Interesting thing: all my mom asked for for Christmas was GNR's greatest hits.

Nothing says Christmas like "Welcome to the Jungle" blasting on the stereo.

My mom is so awesome sometimes. Anybody who knows her, knows how ridiculous it seems to know that she loves loves LOVES that band. LOVES THEM. She is the lady who has a house like a museum: cold and perfect. You actually expect the little velvet ropes to go across a couple of the rooms: LOOK BUT DO NOT TOUCH.

She also got drunk on Christmas Eve when we were over which was really uncharacteristic of her and also really really funny. Dad and I put together the meal and it was fabulous and she kept saying how grateful she was that we did it while she was at work - she fully expected to have to cook when she got home.

We got my Dad season five of "Sanford and Son" which we watched that night as well. I love that show.

The animal lovers of my readership will now gasp with horror when I say that I got a fur coat from my parents for Christmas. It is rabbit and it is warm. My mom said she was sick of looking at my old coat (which I've been wearing every winter since before I got pregnant with C, and she's six) and knew I'd never get a new one so they went ahead and bought it. No refunds or exchange. They also got me Pampered Chef stoneware which is perfect as I need new pans. (I initially wrote that as pants. Gotta love Freud.)

SO got me Lancome's "Attraction" and gift certs for the Scrapbook Centre and Lindor Chocolates (God I love those) and all sorts of cool things. He got me the cutest little case of bobby pins - thoughtful, thoughtful boy.

C made me a room freshener out of an apple, cinnamon, and something else. It was really cute.

K said he didn't make me anything but had a sekrit for me. When he got up to my ear he yelled "I LOVE YOU TEN THOUSAND MILLION DOLLARS!" and then gave me a zerbert (raspberry) on the ear.

My in-laws went overboard AS USUAL and got me all kinds of things I didn't really need but my fatherinlaw did put his foot in at some point and also got me a gift cert for the scrapbook store. Motherinlaw got me an electric can opener? WTH? I have one in my cupboard. There is a reason I don't have it out and in use. I don't need one. I've never wanted one. "It saves time" she says. Listen sister I've actually timed it and it's faster to use the handheld. Plus, the hand one I have from L is awesome it doesn't leave a sharp edge or anything, just unseals the can lid! Most of the modern appliances we use don't actually save us any time. Ask any housewife or cleaner and they will tell you so. You still spend all damn day doing things.

I asked SO why she keeps doing that and he says she doesn't think about what I need or want unless I put a specific list in front of her, otherwise she just buys things for the sake of buying them. I hate giving people lists of my desires/needs/etc and refuse to do it. (This stems from a very long story that I will not go into now.) He says that's part of why Christmas has lost its appeal to him - she has turned it into this big thing where it isn't about thinking and planning what to get for people that you might think they'd like - it is about getting a list and "why didn't you get me suchandsuch" and it's really annoying. I have to agree with him.

So yeah. Dec 17 was the Sousa Christmas, Dec 24 was C. Eve @ my parents', Dec 25 we opened our own little gifts in the morning, and the afternoon was at SO's parents. The fatherinlaw's one was on Dec 27th. You folks counting this madness? FIVE.

There are days when the really selfish part of me wishes we lived far, far away so that these holidays would be simplified to just the four of us. Except I'd miss my family but I am being completely honest here when I say my best Christmases were the ones spent in Quebec, because it was just me mom dad and my brother and it was so peaceful and wonderful I cannot even describe it.

I'm reading back on all I've just typed and I really sound like a miserable cur. I also feel bad and selfish especially when putting it against something as terrible as what has been going on in Indonesia et al.

I am really a good person. Really. I am.

Oh no!

My brother is going to be so, so depressed. Law & Order was his favorite.

I love reading stuff like this.

I wrote this last year in my e2 journal and it still applies now...

I think about the story of the birth of Jesus and I think if I were Mary, I would have been incredibly scared right about this time that year. How heavy is that, to have an angel come down and let you know you're about to bring forth the saviour? I cannot even begin to fathom it. I was terrified to bring my own regular, everyday sort of children into this world. And then I also think about the first time I laid eyes on those babes of mine, and how absolutely perfect that moment was, and I remember crying, and I bet you Mary cried too. Because savior or not, he was her son and he was a brand new baby and he needed her like no other.


My kids are still snuggled up in bed, for once I am the first person up for Christmas. I've spent the last hour looking at the tree and near-tears in thankfulness that I have what I have. I keep thinking about my parents and how they spent many a childhood Christmas in poverty, wondering where their next meal came from. The St. Vincent de Paul society truly was their saviour at this time of year, which is why we always adopt a family from the giving tree and get them things they'd need for Christmas. It really bothered me to see so much food thrown away last weekend at the Sousa gathering... I felt like inviting in 10 homeless people and telling them to eat their fill. If I'd known where to drum them up, I would have.

There are presents under the tree, food in the fridge, heat and electricity, and healthy happy souls in this house. I am more grateful than words can say.

may peace bless you all.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Bless you all.



Here's hoping next year was better than the last.

I go in for some surgery on the 21st of January. Say good-bye to another body part.

The surgeon's results from the tests yielded that my gall bladder is only working at a 20% efficiency - which would be perfectly normal if I were, like, 95 years old. But because I am barely thirty it means problems. So she is yanking it out and the end result will be some pretty nifty little scars all over the damn place. But it won't hurt me as much to eat anymore so hooray!

My Novi boss is going to have KITTENS when he finds out, which he won't until the 3rd because he's off on vacation since the 17th (which I didn't even KNOW until I sent him the explanatory email). My local boss is all for anything that will make me happy so hooray for that too!

Local boss took me & a few others out for lunch yesterday, it was hella good and I had a good time laughing and stuff. I was gone for 2 hours and for once I didn't give a damn I just sat there enjoying my lunch and good company.

Interesting thing was we were all talking about food of course and it has been discovered that both the nice boss and I have equal disliking of the following foods, for the exact same reasons (texture mostly): olives, cherries, and mushrooms.

It was really bizarre because most people I tell about not liking those things because of the texture always give me a funny look like I'm crazy or something.

Anyway, he gave us all a bottle of Bailey's... woo! And a home-made card which was really really nice. It had a picture of his kids in it too it was very cute.

Novi boss, did not give me so much as a thank you for all the work I have put in for the year. PHooey on him.

Ok gotta go it is snowpounding like mad and I need to get to work at a decent time today

Be safe, all

KRIMMIS IS COMING SOON!!!! My kids are very very excited because there are only a handful of chocolates left in their calendars, and if you count there are only TWO little loops left before the Shooting Star of Christmasosity! (translate: K's class made a chain of loops to count the days until Christmas, every night we cut off a loop. The star at the top is the 25th.)

THE BEST MALL SANTA EVAR:


image hosting courtesy of image shack because i suck and don't have my own damn server

And yes, that's Nancy Reagan on his lap.

ok time to go to work.

Showed up a little late on Fri. night to the company party because of the mad cleaning spree I'd indulged in the past couple days. Still I showed up and I must say I clean up real nice ;) Surprised the hell out of my mom & dad (Dad works for the same company in a different building) who fully expected me to wear something completely inappropriate. ANyway, I even won a door prize! Woo! Also collected my 5 yrs service award (nobody seems to count the previous 3 yrs to that five... bah) and had a very good meal and good time had by all. Still I missed SO (who had to work till late so could not come), especially when dancing.

Saturday was a good day. Except when mom came over first thing in the morning as I'd expected her to, and said "now don't take this as an insult, but" (and you know, any time she says that, it IS an insult,) "but what were you doing the past few days? This house is ridiculous" and then goes about RE-doing all that I'd done. I told her straight out "you may as well have slapped me in the face". So the minute she left at 10:30 am I cracked into a bottle of wine. Yes. I needed strength, because her whole family was coming over.

The turkey was SUPERB and everybody loved it and I am crowing like mad over that because I've never cooked a turkey in my whole entire life. It was tender and moist and everything a turkey should be.

Everybody seemed to be having a good time and for the first time since my grandfather died it felt ok and good and not tense at all. Maybe I was just too busy to notice... but I don't think so.

I was exhausted by the time they all left and run off my feet but ended up staying late talking with SO anyway. He'd been drinking pretty heavily so he did a lot more of the talking and I the listening and we laughed a lot but there were also a lot of things said that he doesn't usually tell me. It was nice.

Ok on to the quiz:




You're Beth March of Little Women by Louisa May
Alcott!


Which Classic Female Literary Character Are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

What is your favorite food? Describe what it tastes like to you.

Boy do I ever want this shirt. hahahaha.

I am taking a break from cleaning my whole damn house because i'm exhausted and have been working on this for 2 days now. I have put about 5 boxes of toys in the garage to take to the Salvation Army later - remind me to kill my family the next time they suggest that my kids have nothing to play with because that is bupkus.

