Our First Real Tree

This is our first real Christmas tree ever.  Merry Christmas!

Snow and Paw Prints

We got our first snow of the season this past week.  It was always a time I looked forward to as Crockett loved it.  He would always go nuts and seem so happy to have snow under his feet after the hot asphalt of summer.

It was especially great the first few days before the salt trucks would make their way onto the roads and sidewalks.

Walking home in the evening I came upon a few paw prints in the snow and it made me cry. I miss Crockett. I miss his presence. I miss the joy he brought me. I even miss his snoring.  I haven't been able to go into the park yet. That may take a while longer.

At least I was photo happy and have wonderful memories of him. Here's his first snow of 2012!

Cryptic, but whatever

I dislike it when people update their Facebook status with a very cryptic message, and yet, here is my cryptic post.

I am writing this for myself so that when I read it back in the coming months or years or whenever, I'll remember how I feel at this exact moment.

Today, I am happier than I have been in what feels like a very long time.  Everyday life, stress, finances, all those things have not changed. I've changed. More than just feeling happy or elated, I am feeling.

The difference is now when I look 12-24 months ahead, I have a clear vision. I have hope, anticipation, and confidence. I am allowing myself see that the things I want to achieve and do are attainable.

It feels good to take that first steps of a journey.

No, I'm not pregnant!

October 27, 2014 Municipal Election Day.

Today was just one of those days.  Every task seemed to take longer than it should.  There were too many things to take care of and not enough time.

Today is election day here in Toronto.  Finally our chance to get rid of Rob Ford and Doug Ford. FINALLY.

I will say however, that I did not vote strategically. I struggled with it for a good 4 weeks. Had plenty of discussions with family, read the candidates platforms, watched far too many debates, and spent a crazy amount of time on Twitter with my new community of anti-Ford, pro-Toronto Twitter friends. So many people are voting Tory to get rid of Ford. Believe me, I want to get rid of every member of the Ford family from Toronto politics and news, but I could not vote for a conservative. If there was no Ford in the race, I would NEVER vote for John Tory.  His Smart-track plan, in my opinion, is to move people from the suburbs into the city core and back home again.  He neglected the whole Northwest corner of the city where I spend 3 hours a day on a bus and where there is more than one priority neighbourhood. It is not a plan at all to help Torontonians move around the city.

My candidate is Olivia Chow.  I voted for who I want the Mayor of Toronto to be. Where I am in the world and life, she is my best representative. The polls close at 8pm so by 9pm.....I'm sick just thinking about it.

Today is one of those days where a 20 minute cuddle and fuss of Crockett would make my day perfect. I miss him every day. I miss him today.

I'm a Witch!

I decided to Halloween up my Facebook & Twitter pics :)  Halloween is on a Friday this year!  Perfect for all the kiddies and costume parties!

Fed Up - The Movie

Adam and I watched this documentary FED UP and wow, it was so terrifying. I have struggled for what seems like years, to become Vegetarian.  With nut allergies, and a host of other excuses really, I've not removed all meat and fish from my diet. Aside from the occasional  serving of Bacon, I have stopped eating Pork and Lamb.

I admit fully that once I get home from a long day and commute, it is easier to go to processed foods.  Also, what I take for lunch seems to be among the worst possible choices.

More than just getting to a body weight within the suggested BMI, or being able to fit into a certain goal size, I am interested in health.  What I want for my family and loved ones is health.

The truth is, nothing worth doing comes easy or without effort so, I best get a move on.

Wild Boar

Among the many treasures we brought home from my Father-In-Law's 2 weeks ago was a stuffed Wild Boar. It's about as big as a pineapple and it has a curly white tail.

One night, I came out of the loo and Adam had placed it on the floor facing the door.  The hallway light wasn't on and well.... it scared the living bejesus out of me and I let out a small scream.

On and off over the past week, the little critter has shown up outside the door, each time startling me.  I got Adam once at around 2am when I couldn't sleep.  He was up & went to the loo and I placed it just inside his office facing the door.  He was startled. He didn't scream, but I still got him.

