Queen of Outer Space

It's too hot out to ...

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:55:24 GMT

Sleep.

Eat.

Go outside.
So of course I did. Had to go banking and shopping. While I was crossing the street, half a dozen large drops of rain burst on my skin. Um? That is NOT rain. But I'm still hoping for the promised showers to cool things down. Yes, I am dreaming.

At least it wasn't too hot to watch The Seed. In which Teyla was magnificently hot. Woo-hoo.

So that was my day of boring hot.
At least there's church tomorrow and it's Anniversary Sunday (so I get to wear my medal).

Air-kisses only, because it's way too hot to hug,
H.

The Devil Wears Prada ... and I do not.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:42:46 GMT

But, hey, I can spell Prada. And Gucci and ... um, lots of names.
Which, I know, is all so verrrry interesting. NOT.
But it was a boring day of boringness.
I excavated a part of my freezer and came up with - well, I didn't know until I heated it up - pureed potato, carrot and mystery veggie soup. So, that was supper.

And I watched the movie which I'd never seen before. I find Anne Hathaway to be a delightful actress and her glowing like a young Audrey Hepburn from - hey, take your pick - Sabrina, Funny Face or Roman Holiday (we're talking the all-dressed-up transformations) was quite enchanting. But I don't think I'll watch it a second time.

In other not-news, I read my true-life pig book. From which I'm learning lots of fascinating stuff. And I went out to water the herbs, because yesterday's (or was that today's) showers did not materialise. Hey, weather, could we have some consistency or accuracy, plz? I guess not.

Anyway, I'm going back to reading and eventually snuggling my limbs into the bed.
Nighty-night hugs,
H.

Self awareness, self reflection, and all that stuff.

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:42:04 GMT

Yesterday was ruled by a lot of S words.
Sleeping in.
Sewing (okay, it was just buttons, because I couldn't do pleats by hand).
And self awareness, self reflection and ... um ... strategies for living. Yup, big stuff. Some crying. And decisions last night that changed 180 degrees first thing this morning and then changed back this afternoon. [Why, yes, I'm a Gemini. How did you ever guess?]

Anyway, today I had to be a patient patient. Extremely so. I arrived at the hospital at 9:30 and managed to stock up on vitamins; I also treated myself to 'tater chips which I haven't had like in a year. Then I went up to the waiting room. Where I waited. And waited. And ... wait for it ... waited. I was getting worried because my ride home was supposed to come at 2:30. Whoa! Just made it. I was finished by 1:45 and had time to sit outside and catch my breath. So, that's the last time I will see the surgeon; I shook his hand in parting.

When I got home I had a few of the chips before going to sit outside and reading one of my adorable pig books. Unfortunately, the setting sun was not co-operating. It hid behind the clouds, so I came in way before I'd expected to as I wasn't getting any of the lingering heat.

I've watched my fave shows and guess I'll look at my e-mail now. And I'm wondering if I'll do any more flip-flops overnight. Knowing me ... anything is possible.

Slightly confuzzled hugs,
H.

A peaceful if slightly sleepy day

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:07:08 GMT

It was dark when I left home this morning for church, so I was sure that we would get a rainstorm (there'd been a mere piddle of rain some time during the night) while I was at church. Well, I was wrong. And it was cold. I'd even pulled up the comforter during the night.

As always, church was fantastic. I wasn't on duty and my fave hymn was on, so I got to sing it (i.e., belt it out). The guy who sits behind me always gets a chuckle. Brent had a huge bounce in his step, having returned from a vacation. I know, I know, whatever that is. Other highlights were calling up a couple that were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. We all call (and consider) them Mom and Dad. So Brent did a blessing and then read a congratulatory letter from the Governor General. Hmmm. I think it's a letter from the Queen when it's the 75th. Brent mentioned during the sermon how he's being personally challenged and that should have an interesting outcome.

After church I was talking with one of my friends who'd been sitting next to a woman who appeared to be in a state of bliss after the service. So she took a chance and asked her if this had been her first time. We're used to this by now; usually first timers cry a lot or exhibit some other touched behaviour. So the woman turned out to be visiting from Paris and said that our church was so far from the propriety-laced structure back home. Well, no kidding. And she chose the perfect day to attend, at Brent offered the option of coming up for communion without shoes, the reasoning being to remove a barrier from walking on holy ground.

After church I had to wait for a long time for my ride. Also waiting was one of two people I affectionately refer to as the voice of God: he reads scripture with a French accent (and the other one is an Australian woman who could lull me to spiritual contentment anytime). When I got home, I took a quick look at the herbs. I spent some time pruning parsley (so exciting, no?). And then I came inside, though I kept the window and curtains open in the bedroom, appreciating the lush view.

