Boo's Tattoos and Other Stories

Catching Up

2007-02-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

So my brother is doing well and has made arrangements to have everything cleared up. He has to serve a few weekends but he's been there before so no big deal. Mom is very relieved. As am I, but still not ready for contact.

Things have been way busy lately. Not sure if I mentioned it before but we bought a 55" HD television a couple months ago. This was followed by new livingroom furniture (I think he was tired of my bitching). Then I needed lamps (of course!!). And decided I wanted to paint. Well, we got that started when I decided to have some people over to watch a Senators game, in HD, on the big screen.

So then it was panic time to get everything done before company. Which we did, and, I had the get together this week as planned (hubby had to be in Pennsylvania - we really hate that job of his). It was great!! Definitely need to do this again. And definitely need to take a break with buying furniture for a while!!!

So earlier this year, I got a new car. A 2006 Chev Cobalt... like this one, only black with darker tint...

I was planning to add a cold air intake, headers and a performance exhaust when I heard about the new Camaro at the Detroit Auto Show.

Well holy crap!

At first I heard they were coming out in 2011. But they're actually planning to start in 2009!! That's SOON. And!! AND!!! its got a 400hp V8!!

The reason I'm so excited is that Camaro is my all time favourite car. My first two cars were Camaros. So, this is my next vehicle - hopefully in 2009, and it had better come in black.

By then, this year most likely, hubby will have his truck - so we'll trade in the Cobalt.

What else...

Work is great. I've got 3 big projects on the go. I'm doing literature reviews on ethanol fuel, and N2O emissions - these will probably be written up for a journal (omg I'll be published!) and I'm also working with data from locomotive emissions testing we did last year. Currently our techs are in Montreal doing another round so there'll be 2 reports. I also help manage a research funding program for which my boss is the leader. There's pretty regular work out of it and since year-end is coming, there will be lots of reporting to do.

A day doesn't go by without my learning something new. And I've been here long enough now that I'm able to apply my knowledge to problems without needing guidance. Well, some of them anyways. I never thought I'd have a job doing complex math and chemistry!

University has really paid off.

I'm reading some interesting books right now so I expect to have one of those good old opinion posts. Like a good little atheist.

TTFN (as Tigger would say)

The past just bit me on the ass...

2007-01-28T19:28:00.000-05:00

It never seems to matter how much you have on your plate, it just keeps getting piled on.

This is a tough one to keep brief. But I need to get it off my chest.

One of my brothers is an addict. Right now, a recovering addict. My Mom called this evening to tell me he's been arrested. This happened at his girlfriend's house, and of course, she doesn't know very much about his past.

Here's a wee bit of history. He was charged in an accident that happened about 15 years ago. At the time he was using drugs quite heavily but seemed to be keeping his life together. At least it appeared that way. He was to pay a $2000 fine and do community service. Well, as this progressed, he got so heavily into drugs that he was borrowing money from everyone he could find to "pay the fine" - which never got paid. Follow?

He's burned every bridge he's ever had. Four, maybe five, years later, he got picked up by the police because there was a warrant issued for non-payment. At that time, I was going through my own hell. I was unable to work, hardly able to leave the house, and very fragile. He'd been around to see me, introduce friends, and was always on the verge of money, or a job, or whatever, can I have $20 for smokes, I'll pay you back Friday. He was into everyone for thousands because we were always trying to get him back on his feet.

Well, my phone rang, it was him, in jail, crying, telling me I need to bring $2000 to get him out. I didn't have two dimes to rub together. So he had to serve 30 days (or 60, I don't remember). He was terrified, saying that there were guys in the general population that he'd ripped off that were going to kill him - he spent the time in protective custody. My friend and I went to his place to get some of his stuff because he and his room mate were getting evicted and he'd have lost everything. His everything was a pile of boxes and garbage bags, with everything from dirty dishes to family heirlooms. I can't even begin to describe it. We took what we could, what looked important or valuable, and discovered pawn slips, including one for a ring of my father's that he'd inherited. I paid to get that back from the pawnshop. He called, and begged, and lied, to the point where I had to stop taking his calls. I can't put into words what it felt like to say no to the charges hearing him say please take my call. All these years later, it still makes me cry.

Ten years have gone by now. In that time, he's been through rehab 4 times, been homeless, overdosed, back in jail. Imagine going through ten years of this - for him, its been hell and he's half-dead now because of it. For my family, he completely fragmented us.

My oldest brother hasn't spoken to him for I can't remember how long. That was partly due to his pawning a rifle that belonged to my Dad (sound familiar?). He gave it as collateral to my brother for a loan. My brother took it to be stored with our uncle. And he went to our uncle, lied to get it, saying he was going to the range, and pawned it instead. No one had any idea this had happened until one of my brother's friends saw the rifle for sale in the pawn shop. He had to buy it to get it back.

Three years ago, after more episodes than I can count (picking him up in an ice storm and taking him to the hospital because he said he was suicidal, calling police, hospitals and morgues trying to find him, visiting him in rehab, middle of the night come-get-me calls because someone was 'trying to kill him' - which was paranoid delusions from overdosing, dropping off money and clothes to the homeless shelter for him...) I got a call from a drug dealer, looking for me to pay my brother's debt. He'd lied and connived as usual, taken a bunch of people for a bunch of money and drugs, and then when they started wanting payment, he split. Only these were really bad people, and he'd told them all about his sister, lied again saying I was well off when I'd really just graduated university and didn't even have a job, and of course, let them all have my address and phone number. So I got threatened, and told not to call the police, asked "don't you want to help him?" when I couldn't have even if I'd wanted to. And at the time, we thought he was clean and working.

So that did it. I couldn't do it anymore. I told him never to contact me again, he didn't have a sister. He put my life on the line. He'd gone too far.

That was February, 2004. Since then we've moved, changed our number. He has no idea where to find me.

I've been feeling like maybe it was time to see him. He's been clean a long time, has a great girlfriend, and is doing all the right things (he talks to my Mom, she tells me). So we're back to the now, and all I can think is oh god not again. I don't know what any of this is about. It could be as simple as a fine not paid - but of course, he'd said that was all done with - court proceedings where we never really quite understood what was happening.

This is my big brother, who looked after me, looked out for me, and still talks about me all the time. His girlfriend is going to see him tomorrow when he appears in court, and depending on the reason for the warrant, will decide if she helps him, or walks away. And then I guess I'll do the same.

The Nuclear Question

2007-01-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

Recently, over on Pete's site, the subject of nuclear power came up with regard to terrorism. It got me (us?) thinking about the debate over its use.

Several years ago at university I wrote a paper on the basics of nuclear energy. It included information on the structure of atoms, and radioactivity, and also a description of nuclear reactors designed and built here in Canada. I'm a firm believer that this is a great alternative to coal and other fossil fuel burning power generation souces. There has even been an extremely safe, viable, disposal method developed for depleted materials, and yet people are still terrified.

Anyway, in the interest of education, I'd thought I'd put up here some of the information I pulled together on reactors and such.

A nuclear reactor is a device in which a fission chain reaction can be initiated, maintained, and controlled to produce heat. Its essential components are fissionable fuel, moderator, shielding, control rods, and coolant. This paper will focus on Canadian deuterium-uranium (CANDU) reactors.

An atom's nucleus can be split apart by nuclear fission. When this is done, a tremendous amount of energy is released. The energy is both heat and light energy. This energy, when let out slowly, can be harnessed to generate electricity.

A CANDU nuclear power plant uses natural uranium (0.7% U-235, unenriched) as fissionable fuel. It is processed into tiny pellets that are loaded into rods that are then placed in bundles in the power plant's reactor. Inside the reactor, the uranium atoms are bombarded with neutrons at the right energy level and split apart in a controlled, continuous fission reaction thus releasing energy. Approximately 200 MeV is released by the decay of one Uranium-235 atom. This energy is used to boil water in the core of the reactor.

The bundles are placed in several hundred pressure tubes which penetrate the reactor vessel. A moderator of heavy water (deuterium) fills the reactor vessel and acts as a coolant. In order to keep the uranium from overheating, control rods containing cadmium are raised and lowered into the bundle as needed. Light water can also be introduced into the core to act as a neutron absorber.

This heavy water from around the nuclear core is sent through a series of pipes to another section of the plant where it heats light water to make steam. The steam in turn powers a turbine to generate electricity. The steam is then condensed and placed in a cooling tower until the water is at a temperature where it can be used again.

The safety systems of the CANDU reactor take into account human error, equipment failure and natural risks such as earthquakes. In the event that an accident should occur, CANDU reactors are designed to contain radioactive emissions within reactor buildings. There has never been an accident in a CANDU reactor where a worker has received radiation exposure which required medical treatment.

In the event of an emergency in a CANDU reactor, the first thing which happens is that the reactor is shut down. This is accomplished by dropping the control rods completely into the reactor. If the rods cannot be inserted, a system quickly injects gadolinium (64Gd) into the moderator.

If the cooling system ruptures and coolant is lost, valves will close to isolate the intact system and light water from storage tanks is injected into the ruptured system. The water is recovered from the bottom of the reactor, passes through the heat exchange system, and is injected once again into the ruptured system. Since there are independent cooling systems in the reactor, chance of a coolant loss from both at the same time is minimal. Since CANDU reactors are designed with such a large amount of pressure tubes, a failure of the pressure vessel is not possible. If all the coolant was lost and the emergency core cooling system failed then the heavy water moderator would carry off enough heat to prevent major melting.