I'm tired and tonight I have to go to the company xmas party not because I want to but because I have to present some damn award, SO can't go because he has to work, and I am frustrated because I have taken 3 days off and have not actually had a day to myself. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. Did I mention, fuck?

Ok back to the grindstone I go.

yeah. so i have today tomorrow and friday off. WOO!



1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Installed hardwood laminate flooring

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I haven't made a new year's resolution in literally YEARS.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, several :(

5. What countries did you visit?
None, I suck

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
A job that isn't slowly killing me.

7. What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
april 13, the day frenchie died.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Managing to not punch my daughter's teacher in the teeth while she smiled sweetly at me and told me that my child who is reading at a level higher than the grade 2's in her class (she is in grade one, in a split class) only got a b-, almost c, in reading, because "she wanted celeste to feel like she needs to be challenged to get a higher mark"

Ok honestly I guess my biggest achievement was helping to raise $3,000.00 for a little girl with an inoperable tumor, or maybe volunteering for the Walk for MS and being appointed Team Ambassador for the MS society for my area, or taking the time to show my kids what dawn looks like, or maybe it was just smiling at people who looked like they needed it, or helping to raise $10,000.00 for the heart & stroke foundation, or setting up a bingo at easter and using the funds raised to purchase spring coats to donate to the house of blessing, or the ten thousand other little things I do to try and atone for all the bad things I've ever done.

9. What was your biggest failure?
See number 8 haha. My biggest failure was putting up with a job I hate just because I've grown comfortable with the paycheck.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Whoa nelly I sure did.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My mind drew a blank, because I have no clue how to answer this. People keep track of their purchases?

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My family for reasons I shall not divulge.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My boss's, when he reacted so poorly to my asking for a day off so I could go to the funeral of a friend who died on the job at my workplace, whom I have known for years, and was probably one of the nicest people on earth.

14. Where did most of your money go?
bills, kids' needs, food

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Tons of things, I like the little things remember? Just read my freaking journal.

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Any song that sticks out in my mind wasn't actually released in 2004, does that invalidate it?

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? depends on the day, I guess
ii. thinner or fatter? thinner
iii. richer or poorer? comfortable.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
actual rest on my vacation days

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
complaining about my job when there are people out there who are homeless and would kill for my job.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
half-drunk, stuffing a turkey, cursing my family but somehow loving it. listening to elvis croon out "blue christmas" while my father sings along.

22. Did you fall in love in 2004?
i was already in love, does that count

23. How many one-night stands?
none

24. What was your favorite TV program?
TV is the devil!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Uh, I don't focus on hating people. So no.

26. What was the best book you read?
This year? Probably Alice Sebold's "The Lovely Bones"... Nothing else is coming to mind, but keep in mind I consume a LOT of books in a year...

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
None are creeping up.

28. What did you want and get?
I wanted more RAM and got some for my birthday (yes I'm a nerd shut up)

29. What did you want and not get?
A trip to Scotland. Damnit.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Oh Christ. I always get that all mixed up, I watch too many movies and can't remember when.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 28 and I didn't do much, just dinner w/family. It was pretty laid-back this year. I do have a disaster story or two but those will keep for another time.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Losing the customs end of my job and not having to watch another family member die of cancer.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Comfortable and clean.

34. What kept you sane?
The same people that drove me nuts, kept me sane. Family of course.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Bill Murray! haha. I don't know. What's the point in a question like this? What am I, twelve?

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
What political issue *didn't* stir me? I don't like discussing politics.

37. Who did you miss?
Lots of people. Possibly even YOU!

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Probably Trevor because he is incredibly funny and always easy to work with.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
Do not take those you love for granted. Tell them you love them constantly. Constantly.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
More than this - there is nothing
More than this - tell me one thing
More than this - there is nothing

This is probably the saddest thing I've read all week.

(Don't bother linking to things that are much sadder. It is probably on purpose that I don't read too many sad things. Dig?)

it's pretty funny when your six-year-old daughter tells you to "rock on, mom".

it's my brother's birthday today! he is 27 years old.

do you have a holiday ritual/tradition? what makes it special to you?

edited to add word "tradition", which is what i really meant, thanks knifegirl

so today was crazy and busy but: the highlight was when 4 very fine gentlemen dressed to the nines came in from the fire dept. for the yearly inspection. dayum, son. i love a man in uniform.

i have never read the catcher in the rye.

...that eating sugar can cure hiccups?

IT IS TRUE

Also I have my HIDA scan today.

Then I get to go to work and catch up from the morning.

Tonight we are going out to celebrate my brother's birthday, which is actually on the 11th but he'll be off doing something with his friends or somesuch.

It's really weird to think of my baby brother as 27 this year.

It's also sad that Dimebag died.

Ok better go

do you have a song that, when you hear it playing on the radio, immediately makes you crank up the volume and think "yeah! i LOVE this song!"? what song is it? (i have multiple answers to this one, so i'm pretty sure others do too. just pick one.)

My therapist said not to see you no more
She said you're like a disease without any cure
She said I'm so obsessed that I'm becoming a bore, oh no

We had our first real snowfall on the first day of December. Little noses pressed against the glass and gleeful "SNOW SNOW SNOW MOMMMMMMM SNOWWWWWW!" was all I heard when the kids got up and then a squeal of "SANTA IS COMING SOON KNOW HOW I KNOW HUH HUH BECAUSE THE CHOCOLATE. CALENDARS. HAVE. STARTED!" and stomps with every word to emphasize.

There is something about the first snowfall that always tugs at my heart and makes me long to be a kid again. Before all the crap started and before I lost the magic of being that free.

My throat is still raw from the esophagal scope (that tube that looked like a vacuum hose from hell was apparently a tight fit... urk) but at least the sigmoid didn't leave me feeling too tender. Waking up from the nice little coma they put me into before doing any REAL testing, my first thought was, "so this must be how alien abductees feel". Honest to pete. Stuff oozing out of places it should never ooze out of and the feeling like "OMGWTF" and "where are my pants???"

The surgeon was nice enough to tell me they found no Chrohn's (however you spell that) so that is a bit of a "phew!" but they took a buncha biopses and we'll see how that goes. Next step: "HIDA Scan", which is less ominous than it sounds, promise. No weird preparing for that one at least, just a fasting.

Then on the 21st I will finally know if all that bullshit they have put me through turned anything up. If not... I don't really know what's next.

This is probably one of the longer posts I've made in some time. I just can't bring myself to write it all down and I feel no joy and I feel nothing. Nothing. I keep asking public questions to snap myself into feeling something vicariously through others. I don't really have a reason to be this way. Maybe it's just the season or maybe I'm just tired. I don't know.

Ok time to get the munchkins up and get ourselves to work/school/babysitters.

Ta.

G

Lots of things have been happening at casa de me. I've been incredibly busy but at the same time insanely un-busy. I can't explain.

Put the tree up this past weekend, the kids did a marvellous job decorating it. They were really meticulous about the whole process and would have consultations on each and every ornament placed. It was quite silly and cute and wonderful all at once.

I'm too tired to talk about much more but the one thing I wanted to mention was I had a really weird dream in which I developed a sim game based around politics. You could work on a world level or stick to one country and you had to put it through this entire political thing and it's hard to explain but it seemed really cool at the time.

Ok time for bed I think.

What is your favorite smell? What does it remind you of?

just got back from hospital for the scopes. so far so good. feeling groggy. methinks it's time for a bath!


barium enema results: negative! woo!

still haven't slept yet. time for bed now i think. i've been up for uh... what's 24 +8?


lots of hours. can't do math.

time to sink into sleep like a warm bath. oooo a bath woudl be nice.... but i'd fall asleep and drown. not that any of you would give a flying fuck. but my man would. my kids would.







...would i?

C just got over a bad ear infection.

I managed to get a free lunch today just by saying to one of our customer service guys "Hey I hear you are buying me lunch today!" He said "Sure get your coat" and hooray!

I have to go to Transport of Dangerous Goods training in a few hours. I haven't slept yet. This training ought to knock me right out, haha. I also have to go for MS training right afterward. I am going to have a hell of a busy day. So much for relaxation on the weekend (does that even exist anymore?).

I hate it when you get an itch inside your ear but it's too deep to do anything about it.

Now, since I just know that most of you are in suspense, I now present to you:


I am Jack's smirking revenge.


