Thursday, November 26, 2009

ZEUS- Polydactyl

This was Zues as a kitten. He was a rescue kitten (rescued by my sister) that we brought into our home about 6 years or so ago. He was found under a building with a sibling and mother. He is a polydactyl cat, has 6 toes on all four paws (rather rare to have it on all four). It adds to his manual dexterity, especially funny to watch him hold play objects with his front paws, just like a human!

Ever since he arrived here, he has always been a very anxious cat, especially when someone enters the house, or if the dogs bark at someone, he will take off for a hiding spot, and remain hidden until the unwelcome (by him, not us) have left the premises. I swear one day he will have a heart attack while trying to get hidden fast enough from the approaching danger he seems to feel is threatening him.



I used to feel hurt that he didn't seem to like me, even after all this time, he cuddles up to my husband, sleeps with him if he takes a nap, lets him cut his nails, settles on his stomach every night for a session of rubs. He even hides from me at times when I come in and out, or when I first come home from work. Really after 6 years I'd like a little more excitement shown my way! I mean I feed him, brush out his fur matts (he loves that), give you treats (he really loves that), turn on the water tap so you can get fresh water a dozen times a day (he is one of those cats that will only drink water from the tap, very fussy!)




I read one day, that kittens born outside will almost always choose one person only in the household to be friends with. I guess since my husband was home through the day and I wasn't that is why I'm not his favorite person. On a good note, I'm not his least favorite! That would be my sister, he usually won't come anywhere near her, even after 6 years she has only gotten glimpses of him! Long time to hold a grudge!

Reality Check

Cops grill elderly couple for waving at little boy
Is this what our communities are coming to now, we can't even wave at a child as we pass by? I actually "gasped" out loud when I heard this story on the news last night!

PICTOU — An elderly Nova Scotia couple says they were accused of attempted child abduction earlier this month after they waved at a child.
“We’ll continue to wave as we go in to get our package of tea and our Aspirin," she said. We won’t let the experience keep us down.
Yes we need to educate our children, and yes we need to be vigilant in watching our neighbourhoods, but a wave? Maybe I better rethink asking for grandchildren!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

My Favorite Show

Backstage at DWTS: Mya "Disappointed," Donny "Numb" and Judges In Shock

Ok, really, people be honest, did you really think this show is about finding the person who could be a professional dancer? Come on people, this is television! It's about finding that person who you can connect with, who showed tremendous improvement over the course of the show, who connected with the audience!

It's so much more fun watching the dancers who start out knowing nothing about ballroom dancing, rather than watching the ones who can already dance and hardly need any training, except maybe to look like they are having fun! Mya's face looked like stone most of the time, and she came across as so "into" herself all the time (that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it)! It's about having the whole package, and the people have spoken, me too!

A Smaller Dose Please!

Seriously, I don't consider myself a prude, I get the "Gay, Lesbian" thing, I agree they should be able to do their thing and have the same rights as everyone else, but really is it necessary to go to such extremes? And you know I am talking about the AMA's and Adam Lambert. I didn't watch the show (not really my cup of tea, much prefer the CMA's) but I did catch a glimpse of his performance. And he certainly did a performance! Maybe that's all he really wants is to be a "performer" and not just the lead singer in a band? Well if that's the case then, he has accomplished it.

I agree he has tremendous vocals, he looks WOW (if your into that sort of look, and Ok yes I like his looks), and yes he is a great performer. But come on, you have to admit he crossed the line a little too much! It would have been just as great of a performance without the added features of the kiss and the crotch bit, if not a better performance, cause that kind of took away from the singing (in my view).

He even got bounced off one of the morning shows for being too provocative and risky! Gotta love it!

Monday, November 23, 2009

This is Where it Starts


Ok,  I have attended "A Very Beary Christmas" concert tonight which kicks off the start of the Christmas season. The concert is put on evey year (for the past 14 years!) by the Salvation Army and consists of the "Stadacona Band" (from CFB Halifax) and hosted and performances from Liz Rigney, a local favorite for sure. Always a great way to start off the Christmas season! Everyone brings in a teddy bear which the Salvation Army give to children in hospital over the Christmas holidays.  A seasonal favorite for sure! Hey I even dragged along my son and his girlfriend (not really their cup of tea, but they came anyway!) Dragged along my other son and his girlfriend last year! Gotta love it!

Friday, November 20, 2009

COUNTDOWN

Yahoo,, this year I finally got to it early, and now I am almost finished with my Christmas shopping! Wow, feels good knowing that this year I won't have to be out there, amidst the crazies during that last week rush! Even now the parking lots are full, the roads leading to malls are jammed (not good for people with no patience).

