Does ever happen to you? Do you feel like you are losing your grip? Have you got all of your ducks in a row, and then something happens to upset them, and you have to start all over again?

I Do.

I feel very lost right now. I feel like I'm in a maze, trying to find my way back, but I'm so afraid that I won't make it back to the beginning. Last night, I think I scared my Husband with my new logic. He's afraid that I'm turning away from what I have known and that I'm embracing something bad, something harmful. His reaction to my personal growth (or should I say my attempts at personal growth) has not been what I expected. Frankly, I don't think that he even really likes that I blog.

I wish that I had more of the answers that I need. Why do I feel guilty for wanting to know more? Trav told me that I need to write things down, to put my beliefs to paper. To see what I know, and move forward from there. How long should I expect self-discovery to take? When will I have my light-bulb moment? Why do I feel so small and insignificant? Why do I question the church, but not God? Why do I distrust the authenticiy of the bible so much? Where do I turn to get these answers?

She's-a Brewing Something Up...

I guess I owe you all some news. The bad news is I have nothing interesting for you all. It was a quiet weekend at Casa de la Yecart. (I think I just combined Spanish, French and Gibberish... Wow!)

The husband was dog/cat/bird/house sitting for some friends of ours so he was gone for a lot of the weekend. I got lost in the world of Newport Beach again for season two of The O.C. and on Saturday, I went out to the Broadway Roastery and to Alexander's for a Freehouse planning session and Nacho-fest for Jordon's birthday.

That's about it for now. I'm writing a really thoughtful, insightful post so keep your eyes peeled for the next installment.

This made me think of the story that Jordon and Wendy told us at the Freehouse Lite.

I Love me some Broadway!

Tonight was superb. I enjoyed two fantastic movies tonight. Good night and good luck and Transamerica.

Good night and good luck was good, but not something I will watch again. Becky described it well by saying it's like a vegetable. You do it because it's good for you. For those unfamiliar, it's a black and white pic about Ed Murrow, an American Journalist in the 1950's, who fought against McCarthyism.

Transamerica was much funnier and more touching. Felicity was amazing. She really looked like a man in certain scenes! It was a genuine movie with a few flaws, but they were forgivable.
I'm not sure how many "Christians" will see this film, but there is a perfect line in it. Bree is questioned about being a Christian, and that she wouldn't belong in a church. She replies"My body may be a work-in-progress, but there is nothing wrong with my soul." That said it all. I will be buying this on DVD to join my collection for sure.

Clarification

The woman who called yesterday, and gave me this nagging twitch behind my right eye, came to see me today. She had purchased items at a store, the store had marked her recipt FINAL SALE, and had given her an extremely great discount on the items, yet she still wanted to return them to the store.

Final sale means final, as in no other sales on this item. She caused such a fuss this afternoon, she was removed by security. Trust me, this does not happen often.

I need a coffee!! Darn this "sacrifice" for lent! :-)

Speaking of coffee, did we hear about the Tim Horton's fiasco involving two little girls in Quebec? The 10 year old found a cup and tried to roll up the rim. She couldn't get it, so she asked her 12 year old friend to give it a try. When she rolled the lip up, they discovered that the cup was a winner of a SUV. The girls decided that their families could share the vehicle, the Parents had other plans. And now, in the ultimate act of selfishness, there is a teacher involved in the fight, saying that it was his cup in the first place.

People here's the simple answer. I'll save you all the trouble: Finder's Keepers, Losers Weepers.

People Are Mean Sometimes

Would it be wrong if I did this to you? I'm all for free speech and all, but PLEASE, if you think that you already know the answer to your question, DO NOT ASK ME FOR AN ANSWER!!! I am not joking, I am not lying to you, I am not trying to make you angry, I am simply answering the question that you phoned me with, and asked me to answer for you.

On a much happier note, I am headed to my favorite movie theater, the Broadway, to see Transamerica tomorrow night. I have heard good things and am really excited to see Felicity Huffman's Golden Globe winning performance. I'll post a review tomorrow night.

Good night Y'all! Sleep well my internet buddies!

March 8th is...

...My Mom's birthday!!! Happy birthday Mom! Love you Mom! Miss you lots Mom!

And it is International Women's Day. Today will be celebrated in lots of places as a national holiday. "Women in every country, often divided by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate this important date that represents equality, justice, peace and development."

International Women's Day is the celebration of regular women who have made history and those who are going to. It's the fight of all women trying to gain equal rights and equal access throuought the world. "Until women are fully represented at senior leadership levels of public, professional and economic life, women do not have equal rights nor an equal voice."

Go visit the International Women's Day webpage here. And go visit or call your Mom too!

Icy Roads = Craptacular Bus Ride

This morning, I went out to the bus stop at 8:55AM as per getting to work on time for 9:30. Instead, no bus came rolling along. Strange, I thought, as there were other people waiting for the same bus as I, Chances of me being late and missing it were slim.

When the bus FINALLY rolled by, it was 9:24AM and it was full. Turns out, the first bus skidded and hit a snowbank because of the icy roads over in Lawson Heights, and then a second bus came to it's rescue. Everyone from bus one got onto bus two. Bus two picks us up and drives to the next stop where it gets stuck in a snowbank on the side of the road. Now we are all stranded on bus two, as bus three comes to our rescue again!

I walked from the bus mall to the Midtown, sliding and skidding the whole way.

What an interesting morning!

Post-weekend briefing

For the first time in a very long time, I did not watch the Academy Awards last night. Travis and I went to O'Shay's for Freehouse Lite instead. He got to meet Becky, Jerry, Wendy and Jordon. I am glad that he came with me, because he's been a little apprehensive about the Freehouse, and he isn't sure what to make of "Alternative Worship". This was a great first step for him to open up to new experiences.

By the way... Did anyone hear anything about a paper at the U of S publishing a controvercial cartoon about Jesus and a pig??? Please...info! I heard a rumor and I wonder if it's true.

Musings on my 276th viewing of Rent...

So I haven't really seen Rent 276 times, but I have seen the stage show, watched the movie twice in theater, 3 times on DVD, and heard the cast recordings multiple times in the last 10 years, but tonight, I'm sitting here, and for the first time, a line really hit me.

This segment from Another Day:
I can't control my destiny
I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be.
There's only now, there's only here.
Give in to love
or live in fear
No other path,
No other way,
No day but today

Give in to love or live in fear. That is pretty powerful. Or it could be that it's after 1:30 in the morning! :-) Give into love Y'all

Sleepover Party!

Here's a couple of pics from my sleepless night! The girls were so energetic! They played until 10PM, then the lights went out and it was bedtime. Which dragged on until around midnight. Then the mom's pulled out a couple of bottles of wine, and we talked, and laughed and drank white wine and paralyzers until close to 3AM ourselves! Good times...Until the girls were waking up at 6, only three hours later!!! Yikes!

Can't wait until next year!

Three sick days in a row... and I'm finally feeling human!

Yes, It took 3 days for sleeping for me to feel like a real girl again! I am ready to face a hectic weekend. Tonight I have a sleepover with my Spark group. I wanted to cancel it, but they have been looking forward to this for such a time that I just couldn't do that to them.

I will post more tomorrow with pictures for y'all. Wish me luck with 15 five and six year-old girls!!! Anyone wanna trade places? :-)

Snow Days / Sick Days

There is nothing fun about a sick day. I am officially tired of my house. I stayed home and slept most of yesterday, and I'm ready to do that again today. I wish that I could go out and enjoy the snow that fell yesterday.


Here's to sleeping and lots of hot tea! I'm going back to bed. :-)

Happy Fat Tuesday!

What is Fat Tuesday?

In my house growing up, we would have pancakes for supper and make our lent sacrifices known. I'm not sure if the Husband will allow Pancakes for supper...(not if he's cooking), but I will make my annual lent announcement.

After a lot of thought. I have decided to give up 2 things.

1. Snack foods from the mall. It's way too easy to grab popcorn or ice cream or candy from any of the retailers. I can grab it and then eat it at my desk.
2. Fancy Caffinated drinks. This includes Starbucks and Timothy's and Tim Hortons, and any other chain or coffee retailer that I might encounter in the next 40 days and 40 nights. Only exception: I am allowing myself tea.

