December 11, 2006

Hold your horses already! I know that I've been tardy. Painfully so. And I have soooooooo many excuses, some lame, some original and some even valid. But the bottom line is that in order so sum it all up quickly as there are gifts to still buy, to wrap and cards to finish making and post, I will blame it on two things: my husband and technology!

Enough said about that.

So much to write and say but it's just not coming to me in an entertaining way right now and like I said, there are gifts to wrap and homemade doggy biscuits to bake!

But I will share that we survived Ms B's debut in the Nutcracker at a 'real' theatre. 6 years old and she played an angel. She was on stage for about 10 whole minutes and was beautiful, engaging, perfect in presentation and of course, an angel. I was a very proud mom and yes, I attended all three of her shows and no, I didn't cry during them-only the first and my eyes were just a bit watery.

November 8, 2006

Random Wednesday Wonderings and Stuff

If I didn't get a kick in the butt about the holidays being just around the corner this morning, I don't know what else it will take! Mr. Dasher or was it Dancer, maybe Prancer or Ms. Vixen...not really sure but one of the jolly guy's reindeer was a prancing across the road about lunch time. I had two huge limousines with flashing lights in front of me aka school buses and couldn't understand why they were coming to a near stop on the back road with an average cruising altitude of 80-90 k's and then, what in front of my wondering eyes should appear but a full grown deer prancing across the road. Guess he/she was suffering from the 'grass is always greener' thinking (oh, the berries are more lush on the other side of the road and look at those huge trees, they are sooo much bigger than the ones over here) and decided to head on over. Luckily nobody was hurt during this friendly holiday reminder!

I was on the back road returning from a client and a visit to our emergency young women's homeless shelter. I called them yesterday to offer them all the hotel toiletries that I have been collecting along with a few corporate friends that have more airmiles than km's on their cars. That equates to lots of hotels and lots of VERY nice toiletries. These are nice items-a necessity and something often overlooked when we buy or donate to the food banks. You know how it feels to have a really nice shower or bath or to just wash your hair. Sometimes it's enough to give you a new perspective on the day and what's landed in your lap as a hurdle or challenge. They were very happy to receive this donation and gave me a tour of their newly constructed haven. I'm so glad that there is a place like this. It's for women ages 15-20 who for whatever reason, find themselves without a home. I'm thinking about this as I leave and get into my car and what's the song that comes on the radio right as I am leaving the parking lot? 'Ironic' by Alanis (from Ottawa). Talk about timing. My thoughts had just started to think about my own life at the age of 15 & 16. Physically, that is when I was officially 'on my own' although mentally, I had been on my own at a much younger age-maybe a bit at 1 1/2 when my mother couldn't mother me or at age 7 when my father left this earth. But I wasn't as alone as some. I had some special people in my life and even more, I had this spirit or thought or goal, call it what you will, to do it-whatever it took to be what I wanted to be even though most of the time I didn't know where or what my place in the world would be. But I did it 'with a little help from my friends' and I am so very thankful...another Alanis song coming to my head.

Here's to girl power! It's there you just gotta use it!

November 7, 2006

I was in Toronto recently and again, went to the Gap in search of something tangible (?) to wear and to check out the RED stuff, thinking maybe it's different in my hometown. Well, not really except that the stores are bigger and the staff a bit nicer...did find a nice cashmere sweater for cheap (for cashmere) BUT was seeing red about the RED campaign once again. Nothing in stock except a scrap pile masquerading as a pile of t's and sweats....lots of 'hammered' but no 'desired.'

Regular reader Tada agreed to let me share her 'Gap' thoughts. My thoughts are in brackets.

"So, I'm reading your blog-and I had a similar reaction when I went there on the weekend. I was planning to get every girl in my life a cool Gap 'Bono" Red  t-shirt (hope I'm included in that group-ed note) for Xmas. And all that was left was Hamme(RED)and Bo(RED)! Well, I don't think so. At the White Oaks (call out to London ON), a few employees looked at me, but not a one asked if they could help. I went over to the Masonville (ritzier mall), and there, at least I got a semi-enthused helper asking me if she could help. When I asked if she had any shirts other than HammeRED and BoRED (imagine your Mama in a shirt like that)-she said that I should come back at the end of the month. So-not only are the shirts for the teens and post-teen college students-not for mature people like us (okay, are we really THAT mature-but I digress)-but the service is geared towards our gen-X'ers as well-very laid back and lackadaisical. I am reminded of a person "Dude! You want a shirt? There they are."

November 2, 2006

Nuts n Crackers n Running with Scissors

I know it's been forever. So much going on. WARNING-RANT begins here and may not make sense. Proceed with caution! But really, I have been ignoring all writing and that includes this. Not sure why. I have such great ideas and inspiration lately. I even have a plan to get this 'thing' together to get it out there-out there where I'm still not sure but it's a start. But then this other 'thing' comes over me and everything feels like a burden. Things like daylight savings and all that 'spring forward, fall back' stuff. Yeah, it's back alright. Back to where we started-in the dark. Burdens like tonight's impromptu and much unwelcome snowfall. Other things like it's dark and flashlight worthy on my street at 5pm and that might have been okay on Halloween but that was two days ago already. I think we should put the clocks back ahead again. I want to live in one of those places where they never touch the clock unless the battery needs changing. It's overrated and mostly, I think, the farmers fault. Yes I like fresh produce and proper milk and egg products but heck, it's almost winter here and we won't see fresh anything for months. The closest we will get to fresh is fresh from the truck, which is fresh from Guatemala or somewhere farther. My crisper will become the rotter and two day old tomatoes automatically become 6 day olds due to travel time. More burdens-the cold weather and lack of energy and desire to sleep and sleep and have it never be enough and ditto for eating! Paper burden-worse than a paper cut with vinegar or mustard in it. I keep filing it, sorting it, chucking it and paying it and just when I can finally breathe a sigh of relief, I get more paper!  END of rant.

So Ms B will be in the Nutcracker this year-on a real stage and in a real theatre and all at 6 years old. No small feat and it's pretty intense. NO practices can be missed or be late for which cancels out birthday parties, craft work shops and play dates. So I told Ms. B to really think about it as it was her decision and that I would take on the role as chauffeur if her heart was in it. Well, before I could even finish, her answer was yes. She lives to dance or 'shake her booty' so it's all good. She will be an angel in the Cracker. Hey, if she can't be one in real life, why not play one on the stage (okay, she is an angel often but not always).

Waited and waited with anticipation to see Running with Scissors and I am warning you all right now that I will defend the film til the cows come home and it has nothing to do with whether it was good or how good it was or whether it was an accurate portrayal or interpretation of the book. Yes, Annette Benning rocked and should at the very least get a nomination for something and yes, it did seem cheesy and coined at points but THAT was the point. And I think that with lots of non-fiction memoir type stuff, people are often uncomfortable watching. It's almost like it would be easier for the audience if the stuff was made up. Well, it wasn't and yes, it was an interpretation. Isn't everything in life. Perception is 90% (yes I made up the percentage). The way I see something may not be the way you see something. Sorry, I'm going on. Point is that as a 'writer who is trying' and also writing some true stuff, to see Augusten Burroughs memories become a book which then becomes a film is just the bomb! And at the end of the film when the fictional and younger Augusten sits beside the real and older Augusten, I felt this immensely proud moment, like a parent about to cry. You did it Augusten and now you've shared it! Good for you! And for those that think it sucked and couldn't be true and blah blah blah and all that, you are entitled to your own opinion. I just don't want to hear it:)

October 17, 2006

Renovations under and ongoing here (as well as in my kitchen but THAT'S another story for another time)

I'll let you know when the changes are up and running. Just some changes to the 'read a book' section and 'fave things' are coming up!

And, as you can see above, I now have some ads up! Check out the merchandise! What's one more minute of surfing?

October 16, 2006

Has The Gap gone Grunge? I thought grunge and all things Kurt Cobain were way passé! My last few Gap drive-bys have been less than exciting. Didn't buy a thing. Overnight, after they painted the entire store a really navy blue, the store seemed to go Goodwill or Sally Anne. I have no problem with discount stores and retro, second hand and vintage clothes but not at regular Gap prices. So, I thought it was just me and that this latest trend would pass and decided that if it didn't pass quickly, I would have to re-examine myself and answer the tough question, "Am I just getting

old?" I shudder at the notion of this and decided to do a Gap quality check on Sunday and I'm afraid the news is not good. No sweater sets or classic collar shirts with tailored pants to match. The scene literally unraveled in front of me along with the clothes. Nothing has finished seams or cuffs. Threads hang everywhere and as for the new Gap/Africa/Aids/Bono line, well, I hate to say it but the merchandise I saw looked like it had already been worn in the fields for a year and at $30 for a T, this just doesn't sit well with me. I won't even get into why anyone would want to buy a shirt for their teen or spouse that says 'hammered.' And yes I know, play on words but it is supposed to be an Aids fundraiser and with sayings like that, the designers have alienated those with the wallet in the 13-17 age range (the parents). Obviously I left with nothing! I will find another way to support this latest movement. Have you seen the new red ipod nano!?!?!? Yum!

October 9, 2006

Happy Turkey Day!

We enjoyed a great Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend. We celebrated by traveling to the U.S. for some H & E (hotel and eating out) and shopping of course. We enjoyed the fall foliage on the way down in the car and did note that the usual resident wild turkeys were suspiciously missing from all of their regular hangouts even though it was Canadian Thanksgiving and not the U.S. one.

We enjoyed Farmer's markets, an Apple Fest fair, the Syracuse Zoo and a yummy holiday dinner. There was nothing even remotely traditional about our turkey dinner. There was no turkey, just prime rib at the Scotch and Sirloin. I know, odd name and if you saw the outside of the building you wouldn't venture in. We never did until this visit and boy was it worth it! It's one of those old style steak houses and in this case, the old adage, you can't judge a book by it's cover, was VERY accurate.

