Monday musings

Steps onto my soap box…taps the microphone and begins…..

In my opinion and this IS just MY opinion one must get on with their own life and not worry so much about the lives of other people. Cattiness should stay where it belongs (with the feline species), but like most soap operas it never does. I remember the days of my childhood where my mother would spend her mornings cleaning, washing and ironing making sure she had everything done so she could curl up on the couch and spend the afternoon engrossed in the fantasy worlds of All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital. That was the norm in my life and when I grew up, got married and had children of my own I did the same thing. Minus the ironing that is, because I really really hate to iron. I wasn’t fanatical about it like mom was, but I did do my fair share of watching those programs. When mom got ill and had to be hospitalized she demanded a T.V in her room so she wouldn’t miss an episode. Now that is a very dedicated fan of T.V Soap Operas! If my mom was still alive she would have been heart broken because 2 of her 3 programs went off the air. My children were very aware of my mother’s dedication to her Soap Operas and when the news of All My Children coming to an end hit the news there just happened to be a thunder storm in our area. My oldest called me up and laughed that Nana must have just heard the news! Anyway, I’m starting to ramble so I’ll get back to my point, and that point being par-taking in drama and baiting for reactions from other people is so old school and should come to a conclusion just as the era of Soap Operas are. So on that note…

Don't be so quick to point out the flaws in other people’s lives when you are not willing to look at the flaws in your own.

Steps off my soap box

A piece of my past :)

Yesterday was yet another beautiful spring day. I hope everyone enjoyed their St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, I know I certainly did….. a little too much I think! There was a point where I was sure I saw a few Leprechauns dancing about. Now that I have my wits about me and the green beer has slowly receded from my blood stream, I’ve come to the conclusion that those sneaky little buggers only appear when the eyes are trying to focus on one object at a time.

        

Anyway.......before the celebrations began I decided to do a little side shopping for just odds and ends. Somehow I ended up in Cambridge and the luck of Irish was certainly with me yesterday. I had visited the V.V Boutique and finding nothing there I went a few doors down to stroll through Winners. I immediately went to the Home Décor area and hells bells there it was as bold as can be almost calling out my name…………………. You have to bear with me as I try to explain to those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Crud.

Back when I was a young teen my father had come across an old girls bike, cleaned it up and said it was mine. Well, it certainly wasn’t anything fancy by any means. It had a bent wire basket (my father tried to straighten) at the front to carry things in,a few spokes were missing, the back wheel rim was bent and did this funky bounce as I peddled it up and down the street, but it was MY bike. I no longer had to borrow my brothers bike and endure the pain of skipping peddles when I stood up to gain a bit of speed. Oh how I grew to love that bike. It took me many places as I rode mile after mile with my best friend. There came a time when Mr. Crud could no longer travel the distance and I had to let him go and move on to something that could take me on the journeys to come. It was sad letting him go but he led a fulfilling life while giving me the pain free and independent times that are now my most cherished memories.

Back to shopping at Winners…as I said it was like something was calling my name and as I turned down the last aisle there on the shelf standing beside a mate was a decorative version of MY Mr Crud. I couldn’t believe it. It was almost identical to the bike I had as a young teen! Well I had to buy it, there was no doubt in my mind, but I also had to buy the mate to it since it was a boy’s bike with the cross-bar and everything. I now have a very special piece to enhance the memories of my youth!

Happy St.Paddy's Day

Irish Blessing

As you slide down
the banister of life,
may the splinters never
point the wrong way.

Vampire verses vampire

Finally…the end is in sight! The Twilight Saga is coming to a conclusion (cue the happy dance song)! The only other show that has gotten to me like this is Harry Potter, but I’m not gonna touch that one. Sorry if I’m offending anyone, but my gosh enough is enough! Maybe I’m old school but growing up I was in tune with the old ways of Vampires. The thrills and chills of Dracula whether it be Bela Lugosi, Jack Palance, or my own personal favourite Christopher Lee scared the bejesus out of me, and to be honest they still do. I watched the first 2 parts of Twilight and that was enough. It was hard to watch as Edward (the star Vampire of this series) twinkles and glitters when light hits him or how he can “run” faster then even Superman could. It was hard watching Bella almost beg to become a Vampire so she can live happily ever after with Edward. Edward keeps telling her no, that’s it’s not a life she wants. Apparently the final one has Bella turning into a Vampire after all. Who would have thunk it? (rolls eyes). I read an article about Bella having Edwards baby in the forth part of this saga. From what I read some people who went to see this one at the theatres actually had medical issues ranging from hyperventilating to literally passing out! I really don’t understand how the iconic story of a Vampire could be changed so drastically, but that just me.

All I can say is I’ll always be a Dracula fan and I’ll shove Edward Cullen to the side

for Christopher Lee any day.