I am Jack's...? (pertaining to Fight Club)
brought to you by Quizilla

She knows she's more than just a little misunderstood
She has trouble acting normal when she's nervous

BARIUM ENEMA!

hurt! ouch! pain!

so i'm cranky and tired and go for my barium x-ray tomorrow

i'm also STARVING

stupid all liquid no solid rule

and citro-mag is HELL

and wtf what kind of insane doctor thought up the barium bit? (don't answer that.)

on the bright side, i got the day off work tomorrow.

guh.

i really don't wanna.

just got home from the bar where i played babysitter to my very drunk friend. i was supposed to stay with her until close but i felt like crap (and i was sober and hate hate hate the bar scene here).

it was also really pissing her off that so many people there seemed to know me in some capacity because they kept coming up to me and she was like "that's right say hello to her, nobody says hello to me, holy fuck woman why don't you fucking run for mayor alfuckingready"

half the people i ran into work at the same company as i do

the other half were people i've known since high school

a small percentage were people that only just knew me in passing and yet felt compelled to seek me out and say hello

the town isn't all that small... maybe i'm just too friendly for my own good har har

normally this is the part where i bitch about my job or my family or some other aspect of my life, but i'm too god damned tired to think of anything so just make something up.

thx bye

So update, i have to get a scope done (both ends) and a barium x-ray and a HIPA scan. I AM BECOMING SCIENCE.

saw my brother's new house last night, it is beautiful and i am really happy for him. let's hope things turn out ok.



Ten years ago, I...
1. was 18 years old.
2. had an appendectomy.
3. was dating the worst person I could possibly have chosen to date.

Five years ago, I...
1. was finding out I was pregnant with my second child. Actually, five years ago TO THE DAY I was finding this out. Creepy.
2. was panicking about this.
3. was living in a home with SO & little C who was only a year old at the time.

One year ago, I...
1. was given the "opportunity" to take on more workload (but not-so-much-more pay)
2. was celebrating my champaigne year... 27 years old on july 27th
3. was can't remember much more about a year ago.

So far this year, I...
1. have developed a mysterious ailment that causes me great pain any time I eat or drink anything.
2. seem to be drawing a blank.
3. see 2.

Last month, I...
1. discovered that I would be hosting our damn family christmas
2. was given the task of Team Ambassador for the annual walk for MS
3. was in a lot of pain.

Yesterday, I...
1. had a stressful day at work
2. and therefore had insomnia
3. got to explain to a couple of people from the US exactly why I was wearing a poppy.

Today, I...
1. am really tired because I didnt' sleep much
2. don't want to go in to work
3. but I have to anyway.

Tomorrow, I...
1. wish it were Saturday instead of Friday
2. need to get groceries and bake a cake for ME
3. get paid! Hooray payday!

In one year, I...
1. will probably be typing out yet another meme
2. unless of course I'm dead.
3. in which case, this won't matter, will it?

In five years, I...
1. am not thinking that far ahead.
2. will be married for 10 years.
3. will have forgotten all about this meme.


Ok not as creative as I could be, but done as toast.

I'm tired and grumpy and also very hungry except I know the minute I eat something I will thoroughly regret it. Fuckin tired of hurting too.

Going to see the surgeon on Tuesday to discuss upcoming scope (the very thought makes me shudder).

My mom ALREADY has her Christmas things up. Tradition to her, the first weekend of November she puts them up. Even if Halloweeen is on the Friday, come that Saturday morning all the fall stuff is down and up goes the tree.

That would be fine but then I have a month of my kids pestering me to do the same. Grrr.

Do you have any idea how big a turkey made to feed 40 people looks like? It is insane. I am feeding my family a dinosaur this year.

The only thing that won't make me go broke for hosting the family Christmas is the fact that it's a potluck. Thank freakin God.

Ok time to go do something productive.

right here is why.

It is funny and touching all at once.

That's all I really have to say about the whole politics nonsense. On to other crap that doesn't matter:

Was sick monday & tuesday. Went in to work Monday morning and made it to about 10 am then decided fuckit I can stay all day in the washroom at work or go home and be in the washroom where I'm comfortable and don't have to wear pants. So very, very sick. Then Tuesday morning I went so far as to get dressed and then decided to hell with it, I don't owe my workplace anything and they certainly won't thank me for coming in still sick so I stayed home Tuesday too. Nya nyah.

Kids started piano lessons today. This should be interesting.

I'm still feeling like crap so it's another early bedtime for me.

Memo to self:
- money for mom's xmas gift needed in the a.m.
- review coming up
- 12 auditors from US/Canada visiting. remember to smile goddangit.
- call dentist to book yearly appt.
- call surgeon to verify pre-op on the 9th

Okie doo. Time to go. Good night and you stay classy, America. I'm Ron Burgundy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, esmesquall!

So Thursday morning I:

-slept in
-had hell of time getting kids out of bed & dressed & ready to go to in-laws
-got kids out and into car
-returned into unlocked house only to find - NO KEYS TO BE SEEN ANYWHERE
-spent 20 mins looking for keys
-finally gave up and walked kids over to in-laws.

they lent me their car as they have two vehicles. which was fine except:

they forgot to tell me the lights don't automatically shut off when the car stops.

and it had no annoying noise to remind me.

so guess what was dead when i left work later that afternoon, tired and having had a horrific day.

yeah.

i had to call my dad because nobody else would help and those who did want to help couldn't because they had no jumper cables. if it were my own car i'd have had some but it was the in-laws' and they didn't.

got keys from SO and then spent most of the evening looking for mine.

i found them alright - in my son's jacket sleeve.



Friday an interesting thing happened. When I went to get some scrapbook supplies to make a book for my aunt to ship to her newly-found stepdaughter in England (long story short: current hubby had a child very young and the mother of that child took her away and he hadn't heard from said child until just last year, and the kid's like, 30something). I bought a new book to put the layouts in during break and at a later break at work I opened up the book to check for flaws (bought it on sale but didn't have time for that just wanted to get one and go) and inside there was an already complete layout! The photos were professionally done black-and-whites of this very lovely lady. They were much older and it was a gorgeous set-up.

So I called the store and explained to them that I think maybe I got one of their display books or something because of this layout. They couldn't understand what I was trying to tell them so I said I would come over after work to show them, because I didn't want somebody missing these terrific photos.

After work, as promised, I went over to the store and showed the owners what I was talking about. Turns out the photos were of the owner Lauren when she was younger! She was so pleased about my bringing it back she let me choose a different scrapbook from a wall up to $50 in value! Then she gave me 10% off anything else I might find to purchase and a free membership (which entitles me to 10% off everything and free access to their cropping materials). She said it was so nice that there were still people like me because most would have just went "huh. nice." and thrown the layout in the bin or something.

Friday night I went out for dinner with MH & KH, which was nice. We were supposed to go shopping afterward but MH had to go do something with her two sisters to celebrate her middle sister getting engaged. So we had a later dinner and then KH & I decided to cruise around the grocery store as I needed to do some shopping anyway and going at night is best because nobody is around to bug you or fight you over the last box of honey combs or whatever.

Then we put all my groceries away and had some tea and discussed what we were doing for Hallowe'en. She decided she wanted to be an 80's punk sort and was asking me for ideas. I told her to hold on a second and then returned from my room with all kinds of junk that completely suited her purpose. She laughed and said she knew she'd come to the right person and what the heck was I doing with all this stuff. I had no response for that but meh.

Spent most of last night awake tending to not one, but two puking kids. I'm exhausted and grumpy. This is going to be one of the worse types of halloweens I can just tell. Which sucks because I love this holiday normally. :(

Today is my 4th wedding anniversary.

Instead of doing anything tonight we are planning to go to London on the weekend and watch some live comedy and have dinner and just do couple type stuff that we never seem to have time to do lately.

I can honestly say that while it was the scariest thing I've ever done, I've never once regretted marrying SO. I love him dearly and thank my stars every day for having him. Even on the days that he drives me up the wall. Honestly.

Today is also lometa's wedding anniversary. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LOMETA!

So my ultrasound results yielded: Steatohepatitis aka "fatty liver". Cause as of this point unknown. I may have to get a biopsy done and then further tests.