Lunch was celery stalks and ancient (soft) choc chip oatmeal cookies. And then the sleepiness struck (as I hadn't slept well last night). So I crashed for a couple of hours.

So that was my peaceful day.
Hope you all had a good one, too.
Hugs,
H.

In non news today ...

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:46:15 GMT

My bangs are too long. But the rest is too short for a trim. Le sigh.

I was so bored, I actually read some of my 100+ bookmarked fics.

I'm still waiting for it to rain tonight, as I was too lazy to water the garden.

This has been the non-news for tonight. There will be NO film ::giggles:: even though I'm wearing one of my black satin nighties.

And I think I need an Alf episode, or perhaps Pinky and The Brain, but I'm not motivated to go looking through my collection.

Bored as all get out hugs,
H.

Okay, where do I start?

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:51:45 GMT

Good news?
Bad news?
Uncertain news?
Schadenfreude news?

Oh, I'll list them all, but won't tell you what category they belong to?

M came over for a drink yesterday and we sat outside for an hour.

I was pouring myself a vodka for dinner last night and set the (thankfully) plastic glass on the edge of the sink, then promptly knocked it over with my elbow. Huh - vodka all over the floor. Well, I know that Kim and Aggie of How Clean is Your House use vodka as a disinfectant/deoderizer and club soda to make tiles sparkle, but this is ridiculous. [Hint: That was the schadenfreude moment. Or else a sacrifice to the gods. No, I don't know which gods.]

I went for a walk in the early evening yesterday to the edge of the property where a fence is being erected between the building's land and the new park along the lake. Um, WTF? There's this gate. All sticking out where it's not necessary. And I just realised that it'll be impossible for me to get past the gate, down the steep hill and back up a smaller one to actually get to the damn lake! Unless I have an escort but I can't (and shouldn't have to) count on that all the time. See me getting ready to write a letter of protest.

Today, I received a bit of a reprieve from the bureaucratic boondoggle I've been mired in. Not a complete one, but still better than nothing. Which just goes to show you that Damn, can I write! But, hey, I'd been writing legal letters for my family since I was ten. ::huffs against palm and shines invisible lapel::

Well, I didn't get past the outside door of the building today. I just didn't feel like sitting outside. It was one of those days.

And I had a bacon emergency. Yes, application of much bacon was required, stat. [Some people would call it dinner!] Thanks, I feel much calmer now.

Anyway, I have a bit of taped TV to watch which I hope will make me laugh. Because I need one. Or one hundred, but I won't hold my breath.

Gee - if I were more snarky - I'd be Rodney, but I'm Ivanova, alone in the night.
Far-reaching hugs,
H.

The only thing missing from my life is a teeter-totter!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:01:26 GMT

Oy!
One day up and the next day down.
This is getting to be tiring. You think?

Well, at least I did have bacon last night. Mmmmmmm.

But today was setting up to be another bad day. So I had a few almonds and a glass of juice. That was it for the whole day. I still couldn't talk with M for long before ... well, you know.

I finally decided to go outside at 5:45. The wind was so strong I was actually chilled. But I checked out all of the herbs and they were fine. The pansies, OTOH, I think were drownded. So I sat and drank my sports drink and read my Toronto Life mag. John came by and joined me after 7 for a while. We talked about strategy for my doctor's visit next week ... and the next two years of my life. And then M called. Obviously the fresh air and John's presence had put me in a better mood and that was a good thing. When I went in around 8, I was carrying two branches of my basil. I decided to cook up tricolor fusilli and added the chopped basil, chopped too-ripe tomatoes, stuffed olives, olive oil and parmesan. And I ate the whole thing. ::is proud::

M called again and is coming over for the deferred peach-vodka-on-the-patio tomorrow. But I didn't contact Brian at all, as I don't think I can handle that. Just too many explanations that will just make me morose again. Hmmm. I'd better send him an e-mail with my regrets.

A little taped TV watching and a little reading.
And that was my day.
I can only hope that tomorrow will buck the down trend.
Hugs to all,
H.

Bureaucracy is my friend (repeat as needed).

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:22:33 GMT

Well, I spent the day doing the "B-word" thingy and went out in unrelenting heat and humidity to send it by Express Mail. Then I treated myself to juice, sports drinks, swiss cheese and celery at the supermarket. I managed to get home just before the thunder and storming started. The good thing about the storm is: 1) I didn't have to water the plants; and 2) it cooled everything off quite nicely.