Tonight again, I was coming out of the loo, not paying too much attention and thinking about a million things, and there it was.  This time though, it really frightened me and I let out a high pitched scream.  Amazing what the brain does when it thinks it's seen a small critter.

Music

I am happy that in High School, I took music, learned to read music, played an instrument, was in both concert and jazz bands, and learned to appreciate different genres.

I've always had music in my life. As a kid, I had Disney albums, sang into the vacuum cleaner handle, and played piano on the edge of the kitchen table. I had the Grease Soundtrack and K-Tel compilation disco albums in the 70's. As a teen in the 80's I bought my albums through the Columbia House Record & Tape Club. I would pull the speakers out of our living room stereo unit, put a pillow on the floor, turn the speakers inward and then build a fort around myself with the sofa cushions. Heaven.

I sound like my Dad when I say music made today is noise, not music. I think it was 2006 or so when I stopped digging the Top 40.  I'm not into the new music.  It no longer seems to be about talent. I want to listen to someone who lives for their music and who does whatever they need to make it their career, versus some kid who thinks it'd be cool to go on a reality show and become a star. Although, I will say, I like Kelly Clarkson. That girl can sing!

Take lyrics for example.  Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here vs. Nicki Minaj Anaconda

Pink Floyd -  Wish You Were Here 

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here. 

When I hear this song on the radio, I have to stop what I'm doing, close my eyes and live it. I love it. Acoustic guitar, David Gilmour's voice...pure magic.



Nicki Minaj - Anaconda

My Anaconda don't...
My Anaconda don't...
My Anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Look at her butt (look at her butt)
Little in the middle but she got much back
Little in the middle but she got much back
Little in the middle but she got much back
Oh my God (look at her butt)
My Anaconda don't...
My Anaconda don't...
My Anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun
(Don't don't don't) My Anaconda don't...
(Don't don't don't) Don't want none unless you got buns hun
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Oh my gosh, look at her butt
Yeah, he love this fat ass
Yeah! This one is for my bitches with a fat ass in the fucking club
I said, "Where my fat ass big bitches in the club?"
Fuck those skinny bitches,
Fuck those skinny bitches in the club
I wanna see all the big fat ass bitches in the motherfucking club, fuck you if you skinny bitches. What? Yeah!
Yeah. I got a big fat ass. Come on! 


 All I can say about this is....what the fuck?  I have 2 young nieces and the LAST thing I want them listening to and singing along with crap lyrics like this.

On my way home, another young'un was listening to awful music on their phone without earbuds. Drives me nuts, but I'm not about to give them my bitch face & get shot.

When I got home, I needed to listen to something to replace the thumpa thumpa that was unfortunately catchy and stuck in my head. 

I chose this:

I bought this DVD at BMV Books a few years ago. It is Six Movements for Orchestra, Chorus, and Soloists, recorded live at Salle Wilfred-Pelltier, Place des Arts, Montreal in Feb 2004. 

The score that Howard Shore composed the the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is fantastic. Gives me goose bumps. It is music that makes me feel.

After the DVD finished, I had to of course, start watching the LOTR trilogy.  Tonight I'll get through Disc 1 of 2 of the extended Fellowship of the Ring.

It's good timing, a long weekend approaches and I haven't watched all 3 in a row for awhile. 

Around Here

A few weeks ago I felt like I needed a break.  I was tired. Too tired. It's difficult for me this time of year when the daylight hours reduce and I leave home in the dark.

More than usual, my commutes have been hellish. Traffic delays, lane closures, TTC delays and service disruptions. Rude people, ignorant people, smelly people, loud people, too many people.

Leaving home at 6:30am and getting home between 6:30 - 7:00pm. 8 hours at the office and 4+ hours to and from is enough to make anyone a bit tired so, I booked a week vacation.

The day I decided this I received a call from Adam advising we'd be going up to Keswick to visit his Dad during the 1st weekend of my vacation.  It was the perfect way to start my vacation, a trip out of this loud, noisy, busy city!

We spent the weekend with great company, 2 lovely dogs, good food, fresh air, and a deep deep sleep.  My Father-In-Law put us up at the Inn on the Lake, on Cook's Bay of Lake Simcoe.  I was so excited to see the sunset and the stars without the city lights but the fresh air got to us city folk, and we were both asleep and snoring by 9pm.