The structure containing the reactor and its components is made of stressed concrete with a plastic liner. It also includes a spray system and air coolers for reducing the pressure in the building.

Spent nuclear fuel is kept at the individual nuclear plants. It is stored underwater or dry in concrete canisters. Water keeps the fuel bundles cool and absorbs the energy from the bundle, providing a radiation shield. The used fuel can be stored under water for long periods of time, or it can be transferred to dry concrete storage canisters on site. According to Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) there is enough space at each nuclear plant to store all of its used fuel for the operating life of the reactor.

(You can find here information on a (very sound, safe) proposed method of waste disposal.)

Nuclear reactors do release radioactive material into the environment, however, at a very low rate. The radiation from reactors can add 0.01 mSv per year to the average human exposure of approximately 2 mSv. It would take 10,000 mSv in a short_term dose to cause immediate illness and subsequent death within a few weeks. A short term dose of 1,000 mSv would probably cause (temporary) illness such as nausea and decreased white blood cell count, but not death. In comparison, in order to receive even mild radiation sickness, the average human requires a whole-body dose of 300 mSv. [Toon, 363] This demonstrates that nuclear power generates only a fraction of the amount of radiation which could cause illness and even quite an amount less than humans are normally exposed to from day to day.

As well, nuclear reactors do not release carbon dioxide into the environment as do coal and hydrocarbon burning facilities. This is a huge advantage with the current need to reduce green house gas emissions, smog, and pollution.

Anyway... that's enough. Everyone knows the "against" arguements, I just have a serious pet peeve with people who form opinions that aren't educated ones. Don't argue unless you know the facts. The risk from nuclear waste is negligible comapred to the current risk of climate change. Nuclear power is a way to eliminate enormous amounts of GHG emissions. If we don't curb that, its not going to matter if a little radiation leaks out of the Canadian Shield in a few hundred thousand years because there'll be no one here to care.

in the spirit...

2007-01-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

I’m not feeling very political these days. I’m pleased with yesterday’s Cabinet shuffle. Especially the Ambrose/Baird switch. I’m wearing my red ribbon for the troops. And I still think Bush/Blair et al should be tried for war crimes.

Whatever.

Work is great. Interesting and productive. I’m thinking having a job I love with awesome people puts me in a minority. I’m lucky. And grateful.

I’ve taken a pic of one of my latest tattoos. I need to keep in the spirit of my blog right? This one is really special. Its in memory of my Dad, who, for those of you that don’t already know, died when I was 17.

The words are in my Dad’s handwriting – taken from a letter he wrote my Mom before he had his first surgery (he had cancer). The lion is the Leo from a gold charm I wear, my Dad left it to me when he died – we’re both Leos.

It doesn’t get any more unique or personal than this.

Quickie...

2006-12-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

Wow... 9 days. Haven't been here for a while.

I've been too busy spending money. I LOVE Christmas money. Actually, got some new furniture too. Have to stop now though and pay for some of this stuff...

Was 1 year on the 26th since I quit smoking. I'm very proud of myself. Two years for hubby on the 28th. Wow, we've saved a lot of money.

Got some more tattoos... (after all, this is Boo's Tattoos right?) Haven't downloaded from the camera yet though. I've actually booked another for a week and a half from now. I'm on a roll.

Finished the first part of my friend's sleeve tattoo - waiting for him to send me a scan so I can post it (if you're reading this dude, make with the scanner!!). It turned out really good. I can't wait to see it tattooed on his arm.

Anyone notice the similarity between where I'll wind up in hell and the result of my "seduction style" quiz? Just curious. I must be a horny bitch or something - LOL...

Alright. Bedtime. Have to be chipper for the furniture delivery tomorrow!! :) hahahaha

Tattoo pics coming soon... promise.

I knew it!!!

2006-12-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!

Second Level of Hell
You have come to a place mute of all light, where the wind bellows as the sea does in a tempest. This is the realm where the lustful spend eternity. Here, sinners are blown around endlessly by the unforgiving winds of unquenchable desire as punishment for their transgressions. The infernal hurricane that never rests hurtles the spirits onward in its rapine, whirling them round, and smiting, it molests them. You have betrayed reason at the behest of your appetite for pleasure, and so here you are doomed to remain. Cleopatra and Helen of Troy are two that share in your fate.

Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Moderate
Level 2 (Lustful)	Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Low
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very High
Level 7 (Violent)	Very High
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Moderate

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test

Uh-Oh

2006-12-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

Another of Boo's Tattoos

2006-12-10T14:54:00.000-05:00

My leg has healed up nicely and we're moving on to other things now.

I have a little memorial to my Dad planned, I've finally got Bailey's paw print - so I can do that one, which will be white so not terribly noticeable, and I've decided I want a shadow under the moth on my back. And I may make the gladiolus taller.

I can actually do all of those in one session (Thursday the 21st :) happy happy joy joy) and motor on. Lots of ideas swirling around, but nothing definitive yet.

My art is gracing my husband again - he has 2 now and is thinking about a couple more... here's his second.

A good friend has also tattooed some of my work, but I'm still waiting on a photo. I'll be designing a sleeve for a friend of his as well.

Anyway, we're all works in progress aren't we? I know I'm never quite satisfied, not just with the tattoos, but with me - inside or out. Most of the time I can live with who I am and what I believe in, but time is passing so fast, and there's still so much to do.

I think I'll go draw.

Update!! Got the pic of my buddy's tattoo (for which I did the artwork) - here it is. There's an important meaning to it, but its personal, so admire the art and never mind what it means!! :)

TGIF

2006-12-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder what compels us/me to watch the news.

I seem to have this need to know what’s happening in the world. No matter how much it frustrates me. But to what end? So I can be really upset and angry over things I can’t possibly do anything about?

I don’t “go quietly” either. When I can write a letter/support a cause, I do, but the “people in charge” still do stupid shit.

Hubby and I don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues either. He’s much more conservative than I. We actually had a big yelling match over PM Harper trying to reopen the gay marriage debate. Makes me wonder if paying attention is worth it.

There are a great deal of issues out there that I don’t believe should be issues. I’ve expressed before that I strongly support the separation of church and state. Take that a step further and I strongly feel that anything grounded in science should not be up for debate.

Here’s some examples:

Evolution. This is now a scientifically proven fact. Every thing else is religion.

Stem cells. These are embryonic and are harvested when the embryo is nothing but a little ball of cells. The life/soul issue is religion.

Abortion. In addition to being a fundamental human right, science tells us that a few weeks’ old fetus is not conscious, feeling, etc. To me, if you feel abortion is taking a life, then picking an apple is taking a life, because the apple feels and thinks about as much as a fetus at that stage. Again, the life/soul issue is religion.

Gay Marriage. This is a human right. “Gay” is not a choice or a disease. Not ‘allowing’ gay marriage is the same as not allowing black people to marry, or Chinese people, just because they’re different in some small way genetically. Every other argument is religion.

I have no problem with people expressing their faith. But don’t mix it with legislation.

And why the hell do people have such a problem with organ donation? You can easily save at least 9 or 10 lives by signing that card. Do you really need those parts after you’re dead? Are you going to know they’re missing somehow? Gimme a break. How could anyone not want to save lives?

I think I’d like a job in the Auditor General’s office. Exposing the rampant waste of taxpayer money would be fun. I really think so. It’d be like shaking your fist and yelling “You dumb fucks!!! What the hell do you think you’re doing!!!” and having someone actually listen.

I don’t remember the last time I was this glad its Friday. This week has been seriously hellish. And really friggin cold. Physically I feel like shit, I have no interest whatsoever in Xmas. I don’t want to decorate, I don’t want to shop, I don’t want to do anything. I think the next person that pisses me off is really going to regret it. Bummer that its usually my husband.

I’m supposed to visit a friend tonight. Friday nights are bad for me. She’s gathering some girlfriends to help her sort out some ‘man problems’. She wanted us to bring a list of good things about our hubbies.

**Nan, I love you dearly, and would be there in a flash if you needed me, but this is so out of my realm its just about in another universe. You have this deep spiritual thing about you now, and after all these years you gotta know I haven’t got a spiritual bone in my body. Despite all the years we’ve been friends, we’ve really turned out as two very different people. You and I don’t see eye-to-eye anymore on many things. Its not that there aren’t a 1000 great things I can say about my man, and he knows it, I’m just not the type to sit around with a gaggle of girls discussing them. The way that I see relationships isn’t going to help you.**

So I hope being a no-show doesn’t cause too much trouble. But tonight, I just want to hug my dog. Okay, and my hubby. And I’ll be watching the news. No matter how painful.

Climate Change

2006-11-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

Just a quick one...

Work's been crazy, step-dad had a heart attack (another)... wish I'd never got out of bed this month.

Anyway...

I have to admit to some embarrassment over winning "fossil" awards at the climate conference in Africa. I just don't get why the Conservatives are so against, or at least indifferent, about protecting the environment.

I'm part of a research program looking at ways of reducing GHGs in various sectors, specifically related to climate change. During a recent meeting, one of the 'hi-ups' who was on the cross-country tour undertaken regarding environment issues, said the message on the tour was basically, "don't expect any money for climate change research". And even went so far as to say "just be glad you're not sunsetting today".

