N'awlins

I've been glued to CNN watching the ongoing saga of Hurricane Katrina. Last night, Greg and I were talking about how thankful we were to have been to New Orleans, because the news was making it sound like the city would be washed away.
This morning, it looks like the worst of the storm has passed already, and New Orleans has not sunk. I'm very glad, because not only is this city steeped in history, beautiful architecture, incredible music and delicious food, but Greg first told me he loved there!

Greg and I had been together for about 6 months when, for his 30th birthday, we went to New Orleans. It was our first time travelling together and we were really looking forward to it. Greg really hadn't done much travelling before, and I was excited and curious to see if he would make a good travel-partner. He did and we had a wonderful time. I really wasn't too worried, because I already knew that we had similar interests. We talked about so much stuff, I guess we were still in that honeymoon phase. But one thing we did not talk about, was that I had already fallen in love with him. I had made a promise to myself that I would not be the first one to say "I Love You." Sometimes it killed me not to say it, like when we were giving each other googlie-eyes, and kissing, and cuddling, and...other stuff.
I'm sure that I silently told him, hundreds of times, that I loved him, but I remained stubborn and silent. (Because what if he didn't love me?!)
So there we were in New Orleans, and it was hotter and muggier than hell. We had just made our way out of the casino (having cooled off) and were crossing the street, heading to the mall (to cool off some more!)
While we were waiting for the light to change, Greg said to me "I think I'm falling in love with you!" My heart skipped a beat. Could this be the moment? "Really?!" said I. "Ya, I like you a lot." My heart sunk a bit. "Oh. Hmpff." Good-naturedly, I said to him "So, one second you use the word Love, and the next second you are back to Like?! I already know that you Like me!" We walked a few steps, crossing the street.
That's when he turned to me and said those magic words "Yes...you know what? I do love you! I love you!" (lol...this sounds so corny!!!)
I let the words sink in a little, and then I broke my silence and told him that I loved him, too. Of course, he was surprised after I gushed a bit and told him that I had known for months already, but didn't want to be the first to say so.
We have said these words daily since that first time, but you know what? I'm glad I waited and let him go first...even if maybe I pushed him, just a little bit...

Monday Madness

Taken from Monday Madness
1. Do you own a dishwasher (and if not, do you even want one), or do you have to do your dishes by hand? Funny you should ask! Greg and I bought a brand new, used dishwasher on Sunday. It is SO quiet, and we can fit SO many dishes into it! You know you are a grown-up when you get excited about appliances...
2. Do you put your dishes away immediately after washing them? Uh...no. They get taken out of the dishwasher when we need a place to put the dirty dishes.
3. In the warm weather, do you like hanging your laundry out on the clothesline to dry, or do you prefer a dryer? If I didn't live in a condo, I would hang some things out on the line to dry. There is nothing that smells so great as line-dried laundry.
4. How many loads of laundry are done in your household each week? About 6.
5. Do you own a pet? If so, do you buy them presents for holidays? Do you consider your pet(s) spoiled? If you don't own one, do you think you will one day? Yes! two cats. Yes! They get Christmas presents. Yes! They are spoiled...but can you really spoil your pets too much?!
6. It's Friday evening and you're planning your weekend. What's on your agenda? Heading up to the trailer for the long weekend this week.

I know that there are a lot of animal lovers out there reading blogs. This was sent to me today and I thought it was cute.

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?
1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got ourwhole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?
2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not upto code.
3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!
4. Rottweiler: Make me.
5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.
6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!
7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of thesituation.
8. Jack Russell Terrier : I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.
9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a lightbulb!
10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.
11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or "We don't need no stinking light bulb."
12. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?
13. Australian Shepherd: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...
14. Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.
How many cats does it take to change a light bulb?
Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is:"How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"
ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE MASTERS, CATS HAVE STAFF!

What to Do?

