How frail life is

It makes you realize how frail life is when you hear about a freak accident that could have taken a life, but thankfully it didn't. It makes you realize that possibly losing a leg, is the good alternative. One minute your life is fine - stressed, busy, monotonous, whatever you might think your life is, and then something happens and it makes you realize that you would give anything to go back to life as usual.

A husband of a friend was in an accident and I pray that he is ok. I pray that they can make it through this and be ok.

Another friend of mine slipped and fell many months ago and is still having so many issues. A friends mother has cancer and is in the fight of her life.

At these times, I step back and realize that my "hectic" life is nothing. I have it so good. My husband and kids are healthy, my family is healthy. For that, I am truly grateful. I am sending out a prayer to all those people in my life that really need an extra hand right now. I wish I knew what I could do for them. Most times, I don't do anything, and I am ashamed of that. The little things that I have done seem like nothing. I'm too busy to help - well that seems just pathetic now.

I am usually very private about my religious thoughts, but tonight I am putting it out there. Pray for those in need, it's the least I can do.

Is this normal?

I am not going to change this feature of my family, but I am very curious to know if this is normal or not. Not that I care, but I do wonder. Here it is - my family sings.....a lot. At the supper table, in the car, while out walking. We sing songs that we like, we sing songs that we don't like, we make up our own songs and we put new lyrics into popular songs. For example...I throw my pants up in the air sometimes, singing aye ohh, hey where'd my pants go! We sing that one a lot, so much in fact, that I no longer know the real words to that. (I'll sing it for you if you want, so you get the tune!)

Is this weird? Do other people do this? We try to annoy each other and sing about whatever word the most annoyed person has said last. You know, please stop....becomes...stop, in the name of love! I could go on all day but I think I've made my point.

I know other people must have done this, or else there wouldn't be anyone that would have a singing contract. But those people can sing well, I don't think we can. My daughter and my husband have nice voices, my son and I are competent, but not great. We aren't looking for a contract or anything, so why do we do this? I know my husband's family never did this, I know that my family never did this. Is this a thing that my husband and I just do together and so it became a family thing? I can't even remember when it started. I do know that my daughter's friends have commented that we sing everything. So it is noticeable.

Maybe it's one of those things that just happens once and then evolves from there. Maybe it started because one of us sang something once, so the other sang back and it just became a thing. Kind of like the way we used to talk for the dog. She's been gone for 2 years now, my sweet puppy, and the kids still ask me to do "her laugh" because it makes them feel close to her. When we talk about her, I still talk for her. Originally my husband started that one - but then I took over and it became my thing. I talk for everything...but that's another story.

So I guess this is just a thing that evolved over time. I still wonder if other people do it like we do. Do they sing around the supper table, do they sing to annoy the kids, or are they normal and sing like normal people do? Who knows. I wonder if people would even admit to this if they did?

The TV sitcom laugh track

Why do sitcom's have to have laugh tracks? Do the producers of the TV shows think that they help people get the jokes on the show? Do they think that I laugh because the laugh track laughs?

The laugh track makes me want to hurt myself. I was watching The Big Bang Theory last night, and while I love this show, the laugh track makes it come off as 80's cheesy. The show is really good in it's own right, why do they have to ruin it? I noticed it because I was in the kitchen doing dishes and I had the TV on low, just really to keep me company so I didn't notice how boring doing the dishes was. I couldn't really hear what the people on the show were saying, but I could hear that laugh track every seconds. It made me crazy. Now I understand that the humor on this particular show is intelligent and may be over some people's heads (this is just a theory people) and the laugh track may help some of the less intelligent know when something was funny, so they don't feel even more stupid. They too can watch the show and laugh like they know what the hell is going on.

But then you get the kids shows, Hannah Montana, Shake it up, Good Luck Charlie, they all have laugh tracks and they aren't "smart humour" shows. Do they think that the kids watching need to know when something is funny? Do they think that they can't tell for themselves? As a note, my kids almost never laugh when the laugh track does. Does that mean they didn't know that part was supposed to be funny? I think that my kids are smart enough to laugh when they want to, they don't need any help from the laugh track.

This brings us to my favorite show - How I Met Your Mother. I LOVE this show, Neil Patrick Harris is the funniest man on TV. This show has a laugh track too, and while I hate that, I can ignore it long enough to watch the show. It really is the best thing on TV right now - just my opinion of course, but it is funny. This might be the only show that I actually laugh out loud at.

Do any of the shows NOT have laugh tracks? Oh, I know one - CSI. I love that show too, and I find parts funny, why doesn't it have a laugh track? I know it's because it is a drama, but still, you get the point.

I'd like to give TV producers a piece of my mind, lay off the laugh track! We are intelligent enough to know when something is funny enough to laugh at!

There, now I feel better. Have a great Friday!

Why do kids jump in front of my car?

Do they want me to hit them? Are they trying to learn a lesson the hard way?