That's right, I'm giving up Starbucks for Lent! I hope that the people who work there will give me a triple shot after Easter for the enormus effort this will take. One year, I gave up Chocolate, and did really well. For a celebration afterward, I was treated to the Saskatoon Inn's chocolate buffet. Nice! And the funny thing is, I didn't want to gorge on the chocolate. I savoured it, I enjoyed it. I didn't eat what I would have before Lent.

I realized that that is part of the sacrifice. You learn to appreciate the items that you use and abuse. So now, instead of looking towards Lent as a time to give something up, I see it as a chance to learn to appreciate something new.

Sorry for my late-ness-ability-ism :-)

Sorry about my lack of posting. I had a lazy weekend and that sloth was slowly turned into a wicked cold. I sat on the couch, and watched about 23 1/2 hours of The O.C. in a row, and used about 4 boxes of Kleenex, and 3 boxes of Dayquill, not to mention the pack and a half of Cherry Halls. I wish you all could have been there! Misery loves company you know...

Anyhoo, back to the real world, where I have to go to work and sneeze on everyone.

About a week ago, at the last Freehouse, Wendy brought me a copy of Beyond Magazine. It's theme was Beauty. What a neat publication! For those of you not familliar with Beyond, it's an ad-free publication that features art, poetry, prose, fiction and non-fiction alike. It's an ecclectic mix of the human experience. For $30 you can subscribe, and I think that I'm asking for a subscription for my birthday!

The Worship Freehouse is having a gathering on Sunday, March 5th (that's my brother's 20th Birthday!) at O'Shay's Irish Pub @ 7PM. Be there, or no scotch for you! To quote Jordon: "You are all invited to join the worship.freehouse on March 5th, 2005 for our first Freehouse Lite. Freehouse Lite has less calories, is Atkins friendly and doesn't have an aftertaste. It is a more social part of the Freehouse and will include film, debate, and we hope some Aerobie this summer. For the first one, it is just social and some good food." Nuff said.

In other news, I have a disgusting ammount of overtime coming up. I so don't want to take this, but I have no choice. The co-worker who had surgery should be back next week, so that will lighten my week, and make me a happier person. Later gators!

Last night, My Hubby watched a phony Documentary called Exposing the Order of the Serpentine. It was on Spike TV, and it claimed to go behind the scenes of a secret fraternal organization that helped men cleanse themselves of the shame of a bad hookup. He knew nothing about it, other than it was too funny to be real, plus he's a guy, and guys like stuff on Spike... (I'm not sure why...)

"In this news expose, the hard hitting journalist Rex Masters investigates the existance and inner workings of The Order of the Serpentine. The Order, a sacred brotherhood dedicated to helping guys move beyond the shame from questionable hook-ups, was founded centuries ago when the Order's creator "shed his shame" for the first time. Masters examines the guilt guys feel as a result of awkward romantic encounters, and shows how and why such shame ultimately drives members to join this society."

The show flashes a website link near the end of the show and you realize that the show has been a huge commercial for a new Axe Body Wash.

Kudos to the marketing department for Axe! Well done! You made a 30 minute comercial, sold comercial spots within it, and you had people linking online before you even aired it! You had my husband, and many other men fooled for some time. Good Job! Here's to creative advertising done properly.

Oh, O.C., I wish I could quit you!

I am a lot sleepy today. I got a free caffine fix this AM from my Lovely Starbucks Baristas because I forgot my wallet, and nearly my whole bag today. I rarely leave the house unprepared, so there has to be a really good explanation. Well, there isn't. I stayed up very late watching Season One of The O.C.

And on a school night! I'm sorry, that was very irresponsible of me.

The O.C. is a dirty little secret of mine. I love, love, love it! This is the Dynasty of my generation. Joshie and his wonderful wife Tif loaned me the season on dvd and I'm going to spend my weekend lost in Newport's scenic landscapes!

Avatars, Australians and Tuesday Troubles...

This is my yahoo avatar. I've had it forever, but somehow, I'm not web-savvy enough to get it to post in my photo spot. I am at a loss as to why. I guess that's just another fun side-effect of having a run-of-the-mill template. Boo-urns! (Bonus points for identifying the episode this phrase came from)

Husbands must stop reading right now...

There has been this good looking Australian (is there another kind??) in the mall today. He has stopped by a few times for information and such, and I have thoroughly enjoyed giving it to him! There are a few perks to my job, 100% dental is one of them, and so are Hot Tourists! :-)

I have come to the conclusion that I am destined to pay full adult admission at the movies. Every time that I try to use the 'Cheap Tuesday' movie rate to my advantage, something goes horribly wrong. Either the movie of choice is sold out, or we are running late and miss a vital chunk of movie, or as happened yesterday, EVERYONE has other things going on except me. There were exams to cram for, papers due, DM visits, store flips and church meetings. If I were a pessamist or believed in conspiracies I would think that people were avoiding me, but I believed all parties involved...this time :-)

In defense of Starbucks

In a post yesterday, Becky mentioned the new Starbucks opening at College and Cumberland. In the comments, some people were quite angry with the company and made derogatory comments towards Starbucks.

I did some homework, and got some real numbers for you (the italic is me, the black is Starbucks).

Purveying quality coffees means much more than selecting the finest beans on the
market. Starbucks strongly believes in the importance of building mutually-beneficial relationships with coffee farmers and coffee communities with which we work. The success of the farmers with whom we do business is a critical component of our own success. We are taking an integrated approach to building relationships with coffee communities. Components of Starbucks integrated approach are:

Premium Prices Paying coffee farmers premium prices to help them make profits and support their families. In 2004, Starbucks paid an average of $1.20/pound. That’s 74% higher than world coffee prices.

Access to Affordable Credit Providing coffee farmers access to affordable credit
through various loan funds so that farmers can invest in their farms and their
success into the future. Starbucks gave $6 million in loan funds in 2004.

Certified and Conservation Coffees Purchasing conservation and certified coffees, including Fair Trade Certified™, shade grown and certified organic, to promote responsible environmental and economic efforts. Starbucks purchased 4.8 million pounds of Fair Trade Coffee in 2004, (Double the amount in 2003) and set a goal of 10 million pounds in 2005.

C.A.F.E. Practices Encouraging participation in Starbucks Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices (C.A.F.E. Practices), a set of socially responsible coffee buying guidelines, by offering preferential buying status for participants that score the highest on verified reports. In fact, Starbucks purchased 43.5 million pounds of coffee from suppliers in the C.A.F.É. Practices program.

Social Development Programs Starbucks invested $1.8 million in social programs to build schools, health clinics and other projects that benefit coffee-growing communities.

Farmer Support Center Collaborating with farmers through the Farmer Support
Center, located in Costa Rica, to provide technical support and training that
promotes high-quality coffee for the future.

Take a trip to Slate Magazine

Two very interesting articles today that I feel the need to blog about.

First, Tim Hartford, the undercover economist, has I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do: The economic case for polygamy. You see, Russian Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov has ben quoted as saying "Each man who can provide for four wives should do it."

"In a society with equal numbers of men and women, each man with four wives gives women the additional pick of three men—the poor saps whose potential wives decided they'd prefer one-quarter of a billionaire instead. In the Sahel region of Africa, half of all women live in polygynous households. The other half have a good choice of men and a lot more bargaining power. If polygyny combined with women's rights, I bet we'd see more promises to wash the dishes. Not everybody would have to share a husband, but I can think of some who might prefer half of Orlando Bloom to all of Tim Harford—including my wife."

"The reverse is probably true, too: When women are taken from the marriage market, men suffer. In China, the policy of one-child families coupled with selective abortion of girls has produced "surplus" males. Such men are called "bare branches," and China could have 30 million of them by 2020. Perhaps polyandry—women with multiple husbands—would be the logical response to the situation in China. What will happen instead is that these lonely, wifeless men will end up sleeping with a relatively small number of women—prostitutes—with severe risks of sexually transmitted disease all around. "
To read the entire article, Click here

Secondly, there is an article on the best way to spend your charitable donations, Bang for your Buck By Daniel Akst.