We woke up before the sun and were able to enjoy the sunrise. The sound of Geese was soothing and a few "morning's" were exchanged with early morning walkers with their nordic poles.

There was a speed boat off in the distance and I heard a few bangs. I thought it was the echo of the boat hitting the water, but no, it was the opening day of duck season. Thankfully I only heard a few shots. 

What I haven't mentioned is that the Friday night before my vacation started and before we headed up to Keswick, I had a sore throat and some head congestion.  It was a slight irritant during the day Saturday, and a nuisance overnight. Sunday day it kicked me in the face, and by the time we got home late Sunday afternoon, I started feeling feverish and achy.

I knew I needed a break, I didn't know it was my body telling me to prepare for a whopper of a cold.  Although it wasn't how I'd planned to spend my vacation, there was a huge sense of relief that I could rest and get bet better without stressing about work. 

When I woke up Tuesday, Adam was coughing, achy, and had a sore throat. I passed this on to my loving husband and I knew I had more than just a cold.  Hearing the wheezes and whistles that sang out of my lungs, not being able to get rid of the congestion in my chest, and having a blocked right ear, I knew I had to go to the MD.

I was diagnosed with a severe case of bronchitis and an ear infection.  Given antibiotics and a puffer and told that I'd feel better in 7-10 days. Having previously had pneumonia, bronchitis is something to be taken seriously. I guess the ear infection was a bonus.

The week flew by in a daze of kleenex, Buckley's caplets, extended naps, tea with honey, and chicken soup. I've drank more water this past week than the whole previous month.

When Sunday came around, I knew I still wasn't 100% so I booked off 2 more days and will go back to work Wednesday.

As much as I was sick, the time home with Adam, and the rest was exactly what I needed. I wish I could stay home and hibernate until April, but life goes on and I have to get back to reality.

I feel better today than yesterday and am happy that with Thanksgiving coming up on Monday, I'll have a short week and then 3 more days to rest.

Melancholy

Feeling somewhat melancholy this weekend.

I miss Crockett. Today is the kind of day he loved in the park - sunny and windy.  His head would have been up high with his nose working overtime inhaling the scent of everything.

I have a To Do List with about 10 items and my body just can't seem to get up and move.

I know I'll feel better once I've done the dishes and cleaned he kitchen but to get from here to there.....ugh.

Another one of the many photos taken on our walks.

Realization

Two realizations hit me the other day rather hard as I was sitting on the couch watching TV:

1. I am 100% absolutely fine with the fact that I will never have children.

2. I am a Dog person.  I must and will have Dogs in my life, for my whole life.

I am in no way wanting to replace Crockett. He was unique and special and my heart is still hurting from our loss.

I am however hopeful that come next spring, we will be healed and ready to welcome a little 4 legged fur life in our home & hearts.  

Unorganized

99.9% of the time Crockett & I were out walking, I had my camera with me.  I've taken so many photos of Crockett, the park, flowers, the neighbourhood, Adam, the sky, and everything in between.

What I did not do was organize my photos well. Actually, at all.  I fear it'll take me at least until Christmas to get all my files in order. I will admit, being unorganized like this is causing me a little bit of anxiety.

What I'm experiencing right now is a pain that is still too close to the surface to just click & file.  Every photo I look at makes the memories flood in. It really is lovely to have so many photos and videos of Crockett.  I wish I had as many of my previous 4 legged lovelies; Max, Sheba, and Candy.

I saw a post on Facebook today that said, " Every dog should have a home and every home should have a dog.", and I completely agree.  I am not one to rush about and get another dog.  To each his own when it comes to this, but for me, I need to grieve, remember, reflect, and let time pass before jumping back in.

Pet ownership is a great responsibility. One that I do not take lightly. NEVER would I want a pet as a gift, or as a surprise.  Also, pet care is costly and if you can't cover the monthly insurance and upkeep costs, you have no business getting a pet.

Here are just a few I've come across while filing. He really was adorable :)

Crockett

We lost our sweet boy 8 days ago.  He was a sweet loving Pug who wanted nothing more than to be around his people.  His people loved him very much and are heart broken and missing him.