From: http://www.frontiernet.net/~cdm/age1.html

You said your birthday is 7 / 27 / 1976
which means you are 28 years old and about:

59 years 9 months younger than Walter Cronkite, age 87
56 years 2 months younger than Pope John Paul II, age 84
52 years 1 month younger than George Herbert Bush, age 80
44 years 10 months younger than Barbara Walters, age 73
42 years 8 months younger than Larry King, age 70
36 years 6 months younger than Ted Koppel, age 64
33 years 1 month younger than Geraldo Rivera, age 61
30 years 1 month younger than George W. Bush, age 58
25 years 0 months younger than Jesse Ventura, age 53
20 years 9 months younger than Bill Gates, age 48
15 years 11 months younger than Cal Ripken Jr., age 44
10 years 1 month younger than Mike Tyson, age 38
6 years 0 months younger than Jennifer Lopez, age 34
0 years 7 months younger than Tiger Woods, age 28
5 years 11 months older than Prince William, age 22

and that you were:

25 years old at the time of the 9-11 attack on America
23 years old on the first day of Y2K
21 years old when Princess Diana was killed in a car crash
18 years old at the time of Oklahoma City bombing
17 years old when O. J. Simpson was charged with murder
16 years old at the time of the 93 bombing of the World Trade Center
14 years old when Operation Desert Storm began
13 years old during the fall of the Berlin Wall
9 years old when the space shuttle Challenger exploded
7 years old when Apple introduced the Macintosh
6 years old during Sally Ride's travel in space
4 years old when Pres. Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr.
3 years old at the time the Iran hostage crisis began

-----------

43 years 5 months younger than Yoko Ono, age 71
35 years 2 months younger than Bob Dylan, age 63
33 years 0 months younger than Mick Jagger, age 61
31 years 4 months younger than Eric Clapton, age 59
28 years 2 months younger than Stevie Nicks, age 56
20 years 10 months younger than David Lee Roth, age 49
17 years 11 months younger than Madonna, age 46
14 years 5 months younger than Jon Bon Jovi, age 42
9 years 4 months younger than Billy Corgan, age 37
6 years 4 months younger than Mariah Carey, age 34
2 years 2 months younger than Alanis Morissette, age 30
5 years 4 months older than Britney Spears, age 22

and when these songs were topping the charts
and these events occurred your age was:

Elvis Presley Dies: 1
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, Rod Stewart: 2
Another Brick in the Wall, Pink Floyd: 3
John Lennon is shot to death: 4
MTV makes its debut: 5
Who Can it be Now, Men at Work: 6
The recording of We Are The World: 8
Walk Like an Egyptian, Bangles: 10
Didn't We Almost have it all, Whitney Houston: 11
Back In The U.S.S.R. is released exclusively in Russia: 12
Nothing Compares 2 U, Sinead O'Connor: 13
Emotions, Mariah Carey: 15
Fleetwood Mac perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration: 16
The Sign, Ace Of Base: 17
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opens: 19

--------------------------

50 years 2 months younger than Andy Griffith, age 78
46 years 8 months younger than Dick Clark, age 74
45 years 4 months younger than Leonard Nimoy, age 73
43 years 3 months younger than Carol Burnett, age 71
40 years 6 months younger than Alan Alda, age 68
39 years 0 months younger than Bill Cosby, age 67
33 years 8 months younger than Linda Evans, age 61
31 years 6 months younger than Tom Selleck, age 59
28 years 7 months younger than Ted Danson, age 56
26 years 3 months younger than Jay Leno, age 54
22 years 6 months younger than Oprah Winfrey, age 50
21 years 5 months younger than Kelsey Grammer, age 49
18 years 2 months younger than Drew Carey, age 46
15 years 2 months younger than Michael J. Fox, age 43
11 years 9 months younger than Calista Flockhart, age 39
7 years 6 months younger than Jennifer Aniston, age 35
3 years 7 months younger than Alyssa Milano, age 31
1 year 4 months older than Colin Hanks, age 26
7 years 1 month older than Mila Kunis, age 21
14 years 11 months older than Madylin Sweeten, age 13

and that you were:

1 years old when CBS introduced Dallas
4 years old during the first airing of Hill Street Blues
6 years old at the time the first Cheers episode was televised
10 years old when L.A. Law was first aired on TV
10 years old at the time the series Married with Children began
13 years old when Seinfeld was first televised
15 years old in the month Home Improvement began
18 years old at the time the TV series Friends began
20 years old when Everybody Loves Raymond first aired
23 years old when Who Wants To Be A Millionaire began in the US

-------------------

57 years 6 months younger than Zsa Zsa Gabor, age 85
46 years 2 months younger than Clint Eastwood, age 74
43 years 5 months younger than Kim Novak, age 71
40 years 6 months younger than Burt Reynolds, age 68
36 years 6 months younger than Nick Nolte, age 64
35 years 3 months younger than Ann-Margret, age 63
29 years 4 months younger than Billy Crystal, age 57
26 years 8 months younger than Whoopi Goldberg, age 54
24 years 0 months younger than Robin Williams, age 52
20 years 1 month younger than Tom Hanks, age 48
17 years 8 months younger than Jamie Lee Curtis, age 45
15 years 4 months younger than Eddie Murphy, age 43
6 years 0 months younger than Jennifer Lopez, age 34
2 years 7 months older than Jennifer Love Hewitt, age 25
11 years 8 months older than Haley Joel Osment, age 16

and when these movies were released in the U.S. your age was:

Animal House: 1
Star Trek: The Motion Picture: 3
ET: 5
The Terminator: 8
Top Gun: 9
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: 11
Steel Magnolias: 13
Home Alone: 14
Wayne's World: 15
Jurassic Park: 16
Forrest Gump: 17
Fargo: 19
Saving Private Ryan: 21
Toy Story 2: 23

-----------



what i'm wondering is why the certain events/people were chosen for this meme. hmmm. i'd like to see a few other ones in there.

ok time to go make lunches and do the mom thing before work.

Superman's dead. My heart is broken.

Actor, Director and Activist Christopher Reeve Dies at Age 52

Christopher Reeve died suddenly at 5:30 p.m. yesterday of heart failure. He was 52 years old.

On Saturday October 9, Reeve fell into a coma after going into cardiac arrest while at home. Reeve was being treated for a pressure wound that he developed, a common complication for people living with paralysis. In the past week, the wound had become severely infected, resulting in a serious systemic infection.

Reeve was admitted to Northern Westchester Hospital on Saturday evening and never regained consciousness. His family was at his side at the time of death.

Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, issued this statement:

"On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Northern Westchester Hospital for the excellent care they provided to my husband. I also want to thank his personal staff of nurses and aides, as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years."

"The family asks that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time, "said Wesley Combs, publicist for Mr. Reeve.

Reeve is survived by his mother Barbara Johnson and his father Franklin Reeve, his brother Benjamin Reeve, his wife Dana, their twelve year old son Will and his two children from a former relationship, Matthew (25) and Alexandra (21).

At this time, no plans for a funeral have been announced. Additional information will be released as soon as it is available.

For those who care to do so, the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to the Foundation. Cards may be sent to the family in care of the Foundation at 500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

What is your favorite memory involving the rain?

Bolded things I've tried.
Underlined the things I really want to do before I die.
Comments are in italics.

01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain Do big cliffs count?
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula.
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it.
09. Hugged a tree and I meant that, too.
10. Done a striptease
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long, and watch the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
20. Slept under the stars
21. Changed a baby's diaper More times than I can remember
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
23. Watched a meteor shower
24. Gotten drunk on champagne
25. Given more than you can afford to charity
26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse
30. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
31. Asked out a stranger
32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
35. Held a lamb
36. Organized and planned a surprise party for a loved one
37. Taken a midnight skinny dip
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
40. Seen a total eclipse
41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run
43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days
44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking all the time
45. Adopted an accent for an entire day yes and it was great fun
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
50. Loved your job for all accounts
51. Taken care of someone who was really sick
52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
53. Had amazing friends still have
54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign
57. Backpacked in Europe
58. Taken a road-trip
59. Rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government's official in that country to avoid notice
61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Sky diving
63. Visited Ireland
64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan soon i hope
67. Bench pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
69. Alphabetized your records
70. Pretended to be a superhero I'd like to know who makes up these things
71. Sung karaoke it was terrifying
72. Lounged around in bed all day
73. Protested something you feel strongly against
74. Scuba diving
75. Got it on to "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye uh, no. ever. it makes me laugh.
76. Kissed in the rain
77. Played in the mud
78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theater
80. Done something you should regret, but don't regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China
82. Discovered that someone who's not supposed to have known about your blog has discovered your blog
83. Dropped Windows in favor of something better
84. Started a business
85. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
86. Toured ancient sites
87. Taken a martial arts class like, one.
88. Swordfought for the honor of a woman
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight ugh, no.
90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie
92. Crashed a party
93. Loved someone you shouldn't have
94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy
95. Gotten divorced
96. Started an office war does a territorial war over office supplies count?
97. Gone without food for 5 days no but i have for 3
98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a costume contest i taped socks, underwear, and bounce sheets to myself and went as static cling
100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
101. Gotten a tattoo
102. Found that the texture of some materials can turn you on hells yes
103. Rafted the Snake River
104. Been on television news programs as an "expert" an expert what, I don't know.
105. Got flowers for no reason shouts to kg4yef for most recent of that (I realize that was long ago, shuddup. That's the most recent.)
106. Made out in a public place
107. Got so drunk you don't remember anything I'm still hearing stories about it.
108. Been addicted to some form of illegal drug
109. Performed on stage
110. Been to Las Vegas
111. Recorded music
112. Eaten shark
113. Drank an entire 6 pack by yourself and then some
114. Gone to Thailand
115. Seen Siouxsie live
116. Bought a house
117. Been in a combat zone
118. Buried one/both of your parents
119. Shaved all of your hair off
120. Been on a cruise ship
121. Spoken more than one language fluently
122. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
123. Bounced a check
124. Performed in theatre
125. Read - and understood - your credit report
126. Raised children still am
127. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy that's the beauty of having kids, and of things from my childhood coming back into popularity
128. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour a little? no but i've drank with them plenty, does that count?
129. Created and named your own constellation of stars
130. Taken a bicycle tour in a foreign country
131. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
132. Called or written your Congress person
133. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
134. ...more than once?
135. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
136. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking again, all the time
137. Had an abortion
138. Had plastic surgery
139. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
140. Wrote articles for a large publication
141. Lost over 100 pounds
142. Held someone while they were having a flashback
143. Piloted an airplane
144. Petted a stingray do they perhaps mean manta ray?
145. Broken someone's heart
146. Helped an animal give birth
147. Been fired or laid off from a job
148. Won money on a T.V. game show
149. Broken a bone my baby toe, it hurt like a mofo. if dislocations count, include my ankle.
150. Killed a human being
151. Gone on an African photo safari
152. Ridden a motorcycle
153. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100mph
154. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
155. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
156. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
157. Ridden a horse
158. Had major surgery
159. Ridden on a passenger train
160. Had a snake as a pet it was short-lived, as my father has a serious snake phobie.
161. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
162. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
163. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
164. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
165. Visited all 7 continents
166. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
167. Eaten kangaroo meat
168. Fallen in love at an ancient Mayan burial ground uh...ok
169. Been a sperm or egg donor
170. Eaten sushi
171. Had your picture in the newspaper
172. Had 2 (or more) healthy romantic relationships for over a year in your lifetime define "healthy"...
173. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
174. Gotten someone fired for their actions
175. Gone back to school
176. Parasailed
177. Changed your name
178. Petted a cockroach
179. Eaten fried green tomatoes
180. Read The Iliad own it.
181. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
182. Dined in a restaurant and stolen silverware, plates, cups because your apartment needed them
183. ...and gotten 86'ed from the restaurant because you did it so many times, they figured out it was you
184. Taught yourself an art from scratch the "art" of masturbation... hahhaa! seriously: piano & saxophone.
185. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
186. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
187. Skipped all your school reunions i have yet to have one.
188. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language every freaking day
189. Been elected to public office
190. Written your own computer language
191. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
192. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
193. Built your own PC from parts
194. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
195. Had a booth at a street fair
196: Dyed your hair Blue what color *haven't* i dyed it
197: Been a DJ
198: Found out someone was going to dump you via LiveJournal goodness me, that would suck. i wonder if whomever penned this list had this happen?
199: Written your own role playing game
200: Been arrested