Just my take......

  As I said before I’m a Facebook fan and I do enjoy it…a lot actually. Anyway, today I logged on and there were more than a few posts on my wall with the caption “Competition for the most beautiful teen”. Apparently female teens post there picture on some site and then post their picture onto Facebook. If you think they are beautiful you hit “like” and that’s one vote for them, now don’t get me wrong, all the girls pictures ARE beautiful, BUT are we not ALL beautiful in our own way? It really did get to me when I saw female adults hitting the “like” button on the different pictures. As a mother of 2 very beautiful daughters I have always tried to instil the value of beauty on the inside, not just the outside. I know some very beautiful girls and women but on the inside they are not so beautiful. Society as a whole puts so much pressure on our young teen girls already, what a sad thing it is to see the Facebook society contribute to the pressure of being the most beautiful teen.

 Another point that gets to me is that Facebook is a very public forum, where people can hide behind a name that may be false, giving them the opportunity of being a threat to those young girls. Case in point, there are more than a few people on my Facebook that do not use their real name. Anyway my point really is that I find it sad that adults, both men and women would actually take part in this kind of activity.

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~Kahlil Gibran

YAHHHHHHHHHH MEEEEE!

Well it didn’t take me too long to get back in the saddle again. I found a job!!!!! Its way different then what I had been doing, and what a wonderful group of people I will be working with. I will be working with the general public and once again I will be part of a team that are the front runners of this place. I did let it be known about the reason I left my other job and they were very understanding. It seems I’m not the only one that has been work bullied in a previous job and they have zero tolerance for it. There are 3 other people that have gone through similar situations that are now employed here and I was introduced to them. They all welcomed me with smiles and friendliness. It’s so weird that every smile was filled with a true welcome. The last place I worked was filled with smiles, but behind those smiles was catty hisses and as heads turned you could see the eyes rolling upward. As I was shown around I could feel the welcomes and how warm and friendly everyone is. I do have a bit of shopping to do since jeans are not recommended here. Go figure…I get to dress like a woman now! There are no work t-shirts, work polo shirts and no work vests. Now this is definitely a change for me. Its dress slacks and dresses or skirts. That’s fine with me since I need a clean slate. There is nothing like dressing as a professional to boost ones confidence. There was a break in appointments when I was there so everyone was gathered in the front as coffee was poured. I really didn’t know anyone so I stayed quiet, for about 3 minutes! I was told that this place does not allow a quiet co-worker. They all had smiles on their faces as they said it and I felt a true sense of friendship. It didn’t take long for me to open up and join in on the laughs and jokes. They listened as I told them of my experience at my old work place, the ones who decided to do all they could to get me to leave and the ones I thought would have my back and as soon as I said the words “meeting with Human Resource People” they groaned, rolled their eyes and laughed. I was assured that I could let those hurtful times go and never have to think of them again. What a tremendous feeling of self worth that gives a person when they can FEEL the words and not just hear them! When I got home I immediately went to my closet, took all my work t-shirts polo shirts and vests, put them in a bag and then took them to the nearest clothing drop off box. There will be no more bullying and made to feel that I wasn’t as important as others. There will be no shuddering as others kissed asses to get what they wanted. I AM an equal and I AM important. My experience working for a Corporation is in the past. I’m now part of a very happy business here in the city! I HAVE survived!!!!!!

This quote was sent to me by a very dear friend. It has nothing to do with this blog but I thought it a very worthwhile one to post.

Those who follow the crowd are quickly lost in it.
Author Unknown

Lottery dreams............

Well, I didn’t wake up yesterday morning as a millionaire…go figure. Friday’s lotto was 40 million and as per usual my numbers were no where close. Everyone talks about what they would do if they won a lottery and I’m no different. Boy the fun I would have! The first thing I’d do is pay off the mortgage, Mr. Visa and Mr. Master Card then take a very looooooong tropical vacation. Oh I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that certain ones would certainly have some suggestions for the winnings hence my very long vacation. When I got back I’d make sure I have everything in place and then begin to start to gift some of my winnings to my kids. I’d donate some money to worthwhile causes and charities and hell, I may even buy a horse or 2. Then I guess I’d have to buy some sort of ranch style acreage to house the horses.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh what wonderful dreams!!!!!!!!!

Happy Weekend......

Mother Nature decided to let us know one more time who is boss. After Thursday’s temperature in the double digits it’s no wonder Mother Nature needed to appear again. Thursday was warm enough to walk out on the deck with a sweater on and sit in the sun to soak up some early rays of sunshine. Yesterday, well it was confusing to know what Mother Nature was trying to say. One minute the sun was shinning and the next minute it was cloudy and then a tsunami of snow flurries was washing against the windows. Oh well, Spring IS in the air and Day Light Savings Time is Sunday, so remember to spring ahead 1 hour before going to bed tonight!