"What is the best way to spend $1 to make the world a better place?
This turns out to be a complicated question that naturally raises another: why the best way? Doing some good, after all, is vastly better than doing none, and figuring out the very best target is bound to be as costly and unsatisfying as most maximizing behaviors—especially if you're really dealing with a single dollar, a sum best spent on a cup of coffee for a homeless person."

To read the whole thing, click here

Pets, mountains and Husbands

Last night, I had a very interesting tour with Sparks. We went to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Rubin gave us an inside look at the small and large animal clinics and we got to see dogs, cats, a bird, some horses, a bull, an alpaca and a VERY pregnant pig. She was hilarious. The girls had a good time and were well behaved (for the most part) but got a little loud and excited near the end of the tour.

Tonight will be a very different event. I'm going to the Pacific to see Brokeback Mountain. I was told very emphatically by my Husband that he will not be attending with me, so I am going to go with some friends. (Or at least one I hope!!) Details are still being ironed out.

Speaking of Husbands, mine had his first midterm in a very long time last night. He thinks that he did OK, but he's still nervous. He is very good with numbers, and I know that he's going to become a CMA, no problem. He really has a lack of confidence in his abilities. I wish that he could see his potential, the way I see it in him. On the other hand, he sure is cute when he's nervous :-)

Spirituality vs Religion

I have been in this weird place for a while regarding religion. I was born and raised a Catholic, and thought that I'd probably die one too. For many different reasons, I have come to realize that I have some issues with the philosophies of the church though. Some more than others, but they all have the ability to be deal breakers. Through all of this deliberation, my desire to be close to God and remain spiritual has always been constant. This is why I was excited about the worship freehouse, because it sounded like an open and tolerant environment to grow and expand in my spirituality. A place to find the resolve to face some of these decisions that I need to make.

I had a moment sitting there at the Freehouse last night. I was making a collage that represented my journey to find my image of God and I came across a picture of a little girl who looked like she just didn't give a damn anymore, and a woman in the background, out of focus. The image really struck me and I sat there for a moment thinking that the little girl represented me. I tore the picture out and on the page behind it was the word "Broken". I started to glue these images down and was thinking to myself 'this is almost too big a process... This is collaging, it's not supposed to be so emotional!' and then the next phrase I saw was the words "Baby Steps" I had to laugh out loud.

The collage also has what I affectionately call the "Catholic Corner". There is a picture of Pope JP2, and a photo of a girl who is half obscured by a frosted window. I put the word Forgotten by her because if I am to stay with the Catholic church, then I have to displace or forget about a part of me that disagrees with the church.

I feel like I can't turn my back on the church that gave me a large portion of my Identity. I feel guilty if I go to another church on Sunday. It just doesn't feel RIGHT. I have a sick relationship with Catholicism. We disagree on so many issues and ideals, yet I find a serene comfort in the mass. I go to church and sit for an hour, am able to recite the mass verbatim, (Thank you years of being an alter server), and yet I feel like I'm lying by being there. I'm lying to God, because I don't believe everything that is said, I'm lying to the congregation, because I'm not a part of their community, I'm lying to myself, because going to church with these issues unresolved isn't helping me find the answers I need.

If the Catholic Church were a man, all of my friends would be telling me that he's not worth it. That I could do better and that I deserve more. I deserve someone who understands me, and believes in what I do.

I had an amazing journey last night. I NEVER would have thought that tearing up fashion magazines would have such an emotional impact on me.

Not everyone im my life is as excited for me to attend though. A few people, friends and co-workers, have shown concern, even disdain, towards alternative worship. Travis worries that I will replace church with the Freehouse. He hasn't had a chance to attend yet, and I hope that he reserves his judgment until he meets the people involved in this process. His is the most important opinion to me.

The thing I just don't understand: Why is being spiritual without religion such a touchy subject for people?

Thinking Day Tea

Today was the Saskatoon Area Girl Guides Thinking Day Tea and Bake Sale. It was alright, but I had a terrible headache all morning and most of the afternoon so I didn't enjoy today much at all. Got some sweet muffins though. :-)

I am having a hard time burning a disk right now. For the Freehouse tomorrow night, I've got a list of songs that I've ripped off of disks I already own. Half of them are copying and one in perticular keeps screwing up. I don't get it! I can burn a disk of downloaded music from Kazaa or something, with no problems, but I can't copy songs that I paid for!!! Arrgh!

COMPLETELY UNRELATED: Am I the last person on earth to watch Crash? What a powerful movie. One of the most amazing scenes is the one with the Hispanic family, when the Armenian store owner goes to shoot the locksmith and his daughter jumps into his arms... "It's a really good cloak". Her innocence is so moving. I could blather on and on. I really, Really want to own this film.

Tattoo You

(Not the Rolling Stones version, sorry to cause confusion.)

I have wanted this character as a tattoo for a long time. The story behind it being I love the show and I saw an alter-ego in the character. She's the "Cute, but Ditzy Blonde". The girl that no one suspects can throw a punch. The girl who is kind to flora and fauna, but would kick your butt into next week if she had to. She's who I was and to an extent who I always want to be.

I have mulled this over for nearly 6 years! I finally think that It's time to get this done. Here's my question to all of you. Where have any of you had work done? I am looking for a qualified artist, price really doesn't matter that much. Do you have stories, good and bad about getting a tattoo? What do you think of my choice? I need feedback because Travis is getting tired of hearing about me wanting this darned tattoo! :-)

Let's complain about the weather

I'm joining this thread now... It's F-ing Cold!!!

Travis joked that The Weather Network has the map of Canada marked with red for a 'Killer Windchill' index. There's a touch of red in Alberta, and a touch of red in Manitoba, and then all of Saskatchewan is red. That's funny. I'm laughing to stay warm. :-) Wait, he just told me that it's not a joke...

The only good thing about getting up early in minus 75 degree weather is that when I drove Travis to work today, he bought me a Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate. Yay! I'll drive any of y'all to work if you buy me a THHC!!!

For Miranda:

Miranda emailed me this. I have no "buddies" on my email list. Mostly business contacts or people who hate these kinda of emails, so I thought, What the hey, I'll throw it up on my website, and share the info. I haven't done one of these things in a long long time, so here goes...

1. What color pants are you wearing? Black crappy ones from either Ricki's of Reitmans...They both suck equally.
2. What are you listening to right now? Mall Music
3. What was the last thing you ate? A pumpkin scone from Starbucks.
4. Do you wish on stars? Yes, Every chance I get.
5. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? According to this, I am Tin Man's Johnson Silver
6. How is the weather right now? Snowy and cold. To quote Miranda, "shitty Saskatchewan weather!"
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Mom!
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, I would do this only for you, Miranda, No one Else!!! (I miss you kid! Hurry up and get back here!!! We need to go for Drinks!!!)
9. How old are you today? 25
10. Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper Slurpees
11. Favorite sport? Hockey to watch, Curling to play, football to attempt.
12. What colour is your car? Bright red if it's clean... so usually dirt coloured. :-)
13. There is no 13!
14. Siblings? 4, 2 girls 2 boys and Me made for a busy house.
15. Favorite month? May?
16. Favorite food? Homemade pizza!
17. What was the last movie you saw? Rented Wedding Crashers. I was kinda dissapointed. It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. (40 Year old Virgin was much funnier)
18. Favorite day of the year? June 13th (my birthday!)
19. What do you do to vent anger? Rant on my blog?!?
20. What was your favorite toy as a child? I had a Snoopy Snow Cone Machine. Hey, that's where the Slurpee addiction stems from!!
21. Summer or Winter? Ugh! Summer of course!
22. Hugs or kisses? Both please!
23. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
24. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Um, sure. Or you can comment on how weird I am, for all to read!
25. Who is most likely to respond? Anyone is fair game.
26. Who is least likely to respond? Same answer.
27. When was the last time you cried? This last weekend.
28. What is under you bed? Dust bunnies and the leaves from the dining room table.
29. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Tara. We started Kindergarten together in Mrs. Wittle's Class, and we still talk after all these years...Somehow! Personally, I think it's because we have lots of dirt on each other!
30. What did you do last night? Cleaned up my house, called my Mom and watched The Hour.
31. What are you afraid of? Monsters in the closet.
32. Plain, buttered or salted popcorn? Salted (Travis makes the best Popcorn), or Kernels Say Cheese Cheese, Please Please!
33. Favorite car? Mine?
34. Favorite flower? Daisy or Rose. (How Cliche)
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 14. Work and home.
36. How many years at your current job? Too Many! :-)
37. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
38. What did you do on your last birthday? I went to Kim's and she had made a cake for me!
30. How many provinces have you lived in? 1 - Saskatchewan Rules!
40 How many cities have you lived in? 1 - Saskatoon, and 1 Town - Assiniboia

OK, your turn!