What if you found out that your common-law partner of 20 years was HIV positive? And he swore up and down that he was not gay, that he did not cheat, that he has no idea how he contracted this illness. And yet, at the same time, did not want you coming to doctor's appointments with him, and you could not discuss his medical condition with him, or anybody else, and especially not his family? And maybe, because the only way you could rationalize how he would test positive, you figure that at some point in your relationship he must have had a blood transfusion and forgot to tell you. He's terrified that you will leave him, and yet by staying you know that you will never have sex with him again, because you are afraid you might also become HIV positive. But you love him like a brother, so you agree to stay with him.

Then, two years after his diagnosis, you start to think about other men. And you meet someone who you find interesting and attractive, and you meet up thinking that maybe you could be friends with this guy, but nothing else, because you would never want to betray your partner of 20 years. So one casual lunch, turns into drinks and dinner the next night, and the next thing you know, the sparks are flying. And it makes you feel alive and desireable again.

What do you do?
1) Do you end it right then and there, when you really haven't done anything wrong, continue living in a platonic and comfortable relationship, and keep your promise not to leave?
2) Do you be upfront and tell this new guy your situation when he asks (because he thinks you are single?) and hope that at the very least, he will still want to be your friend? But maybe you can get away with having an affair?
3) Do you end your living arrangement with your partner and tell him that you are interested in pursuing other relationships, but that you will still be there to support him should he need your help?

Someone I know is in this situation. We discussed all of the above options. I know what I would do, if I were in this situation, but I'm not her.

What would you do?

Friends Again

...with my mom, for the time being.
This week has been much less stressful.
Two-Four has stopped relaying the "how she found out about the wedding, and really she's happy, even though Ramona didn't think so in the beginning" to every Trailer Park Parker. She is now relaying where "she was during the Tornado that hit Fergus last weekend." Actually, that was pretty scary, as the F2 Tornado touched ground about a kilometre from the park. It cut the power for over 24 hours as hydro lines were knocked out by trees, but that was all part of the adventure. Greg and I were not at the park, we arrived 2 hours later oblivious to what had happened. Denise, really was visibly shaken, and luckily she was safe, but it did give her an excuse to buy another case of beer. Tornados are not really that common in our neck of the woods, but it HAS been a crazy-weather kind of summer.
Things with MIL2 are also smoothed over, no worries.
I have booked the restaurant in Las Vegas for our wedding dinner. My mom is happy about it, and I have asked her to help with figuring out the menu, and what flowers I should get for my bouquet and for the dinner tables. She had red roses and freesia. Guess what I'll be getting?! (Because why would I get anything else, when my mom's bouquet was already the best?!)
OK. That sounded a little passive aggressive, didn't it?
Maybe I really AM my mother's daughter?!
No!!!!!

Cover Girl

Imagine my surprise when I received phone calls today from all my work friends to let me know I was on the cover of the hospital's web HOME page!
To see me hard at work, click here!

Now, for something completely new (and, apparently, nude!) I have joined the SIM family over at Adventures in Cyberia . It'll be interesting to see how this all unravels. Check it out (but don't let yer kids see me!) Ramona Krseydkty

Taken from Monday Madness this week, it's pot pourri:

1. When putting groceries away, do you rotate your food so your newest items (cans and such) are in the back, and older food in the front? Nope, but after a while I do throw things out.
2. Do you own a digital camera? Yes! If so, how long have you had one? Almost 2 years, and it is with me almost all the time. If not, do you plan to purchase one soon?
3. How do you store your precious photos? Not very well, on my computer but nothing is saved. If my computer were to crash, all would be lost.
4. It's 6:00 a.m. and you've just lost power due to a severe thunderstorm; they say it will probably take at least 12 hours before power will be restored; what do you do? Funny...we actually DID lose power up at the trailer this weekend (will write about that shortly)
At 6am, I'd probably sleep in until 10, then I'd light some candles (if I had too) and hang out. (If, of course, I didn't have to work. Hospitals run on generators)
5. How many times a year do you (or does someone dear to you) wax your automobile? Never. Is that something you are supposed to do?
6. Gas prices; what can we say except they've reached an all-time high. How are you dealing with this? I bite the bullet and still drive my car. Although, whereas I ususally fill the tank to full (because I hate pumping gas, and really don't think that women should have to...) now, I just put in $20 at a time.
7. Have you ever purchased a book or cd twice, forgetting that you already had it? I sometimes buy books on purpose knowing that I have read them before, but really enjoyed them, and want to re-read them. Once or twice, unknowingly, I think I've started reading a book and realized that I've read it before.

