Ravings and Rantings

Splish Splash (Thanks Peter T!)

2006-11-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

Nothing To See Here Either!

2006-07-15T17:07:00.000-04:00

Well, folks, since a troll around Ottawa have been um up to his usual antics via this blog, I've decided to change my blog's name and address. It isn't brain surgery!

Have e mailed those of you that I know best and advised you of the new place.

If you are one of the people who don't comment but would like the new name and address, e mail me and I'll provide it to you (once I"ve checked you out, i.e. determined you're not related to me!).

Sorry for the inconvenience! Odd how this happened to Kris over at I'm not a girl, not yet a wino and me in the same week, huh?

See ya later!

Bridg

p.s. name changed too.

Hot August (July) Night

2006-07-15T15:32:00.000-04:00

Neil Diamond, anyone?

We've had three thunderstorms in the last hour and it's still hotter than blazes out there. Think someone moved Hell to Ottawa. Hmmm. Or maybe just woke up to something here.

Slow, but I get there, eventually. Only took a few decades...

Delivered all the photo stuff to Mom, and she was de-lighted with the results. Still have more to go but that will have to wait for another time. On the way over the garage door opener broke. I mean BROKE. Called one company and got a lecture (as in "yah I do emergencies but don't feel like it") from the first number 411 gave me, so called another. That lovely soul came over and informed me that (a) the manufacturer (Stanley) of my opener is no longer in business and (b) the replacement part is $500 ish (forget it). He unhooked the opener from the door so at least it could be operated manually for the weekend. My instructions--replace it at a non-Rolls Royce price please on Monday (am still off then).

Then off to get present for wife of Boy Wonder with Mom. Mom had very hard time walking in this heat, so I escorted her to a seat and found presents and cards, got us lunch (2:00 pm ish). Delivered photos that had been working on for last few days to Mom's house, ate lunch and delivered presents. The screen door was locked, so had to leave the presents dangling from the newspaper holder thingie attached to the mailbox. So, if someone steals the presents, it will be his wife's loss, certainly not mine.

Why would anyone lock a screen door? Have any of you out there ever done this and if so why?

Just curious. Let me know.

Have to do major dusting....later!

Borrowed from Lime

2006-07-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

You Should Visit Argentina

Cowboys, European food, beaches, and skiing. This country is like no other!Learn to tango, hike across Patagonia, eat at fine restaurants... you'll never be bored.

What Latin American Country Should You Visit?

Workin' For The Weekend!

2006-07-14T22:28:00.000-04:00

Hola world! Just realized two seconds ago it's my SIL's birthday, wife of Boy Wonder (who says I'm dead to him). Damn. Oh well. Mom forgot too but she has an excuse, she's 77.

Damn. Will have to drop off a prezzie/card tomorrow. Take Mom out to get one too and drop it off as well.

Ottawa must have slid into the sun, it is hotter than blazes here and HUMID. GI's simple request for me to look through Mom's collection of family photos for 1970s vintage stuff morphed into a muuuucho bigger one, Bridg/bipolar style. While I was at it (looking at photos), thought I may as well get the photos at least into albums instead of those crummy paper folders that they arrive in from the camera shops since many of them are over 20 years old--some 50.

As noted earlier, someone else on my dad's side of the family, circa 1910, was one HECK of a shutterbug, not to mention Dad himself. Much more so than I am (well, I got ummm castigated a lot for that and no, Chris, that isn't anything sexy). There are stacks of individual photos dating back to the 1910s, some earlier, many between 1910 and 1940. Stacks!!

Anyhow, Bridg here thought that she'd buy an album or two, take half a day and straighten out the mess or at least get the pics all into albums. Ho ho ho. Not so fast. Wound up buying three largish laundry sized tubs (well not quite that big but easy to handle), two smaller ones suitable to handle letters and other packages and at least 5-7 albums and refill sheets. Think I used 3-4 of the albums.

Worked so long and hard on this task--all of yesterday and today, part of tonight --that my tendonitis arm/shoulder/wrist is KILLING me. Stopped at dinnertime (8:00). Had beer, pizza and NCIS to celebrate and relax. O.U.C.H. Gave up then. Had the job 65%-70% done by then. All of Mom's family pics are done, and all of ours in 2-3 of the locations we were in are in. Did I mention that we moved a lot? Well we did. There are pictures for only a few of them, but quite a few for the odd ones. Mostly thanks to Dad and Yours Truly.

You can tell what years the pics were taken by the presence of my sister's ex hubby and my late dad in them, and by the age of the kids. But good heavens the amounts of weight that Mom, I, Sis, BW and even SIL went up and down! I don't mean 30 lbs, this is more like 60-80 lbs. Each. Amazing transformations. I bet we ALL wind up diabetic sooner or later if we live that long. Just massive changes. Lots good parties too.

Actually have documented evidence of one nephew being introduced to one puppy as a transportation device. Scared both of them about each other for years. Also have photographic evidence of one bro (BW) teaching his kid how to use a balloon as an attack weapon against his uncle. The glee on the kid's face is amazing. Next shot is the kid attacking, with uncle grinning. Neat sequence, I must say. Those were good times. Those are two very loved little boys. Hope they know how much, even though they're both in their 20s.

This photo thing is like an obsession--don't know how I'm going go to sleep without finishing the job. It's bothering me already.

Another nice thing that happened is that I got to see how my relatives I never got to meet looked in real life. That was VERY special. And a trip that Mom, her sister and BIL and I took to visit family graves in upper state Pennsylvania I got to relive through the pictures. It was wonderful....a very special trip. For the company, the beautiful countryside, and the family connection. We took a picture that actually echoed an existing one taken 40 years earlier. I found the earlier version among the black and white family pictures. Fascinating.

Sorry if this post is boring...it was a real voyage of discovery for me.

Did also fine some lineages all traced out. Was very excited until I realized it related to two DOGS!!

Sigh. We have to work on that.

Took Mom to lunch at Cora's which was great. But it was too hot to do much else.

Now have to dust the place for GI. Got dinner reservations made (and THAT wasn't easy, with this heat, no one is eating in). Thanks Wayne!!! I owe you one ;)

Have a great weekend folks!!! Stay near the beer cooler...or the marg jug....!!!

Stay cool.......................Bridg

Dreamboat Annie

2006-07-13T10:25:00.000-04:00

Heart - Dreamboat Annie
courtesy of: http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Heart/Dreamboat-Annie.html

Heading out this morning into the sun
Riding on the diamond waves, little darlin' one
Warm wind caress her
Her lover it seems
Oh, Annie
Dreamboat Annie my little ship of dreams
Going down the city sidewalk alone in the crowd
No one knows the lonely one whose head's in the clouds
Sad faces painted over with those magazine smiles
Heading out to somewhere won't be back for a while

Hey world hope it is as beautiful wherever you are as it is here! Gloomy and sleepy yesterday but boy today sure makes up for it.

Finally got the blinking Cushing's tests (8:00 and 4:00 on the same day) done. Had to convince the staff (a) to do it, (b) I didn't need to take meds first and (c) no, they didn't need to record every med I'm on first (they called two doctors first anyway). Guess it isn't a common test. But two good things--they found a vein both times first time (that NEVER happens) and the damn thing is DONE! Got other household chores done, nothing major and yah, laundry and groceries were part of them. Didn't get to cut down the damn jungle in the backyard, it was too humid and the mosquito-birds were everywhere including inside the house. Am loving watching TV and just being a veggie. Don't get to do this nearly enough.

Today involves a fair bit of activity. Two medical appointments (rolling eyes), taking Mom out to lunch, and picking up old photos (from Mom) at request of GI who wants to look through them this weekend (Saturday?). He isn't staying over (is doing a shopping tour of Ottawa and dropping by for dinner out)--wanted to see if there are any pics of 1970s vintage. Think he is trying to reconnect more firmly with his high school/age of innocence self --knowing his parents, there aren't many pictures of him at home. Not that my parents were big on photos (especially not of my dates) either, I was the photographer in the family. But there are a few photos, I think. Will look and see anyway.

Wonder how I got the photo-taking bug? Surely no one else has it (either parent I mean. So my shutter-bugging isn't a learned behaviour). Maybe that's why--filling a gap. There sure is a pictorial family archive now! I hope that someone takes over the photo archive when I kick the bucket. Not that I mean to be morbid, but there are really only two nephews that seem to care at all about this kind of stuff and I hope that they take hold of this stuff. But I guess if no one cares then it doesn't really matter, does it?

Speaking of photos, one of my paternal great aunts had, according to my late dad, many photos of Civil War battlegrounds taken by a famous photographer. He said that the photos showed bodies as far as the eye could see, that it was indescribable. No one told us when she died, or that she had been institutionalized (cancer) prior to that (it isn't as if there weren't tons of letters from my dad in that house or that we hadn't visited a lot, etc.). She died a 'ward of the state', so all of her assets had been taken over by the government of the state that she lived in. Not the best way to die and it must have happened quickly--odd. Didn't think that things happened or could happen that way with government but it did in this case. Wonder how she came by those photos and hope that they are somewhere where people can see them.

Do remember that we visited her shortly after my ex and I separated (parents and I). Burst into tears in this great-aunt's living room (thank heavens she was in the kitchen and didn't hear me crying). This lady never married because her father rejected the love of her life as a suitor (according to my dad). I was so terrified at the time of winding up as she did. Alone. And here I am, alone and loving it. Ironic, huh? At that long-ago time, saw 'alone' as 'loveless'. Silly old me. Fortunately there are all kinds of love. Just didn't know it at the time. Was so young.

Damn this is turning into some post. Sorry folks. Just in a mood I guess. Or maybe it's all this doctor stuff and watching too much C.S.I.

OK off to take Mom to lunch. Happy Thursday folks, whether HN, N or not!!!

Hugs, Bridg

UPDATE:

ARGH!

Don't have Cushing's (predictable), do have toenail infection and two MORE blood tests to take (fasting of course) and my third general practioner doctor in a row is leaving the province (what are the odds?). This.is.getting.personal!!!!

The first m.d. left because her husband was transferred to a different city in this province. The second m.d. quit medicine because her son was killed in an accident and she just could not hack the practice anymore and who could blame her. This fellow's wife was transferred to another province. Happy for the first and third m.d.s' fortunes but...

ARGH!!!

On the plus side, spent the rest of the afternoon combing through old photos and found more stuff of 1970s vintage, GI will be pleased. Many more than I knew existed. And found TONS of stuff he isn't interested in but I am. Photo archives of both sides of the family. Dad's is very well documented (dates and names on the back of the photos, nicely done Dad) and there are tons of photos. Mom's isn't documented at all but BOY did the camera ever love her. WOW.

Am putting as many pics as I can into albums for Mom but there are far too many for me to be able to afford to put away. So much for me being the family photographer! Someone else was very busy at this generations before I was even an idea (early 1910s). Found birth announcements from 1908? Letters to my dad when he was in the army--about 2" worth. KEWL. Pictures of his dad and HIS dad. On horseback, in various poses..incredible stuff. None of the civil war stuff, but profoundly interesting. Two patents. All kinds of stuff.

Somewhere, in generations past, a kindred spirit. Dad among them. Who knew?

Night world. Hope you're cool (physically) where you are, this place is a sauna!

Pantyhose Quiz

2006-07-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

Pantyhose quiz

Q:? How many animals can you fit into a pair of pantyhose?

Now, think about it......

Ready?

ARE YOU SURE???? ?

Answer:

10 little piggies

2 calves,

1 ass,

and

an unknown number of hares.

Penguin Dance

2006-07-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

OK it's been done a billion times but I love it

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Don't F*ck With Mother Nature!

2006-07-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks Vic, from another nature lover...

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Comedy Zone

2006-07-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Thanks Vic...

A very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walks into WalMart with her two kids in tow, screaming obscenities at them all the way through the entrance. The WalMart Greeter says, "Good morning and welcome to Walmart .... Nice children you've got there - are they twins?" The ugly woman stops screaming long enough to say, "Hell no they ain't, the oldest one, he's 9 and the younger one, she's 7. Why the hell would you think they're twins?........ Do you really think they look alike?" "No", replies the greeter, "I just couldn't believe you got laid twice!"

Women Drivers

2006-07-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks Chet!!

Crystal Blue Persuasion

2006-07-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

Hola world! Muggy and hot here, allegedly. Wouldn't know because the only time I went outside was to get the newspaper. Spent the whole day exercising (inside--have treadmill and TV in the airconditioned basement. Yeah it's decadent and am paying for it believe me), reading, watching TV and napping. Conditioned the bod a bit and let the mind unravel. It.was.fanflippingtastic. Didn't know until last night that if you don't exercise joints they can dry up (of synovial fluid) somewhat? Or at least it's better for the joint-I-promised-not-to-talk-about-again to exercise it.

Even cooked dinner (not a frozen dinner for once). Is this going to be a trend? Who knows but for now it's great. Have more doctor's appointments coming up and a medical test tomorrow (no it never ends would be faster to just croak but won't get off that easily lol).

So not much news here. In fact it's downright boring in a blog sense. That's good news for me (the drama around here a while ago was the stuff of country and western songs) but dull for you, I"m afraid. Will post some good jokes that rolled in to make up for it.

Have a lovely evening, world! Enjoy summer, it's so brief....love y'all, Bridg

Another One!! Butterflies

2006-07-11T21:11:00.000-04:00

Thanks again, angel card people (01ANGELS@yahoogroups.com)! Holy frig, these things are freaky in their timing. It's like whoever is writing them is reading my mind.

Some of you know why, but this stuff below very accurately reflects thoughts and stuff that I'm dealing with right now. Again, can apply in so many different ways (work, weight, family, you name it) but still, timing is freaky.

TRANSFORMATION

Remember the caterpillar that turns into the beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar MUST make the journey into the unknown to become the butterfly. Sometimes you must also venture into the unknown to meet your destiny. Have you noticed any butterflies lately? Perhaps it is time to peel away the outgrown experiences and move to the next level. Create a new format that goes beyond anything you have ever experienced. The veil is being lifted to bring inner awareness and change. Be open to honoring what you now feel even if it means letting go of goals that no longer serve you. The veil is being lifted, and the changes you make on an inner level will reveal new direction in the present. Expect changes that are nothing short of miraculous. Dramatic energy shifts require quick thinking. An exchange of new information will shed light on the situation. A shift in consciousness may help you become more of who you truly are. It is safe to reveal your real self. Be clear with what you really want in your life.

I'm Free

2006-07-10T20:20:00.000-04:00

Jon Secada
courtesy of: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jonsecada/imfree.html

Do you see what I see?
A rainbow shining over us
In the middle of a hopeless storm
Sometimes I'm blinded by my feelings
And I can't see beyond my troubled mind
Afraid of what I'll find
The story of our lives
But there's tomorrow.

[Chorus]
Cause I'm free, I'm free
And things are only as important
As I want them to be
We'll have a breath of sunshine
When the rain goes away
I pray, I pray.

Do you need a friend right now?
In the road that you're going to
If you get lost just call me I'll be there
Yes I'll be right there

Cause though I may not have the answer
At least I know what I'm looking for.
Yes I can do without sorrow
There's a day after tomorrow
So I'm leaving behind.

[Chorus]
I'm free, I'm free
And things are only as important
As I want them to be
We'll have a breath of sunshine
When the rain goes away
I pray, I pray.

And if you want to share my dreams
Well all you have to do is say it, say it
Let me hear you loud and clear
Cause I need you if you wanna be, if you wanna be.

Do you see what I see
A rainbow shining over us
In the middle of a hopeless storm
We'll be safe and warm.

[Repeat chorus]

Actually world, I was looking for the lyrics to Kenny Loggins' "I'm Free" song. Watched Footloose for the 2000th time yesterday and since just returned from acupuncture five minutes ago, and am free of arm pain (yippee!) at least temporarily, the feeling seemed appropriate. But in the process of looking for Loggins' lyrics, stumbled across Jon Secada's gem. Loved this song too, so went with it.

Hope Monday went smoothly for everyone? Won't gloat about not going to work today but it was choice. Was slightly annoyed that it took being totally away from work to get perfectly ordinary things done that had to be done anyway (arranging appointments, tracking down where refund submissions went awry, getting photocopies done--in short, little lolligaging was done today but it's all good). Found out that I have to renew my passport--there goes another day but at least I have the time off!

On a completely different note, turns out that one can only get 2-3 shots of cortisone in a joint because although it lubricates the joint it also wears down tendons (M was right). Always a catch. Did you know that people in the 'old days", say 1600s and earlier, died in their 30s? That was considered a ripe old age. Am beginning to understand why now!

Third turn of subject: read latest issue of Cosmopolitan today. I know, trite and immature but so what. Lo and behold, an article about why some singles do not want to be married. That's definitely my case, as many of you know. For those of you who don't, let's just say that in the 1980s and 1990s, I had very bad taste in men. Ones that looked great on paper/in person, who wound up doing the strangest things that even the POLICE found unacceptable (I mean stalking). More than one of them. Most of them. Hence the unlisted phone number, yadda yadda yadda. I never said that I am smart. Plus getting a divorce AND an annulement (Catholic version of divorce) is probably the closest thing to an exorcism that any person will ever go through. You wind up reliving the worst experiences of your life in great detail, it's tape recorded, and by the time it's over (my interview was six hours long. SIX HOURS) there is nothing that is unknown about you. It.is.horrific.