Through no fault of my own, (no really, I swear!) I have almost hit 2 kids in the last 6 months! Both times it was a nice day, no snow or rain, in a school zone where I was going 25km/hr at most, a kid has run out from between 2 buses and has almost gotten hit by me. The first kid, I will say was most likely in grade 8 or 9, at least had the courtesy to apologize to me. He knew it was his fault I almost hit him. The second kid, 2 days ago, was in at least grade 8, and didn't even LOOK at me after I almost hit him. He just kept on running.

Stupid kids, when are they going to learn? I know that the pedestrian has the right of way in Canada, I don't agree with it, but I do follow that law anyway. But when it comes right down to it, who is going to win in that situation, the person or the car? Hmmm, I'm going to say the car!

I once saw a friend hit a kid on his bike, the police showed up and yelled at the kid, because it was his fault! He had ridden his bike into the car because he wasn't watching. The lady was barely going 10km/hr, so no one was hurt, but the car was damaged. The poor lady had to pay for the damage on her own car and had to live with the trauma of hitting a kid!

These situations always lead to discussions with my kids. My son was upset last night after talking about it, he gets scared after these talks because he is afraid it will happen to him. I feel bad, but he needs to know how to keep himself safe if I am not there to watch out for him. My daughter went the other way and got mad. She wants to do a presentation to the school about keeping yourself safe. God love her.

Where the heck are these parents? Do they not remind their kids not to do stupid things? One of my girlfriends saw her kids walk into a crosswalk without looking and 2 cars had to slam on their brakes. When she caught up to the kids, she smacked them both. I applaud her. The kids are 12 and 14! They should know better, mainly because she has told them a billion times.

These kids think they are invincible, that nothing will happen to them. They think of nothing but themselves. They text while they drive, they jump out from between buses. The next time a kid does that, I am going to get out of my car and slap them! My husband says just to hit them, I'm not going that fast and I won't hurt them and they'd learn their lesson. I'm not sure I can do that though! (I know he wouldn't either.)

I remember learning these things in school , don't they teach that anymore? I asked the Vice Principal to announce my message, I sure hope he did or else that school is going to get a talking to from my daughter!

It's a good day for being alive

I went for a walk this morning with 2 very lovely girls, very genuine people and it makes me remember how great it is to be alive. I admit that some days get me down, I struggle with depression, and I've been a bit off the last few days. Nothing major, just that little feeling of sadness creeping in. But all it takes is a walk with friends, a run with my daughter, a great song played really loud, a bowl of ice cream, for me to remember that life is good.

Some times the monotony gets me down and I forget how great life can be. People with depression, even when it's being controlled, always have that feeling of sadness waiting in the back of their mind. Even when life is great and there is nothing to be sad about, that feeling is always there, always threatening to come back. Some days it takes over. Days like today, it doesn't. Some days it just takes a few seconds for the day to be good, a good talk with friends always helps. Even if it's not about you, or anything that you are concerned about, that talk just lifts your spirits enough to keep that sadness at bay.

So today I will do all the things that I was going to do, instead of going back to bed. Today will be a day filled with the usual errands, grocery shopping, going to home depot, getting gas. But because I had that little pick me up before I do all this, the errands will be good and not get me down. That little talk will keep me going long enough for the next pick me up.

I guess I am like an addict, I have to get my fix. This isn't common, don't think that. But when I get in that little rut, where the antidepressants just aren't quite cutting it, I need little things to keep me going until I get back up and don't need a constant reminder that life is great. Usually, I know that life is great, and those "pick me ups" are just reminders, they aren't what keep me going.

Maybe it's the time of year, maybe I need to up my dosage, who knows why the depression threatens me more now. All I know is that things are ok, and I have to remember to look around and appreciate things so that I don't spiral out of control. Wow, I really thought this post would be a bit more positive than it's turned out to be! Maybe I am just tired, that always gets me. I'll have to make a bit more time for me today, go to bed a bit early tonight, and make a plan to something fun just for me this week. That ought to help!

An active body may make for a confused mind!

I have been running around this week like a chicken with my head cut off!

The good news is, once I get the stuff that I need to donate out of my basement, I will no longer be eligible for the show "hoarders"! The bad news is, I forgot what day it was every day this week, I had a bit of free time yesterday (1 whole hour) and didn't know what to do with myself, and I feel like I am running around in circles most days!

I do feel like I am getting somewhere, I've been back to running, I haven't made it to the gym, but that will be next week. It's still almost nice enough to run outside, which I have been doing, but this morning was a touch cold and my bottom felt like a slab of concrete when I ran.

I have an order for many, many more pictures for the electrical office. I have to go in next week and hang the ones I have done, and I have to go out next week and take some more pictures. I have to say, the one guy that was skeptical of my work is no longer skeptical. He now knows just how amazing I am! Yay for me.

I have the paint for my bedroom and my office - no longer the craft room/spare bedroom. I am taking back my own house! There is no need for me to have a spare room that gets slept in twice a year! I have a perfectly decent pull out couch they can sleep on. The ones that really love me don't complain! I can't wait to finish my office - it will be a space that is meant just for me. Other people are more than welcome to use it, but they have no say in what it will look like in there. Take that sweet husband who thinks he can have a say!