What the hell????

No one seems to get the fact that we're going to have to make an investment to get this stuff going. In the long run, its going to pay off - in a huge way - but no one seems to want to do anything different now unless it saves them money. Never mind what the consequences will be like if we don't get going with this. Even the U.S., who's administration wouldn't touch Kyoto, are miles ahead of Canada with change.

Maybe I'm going to have to move to a country where this stuff matters. This government may actually be putting an untimely end to my career. Oh well, I'll be too sick with respiratory diseases and cancers from the pollution to care anyway.

I just can't let this go...

2006-11-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

Back in mid-October I blogged about losing a friend. Or finding out I didn’t have as good of one as I thought to begin with.

This has really been plaguing me. Every time I read her blog and heard about all these fun things she was doing and all her free time, it ripped my heart out. I felt like I’d been thrown to the curb. So don’t read her damn blog, right?

I know, I know, but this is my best friend we’re talking about here. I don’t get it. Maybe I’m being punished for some slight that I didn’t realize I’d made? I recall many many moons ago she stopped talking to me and it took years for me to find out it was because I spent too much time with my new boyfriend and neglected her. I don’t know. I certainly don’t want to start pointing fingers and bashing anyone.

I’m just so g-d hurt. I love her. And I miss her. And I just don’t understand why she doesn’t want me to be a part of her life.

I've tried. I've e-mailed. I've called. I've made invitations. I've tried to become part of her usual 'group'. Nothing works.

Now I'm just sad.

I guess I owe an update...

2006-11-15T00:29:00.000-05:00

So I’ve just had the most tiring 7 days in as long as I can remember, it’s 12:00 am, and I’m wide friggin awake. Go figure.

My pooch has been ill. She has a swollen disk in her back and its pushing up against her spinal cord, pinching countless nerves and causing a great deal of pain. I’m really not up to going into the details, suffice it to say, I got the “she’s suffering” speech a couple times this weekend. Which led to mucho tears. At any rate, I think she’s on the mend now, slowly, but on the right track.

I’ve been working at home a great deal; the dog has to be carried around to keep her off stairs and to keep her from jumping on and off of furniture. I think she’s getting used to my position as slave labour. Hubby’s been away most of it too…

My boss heads off to New Zealand for two weeks holidays starting Thursday. Lucky bitch. I mention it because that’s added considerable stress to the situation – trying to get things wrapped up and/or reviewed before she goes so I know what to do while she’s away. While trying to stay home as much as possible with the dog. Not to mention several meetings I’ll be attending in her absence.

I’m thrilled for all my Yankee buddies down there that the Dems came through. Actually, thrilled for the rest of the world too.

I’m also pleased to see our Environment Minister getting bashed over in Kenya at the climate change summit/conference. I hope that pushes our gov’t to make their “Clean Air” strategy a little better. A lot better.

Lastly, I got my wish last night, as the candidate I supported for Mayor of Ottawa won by a landslide. Now, lets all hope he doesn’t make me eat my vote, so to speak.

Looks like Blogger's really pushing beta, hmm? Great, one more thing to do.

The Great Pumpkin

2006-11-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

FINALLY have the pics of some of my pumpkins... here are this year's:
Anyone recognize Iron Maiden's "Eddie"???

The vampire pattern came from a website, the pumpkin lady I think... it turned out really good - the angle I took the pic at seems to be just right...

Last year's pics are really dark, the "eyes" were along my windowsill and the tree below. There was another - a pirate skull - but the pic didn't turn out.

I did two the year before, a gargoyle and a haunted house... I had to take pics of pics, and they weren't good to begin with... I got the house anyways.

And last, but not least, the pumpkin that my team won our office's carving contest with. We got the idea from a pic I got in an e-mail... the sheet metal and nails were our little addition (two of our team were machinists). Little did I know how competitive our office can be!! It was really fun - and we did it in 35 minutes!! Now if I can just get hubby to spring for a dremel, next year's will be REALLY awesome!

Happy Hallowe'en!!!

2006-10-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

My super-duper pumpkin pics to follow...

Just another day at the office...

2006-10-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Death without a cause...

2006-10-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

How long does the killing have to continue in Iraq before someone has the balls to admit they f—ked up. In 2003, the Saudi Foreign Minister warned the US that attempting a regime change in Iraq without the backing of the UN would be considered an act of aggression. They went ahead and did it anyway. And where has it got them? Over 600,000 dead. How many western troops have been killed? How many families in the US have lost loved ones because Bush wants to save face. Perhaps if he’d stayed out of Iraq, and concentrated on rooting out the Taliban and al Quida in Afghanistan, the real terrorists, that mission would be complete. Its not the business of the US to decide how other countries should be run, no matter how brutal the regime. There wouldn’t be Iraqi suicide bombers in markets, killing women and children, if there were no occupation. And there wouldn’t be any Iraqi suicide bombers in the US either. It makes you wonder who blew up the mosque that got all the Shi’ite/Sunni crap started.

Outrage over cartoons and speeches is in direct proportion to the outrage over the United States’ hands in others’ cookie jars. The type of Muslim hatred of all things Western was minimal compared to what Bush and his bi—ches have drummed up in the last three years.

The fact that there are still those who support him is mind-boggling. They claim that if the west doesn’t do these things that the Muslims will just kill us indiscriminately and in droves. Bulls—t. I’m so tired of that argument. The only reason Muslims, and a fraction of them at most, are committing terrorist attacks is the hundreds of thousands of their own people that the US, and to a lesser extent the British, have massacred. All in the name of finding something that was never there to begin with. I’m seeing comments now by Vietnam vets that the US is doing it all over again – they have to get their big fat noses out of everyone else’s business. Postponing a pull-out and admission of mistakes made only increases the number of troops and families who will be outraged at what they made sacrifices for. It certainly doesn’t send the message that the troops aren’t supported. I’m guessing more and more of them are asking themselves “what the f—k are we doing here?” And the rest, running on blind faith, are going to be damaged for life, if they survive, when they realize their collective mistake.

I don’t give a rat’s ass if the Righties are afraid of what the Dems might do to the American economy, or unemployment. The Dems are the only ones that are going to prevent this world from going up in a bunch of mushroom clouds. How many people, influential people, leaders, the UN for pete’s sake, have to tell them to get out before they listen?

And what the f—k are “Faith Based Initiatives”??? Bush is terribly concerned about liberating the religiously oppressed, as long as they’re from another religion. On the rest of the country, he’ll happily and hypocritically impose his own beliefs. There’s a “separation of church and state” for a reason. I don’t care if he thinks a fertilized egg is a person, it does not give him the right to consider those beliefs in creating legislation. I guess in his evangelical wisdom, the Iraqis don’t have souls, and sooner or later, they’ll all wind up in Hell.

I think he’s already put them there.

A Muslim EARTH

2006-10-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

Heard an interview on a local radio station some weeks ago that freaked me out. Went looking for a source (finally) and found a link to this http://topsightsentry.blogspot.com/2005/08/seven-steps-to-caliphate.html blog (sorry about the shoddy linking practices but I don't have time to do any fancy shit right now), which is the whole she-bang in a nutshell (whew - what a mastery of english you have Boo...). I'm thinking Iran rather than Iraq for phase 2.

The comments to the post led me to the translation of the book that it comes from --> http://www.ctc.usma.edu/Management_of_Savagery.pdf . I haven't gotten farther than the blog yet - I have a pile of world history type books that I'm currently wading through, but I'll get there sooner or later.

If there's a bright side, its that I don't think this can be accomplished as quickly as is planned - so I may be gone before it comes to fruition, or at least before things get really bad. And since I don't have kids... well, you get the drift. This is not some Nostradamus bulls--t here.

Is this new only to me?

Opinions??

2006-10-19T12:47:00.000-04:00

Betmo - in honour of your snoozing (unconscious?!?!) kitty...

...and here's what I think of the USAF "Cyber Command" (thanks Pete)

At least I have my drugs...

2006-10-18T11:30:00.000-04:00

It’s a sad day when you realize that someone means a whole lot more to you than the other way around.

When there’s stuff happening, earth shattering stuff, and you never hear a thing, despite having seen the person.

When you’ve reached out over and over, and had chalked it up to an inability to talk about personal things.

…and to being too busy.

But there are holidays, and time off work, and weekends, and the telephone, and e-mail.

Maybe I should have clued in to only a couple get-togethers each year. But there’s a really stressful job, and school. Once again… I thought - too busy.

But there are visits, games, vacation, and lonely time, but still none for me.

I’m more alone than I thought.

a lesson learned... reluctantly

2006-10-14T21:00:00.000-04:00

I had an interesting experience today. Actually its been going on for quite some time but today it reached the pinnacle.

We’ve been looking at land and such for a while, planning to build a cottage and eventually a permanent home. It commenced with the troubles at the trailer. I was (and am) just so fed up with the neighbours that I want out. Thing is, there’s no way I want to give up having a place like that to escape to.

So we discovered in our search, that waterfront acreage which seems a fair price, is always a swamp. If you want decent waterfront, you’ve got to hand over your first born and maybe a leg or arm. So we decided to see if we could find a decent cottage somewhere, on a small piece of land.