Anyway what I was curious about is this: how many of you readers out there if you're single, would prefer to change your status as a general preference? Just curious.

Have a lovely evening, world!

MWAH!

Bridg

Beautiful Day

2006-07-10T09:45:00.000-04:00

courtesy of: http://www.21lyric.com/Z/Ziggy-Marley-lyrics/The-Spirit-of-Music/Beautiful-Day/
Album : The Spirit of Music
Artist : Ziggy Marley

Take a look into the sky
'Cause the world is not so pretty
Free myself from worries
So I can see
It's just a beautiful day
It's just a beautiful day
You could be sad
But I rather you not be
Don't dwell on the negative
Just the positivity

And it's a beautiful day
It's just a beautiful day
We're always trying to satisfy these wants and needs
Take you some time for that inner peace
When your eyes are open
You'll see things differently
There's so much gloom
Hiding the reality
It's just a beautiful day
Yeah, It's just a beautiful day

Take a look into the sky
Wake up
Take a look into the sky
Keep your head up high
Take a look into the sky
I take a look into the sky
'Cause the world is not so pretty
Free myself from worries
So I can see
It's just a beautiful day

I could be sad
But you rather me not be
Don't dwell on the negative just the positivity
And it's a beautiful day
And it's a beautiful day

We're always trying to satisfy these wants and needs
Take you some time for that inner peace
When our eyes are open
We'll see things differently
There's so much gloom
Hiding the reality
It's just a beautiful day
A beautiful day

Take a look into the sky
Wake up
Take a look into the sky
Look in the sky
Keep your head up high
It's just a beautiful day
I know it's a beautiful day
It's just a beautiful day
I know it's a beautiful day
No one can take that away
It's just a beautiful day
I know it's a beautiful day
Don't you feel no way
It's just a beautiful day

Isn't this a lovely song, world? Wish I could post the music (am a bit of a dummy that way) here but the lyrics are cool too.

Loving not being at work, even if it's just for a week. Am mellow and (as you can see from the lyrics) very happy and back to being upbeat me again after just the weekend. Two factors involved in this--one was visit from GI (ex bf and dear friend), and seeing Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest with Mom on Sunday.

Had been months and months since I'd been to a movie. Damn if I know why, they are the best therapy (well, OK friends and music are right in there too). Oh yah right was too tired from work etc. that's why. Anyway, if you are looking for ummm deep meaning, soul searching arty stuff (e.g. Angela's Ashes), stay the heck away from this one. If you liked the previous (first) Pirates and/or want to be entertained, love Johnny Depp (etc.) --definitely check this one out. LOVED IT. Is worth seeing more than once. No kidding. I think it's better than the first one by a long shot.

Had a great visit with GI. We finally got through all my photo albums. Have not counted them all but have more than 10, less than 20 (I think less than 20). And Chinese food. Introduced him to Cantonese chow mein, to which I was introduced by an ex bf many years ago. It was the ONE thing about that guy that doesn't make me retch (caught athlete's foot --oh well could have been a lot worse!).

Would have been ashamed to have GI come back here and see the same pictures (art) still not hung on the walls that were not hung the last time he was here. They were taken down because of getting the place painted, and I had not re-hung them because of my hurt arm/shoulder/whatever. Guess the cortisone shot is helping, because I put all seven of them up FAST on Saturday morning. After that the aching started, but at least they got done. Then took Mom to get her hair done, did grocery shopping, etc.

My smart alek mother said 'thank God he visits once in a while, otherwise your housework would never get done'.

Very funny, Mom, love you anyway!

The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe did her (now usual) mourning thing when GI left the next morning. Looking longingly at the front door, meowing at it, etc. Spent a lot of time (trying to) cuddling, petting her, explaining that GI has a family and a home and that we have ours, etc. She really is attached to him and (well I think) that is weird. The other ex bf (of Cantonese chow mein/athletes' foot fame) LIVED here for three months and she wasn't attached to him at all. Later on, about two years ago, dated someone else (a francophone guy) whom she just ignored. But GI she adores. We don't have overnight visitors here as a rule, that may be a little part of it, but it's cute. She follows him around like a puppy, gets him to rub her tummy and on Saturday night she slept with him!!! Traitor. Well, OK my door was shut but still.

Enough about the flipping cat. Have tasks to get to (depressingly, medical/exercise related). But at least they aren't housework!!!

Hope your weekend was lovely, world, we sure had the weather for it.

Did anyone else watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and if so what did you think?

Just curious......

Bridg

Sunday's Angel Card

2006-07-09T10:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks to 01ANGELS@yahoogroups.com

Again, this can mean a thousand things...just love the 'higher consciousness/bringing order out of chaos' element here, and if you could see my garden you'd understand that. These thoughts apply on so many levels...anyway, here it is...

SPIRITUALITY
We are all one in spirit and we are not alone. Tap into that unlimited Universal energy that is always available. Get in touch with your higher consciousness. Look beyond what is physically in front of you and call on the higher powers: Beings of Light, Angels, God, Spirit. Incredible energy is available. Remember to ask. Renew the spirit within you. Refine your thoughts and feelings. Elevated your thinking above the mundane and don't be dragged down by life's challenges. This is a perfect time to make order out of chaos. Let the spirit move you. What is your true essence craving? Tap into the divine energy and renew your quest. Much growth can be gained at this time. Realize your full potential as a spiritual being. If God is all things, that what is life is not spiritual? A balance between spirituality and humanness is needed on this earthly journey. Be true to your beliefs but be open and do not judge other for theirs. It's a big world and there is room for us all. You can afford to be kind. Being different should not be a threat. Allow others to be who they are. Honor what you truly feel. What you can dream, you can make real.

Twist and Shout

2006-07-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

Actually world, have a Scottish tune going through my head but since I don't know the name of it, will use this title from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. That movie's such a classic, and the TV movie stations won't quit playing it...

Another gorgeous day here in Ottawa...hope it was like that in your own corners of the globe too? Spent all of slaving away, even through lunch and until 6:00 because am taking next week off. It's either that or go to jail for strangling M. He spent all day on his pet (not work related) project (how do I know? It was on his monitor all day and he finally admitted it at end of day), chatting up the students who are working up the hall from me (heard that voice all day), and going out to a gang lunch. Bitter? Nahhhh. Just bemused by the fact that when I get back from taking one week off, he is taking the next three weeks off.

Hmmmmmm. Life is tough, I guess.

Tshsmom is right, hockey players (M) do have their ego issues. M's pet project is suffering badly from a testosterone competition between M and a rival 'faction' he's dealing with in another organization. Ever seen male rams butt horns? Yah it's like that. And it's very personal. The only way for this to be won by M's side is for M to appoint someone else, however temporarily, to lead his side. This would probably be seen as a 'win' by the other guys, who would very likely adopt a lot of what M's got proposed. Ta da. Points scored and THAT's the objective, not personal points. But does the Y chromosome see this? Not.a.chance. You guys do NOT want to hear my theory on the missing part of the Y chromosome and how it links to the brain.....with all due respect...in most men.

Have to introduce this man to the game of Go. He soooo does not get strategy. Thinks he does, but is too blinded by ego.

Aggie, Jules, BB. PH. we need tequila! Or something!

Maybe just a week away from the nonsense. He is a good person, just a tad lazy/egotistical. There are worse combinations.

Looking forward to my visit with GI (it'll probably be quick but who cares? A short visit with a friend is worth hours with others right?). Have the pictures from the cottage weekend ready and at Dar's suggestion on a CD. Boy I have GOT to learn not to jiggle the damn camera. But most are OK. Some too dark. Think I can photoshop those to be brighter. Think one or two would make nice posters/prints too. There's a camera on the market now that compensates for jiggly hands. Hope it's not a bazillion dollars.

Mom's doing fine physically but her sense of time (like knowing what day of the week it is) is really slipping. Got seasons' tickets for her and her friend Jean to the local playhouse on champagne night so that they (a) would get out of their houses (b) have fun together and (c) want to do other exciting things. The tickets arrived yesterday. It's so exciting to see them brighten up and it wasn't much financially. Feel a bit like Santa. Love those two ladies, bless them. As long as the $ keep coming in why not? May as well do good with it. They had been talking about doing this for five years. Got sick of it and just bought them myself one day. Ha! Now they get to go and no excuses--I drive them myself. It's so endearing to see them all excited and ready to go out...love it. Just love it and them so very much.

Should explain, Jean is not a relative, but a dear friend of my Mom's of at least 10-15 years' standing. She gives all her money to her daughters--who are shameless at accepting it. We are talking pension money, cars, you name it, they take it. These are women in their late 30s with husbands/men and at least two kids or a ranch in the picture, and their mother is broke from supporting them. Shame!!! So I thought that Jean deserved a little treat too and it made Mom feel great to have Jean with her at the theatre. Hence the Santa feeling.

Mom's stairlift isn't in yet. Sis is working on it, but probably backwards from the usual government approach. Am keeping my mouth shut. Let's see what 'the kids' do, at least she's working on it!! Hope Mom can last that long!!! Hope I last that long!!!

Plans for next week: putting artwork back on the walls (now that arm is getting better), hacking back the tropical rain forest that's moved into my garden, maybe cleaning garage OR hitting the movies. That movie idea looks like the most feasible candidate of all of them. Oh yes am going to practice marg mixing. Will try it out first, Aggie, then will post recipe. How's that? Sleep is definitely in there somewhere too.

Can feel blood pressure lowering just thinking about the marg adventure. Lovely. Won't try it on GI, he's a Foster's guy. Bridg on the other hand, while liking Foster's, is definitely a marg girl. Lady? Whatever. A marg type.

Maybe some culinary arts too.

OK Off to crash, ammmm gettinggggg veeeeery sleepyyyy

Have a great weekend, all!!!

Hugs, Bridg

Name Game

2006-07-06T19:11:00.000-04:00

Hey world, was your day as glorious as it was here? Bright, shiny, breezy? Wow.

Almost strangled M today too. Geez what a way to ruin your week--homicide.

Just kidding.

Sorta.

It's a sign that I need time off, even though I think I had every right to be vexed.

Remember back two months when Da Boss (M's boss) told me that M (and I) had to shape up or ship out, and it was all stuff that M wasn't doing? And I basically told M what to do and whipped him back into shape with the kids' help?

A lot of that had to do with a project that we were supposed to be leading but had been left out of. I knew nothing about it, and the people involved were calling M's boss complaining about it. Hard to manage something you don't know exists. M was ignoring the whole thing, as usual. I finally found out about it, raised merry hell until we got into it, and since then things have been running better.

Until today when M showed up at a meeting and opened his stupid mouth. He managed to describe who was managing this monster in such a way that we weren't included in it (taking us back to the situation that got us into deep do-do with his boss. Thanks M you big nincompoop). I cut him off, injected us into what he was saying, and then he continued on. Gave him shit for that mis-step afterwards (don't care if he is my boss, I'm not getting threats like that again from his boss, or have to work like that again to recover lost ground, EVER again. The consultants doing this work are pretty stupid. Not as bad as WWC but pretty damn stupid). Pointed out that when he (M) says 'salt', not everyone understands that he means 'salt and pepper'. 90% of these folks are new to M.

He was offended. He assured me that they did know. How did he know that they were aware of that? Had HE been working with them for the past few months? No. I had. He 'just knew'. That man has more estrogen than I do. Or he's developed ESP.

Idiot.

And he's doing my appraisal (Bridg bangs head on desk). Can't wait, just can't wait. Actually it's a chance to describe how what he does impacts me/group. Not that he'll ever really get it. He's far too self-absorbed. But it's an opportunity, however slim.

Need time off. OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH need time off. Even if it's to keep from strangling that guy. I mean to relax.

Yeah, that's it.....*grin*

Someone send Bridg a joke.......please.....or tequila......

Another Angel Card

2006-07-06T08:41:00.000-04:00

OK OK these things can be interpreted a thousand different ways (below, could refer to weight, health, siblings--who the HECK knows) and incorporate a lot of common sense (which is always nice to have poured into one's ears). Still found this interesting and thought I'd share it with you. Thanks to (01ANGELS@yahoogroups.com).

NOW

Pay attention to what is taking place in the present. Don't live in the past. Learn from the past, don't dwell on it. Move forward. We can choose in the now to take the steps to create happiness. This is a time for new beginnings. What do you really feel now? What do you really want now? What can you do now to bring wholeness into your life? Start now. Learn to say "NO" to things that no longer serve you. Do not procrastinate. Do not put off until tomorrow, what needs to be done today. Act in the now and you will be a winner in the situation. The word "now" is used to strengthen a command. Take charge of your life and do it NOW! Learn to see perfection in the moment with a deep knowingness that life is unfolding exactly as it should. What is often seems like your worst disaster, later becomes the best thing that every happened to you. See the perfection now. Be in the moment. Be aware of situations surrounding you now. Look at the circumstances of the present. Look for the message of lesson and move forward.

Thanks Poppy Cedes!

2006-07-05T20:27:00.000-04:00

You Are 20% Gross

You're not gross, but you tend to think everyone else is. And you're right... they are!Some people may think you're a neat freak, but at least you'll never die of flesh eating bacteria.

How Gross Are You?

Laugh

2006-07-05T18:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks, Els, this is a HOOT!!

Grandma Doesn't Know Everything

Little Tony was staying with his grandmother for a few days. He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he came into the house and asked her, "Grandma, what is that called when two people are sleeping in the same room and one is on top of the other?"

She was a little taken aback, but decided to tell him the truth.
"It's called sexual intercourse, darling."

Little Tony just said, "Oh, OK" and went back outside to talk and play with the other kids.

A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily,
"Grandma, it is not called sexual intercourse!
It's called Bunk Beds! and Jimmy's Mom wants to talk to you!!"

In Your Soul

2006-07-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

Corey Hart
courtesy of: http://www.mp3lyrics.org/c/corey-hart/in-your-soul/

Ever since I was a little kid
I have always thought
I could run faster than the wind
Stare up to the sky with open spaces
I could live and die
Man you can't find that in no book
You never find that in no book
Someone will drag you down
And try to knock you under
Hey mama said with her words of wonder
Don't matter cause, cause it's in your soul
(I have always felt
That I had to prove it to myself)
No salvation from the firin' line
(A million dreams won't set you free)
God I know there's something trapped in me
There's no refuge from the ride
No shelter ever saved a man his pride
(Give you pain and never feed you hunger
I won't close my eyes when it rain and thunders)
Don't matter cause, cause it's in your soul
(And when the night is overcome
And I've been racin' down a road
That's got no trace, no face
If I could live by the words I've sung
And carry all the choices I've made)
I swear, I swear I'll be there
'O no no, na na
Hey mister don't shadow box with me
'Cause I don't wanna someday be
An old man cursin' what I might have been
Now I realize what I see
That the wind was never chasin' me
And I don't feel so alone
I can close my eyes I'm goin' home
(Behind the clouds the sun is shinin'
Some rain will fall no use in cryin')
'O no'O no not me
(Got a picture in my head that won't let go of)
Young man running in search of
Count your blessings
'Cause it's in your soul
'O it's in your soul
[Soul]
In your soul
'O no
[In your soul]
Ever since I was a little kid
I have always thought
[Ah he always thought]
Young man running
[Always thought]
Keep on running
- and a running -
and a running
Keep on running
[Ah].

Nice job capturing those lyrics, huh world? It was a gorgeous day here, hope it was in your corner of the globe too. Things went well here in every sense except there was a bit of a shadow in Bridg's heart but it's going away. Just thought of this song and Corey Hart's magic chased it away. Then thought of Sting's magical lyrics ("saw the sad shy horses...") and brightened up even more. Even sung on the way home.

Also called a colleague for a work-related reason...don't know this lady all THAT well. She wound up educating me on how to make a perfect marg (the tequila drink) before we got down to business. KNEW I liked this lady for a reason besides our shared Irish heritage!! WELL that put old Bridg back on the path to sanity, lemme tell you. M was kinda freaky. (He) played hockey last night, got to sleep at 1:00, came into work at 7:00 (this is a guy who never shows up before 9:45) and was scatter-brained all day and hyper. WEIRD. Got my work done but a few times I almost pulled his hair he was so wired. Hey we're buds, it's all good.

Shoulder is fine (can do most things, still not others). The injection site is NOT sore. Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is very happy to be home and for once, cuddly.

Not much else going on here, gotta go catch up on my visits to you guys..Mom is very happy and doing well. Siblings for once are quiet yahoo. Probably calm before storm but the h*ll with it, it's quiet.

Even bill traffic's down, except for a $79 Telus bill (OK that's one activity being curtailed).

Off to visit you guys now.

Hugs, world!

Bridg

Down To The Moon

2006-07-04T20:02:00.000-04:00

Hey world, cortisone injections are not the monster that I thought they might be. Got one four hours ago.

It's cool what the cortisone lets me do (normal stuff). Had to sign permission slips and all that first which was sort of intimidating. Got housework sort of done prior to the shot (in anticipation of not being able to do it afterwards, silly me). Get this: LAUNDRY FINALLY DONE YAHOO!!! That's almost a first!!! Geez now that I read that line it doesn't take much to get me going does it? Pathetic!!!

Get to leave work early tomorrow to get other stuff done too. So did wind up talking to M and doing work anyway today but not for long. Is stifilingly hot and humid. Hasn't rained yet but thunderstorm warnings are out all around this area so....oh yah washed the car. That's always a harbinger of a good hard rain lol.