I want to write about it but am still too fragile.  It has been a very emotional week. Some people just do not understand the emotions involved when one loses a pet and that's okay.

Pugs (and all dogs really) make your heart grow so that it hurts even more when it breaks.  I am not a religious person, but there is a part of me I admit, that hopes there is a heaven so I can see all my 4 legged lovelies again one day.

Crockett at the Park

Our sweet blind Crockett.

Social Media Break

I did it.  Today, I've decided to take a Social Media break for the rest of August.  I got a Blackberry through work and turned into a person I never thought I would - one who had their nose forever looking down at their phone.

With all this Toronto Mayoral election nonsense, I'd become addicted to Twitter.  My Twitter feed was keeping me updated and engaged on my way to & from work. I have learned more about municipal politics than I ever cared to. Let us just say I am not a Rob Ford supporter, not now, not ever.  To get away from it for the remainder of the month will be a very nice break. No Facebook and no Twitter.

I will of course, continue to watch the news and read newspapers, the way we did in the "olden days".  There is too much going on in the world to be ignorant.

I did get a new release from the library that I'd placed on hold, The Book of Life - Deborah Harkness.  It is the last book in the All Souls Trilogy.  I only have it for 2 weeks so I'll have to get on it.

It'll also be nice to get back focused on taking pictures and giving my blog life. I won't be taking any time off work so I'll need to make the most of the remaining summer weekends.

Poor sweet Crockett has pretty much completely lost his vision.  He doesn't enjoy walking on the sidewalk but is okay once we get into the park.  I can't drop the leash and let him wander as he could hurt himself, or he will just stand there looking around for me when I'm right next to him.  His hearing seems to be not as good either.  He's our sweet old boy who is enjoying cuddles more now than ever.  I think he likes knowing we're close.

Adam and I have felt a lot better lately than either of us have in a while. We're on a "clean house" kick.  I've still got a cupboard to go through and get rid of anything I haven't worn in 12 months. I don't have tons of clothes or shoes, I'm sensible that way. There are a few items that I've been holding onto that I'm going to part with, the "I'll fit into them again someday" items. Of course there are a few classics and favorites I'll never part with. My goal is simplicity. I hate clutter, it shuts me down.

Lastly, I've been eating less and less meat which is good. By the time winter rolls around, I want to have mastered a few meatless recipes because as much as I enjoy a good juicy hamburger now and again, I just don't want to eat meat.

I have to find some good vegetarian recipe sites.  I know why I don't want to eat meat and I don't want sites that continually talk about factory farming or the slaughter of animals. I'll have to become familiar with the cook book section at the library.

I missed April

There is a sort of guilt I feel for not updating my blog more often.  Not because I feel beholden to anyone other than myself.

I can't believe I missed all of April 2014!  I am THANKFUL that April was uneventful.  It was April of last year that my Mom had her heart attack and I had my hospitailzation due to my vision.

My Mom is fantastic - in better health than anyone I know.  I'm happy the weather has turned so she can start going out for her walks as that made her feel better.

My eyes are not back to 100%.  Some days they are at 90% and some days at about 70%. I try not to talk about it too much. Talking about it makes it more real and scary as hell.  Better to suffer in silence at times. It's tough when you open your eyes and you just can't see properly.

Today is Mother's Day.  A day with extra special meaning.  I have 2 ladies that are responsible for my life. My birth mother and my mother. I am the luckiest in that department and wouldn't have it any other way.

It's an odd feeling being 45 myself and not being a mother.  Not how I thought things would turn out for me.  Being adopted had a very significant impact on me for many aspects of life, specifically procreation. Not a damaging impact, just a very significant impact. One that I can't put into words but that is clear in my own mind.

So today I'll relish in being Crockett's caregiver and know that in my own way, I've impacted a few 4 legged lives in a maternal way.

Today is also my Adam's birthday. What a perfect day.

What Day Is It?

Wow, has time passed by so very quickly.  March has been a blur. March has been cold. March has been tough on Crockett. March has pulled at my heart strings.

