Mittwoch, Januar 25, 2006

bags aren't packed but I'm ready to go

... sure, some might say it's getting down to the wire here, but I say I'm just gettin' this party started! Actually, I have spent the evening at yoga class, dropping Jules off to spend the week with her friend Al the Mechanic, picking up not only a kick ass digital camera but also a shuffle on borrow for the week (thanks, Pinky!), and trying to figure out how in the heck to get my music sent from one place to another (and hopefully end up on a portable device). But alas, I have given up and have had to resort to the good old fashioned CD burn. Sigh. Guess I need more nerds in my life.

The reason I gave up is because I really should be attending to the packing of my luggage, seeing as my chauffeured ride to the airport leaves at 6:45. The reason I'm not too overly concerned about this lack of package action is beacuse as I breezily told Uhu earlier "ah, I can get it done in 20 minutes, flat"! Yeah. Um. Better get to it then. Only *hours* remain between me & the beach!!!

Meanwhile, something to contemplate (I chose this tarot a few days ago upon asking the question about the cute boy going along on this trip):

TheTwo of Swords card suggests a strong attraction to someone of the opposite sex. A love affair perhaps, but there is also the possibility that this will be with a person who seems to have completely opposing interests. Opposites do, however, attract, and this union could be a successful one, although l have to say that there is someone who is likely to be surprised by this.You have reached a point in your life where you want answers and decisions. This card indicates a need to force certain issues. Effort will be necessary but remember that there is a lot at stake, so you must always be aware of what you are driving against. Personality clashes are a possibility. Perhaps with someone you work with, or within a closer relationship. If this is so, then the cards suggest that you must be willing to compromise. Be the first to offer the olive branch and make a conscious effort to mend fences. Disagreements must be settled and the reason is that there will be so much to gain from this.

Que sera, sera!

... if you need me, I'll be here.

Back in a week with PHOTOGRAPHIC evidence. :)

Montag, Januar 23, 2006

sleep?

Only *two* more sleeps but who has time to sleep, anyway?? I felt quite like a ping pong ball this weekend, bouncing from hospital room to clinics, port drinking with future goddessess to weaving through aspiring Divas. Sunday was birthday cake with Rev C, a whirlwind sail through the Wally to spend our Christmas gifts from Pa before dashing over to win our game 4-3. The official birth of my new business also came to pass: The Sassy Sitter. Signs colourfully printed, website tweaked, I'm ready for some summer bookings. Sure, I'll come sit your house... but only if you have a hot tub!

Now, where did that 'things to do' list get to...?

Samstag, Januar 21, 2006

sippin' marguritas

is what I'm supposed to be doing a couple of minutes from now... down the hill and over the bridge.

What I'm doing instead is uploading me some sweet music to hopefully figure out how to transfer to my new (to me) mp3 player in time to bring it with me when vacation starts Wednesday. Was at my best friends house today, enjoying the chaos that is kicked up when you combine a head-to-toe in pink precocious five year old, an adorably hammy one year old Fuzz, and two parents all going on max 3-4 hrs sleep. Her husband graciously loaned me six of his precious DMB collection (four of em live) for the night and I'm currently on #5. And hooked.

I also picked up a few more to chill out to on the beach... Nina Simone, Diana Krall's first, Chris Isaak, Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel.

Anyone have any chill-completely-out-on-the-beach musical suggestions?

*did I mention it's only 4 sleeps away?*

Freitag, Januar 20, 2006

My true colour is

Red
Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.


What's Your True Color?

Donnerstag, Januar 19, 2006

HNT - The boob bite



So I went out for dinner with my German Speaking group last night, many of whom had not seen me since the Oktoberfest 'incident' (my first outing with the group), the night I met the Polka band I became a groupie for. In retelling the stories about the marvelous week I spent with these crazy Austrians, many good memories came to mind, so I thought I'd share the boob biting incident with you, my HNT friends. I don't know what posessed him to do it- I was laughing too hard. After hanging out listening to the Celtic band, we headed out to the cowboy bar (with them all in their lederhosen, of course). Yeehaw! Can't wait for their return visit next year!

Mittwoch, Januar 18, 2006

I've been there

Mo’ interestingness (if you can stand it)

The Europe years

While ‘stuck’ overseas for the better part of 9 years, I did my very best to see as much as possible of the surrounding countries. I couldn’t believe that my husband had never even been to Paris, it being a mere 9 hour train ride from us. My first backpacking trip took me to Belgium, Luxembourg and France, where he met up with me in the most romantic city in the world. I’ll never forget the pjs his mom made him pack (and promise to wear) so he wouldn’t catch a cold.

The next trips took me to Italy (Bozen,Venice, Florence and eventually Rome) and Austria (Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna), Budapest in Hungary, Prague in the Czech Republic, and a nudist beach in Porec, Croatia. The furthest south I went was Malta with my mom for a week, and I also spent two fateful weeks in Turkey touring around. One of the most fun (yet also most tiring) trips was to England, Ireland and Scotland with two college friends who had come to nanny for the summer in my town.