Well off to cook and do other good stuff. Not much news when you're relaxing (ha ha ha) all day. Stay dry and cool folks....Bridg

Teddy Bears' Picnic

2006-07-03T20:31:00.000-04:00

Hi Everybody, hope you had a lovely long (in North America) weekend??

It was great here. Lovely weather, lovely company...just lovely. This cottage is very close to a beautiful and (to me anyway) large lake--could just feel the old blood pressure falling being there.

Brought The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe home one day early (tonight). GI and Dar gave me a plaque that reads "A Spoiled Rotten Cat Lives Here". Put it up so that it's the first thing you see walking into the house. Fair is fair, visitors should be warned as quickly as possible what they are dealing with.

Now have laundry, dusting and other stuff to deal with but it can wait (took tomorrow off). Tonight's for sleeping, relaxing and cat-spoiling.

Hope that all is well, calm and quiet with you, world. Happy almost Independence Day too!!!

Fondly, Bridg

Celebrate!!!

2006-06-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

Hola everybody it's a double long weekend (Canada Day and 4th of July HOORAY!!!)

Hope all are ready to relax and/or party hearty??

I am! Off for the weekend to stay with GI and Dar at their cottage. Am a little nervous and sure to get lost on the way there but excited. Am all packed. Hope I don't wake up late....

Have to say something about work (ya ya tiresome. Am one of those pathetic people who live for their jobs). The report that the World's Worst Consultant turned out was a cow pie. A 60 page (not 40 as originally appeared) 6 point font cow pie. Had even given him an example of a perfect report that everyone loved, especially the boss. Idiot ignored it, he knows better. And it was perfect. A perfect turd.

Because of security considerations, none of us can connect to work computers from home, so had to go into work early to fix the turd. Went in an hour early. Dingbat (WWC) had a meeting with us at 10:00. Had fixed a bit of the turd by then. He was mightly offended that I had done that. Pointed out that some of what he had said was not true (nicely). Got downright huffy. M asserted himself (finally!). Gave them two hours to do ten minutes' worth of work (two slides). Meanwhile, I fixed the rest of the turd, because none of us trusted the idiot to do a good job at 2:00 with M's boss (we were to be there also) in presenting the turd to M's boss.

Finished fixing the turd by 1:00. M and P, bless them, offered to bring me lunch as I worked. Not needed but lovely of them to ask. M has a meeting with WWC, I don't bother going since he (WWC) is really ticked with me at this point (how dare I touch his masterpiece). Then we all go to see M's boss at 2:00. Lo and behold, a NEW TURD! And it is a hybrid, with some of my stuff but the most important part is WWC's crap again. I glare at M (I worked so hard for THIS?). WWC starts waving his arms, spewing b*llsh*t bingo terminology and we are off to the races for an hour. M's poor boss, gentleman that he is, crosses his arms AND legs, leans back in his chair, furrows his brows and tries to follow the b.s. Those of you who are experienced in body language know what this means.

I.am.not.happy. Glaring at M. Every once in a while WWC gets lost in his own crap and asks me to bail him out. I do. Or I correct him. WWC's assistant is trying hard to look invisible. I glare at M--why is he letting this happen?

At the end of the meeting, M's boss says that the WWC parts are (translating) inappropriate and need to be cleaned up ('we don't say things like that'). I KNEW THAT, that's why I fixed it!! Glared at M again and did say that we have another version, it's ok (another glare at M, who's looking mysterious).

Then something REALLY GREAT happens!!

WWC gets this 'oh sh*t' look on his face. He just realized that he blew it big time and there's no recovery.

At that moment, I realized that this was why M left WWC's b.s. in there. He wanted his boss to see how bad WWC's stuff was, instead of letting me save his skin. And it worked.

Sure enough, M's boss dropped by his office while I was there later. He knows how much work I did and what they did (and how bad it was).

If anyone asks me about these guys in the future, I will send them the 60 page turd. Have already been asked twice but didn't have the turd. What a moron. Hope that hissy fit he had this a.m. was satisfying because it cost him several hundred thou. The look on his face was priceless. Will never forget it.

Sorry for the long post, guys. Had to get that off of my mind.

Happy long weekend, will catch up with you after.....

Yahoo!! Have fun all....

Bridg

Little Arrows (Needles)

2006-06-29T22:29:00.000-04:00

Hola world! Hope your evening and day rocked!

Mine did.

Acupuncture is great. Honest. That arm I've been whining and boring you all about? Feels normal (well almost). Holy frick it is unbelievable. Time was about 40 minutes but felt like half that. UN-real how normal it feels. Needles didn't hurt a bit. Sheesh this is so.darn.cool.

Understand that the cortisone needle is going to hurt like all get-out, but what the hey.

It rained here today like it was the end of the world. Hailed too. There was so much hail that the ground was white. REALLY white. Hailstones the size of mothballs. Everyone in the office stopped what they were doing to watch (praying for a power failure, but none came dammit). Had a few more downpours later in the day but none to match the 11:30 one.

After the acupuncture had to read the latest cr*p from the World's Worst Consultant. He outdid himself for junk this time. Useless stuff. Will be easy to fix, but the b*gger produced his lunacy in 6 point font and there's no way I'm working on hard copy that tiny. Will fix it tomorrow a.m. instead. If anyone (else) ever asks me about him (reference--that happens a lot), I'm just going to show them this stuff. It's so bad it's almost funny. Or it would be if the final due date-meeting with M's boss wasn't 2:00 tomorrow. He (WWC) had assumed that both M and I were free this aft (available to meet with His Stupidness), which we were not. I have more expletives but deleted them...will deposit some on Perry's blog since he likes them so much ;) ha ha ha!

So tomorrow night need to take The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe to her friends at the vet's for a spa visit (4 days), then go home and pack to stay with GI and Dar (YAY) for the weekend and forget all about WWC et al. Can't wait to see them again and meet the family!!! These are such dear people, I wish I could just beam the feeling out to you world. Hard to explain. But they are. Sigh. I am so lucky to have them as friends, I really am. TYL (Thank You Lord!).

Am much more mellow now just having typed about my buddies (GI and Dar). That's the kind of lovies they are!

Hope that all of you have plans for the long weekend, even if it's relaxing and doing nothing. Am very grateful to be with loved ones....MWAH!!!

Be with the ones you love and lLove the ones you're with!!!

Night world, hope this font's an OK size saby!
Bridg

Cry

2006-06-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

"You make me wanna ....crrrryyyy".

Hey world how are you!?

No it was a great day, don't worry. Well till I got home but it turned out fine in the end and it only took a few minutes to fix.

Found an invoice for a false alarm from the police and an SECOND invoice (from the police also) to register with them ...something about the security system. Sounds fishy to me --isn't it their job to answer alarms?--but what the hell. Also got $300 worth of prescription meds, no reimbursement yet from drug plan for previous prescriptions (they owe me close to $2000 how the HECK does everyone ELSE manage this stuff?).

Then I made the mistake of checking my bank account. Why I don't know, since I'm the most fiscally irresponsible person I know...but noticed that my checking account looked frozen. This is alarming considering that all my big bills come in at the start of the month and there's almost zip in it. Found out that the bank had made a big mistake in setting up access to what could and could not be transferred in and out of that account. Fixed it over the phone in a matter of minutes with a very calm man. Told him that he's in my will, bless him.

Work is going really really well despite the (non-) efforts of the World's Worst Consultant. Am starting on a new study with a good colleague that I worked with 6 years ago (cool or what) AND M in an interesting area. Stupid deadline, as usual.

Shoulder is a pain in the butt (pun deliberate) but the constant Tylenol helps. Am slightly buzzed. M keeps making the mistake of booking me into 2 and 3 hour meetings. By the end of them I start making stupid puns and jokes. That's his signal to wrap it up because I get worse as time wears on. Nothing much shuts me up. Actually it isn't the Tylenol, I'm like that all the time. Oh well. Hate long meetings, they're actually disrespectful (assume that you have nothing else to do).

Once again, weather guys predicted rain, it's sunny and hot. Thanks guys! Keep up the good work.

They arrested the idiot who admitted premeditatedly killing Jennifer Teague. What kind of *sshole does stuff like that? They found him walking naked down a very long road in west Ottawa (Fallowfield) under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Can't say enough bad stuff about this so won't say any more.

OK off to make dinner. Sorry I brought that last bit up.

Have a good evening, world....stay safe...Bridg

Reminiscing

2006-06-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

Lyrics courtesy of this beautiful little site: http://www.louisiv.com/Tony hardin/littlerb.html

Reminiscing lyrics:
Friday night it was late
I was walking you home
we got down to the gate
And I was dreaming of the night.
Would it turn out right?
How to tell you girl
I want to build my world around you.
Tell you that it's true
I want to make you understand
I'm talkin about a lifetime plan.
That's the way it began
We were hand in hand,
Glenn Miller's Band
Was better than before
We yelled and screamed for more.
And the Porter tune
(Night and Day)
Made us dance across the room.
It ended all too soon.
On the way back home
I promised you'd never be alone.

chorus:
Hurry don't be late,
I can hardly wait.
I said to myself, when we're old,
We'll go dancing in the dark,
Walking through the park
And reminiscing.

Friday night it was late
I was walking you home
we got down to the gate
And I was dreaming of the night
Would it turn out right?

Oh, as the years roll on,
Each time we hear that favorite song
The memories come along.
Oh, the times we're missing
Spending the hours reminiscing.

Isn't that a sweet song, world?

Not much to report in Bridg-town, was home sick today. The physio folks did their best but the arm was far too sore to sleep/get dressed, let alone go to work.

So I stayed home and did all that stuff that's been pending forever, including mending, banking, you name it, it got done. Went to see sports med doc with blood in eye (aka DO SOMETHING NOW, please, am sick and tired of this).

Verdict: Tendonitis.
Tendonitis? Thought that was a wussy thing! Very embarrassing. Because of the heart thing--no anti-inflammatories. Because of allergies--no codiene. Just lots of Tylenol (every 4 hours). OK. Treatment: Cortisone injections (starting Tuesday) and acupuncture (starting Thursday) plus an ultrasound to rule out tears. They're pretty sure it isn't a tear because of the strength that I have. No nerve damage. Probably won't heal fast but...gotta start now.

So this is good news. No surgery. Needles yes of a few varieties but no surgery.

Thank.Heaven.something.is.happening.

That's it for tonight folks. Will be more interesting tomorrow....Bridg

The Comedy Bit

2006-06-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks Vic!!

FW: Real 911 Calls, believe it or not (don't care if they're real, they're funny....)

Dispatcher: 9-1-1
What is your emergency?
Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner. Dispatcher: Do you have an address?
Caller: No, I'm wearing a blouse and slacks, why?

Dispatcher: 9-1-1What is your emergency?
Caller: Someone broke into my house and took a bite out of my ham and cheese sandwich. Dispatcher: Excuse me?
Caller: I made a ham and cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen table and when I came back from the bathroom, someone had taken a bite out of it.
Dispatcher: Was anything else taken?
Caller: No, but this has happened to me before and I'm sick and tired of it.

Dispatcher: 9-1-1Fire or emergency?
Caller: Fire, I guess.
Dispatcher: How can I help you sir?
Caller: I was wondering.....does the Fire Dept. put snow chains on their trucks?
Dispatcher: Yes sir, do you have an emergency?
Caller: Well, I've spent the last 4 hours trying to put these chains on my tires and... well, do you think the Fire Dept. could come over and help me?
Dispatcher: Help you what?
Caller: Help me get these chains on my car!

Dispatcher: 9-1-1What is the nature of your emergency?
Caller: I'm trying to reach nine elevenbut my phone doesn't have an eleven on it.
Dispatcher: This is nine eleven.
Caller: I thought you just said it was nine-one-one
Dispatcher: Yes, ma'am nine-one-one and nine-eleven are the same thing.
Caller: Honey, I may be old, but I'm not stupid.

Dispatcher: 9-1-1What's the nature of your emergency?
Caller:My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart.
Dispatcher: Is this her first child?
Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband!

And the winner is..........

Dispatcher: 9-1-1
Caller: Yeah, I'm having trouble breathing. I'm all out of breath. Darn..I think I'm going to pass out.
Dispatcher: Sir, where are you calling from?
Caller: I'm at a pay phone. North and Foster.
Dispatcher: Sir, an ambulance is on the way. Are you an asthmatic?
Caller: No.
Dispatcher: What were you doing before you started having trouble breathing?
Caller: Running from the Police.

Waitin' For The Weekend

2006-06-26T22:04:00.000-04:00

It's only Monday world, and can't wait for the weekend because get to spend it with Dar and GI!!!

But it's Monday (well, going on Tuesday). Hope that your Monday slipped by OK, world?

It was fine enough here. The weather folks predicted rain, so naturally it didn't. Hot and sticky though. Even now muggy and the A/C's going full tilt. Mosquitoes are the size of crows.

Was going to take Friday off but can't because M scheduled a big meeting then :( oh well. It was a good thought.

Had a meeting with the consultant who has been re-named World's Worst Consultant. This guy looks like Don Knotts (sorry Don, even though you've left this world...), thinks like Joey on Friends but not quite that bright, and drove up to the meeting in (get this) a Porsche. He just didn't fit with that car (a Beetle would be more appropriate). Showed up late of course. Not a lick of work done and was a bit outraged that we (the managers) were expecting HIM to do the analysis prior to the meeting.

Was astonished that the group (of 5) brainstorming that he had envisioned for today's meeting would need longer than the 1.5 hours that we had scheduled the meeting room for (at least 48 hours would be needed, and that would be for 5 experts such as M and I)...need I go on? All that idiot did was waste 1.5 hours of our time. The car was the icing on the cake.

This person is not 20 something, he's 53. Old enough to know better. Wonder how he gets his shoes tied in the morning? Just out of idle curiosity.

Oh well.

BTW before you ask, Porsches which are more than a few years old don't cost much. About as much as an SUV (~$40K). So no, he isn't all that successful. He sure isn't getting good references from us unless things change a H*LL of a lot in the next few days.

Otherwise things going well work wise and home wise. Booked The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe to stay with her pals at the vet's office next weekend while I'm with Dar and GI. That way if anything goes wrong, all her doctor buddies are right there and they can treat her. They spoil her rotten there, with snacks, petting etc. --they like her very much and vice versa. It always takes her a few days once she gets home to realize that no, I will NOT pet her while she eats. Even if her vet hospital friends do.

Went to physio tonight. Have lost a lot of motion in the arm/shoulder--things are going backwards--not getting better, getting worse. Am seeing the sports med doc tomorrow. Physiotherapist's best guess is torn ligament/muscle given the deterioration in function but have to wait till tomorrow for the definitive word. She asked what I can do with the arm and the only answer I could give is 'nothing'! Not even putting on seat belt in car anymore...pain is indescribable. Actually having feeling in that arm is not a good thing right now. Even had pins and needles in neck today yahoo. :p Kind of like needing a root canal (ache) from your shoulder to your elbow. Like that.

Enough!

Wound up in Cr*pters tonight, and noticed that the A/C wasn't working where the cashiers are. And worse, they have those huge lights focused directly on them. QUIT COOKING YOUR STAFF YOU CHEAPOS!!! THEY EARN BIG BUCKS FOR YOU!!! It was unbelievably warm up there. Those poor ladies!! It isn't like that chain can't afford to make their staff comfortable. Fans don't cost much.

Jeez I'm crabby when I'm in pain. OK off to take/find Tylenol.

Have a lovely evening folks. If you're having this heat that we are in O-town, hope you have some way of cooling off (movies, malls, A/C, fans, ice, libations, soft drinks...).

Sweet dreams!!!

Love, Bridg

Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

2006-06-25T16:28:00.000-04:00

Someone's blog that I read (sorry can't remember whose, I read a lot today, world) reminded me of this Billy Joel song/lp/cd, world. It's a good one IMHO (in my humble opinion) anyway.

Hope your Sunday and weekend were as relaxing/great as mine was? Spent a fair bit of it in unplanned naps, the rest in frenzied activity catching up/making up for naps. Woke up last night and couldn't remember what day it was (9:30-10:00 p.m. Saturday night at the time)!

It is scorching hot here (translation: upper 80s farenheight and muggy but who cares it's sunny) in Ottawa. Mowed the front weeds (neighbor's too), shopped for things I forgot in yesterday's grocery shopping (took Mom shopping Saturday, then both of us got hair done). Does it ever end? STILL forgot some things.

Discovered a few bumblebees in basement. Thankfully not alive (guess they were bored to death) but how the heck they got into the basement in the first place is driving me nuts. Have a very strong lifelong bee phobia, and of all people's basements for bees to get into it WOULD be MINE!! Now have to go outside and figure out how the $%^&&** things are getting in. Lovely. First ants, now these guys, what's next? Never mind, don't want to know. Let's have a surprise. Sigh.

All domestic chores except laundry are done and that is being taken care of. Well, some mending too. Boy do I respect single moms. Do not understand how they do it or cope with/stand it and stay sane.

Next door neighbor (the bossy one) said yesterday that there is a baby bunny living in my backyard who/which is eating her lettuce. I have a bottle of granular Critter Ridder that repels groundhogs and supposedly will also get rid of rabbits. It offends their tender noses and doesn't hurt them. I gave her a full bottle of it. Do think it's kind of funny though. This woman drives me insane with her complaints/demands/expensive ideas, which are constant. Had to install a gate to keep her out of my yard, despite my polite requests for her to leave me in peace. That's probably why the bunny is living in my yard--I leave it alone. We had a mouse problem years ago because of a misused/poorly installed composter that Guess Who had. No not me. Oh well, live and learn. But it's still mildly amusing. Hope bunny survives and leaves. She also complains that I am alone too much, checks out all my visitors, etc.

