And under the title of DAMN - I wish I'd written that....

I was in the States this past weekend with the family, and I had a few coupons for Borders. Anyone who knows me knows that I love books, but hate paying the high prices here in Canada for them. With the exchange rate being amazing, I bought a few of them. Two were erotica (of course - one was B is for Bondage, an anthology edited by the always brilliant Alison Tyler, and another, Dances with Werewolves,written by Niki Flynn - you can catch a great interview with her here). But the one "normal" book I bought is called Cathy's Book. I don't know - maybe some of you have seen it around. This is the cover.

Normally, I don't buy what would be considered "young adult" material, but there was just something about this book that jumped out at me. It had peaked my curiosity the last few times I'd seen it so I decided what the hell, let's buy it and see if it's really as good as my instincts tell me.

Well, it's all that and more.

The author, Sean Stewart, has created an interactive adventure, complete with phone numbers for the characters that actually work, and websites that the reader can go to. ( Cathy herself even has a myspace page. ) He is apparently famous for breaking that "fourth wall" and involving his audience.

IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT.

For those with pre-teen or teenage girls, I recommend purchasing it for them, allowing them to read it and then stealing it from their bookshelves. The plot deals with immortals, murder, theivery, deception, and two bull-headed teenage girls who get caught up in the middle of the whole thing.

I began reading it on the journey home today - mainly when we had crossed the border back into Canada, and I didn't put it down until the end. As soon as I was done, I had to call the numbers, I had to visit the websites, I had to be involved SOMEHOW in this wonderful, imaginative piece of art. The inside is covered in "doodles" and Cathy's "notes".

I found this brief article on the Publishers Weekly website, which has got me excited, to say the least.

Cathy's Key: If Found Call (650) 266-8202
by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart (Running Press, May)
The backstory: When Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650) 266-8233 pubbed in summer 2006, it offered readers more than just a mystery—the book came with an “evidence pack,” including receipts, documents and other items as well as phone numbers and Web sites readers could use to obtain additional clues. According to Lisa Clancy, associate editorial director at Running Press, the publisher's access to suppliers (for its Running Press Mini Kits) were very helpful in putting together the interactive elements.
What worked: Despite a flap over product placement (Procter & Gamble struck a deal with Running Press to referenceCoverGirl cosmetics in the book), Cathy's Book became a bestseller; more than 100,000 copies of the hardcover are currently in print. “It was the first book of its kind to incorporate those elements into the story,” said Craig Herman, v-p of marketing and publicity at Running Press. “It helped to get the reader deeper into the characters, and in terms of plot, it engaged them and took them places they wouldn't ordinarily go on the straight printed page.”
The new story: Cathy's Key arrives in May, and will include new Web sites, phone numbers and evidence, including a Chinese coin, hospital ID bracelet and other items. Because the book is ostensibly written by Cathy, there are no plans for the authors to tour, though they will attend BEA, ALA and regional trade shows. A third book is scheduled for spring 2009, to coincide with a paperback edition of Cathy's Key.

I'm seriously psyched for this. I might considering pre-ordering through Amazon or what not.

But seriously guys? GO GET IT.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Freestyle Fridays: Music Shuffle Meme and more...

Ok, so to start, this wonderful meme is going around and I might have done a similar one before but I shall do it again - cuz it's just too much fun. :D

The rules:
1. Put your music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT. (This is in capital letters, so it is very serious.)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Snow in July (Garth Brooks as Chris Gaines)
Ok, I don't want the snow we have in winter, so why would snow in July be ok?

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Who's Cheating Who? (Alan Jackson)
Ok, I absolutely REFUSE to comment on this one....unless we're referring to the fact that the grapevine usually ends in my ear....

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
It's Too Late (Carole King)
Well, I'm married so what does it matter? :P

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Closer (NIN)
Ummmm....I'll leave y'all to draw your own conclusions...

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Star Collector (The Monkees)
Well if that's the case, can I start my collection with Taylor, and Davy Jones, and Orlando Bloom....