Since I’m not working anymore, well at least not yet…..I have spent some time with my neighbour. She’s such a sweet heart and shoots straight from the hip. I have confided in her about many things personal and not so personal. I have been rather torn about a few things and some bridges I have permanently burned. I’ve ended certain friendships and although it was hard it was also necessary in order to turn the pages of my book of life. I was told by some that I had changed and for that I was told to remember a certain quote;

“When somebody says you’ve changed, it’s only because you stopped living your life their way.”

So onward and upward and cheers to carving out another road in my book of life!

I guess it’s time to get on with trying to complete my “Bucket List” since I really haven’t completed anything in a while. I scratched 2 from the list last summer…

1)     taking a vacation alone

2)     flying somewhere on my own

Those 2 were done during the same time so I scored high on those! My next item, believe it or not is to take a ride on the “Maid of the Mist” in Niagara Falls. I have gone to the Falls on many occasions, have visited all the wonderful museums, wandered the streets and done the cheesy “tourists” boutique shopping, but I have never rode the “Maid of the Mist”. So that is going to be 1 of a few that will be conquered by the end of 2012. That is if that attraction doesn’t stop running as rumoured that it might.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!!!!!

So here’s a cheery saying to ponder…I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Nothing lasts forever….

So live it up, drink it down, laugh it off….

Avoid the bullshit, take chances and never have regrets….

Because at one point, everything you did was exactly what you wanted.

Cheery Sunday :)

Wow, 4 days into March already. Where has the time gone?

On this day I would like to wish my dear friend Mina a very Happy Birthday. May all your wishes and dreams come true!

 

Just a question

I’m a FaceBook fan. I love keeping in touch with friends and family that have moved away. I’m not one to post any personal drama because it’s just that…it’s personal, but I am a fan of posting quotes and browsing through the Status Shuffle area. I ran across this question and decided to think about it instead of clicking next.

“If money was no object where in this world would you like to go to unwind and relax for a week or 2? (You can only pick 1 place.)

That’s a rather hard question to answer, at least for me it is. I have always wanted to visit Ireland to see where my ancestors came from or be laying on a beach in a warm sunny place with a cabana boy serving me margaritas…(ok…that ones more a dream…lol). I have always wanted to visit New York City and wander down 5^th Avenue, stroll down  Madison Ave.and sit for a while in Central Park. I would love to go to Arizona and look over the Grand Canyon, but alas those are bucket list “vacation” destinations. I have gone to Myrtle Beach twice, once with my daughter and cousin as a girl’s week away and once with my cousins and other half. Both times they were fun, but not very relaxing as we were always on the go to see the sites and visit all the culinary places that the locals called the best of the best. Last summer I spent a week in the wilds of Northern Ontario and well, I will be going back there. This place is amazing. It’s actually the cottage of a very dear friend and her husband. They have transformed this place into a tranquil haven in the woods. The week I spent there gave me time to think about lots of things. The only noise that could be heard was the planes flying back and forth to and from the local airport. The nights were amazing. If I strained my ears hard enough I could hear the trickling water of a very small waterfall running into a brook that pours into Lake Wanapitei (I think that’s the name of the Lake…lol. Even though this place is only about 5 hours from me, this is the place I would choose to go to unwind and relax. I was welcomed with open arms when I was there and felt immediately in my element. So look out Northern Ontario…I’ll be coming back!!!!

Tid Bid Thursday

Well not much has changed in the small corner of my little world. I will say that my emotional state is ten folds better. I did read a blog from someone who works at the place I just left and I wish them all the best. In “my” eyes that place of employment goes well for a while and then when personalities clash and things don’t go the way certain ones expect then the cat claws come back out…hence the reason I left. Today I ran into someone who used to visit the centre on a regular basis, due to programs her children had been registered in. She was sorry to hear that I had left but she also said that “for a few years now the place has been going to pot”(her words, not mine) and that’s one of the reason she had decided to find other avenues for her children. She did boost my ego by letting me know her kids still remember me even though they are both in “big school” now. She said the experience and influence her children received when I was there made a positive impact on her kids. So I guess all is right after all. If my positive influence can follow even 1 child down the path of life then it was all worth while.

Well here we are on the first day of March. I guess March needed an introduction to announce its arrival   since there was a very weird thunderstorm last night. Is that what they mean by coming in like a lion? It wasn’t a long thunder storm and only one really loud bang with about 10 minutes worth of low rumbles and grumbling, but it brought the realization that Spring is close, only 18 days away! Today it’s cloudy and cold, not a real winter cold but a cold dampness that just seeps into these old bones and hunkers down leaving me covered up with a big fluffy blanket.

Come on warm spring nights. I for one anxiously await your arrival!