Happy Halloween

This, that, and a little bit of those kinda days

I hope everyone that has been or will be affected by Hurricane Sandy is safe dry and warm. The rains that have been forecasted for my little corner of the world (Southern Ontario Canada) have certainly arrived full force. The weekend was rainy and cool and today they are forecasting the high winds along with, you guessed it, more rain.

Saturday morning was filled with rain, but that didn’t stop me from climbing into the truck and heading to London to wander around the huge flea-market. I picked up a few odds and ends including some farm fresh produce. I did have to really curb my wants when I came across a vendor who was selling puppies. OMG my heart just about melted when I peeked into a crate and saw the most adorable lemon coloured bassist hound. He was so cute and IF I hadn’t been dragged away from that vendor I’m sure that little fellow would have been tucked securely under my coat as I made my way back to the truck. We then made our way to the Sears Outlet store where I was able to start my Christmas Shopping. I really can’t believe that I have actually got more than half my shopping done! A few more things and I will be done. I’m actually very proud of myself since I have changed from that lost person I was a year ago to knowing what road my life needs to take and beginning to strive towards getting on that road. After the shopping in London was done we made our way to a small restaurant called Shelly’s. The décor was fabulous. It was so warm and inviting and the food was amazing. Of course I had to have a chocolate martini to go with dinner and it was the best I had ever tasted. I’m not sure how the bartender made it, but it was really good.  I arrived back home around 7pm, promptly got into my warm pj’s made a hot chocolate and curled up on the couch to relax.

Sunday was once again filled with rain so it was a good day to stay in and do all the much needed housework. As the sounds of music vibrated through every corner of the house I was able to complete the laundry, the vacuuming AND the dusting. Some things never change with me including my love for music. I can’t sing to save my life and I’m sure even the dust bunnies were running for cover as I became a white version of Tina Turner only much much younger, but hey I looked damn good as I strutted in front of the mirror with my trusty old swiffer in one hand and a can of pledge in the other. I have been on a fairly easy going diet lately and the dancing, sweating and constant dancing of housecleaning helped aid in my lack of using the treadmill lately. Over the course of a month I have lost 4lbs and 2 inches off my body. I used to attend zumba classes until I figured out that I can dance and mambo my way around the house on my own, so I got rid of all my zumba things and decided to once again branch out on my own. It seems to be working for me so that’s a bonus. My Doctor and I set a realistic goal for me and as long as I stay focused I will be able to achieve it. It’s amazing how easier it is to have a goal and have only positive re-enforcements’ backing you up. I feel so much better about myself and no longer worry about negative people constantly demeaning every move I make.

This morning I got a call from a dear friend that lifted my spirits even higher. It’s been eons since I talked with them and to hear that familiar voice reaching out over the miles was wonderful. We caught up on everything that has been happening in our lives and even though things have been tough on both sides we were able to be that shoulder each other needed. I felt like I could conquer anything and as we ended the call my friend read a quote to me (that person knows how much I love quotes)that I will take with pleasure; Make sure to surround yourself with people who think you're special who support your dreams and most importantly who accept you for who you are.

During the afternoon I was able to kick back for a change and just relax. I found a few movies kicking around and decided to scare the bejesus out of myself since its Halloween week. With a big blanket, a cushy pillow and a nice big cup of tea I curled up on the couch and turned on Linda Blair in The Exorcist. This version is the one with scenes that were not in the original and even though I have seen it a few times I was still scared senseless. If I hadn’t been scared enough after I watched the Priest throw his self out the window in the Exorcist, I put in The Entity and watched scrunched cowardly under the blanket as Barbara Hershey was being violated by an unseen entity. Now those are classic horror shows in my eyes. I’d never watch them at night, especially alone so the afternoon hours worked well for me….so I’m a chicken!!

With the winds of Sandy starting to blow I’m going be curling up on the couch with the same blanket, a glass of wine, the dog at my feet and a flashlight handy. The flashlight is for “if” the power goes out I won’t have to stumble around looking for it in the dark! Soooooooo “ bring on the rain!”

A Wonderful way to look at life!

This write-up came off my facebook and I thought I'd share it. A very good lesson on whats important in life from a professor to his class.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

A true story

I normally don't post this kind of blog, but if it will help even one parent monitor their child's Internet usage it's worth it to me. Please help put an end to bullying of any kind!

what a heart wrenching "true story"



http://youtu.be/KRxfTyNa24A