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Forever Young (Rod Stewart)
Y'know, sometimes they just nail these things on the head...

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Heaven for Everyone (Queen)
Awww guys....shucks, I love y'all too.

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Cyberbabes (Lawrence Gowan)
Ummmm - ????

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Love Makes You Believe (Lawrence Gowan)
Yes, yes it does

10. WHAT IS 2+2?
The Hunger (Nelson)
Sure, we'll go with that.

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Rockin' the Paradise (Styx)
Makes perfect sense since she was the first one I went to concerts with - and yes, we have been known to rock a place down once in a blue moon.

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Don't Give Up On Me (Glen Burtnick)
Well, we never want the ones we like/love to give up on us do we?

13. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Only Want to Be With You (Hootie and the Blowfish)
Yah, that's about it (one of them at a time)


14. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Last Man Standing (Jimmy Buffet)
Well, that's about the gist of it.

15. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Save Me (Dennis DeYoung)
Ummm. yah. no comment.

16. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Up! (Shania Twain)
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA.....

17. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Can't Buy Me Love (Michael Buble)
Welllllll......sure why not? I guess that's the next one right?

18. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
What About Love? (Heart)
Well, if I didn't answer that in life, I sure as hell can't answer it in death!

19. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Red Red Wine (UB40)
Again, it's scary how they get some of these right.

20. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Goodbye Roseland (Styx)
Yep, that's where I'm gonna live

21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Fire & Rain (James Taylor)
Some of them are hot, and some are just wet to put out the fires.

22. WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
Someday (Sugar Ray)
Sure, why not?

Not tagging anyone, if you see it and want to do it - go for it. :D


Next!


I'm so sick of this damn PC world we are living in. Heard on the radio this morning that one of our councellors in Toronto (one who actually works FOR the people), is in hot water for using a racial slur during a speech about illegal immigrants. Wanna know that the supposed slur was? He used the term ORIENTAL. Yep. Not sure what word he was supposed to use instead, but somehow, that general non-derogatory term, somehow managed to offend someones delicate sensibilties.

Like COME ON PEOPLE. I can understand if he used some of the terms that have been listed in Wikipedia but he didn't. Have we gotten so PC that we now have to carry around a dictionary that lets us know what words and terms we can use in public so that NO ONE gets offended? And who would produce this book? Because you know that if one ethnic group were to provide it, somehow, in some way, it would piss off the rest of the world. I am so fed up it makes me want to offend EVERYONE. And frankly, I wouldn't care right now if I did. In fact, as soon as I can come up with a paragraph that will insult EVERY group out there, I will be posting it. Let the chips fall where they may - this BROAD has had it.




I watched the elimination show on American Idol last night for the first time this season. We said a (cheerful) goodbye to Danny, Luke (ok not so cheerful), Asia'h (again, not so cheerful) and Kady (we all jumped for joy at the loss of another TLLB). Personally, I think the damn show takes too long - although I was happy to see Blake Lewis perform. Still love that man. And I know Dana knows where I'm coming from. Of course, he's no Taylor.....THUD.
:: picks self up::
Sorry about that - been awhile since I've thudded....and of course I forgot my mat....


Wow. Am I making sense to anyone today? Cuz right now I'm seeing double of everything, and the stuffed Kermit on my desk is dancing to Bon Jovi - did I get enough sleep last night?


More caffine - I think that might be my solution. That would be great if it was the solution to every problem wouldn't it? Of course, that might result in coffee shortages, and you try telling a Canadian that they're out of Timmy's coffee....you would definately need riot gear. Personally, I'd be hiding in the nearest Starbucks - they wouldn't look in there.