Well, we did. I can’t even begin to describe the place we found. When we turned onto the road, there was a doe standing there. She casually crossed the road and then stood there looking at us. I swear she wasn’t more than 15 feet from me. Stepping into the cottage, I could remember my childhood vacations with my parents to such places and see way into my future, all at once. Its perfect.

The seller lives next door, in a beautiful home (appraised at 390K!!). He’s an artist ("So am I!" I said). Very laid back, quiet, looking for a quiet couple to buy - he really felt he’d found in us just what he was looking for.

Our biggest problem was that the finance company would only mortgage 90%. And we don’t have enough saved up for that big a down payment. My broker tried to find enough equity in our current home to cover it but we just haven’t been here long enough. We thought of a few places to borrow it from, the seller even wanted to try to help, but for the lender, it has to be gifted to us. Otherwise, I’d just put the whole she-bang on the visa. So it would have been "gifted" for the bank, with a contract to pay back hidden on the side, therefore adding another monthly payment to the new mortgage, insurance, and taxes, etc.

When we got home I decided to go over some bank statements to see where we stand. Well, we can afford it, but we wouldn’t be able to save very much. And at our age, we need to start some heavy duty loading of the RRSPs. The saying goes: "I’m financially set for life, as long as I die next week". Not to mention student loans, the new car, blah, blah, blah.

So, with an equal mix of reluctance and relief, we decided not to buy. I called the seller right away; he was holding the place for us (there have been about 14,000 hits to his on-line ad). He understood. Offered again to try to help us, but could see my point that its just not a good time. We will stay in touch, and I plan to visit his studio.

I hung up the phone and burst into tears.

Hubby said: "I have to ask, have you been taking your medication?"

This almost earned him a kick in the teeth, but he’s just worried and was really surprised at my reaction. I don’t think he realized how moved I was by the place.

Then he said: "Jeez, if you love it that much, maybe we should buy it."

Another kick in the teeth. Fuck.

A little compassion surfaced after that and I pulled myself together. So I guess I’ve learned that doubling your current debt load isn’t a great idea - perhaps unless you’re bringing in about 4 times what’s going out. So we’ll stick with the trailer, for now, get a grip on frivolous spending, hammer some debt down, send some more cash to our financial advisor, and go back to shopping for a home theater. Maybe for Xmas. Fuck - after all this, we gotta buy something.

and the winner is...

2006-10-05T19:05:00.000-04:00

Something has been bothering me for a long time. I'm a huge fan of fundraising efforts and the like - but this year, I'm ticked off.

There really are countless charities you can donate time, money, whatever to. I have a couple that I focus on, but I can't help giving the kid at the door $5, or stuffing change in a box...

Cancer is a biggie with me. That's what took my Dad so young. I've supported the Canadian Cancer Society enthusiastically for years now. What I like about them is that they spread the money around - research, support, etc.

Now, there's groups out there for specific cancers too (some of you know where I'm going with this). People like to champion whatever sort has touched their life in whatever way. Okay, fine.

BUT

I believe that research and support to various cancers is being diminished by the breast cancer bandwagon. Now don't get me wrong. Breast cancer is awful - my aunt had it. Except I'm seeing pink products, with proceeds to breast cancer research, at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers, Avon, etc, etc, etc, there have been no less than THREE runs this year alone for support, and the list goes on. So in North America, breast cancer research et al is getting hundreds of millions of dollars, and no one else is. Did you know that as many men die of prostate cancer as women of breast cancer? The prostate research centers count their dollars in hundreds of 000s. What are they supposed to accomplish with that? How about lung cancer - one of the most common cancers, almost always fatal - anyone walking for lung cancer??? Cervical?? Skin? Bone? Liver?

People say its because women are so outspoken. Well, do these women not realize they're not the only ones needing help? C'mon people, wake up! I'm at the point where seeing friggin pink stuff for sale pisses me off. Why not give your dollars to the Canadian Cancer Society. They support all kinds of research. Or if you want to stay close to home - the Ottawa Hospital Foundation Cancer Research Centre? Or whatever organization operates where you live. That way, professionals, who have all the information, can put the money where its needed the most.

Surviving cancer shouldn't be trendy. And "trendy" is exactly what breast cancer support is looking like. At the expense of lives. We have automatic screening in place - free mammograms after 50, and very good chemotherapy drugs already developed. My aunt's cancer was completely gone by the time they operated - all they had to remove was scar tissue. That doesn't mean she had an easy time of it. But she's alive and healthy. What about the pancreatic cancer patient who has a few months to live from the time the cancer is discovered? Where's the money to develop early screening for that?

October is breast cancer month. Which one is for prostate??? Can anyone tell me???

Tears...

2006-09-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

Found this link at Terrorism News, and had to share it.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-letter20sep20,0,4188916.story?coll=la-home-headlines

I don't know what to say.

Frankie say "WAR"!!

2006-09-21T19:57:00.000-04:00

In order to support Canadian troops around the world, everyone's been asked to wear red tomorrow. Sounds good to me, so I spread the word around work. I was looking for stuff online about it and wound up on a forum - well Holy Idiots, Batman!! People saying that now they'll have to be careful not to wear their red clothes on Fridays or it will appear they're supporting an "illegal conflict", blah, blah, blah. Excuse me. It doesn't really matter whether you support the war or not - you can still support the troops. You might not like it, but our soldiers are dying and need to know we don't think its for nothing. Get your heads out of your asses please people.

I'll be wearing a red "Canada" t-shirt AND my camo pants!!!

I'm a little freaked out about a document I was directed to by Human which is a transcript of a speech given in 1987 by John Stockwell, a former CIA spook. In it, he talks about covert operations that had taken place since about 1960. Now, everyone knows or has heard about nasty stuff perpetrated by the US Gov't over the years but this really takes the cake. If you're up to it, read it, read it ALL. You'll understand why I'm oh-so-curious about which cookie jars they've had their hands in since then. Not to mention how many of the current conflicts going on in the world were caused by them. On purpose. Because frankly, I think Bush is about on par with Reagan for bloodlust. (I mean, didn't Pete just post on CIA agents looking for insurance against criminal suits? Isn't that kind of a clue that some shitty stuff is still happening?)

It blows my mind to think of these people teaching how to torture, supplying arms, and smuggling drugs. All for their own aims. What kind of person could do that and live with themselves?

Alright. Enough. For now at least. The dog is driving me right round the bend begging for treats anyway, and if I don't do something about it soon, I'm going to commit doggie-cide. (Is it just me, or do you think of really great stuff to blog when you're away from your computer and then go "d'uh" when you're sitting in front of it ready to write? Better start carrying a note pad.)

Not to mention I'm dying to peruse the Wikipedia entry for the CIA... ; )

Dive Right In

2006-09-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

So I'm back from holidays and back to work. I have to say that having a job I'm interested in made the end of my vacation a little more bearable.

I have a lot of catching up to do "blog-wise", and so much has happened since I've been away.

So I'll just say "hello all" for now and post with substance soon. Maybe tonight.

Bon Voyage....

2006-09-01T08:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm heading off for two weeks holidays starting this weekend. I doubt I'll have another chance to blog before I go.

I'm having really awful allergies (first time in my life), so I'm really hoping (cross your fingers for me everyone) that the stuff the Dr. gave me kicks in real well, real soon. We have a super-duper special furnace filter at home, which I'm sure is helping, and which we don't have at the trailer. Obviously. So there's definitely a chance I'll get up there and feel like I've been hit by a truck. A truck full of ragweed and pollen and mold.

At any rate, blogging-buddies-of-mine, have a great couple of weeks. I imagine my tattoo will be healed up enough when I get back that I can post a photo of the finished work. And I'll have pics of some art I'm doing for others as well.

Hugs everyone!!!
Boo

ahhh..... atheism...

2006-08-28T14:54:00.000-04:00

Haymaker

You are one of life’s enjoyers, determined to get the most you can out of your brief spell on Earth. Probably what first attracted you to atheism was the prospect of liberation from the Ten Commandments, few of which are compatible with a life of pleasure. You play hard and work quite hard, have a strong sense of loyalty and a relaxed but consistent approach to your philosophy.

You can’t see the point of abstract principles and probably wouldn’t lay down your life for a concept though you might for a friend. Something of a champagne humanist, you admire George Bernard Shaw for his cheerful agnosticism and pursuit of sensual rewards and your Hollywood hero is Marlon Brando, who was beautiful, irascible and aimed for goodness in his own tortured way.

Sometimes you might be tempted to allow your own pleasures to take precedence over your ethics. But everyone is striving for that elusive balance between the good and the happy life. You’d probably open another bottle and say there’s no contest.

What kind of humanist are you? Click here to find out.

Outrageous!

2006-08-28T13:48:00.000-04:00

Wasn't someone telling me the other day that the Crusades were over?? Tell that to this family: http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/smalko3.htm

These are for Betmo...

2006-08-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

Some more art... this is the "Ancient Fishing God". The symbol is actually off an old t-shirt of hubby's - I just tried to make it look like stone. Hubby is contemplating it for his next tattoo...

The other is "in progress". I took a nice photo of a lily in my garden and decided to try drawing it... I'll post again when it's done.

Also have a good friend getting ready for some more ink - looks like I may be drawing some more tattoos...

Here's the eagle tattoo... when I look at mine and the tattoo side by side, I can see she actually changed the eagle quite a lot. Doesn't matter though. The lettering is mine and so is the inspiration - that's enough.