The country visited and revisited the most was Holland, as three New Years were rung in there (’99, 2000, 01), and I also dog sat for my cousin who was living in Voorburg near Den Haag for awhile (she’s in Australia now). Amsterdam would have to be my favorite city, ever, if I had to pick just one. I ended up working for a health food company in Belgium for a short time, helping them out with the translation of their Website from French into English, and had the opportunity to go to some trade shows and do client visits at a couple of health food stores.

Some of the favorite places I visited within Germany were Augsburg, Heidelberg, Berlin and Hannover. I went to the 2000 Expo on my own, which I preferred, actually, spending two days popping in and out of 24 different countries pavilions at my own pace and according to my own interests.

I was fortunate to have a friend who was married to a French military man, and was able to visit their little family in Metz, Bordeaux, and near Versailles, where they still live.

Is that all? Well, you can’t really count Liechtenstein, it being so small (I think it took us 8 minutes to drive through). But oh, Switzerland! Can’t forget the land of my chocolate dreams…

People ask me if plan to return to Europe (I have a German passport, so technically I could work anywhere in the EU) and I have to say, the thought does cross my mind from time to time. I’d love to go back and see the places I missed, namely the south of France, Greece, Spain, Portugal… Anyone care to join me?

Dienstag, Januar 17, 2006

Tuesday Smorgasbord

I have lifted this from the lovely Brea (thanks, hon!)

More interestingness:

Appetizer
Name one chore you don't really mind doing.

Shoveling snow (and doing dishes by hand, but don't tell anyone!)

Soup
How many times have you moved homes in your life?

Quebec-Calgary 1980
In Calgary: Elbow Drive, Braeside, Oakridge, Council Way, 5A Street, 11th Ave, Thorncliffe
Germany: Bad Wiessee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Balzac, Olds x2
Germany: Miesbach- Green house, Bad Strasse, Erlach
Munich: Astrid’s (x2), near school, Pasing
Back to Canada: Mom’s, Neil’s, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Mom’s again, Mission, 17th Ave, Barb’s

That’s a whopping 27 times. And I probably have missed a couple. I feel tired just thinking about it.

Salad
How old were you when you had your very first kiss?

See last post.

Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel your best?

I’m a night owl.

Dessert
Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.

Schi zo phrenic

Montag, Januar 16, 2006

very interesting

I was stumped by my date the other night (yes, I had a date and yes, the internet is a wonderful and blessed invention). He asked me to tell him something interesting about myself, and I shamefully had no answer for him. At the time. Afterwards, I thought of about 101 little tidbits I could have shared. In the interest of avoiding this embarrasing situation ever from happening again, I thought I’d post a few here.

Part one: the early years

- I lived on a farm in Quebec till I was 5, and spent most of that time running around naked with my sister and cousin (who lived on the farm next door), blissfully unaware of things such as traffic.

- I had my first kiss when I was 5 at a friends birthday party with a boy named Michael. I had my last kiss this morning and I’m not telling his name.

- One Halloween (I think I was 11) I had pneumonia and wasn’t allowed to go trick or treating except to the neighbours house, dressed up in a parka and furry boots as a (politically incorrect) Eskimo. Three years ago I ended up dating an Inuit man for almost a year.

- The chicken pox attacked me in Grade 8, and I had to give the Spring Dance a miss, much to my dismay. I had a particularly bad case of them, and have a lasting mark between my eyes from one.

- I was Valedictorian and co-editor of my school yearbook in Junior High. I also ran for President of the Students Council, but lost to my redheaded ex boyfriend (the first I’d ever had). We’re still friends today (he lives near Ottawa with his wife & son, making drums for a living).

- I spent 3 months living in Roberval at Lac St Jean, Quebec in grade 11, the most memorable part was being on a lighting crew for a local theater group’s production of a play based on Alys Robie’s life (who actually attended the play in person).

- I have never broken a bone or been hospitalized overnight (except when I was born, I guess), and the only time I have had full anesthesia is when I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled at once (age 18).

Sonntag, Januar 15, 2006

the fine art of procrastination

K, three hours have gone by and I have managed to accomplish ONE thing. That's ONE. And have I gained 1/2 an hour (I knew the place was going to be at least 2, but now's it's 2.5 hrs late).

In the meantime (and it's all about the meantime, isn't it?) I have made the list (an accomplishment in itself), gotten the 2nd load of laundry in, and had two very interesting and very different msn conversations. Those may not seem productive or even remotely useful at the present time, but hey, a girl has to have some distractions. I seem to come by my multitasking ways naturally. And enjoy myself along the way.

Case in point: #7, add to iTunes folder. Yeah, not so necessary. A little focus now.

Now. Back to being productive. Oh, and getting a few zzzs in would be nice too.

Samstag, Januar 14, 2006

L minus 9

So I have a few projects currently on the go.