But as you can see by the photo, we were able to stage a traditional holiday feast. Thank you Pottery Barn Kids.

October 1, 2006

Running with Scissors-the movie, is out this month. Cannot wait!

September 20, 2006

'Scoot over Rover and let a real Dog take over." Duane aka 'The Dog' Chapman

Sending the luck of the Irish to the Chapman family. If there was EVER a time to question the fairness of a law, this is it!

September 13, 2006

Quote of the day- "I want to be a rat. A rat, a rat, a rat, in the Nutcracker! You have to be able to do the splits and I can do them with one leg and now I just have to do the other one." 6 year old ballerina

September 10, 2006 Already!!!

I was sure that I had been updating here. You know, loading pics, rambling all about stuff and more stuff! So, imagine my surprise when I popped over and noticed my last entry here was Aug 31st!!!! Oh, it's coming to me now. THAT'S because I've been busy with the new yoga site. Yoga with Laurel now has a new home so go there if it's yoga you want or need or just to take a look http://www.lolabelly.com

September 1, 2006

I've been spending a ton of time on the new site and next is this one. I'm cleaning it up and hopefully it will be bigger and better (okay, so I'm talking about the font).

You don't have to tell me that it sounds vain! I know but if it helps, I did NOT come up with it! One of my editors did. He always asks 'how are things in laurel land' and 'what's new in laurel land.' So to me, it seems fitting to call the main page og my site where I ramble and sometimes meander (think about that one), Laurel Land!

So, welcome to Laurel Land. I hope you'll have a look around, perhaps pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Oh, and you might notice my spiffy ads and/or endorsements up above. They change monthly and if you want in on the action, contact me

August 31, 2006

Hmmm, excuse me? Have you seen summer? It's tall, bright and toasty warm on a good day. I swear it was just here a moment ago and then I turned my back and poof, gone for the moment. Potted plants are browning and it's not from the sun. And then, to make me even more suspicious about an early season change I overheard, no, actually it was right to my face that someone said the F word. Yeah, FROST! They heard that there had been a frost already. I don't care what this person 'heard!' Check the calendar! It's still August. Although convinced this was just a rumour, I still rushed out to the yard to pick tomatoes. Why? Because I don't already have enough in the house to cook with, NOT! It's because I don't want to lose the potential in these big and almost ripe fruits! They've worked so hard and come so far. Someone has to save them!!!!

You can guess what's for dinner around here tonight!!!

August 28, 2006

Off to the Races!

pics taken with my nokia 6682 smart phone!

I don't know what you did this past weekend but I went to the races! No, not the horse races silly, the CASCAR race held in Montreal. It was more than fun and as you can see from the pics, I was up close and personal with the super fast #29 Dodge Charger driven by driver Pierre Bourque. Pierre is Canada's only full-time NASCAR (yeah, he races all over the place-NASCAR, Cascar, Arca, Craftsman) driver and he's the 'oldest rookie' on the circuit. He's doing great things this year so make sure you note the name and get on your marks, get set and get ready to hear his name all over the racing circuit even more next year!

We're now what you might call a racing family since we all piled in the car and headed down to the race together. What started out as a super treat for my son's birthday on Saturday, has turned into an epic of racing proportion! You know what they say, "the family that races together, stays together." For those of you more familiar with concerts than with racing, we had the equivalent of backstage passes for this stock car race. We were in the paddock changing tires and checking engines. Okay, so we weren't doing all that but we were meeting the crew (it takes a ton of people to get a car on the road), checking out the car and even sitting in it. In my case it was almost the real thing as the engine was turned on and I visualized myself on the open road, turning a hairpin and more. I can still feel the rumble of the engine in my heart!

Pierre qualified 14th and had a great race, finishing 12th. His calm demeanor and focus was evident on several laps around the hairpin as drivers jostled for a position and tires were beginning to soften and slide a bit around the corners, making things even more exciting. Pierre held his own and was able to fight off one or two other cars that were trying to move up on him a few times. With a cheering base that put most others to shame, it was a very exciting hour and a bit! Can't wait for the next one!

HUGE thanks to Pierre, his family and the owner of his team and fellow driver, Dave Whitlock (finished 6th) and third racing musketeer Mark Dilley (finished 7th).

Enjoy these pics. Click on them for bigger view!

   lola wants to speed       laurel & pierre post race    round, round they go      tricky hairpin                bday boy n racing boy!   bday boy in hot seat

August 27, 2006

I don't usually do these but here goes, just for you Rob:)

1. One book you have read more than once.
Catcher in the Rye J. D. Salinger
2. One book you would want on a desert island.
The entire collection of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins and/or The Bible (it’s the only way I would ever really read it-it would be a survival challenge)
3. One book that made you laugh.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
4.  One book that made you cry.
Blackbird-A Childhood Lost and Found by Jennifer Lauck
5. One book you wish you'd written.
Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
6. One book you wish had never have been written.
I think every single book has some merit-I don’t have one published YET so how can I judge?:)
7. One book you are currently reading.
Possible Side Effects-Augusten Burroughs
Year of Magical Thinking-Joan Didion
8. One book you have been meaning to read.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
9. One book that changed your life.
HWSG-Dave Eggers (I think we have this in common Ted)
10. Now tag five bloggers: hmmm
 

August 25, 2006

Gearing up for tomorrow, literally! We're heading to the races and it's going to be fun. I hope to share some photos of the day there, with my new and very cool nokia phone that takes pictures that rock!!! We'll be watching a CASCAR series race and will be cheering for #29 driven by friend Pierre Bourque who has heads turning almost as fast as he makes those continuous hard left turns. You know what they say, practice makes perfect!

See you at the races!

For more info on racing and/or Pierre Bourque, Canada's only full-time NASCAR racer, go to http://www.pierrebourque.com

'

August 24, 2006

Frank Lennon RIP

I've attached the press piece on Mr. Lennon. He was the ultimate photographer and was employed by the Toronto Star for 47 years and took a zillion photos, some have become really famous-like the ones taken during and after that infamous hockey game between Canada and Russia in 1972. But for me, the most important photo he ever took was one of my mother. It was taken back in the early 1970's when my mom was about 22. As told to me, my mother was sashaying down the trendy Yorkville strip (before it became ultra noveau and ritzy it was a place for the hippies, the draft dodgers, do-gooders and beatnik musicians and poets of the late 60's and early 70's until they were forced out by the uber rich to make room for trendy cafes and boutiques) and was stopped by photographer Frank Lennon who asked permission to shoot her for the fashion pages of the Toronto Star. Of course she agreed! What a huge compliment!!!!

Here's where the story gets interesting, somewhat twisted and ultimately, frustrating. For many, many reasons, I did not know that this photo existed for a very long time and when the info was finally shared with me there was no timeline i.e. year, month, season or name of publication. Looking for a needle in a haystack was an understatement but I tried. Armed with special requests, important white gloves and gravol for those darned microfiche machines, I searched and I searched. Even the usually stodgy and somewhat grumpy library staff got on board trying to help once they knew this very personal and human story. Even I have to admit, it would tug at least one heart string in any beating one.

My mother, Carol E. Anderson, died in 1974, several  months shy of her 24th birthday. It was too short a life, full of journeys, pain and a lot of distraught. I was only in my mother's care until the age of 1 1/2 and had few pictures, none depicting my maternal force past the age of 19. The need for this photo became more intense. I wanted it and needed it. I looked, I searched, I pleaded and I cried. Finally, I had to take a rest and while I was resting, technology advanced and one day I started searching again, this time online. I found the Toronto Star online search and paid to search and search. I became frustrated and was about to log out as my purchased time was almost over when it just came to me-check under another name. And so, Carol E. Anderson quickly became Carol Wilson, one of her more predictable aliases. Bingo! I found it. I was nervous as I scrolled down the page and suddenly came face to face with a poor quality, grainy, black and white photo of a young girl captured in a carefree moment of a short life! It caught my breath!

This is where Frank Lennon comes in. When I contacted the Star they were able to determine that it was Mr. Lennon, a Star staff photog, who took the pic. I then paid to have someone search the archives for a negative. By this time, the woman helping me, also named Carol, knew the stakes involved and I could hear it in her voice, that she wanted to help me. But the end result was not a pretty picture (pardon the pun, trying to lighten the mood). A negative was not to be found which left me the option of paying a lot of money for a photocopy of the photo. Although temporarily inconsolable about the entire thing, I did decide that I still needed to have this memory of my mother and willingly surrendered my credit card number.

It sits in a poster scroll, waiting for me to do something with it, anything. I just haven't figured out what yet but I will. I did try to find Mr. Lennon, to see if he had the negative. I know, long shot but so much of life is a long shot so why not try? I wasn't successful but that's okay. I'm at peace with it. I hope Frank Lennon is at peace and if I could talk with him I would just say, "thanks for 'remembering' my mom for me."

You can read more about Frank at:

http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2006/08/22/frank-lennon-obit.html

August 22, 2006

If life is a bowl of peaches why am I feeling 'pied?'

August 18, 2006

John Abot, President & Founder of Jabot Cosmetics, based in Genoa City, Wisconsin, has passed away. He had been ill and incarcerated for a short time before his untimely demise. As a powerful businessman and strong patriarch of one of Genoa City's most powerful families, his presence will be sorely missed by not only his family but by viewers around the world. RIP. Mrs. Chancellor, of Chancellor Industries, has lost a true personal and business confident and also, the only other really old person in the city.