Noticed that someone ELSE I worked with died. On one project, I'm the only person left who is not retired or passed away (this was done in the mid 1980's and is kind of famous). Am 53, not 83! Sheesh. And as projects go, this one was not all that high stress. Compared to what came after it.

Here we go with the lyrics--after the post instead of in front for a change. Have a great evening, folks...hugs, Bridg

lyrics courtesy of:
http://www.lyricalcontent.com/htmlit.php?q=9006&nolinks=yes

Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

by Billy Joel(from the album 'The Stranger')

A bottle of white, a bottle of red
Perhaps a bottle of rose instead
We'll get a table near the street
In our old familiar place
You and I, face to face
A bottle of red, a bottle of white
It all depends on your appetite
I'll meet you any time you want
In our Italian Restaurant.

Things are okay with me these days
Got a good job, got a good office
Got a new wife, got a new life
And the family's fine
We lost touch long ago
You lost weight
I did not know
You could ever look so good after
So much time.

I remember those days hanging out
At the village green
Engineer boots, leather jackets
And tight blue jeans
Drop a dime in the box play the
Song about New Orleans
Cold beer, hot lights
My sweet romantic teenage nights

Brenda and Eddie were the
Popular steadies And the king and the queen
Of the prom
Riding around with the car top
Down and the radio on
Nobody looked any finer
Or was more of a hit at the
Parkway Diner
We never knew we could want more
Than that out of life
Surely Brenda and Eddie would
Always know how to survive.

Brenda and Eddy were still going
Steady in the summer of '75
when they decided the marriage would
Be at the end of July
Everyone said they were crazy
"Brenda you know you're much too lazy
Eddie could never afford to live that
Kind of life." But there we were wavin'
Brenda and Eddie goodbye.

They got an apartment with deep
Pile carpet And a couple of paintings from Sears
A big waterbed that they bought
With the bread
They had saved for a couple
Of years
They started to fight when the
Money got tight
And they just didn't count on
The tears.
They lived for a while in a
Very nice style
But it's always the same in the end
They got a divorce as a matter
Of course
And they parted the closest
Of friends
Then the king and the queen went
Back to the green
But you can never go back
There again.

Brenda and Eddie had had it
Already by the summer of '75
From the high to the low to
The end of the show
For the rest of their lives
They couldn't go back to
The greasers
The best they could do was
Pick up the pieces
We always knew they would both
Find a way to get by
That's all I heard about
Brenda and Eddie
Can't tell you more than I
Told you already
And here we are wavin' Brenda
And Eddie goodbye.

A bottle of red, a bottle of white
Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight
I'll meet you anytime you want
In our Italian Restaurant.

Jonathan Harel's Lyrics Collection at www.lyricalcontent.com

Dock of the Bay

2006-06-24T06:43:00.000-04:00

Love Otis Redding, gone way too soon.

Hi world! This Saturday's dawning bright. Fell asleep instead of posting last night...very sorry. Yesterday was great too. M's boss is happy (very) with how work is progressing. M said that the confidence has been completely restored. I said wait a minute, let's not go THAT far (i.e. don't get cocky). Only takes a second's thoughtless to lose that. But things did go quite well. Has taken months to fix past blunder working our (my) butt off.

Got home at 5:00, killed time till 6:20, had bank appointment at 6:30, or so I thought. Turns out it was 6:00 but they waited for me argh. Took less then 10 seconds (three signatures). Boy did I feel stupid killing time when could have been there much sooner. Oh well, it was Friday what can I say. Went home, had dinner, woke up very late and went to bed.

Ta da! Not much to report folks, sorry about that.

But do have a question for you in a wondering kind of way.

Dar and I were talking about wacko parents. I had one, GI has one--I mean emotionally abusive ones right from hell, off the scale never-should-be-near-living-things types. Yet we're fairly normal people.

That made me wonder about comfort processes. Mine were other people. I sought out other people who WERE normal and hung out with them. Was very happy/grateful for every second spent outside of that house. Lived in music, creative writing, reading. And hung out with music types (no not druggie music types, just garage band types). GI's coping method was just shutting his abusive parent type out, studing (obviously successfully) and making many friendships (all steady good ones) and focusing on what I'd call athletics at the time (racing bikes).

Now I don't have to cope with that parent anymore, but there are still things I do to relax. TV being a big one, blogging another. But there are smaller, closer-to-the-heart ones. Petting The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe, that first cup of coffee on a weekend morning, reading newspapers on weekend mornings, pizza (sorry Scrunchie), talking to Mom, Peggy, GI, Dar, or Pauly/Scott/Marc/M, music, and movies when they can be squeezed into the schedule.

Do you have any? What are they? Just curious.

Happy Saturday, all, it looks like a gorgeous one out there!!

Love, Bridg

Under My Skin

2006-06-22T19:15:00.000-04:00

In a good way, that is, world. Hope your week is going well, especially since it's almost over? Let's hear it for FRIDAY!!!!!!

GI and Dar are back YAHOO!!!! Heard from GI today so they're safely home--whew! Also heard that Sis is healthy good and I"m not allowed to write about it so I didn't.

Had a big meeting today (organized it) with some.... well.... irksome people who really are
well-intentioned but have no clue about what they are doing. M and I have had our hands full trying to keep these folks on track. The meeting went very well and THANK HEAVENS IT'S OVER!!! Until fall anyway *huge sigh of relief*.

Am very superstitious, at least about (among other things) things happening in threes. That's three good things today.

Now have to read a 70 page report by 9:30 tomorrow for a meeting (only three people are in it and I'm supposed to be the technical expert in it).

Did I mention that the consultant formerly referred to as world's worst is now doing a decent job? Yep, more good news.

This.is.scary.

Have to go make dinner and read #$%&^#* report. Sorry for the short post world. It's been wild lately. Good but wild.

Have a lovely evening....I won't, and someone should!!

Bridg

UPDATE

Well world, didn't have to read all 70 pages. The report's a piece of junk. Really bad!! Yippee!! Think I was brought in as an expert to back up the project manager's view of how really bad this stuff is. Whew.

OK that's two good things...and had pizza for dinner. That's three good things!

Catch My Fall

2006-06-22T06:28:00.000-04:00

Not that there's been a stumble, Billy Idol fans!

How are you world? Sorry no post last night, it took so long to log onto anywhere last night I gave up and went to sleep.

DAR AND GI ARE BACK TODAY YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weather people have been wrong all week about predicting rain in Ottawa. It's been really sunny lol. They had predicted a week of rain. Then quickly revised the forecasts. Don't you just love that?

Spent most of yesterday in long, over two hour each, meetings focussing on the two studies that M and I have been working on that HAVE to be done by end of June. Guess what? One of them delighted M's boss and he extended the deadline significantly. We didn't even ask. The second one M's boss has not seen yet (done by world's worst consultant). We were expecting to hear nonsense yesterday and instead heard pretty good analysis and info. Shocked to hear it, in fact. Might have to revise the guy's nickname by the time that this is over. That's still a 'might', though.

Still have about eight other projects underway, including a major meeting today with people who are making my and M's lives a living hell (imagine five year olds with machetes running through a day care center. Yeah, it's like that, and we're in charge of the place). A late friend of mine drew a 2 x 2 matrix once with level of activity down one axis (busy, lazy) and intelligence (bright, dumb) on the other. He pointed to the resultant squares (people) and asked 'which one would you hire?'. I said, the busy intelligent one. Right, said he. 'Which one would you NOT hire?". The lazy dumb one? I guessed. "No", he responded. The correct answer was the busy dumb one.

That's kind of what I'm dealing with...but never mind, it keeps us off of the streets...

M is doing great again. Left early to meet someone downtown....but is doing fine at work and that's what I care about. Marc and P are doing fantastic and could not be prouder of them if they were my very own offspring.

Mom and Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe very happy....have to run to work....will visit later...hugs to all, Bridg

We Are Family/Birthday

2006-06-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

No world, am not going to post about THAT! Just thinking about very dear pal Peggy, whose birthday is today. Fell asleep when I got home, missed NCIS :( , dinner and just about everything. Woke up a few minutes ago (it's 10:33 here now). Oh well. Must have needed the sleep. Happy birthday Peggy!!! May the year and years ahead be the very best ever.

Am signing remortgaging papers tomorrow, going into work late (gasp). M is still doing well, so is everyone else. Can't do everything we need to but somehow all the key stuff (well most of it) gets done. It's scary how much there is. Will be spending most of tomorrow very focussed on both key things that are due for end of month. One item we have no control over, the second one concerns the World's Worst Consultant (the one I went to school with). Sigh. At least I won't be alone, which is nice.

Missing GI and Dar, thank heavens it's so busy. Mom happy, ditto Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe. House has not yet fallen down, car still running. Body hasn't quit yet and still shrinking (1000 pounds to go). Well, at least that medicine's good for something besides the ummm tissue paper industry.

Other than that, I got nothin'. Maybe because I just woke up.

Will have more tales to tell tomorrow, probably from jail (find it very hard to be patient with World's Worst Consultant. One of the guys at work is now in charge of my hands tomorrow. No kidding).

Night world! Hope your Tuesday was wonderful....hey at least Monday's over with....and now for hump day I mean middle of the week day.....Bridg

Happiness Runs!

2006-06-19T20:19:00.000-04:00

Happiness runs in a circular motion
Thought is like a little boat upon the sea
Everybody is a part of everything anyway
You can be happy if you let yourself be....

Oh man what was Donovan smoking when he wrote that? If you're disgusted with me for quoting that on a Monday night, go right ahead world, I wouldn't blame you! But am just happy anyway.

It was another steamy hot day here in Ottawa. Weather folks predicted rain and it did but not until dinner hour. Up until then it was sunny bright and clear, lol. The rain was a real thunderstorm, complete with thunder, lightening, the works.

M is getting back into shape--doing some of MY work! I asked today why--he said to help out because I"m busy. Impressed am I, to quote Yoda. Dropped by to say 'hi' to his boss, because had not seen the fellow (and I do like him) in far too long. Gave him a breakfast bar because knew he'd have a long day (he grinned at me). Got lots done, fast. Another one of those days. We are having a riot getting stuff done...everyone pitches in and they're all very smart and good natured. You can't help but marvel at these guys. It and they are amazing.

Even made soup tonight--finally!! Love cooking, just never have the time to do it.

The stuff (mactac--thanks for the term, Jeannie) that I put on the windows last night is still adhering to it YAY!! It's amazing how more secure/less vulnerable you feel when you don't feel like you live in a fish bowl. Only took 14 years to get around to fixing this. Sheesh (am worse than a guy--sorry guys).

Found out yesterday via Solo that my computer had the backdoor virus. Don't know how I got it and it took ~5 hours to get rid of it between Solo and Restore. Took about 5 hours to get rid of it. NOT happy but at least I did it myself. Hope none of you have it.

Found old pjs that are too big, can wear old wristwatches again, shoes are now flopping off feet (becoming too big), ditto with slacks. Yay.

Mom happy too. Ditto with Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe.

Get to sign remortgage papers on Wednesday.

More medical tests probably on Friday (Cushing's). Have to go in to do blood tests eight hours apart. Yippee.

Here's hoping your Monday was great and the rest of the week slides effortlessly by, world!

Aloha, Bridg

Closer to Home

2006-06-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hola world! Sorry for my absence over the weekend, my computer had issues with the backdoor virus. Finally got rid of it but it took two days.

Spent those two days doing all sorts of domestic stuff, including putting some sort of saran wrap on some of my windows instead of sheer curtains. It's an experiment to see if it's better. Will let you know how it turns out. As far as installation goes, resembled the old wallpaper. Cut paper, dampen the surface it's going to be applied onto, wash oils off of hands, squeegee air bubbles away.

And of course the ubiquitious laundry, which is finally complete (far from dry, but clean)! Got around to filling out forms to get reimbursed by health plan for meds and physiotherapy. Thought it was getting expensive lately. Get this--$1000. YIKES. Watch the plan try to get out of paying for this one.

Mom is ticked at all of us for the arguing/fighting, and who can blame her. Don't view it as such myself, see it as avoidance but maybe that's semantics.

The anthill, speaking of irritants, is still there. Don't see any occupants, not that I hung around looking for long. It was way too hot and steamy this weekend.

Hope your weekend was wonderful, world, and that your week is fantastic too.

Hugs, Bridg

Today's Horoscope!

2006-06-17T09:37:00.000-04:00

Here is your horoscope for Saturday, June 17:

Learn to accept uncertainty, and you'll find that life gets much, much easier. Getting used to this state of things is a skill that will come in handy. After all, to be alive means to deal with constant change.

Freaky!!!

Last Train To London

2006-06-16T18:13:00.000-04:00

My two best friends (OK that's a juvenile term, but I'm juvenile) are in Victoria now. Missing them like heck already. Have only been reconnected with GI and have only known Dar for two months but feels like a lifetime (in a good way). Talk to the two of them one way or another several times a day and am in withdrawl already :( despite having the usual frantic workday.

Oh stop it Bridg! Grow up!

No! Gimme one reason why!

Am approaching Limesque dimensions in arguing with myself. Sorry folks. Lime does it so much better.

And now for something almost completely different.

BW's birthday is very soon. Sis advises that I had better apologize to him for previous post (5/15/26). Not too likely. His alleged reason? He thinks that his sons can be identified by what I wrote and/or is annoyed that I criticized them in that post. I don't think that I did, I adore and love both of them madly. His real reason according to moi--I criticized HIM. And I think I'm right.

If any of you (who are not BW) write back to me with their names, I will apologize.

My late father picked fights over minor things (a lot) and blew them into major battles. All this kid is doing is the same (tired old) thing. I'm refusing to get drawn into the same melodramatic crap by ignoring it. Am avoiding it. Yes that's another kind of confrontation, but what would you do?

I.hate.conflict. He appears to thrive on it. I have lost two houses and was refused a (car) test drive because of this guy's negotiating style--aggressive. People like me, they like working with me, and I've done rather well with people. Not by sucking up, but by being respectful and firm. To be fair, he was successful too. There have been very few situations where I've walked away/given up on a situation and am related to both of them--father and son. Oops guess the divorce counts too but he left me. We're related but different people.

So for the first time in decades, am not telephoning the kid on his birthday. Feel guilty but relieved about it at the same time. Will leave the cards/presents from both Mom and me in his mailbox, like a thief, after dark tonight. This.is.stupid. Sis can't host a birthday party, she's sick. Mom is getting way too old for this stuff, and I am persona non gratia.

No am not feeling sorry for myself, just impatient with stupidity.

It's a gorgeous day. Will relax this weekend, world, hope that you do too. Thanks for letting me vent....Bridg

UPDATE

Managed to sneak over there and drop off both cards with presents inside a few minutes ago. Gave Mom a copy of the infamous 5/15/06 post. She'd already seen it and agreed that it didn't name names.

Promise to be funnier tomorrow, world!!

Nighty night!

Bridg

Holiday Road

2006-06-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

That title is for Dar and GI, world, who are on their way to WC's area (Victoria)--well they're closer to WC than I am!! Will miss the two of them, they come back in what, about a week. It's GI's mom's birthday in a few days. She'll be 82. This is also the second anniversary of Dar losing her mom, so I am very very sad for her. ((((((((((hugs and love))))))))).

Please hurry home safely you two!!!

On much more mundane topics........

The bug people finally came today (after much nagging from me). That big sand birthday cake thingie? It was a big anthill after all, they said. Charged me $205 after all (not $55 as promised, WC was right) to spray it and the foundation of the townhouse-- and the anthill is still there). Not terribly impressed. For $205 you'd think it'd be gone physically too.

Charming.

The burglar alarm folks tested their system out tonight. Not sure what it all proved.

M read the big honking report (120 pages) FINALLY. He read my comments on the big honking report. The ones I wrote weeks ago? Yeah, them. Could not find some things I mentioned in my comments. Asked me to find them. I did, in less than 5 minutes, literally. Shaking.my.head. They were quite serious things, too. He was supposed to meet the Big Boss today about our big items that he didn't address before. BB postponed the meeting. This is twice now. Shaking.my.head.harder. Well, my work's up to date. Consultants and partners are pestering me for decisions M and BB have to make/should have made some time ago. Am now just passing them up to him. Maddening. Really, utterly maddening. Nothing hard about this.

Oh well.

Three different people asked me today whether I've lost weight--and I was wearing light grey pants (the kind that make you look fat). Cool. Am not weighing myself so have no idea re actual loss, except that can wear smaller size clothes and can wear smaller size shoes. That's a good thing, huh? Only two billion more pounds to go!

Other than that, nothing much going on. Glad it's almost Friday. Sad for Dar, will miss her and GI for the week. Hope buggies in backyard are gone, wish M would wake the **** up, no bionic arm yet.

Hope your week has gone well, world! Look out for buggies....

Hugs, Bridg

Did It In A Minute

2006-06-14T18:39:00.000-04:00

Because that is how long this post took to write!

Hope you are well and good world?

Sorry didn't post last night, Sympatico was having issues in my end of town.