So far, I've had 3 celery stalks for dinner. No, I'm not impressed either. Perhaps some bacon on a bagel may be in order. Mmmmm ... bacon. Resistance is definitely futile.

Talking to M has been frustrating. Yes, I know we're both stubborn, but still....

Anyway, I have a titch of TV to watch (I think), so I'll just toddle off and say nighty-night.
Hugs,
H.

Pinch me already: I had an amazing day!!!

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:03:37 GMT

Well, it didn't start out that way. Because when I dragged myself into the shower, I didn't think I'd drag myself out of it. Pain ... screaming pain. But, eventually, I did come back into the world and eat brekkie, drink juice, put on eye makeup (which was another experience in itself) and get ready for my pickup at 8:55.

Of course I got to church early and heard the end of the sermon during the first service. That's okay; since I was on duty, I like to borrow a line or two to use for my blessings.

Anyway, I got a real shock when two amazing musicians appeared after the service. It was Jason & DeMarco who have graced us with their inspired renditions of many well-loved hymns. My fave is how they do When Peace Like A River. So they had new CDs. I bought the two latest, plus a dance remix(?) and also two posters (one for M and one for me). They sang both the Anthem and the Offering.

And ... and ... Stephanie, one of my long-time friends, brought them up to me for healing. I'll tell you, it was a two-way street today, with me getting tendrils of electricity dancing up and down my arms. So, what was the result? Well, how does belting out the Lord's Prayer sound? And getting the high F (not doing it well, mind you, but still better than what I haven't been able to do for MONTHS)?

I took a line from their Offering song and used it in my communion blessing. And, when I was done, I fairly danced back to my pew. Pain ... what pain?

The good stuff continued as my ride home was early, even though we were delayed downtown. But, still, I'm in an air-conditioned vehicle and semi-comfortable. When I got home, I pruned my parsley. Then I went over to M's for a little bit. There was a bottle of Peach Absolut in my freezer but, as both M and I needed a nap, M decided to come over tomorrow instead. So I toddled off home, but didn't feel like a nap. I went and sat in my patio from 4 to 6. A new neighbour introduced herself and I invited her to come sit with me (well, I have 4 stacked chairs). We enjoyed talking about all sorts of stuff. And then I came in and finished off the chicken carcass. And, then, oh bliss, a nap. M called to say goodnight at 10.

And, now, I'm just relaxing. Which suits me very much.
Blissed out hugs to all,
H.

Over hill, over dale ... and sand in my sandals?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:06:32 GMT

Well, I guess that's why they're called sandals, huh?

Anyway, the day was mostly nondescript, with me in bed sleeping and napping and not doing anything. Breakfast was the leftover twice baked 'tater and roasted vidalia onion from the bbq. Well, I do have to finish the stuff up. I think there's still salad, chicken carcass and dessert left.

Even though John had said he'd help me with the plants when he returned from the island around 6, I could tell from his IM status that he hadn't gone out. But I was tired, so needed to nap till 7. Then, everybody's calling me at the same time (okay, so only M and John - but one after the other). M is much (much, I tell you) too distracted by the Tour de France (oh, joy NOT) right now, so I guess I get slotted in between commercials. Nah, I'm not feeling neglected. After all, if it were an SGA Marathon or something musical, I'd probably be the same way. And John called to ask if I wanted to do the plants in 10 minutes. Of course, I do.

We met around 7:30 and it didn't take long to reposition them. The important thing was to put all the herbs around the perimeter (so I can reach them to cut them) and the flowers and cypress in the middle, where the only thing that has to reach them is the hose. Yaaay. That didn't take long at all.

After that, I wanted to sit outside and talk so we did go through the dilapidated mesh barrier and down and up the hill over to the seawall. And ... WTF ... major abdominal pain. Okay, I get it now. My non-existent abs do not like hills. Or anything energetic. But it was delightful to be sitting by the lake and there were a couple of swan families that swam by. I've missed them, but they've stayed away from all the construction (duh, obviously). When the sun was setting, we had to move, otherwise I wouldn't be able to see my way back up the hill. And, once again, the pain. Which miraculously disappeared once I was back inside seated in front of my computer in my leather executive chair (and fluffy bed pillow). Okay, body, why are you driving me crazy?

I finished off the organic cherries (which were worth the extra cost, as I told John they'd been picked by Angels) and had a bagel and cream cheese for dinner. Okay, so I'm mixed up on the eating front today.

Anyway, I can't stay up all hours of the night because there's church in the morning. I guess I'd better go organise my purse NOW.

