think, but after his visit, I was so calm, so accepting. He expressed so much love/thanks/contentment/happiness for my comfort ... his glow was so bright. The ache is still there, but it's no longer disabling. No longer raw. But even a healed hole is still a scar that can never be properly filled again. Not in this lifetime. I don't think I'll be seeing Spot again any time soon. Not until it's my turn to walk to the fields. He will come for me. And I'll go with him.

I've been finding inspirations for stories again. Small ones, but they are like old friends and I welcome them as often as I can. I just wish they'd stop showing up in the middle of class. :)

Lonely. I crave the support of a loving touch, and welcoming life force and an understanding affection. Campbell. Spot. Two beings who accepted me unconditionally. Jade. You came so close to doing the same, but you held yourself back. Still do. And you won't tell me why. It's okay though. You still love me. It's enough. We'll save the unconditional for me to offer instead.

Saw Greywhistle the other day. Strange how we can talk like we never stopped ... and never seem to say enough ... like we'll take up where we left off the next day. *smile* Poor Greywhistle ... his girlfriend doesn't like me.

My pillow is calling me. It wants a hug ...

Sweet Dreams!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Running from Normal


February 11, 2013 - 01:50

Mood: A little exhausted

Music: 99 red Ballons (English) ~ Nena
Thought of the Day: Sometimes you just have to go out and find your own answers ... otherwise, you may never know. But be honest with yourself ... finding truths based on lies doesn't help anybody.

It's a little late, but ...
GONG HEI FAT CHOI!! 恭 喜 發 財
Best wishes for everybody in Year of the Dragon!


     Well, it's been a busy month so far ... getting Mom packed up, and then getting her out on her own. Today, we went shopping ... what a mess that was. Mom wanted to go to Walmart. So I abandoned my plans (I had the route streamlined) and we went to Walmart. I ended up not getting half of what I wanted because every time we put something in the cart, Mom started to head for the exit. Every. Time. ... Did I mention that going to Walmart was her idea in the first place? She even had the list! Ugh. I'll have to go by myself to get my things ... maybe skip over to Canadian Tire. Depends on the fliers that come out this week.

     So, just a couple weeks left before the end of my job with BPCS, then a short vacation for my own move, and Spot's blood test and whatever else has been crammed in to those four days ... and then I start work with my new job. YAY! I'm going to need it too ... the new apartment looks to be unexpectedly more expensive than we were expecting. Mom's not happy about it, but that's her battle. Now, if I can just get her to stop buying my things for me. I can afford these things on my own, thanks.

     Feeling a bit lonely tonight, but not for Mom's company. That's what I get for sitting in the dark watching movies. :) Silly me. My DVD player is throwing fits ... not sure if it's fixable or not. Will have to see what a new combo unit costs ... probably less to buy than fix, which is kinda sad. UGH ... so much to replace that was damaged or lost. Not even sure what happened to the DVD player. It was working when I moved in here, but then fritzed when we plugged it into Mom's TV. One more thing for the wish list, I guess. The frustration list too.

     Spot and Tiberius are getting along better. Spot still isn't thrilled that we're keeping him though. Tiberius has really calmed down alot since I brought him home, though he still has a long way to go. He totally freaks when somebody comes over and he won't let anybody touch him but me ... and I still have to chase him a bit first. Poor baby. Every now and then he comes to spend time with me and I can hear Hagrid saying, "Look! He knows his Mummy!"

     Still a bit left to say, but I'm tired. I'll try to sneak in again tomorrow ...

Sweet Dreams!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Zippety Doo Dah!

January 11, 2013 - 22:44

Mood: Thrilled!!
Music: Believe it or Not ~ sung by Joey Scarbury
Thought of the Day: Set a goal, create a plan and DO IT! It doesn't matter how long it takes to get there. The point is that you are getting there!

What a day I had today! WOW! Heck, it's been an amazing couple of months! I really should have written sooner ...