Our boy has been suffering due to Collapsed Trachea.  What was previously misdiagnosed as Kennel Cough was in fact Collapsed Trachea.  It happens in smaller breeds and it is just another joy of Pug parenthood.

It has been something he's lived with for 5 years now.  He would have the odd episode, more often than not after running around at the park, or climbing the stairs.  He'd cough a few times, then carry on his way like nothing ever happened.

Earlier last week, we thought we were going to have to say goodbye to our boy.  He spent the better part of 2 days and nights having 20 minute episodes with a cough (goose honk) at every exhale.  He would maybe be lucky to get 30 minutes of respite between sessions.

After a visit to the vet, he was put on an antibiotic to clear his lungs - thankfully he didn't have pneumonia, just a bit of fluid build up.  He was also given Hycodan to suppress his cough and give him some relief.

These drugs alone didn't do the job so we went back to the vet for the next option.  A face mask and puffer (corticosteroid).  Well, WOOHOO, this trifecta of medications has worked.  We have had a weekend with a happy, non-coughing, Pug and even more happy Mommy & Daddy.

Next week is April. Wow, only 9 months 'til Christmas!

More Reading

I finished the Crazy Town The Rob Ford Story by Robin Doolittle.  The more I read, the more I found myself getting angry and irritated.  There was nothing in it about his antics that I didn't already know, but I was shocked to learn of some of the Ipsos Reid Poll results after some of his behaviors and exploits were exposed.  Crazy Town really is the perfect title.

Sadly, there's a group of Rob Ford supporters that will support him no matter what.  These people listen to talk radio, which is more host opinion than fact, and who will likely not read Robin Doolittle's book or watch election debates. It's frustrating.

From Adam's office today, I heard him exclaim, "Holy Christ."  When I asked him what he'd read, he showed me this from the Toronto Star:

"Mayor Rob Ford cleared customs Saturday, apparently
the first step in attending Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony.

According to Ford's Twitter Account, he was in Chicago’s
O’Hare International Airport Saturday afternoon. Ford told
the Toronto Sun’s Joe Warmington that he’s attending the
Academy Awards on Sunday night, and then appearing on
Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday."

Enough about our Asshat Mayor. Back to what this post is about - what I'm reading.

I did return 2 books to the library without reading them. Annabel by Kathleen Winter and The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  I just couldn't get into a rhythm with Annabel.  For me it's the kind of read that would be best when I'm on vacation, sitting on a comfy chair on a dock by the water, under the sun.

Returning those 2 books, I picked up 2 others that came in that I'd requested:

Stiff. The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers - Mary Roach

Spook. Science Tackles the Afterlife - Mary Roach.

Links

These are some of the places I have spent time online.  I don't know why my links aren't set up the way I want them to be.  Click where bold & enjoy!

Amazon wildlife photographer Charlie Hamilton James brought something special home with him.

If I had kids, they would for sure have a few of these Sesame Street prints on the bedroom walls.

Nom nom nom.  I will try this Garlic Cheddar Biscuit recipe myself one day soon.

How cool is this? Free online documentaries. Go ahead, expand you consciousness!

When I read that Kevin O'Leary thinks it's fantastic that 3.5 billion people are living in poverty, because it motivates them to look up to the 1% and say " I want to become one of those people."  It makes me angry. He needs to read this article on what poor people actually do.

I am trying to de-clutter and minimize the amount of "things" I own.  I want what I have to be meaningful and useful.  I find articles like this one helpful although, there are for sure more than just 8 things we can live without.

I love that I work from 8am-4pm as I get home early-ish from work. The only drawback is that I already have to get up earlier than the average person as I have a 90 minute commute to work.  It would be lovely if I could better take advantage of the early morning hours like this article advises.

The title says it all, 50 Quotes to Help You Let Go and Live.

Although I love tattoos and still want to get a few more, I have changed how I feel about their placement.  Being a Harry Potter admirer, some of these are adorable.

I am on board with the Tiny House movement. If I could, I would wake up tomorrow on my own piece of land in a tiny house built with my two hands.  Getting Adam on board has been a whole other thing. Of these  11 tiny houses  I wold live in #'s 2-3-4-7-8-9-11.

