I woke up a few times last night to Cyan wretching and then hopping on the bed to stick his nose to mine (UGH!)... so it came as NO SURPRISE that I had to make a few leaps to the bathroom in the morning to avoid stepping in the puke ALL. OVER. THE. FLOOR.
Happy Valentines Day from the cats.
I feel a little responsible, though... I mean, I ran out of the good cat food so as a backup I fed them the cheap back-up stuff until I could get some the next morning. I think I remember Cyan puking last time A fed them that. NOW I know. SO poor cat. POOR ME.
THEN
There was a "police incident" up Hastings today so the buses were redirected and my bus conveniently didn't stop at my bus stop. So I had to take a different bus that got me as close as the Courthouse. I had a walk a ways to work. It was OK.
A is away for another week and won't be home until NEXT weekend now, so I will get my valentines day on another day. I am OK with that. I bought a case of beer on my way to my accounting mid-term last night. I only made it half way there, and then turned back and decided that I have taken on too much this semester and I want to succeed at my Marketing course so Accounting will have to wait until next semester. I am burnt.
The beer was good.
I went upstairs last night and enjoyed watching Isabel (A's niece) make valentines day cards for her classmates. That is what the day should be about. Homemade valentines day cards and cookies. Why did it get so complicated?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Adventures in Feline-Sitting
I have never been a cat person. I like dogs. Chocolate labs especially. Maybe I have never cared much for cats because they make me not breathe well. I am so allergic. Since lately I have been around two hairballs a lot, I went to see my doctor about what I can do about it. She shook her head when I told her what happens after a few hours with cats and prescribed me antihistamines, steroid nasal spray, and an inhaler. It has certainly made it easier to cope. Especially since I volunteered to sit on the cats for A while he took off to film a movie up the coast. It was really a scratch my post and I'll scratch yours kind of arrangement. I am only a 15 minute bus ride to work from his place, so I live here during the week while he is gone, and then I go home for the weekend to pack up my house (oh yeah, I am renting a place in Vancouver starting March 1st).
Cyan is a Burmese cat who TALKS, and TALKS, AND TALKS.... Aries is a VERY timid tabby who runs if you come too close to him. He will come to you when he wants to be pet. Cyan misses A the most. He loves being mauled-- and I don't do that. Probably why Aries loves me so much. Last weekend, when A was back he noticed that Aries runs to the door when I come over-- he says that Aries has NEVER done that before.
So every night, I hear a rustling paper noise when I turn out the lights. It stops when I turn them back on again, so I couldn't figure out WHAT THE HECK Cyan was up to! So one night, when I heard it I managed to catch him in the art room where he had crawled into a paper bag on the futon. Weird cat.
THEN
On SATURDAY MORNING, when I was looking forward to getting a little extra sleep, they start taking turns walking on my bladder. Cyan walks around me on the bed in circles: head to toe. Oh yeah, did I mention that this was at 5 AM?! GEEZ.
They crap on the carpet, too. UGH. I refuse to touch the litter. That is A's job when he is back.
But here is the weird part: I have fallen into a bit of a routine every day after work. I take my antihistamine, and lie down for a little *ahem* cat nap. Aries comes as soon as I lie down and curls up next to me and I scratch his face, belly, and behind his ears. It is so CUTE! When he naps, he curls up and twists his head so that he is resting the TOP of his head on the blanket.
I didn't think that I was becoming a cat person until I went to a movie last night and I couldn't WAIT to come home to cuddle with Aries.... Maybe I just miss A.
Cyan is a Burmese cat who TALKS, and TALKS, AND TALKS.... Aries is a VERY timid tabby who runs if you come too close to him. He will come to you when he wants to be pet. Cyan misses A the most. He loves being mauled-- and I don't do that. Probably why Aries loves me so much. Last weekend, when A was back he noticed that Aries runs to the door when I come over-- he says that Aries has NEVER done that before.