Semi-nature-loving hugs to all,
H.
...and I can't believe how well the lazy mood captures my exact symptoms!!!!!

I need a stealth icon.

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:48:56 GMT

Really.
Because John and I went on a reconnaisance mission today. But it's a sekrit. Still, it was not promising and I ended up walking too far in too hot sun. Yuck.

We didn't visit M, but went shopping instead. And now I can haz organic cherries and 'nanas. And bagels and cream cheese. And juice. Just the basics.

And, yes, I was productive and did laundry this morning. Mind you, I still have to make the bed. See my hands tremble. But I ate more of Tuesday's bbq'd chickie and Brian's cake dessert, so that should have fortified me.

Management put all of my plants back on the concrete after painting it and everything is in disarrary. I guess we'll be moving plants around tomorrow.

So, that's all the excitement for today. Or not.
Spy-eyed hugs,
H.

Miss Piggy would have fainted away on the little I had to eat today.

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:03:48 GMT

So I won't divulge that information.

But why wasn't I eating?
Oh it could have been because I was huddled in bed, shivering (really, really, really) and being miserable. Until after 4 when I ventured out of bed.

Later, when I looked out the window I saw that all my plants were missing from my concrete barrier. Um ... WTF? So I called John at 7 and said I was freaking out. He misinterpreted my freakout (which wasn't cleared up until later) but assured me that all my plants were on the ground and were perfectly okay (even though they were out in the open). It turned out that management was painting stuff.

Anyway, John asked if I was up to a little walk to the lake. I thought he meant just to the picnic tables, but - no - he really did mean the lake. He said the barrier could be held down so I could cross it. So we agreed to meet at 7:45. When we crossed the barrier, we had to go down a steep hill, so I took it slowly. But ... yaaaay ... I made it all the way to the lake. While he sat on the retaining stone seawall, I sat on the walker so that I could face the lake. The view is indescribable. To be that close. John brought out two wine glasses into which he popped in four strawberries and then filled with white zin. Mmmmm. The strawberries added a luscious aroma to the wine. So, finally, he told me his sekrit which he thought I'd inadvertently learned about. Oh, John. You do insist on raising the bar. We sat there so enjoying the evening until the chill accompanying the sunset made me want to retreat. So we did.

And then I wanted to continue the conversation, so we went up to his place. I sat on the balcony and he sat just inside the doorway. Well, that's a change. And we continued to talk about stuff. My issues. His. Yadda, yadda. M called in the middle and we planned to visit tomorrow, if there are no other obstructions. And we kept talking, even as I accompanied him to the recycling shed. But, finally, I came indoors and returned M's call properly.

And now I'm going to watch a titch of TV and I really should have a bagel and cheese. Because, otherwise, my food intake was pathetic. And, yes, chores tomorrow morning, so that John and I can go gallivanting at noon.

Fresh and breezy lakeside hugs,
H.

Up against the Borg, er ... bureaucracy.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:05:30 GMT

Well, I called the legal beagle number mid afternoon and explained my sitch to a very nice man (who was overwhelmed with too many calls during someone else's break). And then I read and ate cold bbq chicken. I received a call back at 4:30 and got some interesting advice (25 minutes' worth) which I shall be using in my letter.

In other news ... there was no news. And no news these days means no bad news.

Talked to M a couple of times and watched a titch of TV. Yes, I know: the excitement is just ... underwhelming. I may attempt to ratchet it up by watching some SGA (the stimulant and soporific of choice).

And I must do a hypnotic chant: Laundry is everything; do not resist it. Hee - and I thought the Borg were bad. Okay, okay, I give in. Tomorrow or Friday.

Anyway, I hope you're still awak-
No, strike that.
I'm not even awake and I'm typing at the moment. It's one of those paradox moments. I'm sure Rodney could explain it all. But he's not here, so tough. You'll have to accept my word.
Totally out of it hugs,
H.

Happy Birthday, Canada (and a great day for a bbq)!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:05:23 GMT

Hey, we'll use ANY excuse to have a bbq. So, yaaaaay.

I got up at noon and was expecting Brian around 2. Wellllll, okay, that got stretched a bit because he forgot the WD40 and had to turn around in the elevator and go back to get it. But he finally got here. And, oh my, did he ever lube my lock!!!!! Sounds rude, eh? But I'd had so much trouble with my unit lock and now my key just slides in ... and out. What a relief.