Last one for the year.

I LOVE THIS! This is what I would be if I were a Valentine. There you go folks. That's it until next year!

Sleepless in Saskatoon

I'm sitting here, waiting for the Daily Show to start, because I am freakishly not tired right now. It was a crazy long day, and I should be tired... But I'm not. Yuck!

I did my wifely duty tonight. No, not what you think. (Pervert! :-) Trav and I have an agreement. We share the cooking, cleaning, trash removal, laundry, etc. He cleans up after the Dog that he wanted, and I clean up after My baby, the cat. Anyhoo, I went after his litter box tonight. Yuck! I think I need to change the cat's food. He is having some funky things happening in that box - EEEW! Nuff Said.

The news is finishing up, so I have to pay attention to Mr. Stewart now. Nite!

Happy V-Day???

I first read about this via a link on Becky's Page, and was all "WTF?" I had never heard of this celebration before. I had a chance to go to The Vagina Monologues a couple of years back in Regina, but I was broke, and I couldn't get there, so I didn't see it. I am super excited to go. I don't know if I can convince my main squeeze to go though. He doesn't seem really excited about it. I guess I'll have to ask some of my Girlie-friends about it.

So a truly wonderful and Happy V-Day to all. Here's something to look forward to: For next year, I'm going to post a list of reasons and ways to celebrate our Vagina's! :-) Happy Reading!

Happy Valentines Day to all fellow Bloggers and Readers! I love ya all!

To Travis

You thank me all the time
But now it’s my turn.
Cause truly a word of gratitude so due
Can’t go unheard.
And it made me feel better
To have you there in my corner.
My eyes cast so low,
My face could not have been
Drawn longer.

I know you’ve been impressed.
You’ve seen me at my best.
But oh, how it hurts
When I can’t hide my worst.
Well thank-you for carrying on
For playing with me and this song.
It made me feel better.
We sat it out like some passing bad weather.

My mind was like kid’s boxing gloves,
The kind blown up with air
That are put away after play,
And get limp just lying there.
But you knew they’d fill up again,
And you gave me your shoulder,
And I got up in the ring
Because I had you there
In my corner.

And I got up in the ring
Because I had you there
In my corner.


The Ring - Sarah Harmer

Travis, thank you for always being there. I love you today and every day. Happy Valentine's Day.

You all know who you are.

If there is someone on your blogroll who makes your world a better place just because that person exists and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the internet, then post this same sentence on your blog.

Let it snow!

This poor puppy! He's one of the photos from the CTV webpage of the snowstorm that has hit the east coast.

I wish that we could get that kind of snow here in Saskatchewan. I know we have in the past, but nothing recently.

I remember going toboggoning as a child. There were some really good places to go in Assiniboia (my hometown). We would go out to the Willows Dam and go down the hill onto the ice and back up again. I always hated the climb up the hill but loved the ride down. It was pretty steep, and I'm sure that if I tried it now, I'd break something :-) The other good spot to ride down was the 'hospital Hill'. There was a big hill behind the Hospital that was one of the most dangerous, because there was a fire hydrant right in the middle of the best run. You had to steer carefully, or you'd hit the hydrant and get hurt. Good news, you were already at the hospital, bad news, the nurses would call your Mom, and you'd have to go home.

The kids in NYC had better use this snow properly, or I'm gonna come out there and make them :-)

Since when do churches quote Satan? In a good way?

I'm the first to admit that I really know very little about theology. Or the bible for that matter. I know the stories that we learn in Sunday School, or the passages that I hear in church, but I cannot quote scripture, nor can I hear someone say "oh that's like Bob 3:25" and know what they are talking about. So when I read this and this, I had to go to the source to find out why it was so funny.

5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
8Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
Luke 4:5-8

So basically this church in Limerick, Pennsylvania took a portion of this passage and made it their own. Someone like me, with little bible knowledge, would read this line and think, 'What a beautiful quote from God. "If you worship me it will all be yours"... I want it all, so I should worship him...'

That is one good marketing ploy!

Here's to the Weekend...

...May it begin a fabulous new week, filled with Happy People, Good Friends, and some Wine?? Maybe a little Cheese?

My gal-pal is gone for the next 3 weeks. She's off to have surgery. I hope that everything goes smooth for her. We had a mini-Valentine's Day today and gave each other our gifts. She gave me this lip gloss because she said that it was named after me!

And she emailed this to me b/c of the "fun" I had at work yesterday.



Enjoy your time off, and remember, Ice cream cures all that ails you!

YUCKKY WEEK

Thank you Drew for drawing a cartoon about my last few days at work. I really appreciate how you can get into my head an make me feel better.

I am seriously considering moving to Tuktoyaktuk, NT. Really. I would. Just to get as far away from some people as I can. I don't wanna "Dooce" myself, so that's all I'm gonna say, but... Man, I really need a drink. Send me some love people, I need some love. Travis, you'd better comment on this one... :-)

I've been working on a couple of mixed tapes to cheer myself up, so I may post the playlists here later.

Edit: Oh yeah, and Melinda bit the Dust last night, so I'm down to the Yoga Instructor... Dear Lord, Please make him last a few more weeks!!!

The Worship Freehouse

The next Freehouse is planned for February 19th. This is shaping up to be an interesting series of nights focusing on the Image of God. I have had fun during the planning sessions and I am really eager for the 19th to hurry up and get here! Come out and Join us at the Refinery!

The Worship Freehouse: Imago Dei :: February 19th

To Parents who think they can do a better job: GO AHEAD!

As some of you know, I am a Spark leader. I have been for 5 years. Last night was the first time I have ever wanted to quit.

I have one other girl who is a leader with me. She is a full-time University Student, and she works part-time in a store. She also has the same social and family obligations as anyone else. I work full-time and am involved with many other projects. My time is precious to me, and I would have no problem filling the time I give to Girl Guides with another activity.

I, with the person, plan and execute a weekly meeting for 5 and 6 year-old girls. 13 of them. Their parents drop them off and we are left to ensure that they are stimulated, and entertained for an hour until their parents show back up. Last night, one of the parents, who has NEVER stayed longer than the first 5 minutes, or volunteered to help with ANYTHING, attacked the other Leader in front of everyone, saying that our communication skills sucked. That she had no clue what was going on with our planning and she wanted to know about things NOW!

First of all, we are not in charge of weather, or outdoor venues, or illnesses, so the things that change because of these factors are beyond my control. Second, I send out notices. I deliver them by hand in some instances. I write a newsletter called The Sparkler that details what and where things are going to be.

I invite ANY OF THE PARENTS in my group to do a better job. I welcome the help. I encourage the help. I would LOVE to sit back and critique the job that they would do.

Let's be fair, criticism is a good thing, if it is constructive. Perhaps this parent would prefer a phone call, or an email instead of a letter, that's fine. I can do that, but to shout at us in a public setting is not only rude and uncalled for, it shows what your character truly is.

What a night!

This post is dedicated to the Rowdy Boys and Girls from Regina who made last night so much fun, and to Travis who enjoyed it all too well!

We headed off to the Great Big Sea show at the Tea cup last night (TCU Place) and did it ever rock! What an awesome night! They did two separate sets. The first was songs that are from the new CD, The Hard and The Easy, the second set was older favorites. They even threw in some old school Canadian rock from Harlequin and the Brian Adams standard Summer of 69, saying that "900 million songs start with this chord"

After the show, we decided to check out Lydia's with a couple of friends. There was a neat jazz group playing. After about an hour we headed off to The Black Duck. This is where the Regina crew were introduced to us. They had been at the show earlier that night and were representing. Travis got talking with the bartender and decided to throw his copy of 'Hard and Easy' into the stereo. The pub was a-rocking!