Being adopted and growing up where you don't look like anyone, I find Ulric Colette's work fascinating.  This project consists of photographic research on the genetic similarities between members of the same family.

I could stare at these Cinemagraphs all day. 

I wonder how I would feel if I saw a photo of a perfect Photoshopped me. It can imagine ot would be odd.

Dogs are awesome. They really are.

Enjoy!

What I've Read and What I'm Reading

When I recall memories from childhood, there are quite a few that are book related.  I loved both the school and our local community library. Taking a book into a nook or a small place was one of my favorite things to do.

My favorites?  Peter Pan, Curious George, Pipi Longstocking, Andy Pandy, The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Seuss, Big Golden Books, and countless Fairy Tale compilations.  Every Christmas, my Mother would check out from the Library for me  Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry.  As a special gift, she gave me a copy for Christmas about 15 years ago and I treasure it. Add Archie Comics, Owl and Highlights magazines and my childhood was complete.

During High School and College, I did not read for leisure.  I read the books that teachers told me to.  Among them, Animal Farm, 1984, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, Othello, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Lord of the Flies. Young Adult Literature wasn’t big in the 80′s like it is now.

In my early 20′s I went through the mandatory Danielle Steele phase that thankfully ceased after 5 books.  How can she keep writing the same story over and over?  My late 20′s I got into reading the books of films that I’d seen.

I’ve cried many a time while reading but the only book  I felt actual fear turning the pages was Thomas Harris’  Hannibal.  I read this after seeing the film The Silence of the Lambs, but before the film of Hannibal was made.

I don’t have a favorite genre or author and  I admit that I have selected books based on the cover art.

As far as series go:

Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien.  I tried (pre-Peter Jackson films) and just couldn’t get into it.  The characters’ multiple names killed me.

Harry Potter – J. K. Rowling.  Love this series. If I had kids, I’d read it to them. I would like to reread the series.

Twilight – Stephanie Meyers.  Yes, I read all four books.  Liked it for what it was. Hindsight, ugh!

Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins. Love this series. Have read each book twice. Also I have really enjoyed the films.

All Souls Trilogy – Deborah Harkness.  The third book has just been completed and is scheduled for release July 15, 2014. I preferred the first book to the second. I am hoping the final book satisfies.

I have enjoyed reading more the past 2 years or so than I have my entire adult life.   I am not a book snob.  I don’t limit myself to reading adult literature or classics.  Young adult literature in enjoyable and just the thing to read during my 3 hour daily commute.  Not too heavy, not too serious.

I live a 5 minute walk away from the Library. I pass it almost daily and for 5 years never thought twice about it.  As much as I love to buy new books I decided that a: I can no longer afford the luxury.  b: I am trying to simplify life and decrease the volume of possessions. c: Libraries are awesome.

These are the books I’ve read since December 2013:

Bossy Pants - Tina Fey

The Tapping Solution – Nick Ortner

The Ocean At The End of The Lane – Neil Gaiman

The Alchemist – Paul Coelho

Stardust – Neil Gaiman

The Fault In Our Stars – John Green I finished this book on Thursday. I am sad it ended. This was a wonderful, emotional read. It touched my heart. It has been made into a film with a release date in June.  I will see it.

The books I currently have out from the library:

Crazy Town The Rob Ford Story – Robin Doolittle.  I am starting this book today. I must note that I DO NOT support Rob Ford, I did not vote for him, nor will I vote for him in Oct 2014.

Annabel – Kathleen Winter.  I selected this book from the CBC Canada Reads 2014 contenders.  Although the official selection will only be made March 3-6’14, it is the only contender that I have interest in reading.

The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein.  I am still not sure if I will read this book.  This is a book that a colleague is reading and it sounded interesting. It’ll all depend on how I get through Annabel.

On Hiatus.

I'll be back....sometime :)

Lately I've Been...

Feeling: Completely out of sorts, lost, without purpose.  I experienced a bump in the road (understatement) in my happy, fulfilling, meaningful career life in 2003 and I have never truly fully recovered. I am still bitter and will always be.  If you love what you do, it's not work? Well now, I work.