The St. Lawrence Market, Circa. 1850

The market now, built around the original

The St. Lawrence Market

In yesterday's post, I mentioned that one of my favourite places is the St. Lawrence Market. This building has a long and colourful past. Out of curiosity I looked up the Toronto Archives, because I really wasn't sure how long this particular building has been around. I won't go into great details, but if you are really interested, you can look here Toronto Archives: St. Lawrence Market
As I was reading this article, I was becoming more and more intrigued about the history of this building, and the changes over the centuries. It celebrated it's 200th anniversary in 2003 with a big party open to the community.
Anyway, in the recesses of my mind, I remembered hearing that the building is haunted.
And I LOVE Haunted stories!
So here is what I found out today: (taken from the archives)

Police Station Number One was located on the main floor in the centre of the building and the jail cells were in the basement. Directly above, on the second floor, accessible by a staircase located in the entrance foyer, was the Council Chamber. This room was actually two stories high with a balcony above the north end which served as the public gallery.

In 1834, a week before the vote was to be cast on our city’s future, a group of people were standing on the second level being addressed on the fundamentals of the upcoming election. A creak was heard coming from the floorboards followed by a huge snapping sound when the entire western portion of the public gallery collapsed. 24 people were critically injured and 3 others, including the nephew of Colonel James FitzGibbon (the officer Laura Secord informed of an American attack during the War of 1812) died after they were impaled on the butcher hooks below.

As early as 1850, less than six years after completion of the new building, John George Howard, the City Engineer, presented the first of many reports on the condition of the building. There were complaints that the shops were too small and that flooding in the basement forced prisoners to be knee-deep in water. During a storm the creeks that at one time started their journey above Davenport Hill and flowed down into Lake Ontario would swell, flood the jail, and the helpless people shackled to the wall would drown or at the very least, hang knee deep in all the contaminated debris washing up from the open sewer that was backwashing in from Lake Ontario.
If those walls could talk... they’d scream!

Playing Tag...

I'm IT! Geez, it's been at least 30 years since I've been IT in a game of Tag, and for the first time I've been tagged in a Meme by Kristi over at Interrupted Wanderlust

This meme is a way to introduce others to your blog neighbors, just as you would in real life. I'll answer the questions, and tag four others who frequent my blog to answer the same ones. If I tag you, just copy and paste this meme in your blog, and change the answers for the bolded questions. Then, tag four others to do the same. If I tag you and you don't want to be tagged, it's no big deal...
Here are four people I think may be interested in playing:Tag! You're IT!
Denine from Blahg
Maria from Silver Fox Whispers
Donna from Words to Live By
Ericsgurl from The Phantom of the Opera

Here are the questions:
When did you move to the neighborhood?
I've only been blogging since February 2005. My dear friend Pez and I were talking on the phone and she confided in my that she had one. I had no idea what she was talking about so she explained it all to me and has helped me along. She told me how to get a blogskin, how to add the pretty picture of Kross-Eyed Kitty, how to change colours, and lately how to link. (Because I only JUST learned how to do that last week!) Initially, I had no idea what I was going to write about, it really just started out as a diary of daily happenings and ventings. I've discovered that I really enjoy writing my thoughts down and quite often make myself think differently about things that I was intially upset about.
I moved to downtown Toronto about 5 years ago.

What region of the neighbourhood are you from?
Just generic blogging, no particular theme!

I was born in Berlin, Germany and immigrated to Toronto, Canada with my parents when I was two. I was raised in the suburbs and moved to Saudi Arabia when I was 26. Went back and forth to the Middle East until I finally settled back home when I was 34. Home is, and likely always will be, Toronto. I absolutely love to travel, but for me, there is nothing like flying over Toronto and knowing that it is where I belong.