Whew. That was a lot.



Synopsis of week's events:

* worked 22 hrs overtime
* bossaman came down from Novi MI
* preparing for customs audit
* still feeling sick, no results from ultrasound yet
* got gift for a friend's upcoming wedding (it's tomorrow)
* weighed the pros and cons of quitting, for the six millionth time
* comforted a co-worker whose brother-in-law committed suicide
* left a message for the principal of my kids' school to ask why i hadn't been informed that a boy kicked my daughter in the face today. not one word of the particulars or anything. and she has a little bruise.
* slept in once
* had coffee bought for me
* was told i looked beautiful by a stranger (which was the nicest thing i've heard in a month)
* stopped taking the damn pills the doctor gave me because they are only making me feel worse, not better
* i forget the rest

......

Do people like it when I post questions?

What is your favorite daydream?

Here's hoping that in the afterlife, you get a little more respect.

I give you THIS

heheheheh

oh c'mon, you know you wanna.

so the weekend with the girls up in pike bay was great and much needed and fun. if i remember i will post the phots somewhere so you can see us make asses of ourselves running the obstacle course.

went for ultrasound yesterday and the woman put 16 tons of goop all over my torso that i swear she'd stored in the freezer prior to it and the halfway through she gets into a phone conversation with her mother whilst i lay there all goopy. like i didn't have a job to get back to or anything. it sucked. and when she pressed down just below my ribcage on the left hand side it hurt like a mofo. dayyyyum.

also on the way out of the lab my left shoulder was clipped by a purolator van's rearview mirror. fucker didn't even slow down just rammed right through the parking lot. grrr.

also i spilled coffee all over a co-worker's desk. don't ask. it's a long story.

i go to a dressmaker tonight to get fitted for a dress being made for christmas party. i'll probably also wear it to the oscar night gala we have here.

anyway.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALERIE!!!111

HAPPY BIRTHDAY O CHRIS!!!!!!!1111oneoneone

so this weekend we are going camping up by lake huron overnight as a bachelorette function for my friend JK. She's not really into the bar scene and the rest of us are sick of it as well, this way we can get smashed and have fun. JM is setting up a drunken survivoresque type game and I cannot wait.

I have somehow been hornswaggled into making dessert for this function, and I'm hard pressed to find something that won't make drunken bellies go "oooooooog! bad ideaaa!" the next day. Hmmmm. I'm thinking cookies is the only option...

Tonight is Family Information/BBQ/Book Fair night at my kids' school. WHoopety-do. I hate mingling with parents who don't give me the time of day because I'm one or all of the following: 1) weird 2) half their age 3) not a stay at home mom 4) actually interested in my children.

Mind you there are a few people I do like, here's hoping I bump into them.

I should probably write about K's first day sometime, I probably will and just date it from that day.

So I have an ultrasound scheduled for the face-melting pain I've been in but it isn't scheduled until next Thursday. The doctor's pretty convinced it's my gall bladder acting up but wants to see the extent of the damage or somesuch. In the mean time he has put me on Nexium which apparently tells the stomach to stop producing acids. How does my food get digested? Very slowly. And I still have the nausea and general discomfort/malaise. Did I mention I HATE pills? Hate them with a passion but I have to take them or end up either not eating or in the fetal position every time I do eat.

SO says this is a clear indication that my job is killing me, har har.

This guy at work came in with a cast this week on his hand, I asked him what happened. Well! Apparently his (now ex) fiancee smashed his hand in the fridge door and broke the ball joint at the base of his hand & the one on his pinky finger. I asked why he said because she doesn't like him working so much. She's something like 7 months pregnant too. Man some people lead crazy lives. I said uh was she this dysfunctional before he said nope and now he is talking to his lawyer about custody of Molly (the baby she hasn't had yet) because he doesn't want her growing up with a nutcase. He kind of laughed and said it was interesting that he had spent years in the military and no injuries - it took living with a woman to mess him up. I didn't really have a response to that because, frankly, I think the guy might be a little messed up himself but meh, who knows these days.

Also, my insomnia came to visit me last week and hasn't left since. Whoo-ah. Gotta love the autumn.

We've been acquired by two rather large investment corporations, so hooray! Or somesuch. Someone on our Lean team tried to figure out the amount of money lost wasting 45 minutes on a global announcement via speakerphones but then his brain broke. Because it was that much.

Five minutes after the announcement, an email was transmitted that more or less told us the exact same thing, and took less time to read.

You could almost hear our former CEO laughing as he rolled around in the money.

I was going to say something witty but I've forgotten.

Guess who has a cold now? Maybe it was the lack of sleep thing getting me down or something but I sound like a brandy-swigging chain-smoking lounge singer.

I gave out two random coffees today for my random act of kindness and in return I got a free pizza from my boss and was treated to Dairy Queen by the director of HR.

Oh! I got new boots! They are hella sexy and comfortable. On sale! *swoon*

Ok time for Nyquil or something and some bedrest.

Nighty night.

Bleh so I didn't sleep for two days and then when sleep finally came to me Shawn wouldn't let me because he wanted to talk

also i find this incredibly funny

http://www.metro.co.uk/img/pix/nemi_sept8.jpg

ok i'm too tired to type much and have to be at work soon (should be there now really) because they have an announcement about the sale or somesuch rot. maybe we're shutting down, who knows.

So I've been sick more or less for the past two weeks... I'm guessing anxiety though for what I don't know. Just a churning in my stomach that starts around 4pm and doesn't let up until I pass out from exhaustion. For the record, I'm NOT pregnant. Halfway through the two week stretch proof of my non-pregnancy revealed itself in all its majesty (and man did it hurt like a mofo).

Seeing the doctor today, so we'll see how that goes.


As I've mentioned briefly before, on top of my customs invoicing duties, I also answer the phone for the company I work for. On Friday, SG called as he almost always does, we chatted for a few minutes then I asked him how I could help him. He said he was looking for RL so I agreed to page him. After paging him, 4 of the switch's lights blinked on. I went through the first three which were legit phone calls before managing to reach the fourth, I picked up and heard RL mumbling about "she pages me then doesn't answer the goddamn phone, typical, typical" and I said a cheery "Shut up I had for freakin lights blinkin, you were number four, DEAL WITH IT" and of course he laughed. I let him know SG was on the phone so he said fine I'll hang up put him through.

I put him through but I'm thinking RL didn't hang up fast enough... anyhow he got Mag to call me and say "whoever you put through to him it didn't work" and I said "Next time he should hang up faster" and left it at that. Phone rang, it was RL. "So you can't even do the simplest task, all you had to do was switch him through and you couldn't-" I said "SHUT UP. FIRE ME THEN. I DARE YOU." and of course we had a good laugh over it.