Have physio tonight, didn't go Monday night. Really wrecked arm moving from palatial office to now disinfected cube. Cube is nice and quiet. Peaceful away from IT party guys. Unfortunately now they've hooked up the phone.

M is screwing up royally. Have no idea what is going on (or not) in that man's mind. Have done tons of work and it's just sitting on his desk no matter how much I brief, prompt or nag. With all the deadlines coming up, am really quite concerned/scared ****less. My head is riding on this also and he basically got us kicked out of the last place. Oh well, am pretty much in a packing mode now anyway. But sheesh. Guess I've learned my lesson about getting that guy jobs. Maybe too late.

Pest control guys did not show up for the third day in a row. May be mistaken but could swear saw tiny barbecues and tiki torches on that sand pile tonight. Called pest control company and complained.

Sis, Mom and Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe all well and happy.

OK time to go to physio. More pain!! Can't get enough :))!!!

Take care world! Help Bridg, stomp on a bug today!!! Tee hee hee!!

Hugs, Bridg

UPDATE!

Physio opinion: Wrecked the arm so bad in the office move that have to take a 1 week break from physio. Ice arm and gently work it.

While I was at physio, burglar alarm at house went off, apparently for no reason. Burglar alarm folks called Sis (who doesn't live near my house), who called Mom, who then called Boy Wonder. Police had already showed up, were joined by BW, could find no evidence of intrusion. Sis called when I got home (8:30) to tell me about the excitement that I missed and the bill I'm likely to get for the false alarm. Called alarm folks to find out why the spontaneous alarm. They'd all gone home at 8:30. Nice work if you can get it. Will call again tomorrow a.m. Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe seemed quite unperturbed by it all. Think that's a cat requirement. Being cool, I mean. Nephew suggested calling them and reading them the riot act, said that 'it's in my genes' to do that. Reminded him that we also have 'nice' genes in the family and that I take after that side. Cracked him up. I like that kid. His bro's OK too.

The bug guys who didn't show went home early too. Will also call THEM tomorrow a.m.

Some days it's better just to stay home, huh world?

Everything that happened/didn't today happened when I wasn't there. Hmmmmm.

Have a great rest-of-the-evening!

Bridg the cool.

They're Coming To Take Me Away (ha ha hee hee ho ho)

2006-06-12T17:52:00.000-04:00

Only those of us older than dirt will remember that one, eh world?

It's finally sunny here in O-town! Hope it's nice and sunny in your corner of the world, world!

The pest control guys did come today. And whoever is in charge of the pest control guys didn't tell my particular one that I wouldn't be home, so they left! Did not try the unlocked gate argh! They left a message on my answering machine, so I chatted with them tonight and cleared things up. They asked me to put a jar over the mound ha ha ha, so I explained just how big this thing is (ho ho ho). Now have to mark it by leaving a trowel near it. Oh boy, just what I want to do. Be anywhere near it.

M told me today that I am moving offices, so am losing the palatial accomodation. Oh well, no real surprise since am no longer management (my decision). When am I moving? By end of day tomorrow. His/Our boss forgot to tell us weeks ago. Where am I moving? Around the corner to a relatively private cube (locked door and everything, which is rare). No window but no big deal. I have to do interviews, use speakerphone, so quiet is a big deal. There is another office that shares a doorway with me but it is occupied by a consultant. I know the man, we can work things out. He had been moved three times in one day today by the time I saw him. Poor guy.

M volunteered to help me move my stuff and then disappeared. The previous occupant of the cube I'm moving to is someone who used to report to me and who had real health (slob) issues. She got a job elsewhere and left months ago. It's so dirty in that place that we have to use bleach on the surfaces of the place, and I'm pretty laid back about cleanliness. M insisted on the bleach. Her phone was in such bad condition that people came into the office to see it after she left, and were joking about sending it to CSI (I would say X Files but that would be mean). It was covered in some yellow goo and not just on the mouth parts. Oh well. The hardest part was moving 11 laminated pics. Got most of the stuff moved except files. Most of them are sensitive material so have to do it myself tomorrow. Heaven only knows if they can move my phone and computer. If not, guess I get some time off (ha ha ha)!!

Allegedly this move is for two months only and they'll make it up to me when we move (with a nicer office?????). Sounds good but hmmm.

Have physio tonight but am not in the mood for this stuff at all. Will likely be my last appointment. Really want a bionic arm.

Oh may as well go. Why have this hanging over my head? Grrrr.

Have a lovely evening, world! Enjoy the sunshine....and look out for sandy bumps in the ground, these critters might have buddies.....

Bridg

With A Little Help From My Friends/Puttin' On The Ritz

2006-06-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

World, you have GOT to check this guy out!!! Thank you Els for this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg&eurl

It will make your day!! Night!!! Week!!! Wow.

The visit was great. Dinner was lovely, and we spent it talking about of all things, religion. No kidding. For all of you rolling your eyes out there, I won't bore you by repeating it here but it was a cool discussion. Had the same convo with Mom later on tonight and it was really neat. Us old folks are like that. Get into stuff like that, I mean. There are not that many people I can talk to about this stuff, and even better GI asked!

Then did a tour of Westboro (Richmond Road and neighborhood). It was like 2 degrees, windy and overcast and how was I to know that WestFest was on and the street was closed (would help to read the newspapers, Bridg!)? So had to walk around. Visited the Elvis Sighting Society (I forget what the restaurant is called but it's the greasy spoon where the late Heather Crowe worked), the Lost Marbles (my fave store on earth), The Works (hamburger heaven. Am not a burger person but for this place, sure am). Usually am not able to walk all that far but yesterday was OK. The only thing missing was Dar. And the sun. Dar was at a travel conference and sure hope it was fun.

After that did a tour of Kanata (for all of you laughing, there is so something to tour!). Then home to snooze and the next morning, while I was being umm indisposed from the meds I'm on (@#$%^ metformin/metfor/whatever it's called), GI got the drapery rods up by himself, no drill!! YEA!!! Holy frig it looks like a bedroom again!!! No more peep shows for the neighbors (they were dancing in the streets)!!! Did feel a little inadequate that I could not do that by myself but so flipping what?!! Am so happy. Then off he went home to Kingston. Thank you both so much, GI and Dar.

Took Mom to dinner tonight (she ate more than normal, hooray!), dropped off Boy Wonder's card and present, and here we are. No laundry tonight. The sun's out (OK it's 8:33, sun's going to sleep) but it was out a good part of today, still cool tho. Bug people coming to take away the sand birthday cake and whatever is living inside it tomorrow.

Work went so well last week am a bit afraid to go there on Monday but...let's not be pessimistic. Have faith, as George Michaels says.

Hope your weekends were great, world? Hope you check that video out, it is superb!!!

Hugs to all, Bridg

Black Cars

2006-06-09T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hi world, how do you like Gino Vanelli (or however you spell that name)?

Hope it isn't raining in your corner of the globe. It is here (still)! Well, that's a break sorta. No gardening. No lawn mowing (not that I'd do it anyway) or car washing (not that I'd do it anyway). Whatever is living in the birthday-cake sized sand heap probably will stay in there until Monday when (a) it is supposed to be sunny and (b) the pest control guys come and take whatever it is away. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Have unexpected but welcome company this weekend who promised to put up my curtain rods (thank you GI!). Dar is going to a travel conference. This is a very quick visit but very much appreciate the help, since the shoulder got much worse and can't get in to see the sports med docs until June 27 (growling about medical situation in Ontario).

Found out that the psychodrama comment was not aimed at me. Good. Ulcers can now go away. Got major tasks done. Remortgaging got done. House insurance policy? Found eight documents, none of them was what was needed. Have to get it faxed in by (new) agent. All of the arrangements were done and I was back in my illegally parked and not ticketed car in 26 minutes. WOW. If you can be in love with a bank, I am.

Also got Visa bill. Obscene balance. And they waived payment this month. Holy Christmas tree.
Thank You Up There.

Remember how everything went wrong at once a few weeks ago? Well, today is Opposites Day (thanks for the idea, Calvin and Hobbes). Nice. Thank You Up There.

Think I woke up in someone else's life today but am really glad for the break.

Have a wonderful weekend, all. If you live in Ottawa, you may wish to consider either building an ark or growing scales/fins/gills. I am.

Hugs, Bridg

Loco-motion

2006-06-08T07:52:00.000-04:00

Sorry world, ran out of time to post last night (Ha! ran out of CLASS to post last night. No really, did run out of time). Had to find paperwork to re-do mortgage tonight right after work.

Do any of you know where your house insurance policy is? I didn't. Took me quite some time to find it. Ditto for paperwork that amounts to a deed. Had 'filed' (thrown) it in with all the paperwork the condo churns out. Over 14 years, that amounts to quite a bit. Good thing I looked. But it took hours. Must put this stuff somewhere significant when I get back tonight. Other than the 'to be filed' pile, the dimensions of which are quite alarming. Glad I hadn't thrown that condo junk out too.

Hope your week ends on a high note, world. So far so good here. Lots of fast paced stuff. A co-worker's daughter may have the big C again (tests today--Friday). Thought that she is 10 years old, found out yesterday that this little lamb is only 6, but as cool and calm as any adult. And a real angel.

Got sort of accused of being involved in psychodrama (not sure it was aimed at me, might have been aimed at others involved in the situation) again by Da Big Boss but in a jocular way. The remark stung because am working my butt (complete with gills) off and doing pretty good work if I may say so. Reportedly he is up and down quite a bit these days, but damn. Glad M is there even if he does dump his work on me more than he should. I really like the both of them. DBB is the smartest guy I've ever worked with and I love the guy, it's just that some times he is so judgemental (well, it feels that way but I can be way too sensitive too). And have never known him to be wrong. Ouch.

It's supposed to rain all weekend. No gardening. Shoulder still painful in some ways--no heavy housework. Gee guess will have to relax--yippee!!! Go to movies--yippee!!! All of you who just said 'do laundry', go stand in the corner!

OK gotta get to work. Will visit soon, sorry have not been able to visit as much as usual lately.

Happy Friday, world! Bon weekend!

Bridg

Mango (Warning, Tasteless Content)

2006-06-06T23:38:00.000-04:00

Bruce Cockburn
courtesy of: http://cockburnproject.net/songs&music/mango.html

She's got a mango in the garden - sweet as can be
She's got a mango in the garden - full of mystery
She's got a mango in the garden - from the original tree
She's got a mango in the garden - shares it with me
Humid gleaming precious well
Love to drink that water
Parallel worlds when the sun goes down
The atmosphere grows hotter
She's got a mango in the garden - sweet as can be
She's got a mango in the garden - full of mystery
She's got a mango in the garden - from the original tree
She's got a mango in the garden - shares it with me
I slip through the glistening gate
Tide began to pound
Tears of light poured over me
And ricocheted all around
She's got a mango in the garden - sweet as can be
She's got a mango in the garden - full of mystery
She's got a mango in the garden - from the original tree
She's got a mango in the garden - shares it with me

Was going to use another song but hey had this one started, world. Hope your day was nice and smooth?

Am almost through physio! Have one more appointment and then graduate, yea! Or else they are giving up? No actually am much better. And treadmilled too. Thought might last 10 minutes. Nope. 7. How humiliating. But 7 beats 0.

Work went great, Sis is home and feeling better. Is trying in her bossy way to forbid me to type about her here. Heh so what am I doing right now? Not mentioning her, nosiree. Let's not mention BW (Boy Wonder).

Had an attack of a rather unfortunate temporary physical ailment (eating too much #%^^ fruit. What idiot says 5-8 servings??? WRONG!!) right after coming home from physiotherapy but made it to the bathroom in time. And some idiot rang the doorbell right away. I bleated, rather feebly, 'go away' from the bathroom, but did stagger to the door in a few minutes. Who is it? Next door neighbor.

Today at lunch I found someone to come over and clean out the evestrough (he actually did it this afternoon--right away--without me there!). Hoping this will get rid of the flock of mosquitoes. He used some big power machine that 'spit out' nails that were apparently in the evestrough that the roofers left there when they reroofed recently. The nails landed on our shared driveway. Next door neighbor, bless her heart, picked up the nails, worried that someone would hurt themselves or that her car/mine/her son's would pick up the nails in our tires. She ran right over to show me the nails as soon as she heard me come home (from physiotherapy--that would have been around 8:00 pm). Picking up the nails was very thoughtful and I think/hope I thanked her. Catching me in the washroom, well, she has a habit of doing that. She was very embarrassed (it was kinda obvious to any breathing life form) and left right away. It's funny now!

And that, world, is about all that happened of note today. Hope your day was good, smooth sailing, nice and sunny?

Can't believe I actually posted about that (some class act here huh?). Off to check and make sure that The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe didn't suffocate. It is very quiet down there.

Tomorrow hopefully will do something more socially redeeming/less disgusting.

Night world....love, Bridg

Your Song

2006-06-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

World, I have three songs in my head at the same time: this one, Baby I Love Your Way and Major Tom. It.is.weird. This one won, because I've been talking about it with Dar and GI.

Music by Elton JohnLyrics by Bernie Taupin
lyrics courtesy of: http://www.eltonography.com/songs/your_song.html
It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live
If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on
So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

NCIS tonight, Jack.

Work went great, fell asleep reading monster report but got it done at work today. How? All the bosses were gone at a retreat so we got to do stuff uninterrupted! OK they are dears, they pay us, but you know, sometimes you need an empty day just to catch up on the work. Yahoo it happened. Thank heavens.

Despite my efforts to curb spending will call in exterminators to look at big sand pile in back yard. Don't think it's an anthill, think it's a ground wasp nest. Too many wasps/bees around. Sigh.

Just talked to TOO/Sis who is now Sis again. That part of the war appears to be over. She had her second operation and is recovering. Will be as mad as hell that I even typed this. So let's not tell her, K?

Good pal Zel had a 9 pound baby boy!! Wow. Second baby, first boy.

Dar is recovering from a fall down the stairs, mending nicely (I told you, this lady does everything well!). SOOOO want to live down the street from these guys. So does The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe. Brat. If we did, she'd run away to their house, I bet.

Not much else to talk about, world. Yes there is laundry again to do but that can wait a night or two. Am actually keeping up with physiotherapy (did I mention they think I tore a ligament? Lovely) and eating small light meals? Until tonight. Never leave a box of Goldfish around me if you want to have any yourself.

Sigh.

Night folks!!

Bridg

Ya Gotta Have Friends

2006-06-05T21:21:00.000-04:00

Can't believe I've sunk to B. Manilow but there it is.

Hi world, hope your Monday weather was as glorious as it was in Ottawa. Wow it was great here.

Wasn't going to post tonight. Have an idiotic 120 page report to read and I said I'd do it tonight. No way that's going to happen, my head's splitting (never get headaches), Advil makes me freak (freaque?) out and physio took until 9:00 for some reason. It really bothers me not to be able to do something I said I'd do. (Almost) Never happens, it's a honor thing.

Today was great at work. It's like M not being there was a good luck charm, lol. A lot of folks seems to have flu/colds though (cue ominous music). Hmmm. The physio folks now think I tore a shoulder ligament. Mahvellous. All because I hired idiots to clear the driveway this winter who never shovelled until/unless I personally called and asked them to do so (which led to ice buildup, which led to me falling, yadda yadda yadda). At $325 a season, why should I have to do that? And Mom signed up with these morons too. It was my neighbor's idea. Oh well, live and learn.

Sorry, this is boring.

Today really was smooth and nice. Mom's happy, things just got done (except reading this friggin' report, but try reading something that heavy and conducting interviews, etc. it is hard to do in an office environment). It was put together by my world famous friend, and unfortunately I think that he was told what to write because am finding quite a bit that needs ummm clarifying. We'll fix it, no probs. He is da best.

The reason why I am posting instead of reading the flipping report (like a grown up would be doing) is that something surprising (to me) happened on the weekend. While GI and I were going through his photo album, we came across a pic of him that was taken about a month after we broke up. It looked just like I remembered him and I don't have any pictures of him (well, one school pic and it really doesn't look all that much like he did then). He asked if I would like a copy of the album pic, and I couldn't do it.

Can you believe it, world, after 34 flipping years, two marriages (his and mine--and I truly love his wife, they are perfect and I am very happy on my own), it still hurt to think about then. I am so ticked at myself. Isn't that the most adolescent thing you've ever heard of? Macho, tough, I-am-so-over-it-and-happy-and-in-control-54-years-old-me? Frick. I know, I know, you can't control feelings, they are what they are, blah blah blah but MAN!! Could not be more amazed if I had found gills growing out of my butt. And don't think I'm not going to check for that either.

In fact, I'm even mad that I'm mad. And I don't GET mad. Frustrated/Annoyed, yes but not angry. Maybe that's a better expression.

Does anyone out there get this? Sorry for being boring, am just surprised and flummoxed.

Bridg (utterly frustrated with herself)

Kentucky Woman

2006-06-04T19:29:00.000-04:00

Hey world how are you?

It is GORGEOUS here and it figures, tomorrow's Monday!!

Visit was terrific. Weather sucked but that's Ottawa for you. Dar's shower (the wedding kind) went perfectly, of course. This lady can do anything. And do it to a T. Cannot think of one thing I have known this lady to do that wasn't exquisite.

GI and I looked at baby pictures (up to current). All I can say is the 70s and 80s were weird as far as clothes and hair go and that mustaches on him are not a good idea. And we looked at (WHY did I KEEP this thing?) my wedding photo album. Had not looked at that thing in at least a decade. Have lost touch with many if not all of the people in it and some have passed on. Was such a naieve little...oh never mind. Glad I wasn't looking at it by myself.