Ed note- I do NOT watch soaps or reality tv (I'm allowed to fib here, it's MY site). Perhaps once upon a time I did. Like say way back in pre-high school and early high school but that was all about General Hospital-Rick Springfield, John Stamos, Demi Moore and oh yeah, Luke and Laura (I never really got into THAT storyline). But back to my point. I did watch some soaps back in my earlier days and sporadically over the years, from time to time, find myself flicking to this type of mindless television in part because it is WAAAAAAAYYYYY cheaper than therapy or a trip to Belize or Bora Bora. That being said, nothing much happens during my many year hiatus's (I don't think that last one is a word) and I am always able to get back into the storyline after a few dream sequences, long coffee gazing stares and few trips to see a UFO as part of a general plotline. But John Abot dying was a shocker and I'm not sure what happened. I was sharing this news with someone at a party yesterday and they asked me if the actor had died. "What!" I did say this in a rather rude tone. "What do you mean, the actor?" John Abot is John  Abot." Okay, maybe I did get a little too wrapped up. Just in what I do not know!

August 17, 2006

Oddest voicemail message I have received in a very long time. "Hello, Mrs. Anderson, this is Denise calling to let you know that Mr. Foundation will be in your area on Tuesday to do a drive by to check out your crack." Whatcha think about that?!?!?!?!!

August 15, 2006

This is my new phone. Well, it's not just a phone. Apparently it will make me smarter. Ummm, well maybe not exactly word for word will it make me smarter but I feel that I will look smarter for sure as it's compact, sleek and shiny silver. It's the Nokia 6682 smart phone and I plan to have lots and lots, hey, maybe even loads, of fun with it. I've never had a handheld tool quite this smart and with so many features, all available in the palm of my hand. It has, to name a few-a digital camera so I can take lots of pictures around town and upload them here-once i figure that part out (yeah, i know a lot of cell phones have cameras but this one has a FLASH), capability to make a 1 hour movie (look out Hollywood), lots of muzak capabilities like mp3 and acc and m4a formats and play lists ( i can listen to muzak and watch video and stuff). bluetooth (call me madonna with a headphone in my ear and no cord (i think Bob Barker should look into the whole cordless thing-he's been using the same skinny microphone with a long cord, for years!) and voice command-which i wish i had at home and in stores so that everyone else would listen to me like my new smart phone promises to.

So, be patient and stay tuned, lots more coming at you and me with my new toy! Yippee!

August 14, 2006

Well, I survived the weekend flying trip and am just polishing my piece about the experience. It will be up somewhere soon. Will keep you posted-no pun intended!

August 11, 2006

Going to Toronto tomorrow morning. What's that? Yup, I'm flying and THAT will be a story to read upon my return! Survivor meets today's commuter challenges!

No liquids!

August 10, 2006

Civil liberties, common necessities, stolen innocence. Fear? A bit. Anger? A lot! Incensed? Yes, extremely so!

What is this world we live in today?

August 8, 2006

Good news! Great news! A domain has been found and secured! Watch soon for http://www.lolabelly.com Belly will be a great compliment to laurele as you will soon see. Things should be up and running soon!

August 2, 2006

It's turning out to be extremely frustrating and difficult to secure a new domain name for the 'all things yoga' part of this website! A lot of domains are parked (read, you can have it for a silly price because really, we don't know you and don't share your name but we've done our research and know that someone with your exact name happens to teach yoga and write). And so I continue to plug away, trying not to get too caught up in 'the name' and so I will try to find something by week's end. Wish me luck and if you have any ideas, let me know.

July 21, 2006

Since I'm on hiatus for a couple of weeks and I know a lot of my readers are news junkies (like myself), I don't want to keep you hanging like network television does so feel free to surf www.bourque.com for the latest in all kinds of news from around the world. It's like reading 5 different newspapers, flicking thru several newscasts and reading a gossip column or two, all in one!

Also, for that much sought after 'laugh out loud' moment that you usually get here, go to www.overheardinnewyork.com

HIATUS UNTIL AUGUST 2006 when BIG changes will be happening. laureleanderson and the yoga pages have decided that things are getting cramped here and each need their own 'space.' BUT in the meantime, the YOGA pages will be updated regularly. Click HERE or above for yoga pages.

I will leave you with the following which sums up what I've been up to. Remember, a picture says a thousand words!

Click on photos to enlarge.

  The girls go to                        Tourists!                                A star is born?                      Sandi & Lola @ beach                  Lola & The Boys @ OB                 Sandi & Rob (my serious friends)

     Hollywood

June 20, 2006

Longest day of the year! Yippee! According to the calendar and today's weather, summer is here! I hope it's still here when I get back. Yup, leaving again! Heading to all things California!!! Hitting San Diego, L A, THE OC etc....Lots to tell upon my return!!!!

June 1, 2006

I know that I've been tardy here! No one knows that better than me! I was hoping to have the new look of the site up and ready by now but no such luck-or should I say no such time. Time is but a precious commodity here right now. It's all good though. Just really busy. Hoping to have the entire site freshened up this month. I've already started with the yoga pages and they are getting 'there' slowly but surely, kinda like a yoga pose you work on for awhile until you get it just right for you!

Speaking of yoga, I'm heading all the way to Herndon, Virginia this weekend, with a brief stop in Washington. I will be attending and experiencing another level of Children's Yoga training with renowned teacher and trainer, Shakta Kaur Khalsa, who developed the Radiant Child Yoga Program (RCYP) for which I have been training. It should be a great experience. I hope to bring back invaluable knowledge and more resources to share with the children that I teach and of course, to learn from Shakta is a blessing in itself!

Sat Nam, Peace!

May 15, 2006

Yoga Boy wins Survivor!!!!!! YES! Is it just me or was Mr. Aras a lot cuter on the island.......?!?!?!

May 14, 2006 aka Mother's Day

Mothers: To Be One, To Have One

By Laurel E. Anderson

May 12, 2006

The Kourier Standard

As I open up the invitation to the Mother’s Day Tea at my daughter’s school, I am unable to control the conflicting emotions. As a mother I am proud of my children and excited to attend this special tea. At the same time I always feel a sense of loss on this day, as I didn’t have my mother long enough to invite to a tea or to really make a homemade Mother’s Day card for.

I'm a writer and 'modern day' mother with a mind and disposition somewhat shaped by my experiences as the child of a young and fragile mother and while she is no longer here, I am reminded of her every time I look in the mirror. I had a mother (briefly) and am a mother (in for the long haul) and this theme consumes a lot of my writing.

This is one of many descriptions of myself. Devoid of real or raw emotion, it’s more of a professional, no nonsense explanation for the theme behind a collection I am writing. But the real me, the private person and not the public persona, reflects a bit more deeply on the topic of mothers, both having one and being one and Mothers Day often brings these thoughts to the forefront.

For the longest time I didn’t really enjoy Mother’s Day. Not having a mother always seemed that much more pronounced on ‘that’ day even though I lived with and had accepted this fate year round since I was a little girl. I won’t lie and say it was easy. Some years were downright tough and gritty and I think the peace and calm only began when I experienced what I consider one of the greatest gifts in life: motherhood.

I know that I’m not alone in these feelings. Many of us have lost mothers at different stages of our lives and I don’t think we’re ever really ready to experience this loss no matter how old we are or how rocky our relationship may be. Similarly, no mother is ready to lose a child. You lose a part of yourself when you lose a child and a child loses a part of him or herself when a mother is no longer there.

Motherhood is something I embrace even though it is one of the hardest and most challenging jobs out there and I doubt that I would find another mother that wouldn’t agree. I still miss my mother and wish she could meet her handsome grandson and the beautiful granddaughter that shares her likeness. But I hold onto the memories while I make my own with my own children. I hope you will do the same. I wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day.

May 13, 2006 Sin City Update!

I know what you're going to say and you're right, it is about time. No excuses here, just agreement.

Vegas was fun, fun, fun just as I predicated. I always have fun when I get together with Sandi and Vegas was no exception. From Barry on Thursday night to Elton on Friday night (with dinner before hand at Emeril L's restaurant Delmonico) to Hart and Huntington Tattoo  on Saturday, this girl's weekend was chalk full of fun! I'll cut right to the chase as I know you all want to know! Yes, finally after many years of thinking about it and then wanting 'it' I finally got my first tattoo. And in true Lola style I didn't just go to the local tat shop to get it. I went all the way to Las Vegas, to Hart and Huntington, the tattoo parlour made famous on television on the show appropriately entitled 'INKED.'

Getting a tattoo there is no small feat and were it not for our repeated visits to the t-shirt side of the shop, my tattoo may never have happened. We headed over to The Palms, home of H & H and gathered inside the 'much smaller than it looks on tv' shop and queued up in line. Apparently there is always some sort of line at this place. When it was our turn we put it simply so as not to be misunderstood and asked to get tattoos that night. The younger and not as nice as sugar and spice receptionist said something like, "we're full for tonight-come back tomorrow at 11 am. and line up and then you'll be given an approximate time to come back for your tattoo." "Really?" was my reply. "Yeah," was hers. I went on to explain that I had been calling from Canada for over a month to book this and that their voicemail was always full and the website didn't have much info to help  the 'would be tattooed.' She didn't care and said our only hope was to check back throughout the night in case someone didn't show up for their appointment. Now who is going to go to all that trouble to get an appointment and not show up? The chances were slim but Sandi and I really had no other options.

We went for a drink to ponder our next course of action and decided to head across the street to another casino to play some cheap craps. As we ventured outside and to the corner to cross the street we were almost whisked away like Dorothy in Kansas-the wind was that bad! And along with the wind came the cold. Did I mention that the traffic light was taking forever to change?!?!??!!? Sandi decided that we should go back to H & H and get our shirts-sweatshirt in her case, so she could wear it and be warm and then we could go to the other casino and drown our sorrows at not getting a tattoo!

No turning back. Get it?!