What is your favourite part of the neighbourhood?
Just getting things out of my head and seeing the words and pictures on my site makes me happy. Its become quite the hobby for me. I'm enjoying thinking about funny stories that happened in the past and even when I'm venting about things that are going on in my life right now, I get great satisfaction out of reading my thoughts. And, of course, I enjoy the comments and advice I've been getting!
My favourite part of living downtown, is that the area I live in really is a community, and I know my neighbours, which is probably unusual for such a metropolitan place.

What is your favourite place to visit around these parts?Initially, when I started blogging, I was dealing with Infertility issues. I had just found out that the only option I had to conceive a child would through donor egg adoption. Months earlier, I had met Donna Words to Live By through a forum that she led that dealt with Infertility Issues. I admired how she was dealing with her own issues, the positive encouragement she gave to others and discovered that she also had a blog. I spent my earlier days reading the blogs of women who were having similar issues. From there, I started reading blogs that were about a variety of other topics. I do my fare share of blogstalking and have found many interesting people through Michele's weekend Meet n' Greet. I love knowing and connecting with people of all ages all over the world. It gives me new things to think about.
My favourite place to visit in my community is The St. Lawrence Market On Sundays there is also an antique market in the North Market building.

Where would you suggest someone new to your region should visit?
All the Blog sites listed on the left sidebar are wonderful! Check them all out. Each and every one has something unique to offer.
Toronto is a wonderful city. There are so many interesting things to do, especially in the summer. Street festivals every weekend celebrating that particular 'village.' Toronto is probably the most extreme multicultural city in Canada. You can travel around the world and never leave the city!

Don't forget, the purpose of this meme is to meet new neighbors, so be sure to check out some of the blogs mentioned here!

I have learned...

...that even at 40, when you believe that you are planning the simplest of weddings, that family tends to get too involved. Or, rather, the Matriarchs tend to get too involved.
I totally recognize that they are trying to help, or mean well, but honestly...I'm wishing that they would butt out and let me do things my way.
Greg's mom Denise (Can I nickname her TwoFour?) is still trying to make up for her lack of enthusiasm of when we initially told her our news. Really, I KNOW that she is happy, she just has a weird way of showing it. I don't think she needs to re-tell the conversation at half hour intervals to anyone in the park who will listen.

Greg's Step-mom (I will call he MIL2) has also meant well, but for some god-only-knows reason has us travelling out of Buffalo, transfering in Timbucktoo and arriving in Las Vegas 9 hours later. She is a travel agent, but apparently did not have access to www.expedia.ca where we could have had flights out of Toronto direct to LV. When I asked her about it today (very diplomatically, because I didn't want to cause any problems) It. Became. A. Problem.
So, when I thought I got everything sorted out with her, and told her "No, everything really IS OK, don't worry about it, I'm sorry I brought it up, please don't do anything more, everything is ok, what's done is done, please, I'm grateful Blah-dee-blah-blah-blah" she then called Greg, who then called me at work, and we very nearly got into our second fight ever. I told him the above conversation, told him to call MIL2 back and let her know that everything was a communication problem and that "blah-dee-blah-blah-blah we were ecstatic with the plans and not to change a thing."

Do you really want to know about the issues I'm having with my mother? I will call her PA. Passive Aggressive.
She is upset because I did not ask her to come Wedding Dress shopping with me. OK. First of all, I would rather set myself on fire than go shopping with my mom. Yes...I would rather pour gasoline all over myself and with a Welder's Flame, set myself on fire...than go shopping with my mom. Apparently, and I did not know this, it is an unwritten, traditional, set in stone, never to be broken rule that brides go dress shopping with their mothers. My grandmother went to the dressmaker with my mother, and my mom is CERTAIN that she is the only mother IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD who was not present when her only daughter went shopping for a wedding dress! I bought the second dress I tried on, and I am thrilled with it. I can only imagine the frumpy frock my mother would have wanted me to wear. (Because I'm 40, and not a young girl anymore, don'chya'know) So then she tell me that I am making her feel like she is Just a Guest at my wedding. Well. I asked her two weeks ago if she would do me the honour of walking me down the aisle. She said "No, that's a man's job...shouldn't you ask your brother?" Was I upset? You betcha. But then, my mom is Just a Guest.
Oh...here I've gone and gotten myself started again.