In November, my wait ended in regards to hearing the results of my 10 month application for my new job. I GOT IT! WHOOP! I was definitely bouncing ... and then the waiting began. And the prep. I was trying to get a Yellowknife posting, if you'll recall, and that means ... SHOTS. Yep. I put it off for a bit and then decided to get it over with. ... Owie ... :(

Shots and I don't like each other. They are always hurting me and almost always in ways that nobody can see. Very devious bully, the needle. Of all the bullies in my life, the needle is the only one that can still make me wake up in a cold sweat at night. *shudder*

December ... other than the multiple needles, December was quiet. I enjoyed the snow falls (underground parking makes that SO much more enjoyable) and the falling temps didn't bother me much, even when I was out in it. I love the looks I got when I'd go to pick up my lunch in only a T-shirt. (Horsemen, y'all ... we're all super beings!) My first present was Tiberius. I had impulsively decided to foster him when the announcer on the radio spoke to a gentleman who had found a young kitten in his vehicle's engine in a parking lot of a shopping centre. I'm not sure how long Ti was out there, but I'm guessing at least a night. He was skinny from lack of food, had frost damage to an ear tip, his nose, and the majority of the pads on his feet. Only for this tiny kitten would I put a litter box in the dining room, because the adult box was a very long way ... and walking on carpet hurt his feet. (Visual aid: The skin of his pads all fell off. Completely. Only raw skin was left. You'd avoid carpet too.) When he arrived, he was LOUD!! and I've never seen anything move so fast! His first vet check showed him to be pretty healthy ... with the worse case of ear mites I've ever seen in my life. Which is how we discovered poor Ti is allergic to the usual method of mite removal. Poor thing scratched his ears bloody. Meanwhile, I fell in love with the little guy. So, I dubbed him with his permanent name and continued to apply the medications. Such a little tom ... just waiting for him to achieve full growth before I get him neutered. The vet and I agree on that.

He's doing really well. He's got all his teeth, so, despite his tiny size, he was already 6 - 8 months when I found him. In the last month, he has doubled in size. and I find great joy in watching him. Nice wake up call for Spot too ... although Spot doesn't think so. ;)

Presents, presents ... I got a good winter jacket and some boots. A week later, they posted me to Edmonton. Not even Christmas yet. LOL! Mom loved her gifts. Nothing from Michael though. Prick.

Tavis took me to see the Hobbit. I was more excited about the Star Trek short at the beginning, but it was a good partial movie, as far as partial movies go. I dislike partial tales. Always have. Probably because when I was a kid I rarely saw the concluding episode. Come to think of it, it was the animated version of LOTR that started that. "To be continued" ... just another kid of bully. Not as bad as needles, but not everybody can be. All that negative anticipation can't be good for you. Really.

New Year's was also quiet. Mom had made some disturbing comments that kept me nearby. Turned out it wasn't what I thought. The woman needs to phrase her thoughts better!! Anyway, we both felt jipped when the fireworks came and went ... in about 5 minutes. WHAT? Usually, fireworks last about 10 minutes ...  minimum! They were fired from a higher location, so we saw them all instead of just the big ones, but still ... jipped, I cry!

January ... my current job is becoming unbearable. Maybe because an escape is in sight. I am twitching over the coming ability to get a better place of my own (Mom is moving out at the end of the month - I move at the end of February.), the ability to BUY A CAR for myself, and to buy all those little things that I NEED or, egad! that I WANT. I smell freedom, folks ... I hope it comes with shelving.

Before I get into the really good news, I want to point out that one small fly did manage to land in the honey. I got a message from my Dad the other day. First time I've heard from him in three years ... and he tells me that he has cancer. Possibly two kinds. He just wanted me to hear it from him instead of the grapevine. And that was it. He said nothing else. Mom asked if he was looking for redemption and, without hesitation, I said 'Nope.' And really, I'm not being a bitch about it. If he had made ANY motion towards asking me to help, support him emotionally, send him an update, start including each other in our lives, etc ... I probably would have given him the time of day. He didn't ask for any of that. So, now I'm left to wonder how to respond to this. I feel like if I make any kind of kind motion I risk having a house fall on me. I'll have to think about it. Besides, Mom and I agree on at least one thing ... the note was NOT his idea.

My site has been getting a lot of comment attention lately ... I haven't seen this much spam in ... geez. Well, let's just sat that my e-mail doesn't quite get this much.

Okay! TODAY!! ... There were two big things scheduled for today. First, I had an appointment with the bank to see about getting a small loan to help cover the damage deposit and first month's rent for my new place. AND I GOT APPROVED. The Easter Bunny himself would have turned pea green with envy if he'd seen me bouncing back to my car. Grin a mile wide. First time I've ever applied for a loan. To top it off, I went to complete some paperwork and shadow a couple positions at my new job. I have only this to say ... *ahem* I'M GONNA LOVE MY JOB!!

I already have a countdown started to my 'tween job vacation time. It's going to be so sweet ...

Sweet Dreams! Can they get any better?