Hope you like 'em. Thanks so much for showing an interest, it makes me want to create more...

She knows me oh-so well...

2006-08-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

This from my Mom (not sure where its from originally):

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

A frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so."

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:

"I don't fucking think so."

One more...

2006-08-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

You Are 44% Lady

You're part lady, part modern woman.
Etiquette is important to you, but you brush aside rules that are outdated or silly.

Are You A Lady?

THIS sounds about right... :)

Hmmmm...

2006-08-22T09:25:00.000-04:00

You Are 60% Left Brained, 40% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.
The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

"Day of rest" my a--!!

2006-08-20T15:49:00.000-04:00

Not with laundry, dusting, dishes... etc.

Oh well, I figure if the weather's shitty, I'm not missing much. We came home early from the trailer since it was raining and there was stuff to do here. Here's my little getaway... we had a proper awning but it was old and tore in a big storm. Rather than spend over $1000 to replace it (since the trailer's not worth much more than that) we elected to go the $50 gazebo route. Sucker's been up over a month and through some nasty weather and it's still standing. (They doubted me... but I tied it to the trailer, screwed it to the deck, and the front posts are attached to cement deck supports - so where the hell is it gonna go???)

My tree feud is still on-going. After telling me he never had any intention of cutting trees, my neighbour cut the top 4-5' off of two at the shoreline so he can see the water from the trailer. First of all, you don't just hack the top off when you want to trim a tree. Second, there's legislation regarding shoreline alteration - if those trees die, their roots can't hold that part of the shoreline together - it'll drop into the lake. Third, the FU---R lied to me!! I think that's what gets me the most. At any rate, I spoke to the park committee, and the people involved in this tree massacre (it's not the first) are going to be told, in person and in writing, to quit screwing with the trees. Finally some action. I believe they also plan to reiterate the leash rule to our other neighbour that lets his dog run all over the place. I wouldn't mind, except she's scared the crap out of a few people, and when he lets her out late at night we're woken, not only by his very loud "whisper" of "Ebony! Ebony!! Get in here!!" , but also his million candlepower spotlight he shines all over the place, into our windows, to try and find her. A leash would fix that nicely.

So, I could go on and on about these guys... suffice it to say, they're ruining the place for me.

On a more positive note, I finally got a photo of the tattoo I designed, on my buddy's chest.

Was interesting when I showed it to hubby...

Hubby: "He took his shirt off to show you?!?!?"
Me: "He e-mailed me this one - well - yes, he did when he first got it"
Hubby: "--"
Me: "What's the big deal? It's not like I haven't seen a man's chest before."
Hubby: "Well....not like that, at work and everything."
Me: "Oh fer pete's sake...!!!"

I think it might be because my buddy's 6'7" and big... it'd make any guy worry... I just find it funny, since I know what my friend is like (a pussycat and very honest), but hubby doesn't know him...

Doesn't seem to want to upload though. Hmmm.... I'll try it from work tomorrow. I guess you'll just have to trust me that it looks good. :D I'm set to go under the needle Friday - hopefully we'll have enough time to finish my leg. Stay tuned.

Well, I've had enough of this idiot box - I think I'll go watch the other idiot box. :)~ Gotta get caught up on the news.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

-Albert Einstein

A-non-y-mous

2006-08-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

I've lost my anonymity.

Actually, I'm not sure I was looking for it in the first place, but a few times I've had thoughts and realized I can't write about them 'cause there are people who know me personally that visit. Not that I'm against visitors, it's simply that I need to censor myself now.

Perhaps I need another blog. Then I could let out all my thoughts and fears and dreams and anyone happening by would be a stranger. Something to think about. Couldn't post the tatt pics though, they fall under the "distinguishing marks" category. Oh the fun you can have with a digital camera. With a digital camera with a timer. :D

I heard on the radio yesterday that some German researchers looked for a relationship between a woman's haircolour and her sex life. (I'm thinking, who the f--k paid for this anyway?? But it would simply be someone picking 2 questions that happen to be on the same survey and running with it. Still... (G. - I bet you love that one - I know how you feel about frivolous research spending)). Anyway, turns out redheads have the most active sex lives. Ahem. I happen to be a redhead. Problem is, hubby's on the road all damn week. Kinda makes it hard to live up to expectations. They said that husbands better pay attention if their wives suddenly dye their hair red. Sheesh. It was an amusing tidbit. Almost bought a t-shirt the other day that said "blondes have more fun, but brunettes can read". Unfortunately, I'm more red than brown, so I passed.

A friend from school has completed his PhD. He'll be doing his defense later this month. I'm soooo impressed. It's in geophysics - math, geology, and physics all rolled into one... its probably 100 pages of equations. I mean I'm good at math, and I've done physics, and even geophysics, but not like that. At any rate, he's heading off to Barcelona to work in September. For a few years at least. He's from Buenos Aires, so I'm not sure that he'll ever be back to Canada. And the odds of my visiting Barcelona are probably about the same as my winning the lottery. Another one bites the dust. (I'll miss his accent - it makes my knees weak.)

I'm not particularly full of wisdom today (full of something else maybe). I think I'm distracted by my artwork. It's taking up all my free time... Away this weekend too. Although that's feeling like more work than fun. Whatever.

Here's a thought...

~ Stupid Should Hurt ~

Who says??

2006-08-15T20:52:00.000-04:00

What makes a good blog? Is it how much I rant? Is it how smart I am or how "today" my topics are??? Does it matter?

Who am I doing this for anyway?

Me.

I'm ticked off at a--holes who don't understand that you're supposed to speed up in a merge lane.
I'm ticked off at a--holes who dont seem to realize the speed limit on Hunt Club at River is 80, not 60.
I want to know why I feel like I look 83 instead of 36. Is it because I have to stop and think about whether something is too "young" for me to wear?
I want a big backyard and a doggie door for Bailey.
I'm ticked off because people still throw out their cans, glass, plastic, paper...
I'm frustrated that I have so few chances to spend time with Neeroc.
I'm mad because my hubby is away, all week, every week and he can't find a regular job.
I want to scream at people who eat and talk on their phones while driving.
It rubs me the wrong way that the union that represents my classification is negotiating for 2005 and 2006. Now. Not two years ago.
I want more hours in a day and less to do in them.
I've waited over 7 months to be able to apply for the job I'm doing, and I may not get it.
I'm mad at myself because I didn't have the horses to walk the dog tonight.
I'm angry that a colleague has moved on when I've just started to get to know her.

And I'm mostly angry that I'm angry about all this stupid s--t when I should be oh-so-grateful just to live in this country, and be relatively healthy.

AAARRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Expression in other ways

2006-08-14T21:50:00.000-04:00

Well, for my birthday hubby took me shopping at the local art supply store. Among other things, he bought me the biggest set of the best coloured pencils you can buy (120 in a wood case - almost $200!!).

Sooooo - I just had to jump in. I took a pic of my first piece with the new supplies. The colour didn't come out quite right in the photo but I don't feel like waiting until tomorrow to take one in daylight. Maybe I'll change it later...

Update: new pic... much better colour.

I think I've been looking at it too long to be able to see if there's actually any depth there. It's amazing what you can do with coloured pencils. I'm learning some pretty neat techniques. I'm going to do a portrait of the dog once I'm a little more comfy with them. I haven't used any of the new paper yet either... I'm just not ready. It would be so cool to do this full time, but it seems to take something away from it.

So the weekend started great, but I've been sick the last two days. Its funny, I was having allergies (which I've never had so severely before), and realized that chills, coughing, and the like aren't really allergy symptoms. My stuffy nose is keeping me up so I tried to get some extra rest today but I really have to get to work tomorrow.

I've decided I'm not going to the usual haunts today. I watched enough news. Tonight, I'll be oblivious, admire my picture, read my book, and hopefully sleep. Hubby's on the road all week. I miss him but at least no guilt if I snore again!

Some days, you just have to shut it all out. Call me "ostrich".

Hugs all... and g'night.

Hmmm.... not quite.

2006-08-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate

You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.
One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...
And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.
Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Pretty funny for an atheistic scientist... in my own words it'd be more like:

I throw s--t up whenever I have a chance.

Have no time to learn dramatic designs, so its to the point, not pretty.

The more the merrier.

Oh well, they can't always be right...

Celebrate!!

2006-08-11T13:39:00.000-04:00

AUGUST 10:

HAP-PY AN-NI-VER-SA-RY!!

HAAAAAAAP-PY AN-NI-VER-SA-RY!!

HAP-PY AN-NI-VER-SA-RY!!

AUGUST 11:

HAP-PY BIRTH-DAY TO ME!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAP-PY BIRTH-DAY TO ME!

Here's to lots more anniversaries and no more birthdays!!
I am now officially in a holding pattern. :)

From "Terrorism News"

2006-08-10T10:04:00.000-04:00

Was visiting Terrorism News - the latest post is about the war in the Congo - READ IT

They also link to this http://www.markfiore.com/animation/interrupt.html comic about it... rather apt.

Makes me think we should open our eyes a little bigger.

Dad@Somewhere.com

2006-08-08T21:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Dad.

You'd have been 68 today. I just can't believe how many years I've lived without you.

Its an interesting thing to be an atheist and believe there's more to life than this existence. I like to think of it as an evolution - a part of us moves up the ladder when we die. I have to tell myself that though, because I can't stand thinking you're just gone.