Back to the shop! Still so many people hanging around the shop and again we get in line to buy a shirt. Finally our turn again and we order our shirts and try on etc and then JEN, very pretty and much improved from the receptionist that we had earlier says, "is that all tonight girls?"  Is that all!?!?!  Heck no! "Well, I wanted to get a tattoo tonight but was told by the other girl that there was no chance and we leave tomorrow and can't come back." My blabber continues, "I've been calling you guys for over a month all the way from Ottawa, ON Canada-that's the capital of Canada to try to arrange this." And then I pull out my ace, "I'm press and plan to write about my experience here." Jen, my new best friend asks my name and then says those magic words. "We'll get you your tattoo tonight Lola-do you have your design with you?" "Yes," I answer as my hands begin to shake and I have a hard time retrieving my design from my bag. Jen takes my design back to Jesse and I'm ecstatic! Jesse is so cool on the show and knows what he is doing and is my top pick to leave a permanent mark on my body.

It's now time to get down to the specifics. WE talk size and then colour. It's the Wonder Woman emblem and I don't want any black. Jesse asks what colours of red and yellow I want. I don't know-just red and yellow I'm thinking in my head (where are those paint chips that I'm always collecting). No worries though as Jesse always travels with his palette of colours. He points to his arm and says, "a red like this?" to which I nod yes. "And yellow, this or this?" as he points to two different hues of the sunny colour. I pick and am told to come back in an hour. Sandi, quite gracefully lets me get my tattoo as there is only room to fit one of us in (thanks Jack). We leave and I'm pumped-my heart that is. We head to the bar for a drink and some discussion about how it will feel (Sandi has a few already and so she will lead me through it). "Think of a sunburn, a bad one and someone scratching their nail on it over and over....." she says. "Also, remember, once you start you cannot stop, it's not an option." This statement is delivered in a no-nonsense tone. Okay I think to myself. I am so ready. I've had two 10 pd babies and I'm sure going to use all that yoga breathing I've learned.

Tools of the trade

And we're off. As we walk across the casino floor I can feel the butterflies dancing in my belly!

Jen, my new best friend, welcomes us back and we wait patiently and people watch until we are interrupted by, "Lola." We've been beckoned and head back to the room that you often see on the television program. The room where Jesse will leave his art on my lower back. Sandi is there the entire time and talks to me, takes pictures, is quiet when I need to breathe and engages me in conversation when I need that, supplies a play by play of the work in progress and most importantly, holds my hand and reassures me during those few 'moments.' She was right about the sunburn feeling but just when I thought I couldn't take another rub in 'that' spot, it would stop and I did get used to it for the most part but there were moments!!! All said when I'm asked if it hurt I do not

lie. I answer yes and continue that parts did hurt but not too much to not do it:)

It's now about six weeks since all this took place and I'm proud to say that mother and tattoo are doing great and that this wonder woman is alive and thriving and excited about 'the wonders she will do'.

Everyone's happy afterwards. Jesse & Laurel

New episodes of Inked start airing May 31st!

May 8, 20063

Gosh, it's been a long time since I updated. I've been working on a new project and soon you will all know what the heck I have been spending some of my 'free' time on. Until then please be patient.

Stay tuned:)

April 25, 2006

Yeah I know, it's been awhile. I'm not even going to mention the soon to be Vegas post as you probably won't believe me anyways:) I'm toying with the idea of ending this section on my website. Perhaps indefinitely or permanently-I'm not yet sure. But my thoughts, opinions and attempts at humour will find another home-just not here-at some point. As you can see by my writing, I am torn about this. In the meantime, bare or bear (depending on your mood) with me while I think about it. At the very least I may go on hiatus for the summer-like all good shows on prime time:)

April 13, 2006

Well, with visions of Barry Manilow, Elton John and Jesse from Hart & Huntington Tattoo (from the infamous show 'Inked'), I cannot believe that it is almost bunny day and I still haven't posted about my wild and crazy and fun, fun, fun weekend in Sin City. I've been waiting for one of my souvenirs to heal and will post pics soon!

In  the meantime, happy holy Thursday, have a 'good' Friday, enjoy a spring day on Saturday, hunt for eggs or 'do' Passover things on Sunday and just eat lots of chocolate!

Happy Bunny Day!

April 9, 2006

I'm back. Just in case you thought I stayed in Vega either of my own volition or because I couldn't come home...Neither, I'm back and have LOTS to tell now that I have recovered! S and I rocked Vegas and they shouldn't soon forget us there-especially our room cleaner....Honest, the toilet paper holder did just fall right out of the wall, screws and all. It was the oddest thing.

Okay, so I need another day or two of catch up with work. Ah sad, yes I know. It can't all be fun and games. Perhaps one day. In the meantime, I leave you with a confirmation of spring. Road kill. That's right. We took a Sunday drive to the Hershey Factory today and there was lots of it. All shapes, sized and varying levels of decay. Yucky but a sure sign that spring is here to stay! YAY!

March 29, 2006 7:40 p.m.

This will be my last post until I return from my whirlwind weekend! Am I excited? Who wouldn't be looking forward to 'wearing yellow feathers in her hair' to impress Barry M? Who wouldn't love a hot stone massage at a premiere spa? Who wouldn't love to sit on Elton John's piano at the concert on Friday night? Okay, perhaps I won't be sitting right on it but for the price of the tickets I would think that I'm close enough to tickle the ivory.

Not so fun and really looking forward to getting up at 4 AM!!!!!! But I will do it and I will survive. I'm packed and ready and will hit the hay after LOST!

:)Wish you all could be there! Lucky roll-here comes a six!!!!

March 27, 2006

A few snapshot lines today:

'The best things in life are not things.' This is written in a graffiti style on a concrete wall somewhere and was photographed for a magazine. I'm not big on the photo but I love the message.

'The left side is the right side. The right side is suicide.' I first heard this from my Uncle John. He was talking about walking on the road when there aren't any sidewalks. When we go to visit John and Lyn at the Lake every year in New Hampshire, we are reminded of this saying as sidewalks are pretty scarce there and the roads are so narrow in some spots it takes my breath away! The saying means that you should walk towards traffic and it makes sense. Last night, on my way home from yoga class, I passed by several individuals that were lacking their 'smart hat' as they walked on the WRONG side of the road, in the dark and sporting dark clothing-it's sheer luck they weren't  hit! BTW there was a perfectly good and clear sidewalk that they could have used.

5.75 yr old loses first tooth-finally. It was while eating an apple-an apple that was requested cut up so as not to hurt the wiggly tooth. Well, the tooth came out in the apple and B spit it out, it landed on the floor and Daddy heard a 'ting' and thought there was glass or something in it so he grabbed it and threw it down the sink just as B said, "my tooth, my tooth, it's gone." It's the first tooth I told him! There was no question about it-pipe was opened and beautiful, white and little, this first tooth was rescued and now lies safely in the 'first tooth' box to await it's fate this evening!

Vegas countdown-3 more sleeps!

March 26, 2006

I didn't end up Idoling this weekend. Usually I work on Canadian Idol and the auditions have come to Ottawa this weekend and while it was my intention to spend the weekend with a bunch of singer wannabes, it just didn't work out. Too much going on, a hubby out of town and kids to deal with AND I'm starting a few new yoga jobs this week. OH and my week has been condensed to just three days as I get ready to leave for Sin City VERY early on Thursday morning.

I must be excited about the trip because it's very early Sunday morning and I had every option to sleep in and can't!!!! I'm going to start packing for my four day extravaganza and can already tell that the concept of packing light is not going to fit in here. I need daytime outfits, first thing in the morning outfits, pool outfits, nighttime outfits, pj outfits......layering for cool nights and unfortunately for Mr. Suitcase, at least 3-4 pairs of shoes! I wonder if S is packing as light?

Went to the '67's game last night. It was the first playoff game and was at the Corel Centre, now known as Scotia Bank Place. Gosh, that place changes names faster than Paris Hilton gets a new fiancé!!!! It was a girl's night-just B and I as the boys were at soccer tryouts. We were down 4-1 7 minutes into the game and the possibility of a positive outcome looked slim and then the boys turned it around as the second period started and by the beginning of the third period it was 8-4 for us. Cotton candy, sponge bob ice cream and huge inflatable cheering hands rounded out the evening and definitely contributed to its success.

Vegas Countdown-4 days!

March 23, 2006

One week from today. One week from RIGHT now I will be on a plane headed to Las Vegas for a weekend of a lifetime with my good friend S! TO say that we are going to leave our mark on that town would be an understatement!!!!!!!

March 19, 2006

In a somewhat panicked tone I said, "it's too early-that's not supposed to happen yet." I wondered if I should call a professional or just sit and panic and as both options continued to run through my mind as if on a loop, I was interrupted by my saner and calmer better half. "No, it is time-it's normal." To which I answered, "well, I don't want to see it" and "I'm getting old."

This is all about my youngest, B, experiencing her first 'wiggly' aka a loose tooth-her first. I guess it is time. She'll be six soon! So as I celebrate a coming of age of sorts of my youngest and grimace and groan at the 'about to start' monthly orthodontic visits for my oldest, I celebrate? something else. I am getting older. I have two kids either losing teeth or getting braces. WHEN did all this happen!

March 17 aka St Patrick's Day

It's my family heritage 'national holiday' today. It's all about how much green one can wear and get away with. My family came from Galway, Ireland in the late 1800's and the family name is Conroy. Galway is a charming city full of cobblestone roads and many pubs. It is the birthplace of the infamous Claddaugh ring and while I haven't been there (yet) I have seen many photos and so can confidently say that it is a beautiful place.

I'm not twenty anymore. I'm also not void of major responsibility as I was when I was twenty (I had responsibility then but it pales in comparison to the level I have now). But I had a go at it anyways. When I was twenty I would head to the Irish pub pretty much when it opened (to get a seat) and  would stay until close. I would wear my 'kiss me I'm Irish' button, wear my freckles and hazel eyes proud and try to 'twinkle' my eyes for a free beer now and then.