He liked what I did to my walls (the paint colors). Except the pulling out the curtain rods of course. And I topped that, world. Managed to knock over a floor lamp in the same room (second bedroom--the one I'm in when GI is here) and shattered the glass globe inside it. Of course into a billion tiny pieces. Vacuumed them up today (was against the outer wall, only one in danger from glass shards was The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe). Speaking of TMSCTU, she is pretty steamed (at yours truly, of course) that her friend (GI) has left. And that she didn't get pepperoni from the pizza. Boy talk about spoiled. She only had two breakfasts! Good thing that I didn't have human offspring. They'd probably be criminals.

GI brought pics taken at last visit when Dar was here. MAN I am a WHALE!! OK that does it. Treadmill time. You guys are probably sick and tired of reading this but....have already lost somewhere between 15 and 18 lbs and am down a size in pants. Nuff said. All in all had a wonderful visit. Missed Dar but got to talk to her tonight (YAY!!!). She liked presents GI brought back from here (double YAY!!). Dar, I and Mom are a lot alike. We all went to school taught by nuns (and boy is that a bond), have the same sense of humor, are spunky, I was going to say smart but they're both smarter than I am, independent...cut from the same cloth is what I'm trying to say. It is such sweet relief.

Also had visit with Mom tonight. She ate more and faster than I've seen her eat in years. Thank Heaven!!! Left early because got paranoid that BW (Boy Wonder) would drop by. Have to get past this but might take awhile.

Hoping that work goes calmly tomorrow, but ain't likely in my case ('alone again, naturally!').

Hope that all of your Mondays are smooth sailing, not manic, not frantic.

Love ya, world.

Hugs, Bridg

Lime's Mime

2006-06-03T08:08:00.000-04:00

If there are missing numbers, it's because I copied incorrectly.

1. When was the last time you had sex?
Last century. Don't you read this blog?

2. How do you flush the toilet in public?
There's more than one way? With the handle! And my hand!

3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
Am starting to because GI and Jer nag me to do it

4. Do you have a crush on someone?
I try not to crush people, it hurts them.

OK serious answer, had one on M for a while, then realized he is first and foremost a self-absorbed person although we are friends. Crushes are one-sided by definition and very high-school. Am 54 years old for Pete's sake! Don't have the energy or the courage for that kind of stuff. Too much else going on with dysfunctional family, nutso health, outacontrol home stuff. Would be in a looney bin without my friends (thank God literally for Mom, Pauly, Jer, Dar and GI, Scott, Peggy, Doris and you folks).

5. Name one thing that you start to get tense about if you are close to running out of it?
Toilet paper and any ingredient when I am cooking. Consequently cupboards are...well...full.

6. What famous person do you (or other people*) think you resemble?
I've been told E. Taylor when both of us were young and Glenda Jackson when I was skinny. I don't agree/see it. Dumbo seems to fit better.

7. What is your favorite pizza topping?
Chicken and tomatoes

8. Do you crack your knuckles?
EWWWWW never. Knees yes but not on purpose, they do that by themselves

9. #9 got lost.

10. What song do you hate the most when it gets stuck in your head?
Red Red Wine (stuck there now)

11. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?
Yup. Thanks.

12. What are your super powers?
Unfortunately seem to know what's going to happen before it does

13. What is the hardest thing you have faced?
Death of long term boyfriend, two near death experiences (well more than two actually), threats from very senior people on the job, being umm harassed by parent for years, moving away from first boyfriend five months into relationship to another @#$^ country--hard to pick from that selection

14. Where are your car keys?
On my keyring next to front door.

15. Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear
Everyone's

16. What's your most annoying habit?
Talking to myself

17. Where did you go on your last vacation?
Mexico 2003

18. If you could punch one person in the nose and get away with it who would it be?
No one. Abhore violence (well, physical violence anyway)

19. What is your best physical feature?
Are you kidding? Eyes I guess. Unless it would be my absence ha ha ha

20. What CD is closest to you right now?
Fat Boy Slim

21. What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Skim milk, salad dressings (marinade), fruit

22. What superstition do you believe/practice?
knocking on wood

23-24 got lost

25. Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive?
yes with headset

26. What would your name have been if you'd been born the opposite gender?
Charles

27. What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower?
Whatever's playing on boom box that I like that is in my alleged key

28. If you could go back or forward in time would you and where would you go?
ahead 5-10 years to see how current stuff turns out, or 1600s to see who I was before

29. What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie?
Raiders of the Lost Ark YUM!!!

30. What CD is in your stereo?
5 discs that GI and Dar and I were playing. Can only remember the Shania Twain ones: Up and Come On Over

31. What OCD qualities do you have?
Testing the front door to make sure it's locked, but since I'm dyslexic and can't tell left from right, not sure that this is OCD.

32. How many kids do you want to have?
Always assumed would have kids, no number in mind. So here I am, no kids, no guy, just a bossy cat and obscenely happy.

33. If you could kiss anyone famous who would it be?
No one famous worth kissing in my opinion

34.Would you really want to kiss someone you didn't know, even if they are famous?
NO!!

35. What do you do when no one is watching?
Do housework sans benefit of clothing. Do us all a favour, don't drop by unannounced.

36. If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be the best for this job?
Gilda Radner but she's left this world. But who the heck would want to sit through THAT?

37. Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep?
Anything painless

38. What candy, from when you were a kid, do you miss the most?
Not a candy person. Liked peppermint stick ice cream tho

39. What is your favorite kid's movie?
Are you kidding? I'm still upset about Bambi.

40. Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert?
Mark Knopfler (with Jer)

41. Have you ever been in love?
Yes

42. Do you talk to yourself?
All the time

43. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the face of the earth?
Rather wish they could feel the impact of what they do from the perspective of those they hurt, immediately and totally. Then they'd mend their ways. Flinging them into outer space just moves the problem somewhere else.

One Thing Leads To Another

2006-06-02T22:35:00.000-04:00

BTW, world, this is a field I do know a little about, and GI does too.

Doesn't this bother anyone?

I'm seriously concerned:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060529.chemicals-nonstick29/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

Bridg

Workin' For The Weekend

2006-06-02T22:16:00.000-04:00

World, you are NOT going to believe this! True to my little (ha) old lady form, usually say prayers on the way into work. Today's was about a bunch of things, including my dysfunctional family plus a request for help with my unusually BAD financial state.

Well.

Happened to call the bank today with a rather insane request from Bell towards the end of the work day. Of course the bank said that they don't do that kind of stuff (which I anticipated). By the way, the voice of the bankperson said, I noticed that you're paying a high interest rate on your line of credit and would you like us to lower it and yadda yadda yadda (consolidate it with other stuff)? I said that I'd kiss his feet and if he was single marry him (not that that would be a good thing). He laughed and arranged the whole thing in less than 10 minutes. No.kidding. Have been kinda worried, to put it mildly, in that way the past few weeks, and voila, it's settled.

Wow Up There. Thanks big time. Is by no means over, but have room to breathe now. And totally unexpected.

So don't have to move in under a bridge yet. Cool.

The two interviews I had to do today got cancelled. One by an emergency (can't tell you what kind but believe me it's a good thing) the second one hey that was an emergency too. Used the time to get all my backlog of writing up the notes done. Man were my fingers sore.

GI's visiting tomorrow YEA, still have not made stupid soup, however *cue Halleluiah choir* laundry is finally done!!! Groceries finally done!!! Have to mail Peggy's bd present so that it gets there (Nfld) by June 20, have to get Jer's bd present (May 4 slightly overdue), and one for Boy Wonder (June 17) to leave at Mom's so he can ignore/destroy or who knows be a human being about it. Get to go with Dar and GI to Maxville on Aug 4 YEA!!!!! Have to pick up framing job...this is all not big but easy-to-forget stuff.

Still need a wife/caretaker. Why don't we have those here? Oh right they don't do that for free. Oh well.

Meds are sinking in, Bridg has to go to sleep.

One of the guards at work today said to me that I must be on great drugs because I'm always smiling. Smart *ss.

Hugs and kisses, world!

Bridg

Happy Friday!!!

2006-06-02T19:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks Peter T, these are a howl!

Our young daughter had adopted a stray cat. To my distress, he began to use the back of our new sofa as a scratching post. "Don't worry," my husband reassured me. "I'll have him trained in no time."

I watched for several days as my husband patiently "trained" our new pet. Whenever the cat scratched, my husband deposited him outdoors to teach him a lesson.

The cat learned quickly. For the next 16 years, whenever he wanted to go outside, he scratched the back of the sofa.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A priest, a preacher and a rabbi decide that since preaching to people is too easy, they'll test the power of their faith with a bear. They each have seven days to fnd a bear, convert the bear to their religion, then meet again with the results.

The meeting happens at a local hospital, where they are recuperating.

Father Flannery speaks frst. "My bear beat me up pretty good till I sprinkled him with holy water, then he became gentle as a lamb. He receives frst communion and confirmation next week."

Reverend Billy Bob, equally battered, says, "My bear and I wrestled till I quick-dunked him in a creek and baptized his hairy soul. We spent the rest of the day praising Jesus."

Rabbi Meyers, full of IVs, lying immobile in a body cast, squeaks, "Such agony ... the bear ... perhaps it was unwise to begin with the circumcision."

Crystal Blue Persuasion

2006-06-01T18:04:00.000-04:00

Know I've used this title before but love that song. Hope your day was good world? We had incredible rain, thunder and greyness, and it is beautiful here now. Breezy, cool, just perfect (like the song goes).

Boy Wonder is home, I'm in hiding. Mom is fine. The Other One's operation is next week, not today. Was on pins and needles all day for no reason. A friend at work (whose father died from cancer and whose ten year old daughter has it) explained that when you have the big C, or when those close to you do, you have to be mad at someone or something. It can't be your spouse, doctor or support network, so you take it out on someone. In her case, she didn't speak to her office mates for quite some time. Just being mad at something/someone. To her, it made sense that TOO is acting like she is toward me.

Harumph. Well that felt better. Sorta. Thank God for that lady.

Got tons and tons of work done, and it's all good. Only four interviews left to do. Many more to write up. M is out of town starting Sunday till Wednesday, P is already gone. Not.happy.about.this. But hey. Life goes on.

Saw Dr. Doolittle and now feel guilty that I called him that (he is cute). He is acting on everything I asked him to do (well, on behalf of all the other doctors I go to, sigh), so more tests, X rays, you name it. Am getting sent to nutritionists (diabetes), dermatologists (worried given family history of melanoma but no way I'm getting off this earth that easy/fast), X ray of shoulder yadda yadda yadda. Used to wonder about my paternal grandmother going constantly to doctors, now look at what I"m stuck with. This sucks. Folks, this is what happens when you eat Doritos/popcorn for dinner.

Enough of that.

Dar's session last night went excellently of course *grinning and beaming*, had 40 people show up!!!! Knew it knew it knew it!!!!! YAY!!!! Bet they all sign up too. I am so proud of that lady. This trip is next August, not this one. Will do my best to be there. Hopefully not waddling (I exaggerate, am not that bad).

Was going to write a rip-roaring post about passive-aggressive drivers, but mellowed out the minute I got in the door. Got stuck behind someone (license plate AMSJ 670) who decided that driving 60 in an 80 zone was just fine. The 9 cars he/she held up behind were not too happy about it. In the U.S. that would have netted the driver a ticket for impeding traffic. This was a commercial vehicle, and I'll make a point of never patronizing that business. This was a two lane road. We had no safe opportunity to avoid this van.

Guess it did not occur to these folks that they could be holding up a mother with a sick child, someone with diarrhea, someone hurrying home to a parent having a heart attack (like I had to do once), a security officer answering a home alarm, etc. This is called passive aggressive driving and it the same thing as aggressive driving (speeding). In fact, it's worse because it provokes others into reacting poorly (i.e. it's dishonest). It is based on assumptions. People don't necessarily want/need to speed. Certainly that wasn't the case today.

If you ever notice more than three cars behind you, pull over or give lots of room to let cars pass you, then pull back onto the road. That way no one gets frustrated and you can continue driving at whatever speed you prefer. If someone blinks their headlights/flashes bright lights at you, they are asking you to do this. If they are very close to your back bumper, they are asking you to do this (albeit rudely).

Oops I just ranted. Sorry.

Have a lovely evening, world. Sorry for the rant,

Bridg

Against The Wind

2006-05-31T20:04:00.000-04:00

Hola world! It was just thundering, raining and pouring, and now it's clear. Weird,.

Hope your Wednesday was fine???

Things are clearing up here. Interviews are rapidly (suspiciously) getting done. Not the notes, mind you, but the talking parts. Meetings are flying by (now that David's on his own), people appear to be happy, work's getting done, M is cautiously optimistic. I don't feel like strangling myself anymore and the physiotherapy is working (arm hurts much less) yahoo! Dar had an info night tonight (she's a travel agent and is arranging a trip to Scotland). Am dying to find out how it went (keep your fingers crossed that more folks signed up, OK?) so this'll be a short post.

Am seeing my (cute) GP (Dr. Dolittle) tomorrow. Not looking forward to that, but hey, have to do it. Thank heavens for GI, my guardian angel and husband to my pal Dar and my pal too!!

Never did laundry last night because found NCIS on an alternative station. Sigh. Mark Harmon...oh never mind. Just n.e.v.e.r. m.i.n.d. Why am I doing so much laundry? Because I got behind in it about a month ago and never caught up, and thanks to pulling down the drapes in the back bedroom now have some sheers (ha--some! About a billion) to add to the backlog. Plus doing physio is adding T shirts to the load.

Need to post pics of garden and house colors. GI is here this weekend, will try to remember to take/post pics (no not of him, of garden and house!!).

Want to make soup too. Is this a bipolar thing or is this just energy? Who knows/cares, just have to get stuff done. It isn't fair to have all this junk to do at work and at home. I need a wife. Or something. Does fooling around/sex HAVE to be part of the deal? Probably. OK now that I've totally grossed everyone out...I bet there are other people working their butts off out there who also (like me) need someone to help them out at home who are too tired to do it themselves. Wonder if there are others who are our opposites.

Too much to handle brain-wise at the moment, but sense that there is something here. Just can't put it together now. Bet Zombieslayer could. Isn't this the basis of our economy--specialization and mutual benefit?

There must be some way to work this out.

Just not tonight.

OK time to call Dar.

Night world!

MWAH!

Bridg

Hot August (May) Night

2006-05-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

Hi World! Man is it hot here. Hope wherever you are that you have air conditioning or that it's cooler than Ottawa (somewhere just shy of upper 90s farenheight and very humid).

Got physio exercises done and actually felt good/less painful (that comment was for you, Vest!!). House back in order, except for missing drapes that were pulled down by yours truly accidentally and got replacement rods on the way home. Will put up some other time.

Got several e mails from Dar--YAHOO! Love her messages she is really fun to talk to.

Got lots of work done. Will be all by myself in the office by the end of the week (a sobbing wreck too no doubt with both M and P gone). David now working (interviewing) on his own, am interviewing with P or on my own which is much less stressful.

NCIS tonight.

Damn, it's over. OOPS!

Off to do more physio, laundry, cook dinner and try to find NCIS somewhere else (still learning satellite stuff).

Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is waiting for me to stop typing. Appears annoyed (note: this is guilt speaking).

Have a lovely evening, world!

Bridg

Another Freaky Angel Card!

2006-05-30T07:39:00.000-04:00

RESPONSIBILITY

It is more important to be responsible than it is to take responsibility. This is especially true if you are taking it away from someone else, thus allowing them to not be responsible for their own actions. Be responsible for your own choices. Allow others to be accountable for theirs. Your friends and family will experience what they need to. Allow them their own lessons so they can grow. Do not be caught in the enabling trap of denial. How you respond to situations is up to you. Trust yourself. You do have a choice. Don't be so busy talking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of your own needs. No one can challenge your security if you accept responsibility for your own life. Don't choose to be a victim. When you draw this card, pay attention. This is a good time to respond to your abilities. Now is a good time to put them to use. Take a good look at all of your options.

Goin' To A Party (Rod Stewart version)

2006-05-29T18:49:00.000-04:00

Ha! As if I have energy for that...

How are ya tonight, world?

It is hot and humid here--perfect shore weather. The weather people predicted thunderstorms, so naturally it is as clear as a bell. With the humidity it felt like 35. Can't translate to farenheight (sp?) anymore, sorry. It was hot enough for people to be driving like idiots though. Saw all kinds of silliness on the road. Full moon plus kind of silliness.

Had to see doctor (shrink) today at end of day. Her verdict: doing great. Don't have to go back for a month (this is really good) but have to 'look out for the highs'. That means 'don't go on any more spending sprees'. No.freaking.kidding!!! Said I've never looked better, am making good decisions (generally). And to start eating (can you imagine??). Apparently diabetics are supposed to eat regularly. Live and learn.

Enough about me.

Mom is in fine fettle. She loves this weather. Finally turned on the A/C.

Kids at work are being their normal wonderful selves. Marc graduates tomorrow, bless his heart (MBA) and will be a little late getting in the a.m. tomorrow. P was in this a.m. on her day off, bless HER heart. I am so proud of the two of them I could burst. M is really outdoing himself too. This past crisis has been the making of him. Isn't it weird how much good can come of what originally looks like crap? Thank You God. Seriously.