Shortly after we arrived, the Guys from The Arrogant Worms showed up, and so did Alan Doyle from GBS! Travis was in heaven! Alan was kind enough to sign a few autographs... See above.

Travis actually sat and talked with both Alan and Tim from the Worms for a good long while, and he thoroughly ignored me, but in such a situation, this is acceptable behavior. I was told that the only way to top this Christmas gift is to have either band playing in our living room next December.

That's a challenge I'll take :-)

Meet the Chef's

Tonight, Travis and I are going to Meet the Chef's. If you've never been, it's basically Taste of Saskatchewan but indoors. There are probably 30 or more restaurants participating this year. All of the proceeds go to the Friendship Inn here in Saskatoon. The good news is that we have once again sold out so the Friendship Inn will get a great donation again this year!

Since the mall sells the tickets, I get to go on our boss' dime, so that makes the evening even better:-)

The Friendship Inn is a soup kitchen that provides 2 meals daily for the transient, homeless, and less fortunate, 365 days a year. They also provide the Children Not In School Program, Pro Bono Law Clinic, Job Search Help, Public Health Nurses, and they work closely with the Department of Social Services, providing or arranging for counseling, referrals, housing, advances, treatment, furniture grants, medical forms, and clothing. A great cause to support.

Survivor time once again

These two are my survivors in the pool. Aras and Melinda. Does she not look like someone whose perkiness would get her voted off the island???

Here's to hoping I get some new shoes this time around. We all know the agony that was my defeat last time with Judd, the mouthy Jersey Doorman. Sigh, I was this close.

Anyhoo, I bought Aras and Rhonda and I are sharing Melinda... I feel really good about this one. I can sense the office pool coming my way for once!

Puppies used as Drug Mules

Found here at Yahoo news:

NEW YORK - Colombian smugglers turned puppies into drug mules by surgically
implanting them with packets of liquid heroin, authorities said.
Ten puppies, including Labrador retrievers, were rescued during a 2005 raid on a
farm in Colombia, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Wednesday, while
announcing more than 30 arrests.
A veterinarian had stitched a total of 3 kilograms of heroin into the bellies of six pups. Three died from infections after the drugs were removed.
The surviving dogs "are still alive and well, we're told," said John P. Gilbride, head of the DEA's New York office.
Colombian police said they adopted three dogs, one of which was being trained to sniff for drugs.

How terrible is this! I have no words to describe the sickness I feel right now after reading this. When I watch the movie Maria Full of Grace, I thought "Well, this is bad, but these women and men make a conscious decision to do these things, and they are aware of the consequences. It sucks, but that's life." these animals are given no choice! Sick and wrong.

In regards to my previous post...

Happy birthday to you and you and you

Birthday wishes are sent out to Kimberly - January 31, Rebekah - February 1, Tara - February 2, and Darren - February 3! You are all older than me! Har :-) (Technically, Darren isn't older than me, But he is more mature by far!)

The State of the Union...whatever!

The only thing I can think right now is that "There is a better way".

When I heard this line, "Our men and women in uniform are making sacrifices -- and showing a sense of duty stronger than all fear. They know what it is like to fight house-to-house in a maze of streets ... to wear heavy gear in the desert heat ... to see a comrade killed by a roadside bomb. And those who know the costs also know the stakes." I could not help but to scream at the tv THAT'S BECAUSE YOU PUT THEM THERE!!!

I have no clue how Georgie Bush is going to make any of his promise statements come to fruition. He has low poll #'s and not a lot of spare cash to do so... We'll see.

Note to American Polititians: Please do not re-instate the Patriot Act blindly!

Scary point: the thunderous applause on the welcome to the 2 new members of the Supreme Court... (What's scarier than a room 1/2 full of Republicans? A room that's full of Republicans!)

Um Major history problem George: "We are the nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire. Once again, we accept the call of history to deliver the oppressed, and move this world toward peace." Uh hon, America didn't liberate Europe all on it's own...The first and second World Wars were won with Canada, Britain and other countries too! Check your facts.

"Yet the destination of history is determined by human action, and every great movement of history comes to a point of choosing. Lincoln could have accepted peace at the cost of disunity and continued slavery. Martin Luther King could have stopped at Birmingham or at Selma, and achieved only half a victory over segregation. The United States could have accepted the permanent division of Europe, and been complicit in the oppression of others. Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide: Will we turn back, or finish well?"
Please do not compare yourself to Abe Lincoln, or Dr. King.... To steal a quote from Wendy and Jordon the other day, "Jesus is crying!"

Regarding the Democratic response, I do have a little crush on the brand spankin-new Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine. He's a sweetie! {That's my partisan moment here on this blog :-) }

Side note: Cindy Sheehan was arrested just before President Bush took the podium, because she would not remove an anti-war shirt. She was an invited guest of Rep. Lynn Woolsey, a Democrat from California.

Daily Grind

I have a job where I am paid to people watch. I sit in the mall and observe. I eavesdrop on conversations held at the pay phones. I watch mothers drag their children around, I watch Wives drag their husbands around, I watch teenagers drag each other around.

I watch.

I don't like what I'm seeing today.

The current time is 12:51PM, and I have witnessed two seperate acts of violence towards a child, three domestic fights, four teenaged children being mouthy to a parent who looked helpless to stop what the children were doing, and two arrests for shoplifting.
What has our world come to that these things are mainstream enough to occur in a public place?

Granted, today is a fluke day, and on average I may see one or two of these events in a week, not all in one morning, ESPECIALLY a Tuesday morning, but they all still have happened. Am I as guilty of abuse as the man who screamed "Shut the F*&% up Bitch - You are nothing but a stupid Ho!" to a woman I can only guess was his girlfriend or wife...When I did nothing to stop him? What about the Kids who yelled at their Mom for more cash so they could go into Garage and buy some clothes? "Shut up Mom! You don't decide what I can or can't buy!" Should I have told them not to treat their mother like that? Should I have spoken up for the underdog more often today? I don't know what to do in these situations.

I feel so helpless. I get the Security Guards to the scene with some fast talk on the radio, and some code words I have prepared on a cue card, but is that enough?

I like to think of myself as an activist. I will stand up for what I believe, even if I'm in the minority. I've called people out before for wearing fur, shopping in places that I know to be unjust either in their manufacturing or retail processes, or for being a bully. Why can't I do it now? Why am I afraid to stand up to some thug who looks like he hasn't showered in three days?

Because I'm afraid that no one will stand with me.

There was a mall full of people, and not a single person flinched when he raised his hand in a threat to her. No one flinched when those kids were taking their Mother's dignity and parading on it.

I'm sure there were moments in the lives of the Mom, and the girlfriend, when they thought... "Hmmm, I don't like where this is leading. I'm going to do something to curb this behavior." Why didn't they follow through? Was it a lack of support from their community? Was I again not looking in time to help?

Why is this behavior deemed acceptable. And if you answer "It's not." Then why is it being allowed to continue in our homes, schools, malls, streets........

I was told today, by an elderly woman who visits with me regularly, that she has to repeat the serenity prayer every day just to get through.

I don't want to just get through though........

Ouch! aka: Mother*^$%&r, That hurt!

So, last night, after a great KFC supper with the Freehouse gang, I made my way home. I get to the house and proceed to slip on the sidewalk and scrape my knee and leg up pretty good. I hobble into the house and feel pretty sad for myself. The pity-party was on!

Travis had little compassion for me, because I'm a huge klutz and this is not my first scraped knee. But to his credit, he did get me a warm cloth to put on the scrape.

Now in the light of day, it looks fine, but I'm still going to try to milk it. Let's see how long I can avoid taking out the trash ;-)

I couldn't resist...The ice cream was calling.

You Are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

A classic and an original, no wonder everyone snakes your style!

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

AND THE FUNNY THING IS...I WAS REALLY EATING IT AT THE TIME!

Yay for Friday!

This picture has NOTHING to with this post. I just think that it's a cute fire extinguisher.