Fast-forward many years. It's March Break which means the kids are home and one of my many responsibilities I mentioned earlier. But I didn't let that stop me. I called the babysitter, after all, she's on March Break too, and hubby and I went to the pub for lunch and a nice Caffrey's (of course after a huge lunch and a pint of beer, all before 1 pm, I became sleepy) and then headed to my local office, Starbucks and hung out there for a bit, savouring both the lattes and the few minutes of freedom left:)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all.

Kai!

March 13, 2006

Just listening to the remake of Seal's 'Crazy' done by Alanis-and done quite well I must say. You can say what you want about Alanis' music or what you 'think' she's all about but I find her songs very invigorating and mind busting-in a good way!!!!!!

So, it's March break so today we hit the movie theatre with friends. We saw Shaggy and as much as I am not a Tim Allen fan and that there are many, many, many other films I would like to take in, this was a good one for a wide age range! We all laughed and got a little freaked, well at least I did, at the 'frog dog' but you'll have to see the movie to fully understand that description.

After the movie we headed back to W's house for pizza and play time. Pizza for the kids and 'grown up' lunch (I swear that's what I heard W say to her kids but apparently I heard her wrong:). What she really said was grown up drinks. Drinks, lunch, it's all the same at cocktail hour and my friends from my New York weekend last summer will attest to that as we had lots of liquid dinner and cocktail crackers! Hey, in some places that wouldn't just be considered dinner, it would be considered a special and slightly exotic meal (some people being me back in my really poor days during University when we used to go to Cultures and order soup to go so we'd get a bag and then we'd load up at the 'condiment' counter. That was back when breadsticks, wrapped saltines and melbas and huge croutons were free right along with mayo and mustard!!!!!!!

Okay, so I'm not sure where I'm going with any of this as I am extremely tired due to my wild day out. Not really but I am tired because of the huge thunder booms that kept me up most of the night!!!!!!

March 8, 2006

Yet another 'snow' day has hit our capital region! Imagine my surprise waking up to the radio at 6 a.m. telling me that the buses are cancelled due to freezing rain. So I jumped out of bed and looked out the window and was greeted by dry, bare streets (all the snow is still there-its just up on the lawns). Peculiar yes....but why not have one more 'snow' day to round out the season. Between snow days, 'early dismissal days for teacher development,' professional development days and for some (my daughter included), a two week March break, I'm sure the yearly school day quota will fall short this year! Oh well, I love my kids and am of the mind that you really don't learn THAT much at school. Well, I shouldn't really say that because you do learn A LOT of things that aren't even on the curriculum and have more to do with street smarts, how to not be targeted as a bully or as a bullied and how to 'just say no.' All kidding aside though, I love my kids and don't mind having them around when it works around my work schedule!

March 6, 2006

If you ever loved Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter or even just think of yourself at a 'wonder woman,' click on the 'about laurel e' section on the sidebar for an update about me and some worthwhile background entertainment!

"All the world is waiting for you and the wonder you can do."

March 5, 2006

Already! Really glad it's March as it gives me hope that the sun will stay out and melt the snow. I need the snow to melt away FAST!

In the meantime I'll just daydream about my upcoming trip to Vegas! WE are going to have the best time!!!!!!!!!

February 28, 2006

Wish I was there!

click to view larger

Phew! The longest shortest month is about to come to a close and I'm so happy I could almost sing! Unfortunately the 'tune' in my head right now is not pleasant. It's the idiotic jingle from that bank or credit card commercial where a man walks around with his hand in someone's pocket for the entire commercial and the muzak in the background and lyrics are 'hand in my pocket' over and over again. It's kind of weird really!

In much appreciation of the shortest, longest and coldest month (-33C with wind-chill today) being over I would like to both welcome and thank some new visitors to laurel e. including: Romania (close 5th behind Canada, Australia, Germany, U.S. Educational), UK, Poland, Finland, Netherlands, Brazil, Denmark, Singapore, Saudi, Greece, Czech, Seychelles, China, Belgium, India, South Africa, Moldova, Russia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Norway and Mexico.

I'm not sure what to attribute the geographical spread to this month-perhaps it's the Olympics........which btw Canada absolutely rocked (yeah we threw some terrific rocks to win the men's curling gold and yeah, curling is extremely boring to watch-I can't even imagine 'playing' it but none of that matters as we're the best at it) at this year!

February 27, 2006

Living in Canada's capital (Ottawa for those of you weak in history and geography) does have a few perks. I mean it's freaky freezing cold MOST of the time and there's always snow. Sometimes soft and fluffy and other times hard and crunchy. Almost always slick and slippery. The extreme temperatures drive me to drink cocoa while viewing the outside from the inside. This morning I had the Toronto news on and they were whining away about the -13C weather. Blah, blah! It's -21C here this morning but don't forget to add the ever present Mr. Wind-chill who always adds a few degrees similar to the few extra pounds that the all you can eat buffet adds to your waistline.....making it -31C here this morning. As for my waistline, I don't care to measure it until spring!

Anyways, back to the point of my post-yes, today I have a point:)

Yesterday we went to the world's longest skating rink-it's right in our backyard (once you get in the car and drive there). We braved the -13C to skate a few km's on the canal. It was good clean fun and felt great! Click on the photos to see for yourself.

Oh, and guess what?!?!?! I may not be heading to skating with the stars anytime soon (who wants to anyways?) but I've still got it-I can still skate!!!

Click on pics to enjoy the view!

A family skate

Enjoying the infamous Beavertail!

Februrary 23, 2006

Santa had an accident (click on photo for detailed pre-surgical view).

Santa and the other Santas have been stuck in the ground along our front walk since Christmas. I've wanted to put them away as they don't really go with the Easter Egg wreath and other upcoming holiday themes but they are stubborn little elf-like creatures that will not budge! It almost seems like they're on strike and picketing outside our house for better conditions and another quarter an hour or something. Well good luck 'cause I don't even want them there anymore.

And neither does mother nature by the looks of things. I came home the other day to lots of blocks and sheets of snow and ice smashed on the front walk. The sun came out and melted some of the roof build up and things came smashing down. It's a dangerous walk in the winter. Anyways, one stubborn Santa, who, if he had agreed earlier, would be safe and sound in the garage and wouldn't be in the situation he is in now, had an accident. It seems that one big sheet of white snow and ice stuff landed right on him and caused him a seriously life-threatening injury to his tummy. Again, we didn't even bother to call 911 for elves or anything like that because even after the impact and injury, this guy still wouldn't leave his post. He may have been lying down but he still wasn't budging. I've patched him up as best I could and can only hope things thaw out over here soon so I can get him the help he needs!

February 18, 2006

Wagon Wheel Wednesdays
It’s early. So early that the day hasn’t yet realized it’s morning as the sun grabs a few more minutes of shuteye before rising. But this four year old has other ideas. The internal kid clock has gone off and there is a swishy sound as she heads to the family room, blanket and pillow in tow. It’s early morning cartoon time, arguably the best time of day on a Saturday. She only knows what time it is by the cartoon. It’s Tom and Jerry time which means it’s just about 5:30 a.m. The rule is not to get up before Davey and Goliath at 6:00 a.m. But both parents seem to ‘look’ the other way for a precious extra hour or two of sleep.

After Davey and Goliath and just before Bugs Bunny, it’s Wagon Wheel time. Another parental ploy for a longer sleep in. The two circles covered in non-descript white packaging sit on the kitchen counter, waiting to be opened and eaten up. Nothing like a bit of chocolate and marshmallow to make morning cartoon time that much more special! There’s two, one for her and one for the sister who’s not up yet and every Saturday she’s tempted to eat both and always has to think about whether the punishment will be worth it. She always chickens out, separating the pair as one is devoured while one sits alone on the counter. It has nothing to do with being polite or practicing proper etiquette and more about wanting to keep the dream alive; that one Saturday soon, it will be a two wagon wheel morning! It’s simple and sweet, just the way life ought to be for a four year old.

Editors note
Oh, the title is 'Wagon Wheel Wednesdays' but the story is really about a childhood Saturday morning memory but you have to admit that the Wednesday title is a bit more catchy.

February 16, 2006

It's snowing and snowing and I have to hit the road to teach a few yoga classes. Hopefully the plows and salters will come out of hibernation for today's weather! The weather will be good for Winterlude as it enters its last weekend.....

Visions of Hawaii keep entering my head. I really want to go there. Christmas would be a great time. Kissing under a palm tree must be at least as good as under mistletoe! I mean, if 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' gets to live there I should at the very least get the opportunity to go on vacation there. But one trip at a time. Right now the focus is Vegas!!! When I tell people that I'm going to see Elton, their eyes get wide and they get excited. Then I mention that I'm also going to see Barry Manilow and most just don't get it! Well get this, Barry's newest CD debuted at number one on the charts and I, Laurel aka Lola, will be right in the room when he sings....to me......at the copa.........here name was Lola......

Sandi-can't wait!!!!!! Morning sun salutations followed by a champagne and orange juice shooter should have us good to go for the day!

February 12, 2006 again-My Stats are down-Hit Me Baby One More Time!

LV Update: Very excited about my upcoming weekend away. Going to Vegas at the end of March for some fun, fun, fun. A traditional girls weekend by all accounts I'm sure. Only time will tell. Superwoman friend S already booked our room and ordered our Barry Manilow tickets!!!!! Fanilows look out as we will bring the house down! After all, I am a LOLA!  Probably even more exciting will be the Elton concert. Yup, he just happens to be there at the same time as us so we're going to his concert too!

Other plans include a trip to Hart & Huntington. Those of you that watch the show Inked will know what that's all about. Unfortunately, Thomas no longer works there but I was glad to hear that he is busy living happily ever after with Monica and the twins! Yup, twins.

So, I've called there a few times and the voice mailbox is always full. Will have to keep trying while I work on my design.

Stay tuned!

February 12, 2006

Sleepless in the nation's capital. That's right, second night within 3 that there has been little or no sleep for me. B developed a huge fever in the night and needed tlc all night and a trip to the apothecary for some over the counter remedies for fever control.