Can't/Shouldn't type too much. Found out tonight (physiotherapy) that when I fell in March on the ice, the force of the fall pushed the 'upper arm bone' (OK forgot its name, measley degree will be revoked) into the shoulder's ball and socket joint and that's what's been giving me grief for a while. The person who explained this and did so much work tonight is a very young and quite talented young lady (who prescribed ice, gentle exercises and avoidance of overuse). Wow impressive.

So it's goodnight all for now. Hope you're enjoying good weather...smooth sailing (lucky escape that poor fellow sailing from Bermuda huh?) and incredible joy and happiness everyone.

Love, Bridg

Disco Duck

2006-05-28T19:14:00.000-04:00

Hi world, happy Sunday night!

Hope the day was as mellow and as beautiful where you were/are as it was here.

Did not get to the movies after all. Was too tired.

But did get gardening (some) done. Mosquitoes have lost their habitat. Discovered giant (well it seemed giant to me) anthill out there. After 14 years of no chemicals at all, broke down and put something on that anthill. It was about one foot (round) in diameter and 3 inches tall. Gross. What the heck are all the birds eating? I can tell you--seeds in the feeders next door and the peanut butter that I was feeding them. Well, if the stuff I put on there didn't work, it's boiling water tomorrow. Feel very guilty about the chemical already. Have never used anything, not even for weeds, since I moved in here until today.

Paint Team Leader came (at 4:00. That will teach me not to ask for a time) and put the mirrors up in both bedrooms. One of them almost killed both of us, but hey it's up. The curtain rod that I sorta pulled out of the wall (in the second bedroom)? He couldn't fix it, I have to get new anchors/screws for it. Fortunately my office is very close to a large hardware store. Am kind of reluctant to put art stuff back onto the walls, after all the fuss to get them painted. Used to see blank walls as a challenge. Now see it as $4200. ROFL (rolling on floor laughing).

He could not cash the money order I had drawn up (it was made to the parent company, needs to be made to his particular franchise for some reason), so I have to get a new one made up and I volunteered to do that tomorrow a.m. Sure hope that there are no interviews that I"m doing then. Don't think so. But there are so many that will go in first to check. Alzheimer's is a wonderful thing (grin). I'm sorry I joked about the guys' age, he was sooo helpful.

This is probably the first time in recent memory that my home life has been busier than work life and work life is hectic. Wonder if that means anything? Probably that have been dormant for a long time.

The Other One (formerly known as Sis) took Mom out to dinner last night and brought her flowers (and planted them) today. Good. Boy Wonder is due back next weekend (cue ominous music). Hence the title of this post. I intend to do a lot of ducking. Of phone calls, of you-name-it. Could get ugly, hope not.

The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe has disappeared. Is probably in the basement celebrating her ability to go down there once again now that the stairs are dry. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as my cat.

Now onto laundry, then dinner.

Hope that you had a great weekend, world, and an easy, tranquil Monday.

Hugs and love ya, Bridg

ReRun (slight)

2006-05-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

Have posted on this before...but because I feel so guilty about the bounced check/cheque thing...here's some info re bipolar II from http://counsellingresource.com/distress/mood-disorders/manic-depression-symptoms.html. M and GI don't believe this fits me. I don't want to but man....

Criteria for Hypomanic Episode (this is what I had when I was officially diagnosed):

A. A distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at
least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood. (can't say irritable has ever been an issue. Bouncy moods oh yes but not irritable).

B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have
persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:

1. inflated self-esteem or grandiosity (uhhhh not that I know of)
2. decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep) (yup. 4 hours' sleep in 2-3 days)
3. more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking (yes)
4. flight of ideas, or subjective experience that thoughts are racing (yes although I thought I kept quiet about that. Hmmm)
5. distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
(not sure)
6. increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or
psychomotor agitation (well, the house looks great)
7. excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful
consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions (HA!
not me!!), or foolish business investments) (see house comment!)

C. The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of
the person when not symptomatic. (have more energy than have had in many years)

D. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others. (oh yes, at
least to/by people who know me)

E. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational
functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features. (yes)

F. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of
abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g.,
hyperthyroidism). (yes)

Note: Hypomanic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder.

Here is another good-looking source of info. This links, for what I would think are obvious reasons, bipolar-ism to diabetes, heart conditions and other health issues.
http://www.morehead.org/wellconnected/000066.htm

Thanks for the comment, Tshsmom, and thanks for letting me think out loud, world. It helps more than words can say.

Big hugs and enjoy the day, it looks magnificent out there!

Bridg

2006-05-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

Penguin DanceThank you Vic! Not sure if there is sound, but very cool anyhow. If you want this to play faster, go to Castpost, type in either my e mail addy or this title and enjoy.

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Cool Is The Rule But Sometimes Bad Is Good

2006-05-28T09:17:00.000-04:00

Thanks Vic, you are getting this one back. Yes bits of this are saccharine but I"m living proof of #9.

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

So............If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone, including the one that sent it to you. If you get it back, then they really do love you. And always remember....when life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over (really) ! !!!

Al Gore On SNL

2006-05-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Eric!
If this doesn't play or is too slow for you, go to Castpost, type in my e mail addy, and play it there.

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Black Velvet Band (round the throat!!)

2006-05-27T19:09:00.000-04:00

Hey world!

Found out that my deposit check to the painting guys bounced! Did the bank tell me? No. Did the painting teenager (OK Paint Team Leader) tell me? Not until today. Holy jumping cows. Not happy. There are plenty of bucks there in another account. For some reason, this bank will NOT transfer from one to another automatically, they expect me to do that. As if I"m a responsible adult or something.

Idiots.

We (I and Paint Team Leader) are getting together tomorrow anyway for him to do the mirrors etc. and me to pay him, him to take away stuff, give me the key back. Flew over to the bank in a panic (prior to getting hair done) and got a money order for the whole amount.

Had he told me the final amount at that point? No sir, I had to guess. Guessed $500 short (he left me a message with the final amount well after the bank had closed for the weekend). S.H.I.T. Oh well, will withdraw it (the remainder) tomorrow.

Mom and I did brunch, and both of us got sick (me right away, Mom later on the way home from the grocery store). But we had a good time anyway, dumb as that sounds. One of my SILs spotted us in the restaurant, and it was lovely. Had not seen her in years! Literally years.

Spent a bunch on groceries. I am a proudly bad influence on Mom when it comes to groceries, but at least she eats what I tease her into buying (desserts and cookies). We're probably going to a movie tomorrow. This is to brainwash me into forgetting that I have to work with David on Monday (see previous post) and for Mom to get out and enjoy herself.

Got to bring Brenda (my hairdressing friend, you would love this lady, world, she is finestkind) up to speed on doings and to drive her home after work. She lives one street over from where I used to live when GI and I knew each other as teenagers. You would not believe the stuff she bought at a garage sale on the way to work. Among them--a big huge wooden bow tie that presumably would be mounted on a wall, but why anyone would do this is a mystery. It must have been four feet across. Very curvy. Very woody. Hmmm.

Jery dropped by this morning with a CD (M Knopfler-Emmy Lou Harris), bless him. I missed his birthday (he was in British Columbia but still) and HE brings ME a present???? It was lovely to see him and I gave him a key to the place (Power of Attorney stuff). I think he liked the paint work. He looked at the ceiling (which had been painted) and asked when they were going to paint it. Argh. But that did make me notice a flaw in what they'd done, which is good, because now they can fix it. Sigh, it never ends, does it. It was great to see him.

Am just getting home now. TV is working (that @#%^ satellite will drive me insane yet), heart rate is getting back to normal after the paint check thing, and guess it's time for dinner, the Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe has been fed and is begging for a tummy rub, Mom is OK and the sun's shining beautifully.

Time to go and cool my overheated panicky jets. Hope your day was lovely and sweet, world. Enjoy.....Hugs, Bridg (the very embarrassed non-banker)

Sailing

2006-05-27T08:08:00.000-04:00

Was going to call this Fantasy but that would bring up David strangulation and don't want to go there (ha ha ha) because someone, somewhere is bound to do that sooner or later and then I'll get the blame...sigh.

The nasty yellow is gone, and in its place is a lovely pale yellow that I had in mind in the first place. The trim is actually OK too. The blue rooms are great, the computer/cat's room (how DARE I call her a cat!) is green. More green than I had in mind but OK. The trim is a little kid's room green but OK. There are so many bookcases and plants in here that it's hard to notice it anyway. My biggest beef is that they didn't put the mirrors back up and they're way too big/heavy for me to do, so will give Team Leader a call today to arrange that. Their equipment etc. is still here and have not paid them yet. They still have the key to this place (which will be Jery's key when I get it back. As power of attorney he needs one).

Speaking of that, I did mention the will thing? He, GI/Dar are the powers of attorney. The lawyer was a fussy little man who called all my bequests a nightmare. I just smiled at him until he gave up trying to change my mind. Silly little person. He's the one who asked me to think of this stuff in the first place. It isn't like Jer doesn't know every inch of my place in the first place, or that this stuff isn't very organized, blah blah blah. No one's moved much in the last 30 years...he's just a fussy little guy. So it's done. Every bequest family wise goes directly to nephews/niece, so that's a big load off of my mind. No fighting. Well even if there is I'll be long gone, but wanted to spare everyone as much ummmm unpleasantness as possible. There is $s for POAs (for having to deal with that bunch although nephews are sweeties) and funeral info is funny--give away all body parts possible and cremate the rest.

Enough of that.

They also (going back to painting) painted the basement steps. Which are still wet. Realized that I can't get to the beer! Or laundry! This could be interesting. Oh well. I'll be dry and stinky (ha ha ha).

Won't go into what the not-too-with-it-consultant did to me (and everyone else ) last week except to say that M is going to have words with him on Monday. This is something you DO NOT want to experience, ever. And the people he made miserable are sure to call M's boss, it was that irritating. I tried to stop it, and succeeded the second time. Was too nice/in shock the first time. It's very difficult to accept that someone I went to school with and knew for as many years as I did turned out this way (M called him a plagarist and worse things) but have to admit that this is how it is. Can't deal with a situation unless it's recognized for what it is. But man, it's hard. Very hard.

In our line of work, we have to be quiet and collect evidence. No we are not detectives or police, but it's similar work in that sense. This fellow's talents are in the opposite field, he likes to analyze and brainstorm. It is very difficult for him to be quiet. He wants to get in there and talk, offer his views. You can't do that! It contaminates the evidence, intimidates the interviewee-- it's the worst thing that you can do. And is highly unethical. I shouldn't have to explain that to someone who's been prequalified in this field, is a partner in a company working in this field, and is getting paid more than half my annual salary to do this one task. M will do this explaining on Monday (There are too many personal ties between us for me to do this. Besides, M is the boss and he can be much more stern that I can). It's like a doctor telling a patient how he feels without taking his vital signs. Argh.

Enough of that.

Sorry I haven't been visiting lately, this is the first day I've had a computer in a while thanks to the painting mess. Will do the rounds this weekend. Hope that you're all happy, healthy and consultant-free.

I swear, next time I hire someone, they will have been born within the same decade as I (be more sympathetic to what I can/can't do on my own)! Not that their work wasn't excellent, it is/was. They just left me with more to do on my own than I can manage. Am not 20 anymore, lol.

Love you guys!!

Bridg

p.s. the Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is a little put out at not being able to access her vacation home (the basement) but somehow adapted quite well to the painters being here. They must have paid quite a bit of attention to her. Brat. Mom's very happy and healthy, going to brunch and grocery shopping today.

Year (HA! Life!) of the Cat

2006-05-25T06:34:00.000-04:00

Hola amigos! Sorry didn't post last night, spent most of it cat-napping, waking up not knowing what day or hour it was. Very disappointed that it wasn't Saturday and that had to face another day of interviewing folks with a rather dim consultant. This is someone I went to high school with. Although a perfectly nice person, he's convinced that (a) I can do all the note taking (b) the interviews are his opportunity to do a sales job and chat up the interviewee (they don't have any real work to do, do they?) and (c) deadline-schmedline! Had to read him the riot act about doing his own work, several times. I hate doing that. In the last interview, with a very very senior person (literally right under CEO), I had to look at my watch several times, shoulder him to the door, and practically shove him through it after 45 minutes. This.man.is.clueless. And he's a 'partner' in the firm which appears to have one person in it. As the manager of this project, I should not have to do this. Instead of saving me work, he is creating plenty of it (for me). And we are paying him to do this. Argh.

A friend from another department asked me about this company (Dimwit's) later in the same afternoon, just wondering who they are, how well they work. Gee, what do you think I said? And this is how reputations are made and lost. Not to brag, but I'm used as a reference a lot in this business (which is a small field) and I don't lie. Can't afford to. The biggest names in this field are very respectful of the time constraints of people they do business with. It's one of the main constraints of senior executives, and they are very grateful for that courtesy, simple as it sounds.

On another note, went to the lawyer's after work, got the will business started. Yea me. Another big burden off my shoulders, although this guy did try to give me a hard time about all my bequests. I just smiled at him until he gave up trying to hassle me. So he'll charge me extra (see next para).

Then got home. It is still standing, painting mostly going well. Except the staircase hallway (light yellow). The wall color is great, the trim color is the nastiest McBurger yellow you've ever seen. Literally lemon yellow. No way am I living with that, I don't care if they charge me extra to change it (Bridg will be living under a bridge at this rate, but .....) so I called the head paint guy in a panic last night to fix/change things. He said he'd take care of it. Needs to be pale, soft yellow. Whew. Man that was a shock. Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is suprisingly/disturbingly comfy living in her basement quarters these days. Probably hosting cat parties down there.

Mom doing quite well and happy (hoping not to jinx it by saying that). No word from angry bees, but that'll be the case for months/years. Feeling quite peaceful /relieved about that, frankly.

At least it's sunny. And allegedly warm. Made copies of the key to the house, so the painters can come and go without my having to be here (that is a good thing, right?).

Will start visiting you blog-wise soon, right now it's all I can do to get through a day without strangling Dimwit. We have to do so many interviews in a day it's truly disturbing. And draining. The maximum is usually three per day and I think we're up somewhere around double that for the next 2-3 weeks. Hey it keeps us off the streets (snicker). M is having troubles of his own. He's doing the interviews in French, plus they changed his computer (would not let them touch mine) and it isn't letting him do the most simple operations. Poor man. I knew that would happen. Know how Dilbert calls those people (IM/IT) the Information Preventers? He wasn't far off. No offense to any of you who work in that field..it's just the place that I work in...we have the worst set up. I am sure that Dogbert invented it. Really.

OK off to the salt mines.

Hugs, Bridg

Just A Song Before I Go

2006-05-23T23:57:00.000-04:00

Tonight's post is just a quickie, world. Left the house in trepidation--these were YOUNG folk I'd never met. Leaving the house unlocked with three young strangers....gives you a strange feeling. Thank heaven the contractor at work is such a screw up. Kept me hopping all day.

But when I got home, the Bell Sympatico guy was waiting for me! YAY didn't have to wait long. The problem was the trees in the park behind my garden yard were blocking the signal, so they just moved the dish up some more (higher on the roof). Problem solved. Then I got to look at the paint colors. WOW I done good! They're fantastic. About 2-3 more days' worth of work to be done tho. And some idiot left a window wide open One without a screen---, so now I"m hosting a JUNE BUG in here EWWWWWWW. Will make them (the painters) track it down and kill it since they let it in. GROSS.

Mom and her lady pals went to the theatre, loved it, had champagne. Love seeing them have fun. Sigh. Life can be good, even if June bugs are involved.

Night world, sleep meds are taking effect, Bridg is crashing. Just had to bring y'all up to speed.
Love you to bits (except you June bugs out there). MWAH!!

Bridg

Up!

2006-05-22T17:46:00.000-04:00

Gotta love Shania Twain, right world? We played a fair bit of her on Saturday.

The painter guys phoned this a.m. Guess what, they're coming to paint tomorrow. Well, they missed the boat for Dar's first visit (grrr) but well, it has to be done. They suggested placing The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe in the basement for the day. This.should.be fun, but will save me $$s not booking her into the vet's. I mean fairly significant savings ($15+ per day, plus begging and pleading for them to take her in the first place, having her complain and pee all the way there--20-30 minute drive, plus being late for work on a very busy week, etc.). OK let's go. Still, she ain't gonna like this.

I only have one key for the place, which I will have to leave with them. They promised not to leave the house, not even for lunch. Am worried but what are my options? Oh well, as long as the cat doesn't escape. So spent the day today taking things down off of the walls, putting away breakables (like I did for Molly Maids). The painters are moving the furniture around. Paid a lot extra for this but no way am I doing it (think bookcases, lotsa books, very full filing cabinet, etc.). Hope the colors I picked look OK.

Got the mail/bills/banking done today too. Gotta love a long weekend. Some day, actually relaxing would be nice. This singles lifestyle is killing me (nudge wink). So what did YOU guys do??

The Bell Sympatico (satellite) machine called my answering machine on Friday night to confirm the appointment to repair whatever killed my TV. The appointment is for tomorrow. The two machines got into an argument. It's really funny to hear the Bell machine asking my answering machine "are you still there? Please pick an option". Then it called back again and went through the same routine. Think I'd better call them tomorrow. Have not had TV for a week. Thank heavens I have DVDs. Adding insult to injury, got a bill from Sympatico, even though the first three months are supposed to be free and I haven't had TV for a week. Will definitely be giving them some umm feedback tomorrow about that.