And, maybe I put out a little.... Who Knows?

This week seems like it will never end. This last hour has ticked by in slo-mo!

I'm looking forward to three things this weekend:

1. Going to a highly-overpriced movie - not sure which one yet.
2. Cleaning my house - It's scary right now. It needs some attention right now!
3. The last Freehouse planning session. I'm really excited to see where this is going. The Freehouse group, (At least the ones I've met so far) are fun to be with.

Are we talking about the same Wal-Mart???

My biggest Daily Challenge is...

Overcomming negativity. I work in a small space with some negative people. I have the choice to either join in and be bitchy about everyone and everything, or I have the choice to go against the grain and then be bitched about...

What do you choose?

Yes, Virginia there is a birthday party.

Happy birthday Virginia Woolf!

Born today in 1882, Virginia would be 124 years young... Yikes!

My girl Made the novel. She explored and defined being a woman. She wrote fiction with a flare for the slightly dramatic :-) After a battle with mental illness, she drowned herself in 1941, but to be blase, her words live on. The movie The Hours does a good job telling the story of three women, Virginia included, as she writes Mrs. Dalloway, and how the book affects people.

You still have to read one of her books...Preferably Mrs. Dalloway, or The Waves. (My Favorites)

Also found At Badgers...

25 Questions from Bad Badger


1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I need more sleep
2. How much cash do you have on you?
None
3. What's a word that rhymes with TEST?
BEST
4. planet?
Dammit ???
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list?
Me. I called here from work, and Travis missed the call...
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
7. What shirt are you wearing?
An old grey long sleeved shirt from the SAAN Store
8. What do you label yourself?
Oooh...Tough one... I guess I'm a bad-girl wannabe, but I'm too girly to be bad.
9. Name the brand of shoes you've recently worn.
Lower East Side - From Payless Shoes
10. Bright or Dark Room?
Dark - Travis is sleeping.
11. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Watching the Election results on CBC
12. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
It was an Invite to Coffee @ Starbucks.
13. Where is your nearest 7-11?
The one on Idylwyld and 36th Street or the one on Warman and ??? by the Vern's Pizza
14. What's a saying that you say a lot?
Shut Up!
15.Who told you they loved you last?
Travis
16. Last furry thing you touched?
My Cat Fernando
17. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days?
I take vitamins Every day, do those count?
18. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
None. I've gone Digital!
19. Favorite age you have been so far?
I like 25. I look forward to 26.
20. Your worst enemy?
My body-image.
21. What is your current desktop picture?
The cat and dog picture that I posted a few days ago.
22. What was the last thing you said to someone?
I left a message on Becky's phone.
23. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose?
Money Money Money Money MONEY!
24. Do you like someone?
Yes, I like lots of people.
25. The last song you listened to?
Um...I'm embarrassed, but I just had Hillary Duff - The Getaway playing on my computer.

Your turn!

Found at Badgerings...

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Marshmallows for Breakfast!

1. The International Space Station weighs about 500 tons and is the same size as Marshmallows for Breakfast.
2. Women shoplift four times more frequently than Marshmallows for Breakfast!
3. Banging your head against Marshmallows for Breakfast uses 150 calories an hour.
4. The ace of spades in a playing card deck symbolizes Marshmallows for Breakfast.
5. Marshmallows for Breakfast can sleep for three and a half years.
6. People used to believe that dressing their male children as Marshmallows for Breakfast would protect them from evil spirits.
7. There is no lead in a lead pencil - it is simply a stick of graphite mixed with Marshmallows for Breakfast and water!
8. During severe windstorms, Marshmallows for Breakfast may sway several feet to either side.
9. The Aztec Indians of Mexico believed Marshmallows for Breakfast would protect them from physical harm, and so warriors used it to decorate their battle shields.
10. You would have to dig through four thousand kilometres of Marshmallows for Breakfast to reach the earth's core.

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Can We exhale yet??

Phew! That was close. Too Close...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper. That leaves a funny taste in my mouth. I guess I'll have to get used to it. Thank goodness, the Conservatives have to play nice in the House of Commons, they have to "Promise to Share and Be a Friend" to the other parties, or they will send us all back to the poles here much too soon. (Sorry, that's the Spark leader in me talking...)

I hope that Mr. Harper takes these results, and uses them properly. This is almost a hollow victory. I say that because I wonder how many Bloc and NDP votes went to the Conservatives simply to punish the Liberals?

Right now, this looks bad, but not terrible.

Let's all just go to bed, and see how this looks in the light of day.

EDIT: If I hear one more person say "We voted with hope instead of fear" I'm going to throw up!!!!

Have you voted yet?

If not, get out there and do so!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Lazy Friday post of funny finds

Funny Links to ponder:

• Woman gets a 200 Million Dollar Electric bill
• Message in a Bottle
• New meaning to buried treasure
• Got Milk?
• You are what you drink
• and Last but not least Shopping while Drinking...

Not all Bloggers are like this... :-)

I Love, Love, Love Non Sequitur!

Election? What election? There's an Election, I had no Idea!

I am so sick and tired of this whole Darned election, that I'm ready to move to the middle east and don a Burka, to avoid seeing or hearing about one more handful of monkey poo that has been flung.

This has been going on since mid-November. This mental garbage that these parties are putting us through... They should cut our taxes and still give us $1200 a year just for having to listen to this CRAP.

I live in the Maurice Vellacott / Chris Axworthy riding and I am appalled and dismayed that this is happening. There is a Liberal ad playing right now that has the tagline, "We can't make this stuff up." Since Freaking When?!?!!? That's all that these "campaigns" ever are... It's more than I can take right! These grown men (and women) are acting like high schoolers. Except the kids in High school are nice to each other!

Really people, let's fire each and every one of the "Politicians", cut the salary in half and make it a job that a Normal Everyday Joe or Jane gets to have. I like that Idea from the US of Term Limits... That might solve the problem, somewhat...

I'm just ready to get this garbage over with. Any one else with me?

What is it about Chuck?

At Trav's staff Christmas party in the beginning of December, the guys were laughing and telling these Chuck Norris jokes. Now only a month and a half later, they are everywhere! I saw a kid in the mall with this t-shirt today. These jokes, some of which are funny, and some of which are just bad, are now circulating around my office, and I am laughing out loud at my personal favorite: Chuck Norris doesn't read books, he simply stares them down until they give him the information he wants.

Moldy Peaches election predictions

The blog Moldy Peaches had this to say today about Ralph Goodale. I agree with the points, and have lots of good things to say about Ralph. I have many fond memories of Him and his wife Pam from when my Mom ran his Constituency office in Assiniboia.

I would play under his desk in his office when he was not there, and I left him pictures and notes. He would leave me notes back sometimes too. I had such a rough childhood... :-)

Do you think that you can take Bill down a peg???

If you think that you are a master debater (sorry, I couldn't resist), and you are an American Citizen, You could go up against one of Satan's favorite servants, Bill O'Reilly.

They are calling it The Great "Factor" Debate Contest.

During the month of February, 6 "lucky" people will get flown to either New York City or Los Angeles. They have to convince FOX news that they are a good debater, and you would be able to wipe the floor with Bill. This could be funny... I'll keep you posted.

What the Bleep do we know?

Last night What the Bleep do we Know was on the movie channel. WOW! I really liked this flick. It was really strange, and yet it made loads of sense at certain points. It's a documentary / movie. There is a story that is supplemented with real scientists who explain the quantum physics of our daily lives.

There is a sequal on the way called What the Bleep: Down the Rabit Hole that is going to delve even further into the World of "cutting edge physics, biology, consciousness and mysticism" I'm really excited to hear what Dr. Masaru Emoto has to say. In the first Bleep, his work is shown with water and it's molecular reaction to its environment. In the new Bleep, he will be interviewed directly.

Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors.
The implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health. The success of his books outside Japan has been remarkable. Dr. Emoto has been called to lecture around the world as a result and has conducted live experiments both in Japan and Europe as well as in the US to show how indeed our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions as humans deeply impact the environment.