So every night, I hear a rustling paper noise when I turn out the lights. It stops when I turn them back on again, so I couldn't figure out WHAT THE HECK Cyan was up to! So one night, when I heard it I managed to catch him in the art room where he had crawled into a paper bag on the futon. Weird cat.
THEN
On SATURDAY MORNING, when I was looking forward to getting a little extra sleep, they start taking turns walking on my bladder. Cyan walks around me on the bed in circles: head to toe. Oh yeah, did I mention that this was at 5 AM?! GEEZ.
They crap on the carpet, too. UGH. I refuse to touch the litter. That is A's job when he is back.
But here is the weird part: I have fallen into a bit of a routine every day after work. I take my antihistamine, and lie down for a little *ahem* cat nap. Aries comes as soon as I lie down and curls up next to me and I scratch his face, belly, and behind his ears. It is so CUTE! When he naps, he curls up and twists his head so that he is resting the TOP of his head on the blanket.
I didn't think that I was becoming a cat person until I went to a movie last night and I couldn't WAIT to come home to cuddle with Aries.... Maybe I just miss A.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Lil' Country Girl in a Big 'Ol City
Day 2
Prologue (cuz some 'splainin is needed):
In December, my face broke out something fierce. Yes, at 28 I found myself battling an upward unrelenting battle with acne. Blame it on the stress, environmental factor, or maybe stupid 'ol hormones... either way it was getting harder and harder to cover up. I tried a skin care product recommended by a friend (it worked great for her!) but it aggravated my skin even more. Finally I went to my doctor and said uncle about the whole situation. He stuck a prescription for two creams in my relinquished hands. I was advised that I would experience a little redness and a slight burning sensation immediately following application-- no problem. Oh, and it would dry my skin out and might peel a little-- no problem. NO PROBLEM. But after two days, the peeling was out of control, the redness was accompanied with a little swelling, and the burning! The stinging! OH MY GAWD. Monday night, I applied the night time gel and with a shriek I promptly washed it off. Like acid. My poor face. My poor INSANE face (THANKS, Sarah...!).
On with it...
So this morning, I gingerly washed my burning face and sucked back the tears as I tried to apply makeup to cover up the redness. It felt so good to walk outside in the cold. Oh yes. And it snowed. A lot. And it was still snowing. I didn't have my boots with me so I walked to the bus stop in my little loafers. By the time I boarded GBD's (Grumpy Bus Driver's) bus my hair was soaked and a mess, With a flourish, I showed him my new-found skill of inserting my bus ticket into the reader/stamper thing.
His bus was so hot, I wanted to cry. But no. I decided that I would smile. Did you see that? That was a smile. Did you miss it? Here, let me smile again for you.
GBD was in fine form today. I guess the snow added to his standard grumpiness. At one point, he opened his door to give someone the finger and he colourfully gave the unsuspecting driver feedback on his left-hand turning skills.
On my way to the nearest coffee shop (and I had the pick of three, so I chose the one with the shortest line), I learned the importance of keeping away from the curb (common sense maybe, but sometimes a little reminder of HOW deep those slush puddles get helps). Oh, and on the corner we have our very own fatalistic-sandwich-board-toting-conspiracy-theory-chicken little. He is concerned about the CIA stealing his mind and he is beseeching assistance from the general public of the downtown Vancouver core.
After work (Left to the bus stop), I made it back, popped an antihistamine, took a puff from my inhaler, and curled up on the bed with the cats.
Prologue (cuz some 'splainin is needed):
In December, my face broke out something fierce. Yes, at 28 I found myself battling an upward unrelenting battle with acne. Blame it on the stress, environmental factor, or maybe stupid 'ol hormones... either way it was getting harder and harder to cover up. I tried a skin care product recommended by a friend (it worked great for her!) but it aggravated my skin even more. Finally I went to my doctor and said uncle about the whole situation. He stuck a prescription for two creams in my relinquished hands. I was advised that I would experience a little redness and a slight burning sensation immediately following application-- no problem. Oh, and it would dry my skin out and might peel a little-- no problem. NO PROBLEM. But after two days, the peeling was out of control, the redness was accompanied with a little swelling, and the burning! The stinging! OH MY GAWD. Monday night, I applied the night time gel and with a shriek I promptly washed it off. Like acid. My poor face. My poor INSANE face (THANKS, Sarah...!).