Anyway, I'd mentioned to M that dinner would be around 4:30. Um, well, not so much, especially as the chickens didn't go on the grill until 3:45. So, please to be amending dinner time until 5:45. While Brian was in charge of the chickies and the vidalia onions, I baked the commercial 'taters and prepared a quickie salad of tomatoes, onion, black olives and fresh basil leaves. We'd also snipped chives for the 'taters, rosemary and thyme for the chickies and parsley as ... duh ... garnish. We enjoyed sitting outside on a beautiful day and looking at the sparkling lake. M showed up almost exactly at 5:45, just as Brian carried the chickies back to the table. As I was too lazy to go back inside to get a knife, he stabbed them with the bbq fork and cut them with the serrated edge of the tongs. A little barbaric, but it did work. Anyway, we each only had a chicken leg, so there were tons of leftovers. Yummy.

For dessert, Brian brought out his quatro leche cake covered with whipped cream and raspberries. There were also fresh strawberries. Ohhhh. It was delish and, as we'd already pronounced, there were NO calories in the cake (especially as I think he accidentally put in twice the amount of butter into the cake - oops). And there were leftovers of the cake, too. No, of course, there's no room left in my fridge. We finished up just before sunset. For some reason, the 'skitters were bugging Brian and ignoring M and me. Is it because I was wearing my leopard print caftan and not my usual black? Hmmmm. Despite the insect activity, it had been a delightfully relaxing day and, for once, I don't have a sink full of dishes. Yes, yes, I'll wash them ... later.

So, a happy Dominion Day (::grumbles:: Canada Day to the rest of the world, humph) to all.
Proud hugs,
H.

::giggles:: Today I was more me-me. Thanks, John.

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:23:53 GMT

Oh, what a difference a day makes. Although that doesn't always hold true.

I tried to stay in bed as long as possible. Brian called me at 1 and asked whether I could be ready by 3. Well, that was generous. So I had time to wash my hair and eat and get dressed and pull out the charcoal and inadvertently find my water-pik filters while looking for lighter fluid. So, time efficiently spent.

We went off to Sam's Club, deciding what we were cooking tomorrow. We picked up two chickens (which will have pop cans stuffed up their asses - hee - flavoured with herbs from my garden). We decided to go with commercially prepared stuffed potatoes (rather than potato salad); but we'll be roasting a lot of vidalia onions jujed with olive oil, garlic and herbs. Yum. There'll be strawberries for dessert and Brian is making a very special dulce di leche cake tonight (using 4 different types of milk???), topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. We also picked up a couple of cases of Mike's Hard Lemonade for M and me and a bottle of wine for Brian. He left me sitting in the car while he went off to get more charcoal and a few other things. So I read the fancy LCBO mag that talked about pollinating hot house tomatoes. It seems that there are bumblebee hives in the hot houses and pollination occurs naturally. Awwww. Isn't that cute? And I just learned another neat (useless) bit of trivia.

Anyway, we had a good time shopping and can't wait until tomorrow. Brian says the weather should be terrific. I dragged most of the stuff in and then collapsed. I'm really good at it. Later on, I made myself pork chops in the skillet (I'd bought them along with a big jar of herring tidbits). But I kept them in a bit too long. Next time, higher temp, slightly shorter cooking time.

When M called, I mentioned what the main course was, but I said the sides were a sekrit. I'm allowed.

And a postscript to yesterday's Pride Parade in TO. For the first time, there were Canadian Armed Forces personnel in uniform marching in the parade. ::jumps up and down in delight:: Yaaaaaay! Go, Canada! Okay, okay, see me calm down. Sorta, kinda. But, still, so FTW.

Anyway, I think I really should take pain killers because the back is, um, killing. me!

Upbeat hugs,
H.

Oh, just call me Ms. Grumpy McGrumpypants already!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:59:34 GMT

No, I didn't go to dinner at John's even though M did. I don't even know what they had and don't really care. Because I had the joy of waking up in extreme pain. Oh yes. Are we having fun yet? So I just slept until it went away, about four hours later.

I haven't even finished my juice or vitamin pills. ::takes a deep swallow:: Okay, I'm halfway through. I did have a couple of 'nanas and ice cream and a couple of hours ago I finished off the marinating Greek salad leftovers. Hmmm, the cuke tasted almost like pickles.

At least when I was awake I watched a silly movie with Debra Messing in it as a woman who hires a man to attend her half sister's wedding to her former fiance. Very confuzzling. But, hey, it wasted time and that's all I asked of it. I also watched the few tidbits of news on Pride in TO. Yes, of course, they showed Brent. After all, it's traditional.

Tomorrow is going to be strange because it's a working day before the holiday. Oh, I wish all our holidays were attached to a Monday. It would make So.Much.Sense. Which is why we don't have them. Le sigh.