If you get the chance to see this movie, or it's sequal, sit down and watch it. It really makes you think about more than just science :-)

Election Paranoia

I filled out this questionaire regarding how I should vote on January 23...I'm not sure about the results.


via

I'm almost failing as a Catholic

I was browsing the vastness of the internet today and found a site called Beliefnet. There was a quiz called the Belief-o-Matic. I did it, and these are the results that it listed. The top score on the list is the faith that matches my beliefs the closest:

1. Liberal Christian Protestants (100%)

Also sometimes referred to as secular, modern, or humanistic. This is an umbrella term for Protestant denominations, or churches within denominations, that view the Bible as the witness of God rather than the word of God, to be interpreted in its historical context through critical analysis. Examples include some churches within Anglican/Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ. There are more than 2,000 Protestant denominations offering a wide range of beliefs from extremely liberal to mainline to ultra-conservative and those that include characteristics on both ends.

2. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (84%)
3. Conservative Christian/Protestant (76%)
4. Liberal Quakers (76%)
5. Orthodox Quaker (76%)
6. Jehovah's Witness (69%)
7. Bahá'í Faith (68%)
8. Unitarian Universalism (67%)
9. Reform Judaism (63%)
10. Neo-Pagan (62%)
11. Sikhism (59%)
12. Eastern Orthodox (56%)
13. Roman Catholic (56%)
14. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (54%)
15. Mahayana Buddhism (54%)
16. Orthodox Judaism (53%)
17. Theravada Buddhism (53%)
18. New Age (51%)
19. Seventh Day Adventist (50%)
20. Secular Humanism (48%)
21. Jainism (43%)
22. Hinduism (43%)
23. Islam (43%)
24. Scientology (39%)
25. Taoism (37%)
26. New Thought (36%)
27. Nontheist (21%)

It was interesting to see that I have some beliefs similar to Judaism, or Buddhism, or even Scientology. It all leads back to the fact that we as human beings believe in the same things, we just call them by different names. We all try to live our lives in the best way possible to achieve a higher state of being, both here on earth and in the afterlife. Our "religions" are just labels that we put upon ourselves.

Scary, but a Good Thing.

Saturday night, I went to my staff Christmas Party... I know that it is well into January, but you cannot have a weekend off during the retail hell that is December, so we have it in Jan. Trav and I stayed basically just for supper and a glass of wine, then we rushed out to the real Par-Tay of the evening, Curtis' 27th b-Day!!! Basically just stayed up playing board games for way too long. The Girls won them all, (as usual) and then the Boys pouted, exclaiming quite loudly that we must have cheated, not moving their pieces ahead at the proper intervals... (as usual) :-)

That left me with a bit of a sleep-in today, and the decision: Do I go to the Freehouse coffee at 3:00?

I decided to go, (almost last minute) and then when I got there, I sat by the window, b/c 1) I didn't see anyone that I recognized, and 2) I was too chicken to walk up to strangers and say, "Are you here to talk about the Worship Freehouse?"

Becky came in and I kinda recognized her, but it was one of those "is she or isn't she?" moments... As I sat there, and contemplated either bolting out of there with my tail between my legs, or saying "excuse me, are you Becky?" I swallowed the lump in my throat, and I'm still not sure where the courage came from, but I chose the latter. The next thing I knew, She sat at my table and totally eased my mind. She and I talked for a few minutes, and then she introduced me to the rest of the group. Within moments, I felt right at home. I am really excited to explore more of my spirituality with these people.

In my last post about the Freehouse, I questioned if these were the right people for me, and I can say that from our interactions today, I feel that they are. It is going to be a fun ride, and I recommend jumping on with me. My spirit was definitely lifted today and I know that this will be a good thing.

Since I have nothing good to say...

I will say nothing at all...

These are my Babies. Tika (dog) and Fernando (cat)

Thoughts on the Worship.Freehouse

In the spirit of de-lurking, I'm going to confess that I've been doing a lot of reading on the Worship Freehouse page.

I was led there one night by chance really, clicking on a few different links until I got there. I was having a rough day, and the thought of an Alterna-church seemed really nice. I was raised, and am currently a semi-practicing Catholic and I do find comfort in scripture, but I disagree with the Catholic Church on a few points. Specifically, abortion, birth control, homosexuality, and women's roles in the church. I still want to believe in God, but I want to believe that He is accepting of people, no matter what they do, as long as they live their lives the best the they can.
I have been doing some reading from the Freehouse List, and have been thinking that the books that are listed have good points. I just don't know. I have been praying for guidance on this topic for a while, hoping to be led one direction or another. Nothing yet, but there is a Freehouse event on Sunday that I'm interested in going to... I'm not sure what will be happening, but It sounds like the members of the Freehouse will be planning some of the events that will happen in 2006. This could be an educational coffee :-)

I guess I'm looking for like-minded individuals to spend time with as I try to find my way to a better relationship with God. I don't know if these are the people I need, but I'm willing to find out.

Fashion Yearbook 2005

Check this entertaining look at the year it was from Style.com

Most notable: Marc Jacobs for his Fall collection that during the show seemed to be iffy, yet days later, in the right lighting, looked Spectacular! Marc is the ultimate in Geek Chic, and he seems to get away with anything.

I love this picture. He looks like Bubbles!

(What does this say about me... I read Vogue and I watch Trailer Park Boys...)

Come out come out wherever you are!!

Badger tells us that it's National De-lurking Week. I guess the rules are that if you read it, you must comment, at least just to say Hi. I posted in her comments why I think people "lurk", because I do it all the time too.
"Long time reader and lurker. I lurk, b/c I don't always feel that my opinion matters to the people who read the blogs I read. And Most of the time, I feel unqualified to respond to a post. Who am I to tell you what I think or what you should do? I guess that's why most people lurk."
Let's all have fun this week, exploring each other's points of view, and try to get some discussions going. I know that I'm going to hit every blog on my lists with at least one comment each just for fun :-)

THIS IS NOT GOOD EMAIL ETIQUETTE

I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM A GUY WHO HAD NOTHING MEAN OR RUDE TO SAY BUT HE TYPED IN ALL CAPS. IT WAS ACTUALLY A LOVELY EMAIL EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT WHEN THE VOICE IN MY HEAD READ IT TO ME, IT WAS SCREAMING. DO PEOPLE STILL NOT KNOW THAT THIS IS BAD MANNERS? I THINK THAT THIS IS A GUY THING. I HAVE NEVER HAD A GIRL SEND A NOTE OR EMAIL LIKE THIS. A WORD OR TWO FOR EMPHASIS, BUT THE WHOLE THING? I HAD TO DIG THIS CARTOON UP JUST FOR THIS EMAIL TODAY.

I am a Chicken-Shit

Becky asked what scary books we like to read today. My answer - None!
There is no denying my less-than-brave attitude when it comes to scary movies, books, tv shows, etc. I am a HUGE chicken.
When The Ring was in theaters, I was dragged there by my hubby and another couple (Janelle and Neil) who had already seen it. They all wanted to go again, and I gave a firm no. That firm no was overruled by the 3-1 vote, and I had to endure the scariest hour and a half of my life. Then, My bastard husband, (Who was working at a hotel, as a night auditor) set our bedroom tv to turn on at 3am, to a channel that was static. Then he called me just after it turned on and said "seven days". I'm sure that all of Saskatoon heard me screaming that night. Ya, great joke, you bastard!!!
The first scary movie I ever saw was Steven King's IT. I was 12 and at a sleepover. One of the girls there had a clown doll that they tortured me with for the rest of the night. To this day, I still start to panic if I even see that movie in the video store.
As Travis tells me, I'm just a chicken-butt.

Movin' On Up

This post is dedicated to Susie. She's one of the best people I know. She has just given her notice at her store that she's leaving the mall :-( Someone good gets away.

I encourage no one to be a lifer here, but since I'm here 45 hours a week, I like to be surrounded by good people, and she's one of the best. Here's to Susie! I hope that your new job is as much fun as it sounds, and that you and your Hubbie and cutie pie Lydia come back and visit often! I'm gonna miss you girlie!

I was just sitting here, watching David Letterman, and this song started to play during a M&M commercial. I love this song, this movie, this man!!! SIGH! :-)

Et tu Starbucks?