On with it...
So this morning, I gingerly washed my burning face and sucked back the tears as I tried to apply makeup to cover up the redness. It felt so good to walk outside in the cold. Oh yes. And it snowed. A lot. And it was still snowing. I didn't have my boots with me so I walked to the bus stop in my little loafers. By the time I boarded GBD's (Grumpy Bus Driver's) bus my hair was soaked and a mess, With a flourish, I showed him my new-found skill of inserting my bus ticket into the reader/stamper thing.
His bus was so hot, I wanted to cry. But no. I decided that I would smile. Did you see that? That was a smile. Did you miss it? Here, let me smile again for you.
GBD was in fine form today. I guess the snow added to his standard grumpiness. At one point, he opened his door to give someone the finger and he colourfully gave the unsuspecting driver feedback on his left-hand turning skills.
On my way to the nearest coffee shop (and I had the pick of three, so I chose the one with the shortest line), I learned the importance of keeping away from the curb (common sense maybe, but sometimes a little reminder of HOW deep those slush puddles get helps). Oh, and on the corner we have our very own fatalistic-sandwich-board-toting-conspiracy-theory-chicken little. He is concerned about the CIA stealing his mind and he is beseeching assistance from the general public of the downtown Vancouver core.
After work (Left to the bus stop), I made it back, popped an antihistamine, took a puff from my inhaler, and curled up on the bed with the cats.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Lil' Country Girl in a Big 'Ol City
Day 1
I survived my first experience of commuting into downtown Vancouver. What for? For my *new* job, of course!
The day started off being introduced to GBD (Grumpy Bus Driver). I couldn't figure out which way to insert the fare ticket into the reader/stamper thing. After a couple of tries, the driver says, "NO. follow the picture!". So I try again. And again. And, ever so irritated, he says, "There are only two ways it could go in." (Four, actually). Flustered, I say desperately, "I'm SORRY!!! I'm trying!!" Finally, I get it and I make it to the back with the standing commuter hostages and grab a pole. Hmmmm... Dancing was the farthest thing from my mind... but I will surely think of it tomorrow now that it just came to me.
I got a little turned around once I got off the bus. I walked one way for a few minutes, and then turned and walked the other direction until I saw something familiar but I forgot the address because I figured that I would recognize the building when I saw it. I *always* remember places after I have been there once before... but it became slightly different when I found that all of the buildings looked a lot like the others: Big, tall, and architecturally non-descript buildings.
I, no doubt, found a coffee place for my break. There are a lot of choices here! And after work, I had memorized the directions given to me by my co-workers. Right to buy bus tickets, and left to get to the bus stop, Right to buy bus tickets, and left to get to the bus stop, right.... to the bus stop? I walked left to buy the bus tickets. After a minute or two, I thought better of it and started in the other direction; I sheepishly ran into a co-worker. "I know, I know... RIGHT to buy the bus tickets."
I am more comfortable stopping people to ask for directions than they are at giving them. But, most of the people I stopped turned out to be tourists and no more lost than I. They were probably reciting in their heads, "Right at the Starbucks, Left at the pizza place...." and I messed them up.
By the time I got off the bus and stood at the cross walk, I wished I had a hat to fling in the air while I sang that I was "going to make it after all!"
(Oh yeah, and I like my job so far-- but it is not nearly as exciting as the adventures of commuting down town!)
I survived my first experience of commuting into downtown Vancouver. What for? For my *new* job, of course!