Today's plan WAS to go to the Canal and do all things Winterlude but with B not quite 100 % and still coughing a bit, we decided that the minimum -12C wasn't conducive weather to her situation so instead we went to see the adorable and at times laugh out load new film, Curious George. The animation is great-should be as I read it was all hand drawn as opposed to using lots of computer animation. I did read a quick review before seeing it-something I don't normally do and it mentioned that 4, 5, 6 & 7 year olds would love it. And it's true for the most part. The review didn't say anything about 30 something's enjoying it just as much if they went back to their own childhood memories of reading George, trying in vain to win a stuffed 'George' at the fair and reliving other great memories from their George years. That's what I did and enjoyed a few laugh out loud moments as well as some almost teary 'ahhh' moments ( as a 5 yr old, not a 30 something). But the official review was left to my 5 yr, quoted at the venue saying, "it was good Mommy, not great." Probably didn't help that she had recently seen Hoodwinked (a bit more sophisticated and full of innuendos) and Narnia-not much can compete with that beautiful film.

February 11, 2006

Unfortunately this is not a fairytale or a bedtime story or a work of fiction. It's a true story and it goes something like this.
As with all trips to the mall, it wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at the Gap (don’t stop reading here if you don’t like the Gap or its products because you’ll like this story more than most). With kids and hubby in tow and it being a weekend, we felt brave just venturing into the mall and were surprised that it wasn’t too busy. As someone who works for herself I have a rule about weekend shopping and it includes: no Costco, Wal-Mart, Ikea or Malls on weekends. So I should have known something would go wrong as I was consciously breaking my own rules.

We entered the Gap in our carefree, ‘maybe we’re going to spend some money’ mood and hubby and I were attempting to talk about the pants he was looking for (flat front chinos, relaxed fit in a darker colour) but we couldn’t really converse very well as we had a hard time hearing each other-we were only about a foot or two away from each other. And the reason we couldn’t hear each other was because the muzak was much louder than usually and once I really noticed it and it became apparent that we could barely hear ourselves think never mind each other, I decided to mention it to a Gap employee at the cash as I was going by.

And it went something like this. I was less than 2 feet away from her and I said, “don’t you find the muzak kinda loud in here today?” To which she said, “What?” with a look that says ‘I can’t hear a damn thing you’re saying.’ So I repeat, “don’t you find the muzak kinda loud in here?” “No, actually I don’t,” says the manager quite rudely. I look at her in disbelief, she’s one of many managers at this location (Gap seems to need a lot of managers) and she knows I am a regular customer, and I say, “well I do find it loud, too loud, my husband and I can barely converse while shopping.” She just looks at me in a defiant way (body language is everything) and starts to say ‘no’ again but by then I am angry. I’m the customer and I tell her so as I walk away. I say, as I am walking away, “well then don’t worry about it, I’m only the customer,” and we walk out without a bright blue Gap bag.

Editor’s note: A copy of this is being forwarded to Gap’s Corporate Head Office

February 1, 2006

Fast Times at Bowmanville High? Good Times For Sure!

Lame? NOT!

Reunion Photo-pictured from left is 'Meryl Streep' aka Sofi, Laurel E and 'Bobby' aka Jeff

Click on photo for full view

According to Oprah, 50 is the new 40 which makes 40 the new 30 which makes this writer about 28! This thinking really came in handy this past weekend as I hit the open highway for a high school reunion! Yup! I did it. I actually went, showed up, attended, survived it and lived to tell it!

All kidding aside, I didn’t just survive it! I loved it! I’m not going to lie and say that there weren’t a few butterflies and ‘oh my gosh I think I might throw up’ moments but luckily they passed and I made it up the stairs and into the banquet hall without making a mess along the way.
(Thank you Shelley (also an old friend from elementary school that invited me to stay with her for the reunion weekend. Did I mention that I hadn’t seen her since we were 12?!?!) for coming with me and providing that extra push needed to get up the stairs).

To say that time has been kind, um, well in some cases that was true. Actually, in most cases. There were classmates that looked exactly the same as their yearbook photo, yeah you Linda! And others that I didn’t even recognize (if I didn’t talk to you that might have been why).
Doug looked great-sorry for not recognizing you right off the bat (did you notice that?). Andrea M a new and proud mom but still Andrea the photographer and public speaker always getting the best shot and making sure everyone knows what’s going on.

It was interesting that the Mayor of Clarington (formerly Bowmanville) was there considering what must be a full and higher profile schedule than this type of venue. But a vote is a vote and I’m sure he saw it as a good networking opportunity. Oops, I forgot, John’s actually a member of the graduating class (that’s why he was there she mumbles to herself). Sorry about that John.

It was neat to see what everyone was up to. Who was living their dream and who was still trying to figure theirs out. Some classmates became exactly what they said they would and some, myself one of them, found themselves doing things they said that they would never do (all legal mind you). Life’s funny that way, most of the time anyways.

What kind of people and occupations make up the class of 1985?
Well, there didn’t seem to be a shoemaker in the group (too bad as someone was hobbling in the corner on a loose heel and having a shoe professional around would have come in handy). But there are some lawyers, a pharmacist or two, some physiotherapist/occupational therapist types, teachers and more teachers (really good ones at that), real estate agents (I think they’re really undercover secret agents but we’ll never know ‘cause that’s a secret), restaurant owners, computer people, professional office and career people, Chandler Bing type people with Chandler Bing type positions, clock people, writers, journalists, nurses, veterinarians, moms, dads, caretakers, undertakers (well, not anymore), ski people, massage therapist individuals, good people, great people and of course, the Mayor! Hey, no doctors????

Hanging with one of my dearest friends from high school, organizer and young Meryl Streep look alike Sofi, made the trip more than worth it! In a way everything was the same if even for a few moments (reminiscing with Eric at the bar downstairs). We could have been in the gym at one of our famous dances at BHS instead of at Bobby C’s or was that G’s, at the Marina. But at the same time, for the most part, everyone was all grown up and could no longer hide under the guise of being young and impressionable and still a kid. Heck, most of us have kids, jobs, mortgages and cars that we use to ferry our kids everywhere everyday!

Thank you Andrea.

Thank you Sofi and Jeff. I hope this is just the beginning of a renewed friendship. It won’t always be easy as our kids and family obligations don’t always allow us to have a life of our own but we can try! Between jobs, ‘bobby’s.’ kids, hockey and all that other jazz, let’s make some time for a drink and a connection, just like we did on Saturday night! And for others at the reunion that felt a similar connection with an old schoolmate, reach out and touch someone (in a purely platonic way of course).

See you all in another 10?
 

January 27, 2006

Oprah fries James

Okay, everyone's talking about yesterday's Oprah show which is exactly what the publishers and James want. Remember, for some, any press is good press.

Here's my random two cents about it as people are asking me:

As for mr frey-I can’t believe he went on the show! I have different thoughts at different moments about the entire thing and here are some of them.
-he’s dumb to think he wouldn’t get caught but maybe he didn’t care as long as it sold books.
-he didn’t really ‘say’ much on the show-rather he just sat there and looked a bit contrite and victimized but never really remorseful except at one point when O was about to make him cry but then cut to commercial
-I think he was forced, by his publisher, to go back on O-Nan is a HUGE Powerhouse in the publishing world.
-He wrote a good book of mostly fiction and that’s what it should have been presented as
-Unfortunately yesterday’s show will sell more books of the current ‘memoir’ but I’m not sure what the rest of his career will be like.
-Remember, he worked in Hollywood before selling his book and no one tells the truth there.
-I’m not sure how much he really cares about the entire thing-bottom line is that it sold a ton of books and my advice to him is to save his money as there may not be much more coming.
-Against my own conviction I did find myself upset for him at moments throughout the show but at the same time when he admitted that 4 hours in jail was not 3 months I was angry-having read the entire book and now almost done the second...wondering if any was true.....
-But I didn’t think the show accomplished my other than to vindicate Oprah as James already admitted all those things elsewhere and I think he HAD to go and just sat there saying little unless he really had to and then he never really answered the questions.
And finally, for someone that wrote such a good book, he should have had a better ‘story’ for Oprah!!

THE END
 

January 27, 2006 again

I'm off to see the wizard this weekend! WEll, not really but I am heading to that high school reunion I mentioned not too long ago. Hoping for lots of fun, reminiscing and catching up. Also going to see an old childhood friend. I'm actually staying at her place for the weekend. Looking forward to the entire experience. Hope to write and post pics upon my return.

Wish me luck!

January 22, 2006

'Life's a Beach'

M & B catch some rays at the winter wonderland beach in Canada's capital. While most Canadians are preoccupied with tomorrow's federal election, kids like M & B are taking the laid back approach as they literally 'chill' while enjoying some snacks at the beach!

Don't forget to vote! You wouldn't want a negative outcome to be your fault!

January 18, 2006

A Million Little Pieces Frayed Around the Edges?

While I'm disappointed with his ‘embellishments’( I mean there’s stretching the truth and making your own!), it should be noted that this book was originally shopped around as a work of fiction and I'm thinking that it made a better sale as non-fiction to the publishing houses. As most writers know, pure and fully true NON-fiction is a difficult discipline to tackle and Frey is not the first author of one to come under attack. Jennifer Lauck and Augusten Burroughs also had to deal with negative publicity concerning their best selling memoirs, although not to the extent that Frey has. But let’s remember, this is  a memoir-one person’s story, perception, interpretation or take on something i.e. their life. It is their interpretation-the way they see or saw it and yes, just like when you and I tell a story about something that happened to us, we often exaggerate certain details for the sake of the interest of our audience. Frey has done this but to the maximum and as a writer of ‘faction’  (fiction BASED on non-fiction) I feel his main faux paus was to not include a little blurb at the beginning of the book (that you often see at the beginning of factual films) that says ‘based’ on a true story, creative liberties taken with aspects of story and plot line.  