I must go, I finally booked a much needed massage and I need to be pampered. Next up, a pedicure. My feet haven't looked this neglected since I was 9 months pregnant and couldn't see them!

I'm on a fall high!

Everyone always talks about spring cleaning, or the new year in January as their time that they get excited and take on new tasks. My time is, and has always been in Autumn. I don't know what it is about this season, but I get all jazzed up to do stuff and get excited to take on new things, get new routines, run around the backyard like crazy like my dog used to do! I feel like I have just got tons of energy and new ideas and I can't wait to get them in place.

My whole house overhaul is going very well, I no longer feel like I am drowning in chaos. I took stuff in to Value Village yesterday, I took some stuff to be consigned. It was great, very much like getting a weight off my shoulders.

I've got the top floor of the house at about 90% done, the main floor is 60% and the basement, well that's another story, but I am looking forward to getting it started next week. I have a list of crap that I know can be gotten rid of, I've bought the paint to repaint the room from garbage bag orange (and I picked that color) to a lovely turquoise. I have a new chair that is gorgeous, I have a few new things to help organize and I have a kindergarten teacher eager to get all my crafty stuff that needs a new home. Things are just coming together nicely.

I told everyone that I was on a break from socializing, I still do it after school and took a nice morning walk with some of the girls, but no coffee or lunch dates for me. I'd be too occupied with what I can get rid of next! I have a field trip today and some errands, but I can work this weekend and most of next week. It feels so good to have energy and get excited about something, even if it is just getting rid of stuff and cleaning. But really, it is very therapeutic for me. I have to take advantage of this energy before it runs out!

(On a side note, I am getting paid for my photographic work and I have another job on the board! That helps with the energy and excitement!! )

Another thing I have to mention - my quote about coffee is not mine, I borrowed it from a site on facebook. It was just too funny (and accurate) not to share!

Why is coffee so addictive?

The coffee bean has a distinctive smell that makes you forget how painful it is to be awake.

I'm drowning!

I am drowning under a sea of laundry and general chaos that has over taken my house!

I've cleaned out and repainted my daughter's room, I cleaned my son's room, I re organized my closet so I don't get lost in there but......I have so many other things that need to be done and it's overwhelming! I thought that September was going to be the difficult month, and now it's lasting into October.

I still have to finish the laundry, take things to be consigned, clean the master bedroom and repaint it, clean out the craft room and repaint it, clean the house, take my photos into my husband's shop and put them up, take stuff - lots, at least 3 car loads full - to Value Village, go to 3 meetings, volunteer at the school...and I know I am missing some things on the list. On top of all of that, I still have to take care of the kids and make meals, get some exercise and find some time to relax.

To top it all off, I can hear a weird noise that sounds like a crow, but probably isn't. It's making me crazy and I am about to start my melt down. Ok, relax, deep breaths. Ug, off I go to try and get at least a bit of this list done!

This is to the sales guy at Abercrombie and Fitch

I went out last week to buy my husband some new cologne as an anniversary present in conjunction with the weekend away in Banff. Chinook Centre has added a new wing and they have all these "trendy" stores which I don't really like much - but every time I go down the new wing, all I can smell is a men's cologne that I just LOVE!

I went into every store looking for the scent and I couldn't find it. Finally I went back into Abercrombie and Fitch to see if I had missed it. The sales guy approached me and asked how I was doing, I mentioned that I was just ok and might need some help. So he walked away. Nice. I went along smelling things and came across him again and actually had to force him to speak to me. Might I just add a note here that no I am not young and skinny, but don't forget, I still have money. I probably have way more money than those young skinny things that usually go in there. Maybe I am profiling, but it just seemed to me that he didn't want to help me because I am (I'm thinking about how he might see me) a "fat old lady".

I do not have self esteem issues, nor am I fat or old, but I see a young sales guy and think of what he might see me as. May I just let him know, for future reference, when you see me, just look as me as though I have dollar signs floating above my head! Maybe that will help. I am not wealthy, but when I am at a store, there is usually a reason for it.

I did end up buying a cologne for my husband, and I wish to announce to the world that it is the one I could smell and now my husband smells like the sexy man that he is. He wore the new cologne all weekend and I was in heaven! My sense of smell is very good and I always associate smell with memories. If he forgets to wear the cologne, I might just go spray all of his clothes, it smells that good!

I do not like sales people - they are too pushy or don't help when you need them. But when someone is obviously looking for something and looking around for help - here's a hint, offer your services! I will probably never go back into Abercrombie and Fitch for that reason, I may have to go back in once in a while to get more cologne, but after that experience, they just lost me as a potential good customer. It reminds me of Pretty Woman, when she goes into the store and that sales lady wouldn't help her. I say to the sales people that treat me like that.....Big mistake, HUGE!