The day started off being introduced to GBD (Grumpy Bus Driver). I couldn't figure out which way to insert the fare ticket into the reader/stamper thing. After a couple of tries, the driver says, "NO. follow the picture!". So I try again. And again. And, ever so irritated, he says, "There are only two ways it could go in." (Four, actually). Flustered, I say desperately, "I'm SORRY!!! I'm trying!!" Finally, I get it and I make it to the back with the standing commuter hostages and grab a pole. Hmmmm... Dancing was the farthest thing from my mind... but I will surely think of it tomorrow now that it just came to me.
I got a little turned around once I got off the bus. I walked one way for a few minutes, and then turned and walked the other direction until I saw something familiar but I forgot the address because I figured that I would recognize the building when I saw it. I *always* remember places after I have been there once before... but it became slightly different when I found that all of the buildings looked a lot like the others: Big, tall, and architecturally non-descript buildings.
I, no doubt, found a coffee place for my break. There are a lot of choices here! And after work, I had memorized the directions given to me by my co-workers. Right to buy bus tickets, and left to get to the bus stop, Right to buy bus tickets, and left to get to the bus stop, right.... to the bus stop? I walked left to buy the bus tickets. After a minute or two, I thought better of it and started in the other direction; I sheepishly ran into a co-worker. "I know, I know... RIGHT to buy the bus tickets."
I am more comfortable stopping people to ask for directions than they are at giving them. But, most of the people I stopped turned out to be tourists and no more lost than I. They were probably reciting in their heads, "Right at the Starbucks, Left at the pizza place...." and I messed them up.
By the time I got off the bus and stood at the cross walk, I wished I had a hat to fling in the air while I sang that I was "going to make it after all!"
(Oh yeah, and I like my job so far-- but it is not nearly as exciting as the adventures of commuting down town!)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Three Tiers of Diapers
A Picture Story
Our dear friend Cory has a dinner roll in the oven so Chrissy and I decided to do something different for her baby shower: roll up some diapers and make a cake! Here is the picture story about our creation from ex-nihilo to three tiers of environmentally- unsound- landfill- bound- absorbent- garments.
Chrissy rolled the diapers.
I stuck them in the elastic. The bottle will make sure that the layers won't shift.
We rolled blankets to wrap around each layer as the "icing".
....And I mixed it all together....
(But we used the wooden spoon to hold the top layer on... Cory can also use the spoon next time she puts one of hers through the blender)
We found a duck that says a prayer as a cake topper. He needed a diaper so we gave him one.
The finished product!!!
Taa-daa!!!
Please, baby? One little kick???
There it is!!!!
The three and 8/9ths friends!
Our dear friend Cory has a dinner roll in the oven so Chrissy and I decided to do something different for her baby shower: roll up some diapers and make a cake! Here is the picture story about our creation from ex-nihilo to three tiers of environmentally- unsound- landfill- bound- absorbent- garments.
Chrissy rolled the diapers.
I stuck them in the elastic. The bottle will make sure that the layers won't shift.
We rolled blankets to wrap around each layer as the "icing".
....And I mixed it all together....(But we used the wooden spoon to hold the top layer on... Cory can also use the spoon next time she puts one of hers through the blender)
We found a duck that says a prayer as a cake topper. He needed a diaper so we gave him one.
The finished product!!!
Taa-daa!!!
Please, baby? One little kick???
A little caffeine will help.
There it is!!!!
The three and 8/9ths friends!**THE END**
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
PS..... I Love You
I was going to go to see "27 Dresses" tonight. Every once in a while, I like to go on dates with myself. At first, I will admit, that wasn't the intention and I sought for someone to come with me. But I am so glad that I had this little date with myself.
In fact, I didn't go to see "27 Dresses"-- I saw "PS. I Love You" instead. *sigh* I should have known to bring a big box of tissue because I ran out of napkins from my poutine half way through and my sleeve was getting pretty disgusting.