I'm going to stop. Before I start foaming at the mouth.

Is there something on my nose?!

I see two of you!

Monday Madness

Taken from Monday Madness

This week's questions are all about you! Nothing personal; just for fun...
1. On what day of the week were you born? Tuesday's child is full of grace!
2. Do you look forward to birthdays? Yes! Absolutely. Why not celebrate another year of life?
3. How do you usually celebrate your birthday? Usually, just a small dinner with family. This year was special though and I celebrated early with a trip to Vegas with Pez and Leah Ann, and then another friend had a lovely backyard party for me.
4. Do you like surprises? Not really.
5. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party? Yes! When I turned 16.
6. How many family and friends' birthdays can you remember right off the top of your head? Maybe 20-25. I get lost though, when it comes to remember my friends' kid's birthdays.
7. Do you send cards to your family and friends on their birthday? I like to make cards, and I'm generally pretty good at sending them out on time.
8. What kind of cake do you like? Not much of a dessert person, but I guess I'd choose chocolate.
9. What kind of ice cream goes best with it? Love ice-cream! Chocolate works well for me, but I like any kind of ice cream, as long as it doesn't have bits of candied fruit in it.
10. When is your birthday? (You don't have to share the year with us if you answer this question.) June 8, 1965. Just turned 40! It's looking good!

Frugal vs. Cheap!