Anyway, I don't even feel like grumbling, so I'll sign off.
Easily irritated (of course) hugs,
H.

Bartender, another Margarita, por favor!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:57:44 GMT

Oooookay, so I did drink most of the Margaritas, but do you think they took the back pain away? Of course not. That would be too efficient.

Anyway, I did almost nothing today. So, when M called, I said I'd just been hanging around waiting for a phone call. No laundry, nada. So I took the obligatory shower but then decided that street clothes were the last thing I needed to wear over. So I just wore my lounging gown. Capelet sleeves, low cut neckline and ankle length. And that was it, together with my capelet. And I jujed my hair up; I solved the problem of the too short length by putting it up in two ponytails, one above the other - and then affixed a hair clip with a poofy sheer bow over the straggly ends. Yaaaay, I can haz cool hair and no dripping down the neck.

After the shower, I prepared the lovely Greek salad (English cuke, Spanish onion, two tomatoes, yellow pepper and NO lettuce) and tossed the veggies into a baggie - I intended to add the other ingredients and dressing at M's. And I cooked the shepherd's pie (half in the oven and half in the microwave). I called M and said to expect me at 7. M, BTW, loves the way I did my hair. Hee - I feel pretty. Considering the way I've been feeling lately, that's a major improvement.

Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and I stayed until 10. M was still zonked out by yesterday's trip and just needed to collapse into bed. If I'd gone through the experience, I'd be more than zonked. Too many people (which translates into too many strangers for me).

It's cooler now and that's nice. I think I'm going to stay up and watch a certain episode again of a certain show that shall remain nameless but, if you know me and use your imaginations, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. I need the distraction.

Culinarily inspired hugs,
H.

A little lost ... and Pirate Bob had nothing to do with that.

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:48:24 GMT

Well, the day didn't necessarily work out the way it was supposed to.

I woke up and worked on the editing. Yaaaay. Done and sent off.

Then I had a shower and washed my hair. I don't know why I bothered, because the heat and humidity turned it into a wet mess. Note to hair: would you please grow that extra inch so that I can put you up properly and not feel so yucky. I guess not.

Well, I toddled at a slow pace off to the supermarket. M had gone out of town (I had declined due to pain, even before I got the mini-job yesterday) but I was supposed to be going over to prepare dinner and be all supportive and stuff. [Hey! I can too be all supportive.] M and I were both feeling the need for some comfort food, so I was going to get shepherd's pie and make a big greek salad. And there were Margaritas chilling in the fridge. Well, I would have, but hour after hour went by and ... no M. And ... no call, either. After 8, I realised I wasn't going anywhere. It's a good thing I had a bagel and cream cheese when I got back from shopping. Finally, finally (Oh, dear????), M called at 8:45. So, I guess I'll be taking dinner over tomorrow. Except that means having to scurry doing the laundry and not relaxing. Oy.

So, that was my day of NOT.
I'm just eating a tomato right now. But ... NO film at 12.
Blah-ish hugs,
H.

Okay, so just who's in charge of the universe anyway?

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:13:48 GMT

Um ... just for the record I don't think it's Rodney and John.

But, seriously, the universe has a weird sense of humour. Because, here I've been, with various and sundry horrible worries (yadda, yadda, I know) and I get an e-mail out of the blue for a 2-day editing job. So I said yes. I worked on the thing for a few hours today and I'll fine tune it tomorrow so it'll be ready for publication on Friday. But I'm tired and, of course, my back hurts. A.Lot. Oy.

John and I did a little IMing (I'd never done that with him before) about dinner on Sunday (which may end up being a late lunch). And Brian and I e-mailed each other (me about being MIA and him about hopping on a jetplane tomorrow and returning Friday). I think we're planning to have a bbq (yaaay) on July 1st (which I will forever refer to as Dominion Day).

M and I chatted a few times and there are exhortations to all sorts of piggies who are to apply fuzzy therapy to mom's achey-breaky back. Whoa - that's a lot of piggies. And there are more virtual vibes as well. We have plans for tomorrow evening, but M doesn't want me to knock myself out, so I'll do some shopping (we both have a hankering for shepherd's pie and salad). But M was thrilled about the work and that's a good thing too.

So, I guess I really (do I have to) should go to sleep. I don't want to have the work hanging over my head. Or ouchy back. And, yes, I did eat. I finished off the rice and had my little dwinkie. All I have at my place to take over to M's tomorrow is a bottle of Mandarin Absolut. With shepherd's pie? Ick. Maybe I'll pick up some beer on the way over. It's a thought.