I walked into the theater for the late show and it was empty. I actually laughed out loud, feeling slightly loser-ish. I had the pick of the theater for a seat. A couple people trickled in before the movie started, and wouldn't you know it: these three girls come in just as the movie was starting and sat. right. behind. me. This would have been okay if they weren't occasionally kicking my seat, talking really loudly, sucking on candy loudly, and THEN. Oh MY gosh, one girl's phone rings-- and she ANSWERS IT.
"hey.... how are you?.... I'm just in a movie right now....yeah....Really?! She said that?....."
ARGH. Having a personal moment here with my poutine, soggy sleeve, and BASEBALL BAT.
In fact, I didn't go to see "27 Dresses"-- I saw "PS. I Love You" instead. *sigh* I should have known to bring a big box of tissue because I ran out of napkins from my poutine half way through and my sleeve was getting pretty disgusting.
I walked into the theater for the late show and it was empty. I actually laughed out loud, feeling slightly loser-ish. I had the pick of the theater for a seat. A couple people trickled in before the movie started, and wouldn't you know it: these three girls come in just as the movie was starting and sat. right. behind. me. This would have been okay if they weren't occasionally kicking my seat, talking really loudly, sucking on candy loudly, and THEN. Oh MY gosh, one girl's phone rings-- and she ANSWERS IT.
"hey.... how are you?.... I'm just in a movie right now....yeah....Really?! She said that?....."
ARGH. Having a personal moment here with my poutine, soggy sleeve, and BASEBALL BAT.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Singing (loudly) Anyway
I rediscovered a favourite way of regrouping: turning up the radio in my car and singing at the top of my lungs and sometimes --if the music moves me to do so, bust a move or two.
It clears my head.
Yesterday I needed some good head clearing, so I had a slightly embarrassing session of yelling the lyrics to some 80's song. I don't even remember which song it was, and likely couldn't remember half the lyrics, but dang, it felt supah good.
Why hang your head, when you can let your hair down and shake it?!
Just a rhetoric question (I think I know the answer to it): Why do hurting people hurt people? I won't deny my own guilt (having been no stranger to pain, myself), but when I was ready to wave the white flag, the hammer got dropped on my foot. I hate being misunderstood, and accused for things that I never had a chance to do or not do.
Bottom line: Regardless of how long I was married and whatever struggles we had, we had a life planned together. We loved each other deeply. His heart weighed a solid 490g and he gave it to me on May 14, 2005. We vowed to follow each other to the ends of the earth. That just happened to be sooner than we had expected. I don't care anymore whether my in-laws supported the marriage or not (apparently they didn't), and I won't try to defend myself any longer. I give up. And I pray God's blessings on them. And I offer nothing but forgiveness.
Now, all of that aside. I am going over to my stereo to gonna bust several moves and raise my voice:
POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME.....!!!!! C'mon fire me up!!!!
It clears my head.
Yesterday I needed some good head clearing, so I had a slightly embarrassing session of yelling the lyrics to some 80's song. I don't even remember which song it was, and likely couldn't remember half the lyrics, but dang, it felt supah good.
Why hang your head, when you can let your hair down and shake it?!
Just a rhetoric question (I think I know the answer to it): Why do hurting people hurt people? I won't deny my own guilt (having been no stranger to pain, myself), but when I was ready to wave the white flag, the hammer got dropped on my foot. I hate being misunderstood, and accused for things that I never had a chance to do or not do.
Bottom line: Regardless of how long I was married and whatever struggles we had, we had a life planned together. We loved each other deeply. His heart weighed a solid 490g and he gave it to me on May 14, 2005. We vowed to follow each other to the ends of the earth. That just happened to be sooner than we had expected. I don't care anymore whether my in-laws supported the marriage or not (apparently they didn't), and I won't try to defend myself any longer. I give up. And I pray God's blessings on them. And I offer nothing but forgiveness.
Romans 12:14-21
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Now, all of that aside. I am going over to my stereo to gonna bust several moves and raise my voice:
POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME.....!!!!! C'mon fire me up!!!!
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