Good news on the license front - security one that is! I got a letter last week from the Ministry saying that they've taken time to review the charges that prevent myself (and others) from renewing their licenses and have removed the theft under charge. That means I'm getting my license back a WHOLE lot sooner than I thought - like possibly by the end of the month!! I'm so incredibly stoked that I could cry. I've only told a select few people tho - so let's keep it under our hats. SHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Rod's been sick this week, and to top it off, they haven't booked any work for him. So, I guess it's ok because he can get better, but it sucks because we're going to Buffalo next weekend for a shopping trip (good call Ma - book a trip to the states during March Break - there won't be a wait at the border - noooooooooooooooooo not at all.....*insert rolling eyes emoticon here*) and that'll affect the amount of shopping we get to do. Oh well, we don't need much anyway. It'll just be nice to get away for the weekend with the family.


On a final note - I will be going to see We Will Rock You once again. And in case I forgot to post it the first time around, please check out this hottie.

Yvan Pedenault is the lead as Gallileo Figaro, causing women young and old to swoon every time he opens his mouth. His vocals are just incredible. And the young woman playing Scaramouche is a lovely girl named Erica Peck, who auditioned for Season 3 of Canadian Idol, but didn't make it through to the top 10. It's a fantastic show and if it's playing ANYWHERE near you - run, do not walk, to the box office.


I think that's all for today kids.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Canada Loses A Legend - R.I.P. Jeff Healey

Today, Canadians awoke to devestating news from the Entertainment world. One of our countries most talented and beloved sons had passed on.

Jeff Healey, probably best known to Americans for speaking these words "Yeah, and I thought you'd be taller." to Patrick Swayze in the 1989 hit movie Roadhouse, passed away from cancer last night at the age of 41.

Jeff suffered all his life from a rare form of cancer - retinoblastoma - which caused him to be blind from his first year. But he never let that stop him. This is re-printed from the early edition of the Toronto Star.

Guitarist Jeff Healey dies at 41

Mar 03, 2008 04:30 AM
Greg Quill
Entertainment Columnist

Legendary Toronto blues guitarist and old-style jazz aficionado Jeff Healey died yesterday in Toronto's St. Joseph's Hospital after a lifelong battle with a rare form of cancer – retinoblastoma – that blinded him in his first year. He was 41.

"Discovered" in a Toronto club in 1982 by Texas blues guitarist, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Healey astonished music fans with his outrageous technique. Self-taught by age 4, he laid the electric guitar across his lap and played it in much the same way as a pianist manipulates a keyboard.

Though he specialized in blues-based rock and sold more than a million copies of his Grammy-nominated 1988 debut album See the Light – released after a cameo performance in the Hollywood movie Road House with Patrick Swayze – Healey's real passion was vintage American jazz.

Healey hosted a long-running CBC Radio series, My Kinda Jazz, before moving the program to Toronto's Jazz-FM station, relying solely on his personal collection of 35,000 rare and obscure 78 rpm recordings and an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and personalities he featured in the show.

Healey also played trumpet and clarinet, and in the past decade recorded three albums of vintage jazz with Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, including It's Tight Like That.

Healey was an internationally known star who shared stages with B.B. King and Vaughan, and recorded with George Harrison, Mark Knopfler and blues legend Jimmy Rogers.

At the time of his death Healey was planning to release his first rock/blues album in eight years, Mess of Blues, recorded in studios in Toronto, in concert in London, England, and at the popular Entertainment District club that bore his name, Jeff Healey's Roadhouse. It goes on sale in Europe March 20, and in Canada and the U.S. April 22.

"Jeff was an amazing colleague and as a musician and a personality, in a league of his own," the Jazz Wizards' drummer Gary Scriven said last night. "It was always game on for him. His generosity and sense of humour lasted till the end. He was brave without ever being dramatic. In a word, Jeff was inspirational."

In 2007 Healey underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his legs and both lungs. Radiation and chemotherapy failed to halt the spread of the disease, as did alternative homeopathic treatment in the U.S. this year.

Despite his illness, Healey continued to perform across Canada with both his blues band and jazz ensemble, and had scheduled a tour of Germany and the U.K., including an appearance on BBC's Jools Holland Show, in April, his publicist said.