Outer spacey hugs to all,
H.

Big News Today: I Ate!

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:57:39 GMT

Well, perhaps my appetite was not as voluptuous as Miss Piggy's (kissy, kissy), but I did have half of the leftover Spanish rice to which I added sweet onion relish. And I had a bloody caesar. Oh, and there's a couple of nuts on the floor. [No, not M and me, but a couple of almonds I dropped and, as per usual, I can't find them again. Le sigh.] And I found a half bottle of root beer at the bottom of the fridge and the flavour was something I needed. Mind you, I'm still not even close to consuming my daily nutrients.

I took it easy today and tried not to worry about worrisome things. Easier said than done.

Talked to M a couple of times and have learned that John's extending another dinner invite for this coming Sunday. As I don't have church (Pride Day, dontcha know?), perhaps we can start earlier and M won't be wandering home in the middle of the night. Well, one can hope.

For entertainment, I watched Kindred I (which I totally snoozed through last season) and II and am just rewatching The Last Man. And, yes, I confess, I have watched the episode that nobody is supposed to be talking about. So, officially, I know nothing about it. Uh-huh.

So, that's my day in a nutshell, not that I'm nutty or anything. Unless you say it in French, because that would appeal to Miss Piggy's sense of style.

Kissy kissy hugs to all,
H.

I guess I'm just in a weird Alf mood today.

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:36:10 GMT

So, M actually got home at 4 a.m. Not quite 7, but stiiiill bad. Oy.

As for me, I'm feeling weird and discombobulated. Just had juice and almonds. But I felt very full from dinner last night. I may go eat some bean salad for the protein.

Although I was supposed to go over to M's originally, that plan went out the window. It rained for a while and the weather's been generally stupid anyway.

But at least I did refresh my hair colour (without flooding the bathroom, woo-hoo). And I've had a quiet, pain-filled (the stupid spine) day. So I'm due to have some good sleep, I hope.

Well, that is the general state of me (and there are no cats named Lucky around). So I'll just go back to reading and acting generally bored. Le sigh.
Weird hugs,
H.

Hi, Rodney; I'm tired, too.

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:30:57 GMT

I just left John's place. M is still up there, yakking away. But, I'm so tired, having been up since 6:20 a.m. as my ride to church was 30 minutes earlier than usual. Brent gave me a big hug, saying that M had been praising me to the skies earlier this week when Brent called to offer spiritual support. There'd even been a pig joke, the gist of which was that M's horse was afraid to have me pet him, because he thought I'd turn into a pig! Okay, enough with the pig jokes.

Anyway, because of our troubled week, I wasn't exactly a bundle of joy at church. I accepted expressions of comfort. But ... yaay ... my ride home was early. And M called while I was buying juice, so I went over and delivered a bottle of ginger ale and some urgently needed meds. And, then, home and a mini-collapse.

M came over after 8 as we were invited to John's for a fab dinner. He intended to serve Bombay sapphire gin and tonic but, oops, the convenience store only had ginger ale, so we had an altered drinking experience. He grilled lamb loin chops marinated in Thai sauce on his indoor grill, together with grilled yellow peppers, kale perfumed with garlic and onion and plain steamed cauliflower. There were also Polish (?) olives and a bottle of white zin that had vivid strawberry nuances. And there were cherries for dessert.

We did have a rolicking good time talking but, as I said to M when I left, I wouldn't be surprised if they were still going at it at 7:00 a.m. I know what MY priorities are: I need my sleep. Besides, I have to go back to M's sometime in the afternoon to do logistical stuff.

In other silly news, the Toronto Symphony had a special Star Trek night on Friday and Saturday; the special guests were John de Lancie and Robert Picardo. I'm hoping it was a lot of fun but - eek - the concert prices these days are ridiculous!

Anyway, I'm about to wash my face and crawl into bed. There was too much emotional upheaval for me to sleep on Saturday night, so I have to catch up.

Nighty-night hugs,
H.

Family redefined. With a side order of catharsis.

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:43:09 GMT

Well, today I definitely redefined family.

I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did. Ditto for the catharsis.

M was supposed to come over around 1:30 for lunch. Well, the timing got a bit delayed. Enough so that I could actually make lunch ... dinner ... whatever. I sauteed two chicken breasts, cooked up some Spanish rice and sliced two tomatoes thinly. And there was a bottle of that gold medal white zinfandel.