I went to university - at 29 no less! And graduated with distinction... a B.Sc. You'd have loved to study my geology with me - we could have gone fossil hunting on Manitoulin Island together. Now I do environmental research. You'd be so proud of me.

I wish you knew my husband. Even more, I wish he'd known you. I think you'd have been buddies. Working my way through life without a Dad has been really hard, but I've turned out okay. Its wierd to think that if things had been different, if you'd never gotten sick, my life would be totally different. Every decision may have followed a different path and I'd be who-knows-where right now.

So would I like to be who-knows-where with a Dad? Or here, happy and proud of myself and my accomplishments without one? That's an unanswerable question. In more ways than I can count. But you'd love the way I turned out.

And this atheist, very deep down, thinks you are proud, and keeping an eye on me. From somewhere.

I love you,
and I miss you,
Boo

Intolerance at home

2006-08-03T15:50:00.000-04:00

On a local news radio station this morning I learned that the communications director of the Muslim Canadian Congress resigned today citing death threats to him as well as his family.

Tarek Fatah is quite well known in Ontario for joining the Canadian Jewish Congress and the Hindu Dharma Mission in encouraging the federal government to ban the visit of Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq, a British Imam who was to give a series of lectures in Canada (which they did, citing the criminal code). Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq is said to encourage hated and religious intolerance of "identifiable groups". It was feared this would promote violence within the Canadian communities.

The Muslim Canadian Congress (MCC) are a progressive group. I’ve heard Fatah say that only 6% of Muslims living in Canada actually attend their mosques regularly and are devout. He said the rest of them live like all Canadians and spend their time worrying about such things as winning the Stanley Cup (among other things). He also actively fought against the initiation of Sharia courts to replace Canadian family courts for Muslims.

Part of the MCC mission from their website states: “The Muslim Canadian Congress is a grassroots organization that provides a voice to Muslims who are not represented by existing organizations; organizations that are either sectarian or ethnocentric, largely authoritarian, and influenced by a fear of modernity and an aversion to joy.

Members of the Muslim Canadian Congress come from all parts of the world with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. We are proud of our Muslim heritage and the great contribution of Islam to human civilization. As Muslim Canadians we believe in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Canadian constitution as our guiding principles.”

So. Here’s someone who’s trying to make a positive difference and incite religious freedom, peace, and tolerance. And he’s been labeled a blasphemer for opposing a visit by someone who promoted hated (which in Islam is punishable by death - blasphemy that is, not hatred (!!)).

What kind of backward, screwed up world do we live in anyway?!?!? Do these people – this 6% - have nothing better to do with their time??? Did they not realize coming to Canada that we’re a “mosaic” country that’s great because of our cultural differences???

Now the big question of the day is whether the RCMP should investigate or if we should write it off as nutcases making idle threats. Would you believe the majority wants to ignore it??? Do they somehow not realize we’re talking about fundamentalist Muslims here??? Idle threats my ass.

This makes me very angry.

Its hard to be a “proud Canadian” with this s—t going on.

Fluffy stuff...

2006-08-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

Once again, I’ll veer away from the usual death and destruction.

I’ve finally got pictures of the latest work on my tatts. Only one more appointment and my leg will be finished. Well, that part of it anyway. :) For now.

I’ll add the photo of what’s on my back too – I don’t think I ever posted it. A friend of mine asked to post it on her blog some time ago and that’s what got me thinking about blogging in the first place. The space between the two back tatts will be filled in – that’s the next project.

If there’s one thing that’s certain, tattoos are becoming more mainstream. That hasn’t changed a lot of people’s opinions about them. There’re just more people to frown at now. Hubby, when my larger/multiple kind of work started, used the phrase “circus freak”. Of course, I disagree. Heavily tattooed people are aplenty… And I’m vindicated now, because he got one! Took me a year to talk him into it – but I prevailed.

I’m not stupid though. I wore pants the first few months of work (I hate skirts anyway), and kept my collars high. Once my boss got to know me, my work ethic, intelligence, etc. I was more inclined to let them hang out. There are several people at work who have them, but maybe only one like me (and he’s male and a tech, while I’m mgmt.). I’ve become a bit of a novelty around here – everyone’s always asking if I’ve had more work done. And I know my boss’ opinion of me didn’t change at all. Somehow, I think I’d have been less likely to get this position if they’d been showing at my interview, but now it just doesn’t matter.

There are limits. Even for me. But it’s an expression… and its art. I don’t get the fuss. I suppose people still associate it with nasty biker dudes or something. And don’t bother asking about when I’m 80, because when I’m 80 (if I get that far), I’m not going to give a s—t about them. I certainly won’t be wearing open back dresses and the like. And my support hose will cover up my leg. :) It took me a really long time to decide what I wanted, my fondness for fauna and flora is lifelong, so what’s the big deal? Even hubby likes them now…

Qana...

2006-08-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

Just a short note.

On a certain blog that I was watching (although not so fervently anymore), there was a photo posted of a relief worker with the body of a child. The blogger suggested that it was staged as this worker has appeared in many photos during the conflict. I believe he said "is this the only relief worker in all of Lebanon?" or something like that.

In honour of that let-the-children-perish blog (and he's oh-so disappointed in me), I thought I'd put a few more photos out there, without the worker "in question", demonstrating similar atrocities. How's this?

What?? Me?? Pissed off??? You bet I am.

On a lighter note...

2006-07-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

This is Angela from Spawn comics... I drew her - oh about 5 or 6 years ago now. Not bad eh? (oops, my Canadian is showing)...

Bummer I can't make art a career, but making it "work" just takes all the joy out of it.

The eagle drawing I posted previously has now become a tattoo on my buddy's chest - it's fantastic - I'll post the pic when he gets me one... I'm being immortalized in skin. I love it.

Picking up my new camera today - I'll be able to post photos of my latest ink as well as Trucker's first tatt...

The best part is that no one has a clue that I'm inked unless I show them - I just don't seem the type I guess... way good for my career. Which is barrelling along quite nicely.

Heaping support on the Ottawa Humane Society... Bailey approves. Did you know they take Cdn Tire money, and HBC points? They're also setting up to take Shoppers Optimum points. Give, give, give, please.

www.ottawahumane.com

Ahhhh - nice to talk about something other than people dying. Although its still forefront in my mind. I'll get on that topic later. Still in processing mode today. I've had some good input from fellow bloggers. Thanks everyone - you know who you are.

Back to the grind (I've read so many journal articles this week, my brain is numb - well, I wanted to be a scientist).

Back and forth...

2006-07-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

Well, the Israeli's have really put their foot in it this time...

Apparent deliberate destruction of a UN outpost. And subsequent shelling of the rescuers trying to dig through the rubble.

I'm thinking the Israeli army needs to be reined in a bit. I certainly can't support this. Maybe I'm a pacifist. I dunno. All I know is, no matter what side is killing people, I hate it.

Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.

Live and Learn...

2006-07-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

Not much time but a quick note to discuss my "education"...

Perhaps my left-leaning opinions about the war are not quite right.

I understand better now Israel's aims and the U.S.'s support of those aims, however, I will never be happy about a war. I can accept that it may be necessary but I don't have to like it.

Have to think about this some more...

Is there any good ending possible?

2006-07-24T15:31:00.000-04:00

The atrocities continue.

We've lost two more Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, suicide bombings continue in Iraq, and the US has just sent Israel more missiles.

I've been doing a lot of surfing. There's a blog called "Terrorism News" (there's a link on the right) that I've been watching. Their information, all the places it leads, and all the news services are teaching me that this conflict has little to do with religion as I originally thought. I'm also starting to see the US as terrorists themselves, little better than Hezbollah.

And while I'm on the topic, our government needs to back down on their support of Israel. I believe its being done to please Bush and his gov't, and its a mistake. Canada needs to remain neutral - as the US should. Democratic super-powers should be available to provide aid and mediation/arbitration should they be asked, not storm in, guns a-blazin', to impose their will on other nations.

And I'm still pissed at Canadians who're complaining about the conditions of their evacuation from Lebanon - I still want them sent back, perhaps to the southern part of Lebanon.

I am also very unhappy with the media who are placing all of their efforts on the current conflict and leaving us virtually in the dark about other parts of the world. What about the earthquake and tsunami in Java, the North Koreans, etc., etc.???

And how the hell did Bush manage to find time to veto the use of stem cells for research? He won't allow innocent lives to be taken - Hello, Mr. Bush??? How many missiles did you just send to Israel??

Never happy...

2006-07-21T10:34:00.000-04:00

I am ASHAMED and ANGERED at Canadians who are complaining about the conditions on the ships that evacuated them from Lebanon.

How about we just send you back??? If you don't like it, if its not luxury cruise enough for you, then get an American passport, and PAY for your passage on a cruise ship, or just go the hell back. (My apologies to Americans for this comment but it would seem our Canadians are envious).

We're holding our breath at home in anticipation of your safe return. How about a little gratitude?

Selfish, thankless, idiots.

The world is coming apart...