Last night, at work, I was talking to the other nurse about how much I like Mission stores and thrift shops, rummage sales and garbage picking. I kind of look at this as a fun little hobby, and not necessarily because I am frugal. I enjoy fine dining, but I've learned that I really like to cook. Before I met Greg, I probably went out to a nice restaurant at least once a week. Somehow, its just not in the budget anymore. I like nice clothes, but because I wear scrubs 5 days a week, I really don't bother much with my wardrobe. When I do wear 'real' clothes, I've got my favourite standbys. I enjoy the finer things in life, but don't feel that I NEED to have them, I am just as happy window shopping. Or buying my little treasures at the above mentioned places. Any extra money I have goes towards our summer getaway, or vacations.
So, I was telling this to the other nurse last night and she seemed to recall this family who live in Arizona, earn $33,000.00 per year, have five kids and live the frugal life Home Economiser
So, of course, I looked at the site. Pretty impressive really. But the problem i have is that they are SO strict with their budget! There is no room for frivality at all. They go grocery shopping once a month and have figured out which week to eat their fruit so that it won't go bad. Bananas and grapes the first week, and apples and oranges the rest of the month. Jeez, what if they wanted bananas in week 3?
Anyway, some of the tips were good, but some where just plain old kinda cheap. They have a newsletter with reader tips:
SOAP SLIVERS LIVE ON!After you use a bar of soap for a while, it gets too small & slippery to work very well. Right? Here’s how you can get more suds out of your bar of soap. After you’ve saved up a handful of leftover “slivers”, take a pair of old panty hose and get out your sewing machine. Using the panty hose, cut out & make a small bag to enclose a handful of soap slivers. Make it snug around the soap slivers. Sew it up, keeping the slivers inside. I use the resulting ‘soap pouch’ at the bathroom sink. I’ve been doing this now for about 6 months and it works great. Sometimes I think it lathers & cleans hands better than a plain bar of soap — I suggest light-colored panty hose and thread for a nicer appearance.Keith Schrader – Wichita, KS
I think this is cheap. And, ya. Fer sure I'm going to lug out a sewing machine to make this project. Hmmm...maybe if I save enough soap I can make enough of these to give away as gifts!
PUT PLASTIC IN THE CAN (2.05)I've found a couple of great uses for all of those plastic grocery bags that I've accumulated.1) Use them to line small waste baskets. It makes them very easy to empty.2) Use them to collect "garbage" when cooking or baking. Place egg shells, wrappers, discarded fat, etc, in the bag while cooking, tie closed and toss in the trash.Jennifer Dahl - Bayard, IA
Really! How innovative! I would never have thought of this myself! Duh...
HAIR RAISING SAVINGSMost salons charge outrageous prices for a haircut. Learn to cut your family's hair yourself! There are videos and books in the library showing you how. Or maybe you have a friend who is a professional stylist and would teach you the tricks of the trade. Invest in a good pair of scissors and a cape (find them at a beauty supply store). I cut my husband's hair and he cuts mine. We do it out on the patio so the house doesn't get dirty. You can learn to do this! And you'll save a ton of money each year.Heather Peacock - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
I could just picture Greg and I chopping away at each others hair. We'd look like Dumb and Dumberer. I think we'll try this at the trailer...the birds can then use our hair to make their nests!
HOT CURLING IRON MITI use my curling iron 2-3 times a week and hate to leave it in the sink, unplugged but still hot. So I took my old ironing board cover and made mits for the differing sizes. The smaller one is: 11 1/2" x 4 and the larger is 12" x 6 1/2". Add a short pocket in the front for the plug and they store great.
I cut the pieces for the smaller one by laying the material flat and measuring 8 1/4" across, this is 1/4" seam allowance and 4" wide finished size. I then make another cut that is 12" long, again leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. I fold it in half and make the cut edge rounded for aesthetic reasons. I then cut another piece half again the length, but same width for the plug pocket. I sew a piece of binding tape along the top edge of both pieces. Then I lay the pocket piece on top of the larger piece of material and fold in half. I sew the cut edge with seam binding and it is ready to go! I also store these in my cupboard in their cases and have used quilted placemats (lining it with ironing board material) from yard sales and thrift stores to make them as gifts. I have also taken a small piece of the matching material and added a hanging loop for those that hang their irons.Michelle Carr - US Military Overseas
Did anybody really bother to read this one? You've got to be pretty damn anal to actually make a curling iron cover. But if you must, why not just use an oven mitt from the dollar store? Seems pretty simple to me.
A BOUNTY OF . . . BOUNTYWe reuse paper towels that have been used to absorb water off of freshly washed vegetables. We simply leave them out for a day and they're dry and ready to use.Rick and Jane Schell – Eagle, Idaho
This is just stupid. Are you not going to immediately use the freshly washed vegetables? Why dry them? If you must...why not use a clean tea towel? I'd love to see what these people's kitchen looks like with bits of drying Bounty all over the place!

Anyway, check out the site. Home Economiser
It's quite interesting to see how the Economides live. I believe that is their real family name!

Just like old times...

My dear friend, Pez AKA: Denine is in town! Last night the girls got together and it was like old times. Hard to believe that we have all known each other for 30 years! And, even though we don't see each other that often, it's wonderful how we can just pick up where we left off. Of course, Denine and I keep in touch very regularly despite the 6,000 miles between us. In fact, it's been at least 15 years since we've even lived in the same country. I moved to the Middle East and by the time I came back to Canada, Denine had moved to the States.
Our lives are very different, and we've chosen different paths, yet she is a part of my daily life and I cherish our friendship.
I'm so glad that she will stand up with me on my wedding day!