"I'm so sad to hear this news," award-winning Canadian guitarist and music producer Colin Linden said on the phone from New York. "There was a quality of genius in the way Jeff harnessed that distinctive technique. He was such a natural musician."

Veteran Toronto guitarist Danny Marks, who fronts the Jeff Healey Band at the Roadhouse on Tuesday nights, said "Jeff was a tremendous musician and always so kind. He always knew the odds were against him, but it never ruined his sense of humour. I used to love to watch him having fun – he'd throw his head back and laugh like a little child."

Healey leaves his wife, Christie, daughter Rachel, 13, and son Derek, 3, as well as his father and stepmother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda.

Despite his illness, MSN is reporting that his death still came as a shock to his bandmates.

Jeff was one of the few Toronto musicians I'd never had the chance to actually meet, although when I did have my one chance, I was too nervous to do so. Jeff's music, in the early years, had an impact on my musical tastes, and his song Angel Eyes, was a theme song of sorts for me. It was one of the two songs that caused my friends to nickname me Angell. It's actually quite devestating for me, as this song brought back memories of a particular place - which unfortunately was gutted and ravaged by fire earlier last year- the Wasaga strip. Now they're both gone.

Jeff was a brilliant musician, and a wonderful humanitarian, as well as being a shrewed businessman. He opened Jeff Healey's in the fashionable Queen and Bathurst district in Toronto, but decided that the place needed a new location. In January 2007, The Roadhouse opened on Blue Jays way - in the heart of the Entertainment district, and the locals flocked in droves. On most nights, you could spot Jeff playing on stage, but otherwise, he preferred to stay away from the public. He was apparently very shy, but also very sweet. He nurtured young talent, mentoring those who wished to follow in his footsteps. Some of Toronto's best young talent has performed on stage at both of his establishments.

I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff perform in various venues over the years, but my favourite was when I was heading up a website with two other friends, and we were invited to review the performers at a banquet for the major businesses in Mississauga. There was an amazing Jazz band at first, and then Jeff and his boys took the stage. An intimate setting, with less than a hundred people present, Jeff was captivating. And when he sang Angel Eyes, I wept. Brenda caught a pic from the man himself, and was sweet enough to give it to me, which I still have and will always cherish.

Rest in Peace Jeff. Your work here is through, and your legend will live on.





Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Maniacal Monday

Well, I know it's been over a month since my last post and I'd like to say that it's cause life is hectic, and in a way, that's accurate. However, it's also because I have SO much to say, but no coherent train of thought. It happens sometimes. So I'm just gonna blow here, and if it makes sense, then that's a bonus.


First off, I'm sad to report that a section of Queen St W., Toronto's oldest, hippest, most historic shopping community, was torched at the beginning of the week. Authorities still don't know what the cause of the fire was, but speculation has it that one of the landlords in the area was lax in his background checks and that one of the tennants on the upper floors built a meth lab. Nice huh? Gotta love those big cities.

More info here

My friend Chrystina took some of these photos with her cell phone. Its' truly eerie, and the city is at a loss right now.











I'm not sure what gets me more. That this happened, or how the city plans on rebuilding it. As of right now, none of the city's government has stepped forward and offered to help. And when it eventually DOES get rebuilt, I'm willing to bet any amount of money that they "modernize" it. The buildings will be all glass and steel, and cold and unfeeling. No one builds with brick anymore. And the heart of the city will lose it uniqueness and it's soul. I remember shopping there when I was in my early teens with my aunt. The best vintage shops were down there. You could find anything you wanted - and as I got older I spent many weekend afternoons digging through the shops with my friends to see what treasures I could discover. I know that some of the bar owners and shop owners whose businesses were spared are banding together to help those that suffered great losses. Even if the politicians don't help - the city looks out for it's own.