2006-07-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

So much happening in the world. I'm becoming a news junkie. Not that I wasn't before, but I think its getting worse. The current Israeli-Arab conflict is mind-boggling. Hezbollah cross a UN-imposed border to start killing Israeli soldiers and lobbing missiles into Israeli cities. Not to be outdone, Israel starts sending them right back, killing civilians and, what do you know, Canadians. How the hell can there be 50,000 Canadians in Lebanon? That just blows my mind. I suppose its something I haven't thought of before - although I'm used to hearing there's a few hundred, or maybe a thousand Canadians in an area experiencing trouble (like when the Tsunami struck). So apparently most of these people actually live in Lebanon full time, and were in Canada just long enough to get citizenship. I'm sitting on the fence about whether my tax dollars should pay to bring them to Canada. Then again, how can you be against saving lives?

Now stack on top of that North Korea testing long range missiles, and Iran continuing a nuclear program, and Palestinians blowing themselves up, and Canadians fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan (who are also blowing up people in India), Osama (need I say more), Nigeria... and the list goes on.

Taken together, this is a scary picture. Time to find that piece of land way way out in the middle of nowhere, stock up a few provisions, and be ready to go at a moments notice. This is gonna get worse before it gets better.

Funny, suddenly everything else I had to say is pretty immaterial. Maybe when the air raid sirens stop in those countries, and civilians stop dying, I'll hit another topic. Until then, since I don't pray, and I think the primary cause of this is religion, I'll have to just keep my fingers crossed that it ends soon.

Yum...

2006-06-23T09:36:00.000-04:00

...yum.

Alanis, you really f--ked up - bummer. :)~

Practical and sensible?? Well -- okay.

2006-06-21T14:11:00.000-04:00

Which of Henry VIII's wives are you?
this quiz was made by Lori Fury Very cool quiz... thanks to nancycle for the link...Pass it on!

My Last Confession

2006-06-20T12:36:00.000-04:00

Its been way too long. Two weeks since my last blog. Getting' lazy.

Well, my buddy left today, home to BC. I think I've been crying since Saturday. It doesn't seem fair to have such a fantastic person become a huge part of your life and then move 5000 kms away. Her parents have invited us to visit - which is wonderful... I hope I can pull it together soon. I'm certainly not worried about staying in touch, we have way too much to talk about. (I went to her Commencement on Tuesday last week and have now decided to take more courses towards another degree... I guess I was "inspired").

On the wee bright side, I met some of her other friends Friday evening, and they're just as great. We had a lot of fun and laughed until our cheeks hurt. Everyone's swapped numbers, so I've gained a few new friends I think. I hope.

Went to the airshow Sunday. It was beastly hot but worth it - it think it was almost an emotional experience. Mainly because of the F-16, which is the most incredible piece of tech and piloted by no less than a hero, and the WWII planes, of which there were many. You couldn't help thinking about all the men and women who didn't come back. And seeing the gunners' seats in those aircraft was pretty sobering. If you look close at the photo of Miss Mitchell (Dixie Wing B25 Bomber), you can see where the front gunner sat. The other B25 is the Pacific Prowler. There were bombs drawn on the planes indicating how many missions they'd been on.

We took my father-in-law, who it turns out was in the Air Force Reserve in Calgary. He knew all the aircraft and what their purposes were. He trained in one type that was at the show - called Harvards.

It was definitely something I won't forget, and I hope to make it a regular event. Although next time, chairs and umbrellas...

My contract has been extended again. Yippee! They're also trying to find out at what stage the staffing process is in. I can't believe how lucky I've been to end up here. Everything about it makes me feel I've won the lottery. Not to mention how cool it is how much I love aircraft - and my boss is a pilot!!!

I'm watching a puppy living near us that I think might be being neglected. I spoke to an investigator who told me what kind of information he'd need to look into it, so I'm gonna keep an eye on him. I also got the information needed to look into becoming an investigator - for Trucker - he's been talking about it a lot lately... maybe this'll lead to something new for him. He certainly has the drive and compassion when it comes to animals.

AND... the Oilers didn't get the cup but they sure worked hard... what a comeback. I'm proud of them - maybe next year we can get it back in Canada. It sure won't be a long wait for the next season to start!

I'm sure the last two weeks' excitement doesn't end there, but that's all I've got for now.

Ahhhh.... confession is good for the soul.

Happy Antichrist Day!!!

2006-06-06T09:31:00.000-04:00

So how many Christians are cowering in churches today, praying for salvation? Gimme a frickkin break - its a DATE. Sheesh. Its June 06, 2006. I must admit however, I'd love to take the afternoon off and go see The Omen remake... its a good day for a scare... oh well. This weekend I guess.

So I've suddenly become a local design artist for tattoos. Maybe I'm in the wrong profession... The idea of drawing all day is really rather appealing, although beware turning a hobby into work. Here's a couple designs I've done...

The eagle has a saying that goes under it. And the lizards were for my niece. I've been asking for photos of the finished tattoos and sending everyone to Julie...

There's a couple more, one of which I only got a photocopy of, so I'll have to wait for the finished product and another I did about 10 years ago, so the pic isn't scanned.

I'm hoping that the artwork requests keep coming. Its a lot of fun...

I know there's a few things that need ranting, but now isn't the time... I have some catching up to do I suppose.

Later dudes... :)~

I am a blank slate

2006-05-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

...with absolutely nothing to say. HA!

Actually, just being lazy I think. Or doing more interesting things. Yup, that's it! Doing more interesting things...

Wow, busy time starting. Rush, rush, rush all week so we can get to the lake on the weekends. Weekend getaways aren't necessarily all they're cracked up to be. Although, I must admit, once I'm there and settled, its wonderful. Makes the weekends seem longer.

It's funny how things come to light. I realize now, doing lots of gardening and cleaning and setting up, that my depression last year started months before I realized anything was wrong. I was just a big fat lump all summer. I didn't garden. I didn't fish. I didn't help clean, or walk the dog, or anything. Trucker thought I was being lazy... I never really thought at all. I lost soooo much time. We're paying more attention now, watching for signs, but so far, not too bad...

Perhaps frequent tattoo therapy will help! June 30 can't come fast enough.

Ditto is coming to the lake this weekend. She graduates on the 13th of June and then heads home to Vancouver about 10 days after. For good. Sheesh. Its really gonna suck when she's gone... I hope I can get out there to see her before we're, like, retirement age.

Alright gotta go... work to do!!!

Too damn busy

2006-05-18T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well, its been what seems like ages since I posted. Yeah - 5 days is ages - you'd think I was 6.

Ottawa Sens choked. If you look down, you'll see I predicted this, although I expected them to get a little farther first. I think some of the blame goes to Hasek, who teased the team thru the entire season, and the "goal scorers" who forgot they were "goal scorers". And poor Ray Emery, who just didn't have the support he should have had from the defence. There's my analysis. I may not know much about hockey, but enough.

Tatt's healing nicely. Already chomping at the bit for the next.

I have way too much to do, and way too little to say to go on much today. I think the next post will be educational - I just need to come up with a topic.

And I need to get this out there... what's the point of blogging if no one reads it. I may as well just be thinking. Its quicker.

Weather finally suits me

2006-05-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Rainy, windy, dark, and dreary... ahhhhh I love it. I am so tired of sitting in the house feeling shitty while its 25 degrees outside and the damn sun is shining. Who the hell gave me this flu anyway??? I feel like I've been run over by a truck. A big truck. (bitch, bitch, bitch...). Okay - I'm done.

The only good thing that happened this week was getting my tattoo started. I figured I'd been waiting almost 2 months for the appt, and I'd just have to sit there - so I went - with my kleenex box tucked under my arm. And blue flag irises for Julie (she loved them and wouldn't you know, today's her birthday).

Ahhhhhhhhh...... tattoo therapy. Awesome fix. Julie is the sweetest, funniest, most talented lady... you really should check out her site (its one of my links).

I need one or two more sessions to finish the piece, but its gorgoeus already. It needs white and yellow in the flag irises, and we're adding a bud above/between them (that's a really ow-y spot), maybe another in front of/between the sunflowers, the smoky background will extend onto my foot (maybe another iris) and I'll have a dragonfly sitting on my foot. Its actually not as much as it sounds like... : )~

I have to wait now until June 30 (seven long weeks). BUT, Scott's coming with me, he's finally decided he wants a tattoo! Yipee!!! So we'll be there for like, 4 hours. OUCH.

Well, that's all I've got - I'm right out of energy. Gonna go veg on the sofa. Pity me please. I need TLC. And my runny noth hurth... : (

Tired, sick, and disgusted.

2006-05-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

How do ya like them apples?

Tired because I popped out of bed at 5:30 this morning (what the hell?), sick with some kind of summer bug (my throat is raw), and disgusted at the Senators who just lost ANOTHER game.

Y'know, if they played all the time like they did the last 10 minutes of the game, we'd have Cup's stacked to the rafters. What is it with these guys??? Sheesh.

So the car is finally in for service. I got a rental, its a Malibu Maxx... kind of a station wagon. White. Geez - like this...kinda.

I mean, I said I wanted something with a V6 (I was imagining a Ford Focus or a Neon or something and I had to nick that in the bud)... this is what they give me. THEN, I'm heading home, and I step on the gas to get by someone and, holy fuck, I'm practically thrown back in the seat!!!! This car is a rocket!! Better than the Grand Am they gave me before (well, its an '06 too). So I started off feeling like a friggin' soccer mom and wound up with a very evil grin on my face wondering where I could go for the evening. Somewhere far. Quickly.
Muah - ha - ha - ha - ha...

Of course, I didn't. But it was a good thought.