I then called Mag back and said "Do me a favor? Smack him for me." She laughed and responded that she would, but she feared she would not be able to stop. My response was "Well, I was going to just say you should tell him that if he payed half as much attention to the quality of our merchandise as he does to my switchboard skills, we wouldn't be in so much trouble with the customer. But that's mean. So just smack him." She laughed a good deal over that and asked if she could keep that for herself for the next opportunity. I said of course and hung up.

Five minutes later the phone rings, it's RL. "It took you that long to come up with a response??" I said "Oh I'm sorry, I was busy DOING MY JOB and didn't have a chance to call back right away. You know what that is, right? Doing your job?"

It should be mentioned that RL and I are pals, and none of this is taken very seriously.

Later I get a phone call for AR and paged him. RL answers the page. "AR is in Oakville"
"He didn't tell me that."
"Well shame on him, then. Put the call through to me."
I couldn't help myself in answering "Are you sure you can trust me with that task?" to which he replied "I don't know... you sure they trained you for this position? Must be nice to make the big bucks to do nothing. Man, if I had your salary I'd retire by now" and of course my rejoinder was a cheery "fuck off and hang up so I can transfer him, please".

-

Other incident: Around 1 pm the ESA came by to see JMC. I paged and phone his cell but no answer. I stalled the ESA agent and mentioned it was the end of lunch so he may be running late. He said no, JMC knew about this appointment and would be expecting him. I asked if anybody else could help him in the meantime, he said yeah probably RY or Digger. I called RY up and RY had no clue what ESA guy was talking about, so then HE proceeded to try and track down JMC. No luck. So ESA guy says "call Digger, he will know". Digger comes up, knows what he is talking about of course and they discuss the matter briefly in the reception area. It's around 1:20 by this point so I tried JMC's cell again. No answer. Two minutes later, the switch rings and it is JMC. "G, I know there is a B from the ESA waiting for me there, tell him I am swiftly heading towards there as we speak, ok?" So he arrives late, and greatly apologetic, and I think nothing of it.

Later in the afternoon, Rick from CBS came by to see JMC. I paged him, he answered and I said "Dude you need a secretary or something". He laughed and said "It's getting that bad, is it?" The guy is FAMOUS for missed appointments and mismanagement of his time. Then he went on to confess the real reason he was late for the ESA meeting was because it was Friday, he decided to go out for lunch with a few people. No big deal, right? They left at noon, they were chatting up while waiting for their food, just as the food arrives his cell rings and he looks at the time. It was 1:00 so he shut off his cell and tried to jam his entire meal into a few minutes. "You should have seen it, G, I know you'd have a good laugh over it. Imagine me trying to jam an entire turkey sandwich into my mouth at once and you'll get the picture."

He came up got Rick and apologised again. He came by later after the meeting: "What are you still doing here? It's what, 5?"
"I work here, remember?"
"Yeah but..."
"Yeah... I started at 7 and yes I'm still here. What can be done?"
"G, you need to slow down. Laugh some more. I hadn't heard you laugh like that in MONTHS."
"I know."
"G, go home."

I ended up taking two books full of work home. I only managed to go through one this weekend. It's getting busier and while it gets busier we have managers telling us to put in less overtime. Ok you know what? STOP GIVING ME MORE STUFF TO DO. Then I'll stop posting the OT. Perhaps even cut me back down to two jobs, instead of four? Hmmm?

Anyway. Off to work with me. Adieu.

I had forgotten that desks could be so little
and that kids could be so excited
and that teachers can actually smile kindly and mean it
and that first day jitters apply to parents too

I had forgotten that new school smell
and that array of hooks and shelves to proudly hold your things
and the hollows in the desk to place your newly-sharpened pencils
and the way everything is just so on that first day

I had not forgotten how beautiful your smile can be
and how proud you make me, every day.

First day of first grade, C. Oh, how the years have started to fly..

01. I miss somebody right now.
02. I don't watch much TV these days.
03. I love olives.
04. I love sleeping.
05. I own lots of books.
06. I wear glasses or contact lenses.(or at least I'm supposed to)
07. I love to play video games.
08. I've tried marijuana. (nope, allergic)
09. I've watched porn movies.
10. I have been in a threesome.
11. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
12. I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
13. I look younger than I am.
14. I like and respect Al Sharpton. (I don't follow American politics closely enough to care)
15. I curse frequently.
16. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
17. I have a hobby.
18. I've been told I: (women) have an applebottom, (men) am packing
19. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
20. I'm really, really smart. (har har)
21. I've never hurt anyone.
22. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.
23. I hate the rain.
24. I'm paranoid at times.
25. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free
26. I need money right now.
27. I love sushi.
28. I talk really, really fast.
29. I have fresh breath in the morning.
30. I have semi-long hair.
31. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
32. I have at least one brother and/or one sister
33. I was born in a country outside of the U.S. (that's because I am CANADIAN)
34. I shave my legs (females) or face (males) on a regular basis.
35. I have a twin.
36. I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
37. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.
38. I like the way that I look.
39. I have lied to a good friend in the last 6 months.
40. I know how to cornrow.
41. I am usually pessimistic.
42. I have a lot of mood swings.
43. I think prostitution should be legalized.
44. I think Britney Spears is hot.
45. I have cheated on a significant other in the past.
46. I have a hidden talent.
47. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
48. I think that I'm popular.
49. I am currently single.
50. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
51. I enjoy talking on the phone.
52. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
53. I love to shop.
54. I would rather shop than eat.
55. I would classify myself as ghetto.
56. I'm bourgie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
57. I'm obsessed with my Xanga or Livejournal.
58. I don't hate anyone. I dislike them.
59. I'm a pretty good dancer.
61. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
62. I have a cell phone.
63. I believe in God.
64. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
65. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
66. I love drama.
67. I have never been in a "real" relationship before.
69. I currently have a crush on someone...(does my other half count?)
70. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
71. I want to have children in the future. (Not MORE children, mind you, two is plenty)
72. I have changed a diaper before.
73. I've called the cops on a friend before.
74. I bite my nails.
75. I'm a member of the Tom Green fan club.
76. I'm not allergic to anything.
77. I have a lot to learn.
78. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
79. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
80. I am very shy around the opposite sex sometimes.
81. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
82. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
83. I have tried alcohol or drugs before.
84. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
85. I own the "South Park" movie.
86. I have avoided assignments at work to be on Xanga or Livejournal.
87. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
88. I enjoy some country music.
89. I enjoy different genres of music.
90. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
91. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
92. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
93. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
94. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
95. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story"
96. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
97. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
98. I have dated a close friends ex.
99. I have cut my self before.
100. I am happy at this moment.

i always thought that there'd be lots to talk about
but i never see you and i still look when i go out...

you know what's worse than your workplace catching fire thus leading to you having to stay an extra hour to catch up for the hour you missed during the whole fiasco?

having the Y catch fire while you are in the middle of aquafit. on the same day.

it's daaaaaamn cold come nightfall. especially in a sopping wet bathing suit.

But you really don't remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?

last night went out to dinner with some friends, it was JK's birthday so we went to Falstaff's where I delighted my taste buds with rare steak, spring vegetables and baked potato.

Then it all unravelled when a certain person I haven't seen or talked to in a while shows up and gives that bitchy "I hate you but I suppose I'll just smile at you" smile and kept glaring over at me every few minutes. I haven't done a single thing to her and I don't know where the animosity comes from; I just know I don't have the time for shit like that and was about to say something evil when instead I just waved sarcastically and said "yeah good to see you" and she was going to bite back some scathing comment but I cut her off at the pass by talking to someone else.

Because I love JK so much, to diffuse the situation, I left.

And went right over to another bar where my other half was hanging out eating chicken wings with the boys. I snuck in a different entryway and bribed the bartender to send them an anonymous pitcher, from bonton. The bonton thing is a huge inside joke between them that would take to long to explain, but trust me, it's funny. I then drove around a while and came back to see if he & his father wanted a ride home instead of taking cab. They didn't of course and he immediately knew it was me that sent out that beer. Told me to have a seat while they drank some more, so of course I did.

His friend JG kept hitting on me to try and get a rise out of him but he wasn't biting, which really really pissed JG off. heheheh Then the evening turned to a point where they were shouting to try and speak over each other's voices, so I sat back and sort of laughed and lit up one of JG's cigarettes. Which of course shocked SO's father as he'd never seen me smoke before.

SO's father: *blink* When did you start smoking?
me: oh, about 18...
his dad: Really? I've never seen you do this before
SO: That's because she doesn't get away with it too often.