And onto AI's first round of elminations. I must thank Dana for posting the (very detailed) results for us on the TOOSP board, as I was bowling and missed it. All I have to say is that, for each of the sexes, one was right, and one was wrong. Chikeze better be thanking his lucky stars he's still around after that snoozer of a performance on Tuesday night. And as for calling Amanda up on stage - America, get it right this time around ok? You need a rocker CHICK to win this - and I think she's gonna go far.


And the last thing I'm gonna say on this right now - someone PLEASE put Paula back on her meds.



I hate my cousin. He's a whiny, crybaby little drama queen, and I'm so glad that my aunt isn't around to see what a disappointment he is. He has no family loyalty whatsoever. I have never cared that he's gay, I have supported him in just about everything he wants to do. He's been driving me to work for the last few months because it's on his way to school. Well, due to a little disagreement, during which he screamed his ass off at me and which I tried to rectify by speaking to him as an adult and addressing his concerns, he has decided to deliberately leave me in the lurch and is refusing to ever drive me to work again. So I now have to add two hours travel time to my day, which means getting up at six to make a seven oclock bus. Two different bus systems and a ten minute walk (on a nice weather day) from the bus stop. In the winter, it's twice as long and turns into a wind tunnel. I stick up for him, I defend him. And yet I get told I don't support him, and he doesn't feel "the love". FUCK HIM. This has also stressed out my mother who feels like she's holding this family together by a thread. Since my aunt passed away, she has taken responsibility for my two cousins. So she feels like her kids are fighting. It's stressing me out that it's stressing her out so bad. I attempted to settle this between us, but the little drama queen had to call her while she was on retreat to tell her what was going on. I could have slapped him stupid.


Been having a lot of self esteem issues lately, and can't seem to get my life together. I feel like I'm karma's bitch - that I deserve every bad thing that's happening to me lately. My husband got hit from behind and our truck (the love of our lives) got written off. Rising gas prices, and an undercut from the insurance company has forced us to get a small car. And this was going to be the year that we got another car - one for me. But we have to put that on hold. Just like everything else.


My security license is also stressing me out. When I was denied renewal, as some of you might remember, I was "re-assigned" to the usher division for two reasons: one was that so I could keep working, but the other was so that I could train to take over for the usher supervisor that will be going on mat leave in April. Well, there has been so much drama surrounding this "possibility" that it's making me want to leave the company all together. A friend of mine did the job last year, but MLSE asked that she not return to the building at all - she didn't do a very good job of managing the ushers from what I've been told. And she also made a few mistakes in her position of "authority" both in the current building and in the new soccer stadium (both of which are managed by the same group of people). She also offended the dance pack for our AHL team on Facebook, in a public group, when she had all the members of management team on her friends list. This was the straw that got her banned from the building. (Bad mouthing any aspect of MLSE when you are associated with the building, the company or the team is enough for disciplinary action). So it was all her own doing. When this so-called "friend" heard that it was possible I might be taking over in April, she spouted off to another friend that I had no idea what I was doing (even thought I've been in the building for five years, a security guard for that long and have more experience than she did when she was doing the job), that me taking over is a fucking joke. But to my face, I'll bet you any money, she'll be nice as pie about it. I really don't need that, y'know?


The day job is driving me so batty that the second I walk in the building I'm consumed by homicidal tendencies - towards one particular individual, but, though no one likes him, it doesn't look like he's going to be going anywhere anytime soon. Plus I need a job that pays more - standard of living keeps going up and up, but wages do not increase in accordance. But I'm trying to find somewhere I'm going to like that I can make a career out of. I'm debating looking into publishing companies. I have a few thoughts on this. But will save those for a later date.


I have to apologize to all my good friends who read this blog. I'm sorry I've been neglectful. I'm sorry I haven't commented on your blogs as much as I'd like to. I'm sorry that this has sat blank for over a month. Truth be told, I have no energy to do anything. Even something as easy as typing in a blog. Because my mind is so jumbled, it's tough for anything coherent to be assembled. But I have tried. And I hope it has worked. I will try again soon.

In the meantime, as my friend Bond baby says - Be good, and if you can't be good, name it after me. :D


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Fathers...