That's all I'm going to say on this other than that I started reading the sequel to Million entitled 'My Friend Leonard' and I hope to hell that James isn't talking about his imaginary childhood friend in this hot pink hardcover!

January 16, 2006

Crash, bang, smash em up, Crash up Derby is NOT fun!

I had a fender bender on Monday morning. I'm okay physically and the Jeep is okay mentally but I wasn't okay mentally and the Jeep isn't okay physically. Do you get it? The Jeep is at the jeep hospital for surgery and it's not day surgery. We won't have her back before the end of the week. In the meantime, the 'hospital' has loaned us an 'ambulance' which others might describe as a Montana Van. WHY are most rentals white???? I am not a white car fan and I'm not a VAN fan at all. No one should really drive a large white vehicle unless it's an emergency vehicle. As for the Montana part, I would rather be in Montana than drive a Montana. Double Whammy! It's my first real accident and I was having a hard time with it. You know, I don't have accidents, this doesn't happen to me and all that jazz. Fortunately traffic was going very slow and I was alone. Even more fortunate is that there will be no ticket, fine or points (yikes). And I have to stop dwelling on the fact that normally I wouldn't have been traveling that road at that time of day....It was a reminder that I am human. It was a humbling experience.

Friday The 13th!

My favourite number on a favourite day!

I was going to write ALL about the James Frey controversy but since everyone else is doing that this week, I thought I'd save that for a rainy day (Hello Seattle). No, instead I want to write about girls. Girlfriends in particular-not romantic girlfriends but a girl's friend.

I love my girlfriends! It's always been so hard for girls to really get along and much to my shock, it doesn't necessarily get easier as one gets a bit older. That being said, I know that I have some great girlfriends. Some I see often and some not so much but when we communicate and share, it's magic!

Today was a magical day! Thank you girlfriends! I celebrate you and you and you and you........:)xo Lola

January 10, 2006

Things to be thankful for right now:

Coca Cola

My neighbour and his generosity with his snow blower

The sun

Good people

Great people

A smile

The little munchkins in my children's yoga classes-all of them!

My January web 'demographics' so far and in order from most to least:

Canada, U.S., Peru comes in a strong third, Australia trails, Germany is gaining on Australia, Belgium and Poland are racing in at a tie, Finland and the U.K are neck in neck, Italy is back a bit with Saudi Arabia making a brief appearance or two and China, Bulgaria, Seychelles, Singapore, Mexico and Taiwan not far behind and South Africa, well, someone HAS to be last:)

January 9, 2006

And the snow, snow, snow won't go away and Lola started squirming........

Welcome to January in the great white north!

Welcome to the first week back to the old grind i.e. school, work etc

Welcome to extra long rush hour (just to go to the corner store) because of that wild and crazy white stuff that falls ALL winter long but no one can quite get used to especially when it comes to driving!

Welcome to a nice conservative estimate of 15 cm of snow with a nice rainfall to follow! Can you say broken hip or at the very least, broken pride when you tumble  (not sure that's what the boy named George had in mind when he sang that song).

And hey you, neighbour on the roadway! If you're 'man' enough to buy such a big road beast, be man enough to dust off the 5 plus cm's of snow on the roof rack and while you're at it, scrape the ice off at least one window so you can see me before you cut me off and almost run over my most precious commodity-my child! Better yet, get your lazy ass into the garage and clean it a bit. Surely you can fit the beast in there somewhere! It was designed as a three car garage you know!

January 7, 2006

It's official-as official as it's gonna get.

Las Vegas here I come. The plane ticket is bought and I'm leaving on a jet plane at the end of March with a pocket full of quarters to try my luck at the slots! Only quarters you're mumbling? Well, last time it was nickels so I'm getting there! Best part of this trip is that I am meeting up with one of my newer and great friends, Sandi of 'Three's Company in New York' fame from this past summer (regular readers will know what I am talking about). We're going to hit the town and hit it hard. I'm only a tiny bit worried about Sandi's nonchalant mention of some time in a paddy wagon on a previous trip......We will try to keep our noses clean and if we don't, no one will EVER know 'cause 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.'

We're going to stay at Caesar's Palace and take in the Elton John show! It's going to be fun with a capital F!!!!! Oh and a visit to the location of the famed 'Ink' show is in order! I guess some 'things' won't stay in Vegas!

Care to join us? I dare you!

Sometime after Jan. 3, 2006

 
Scattered thoughts of a silly girl-that's me!

Publisher’s Clearing House-according to the cheesy TV commercials, it’s still around. DO people really win? And if they do, why does it seem, according to the commercials, that only older people win. I’m surprised the winning-the big cardboard cheque and official looking people with microphones coming to the door in small town u.s.a doesn’t scare the be Jesus out of some of them.........

Reunion Time
Okay, so I backed out of last year’s high school reunion at Trafalgar Castle. This is a private residential school that I attended for Gr 12 & 13.  Was suppose to go with a friend but an election was called and her hubby is in politics and she couldn’t go so I didn’t.....lost  $100 on that one. Anyways, now there’s another reunion. It’s for the class ahead of me from the high school that I went to for grades 9-11 and I mostly hung around with the kids a year older so I’m invited to that reunion. I’m not telling you the year as that would make me feel old:)
Anyways, it should be fun. An evening get together. Some are coming and some are not. Actually, now that I think back to a reunion I recently read about on a California blog or two, maybe it won’t be fun.....maybe no one will come. Maybe everyone will come. Hopefully everyone will just be nice and get along.....and reminisce and stuff. I wonder if I will automatically recognize people. I wonder, if I wear my hair straight, if the girls that accused me of having a perm (never did-have naturally curly hair), will feel vindicated and smug. Doubt it, it’s not that kind of get together (I hope). But the trip to small town Ontario is worth it as I will experience another reunion of sorts. My childhood friend Shelley, whom at one time I spent soooo much time with and experienced many adventures with, lives in this town and has offered to host me for the weekend. I always wondered what happened to Shelley-she did impact my earlier life quite a bit and I even wrote one of my shorts about times at her house, and then when I mentioned her name, someone else knew of her whereabouts and sent me her email addy and we’ve been keeping in touch and planning to get together sometime. Well, sometime is here now!!!!

Should be fun. I think about memory lane being fun... I hope so! I hope it's more lane than dead end!
:)

January 3, reality 2006

Happy '06 to everyone. Glad to see we all made it through another yuletide carol and all the festivities or festivus, depending on how you chose to celebrate-or not:)

The following (my horoscope or horrorscope depending on the day) is something I am going to look towards as opposed to make my focus or theme or reason for living in '06 and while as always, or at least the last few years, I have resolved not to make resolutions, I still try to take a somewhat honest look at 'my' year in review. Happy moments, silly ones, cringing and embarrassing ones, the list goes on. And while I rewind the tape, I reflect and make note of a few things about me, in me, that I would like to change or improve and I hope that this acknowledgement is enough light to see me through another year.

Here it is-my fuel for '06:

"The hardships of the past are lifting and the time to make a positive change is now. Do what you always wanted to do. Stop putting everyone else first and prepare to take the world by storm."

There hasn't been a lot of hardship  but there's always room for positive change and apparently it's time for Lola B to take the world by storm so watch out 'cause here I come:) If anything comes of any of this, hopefully is will be a finished copy of my book of shorts!

Late December or early January

Not too sure of the date. it's a little foggy here without school and regular teaching gigs this week. But it's a good kind of foggy. Anyways, for those of you that didn't know or weren't sure, I'm here to tell you that the holly jolly holiday spirit is over, done, kaput, out the door so fast it made my head spin! Yup, that's right, I ventured into Wal-Mart. I'm starting to think that place is a minimum no security prison for everyday felons that don't even realize what got them there. Mass population is the 'sale, sale, sale' section full of dated, broken, old, half-eaten crap from holidays and seasons past. Insanity plea prisoners tend to hang in the customer service queue waiting for someone to solve their problems-all of them. And the solitary confinement dudes? Well, they hang out in the oral hygiene row in my local Wal-Mart. It's the skinniest, tightest row in the store with a big pole in the middle. It's impossible to step back and few the million and fifty teeth whiteners, toothpaste, brushes and denture glue. Oh, and a new division at the local Wal-Mart prison is the halfway house. It's disguised as a 'teddy bear' factory where you make your own bear and proudly take him home. Too bad these halfers don't even realize the half of it. A grown adult making a bear is suspicious enough behavior to get sent to the insanity queue!

December 23, 2005

Click here to read my holiday column.

Visions of a Baileys on ice as I laugh at all those that have not done a single bit of shopping, whether it be for food, gifts or tinsel. Shame on you! Or should I say brave of you!!!!!

December 19, 2005

Ramblings and Snapshots of a Day; This Day

I still have Nick Rupa's baseball glove from 1978 or so. He gave it to me when he got a new one-I think. I was a pretty good ball player but didn't have my own glove until Nick gave me his. Thanks Nick.

Caution-I should have known. Actually I did know and chose to dive in anyways. I went to the dreaded (and not just at Christmas time) Walmart with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head as it is the season right?! What I didn't envision was that there was not a cart or a basket to be seen or found anywhere. I ended up taking one from an aisle. Hey, it was empty and blocking my way and there was no one around.

Food Bank-Went there today too. Fortunately it was not to receive but to give. I dropped off the food donations from my daughter's school. What a feel good moment. Not that that's what it's all about but it did feel good and made me remember how fortunate I am.

Why are there sooooo many books out there and not enough hours to spend reading them?!?!??!?!??!?! If anyone has the answer to this one, let me know.

Best sales line today at the mall, "Would you like a chocolate?" Hell no, I'll take a handful as one is not enough with a line this long!!!