At this point he gives me a meaningful look like "yer lucky you bought me a pitcher woman" and of course I responded by jabbing him in the ribs with my elbow. To piss SO off, JG wraps an arm around me and says "Poor baby he won't let you smoke, you can have all the cigarettes you like just take them, go on" and SO gave him a purple nurple in response. hahaha. This is how these two interact on a regular basis. We jokingly call them the Grumpy Old Men.

SO really, really hates the habit and I've been really good about not doing it, but some days, you just cannot help it.

I had taken the day off yesterday and took the kids to London to shop for school clothes & other necessities. Then we went to McDonald's for lunch so they could play in the playplace. Then we went to a friends' home where there are four sons, aka "The Four Boys' House, mum". On the way to my parents' home where they kids were staying last night and today, C gave out a huge sigh. I asked her what was wrong she said that her head was all mixed up. I asked her why she said "There was too much good stuff today, mom, it's all mixed up in there. Do you think mootie will make me a tea? That might make me feel better." Then she went into this really long explanation about the brain and stuffing too much goodness in there all at once causes one to have a headache. Then K had to pipe up with "Yeah me too" every couple of minutes. They are so cute.

Ok enough procrastinating, time for that work type thing.

Hope you are happy, JPk, I finally posted something.

say you believe just how easy
it is to please me...
because when you learn
you'll know what makes the world turn

the funeral was hard but the service was beautiful and i could actually follow it although it was in a dialect of portuguese that was unfamiliar to me.

you know it's a hard funeral when the attending priest breaks down.

he was so thin they had had to stuff him so that he would look decent for visitation.

his daughter was an absolute wreck.

it's a little depressing, realizing that i am getting to the point in my life where i only see some family at weddings, funerals, etc.

it's also very depressing that in my 28 year tenure on this planet, i have yet to attend a family funeral where the person died of natural causes. i have been to no less than 2 family funerals a year since i was ten and all - ALL - have been cancer. on both sides.

future outlook: grim.

and i kept thinking about my grandfather today. it's only natural i suppose. i saw where my other grandfather was buried today as well. i had to drive my grandmother home after all was said and done and she asked me point blank why i didn't bother to attend his funeral. and i couldn't tell her because telling her would mean opening a huge wound and i could never do that to her. the woman has seen enough.

i'm tired and weepy and strangely horny. heh. probably a lot of untended-to anxiety and nowhere to put it or something. although i'm sure there's a study somewhere out there that would prove that grief brings that emotion out in a lot of people.

anyway, i've been up since 4 and didn't go to sleep until 1 so i'm wiped. nightnight.

at 2 am this morning my mom's cousin RC's husband succumbed to stomach cancer. cancer has destroyed more people in my life than i can even begin to articulate. VG was a terrific person and kind and wonderful; RC even more so. they were best man and matron of honor at my parents' wedding.

they were among the first in my extended family to congratulate me when i was pregnant with my first child. they were among the first in my extended family to try and make my other half feel welcome. vg was always laughing and telling jokes and making you feel like being around him was a gift, you know? and that gift has been taken away.

and maybe i'm a little angry right now because, like i said, i've lost a lot of loved ones to cancer, and i'm sick of it. and maybe i'm a little sad.

new flooring is all in, took the whole weekend but it's in by damn. it looks good and made the rooms look a lot bigger.

new kitchen table & chairs, new couch & new tv cabinet coming this week.

newnewnewnewnew

mind you we're broke now haha but who cares the house looks more like the way we wanted it to look and it feels more like ours. i still maintain a place is not your own until you've done something for it.

weird dream about spiderwebs and spiders with colorings like zebras and people acting very strangely.

i'm sleepy and don't wanna go in to work. mrrmrmelrehmrem.

Julia Child was hardcore. When Oprah took a peek into celebrity refridgerators, Ms. Child's contents pretty much had only a beer and some condiments, but damned if she didn't end up making something tasty out of it.

so in the past little while I:

- volunteered my time for a benefit dance for a little girl with an inoperable brain tumor & her family

- messed up the mayor & councellors w/whipped cream during said benefit to raise funds

- received a gift from my sister-in-law consisting of pink fuzzy slippers, a pink thong w/fuzzy tail, pink garter w/fuzzy on it, satin pink dressing robe.

- sent out a birthday present to my cousin L via a third party site (hopefully she will be receiving said parcel shortly)

- gave my mother a kitch-y birthday card and the movie "something's gotta give" and some little pieces of art that she absolutely adored ("you always get the coolest gifts, peach" - high praise indeed from her, believe you me)

- went and visited my friend SMc on her birthday because she was home alone - her hubby was working and she didn't have a sitter for their son. she nearly fell over when i called her, it had been that long since we'd talked. she said it was spooky how i always had the knack to know just when i needed to appear again in her life. heh.

- bought one of halspal's books

- visited my cousin in barrie for my birthday. she made home made lasagne & salad and we had ice cream cake and oh my i was full and happy. she kept bugging me about what i wanted to do and couldn't fathom how i could just be content sitting in her apartment, not saying much, watching sopranos reruns and drinking. it just felt so very, very good to unwind for a change with no obligation to anything or anyone.

- joined the local Y and signed up for some classes. enough of this being out of shape crap.

- was nicer to myself than i have been in a long, long time.

Bang bang, he shot me down
Bang bang, I hit the ground
Bang bang, that awful sound
Bang bang, my baby shot me down.

went to Barrie over the weekend to visit family, it was a good visit, but traffic was HELL ON EARTH

blarrrr

and I had to work the holiday Monday.

And I don't wanna go in to work today.

And the thunderstorm we had Monday night was TERRIFIC. Big blasting booms that shook the house, and lightning bright enough to read by.

I finally broke down and started reading those damn Harry Potter books. Now I'm all confused as to why they chose to exclude some things from the movie, etc etc

I'm sleepy and we are out of bananas. WOE! TRAGEDY!

heheh.

It's my mom's birthday on Thursday, and I'm trying to think of something really nice for her, because she's still in a deal of pain and needs some cheering up.

Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes, and thank you mitch for remembering the crayon story. :)

If there is anything I really want to remember about the night of my birthday, it's this: my children and my husband sitting at the table, smiling and singing happy birthday to me, one candle from 1/2 a strawberry shortcake winking at me. Glowing candle, glowing faces, and feeling more loved than I probably deserve.

happy birthday to me.

My grandmother on my Dad's side visited this weekend.

It was good, as I miss her and haven't seen her in a while; but also hard, because this weekend was the 6 yr anniversary of my grandfather's death. So she was pretty emotional, and truth be told so was I.

This is the grandfather that we ended up burying on my birthday. Because of that and ever since, my birthdays have a bittersweet twinge to them. Nothing like regret - just a little bit of empty.

In-laws had me over for supper today - a birthday type event for me. It was ok but before that I got hornswaggled into delivering avon goods to my mother-in-law's clients - took me 2 damn hours. Bleh. I don't even wanna go into it. But I told her I'd never do that again - ESPECIALLY WHEN: she asked me to go because she had a migraine, and couldn't drive - but then when I returned, I found she had gone out to the store shortly after my leaving and still hadn't returned! Grr.

Going up to Barrie again next weekend, as V has invited me over. I don't know what we are going to do yet. Probably for the better that way. Less to think about.

Don't wanna go to work tomorrow. I'm feeling sleepy. SO got to sleep in till 11 today, not sure why I was feeling so charitable on the matter, as I rarely, rarely get to sleep in myself. Le sigh.

Tuesday is my birthday.

Time to go to bed, and stare at the ceiling, and pretend like I don't care that my loved ones while well-meaning never quite get it when it comes to my birthday, and then maybe I'll stare some more, and try to get some sleep, or something. Maybe I'll read some. I don't know.

For some reason, I have Iggy Pop's "Candy" stuck in my head.

Here are some things that you have taught me:

Filling a pool with bubble bath is like writing "MISCHIEF TO BE HAD HERE" in big bold letters.

"Armordillos have exitskellingtons."

"pushaleelodizziesanmakacaba!"

Allosaurs are called littlefoots, pteranadons are called petries, etc.

Knock knock?
Who's there?
K.
K who?
K who? K who? AHAHAHHAAHA.

"If I jump really fast like this mum, I'll be as big as the moon!"

"I love you ten thousand dollars to da mooooon!"

(shouting) "MOM! There's a rabbit in the backyard! Come quick! But be quiet, ok? We don't wanna skeer him."

"Mom, can I feed Nemo (his fighter fish) the fishcrumbs this time?"

Monkey jumps and bone-crushing hugs and the sweetest kisses on the cheek there ever was to be had.

Oh my baby boy. You are four today. Bless you.

First soccer game of the season to be played in nice weather last night, and I barely had enough team members to play on the field. (@&#@$^(@#^($&

The head coach was off on holiday as well, so even though I was suffering from a migraine, my hand was forced and I chased those kids up and down that field. One kid came in late, which allowed for at least one sub but I called time on the game a few times to give the kids water etc.