: )

Wow, my computer really isn't cut out for this. I'm going to have to put "new 'puter" on my list of needs. The time it takes to do anything??? I'm gray enough...

On a sadder note, a 90-year-old blind man was attacked in his home by 4 men yesterday. They just walked in his back door, started beating him with an axe handle, demanding money. They left him tied up in the basement. Fortunately, his son found him. This happened IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD!!! Like its not bad enough being on my own so much. Now I'm peering out the back window before I let the dog out afraid there'll be someone waiting to rush in.

Too. Damn. Much.

Now, we DO have a shotgun. BUT, due to this country's restrictions, by the time I got it unlocked, put together, loaded, and chambered a round, well... I'd be dead. And pepper spray is illegal. I should get some "bear deterrent spray". They have it at MEC.
"weapon, officer??? no no no - this was for camping - it just happened to be next to the bed."

What kind of person does it take to beat an old man and basically leave him to die? I grew up in this city. This shit didn't happen. People were NICE, and GOOD. Its making small town living and commuting seem somewhat more appealing.

Okay, to lighten up and exit on a "cute and cuddly" note... I want one of these. Anyone who knows me, will get why. And I checked, this is NOT an altered photo. They sell these suckers in Kingston!!! Isn't he beautiful???

Sunday, bloody sunday

2006-05-07T20:36:00.000-04:00

Sigh. Back to work soon. Sunday's great until about dinner time when you realize you're that close to being back at work. Its not that I don't like my job - its great - its just that there's not enough hours in the day to do all the stuff I want to do. AND get some sleep... and I looooove sleeping.

Having fun with the new digital camera. This is the best one so far...
Are you laughing your ass off?? I did...

She is awesome! Life would suck without this dog.

So I got a hot new leather shifter for my car, and a leather steering wheel cover coming in Wednesday... shifter looks great - we installed it today. Trucker's calling it my car too - I keep wincing every time I say "my car" and not "our car" but he's cool with it because he figures its only a matter of time before we buy "his truck". LOL

Speaking of which, our financial advisor came over Friday night - we chatted while watching the game (my Sens antenna flag is at half mast - the buggers), and came up with a pretty good plan. Yippee!! Trucker can stop worrying now! Of course, now I have more stuff to do with my insufficient hours. Oh well, that's life, isnt it?

Today's geology lesson...

2006-05-05T08:38:00.000-04:00

Just a short one to start the day.

Did you know???

Chicxulub (chick-sue-lube) Crater is an ancient impact crater buried underneath the Yucatan peninsula, with its center located approximately underneath the town of Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico. The meteorite which created it is believed to have struck 65 million years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs. It was approx. 10 km in diameter, releasing the energy equivalent of 190,000 gigatons of TNT. The main evidence of its world-altering impact is a layer of iridium present in the K-T Boundary across the world (the boundary marks the time of the extinction of the dinosaurs). Iridium, while rare on Earth, is very abundant in meteorites. The theory is not universally accepted, but its the best explanation presented so far. The pics on the right were taken from the space shuttle - the crater is pretty obvious...

Neat eh??

This is what happens when I haven't had an interesting evening. Get used to it. You might learn something.

Fear tactics...

2006-05-03T20:18:00.000-04:00

So I'm typing one-handed because if I stop scratching the dog, she'll whine and beg for food. She actually quit on me on our run tonight!! I wanted to do one more trail and she was having none of it! Lazy porker!!

Dork or not Nan, there is something wrong with my car. I had trouble again this morning - had to rotate the wheel all the way in both directions just to get it to lock, and then still had trouble getting the key to turn... that's not right. Not to mention spinning the wheels while sitting like that is hell on the tires... Anyhoo - one more day of this and she's going in for service. FUCK THIS.

(btw, I bribed the dog with a chewy... it'll keep her busy for a while AND clean her teeth - smart eh???)

Well, I played hooky this afternoon. Since we're not too busy, I asked Amelia for an afternoon of "me" time - she said no prob... I love my boss. Feeling not bad, although I must admit I'm not all the way there yet. My fear is to wind up working my way through all the different meds and wind up needing one of these...

They're implanting a "brain pacemaker" that stimulates the sadness centre of the brain - so you walk around for the rest of your life with a gadget giving you a continuous electric stimulation - via batteries implanted in your chest.

Nice eh??

I think this is the source of my most recent plunge... last week it was Sailor getting a new job, this week its imagining someone drilling holes in my skull - WHILE I'M AWAKE.

I totally need tattoo therapy.

So Trucker is off on a fishing trip this weekend - although he has no idea what he needs to bring or when he's leaving. (Rolling my eyes...)
It sucks that he'll be away yet again but he needs this. Time with 'the boys', and Mr. Muscles is a great guy...

That's all I've got, or at least all I feel like typing tonight. I'm thinking bath.

Oh! One more thing... checked out Dr. Natura on the web. Its some kind of natural "colon cleanse". Would you believe they have PHOTOS of the stuff that comes out of people when they use this stuff?????? They mention parasites, and worms, and all kinds of other shit (pardon the pun) almost including the kitchen sink. I could NOT bear (bare?) to go look. Do they think that people are that gullible??? I've seen colonoscopy video, if a Dr. sees that kind of stuff when he's scoping someone, we'd have heard about it by now. I hate these scare tactics - the guy's probably a millionaire from preying on people's fears and peddling his snake oil.

RANT OVER.

Ramble on...

2006-05-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

So, this is the dog.

And this is the dog on drugs.

Just kidding... popped into my head, couldn't resist. I've never had good impulse control.

Hmmmmm...... it has now been 4 months and 5 days since I've smoked a cigarette. Thank you, thank you. I've never wanted a cigarette so badly in my life!!!! ARGH! Since I'm now exercising, I can remind myself that exercising as a smoker meant pain in the lungs. Very scary. Now, no pain. Unfortunately, those gross diseased lung and brain pics don't do a damn thing. The icky teeth one, maybe, but then you just go buy Whitestrips.

Getting my next tatt next Thursday evening... I'm SO anxious! Julie never lets me down... I'm working on one for Trucker, if I can get him to get one, he'll want more, and then I can get more!! Great logic, eh?

With regard to the Sens. Well, I'd like to see Emery stay in - he's a great goalie. And I'm very disappointed that Chara didn't get the chance to flatten St. Louis, the little worm (like he's doing to Lecavalier in this photo (Lecavalier's a worm too). Chara is my hero, all 6'9" of him. They are going all the way this year. Or at least to game seven of the final where they'll choke like they always do. One or the other. : )

Well, better go visit... he leaves again tomorrow. I'm a lonely girl.

AND - I need a new computer!!! Couldn't get this sucker to post lastnight. If its gonna be that frustrating, my posts will be few and far between. Had more pics in too, BUT there was a bug in my HTML, which I couldn't fix (It's been a loooong time since I wrote HTML) and copying to a new window doesn't transfer photos... fortunately, I had the doggie pics here.

So... this comes with copious amounts of frustration. Wasn't really worth it.

What's so great about a new car, anyway???

2006-05-02T10:46:00.000-04:00

So, someone, somewhere, says that getting a BRAND NEW CAR is supposed to be wonderful. Like Hell!!! It's a friggin nightmare!

After, more or less, getting through all the crap regarding the scratches (don't ask, I do not want to talk about it), I go to leave for work this morning and I can't turn the key. Now, this has happened before but only for a minute and after some fiddling no problem. I figured I'd tell them about it at the first service and get it checked out. Well, this morning, NO GO.

So I call GM Roadside Assistance.
"We'll send a tow truck, m'am".

And I call the dealership.
"We'll arrange a rental, m'am".

And the rental co. calls me.
"We'll pick you up, m'am".

And everyone's asking "did you jiggle the steering wheel?". YES, I jiggled the f'in steering wheel!!!" Jeepers.

Anyway... the tow truck driver arrives, gets in the car and starts it.

I. am. an. ass.

Turns out there's this little pin that comes out when the wheel is locked that doesn't allow the key to turn. So you have to pull on the wheel, hold it like that, and then turn the key... its like one of those sticky doors that you have to pull, push, and turn all at the same time to open.

Needless to say, I am not in a rental, HOWEVER, it will be addressed at my first service, because its RIDICULOUS.

And its only Tuesday... sigh.

On a lighter note - had a great time climbing lastnight. Arranging to go back next week. I'll be in the squash courts in no time!!!

Since it's so damn popular...

2006-05-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

Well, time to try out this blogging thing. For a while at least. Until I run out of things to say.

I'm thinking... lots of interesting facts... because I live for facts.

I am soooo loving this weather. Way to chase away winter blues. And I'm exercising!!! I know!!!! Neat eh?

Learned squash - it nearly killed me - literally. Of course my partner, PB, had no idea how pathetically out of shape I am. I will be very careful not to push myself that far beyond my limit again. I thought I was going to have a stroke.

Nancycle introduced me to the rock gym... wheeee!!!! Love it! Going tonight with a couple colleagues...

Doing some running too, with the dog - the poor pooch really has to lose a few pounds. She is SO hard to say no to. I mean, the look in her eyes when I'm trying to eat!! Sheesh...

Perhaps a couple weeks of running will get me ready to jump back into the squash court. That's if I can convince PB to take me again, he might be a little skittish after almost needing 9-1-1.

Sigh.

Well, I need to talk about the Sens, and the tattoos... but later.