Watching: I was watching a lot of nature and science shows during the free preview of Oasis HD and the Smithsonian channels.  Prehistoric Sharks are fascinating.  Sadly, the previews are over and I'm not too keen on adding $20 to an already too high cable bill.

Thinking About: Tiny Houses.  I really want to do this.  I want to build a tiny house. Park it on a piece of property. Grow vegetables.  Live simply. Click here to go to a site I love called Tiny House Blog.  I just have to figure out a way to get the Mr. on board.

Listening To: I changed the radio station in the kitchen after a December filled with Christmas music 24/7 to Q107 Classic Rock.  It has been a nice change and has reinforced my belief that, outside a few talented individuals, the 70's was the last decade that real music was created.

Laughing About: Mostly inappropriate jokes on The Daily Show.  I have said before that it is my sense of humor that has saved me.  It really has.

Reading:  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.  I'm only 27 pages in and I'm enjoying it. My eyes have been a bit better lately and I've been able to read on my way to and from work.

Drinking: More tea, less Diet Coke.

Eating:  Red Velvet Muffins (cupcakes - who are they kidding) from Tim Horton's. This must stop.

Loving: That I've been getting good quality sleep lately, with some awesome dreams.

Missing:  Max. Why can't Dogs live forever?

My sweet boy Max.

Crockett and Friends

It isn't as cold today as it has been these last few days.  The wind is going to pick up later this afternoon so I took Crockett out with the hopes we'd be out for longer than 5 minutes.  It was Crockett's choice.

After he relieved himself, rather than turning back to the door, he walked towards the park. I was anxious he'd think twice & head back but no, he kept on walking.

Once in the park, the trees protected us from the light wind. It was snowing and it was perfect. Both Crockett & I were happy to be outside.

It was then I heard a loud low woof. The woof only a Basset Hound can emit.  Then, Crockett was surrounded by friends. He perked up, ran a few circles, became bouncy, and had a smile on his face.

On our way home, the Sun was trying to peek through the clouds.

The amount of salt on the sidewalk makes these boots mandatory.

Going back up the stairs was harder than sliding down them!

The perfect Canadian winter dog walking photo!

Friends!

Daisy - 6 months old. Pure joy!

Let the Sun shine!

Walking Crockett, being outside, and watching Dogs play heals my soul and makes me temporarily forget my woes. It was a perfect 30 minutes.

Cuddle Pug

It's a cold windy and sometimes snowing Sunday.  No better reason to have a Pug on my lap.  He lets me make a fuss of him. I'm lucky.

My New Scarf

Here is my most recent crochet creation that I finished yesterday.  It is my favorite color.

Now, if I could learn to read patterns, I could make so many more things!

Snowy Sunday

I haven't really had issue with the really cold weather this past week. As long as I was wrapped up well, it wasn't too bad.  Friday morning waiting for the bus at the station was the coldest I got on my cheeks and forehead, which were the only part of me exposed.  By the afternoon, the sun was shining, which always makes a difference.

Today, before the snow started, it was nice out.  I wish I had a really good winter coat, and snowpants because it's been so nice I've wanted to go for a walk.

Next winter, I want this, and in red:

Source

I'm still reading my Tapping book and looking forward to finishing it so I can put it into practice.  I haven't felt great since last night and I really want to just feel better. Although I am so happy I had time off at Christmas, what I'd really love is to have a proper holiday. Go somewhere.  Sit in front of a huge fireplace in a chalet looking out over the snow, or under an umbrella on a white sand beach, or sleeping in a castle in a room with a dark wood canopy bed and velvet drapes.

Back to reality....

As much as I'd like to hibernate and do nothing for the next 3 months, I know it's in my best interest to stay active. Keep moving. Keep my mind busy. Spring will arrive soon enough.

Crockett doesn't enjoy walking in his booties.  He likes it better than salt on his paws, but he just isn't all in yet.  Our walk today only lasted about 7 minutes.

Pretty. I like green & orange.

This is why we won't have a real tree. Crockett'd pee on it for sure!

Crockett makes me happy. He's so cute!