There are some really good players on the team, but there are also some really, really whiney ones. The kind you'd love to just throw off the field and not let play again. Because they are too busy hanging off of your pantleg to bother trying to get the ball. But their parents insist on their participating in the sport they are loathing.

What ruins the game isn't the kids, it's the PARENTS.

These kids are only six, so I don't get too frazzled when they just want to hold hands skipping or pick daisies. But I do get frazzled when I'm told how to coach them "you should be making them play or doing this or doing that" UH I DO NOT THINK SO BUDDY AND IF YOU CAN DO A BETTER JOB WHY THE FUCK AREN'T YOU COACHING HUH? HUH?

Also I'm pretty sure the president of the youth soccer association is crazy. She tried making my kids play in a lightning storm. Half these kids are afraid of RAIN. I called the game and arranged with the other coach to spend Monday's practice on a rematch. If miss bitchy president didn't like it, too bad.

Rar.

My baby boy turns 4 on Wednesday. Wow. We are getting him a new bike. We are also taking him and my daughter to the zoo on the weekend. He loves animals more than anything except maybe dinosaurs so he will be in his glory.

I suppose this is enough stalling before work. Time to go. Have a good day, all.

The week off went fast. The painting is done. My house is colorful, which is so nice, but also a little unsettling.

Went to sis-in-law's on Saturday night. It was ok.

I'm feeling really, really tired. Forgot what it felt like to get up with the birds. I've more or less been sitting here the past hour, doing nothing, staring into space. Have to make my lunch soon, but can't figure what to make. Meh.

I also need to do laundry in a bad way. I should have taken some time to do some this weekend, but decided instead to busy myself with nothings. After a week of painting and renovating, I felt I deserved at least a little time to myself. Considering when SO had his week off, he just sat around the house doing whatever he pleased and all.

Had more to say but I'm too tired for the words.

I have been painting my house... it looks wonderful.

Kitchen = light canary yellow
adjoining room = peach/orange
bathroom = alien green
dining room = mauve
front room = sky blue
front door = royal blue


C won't change her bedroom, which is a neat stripety look of dark and light blue. our bedroom is depression blue but i will change that some other time when i've figured out what color to use. maybe red. but red takes a lot of work, if you want the right color you have to get a tinted primer first and even then you're looking at 4 or 5 coats to get it right.

hooray for color! the people who previously owned this home lived in drab conditions where gungy martha stewartesque colors were the thing to do. i wouldn't have minded except that they had really bad taste. or they were color blind. probably both.

SO wasn't too sure about it at first, but the colors flow so nicely and they really do grow on you. i might take photos and post them later.

it's true what my dad said. you don't really own a house until you do something for it.

the bathroom is the coolest. you open the door and it is an assault on your eyes! the floor reflects the green. the kids love it hahahaa and it's a good deterrent for unwanted guests. "Sure you can use the bathroom... *snicker*" it was a pain in the ass to remove the previous border though, and lo and behold beneath that border was ANOTHER border. After hours of scraping and swearing I finally decided fuckit and put up a different border. Which is probably a good thing - it offsets the alienesque feeling you get when you walk in.

in any case - that's what i've been up to on my week's vacation.

we also went to storybook gardens on saturday and to wildwood for swimming on sunday. i'll save those stories for another day. now i'm off to start shoving furniture back where it belongs... whooboy. that's the only thing i hate about painting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, quizro!!!

So this past weekend, I:

spontaneously drove up to Barrie to see my cousins

watched the film Farenheit 9/11

went to the bar

woke up Sunday had breakfast at a place called Galaxy and ate entirely too much

came home

went to a wake

spent the rest of the afternoon taking care of C who was throwing up

remembered (too late) about a friends' son's birthday party

therefore received email giving me crap for it

felt like hell so went to bed

wished and wished and wished.

Yesterday I was listening to a radio program about friendship in today's cut-throat corporate world. I was very disturbed by that stuff, so I went to ask my friend Don about it, and he interrupted:

"Shut up!.. Oh man! I love today's cut-throat corporate world so much!"

But then when I got to the part about the friendship, Don subsided and began sobbing. And this morning, Don's uncle told me that the reason Don was so freaked out was because he has a fear of friendship from childhood. Occasionally Don can be a little unpredicatble like that, but I have to live with that...

Randomly generated by Flooble Instant Blog Post Generator

So Marlon Brando expired today.

A friend from work died of cancer last night. He was only 36. His kids go to school with my kids. The wake is on Sunday, funeral on Monday. He was a member of the maintenance team, which means those boys have lost two people now.

I have mixed feelings about funerals, as I'm sure I've mentioned before. So I'll be attending the wake to pay my respects. I don't know how well I'm going to handle seeing his children, as I have become a giant dysfunctional sap of late and will probably bite my lip until I'm in my car then I can cry like a big baby. Or somesuch.

The fireworks last night were spectacular, and I find it interesting that I was indeed thinking of him last night and wondering if his wife & kids went to see the show or stayed with him in hospital. He's been in pallative care for some time now...

I guess I took it for granted he'd pull through, because he was tough, he had a family that needed him, and all kinds of reasons to fight.

I'm sorry he had to go, but glad he didn't stay and suffer any more than he had to.

That's the crazy thing about cancer, it brings out these mixed feelings. I've seen too many people in my life die from it. I've seen a few live through it. I don't know what to think.

Now I'm off to collect my kids and go do fun things with them to cheer us all up.

i resigned from being a content editor for e2. life too busy, what with my mom and with work and with the kids and with well, everything. heh.

bones did leave the door open though that whenever i was ready to return, just say the word. we'll see. we'll see.

part of the problem is that it is only recently that the younger folks are taking a keener interest in politics (better exposure to it i suppose? i don't know)

the other part of the problem is that we are stuck between a rock and a hard place here: it's almost like choosing the "lesser of evils".

i am concerned with a party that uses mudslinging as its main platform. (that is, at least, what is occuring locally.)

i am also concerned with a party that has a stand on social issues that requires containment.

i also remember brian mulroney, which gives me pause when it comes to voting pc. if twice, shame on us, you know? nafta anyone? gst? no thanks. i see where the progressive conservative's "economic reform" has taken us before.

not that i'm blind to where the liberals have taken us. but even so.

and ontario has been burned too badly & too recently by the ndp to go that path again, i think. to have the ndp & pc while being a plausible idea, wouldn't necessarily provide good results.

i don't know how i'm going to vote this year, and i've voted on everything i was given the right to vote on since i turned 18.

this will be interesting indeed.

Roger Bart completely saved The Stepford Wives from being a total waste of money.

I hadn't planned on seeing it... went out with a co-worker KH who wanted to but couldn't get anyone else to. I figured, meh, Chris Walken's in it, that should be interesting, right?

Does anybody else remember the original movie? That was a horror film. This... I can't even begin. The only horrific part is the amount of money some of these "actors" got paid to work in it.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/soccer/06/24/england.portugal/index.html

should be an interesting day at the office. quite a few fans will be rather upset this morning, i'd wager.

me? i will be the one sporting the smug grin and the $30 in winnings from a wager.

YES!!!

In your face, Spain!

FUN!

a new time waster. like i have time to waste! hahah

When the little prince arrived on the Earth, he was very much surprised not to see any people. He was beginning to be afraid he had come to the wrong planet, when a coil of gold, the color of the moonlight, flashed across the sand.

"Good evening," said the little prince courteously.

"Good evening," said the snake.

"What planet is this on which I have come down?" asked the little prince.

"This is the Earth; this is Africa," the snake answered.

"Ah! Then there are no people on the Earth?"

"This is the desert. There are no people in the desert. The Earth is large," said the snake.

The little prince sat down on a stone, and raised his eyes towards the sky.

"I wonder," he said, "whether the stars are set alight in heaven so that one day each one of us may find his own again... Look at my planet. It is right there above us. But how far away it is!"

"It is beautiful," the snake said. "What has brought you here?"

"I have been having some trouble with a flower," said the little prince.

"Ah!" said the snake.

And they were both silent.

"Where are the men?" the little prince at last took up the conversation again. "It is a little lonely in the desert..."

"It is also lonely among men," the snake said.

The little prince gazed at him for a long time.

"You are a funny animal," he said at last. "You are no thicker than a finger..."

"But I am more powerful than the finger of a king," said the snake.

The little prince smiled.

"You are not very powerful. You haven't even any feet. You cannot even travel..."

"I can carry you farther than any ship could take you," said the snake.

He twined himself around the little prince's ankle, like a golden bracelet.

"Whomever I touch, I send back to the earth from whence he came," the snake spoke again. "But you are innocent and true, and you come from a star..."

The little prince made no reply.

"You move me to pity - you are so weak on this Earth made of granite," the snake said. "I can help you, some day, if you grow too homesick for your own planet. I can-"

"Oh! I understand you very well," said the little prince. "But why do you speak in riddles?"

"I solve them all," said the snake.