Ok, it's been tough. Another old friend of mine just lost her dad this morning. And I sat down and really thought about that. So many people I know have lost their fathers in the last year, it's truly devestating to think about.

There was a group of us girls, years ago. Some came and went, but four of us stayed constant. Today, three out of four of us have lost our fathers. I'm the only lucky one.

My father had a heart attack almost twelve years ago. A quadruple bypass was the result. And I was scared. I mean, REALLY scared. He's my dad. I didn't want to contemplate losing him so young. I tried to write out the details of it all - especially his recovery, but I can't seem to find the words to say. To this day, it was the hardest period of my life.

In the last few years, two of the other girls lost their dads - one to cancer. I believe the other was a heart attack.

And I'm sorry, and very ashamed, to say, I wasn't there as well as I could have been for Cat when Douglas passed, and I wasn't there at all for the other.

When Bruce died almost two years ago now, Tami lost herself for awhile. And she had horrendous legal battles to fight with her stepmother. I was too self absorbed to notice. I always put it off - Well, I'll go see her tomorrow. Well, she's busy. And then, it was too late to be much help, so I avoided her altogether, because it seemed easier than dealing with her anger. I'm not much for confrontation when it comes to my friends.

Now, that combined with a whole lot of other things I am too ashamed to admit, the friendship is gone. And it is my fault. I don't ever expect her to forgive me. Because I know how hurt I would be if someone I loved wasn't there for me in my darkest hour. There would be no reasons, no excuses that I would accept.

But I vowed that I would learn, and be a better friend to those I could in their time of need.

Monday, the final girl, Tammy, lost her father to cancer as well. I remember her father - such a nice man with a fabulous sense of humor. We always called him Dad. Harris was a ton of fun when we were younger. I'm sad to say that as we got older, we drifted, as people often do.

I sat here and thought about how lucky I am. I still have my father with me. All four of us were Daddy's Little Girls, and we always will be. But I still have the chance to be with mine.

It might be too late to say I'm sorry. And it's too late to make amends with those I've hurt. But I can post this in memory of three great men, and in tribute to the wonderful women they raised.

A Father Is...

A Father is neither an anchor to hold us back
nor a sail to take us there,
but always a guiding light
whose love shows us the way.
The warm light of your love
shines in my memories and in my heart
reminding me of your guidance
your care, and most of all, your love

*I found that on the net - but there's no credit for it. But I thought it was just perfect*

My dad used to sing this to me every night up utnil I was ten I believe. At that point I thought I was too big to be sung to, but even now, there are days I just need to hear it.

Daddy's Little Girl

You're the end of my rainbow, my pot of gold.
You're Daddy's little girl, to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are.
You're Mommy's bright and shining star.
You're the spirit of Christmas, my star on the tree.
You're the Easter Bunny to Mommy and me.
You're sugar, you're spice,
You're everything nice,
And you're Daddy's little girl.

I also post in memory of a fourth wonderful man, who raised a terrific son. Lew Cooke was a spry old guy, working in the security business at the age of 72, almost until the very end. Cancer also claimed this gentle soul. His son Ron is a good friend of mine, and he knows his friends are with him.

This was Lew's favourite song.

I DON'T NEED YOUR ROCKING CHAIR
George Jones

I don't need your rockin' chair
Your Geritol or Medicare.
I still got neon in my veins
This gray hair don't mean a thing.
I do my rockin' on the stage,
You can't put this possum in a cage
My body's old but it ain't impaired
I don't need your rockin' chair

I ain't ready for the junkyard yet
'Cause I still feel like a new Corvette
It may take a little longer but I'll get there
I don't need no rockin' chair

I don't need your rockin' chair
Your Geritol or Medicare.
I still got neon in my veins
This gray hair don't mean a thing.
I do my rockin' on the stage,
You can't put this possum in a cage
My body's old but it ain't impaired
I don't need your rockin' chair