Cocoon

This past week I was up at the trailer and had a lovely time. Couldn't have asked for better weather.
I decided not to say anything to Greg's mom about her repeating and elaborating on conversations, but in my head I've decided that I simply will not say anything even slightly negative about anybody so that she has nothing to talk about. While I quite like my future MIL, I don't think that she shows good judgement. So, it's up to me to have better judgement in the things that I choose to talk to her about.
Anyway, I had a funny experience last Thursday morning. Future MIL (Denise) invited me to aqua-aerobics at the pool. The night before it seemed like a good idea. At 9am the next morning, the idea sucked! But she wouldn't take no for an answer.
So, I get up out of my cozy bed, put on my swimsuit and troddled off to the pool with her. As we approached the pool, I could feel myself walking slower and slower and this feeling of dread washing up over me. She didn't tell it me it was Senior's aerobics. But I bit the bullet and jumped in the pool quick before anyone could see me. Well. Remember this movie Cocoon That is about as near to my experience as I can tell this story! The average age of the aqua-aerobics participants was about 70, and I gotta tell ya, once they got in the pool, they were acting like they were 15! It was hilarious! I swear I had a permanent grin on my face. There is nothing like an 80 yr old woman screaming with laughter that her "sister's weren't happy about the cold water" and in response having a 70 yr old dude telling her to hurry up and get in, he had "shrinkage to deal with!" I swear, the bantering went on for an hour! At one point (I kid you not!) there were 5 Hawks circling about over the pool! Well, didn't that set them off and they started bets on who the hawks were thinking was going to croak in the pool that day! I couldn't believe it! (I was only hoping that it wasn't going to be ME croaking, because I was having a hard time keeping up with the aerobics!)
In the end, it was the perfect way to start the day, and I would definitely join in again.
Although, I could have lived without the group hug at the end and singing "Here we go 'round the Mulberry bush so early in the mor'ning..."
That, was a little weird.

Monday Madness

Taken from : www.mmadness.blogspot.com

What would you do in the following situations?
1. The store clerk undercharges you for an item you purchase? I'll ask if it's on sale. If they still undercharge me, then I figure that it's mine for the price.
2. The cashier gives you change for a fifty dollar bill when you only gave her a twenty, and you don't realize it until you're out the door? I would absolutely let the cashier know that they gave me the wrong change. At the end of their shift they might have to account for the shortage.
3. You see your best friend's husband/wife with another woman/man at a neighborhood restaurant? I'd call my friend and depending on where she thinks her husband is, if he's not where she thinks he is, I'd tell her that I saw him.
4. Your 15 year old asks you if you ever tried an alcoholic beverage before you were of legeal drinking age (and you have)? I'd say that I did, but that doesn't mean that they have to run out and start drinking underage!
5. You find a one hundred dollar bill laying on the floor of a department store? Hmmm...tough one because of course I'd be tempted to pocket it for myself. But, I think I would turn it in, what if someone who really needed that money was missing it?

Lilies

Telephone Line...

Has it ever happened to you that you say something to someone that seems reletively harmless, and the next thing the whole world seems to know about it?
Jeeeez! Last night I was talking to Greg's mom on the phone and the topic of the flight to Vegas came up. Now, I'll admit, living in Toronto and flying out of Buffalo is a royal pain in the ass. Especially since we live 15 minutes from Pearson Airport. But Greg's step-mother is a travel agent, and she put this deal together for us, and she is paying for our flights as a wedding gift, for which I am very grateful. All I said to Greg's mom last night was that it is a pain in the ass, and I'm glad that other friends who are coming to Vegas booked their own flights over the Internet. They are all flying out of Toronto and staying in the same hotel for the same price or less.
This morning, Greg's sister called first thing. "I was talking to mom last night and she told me that Ramona is REALLY upset over this flight." OH BROTHER...I am not REALLY upset!
I think I am really going to have to be careful with every little word that comes out of my mouth. Greg's mom has been carrying a 20 year grudge against the step-mom and without thinking, I gave her fuel for fire!
What the hell was I thinking??? The last thing I want to do is get caught in the crossfire.

The Original Kross-Eyed Kitty

Monday Madness

I am going to try something new called Monday Madness (www.mmadness.blogspot.com)

1. If you could be on the Amazing Race, who would your partner be? Greg, because he is sensible and gets the point easily when it comes to seeing a problem or challenge, plus he has a good sense of direction (I don't...I'd be lost getting to the very first airport!)
2. On a priority scale of 1 to 10, how do you rate trust in a relationship/friendship? 10/10. Otherwise, what's the point?
3. Do you trust your spouse/significant other/best friend completely? Absolutely...10/10! That's why I'm going to marry him!
4. Do you trust others easily, or does it take time? I usually give people the benefit of the doubt, but I don't usually open up to people right away unless I get the feeling that they are a Kindred Spirit.