The 'parents' of the little animal family I have had the pleasure to play surrogate mom to for the past week return first thing in the moring. From Mexico, lucky bums! :)

In fact, make that item one on the *list*

1. Check arrival information on airport site

I'm debating doing a pre-shovel. This is one of my quirks, I like shoveling snow. Yeah, I know it's weird. But my heart & soul rejoice at the sight of the white stuff falling peacefully yet steadily outside the window. But it's coming up on 11:30 and the neighbours might wonder what kind of freak is out clearing their walk at this hour.

K, off to deal with # 1.

Baby steps! Or, more caffeine.


* I like lists
** we already know how much I like popscicles

Freitag, Januar 13, 2006

Where's my nurse?

I awoke with a start and the panic started to set in when I realized that it was already light outside. Then I remembered waking up two hours before that and calling in sick. The tickle in my throat that I thought were my allergies (mind over matter method unfortunately NOT working) has turned into a wee bit of a cold. Slept some more (my body sure needed it) and now I'm comtemplating a spot of breakfast. My fave when I'm sick: toast 'n honey. I should have known going so many days on so little sleep (and walking the dog with slightly wet hair) would result in this under-the-weatherness. Oh well, everyone needs a blanket on the couch day.
Gingerale, please?

*I realize this post is devoid of any real subject matter, I just needed to write somethin' on top of that nasty soccer pic* oh, and have people feel sorry for me and bring me popscicles*hint, hint*

Donnerstag, Januar 12, 2006

HNT Apres soccer



This was taken after last week's game by a teammate's camera phone, in all my post-game glowing glory.

I especially love my 'wing' of hair sticking out of the sweaty mass and the rosy cheeks from running around getting our butts kicked. Yes, alas, we lost this one.

Mittwoch, Januar 11, 2006

the nitty gritty

I'm dwindling down to the 'reject' jellies, the rest are in my belly and it's been another action packed night here in the hills of suburbia. It's been fun typing through the legs of the cat, whose tail has been grazing my nose and patting the dog who is nuzzling my pj'd leg looking for some lovin'.

That could be the sub-title of this here little post, as life gets interesting for Sassy Girl, jumping back into the pond and getting more than just her feet wet. They say it never rains but it pours and what's that other one... feast or famine. Back in the saddle again, and I ain't wasting no time. I call it a whole lotta fun and precociousness, cause if you don't maintain your sense of humour in this whole online dating experience, you really got nothin'.

Yum, a grape one I thought was licorice.

Surprises galore.

Like a box of chocolates, you say?

Indeed.

If anyone asks, I've gone fishin'.

Montag, Januar 09, 2006

Helloooo out thereee (hear the echo?)

So I was clicking on that ever-entertaining 'next blog' button and found this:


I thought it was very cute. Time to De-lurk yourselves!! (Please leave a comment). Thanks!

Sonntag, Januar 08, 2006

Fully Fabulous

The weekend has been. Off in a few minutes to play some soccer with my girls, then it's back to the cozy warmth of the fireplace and my three new cuddling buddies where I'm house sitting. I only had a couple of days between sits, so I ended up bringing all of my laundry here and washing every last stich I had. Decided to take a nice nap this afternoon while I was stark naked, waiting for the first load to dry.

Finally got to *be* a guest at a Christmas party (for the catering company I do part time work for) last night. What a treat... taking full advantage of the open bar, the delicious buffet and putting requests in at the hot dj's booth. And I totally recommend taking a gay guy as a date- he doesn't even bat an eye when you say you're going home with someone else...

Freitag, Januar 06, 2006

Luck of the Irish to you, my IIFs :)

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your windowpane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Donnerstag, Januar 05, 2006

HNT my happy place



Yes, I'm still here. Let me be.

Making a splash

I’m not sure if it was my chat with my wacky and wonderful therapist last night that sucked all of my brain power, but this morning I forgot to bring not only shampoo, conditioner and anti-persperant but also my BRA to the pool. Which made for a little bit of an embarrassing and awkward happy new year hug with my friend who works there, a quick shuffle to the car (holding my bag in front of me) and a big sigh of relief when I found that extra sports bra in my soccer bag in the back seat. I’m not all to concerned about the hair, it’s going to be cut and coloured after work anyway (hopefully the chlorine left in won’t make for some funky shade of orange), and it’s not as though I have a lunch date or anything. Sigh. As for the pit stick, Ma says it causes cancer anyway so I’m better off without. So I sit here with my mono-boob, happy they’re not hanging down to my belly button. Things could be a lot worse. The important thing is, I got to the pool at all! 20 days till the beach…

Sonntag, Januar 01, 2006

Happiness is...

- a peaceful start to the new year
- watching the skaters at Olympic Plaza
- Jay's 'UP' mix im my discman
- wishes for a happy year from the Pa
- a walk with Rosa and exnl near the zoo
- hugs
- all my faves on the itunes playlist
- oatmeal chocolate chip cookies bakin' in the oven
- a date on Fri the 13th
- a new year named INTENTION