Retirement don't fit my plan
You can take your seat, I'm gonna stand
An Eskimo needs a frigidair
But I don't need no rockin' chair

I don't need your rockin' chair
Your Geritol or Medicare.
I still got neon in my veins
This gray hair don't mean a thing.
I do my rockin' on the stage,
You can't put this possum in a cage
My body's old but it ain't impaired
I don't need your rockin' chair

My body's old but it ain't impaired
Yeah I don't need no rockin' chair

For all those that have lost their dad....my heart is with you. And for those of us lucky enough to still have our daddy's with us, cherish every moment.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Just Because

I really don't have anything of merit to write about these days. It's been a tough new year so far. A friend of mine lost his father, to whom he was very close. My husband got into an accident with our truck - he's fine, but the truck's not - and my husband got the ticket instead of the guy who hit him. So not only do we have to dish out the deductible, we have to pay the fine too, AND our insurance will go up.

I took a major insult on the chin at a party last night - won't bother explaining what it was because frankly it's too long to go into. But needless to say, someone who I've totally been there for did something that insulted and snubbed me in front of our friends. And I'm pissed as all hell about it today.

AND, I'm totally stagnant when it comes to anything creative these days. I have no desire to write anything, unless I'm at work, and then it's a matter of no time to really think it through. And when I jot the points down, by the time I get around to looking at it, I forget the connectivity, and it doesn't make sense.

In short, life isn't going well.

That's not to say I'm not grateful for everything - I know it could be far worse. I have two jobs, friends that love me, a family I adore, and I'm relatively healthy - more or less. I haven't lost anyone in the last two years that I've been very close to (knock wood) and I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and the opportunity to improve my life every day.

It's a lot more than most people have.

So, while I am grateful, I'd just like to stew in self pity for a while.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Starting 2008 off right

Hey everyone! I'm baaaaaaaaack.

I have had NO time this past Xmas break to even breathe, let alone sit in front of the computer for the amount of time it would take to read all the wonderful blogs of my friends, and to write a year end review. It's just been too freaking busy around this place. And tomorrow, I head back to work (yeah - enthusiasm abounds XP).

But one thing that I was able to do this past break was to see my "nieces" (well, they're my sister in law's nieces, but we're all just one big family and I love them like they're my own).

Ali is going to be eleven, and she's in grade six. On a PA day last month, she went to work with her dad. Her father stopped to greet one of Toronto's many "displaced persons", and he called him by name. They chatted in Italian for a few minutes, and her dad handed the man a coffee. As they were walking away, Ali said "Dad, that blue blanket was ours." Her father responded "That's right honey. I gave it to him a couple of weeks ago."

This spurned Ali into action. She left the downtown core that day in tears, but with a determined resolve to help those less fortunate. With her own money, she started bringing food to the people living on the streets downtown. She would wait for her father to go to bed at night and search the cushions on the couch to see what change she could add to her "budget". Her dad brought her and three friends down one weekend, and they distributed sandwiches and blankets to those that needed. When their neighbours and the parents co-workers heard of this, they began donating money.

With $150, the kids budgeted and bought hats, mitts, scarves, basic essentials and food for the hungry. They made packs, and when a worker at Canadian Linen Services heard about their mission, he went on Facebook and challenged everyone who read his profile to come up with a donation. Then they donated the truck to bring the supplies downtown.

Ali's father is documenting this - they call themselves Angels of Mercy and it is truly inspiring. Please watch.




Ali has brought many a tear to my eye with her mission, and as part of my new year - new me project, I will be going with them on their missions, and I will be issuing a challenge to my co-workers and friends to do the same.

I know that we all have financial difficulties and a lot of my "readers" (ok friends :P) are active within their own communities. But if you're not, or if you haven't been but intend to, please follow their example. They are indeed the future, and they will show us the way.

I hope all my wonderful friends have had a fabulous and safe Christmas season with their loved ones.

May 2008 bring you all the happiness and health you deserve.

I LOVE YOU GUYS.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.