December 17, 2005

Happy Birthday M

December 16, 2005

Chronicles of Narnia was awesome! The best and more!!!! How many films can you take a 5 yr old, an 11 yr old and two twenty something's.......(shh you that know my 'real' age)?!?!!?!??!!?? Magical delight I thought! And what better way to spend a 'snow' day?! Sure we couldn't make it to school. I mean the big yellow mean machines aka school buses took a defeatist attitude before the snow even started falling. Rumours of snow day have been swirling for days. So, no one went to school or work, I might add. But we did go to Narnia and enjoyed an escape from the real world and all it has to offer at this time of year stress-wise.

Great day!

December 10, 2005

Mini Post Day

Lots happening or happened so this is a 'this n that' post.

First, my 'yoga corner' and 'kids corner' pieces can be read in the Winter issue of City Health Magazine, Ottawa's premiere health and fitness magazine on stands now. I will also link the articles on my site later in the week for those that can't get their hands on a copy.

U2 rocked! For me, it was a great concert. Considering that up until two weeks before the concert we didn't have tickets, the entire event was a bonus! We enjoyed the concert from the comfort of a second level suite complete with snack and drinks! Hey, any party's a good party if there are snacks and drinks right Sandi and Wendy-even if it is just cheese and crackers!!!!! Ooops, that's me slipping back to my fantastic New York City long weekend memories!

The opening band, Arcade Fire was amazing. Not only musically talented (such a rarity these days with technology and all different types of lip synching), they really put on a great visual show. And, the band members switch around between songs, singing, drumming etc. Watch this band from Montreal as they are on their way!!!! They have a song on the 6ft Under disc and their own disc, entitled 'Funeral' is a lot about  deaths that many of the band members experienced in a short amount of time.

Bono was amazing-my gosh, how old is the man and he still has his groove on and he really can sing-when he sang Luciano P's song.....

The concert was really 'made' for me when he sang an extended version of my fave U2 song, Sunday Bloody Sunday! Other major faves he played included "I Will Follow, It's a Beautiful Day, Where the Streets Have No Name"....We had a great view and could see everything. But even if you couldn't see everything you could certainly sense and experience the energy in the 'room.' To see so many different types of people-what a range of ages and musical tastes BUT we all put up with each other because we all LOVE U2.

Annual Tree Hunt Success Repeated Again This Year (headline)

Every year we host a tree hunt. It's the closest to hunting I'll ever get unless I'm starving on Survivor! It's a coveted invitation due to the 'eat, drink and be merry' theme to this event but we have had to control the numbers to try keep it a more intimate setting and plus, I only have so many soup spoons and champagne flutes.

Okay, so everyone meets in our driveway at 8:30, yup that's a.m. and we head to the Thomas Tree Farm in North Gower for some good old-fashioned tree hunting. After roaming the bushes, claiming every other tree as 'the one' and hitching a ride back to 'base' camp on the horse sleigh, everyone is 'treed' and sitting around the fire drinking complimentary hot chocolate  and eating cookies. We rest for a bit as the real work hasn't even started yet. It's now time to hoist our prizes on the vehicles. We take bets as to who's tree will fall off on the 20 minute ride back and Rosa and Glauco are favoured to lose their 'virtual tree.' The don't really cut a tree-theirs is pretend....but that's another story for another time.

December 5, 2005

Okay, I know I promised to write my U2 update etc BUT I just spent too much time working on the business side of my site i.e. yoga business and writing and now have to head out to teach the children. I learn so much from them too!

I promise to update soon! In the meantime, don't forget to shine your boots tonight! And, if you've been good maybe St. Nick will bring you some yummies but if you've been bad, coal is on the way!!! Oh, this only happens if you are of a European tradition. I'm Canadian but married to a European so I get the best of both worlds. Okay, gotta go shine my boots! Where are they....?

November 25, 2005

U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2 U2

TONIGHT!

Details to follow!

November 24, 2005

I can't help it. I'm a bit distraught over the Jessica and Nick breakup and for many reasons. First off, I really wanted to believe in them and, to believe them. Also, I have been delayed in realizing that the rumours were true because on Newlyweds they just looked and acted so gosh darn cute and in love. Didn't help that I was watching the show a year or so behind here in Canada. Again, I digress back to the rumour mill, paparazzi circus and tabloid dosedoe. The official announcement of the breakup by the couple itself says so much more. It says that the rumours, and perhaps Hollywood rumours in general, are true. It also says that Hollywood people are very good actors in 'real' life no matter how well or badly they act on the big or small screen. It says that two young people were just too different-and didn't we all see it anyways? Jessica loves flashy things and baubles and clothes and walk in closets and paid by the hour designers and Nick lived with friends in the Hills before he was married and did his own dishes and moved his own stuff instead of hiring movers and loves video games and golf.

More distressing is that I have spent this much time thinking and writing about this situation.......

November 21, 2005

Been busy like a bee but without the buzz!!! Spent this past weekend in yoga training with world renowned Shakta Kaur Khalsa. She created the Radiant Child Yoga Program (RCYP) and I was fortunate enough to have her as my teacher this past weekend! More on this experience will be posted soon on the yoga pages.

Almost just as exciting but on a totally different level was the phone call or two I received on Saturday night while away. A big HEY YOU! and I MISS YOU GUYS TOO! Out to my Three's Company posse-Sandy aka Jack and Wendy aka Janet from Lola aka Chrissy!!!!! Sorry I missed your calls but I felt the love through the voicemail messages!!! I did think about returning the favour early this morning and substituting the 'drunk dial' with an 'early morning dial' but didn't. But I will soon so beware or be square!!!!

November 15, 2005

My freakin' arm hurts! Actually, it more than hurts. Silly flu shot. I got it! Didn't want it! Wish I didn't get it! But kinda sorta need it-for some work I do! Well, at least I'm kinda sorta confident that I won't get last year's flu-just the 2005 model!

Okay, and now a word from our 'sponsors' aka top search strings so far this month:

pokaroo

homety video camera

felt old sweaters

ghost writer for million little pieces

grooms in cowboy boots (you know who you are:)

if I knew you were coming I'd a baked a cake

glazed donut

laurel anderson (?)

oh yeah and lots of 'yoga' search strings!

November 13, 2005

Wonder Woman saves the day on Oct. 31st!

Mad/Max Scientist meets Wonder Woman!

November 12, 2005

Who put that on my front lawn?!?!??!

November 11, 2005

Take a moment-it's not much really. Take a moment and give thanks for your freedom and remember those that died going to get it for  you!

Okay and now for a lighter moment....check this out, it's worth the click! http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2679657

If you love Napoleon, you'll love this!!

November 7, 2005

I'm going to see U2 too!

That's enough excitement for one day!

Oh, get the freakin' chocolate and tootsie pops out of my house! I love Halloween but my waist does not!

November 4, 2005 after Oprah

Okay, first I'm going to qualify this post by saying that I hardly ever watch Oprah anymore and the reasons are many although I won't go into them right now. But, let's just say first off how much I love Nate. You know Nate-Oprah's Nate. No last names required when you're a frequent guest of the show or when you become part of the 'O' group (which I would love to be a part of-once I'm done my book of course:). Did I mention Nate's cuteness factor that is still so strong even though like most other 'Hollywood' types, he's too short (for me). Never mind that he plays for the other team! Lucky team! And this brings me to today's observation. It was just too gay-the lime green, short, close fitting, minimized puff vest that cutie wore 'in the field' when working on a home makeover. Too gay and not in the  right way! But I still love him and find myself at Linens & Things more than I need to be just to touch his stuff-you know, his line of homeware. He's even in the store flyers.........Yum!

November 4, 2005

I miss my girls! Three's Company! Why won't somebody 'come and knock on my door?" Oh yeah, I don't usually answer the door.....

November 3, 2005

I loved and still love The Rockford Files and for many different reasons. It was a good show at the time and played on Saturday nights and I watched it, usually with my Nan so it kinda reminds me of some of the good times in the 70's when I was under 10 years old and didn't fully understand the world that I lived in-probably a good thing at the time. Anyways, I wished for the show on DVD for Christmas last year and since it hadn't been put on DVD yet, I didn't receive it but according to my 'sources' (amazon), the first season is on it's way in early December-just in time for Christmas! Yippee! Did you know that Tom Selleck aka Magnum P.I. aka Monica's eye doctor boyfriend on Friends aka gun supporter shot down by Rosie on her show, played 'Lance' on the Files? I did not know that but then again I didn't know who Tom Selleck was back then but I'll be looking for him when I get the DVD!

Jim Rockford was a private detective with a difference.
He was an ex-convict. Once imprisoned for a crime he
had not committed, but eventually exonerated when new
evidence turned up. Jim had a penchant for taking cases
that were closed--those the police were sure had been
resolved. His knack for turning up information that
might reverse the already established verdict did not
endear him to the police, particularly to Det. Dennis
Becker with whom he had a love-hate relationship. Jim
was always getting Dennis involved in situations he
would have preferred to avoid, aggravating the cop who,
despite it all, had a personal affection for him. Jim
lived in, and worked out of, a house trailer at the
beach in the Los Angeles area and was not the cheapest
detective available, charging $200 per day plus expenses.

His father, a retired trucker, helped him on occasions
and his girlfriend, attorney Beth Davenport, was always
around to bail him out when he ran afoul of the law.
Having been in prison, Jim had many ex-con friends.
One of them, his former cellmate, Angel Martin, was
constantly in need of Jim's help because of his tendency
to get involved with his former criminal associates.

November 2, 2005

I'm really tired of all the black and orange construction cones that I see everywhere! Halloween is over so enough of the colour scheme or theme. It's so bad around my place and the city in general that mapquest has become an even bigger part of my life than it already was. And that's just to go 2.5 km's up the road. I won't let them win. Holding me up for minutes on end while some truck moves dirt from the left side of the road to the right side and then back again! I have a Jeep for a reason!