Mind you, I sort of fell apart while we were eating. It all began with my toast. Cheers and tears, dear. Well, it's no wonder, considering the emotional pressures M and I have been under lately. So there I was, starting to blubber as we were eating, wiping away the tears while M was trying to reassure me that everything would be alright. But I refused to listen. Hey, remember, stubborn here. And I blurted out my worst fears. Well, M was waaaaay ahead of me there and assured me that there was a fix and - you know what - I think I can live with it. It's even sounding more and more appealing. Well, the mind is a wondrous thing. You just have to give it a nudge to make it find solutions outside of the box.

Anyway, we managed to enjoy lunch ... dinner ... whatever. When we finished eating, I took the glasses and remainder of the bottle into the bedroom. Because we had ALL these programs I'd recorded ages ago (well, okay, really one). But M finally got to watch the Rolex Equestiran championships from Lexington, Kentucky. It was wonderful and exciting. After that, we watched various programs and laughed through them. Hmmm, I guess the apricot brandy and the lava cake we shared must have contributed to the improved mood.

John called and, instead of telling him the sad news over the phone, M invited him down to join us. He came in with his coffee cup, so we offered him the apricot brandy. Anyway, we were all going on about our various crises and really, for the first time since ever, realised that we WERE there for each other. So, now, John and I are conspiring together to do something drastic. And I'm really trying to be on board, because in my life change and I have been totally unmixy things. But I have to trust in myself and in the people who mean the most to me. [Still, I reserve the right to be scared, from time to time.]

I walked M out to the corner around 9. Now, eek, I have to do the dishes. John called with an invitation to dinner tomorrow. Lamb chops on the bbq. I told him I'd see what I feel like tomorrow, as today's meal is the most I've eaten ALL week. Normally, I'd jump at the offer. I'm hoping I'll be able to settle down as I work through this crisis. See me cross my fingers. And toes. And eyes? Nope, one of them is already crossed.

Anyway, I'm in a much better place than I've been since Tuesday, so I'll send you lots of optimistic hugs,
H.

More wistfully sad (and bad) news. Le sigh.

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:50:52 GMT

Well, M and I made a mad dash up to the stables, arriving at 11:10, M to say goodbye to a fave horse (a Welsh cobb pony) who is being retired this week and me to take piccies. One of the trainers said I could use my flash with the old boy, that it wouldn't bother him. So I got some amazing piccies and they weren't blurred. I even petted him on the nose (and it's been over 40 years since I've been near a horse). He was very well behaved, even though he was hungry and waiting to be fed. I just wish someone could have taken a piccie of me with him. Oh, well. Great intentions.

We sat out on the porch afterwards and waited for our driver. And, then, it was back down to earth (er, the lake). And our troubles. Brian sent me a lovely (well, perhaps lovely isn't quite the right description) e-card that allowed me to punch the figure in it. Hee. Take out my aggression against mindless bureaucracy.

M called a bit later with bad news. Oh, dear. We're just not getting any breaks right now. At least M is coming over tomorrow for lunch and we'll watch an equestrian championship I taped ages ago. And we'll talk strategy for my problems. Mind you, I still wouldn't mind a pillowcase stuffed with thousand dollar bills. I know. As if.

Anyway, today was another can't be bothered to eat day, though M did treat me to a club sub on the way. And I had a huge bunch of apricots when I got home (before they went bad).

I'm just trying desperately to stay warm (and I'm probably going to close the bedroom window all the way tonight, because ... brrrr).

Cold-handed (eek) hugs to all,
H.

I'm trying to remember what I look like when I'm happy!

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:44:08 GMT

Well, the icon is a very good reminder.

Even if I'm not anywhere close to that ease of personal comfort. [Hey, even I don't understand what I just wrote.]

At least I'm having more food than I did yesterday. The proposed pasta dinner was abandoned in favour of a handful of almonds. So, I'm having the pasta tonight. It's just a small dish, but it's taking me over an hour to eat. In the morning it was my two 'nanas and a glass of juice. Yup, emotions will close off the throat.

I slept most of the day away and it was cold. We had our tropical rainstorm simulation again. You know: nothing, then a light pitter-patter, then the drenching downpour. Talked to John earlier in the day and M and I just got off the phone. M and I are going off to the stables tomorrow, because M's horse is being retired. So, I won't be having dinner with Brian. Anyway, I really need to get out of the city and away from my fears, if only for a few hours. Not exactly denial, just a bit of distance. Oh, and fresh air.

Anyway, I believe a bit of reading will relax me, and then I'm off to bed (and giving Little Bear Pig a big hug - because she's been keeping me sane-r).

Hopeful hugs to all,
H.