I am aware that $5.00 for a cup of coffee, albeit a huge cup with a million grams of caffiene, is expensive, but in this Slate article from Friday, it tells about the Starbucks secret... Ordering a better coffee, and it's cheaper.
I'm going to Stabucks right now, and testing this out for you. I do this all for you :-)

I will update and let you know the results. Is the cheaper better??? Let's find out.

EDIT: Well, the barista who served me looked at me like I'd sprouted leafy green cabbage for a head when I asked about getting a "short Latte". She kept repeating "you want a Tall one?"
"No, not tall, short, like a highball"
"A what?"
"A Highball, a rye and coke in a short glass vs. a tall one. A short latte. "
More puzzled looks... I finally say, "Just give me a cup of Joy."
And that's the story of how I had my last cup of Christmas Blend Tea - Joy, for this year.

For more on the loss of Starbucks Christmas goodies see this posting from Christy

Jon Stewart to host the Oscars

I've always been a sucker for this 4 hour vacuum in the time space continuum. I will annually, sit with a huge bowl of salty popcorn, and pretend that I have any say in the outcomes of the categories. I will have my favorites, (I will have usually seen most of the films) and be rooting for them to win.

This year though NO QUESTION!!! I am having an Oscar bash, complete with hors' derves and fancy pants cocktails because my favorite American tv guy is going to be hosting the show!!!

Anyone want an invitation? Or if you have any good recipe's email to the_yecart@yahoo.com

Everyone All Together Now

It's really cool to see that the bloggers from this province are really supportive of each other. This is a great place to live, and I'm truly proud to say that I'm from Saskatchewan! Let's get every blog in the prvince on this blogroll, and keep up the great work everyone!

Go to Lance's page Catprint in the Mash and grab the code for your page!

Pat Robertson needs to be kept on a leash.

Last night while watching the good ol' CBC Newsworld, I heard Georgie say something about Pat Robertson, the crazy fucker that he is, telling his 700 Club followers that Ariel Sharon had this stroke, and is ill because he is trying to separate "God's Land". That's right, instead of seeing what Sharon has done as attempting to bring peace to the Palestinians and Israelis, he's saying that it's a bad thing to separate these people and give them what they want.

From Pat's website:
Robertson, an ordained minister and bible teacher, has been a life long supporter of Israel and has continually expressed grave concern over dividing the land of Israel. Robertson pointed to the book of Joel in the Old Testament to show a biblical perspective of God's view of Israel and efforts made from people who try to divide God's land:
"In the book of Joel, the prophet Joel makes it very clear that God has "enmity against those who divide My land." God considers this land to be His. When you read the Bible, He said this is my land. For any Prime Minister of Israel who decides he will carve it up and give it away, God said, "No, this is Mine." "

The middle east is owned by God apparently, and he has all this free time on his hands that he has nothing better to do than strike down his people who are trying to bring peace to the world. Yeah, that's the God they teach about in Sunday School. Right. Apparently, Mr. Robertson also calls himself Friends with Ariel Sharon. Yes, that is how you treat your "friends". Tell them that a terrible illness is actually God's wrath upon them.

I wonder how many times God looks down on us, and shakes his head because of people like Pat Robertson spreading hate and hard-feelings.

My not-so-real-resolutions

Found on Becky's Page today.

I like these. I clicked the button 3 times and got these:

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Stop checking my e-mail at 3:00 in the morning. Get your resolution here

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Get fired from my current job. Get your resolution here

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Eat more junk food. Get your resolution here

It's Wednesday night..Therefore I am @ Work

It could have been bumped up to a 7 or an 8 if I had some company at the mall tonight!!!! Instead, I'm stuck updating the mall website, (yes, I fill theose ugly templates with their wonderful crap) and looking like I'm actually busy so no one asks me any questions today. :-)

I'm here till 9:30. There is still time to come and entertain me!!!

My TV boyfriend rocked the dome tonight

George Stroumboulopoulos is my TV boyfriend. I have loved him for a long time. He's now the CBC's resident punk-ass, and he's hosting the Hour, an hour-long newsprogram that is both informative and funny...he's kinda like a Canadian Jon Stewart (my other TV boyfriend), but with less "fake news" and more "real news".

Anyhoo, tonight, he had a best of 2005 edition of The Hour, and he showed the Top 5 web clips. the #1 was a flash animation that was titled The End of the World. This is my new favorite animation, (followed now by the previous #1, the "Why Americans love their guns" segment in the film Fahrenheit 9/11)

Postsecret Secret hits close to home

When I saw this today, I stopped for a minute, and my heart sank. This made me think of a guy I thought I loved a few years ago. He knows who he is, and Kimmer, if you read this, you know much too well who he is...

I would have given a kidney or a lung if only he would have returned a small fragment of my affections. He did, but only when we were alone. He would never have acknowledged our stolen moments, or our evenings out doing regular couple things, if there were any of our other friends were there. He would come and pick me up from work, and we'd go get a movie or go out. He'd hold my hand, or kiss my forehead, and then walk away.

It took a long time to get over him, and some days, I still feel a tinge in my heart if I see something like this picture. I love my Husband, and I would Never stray. Trav is the best thing that ever could have happened for me. He loves me unconditionally. I am his forever. I am just haunted by a first real love that was very unhealthy, and I must remind myself of this sometimes.

MSN Sucks!

I have spent the last hour looking on MSN for my gal friend Midge's MSN webspace. MSN Sucks. I have not found anything close to her page, or even a listing of her email address. I even tried looking up just a blank list of people who live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada, and It told me that there were no matches. I call bullS*** because there have to be at least 5 people in this city who use MSN, Even though it SUCKS!

If anyone knows how to use these God-forsaken MSN search engines, please show me!!! Please! Or better yet, Michelle, just post your address for the world to see ;-)

If this hasn't happened to you, you are a liar :-)

I cannot put this in a better way than the ever fashionable Zube girl can so here she is. Please check this out, because I can't stop laughing!

New book. Rave review

I got a couple of books for Christmas. I cracked open A Million Little Pieces by James Frey on Sunday and got about 1/3 of the way through before I had to go to bed. It is an amazing book. If you have any queasiness though, the first 15 minutes of reading are the most gruesome that I've ever read. I don't want to say too much because I want you all to go read this book and then we can talk. Careful there is a spoiler ahead though.

Then to my delight, yesterday Oprah had him on her show and they talked about his experiences and addiction and recovery in general. The only bad thing about getting into this book "late" is that they spoke about a character in his book who I'm just getting to. SPOILER ALERT they said that she dies, and I was all "ARRRGH" to Oprah for spoiling it for me!!!

Recap since 2005 :-)

After Trav Killed our computer, I cried a little, and then went to work. I let y'all know that he was in crap, and then started my Weekend Off!!! YAY! I was kinda dreading New Year's Eve. I mean, it's kind of a letdown usually. I get dressed up, and go out and either end up being the driver of the evening, or people don't show up, or I don't know anyone, and end up alone. On Saturday, I just laid low until after supper. We went to Noel and Belle's house, and a few too many later, cabbed over to another couple's house, Keith and Zoie.
After a few more too many, we cabbed back home and crawled into bed. Honestly, I had a great time, even though I had just met Keith and Zoie I really like them. I can definitely see us hanging out with them more often...

Then bright and early on Sunday morning, Noel called us at the crack of dawn, (10:30 AM if I remember correctly...It was fuzzy...) to get us to go out for brunch and a movie. So off we went to the Center, to Tony Thomas for overpriced bad eggs, and to the Rainbow Cinemas for a perfectly appealing viewing of Rent. Belle and I were singing along with the cast. It was a fantastic afternoon. They want to make the "Brunch and a ______" a weekly event.

Anyhoo, I missed you all, I hope that you missed me (even just a little???) and I resolve to post much more often, IE never letting Travis make a computer decision ever again! :-)

Hello Saskatoon!!!! I'm Back!!!

Hallelulia! My computer is back! Yah Hoo!

I'm going to surf to all my internet-bloggie-friends, check out what they have to say, and then come back here and plagerize my heart out! Tee hee hee, I'm back with a vengence folks, look out :-)