Time to start dragging out the outdoor decorations soon, I am still a Dec 1st person, not like those who put up decorations the day after Rememberance day (and actually turn on the lights too, that's just too early guys, seriously!).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Cudos

Cudos to my hubby for getting involved with  "Mental Health" and being out there to  add his voice in trying to get more help for those who have no where to turn. He has teamed up with "Asist" and taking a 2 day course to learn how to talk with people suffering from depression and thinking of suicide (being there gives him an edge up). He is also going to sit on one of the boards so he can keep adding his voice for more help, way to go babe!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday 13th (Good/Bad??)

Yep, it's Friday the 13th! For the 3rd time this year. Did you know that each year has at least 1 Friday the 13th, and that there can be as many as 3 in a year? If the 1st of the month starts on a Sunday, then it will have a Friday the 13th, according to Wikipedia (cool, I never knew that!). Also cool here's the next 5 years and the months that will have the next Friday the 13.
2010 August
2011 May
2012 January, April, July
2013 September, December
2014 June ( Oh No!, that's my birthday) The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia (wow, that's a mouthful).

So do you think this is a "lucky day" or an "unlucky day"?

Anyway, Happy Friday the 13th!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Things I Like


PARENT - Job Description

 I received this in an email (have no idea where it originated from or who wrote it, so hope they don't mind that I am posting it here). It was too funny not to pass along!

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!


POSITION:

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma

Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life.

Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs  $100.00 or more.

Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 kmph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this!   You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that passing matric will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

Maybe send it to your kids as well.

One day it will be their turn ,, at least give them a chance to decide.



               ** AND A FOOTNOTE 'THERE IS NO RETIREMENT  --  EVER!!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Remembering


High Ground/Low Ground


Take notice of the similarities in both of these pictures. Top picture Zues has gone to high ground to get away from you know who (that would be the inconspicuous Moses sitting in wait). And in the picture below Zues is taking cover under the living room coffe table ( Moses can't fit, although not for lack of trying).



Just Breathe Dear, Breathe.....

Where did I go it all go so wrong? Please someone fill me in, I'm drowning here! Whatever happened to "live, love, laugh and play"? There needs to be alot more laughter and a little less annoyance, anger and pessimism here.

Calm, that's what's needed, the only question is how to make that happen. Any suggestions! Please, before I drown for good, or worse become one of them! Oh my!

 Maybe I could just walk away from it all, turn a blind eye, have tunnel vision, become a Buddhist (aren't they generally a calm sort, hmmm?). Maybe I should take up belly dancing, join a laughter group (you know the ones who just laugh out loud at nothing for a period of time with a group of other people also laughing, supposed to be really theraputic) or better idea,  I should send everyone else there for thereapy.....Food for thought.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Holding It Together!

Sometimes, just sometimes, it is really, really hard to keep holding it together. Be positive, hold your cool, don't take it personal, etc,etc. These hot pockets aren't helping either!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Thursday, November 5, 2009

It Hits Closer to Home When...

Today has been rather a "fuzzy" day for me, my mind is wandering alot (to one very obstinant spot) and I have found myself on more than one occasion staring at my computer screen here at work, and wondering what is it I was doing (and YES, I do this same thing each and every day!).

Up until today (really last night) I have never  known anyone personally and especially no one related to me who has had breast cancer. Right up until last night that is, and now I do! What a terrible feeling that has been for me, so I can only imagine what my dear cousin is feeling right now. This cousin is the most down to earth, funny, family oriented person I have ever known, and would have been the last person I would have thought of to have been afflicted with this disease. It's not that I haven't had family afflicted with diseases, because I have for sure, but never with this disease, and never so young. For some reason this disease feels different for me than lung, liver, kidney or heart diseases do, not sure why, maybe it's a "woman" thing.
I was so impressed with her straightforwardness and the details that she provided to us (maybe it was theraputic in a way) to explain what she will be going through for the next little while (although it will be a lifetime I guess). Right now she seems to be the strong one,even throwing in some comments that made me smile (typical of her) and I know that everyone will have to pull up their socks and be the strong ones for her as time goes on. I am so glad that she comes from such a close family and that she has a strong connection with the church as well. I am sure this will be what enables her to get through the next period of her life.

A real wake up call this was!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

We're Sinking!

What gives lately with sink holes? First we almost have our backyard swallowed up by one (ok maybe a small exageration). It started with a small hole the size of my foot (could almost fit my foot in it), we knew we should fill it so the dog's didn't trip in it and break a leg, then one day after a few days of rain hubby calls me out to come and see something. And guess what! There he is with shovel sunk down into it, and had he let go of the shovel it would have disappeared! Not kidding!! So now obviously we had to get a load of fill and fill it in before the dogs actually got swallowed up whole in it!

Ok so look at this pic my sister sends me today! Wow, imagine your car being swallowed whole!