Wonder if things are ever going to go smoothly again? Probably. Just not now! For the next few weeks, am doing almost nothing but interviews with a rather hapless consultant. Not happy about this at all, but hey. It's a distraction from the family front. At least the house will look nice.

Good thing they finally fixed my meds, huh?

Rolling on floor laughing...

Happy holiday, all!!!

Hugs, Bridg

Walkin' On Sunshine

2006-05-21T12:42:00.000-04:00

Hola world, tho in Ottawa there's isn't much sun literally this past week!

My dear friends just left and I miss them already. They are the best company, and I don't like company usually. They are the same about visiting, I think. We had the best visit. Dar is just as great, if not better, in person than on the phone. I.love.that.lady. She and GI are definitely a real, terrific couple (not one of those fake ones)--they even tap their feet together! It is the sweetest thing. I love the way that they lean in towards each other and they don't even know that they do it. And the way that they shared food at the restaurant. Sigh. Too bad that more people aren't like that.....but it's enough that these two are.

Love talking with these guys. Love BEING with these guys. It was just heaven. And The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe? That little (umm) character! All over GI. I mean ALLLLL over the man. Petting his leg! Purring at him!! It was unbelievable. She doesn't treat ME anywhere near that well. Kinda cute....she got worried when Dar left the room to take a shower. Followed her with her eyes and you could see that Smokey was considering following poor Dar into the bathroom...I really do not entertain so she was kind of puzzled at first I guess. But boy she adapted fast!

They loved the house, liked the bed...even liked the car. I love them. Am just so happy that everything went well and want them back really soon. They are just such terrific people. Want nothing but the best for them and am so grateful and happy that they're in my life. And Dar!! We both (actually all three) love shopping! Have the same attitude towards money, life and people! Same sense of humor! And family/friends. It is fabulous being around other people who finally get it/me. Like living with ohhh say Latvians all my life, and finally meeting people who speak my language! Nice ones!! WOW!!

OK must be gushing/blithering. Am just so happy.

Off to nap. Sorry if this is boring...just wanted to keep you up to speed, world.

Bridg (in heaven)

UPDATE

Took Mom out to Swiss Chalet for dinner. Needless to say neither of us had a drink (ha ha ha) but dinner was healthy and lovely. Mom said that The Other One (formerly known as Sis) told her that she and Boy Wonder (The former Bro) were ganging up against me. Bless her, even with her failing memory, Mom said, wait a minute. This new partner of yours (Boy Wonder) against your sister? I have some news for you about him. When you (the former Sis) were going to lend me (Mom) money to buy a condominium, Boy Wonder insisted that I get this in writing because he didn't trust you to be honest about it once I died. She (the former Sis) was astonished and horrified. Dumbstruck.

Kind of reminds me of that song, The Snake, that came out in the 1960's: "...oh shut up, pretty woman, hissed the snake with a vicious grin. You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in".

Be that as it may--they can sort it out amongst themselves. Might take years, who cares--not my problem anymore.

Brought Mom up to speed re my will. Am getting a proper one done on Wednesday with GI and Jery being my two power of attorney types. If Mom does not outlive me, all my assets are going to the nephews/niece through them (some assets to GI/Dar and Jer, as well as Peggy, Doris, Pauly and M). Mom was quite happy with all that. No muss, no fuss, no fighting--the fighting types are out of the picture and it's all legal and above board. This lawyer is one who specializes in Canada-U.S. stuff. Not that any is necessarily involved. *sigh of relief*.

OK time for brekkie.

Love ya, world!

Hugs, Bridg

59th Street Bridg(e) Song

2006-05-20T12:06:00.002-04:00

Well, world, the house is about as clean as it's gonna get. Found Sens T shirts and it wasn't easy. And it's noon. I give the place about an hour for the roof to collapse before GI and Dar get here around 2:00. That would be par for me. Laundry and groceries are done (gasp!), dishes too, can't do the yard weeding --it's raining too hard. Would rather have prize winning dandelions than stupid looking hair. OK stupider looking hair. Tub's scrubbed, sheets changed...la de dah think it's all done.

Time for a nap. Have been up since 4:00. This morning person stuff is killing me.

Hey the sun just came out. So thaaaat's what it looks like. Nice.

Asked GI if he'd be my power of attorney for medical stuff and Jer for everything else. Both agreed. Jer asked if I'd be his. Of course I agreed. Yay it feels great to get this off my back. Am seeing a lawyer about a real will on Tuesday night. Just realized that that is the night for the satellite guys and will have to change it damn. Oh well. Point is, am moving fast on this stuff. Want to make sure that GI/Dar get the car and that Jer/GI get my music stuff...rest goes to Mom/nephews. I have seen enough money-grubbing to gag a maggot lately (siblings). Like most of us, am worth more (hmmm how to put this gracefully) not breathing than breathing. Because of the oddities of fate (well for now), the worth is a bit surprising. So I want to be extra sure that things go where they should. There will be fighting involved and I want to head that off by protecting the ones who won't protect themselves. Good thing I noticed it now while something can be done about it.

Enough of that. Time for relaxing, frivolity and general nonsense.

Catch ya later, world.

MWAH!!

Bridg

p.s. can you believe it, GI and Jer are already talking guitars at each other through me? I love this.

Dedicated to Mel (Thanks Sweetie!!)

2006-05-19T23:01:00.000-04:00

Mel, at Ocean of Reality (ha! It is Ocean of Love right now!!) sent this a few days ago. Terrific list.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BUT PROBABLY DON'T

1. Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper.
3. The dot over the letter i is called a "tittle".
4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller.
6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.
7. 315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled (don'tcha just love that one?)
8. The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He was albino.
9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.
10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
11. Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces will kill a small sized dog. 12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).
14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.
16. Upper and lower case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.
17. Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time, hence, multi-tasking was invented.
18. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
19. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.
20. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before!
21. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange, purple, and silver!
22. Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa's lips (c'mon--10 years?????).
23. A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly go mad and sting itself to death.
24. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original "Halloween" was a Captain Kirk's mask painted white.
25. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar (good to know.)26. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can't sink in quicksand (and you thought this list was completely useless.)
27. The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb (I absolutely hate that one).
28. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At that time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
29. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It's the same with apples!
30. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!
31. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
32. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.
33. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.
34. George Carlin said it best about Martha Stewart. "Boy, I feel a lot safer now that she's behind bars. O. J. Simpson and Kobe Bryant are still walking around; Osama Bin Laden too, but they take the ONE woman in America willing to cook, clean, and work in the yard, and they haul her butt off to jail."

I Wanna Be A Cowboy...(well, sorta)

2006-05-19T22:56:00.000-04:00

Sorry folks, I wasn't gonna post this but just can't help it. It's too damn funny.

Top Ten Old West Phrases That Will Never Sound The Same After That Damned Gay Cowboy Movie (Brokeback Mountain)

1. "I'm gonna pump you fulla lead!"
2. "Give me a stiff one, barkeep!"
3. "Don't fret---I've been in tight spots before."
4. "Howdy, pardner."
5. You stay here while I sneak around from behind."
6. Two words: "Saddle Sore."
7. "Hold it right there! Now, move your hand, reeeal slow-like."
8. "Let's mount up!"
9. "Nice spread ya got there!"
10. "Ride'em cowboy!"

Thanks, Vic....I think..

All I Want For Christmas (Is You)

2006-05-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

Still have that @#$^ song in my head from Love Actually!

Hey world, how was your Friday before a long weekend? It clouded over here but so what? Have never worked as hard as I did today. And don't remember what got done but it was a lot. You'd laugh if you could see the technology we have to contend with at work, world. It doesn't want us to work, or if we do, it wants us to fail/look stupid. Think it was invented by Dogbert. For example, I had to schedule a lot of interviews today, and won't be in on a lot of them (aka, 'managing'). With this system, when that happens, the system does not record the interviews on my computer, not even as 'sent mail' or 'trash'. So I can't coordinate any of the meetings that I'm setting up.

Likelihood that I've double-booked? Pretty damn high. Thanks, computer land (the system is GroupWise). One must laugh....Got 11 done before I got too thoroughly concerned and stopped. At least five more to go, then about another thirty in a completely different class. The contractor, whose job this is in the first place, can take it from here. I had to do this rapidly, that is how fast people get booked in this organization. Minutes count. ARGH.

This study has to be finished, as in recommendations done, by end of June. To my knowledge, which is pretty complete, this is record time. It's also not an option NOT to meet the deadline, have been told this several times by M's boss. Not sure I want to know what that means if I don't meet it.

On the bright(er) side, M is working very hard. And doing well. And the kids are doing great too. They are so good. And fun to be around.

Tried to get some Sens shirts for Dar and GI but the place was closed by the time I got there. Will try again tomorrow a.m. Wimps went home at 7:30. No wonder they lost.

It looks as if this place was never dusted, and just how did all this stuff that needs to be dusted get into here in the first place? Maybe blindfolds aren't such a bad idea, hmmmm. Nah too kinky. Besides with my luck everyone'd just wind up grabbing my fat. (ROFL).

Speaking of which, time for dinner, then dusting.

Night world, will post after the visit....or when panic sets in (as if it hasn't already! To quote Rocky Horror Picture Show: "Madness....takes its toll..........") *grin*

Hugs, Bridg

Fire (the Pointer Sisters' version)

2006-05-19T06:49:00.000-04:00

Another cool angel card that's right on. These things are spooky but soo reassuring. And they just show up in the e mail from 01angels Yahoo groups. Thanks Margie....

FIRE

This is truly an action card. Fire up your adrenaline and get going. What are you waiting for? Remove any obstacles and go forward. Allow a living brilliance to awaken in you and tend it carefully. Let the fire spark new interests. Get in touch with your burning desires and manifest them in your life. Yet keep in mind, a fire out of control can be destructive. Get jazzed. Let your light shine. Allow your spirit to be free. Perhaps it is time to light the flame of love? This is often a card of purification, for clearing and cleansing body, mind and spirit. See it as a shedding of negativity. Sometimes when this card is drawn there is suppressed anger in a situation that needs to be expressed in a constructive way. We all have our fire to walk through. Life sometimes brings great challenges. Often the fire card can precede a difficult situation, a hot spot. It is encouraging you to move away from the heat so you can see more clearly. Being aware helps you get through the danger with the least amount of pain and hurt. Look at the larger picture. Perhaps you are being pushed out of your comfort zone for a reason.

Wicked, huh?

Happy Friday, all!!

Love, Bridg

Drift Away

2006-05-18T21:28:00.000-04:00

Oh world, I hope that your day was as great as mine was!

Weather wise it still sucks here (rained for about the third or fourth day in a row). Have not had TV for three or four days. There is something wrong with either my satellite dish or a connection somewhere, and I can't get a service person here till Tuesday night AND have GI and Dar here on Saturday-Sunday (but that's OK we're really not TV folks anyway--there will be WAY too much talking going on).

Have been working my tail off at work and the barriers continue to melt away like snow. M's boss is much more engaged through M, who is finally giving the man the treatment and respect he deserves. And the man is coming through with the class and creativity that continues to astonish...right when we need him. It.is.amazing. And humbling. This means that things are going well.

The kids are off getting trained. I can't wait to see them tomorrrow. In the meantime we're doing all kinds of work at all different levels but it's all great. M's boss is happy, I'm thrilled, M is gainfully employed and learning. He is no manager, I regretfully admit, but he's trying hard and things are moving. MUCHO faster than before. Thank you Up There.

Even got laundry done!

Watched Love Actually (since I don't have TV) for the four billionth time tonight. MAN I love that movie!!!! OK it's predictable and a typical date movie but who cares. GI looks a lot like Colin Firth (older version) but it's the whole romance of the movie...I just love that thing. And the women in it are so gorgeous too. Even the little kid (the one that sings). Holy crabfish what a movie. GI said that Dar is in love with Colin Firth, and I said "Well, she should! She married him". He expected her to laugh when he told her that but she agreed. I grinned when he told me that. Silly man doesn't know his own strengths. I'm so glad they have each other. They are just so right. Hard to explain this feeling, but do you know how often nice guys wind up with witchy females? Well, it didn't happen this time, and it makes my heart smile. Just grin from ear to ear.
This isn't a recent marriage either. 27 years. Have no right to be but am so proud of the two of them.

I.am.such.a.girl. Who knew?

OK OK enough gushing. Am playing "What About Bob" now for a change of pace. Will have to watch 'The Blues Brothers' to get completely back to normal. Or is that 'back to completely normal'? Or is there any such thing for Bridg? Who cares, it feels great.

Wishing you all the same lovely warm feeling I have tonight, world. Peace, love and content. No matter how bad things are, there's peace in there somewhere and I hope you feel it.

Love you all, Bridg

Holy Moses,(What're Ya Tryin' To Do To Me!)

2006-05-18T06:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the Intro, Elton John!

World, look at today's Angel card!! Sweeet!!! Especially the last few lines.

Baby Angel on the Lotus

This baby Angel appears in unspoiled innocence and speaks to you of new life, renewed hope and second chances. Her energy is everlasting renewal. She is the promise of so much more to come. She brings with her the eternal gift of love. She asks that you look closely for the tiny treasures, the little everyday miracles. See them as though for the first time through kind and gentle eyes. She represents the child within whose divine right is to be cherished unconditionally. Revealed within the origins of the lotus plant is great symbology. The lotus drops its seeds into the darkest mud. Yet with the first stirrings of renewed life, it seeks the light. With intense determination it transcends the muck, then the muddy water to burst forth a beauty with the world. As the baby Angel rests within the petals she is comfortable with who she is. She is pure joy and innocence, eagerly experiencing each new moment. Be comfortable with who you are. Honor that being and do not try to be who you are not. It is far too great a sacrifice

WOW, Nothing else to add to that.

Have a wonderful day, world.

Love ya to bits, Bridg

Got Gas?

2006-05-17T22:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks Peter (I think)!!!

Asked the clerk for $5.00 worth of gas.

So he farts at me and stuck his hand out.

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

2006-05-17T22:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks Vic (you angel you!)

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT BEFORE, IT WILL DEFINITELY MAKE YOUR DAY. IF YOU HAVE SEEN IT BEFORE, IT WILL DEFINITELY RE-MAKE YOUR DAY.

*+*(((! ((*+*>>>>>>

An older couple is lying in bed one morning. They had just awakened from a good night's sleep. He takes her hand and she responds, "Don't touch me." "Why not?" he asked. She answered, "Because I'm dead." The husband asked "What are you talking about? We're both lying here in bed together and talking to one another!" She said, "No, I'm definitely dead." He insisted, "You are not dead. What in the world makes you think you're dead?" "Because I woke up this morning and nothing hurts."

And now for some one liners.....

Remember... Once you get over the hill, you'll begin to pick up speed.

I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put some in the food.

If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.

Whatever hits the fan...Will Not Be Evenly Distributed.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some, like me, just don't have any film.

I always know...God won't give me more than I can handle. There are times I just wish He didn't trust me quite so much.

Dogs Have Owners ~ Cats Have Staff

If the shoe fits... buy a pair in every color.

Never be too open-minded, your brains may fall out.

Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian. Not any more than standing in a garage makes you a car

Bills travel through the mail...at twice the speed of checks.

If you look like your passport picture...you probably need the trip.

Some days are a total waste of makeup.

Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.

Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

Learn from the mistakes of others. Trust me... you can't live long enough to make them all yourself. I've tried!!

Have A Wonderful Day!!

TAKE A MOMENT AND LIVE

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

2006-05-17T17:10:00.000-04:00

YEA Aretha!! Originally thought of Off My Cloud as a title but really don't care for the Stones(d).

Saw my shrink today. Also got a world of stuff done and it's all good at the office but the real treat was the good doc.

First, she made me read that crap out loud. Her take on them was really funny and a HUGE relief:

1-Someone has anger issues and it isn't me.
2-That kind of hostility takes years and years to build up. It has very little to do with the
immediate circumstances. And whatever it is, it isn't my problem. It's theirs.
3-Here's the good part--I knew that (used to have no boundaries, so this is really good).
4-She thought that I should show that stuff to a lawyer. I said nahhhh, I am not seeing these
people, ever/for a long long time. She thinks that is a great idea (not seeing them).
5-I asked if I have that caretaker burnout stuff. She said probably.
6-Mentioned that bit about M, GI and I being strong, good people and somehow have noticed
that this can create hostile reactions in insecure people (Mr. B for example, or Cain and Able if
you want to get biblical. She nodded vigorously). Don't know why this is, it just is. Don't care
either.

Also said that if Mom died tomorrow (knocking wood) that I would not go to the funeral. We are a very small family, just us siblings (and Aunt L/Uncle J). Funerals are for the living, and would not give a rat's *ss about who I'd see there so why go? Asked if that was horrible/hard/bad of me. She said no, under the circumstances it was natural. I don't want anything of Mom but her love and already have that, and she has mine and she knows it.

Won't desert her, still talk to her on the phone, will continue what we do now, just not when THEY are around (heh heh heh as if that's a lot). Very simple.

My meds are fine. It's odd that The Other One accused me of being nuts/unstable, when both she and the Boy Wonder have lost or almost lost jobs over the years because of the hostile ways that they treat people. My staff and managers love me. Remarkable. Sometimes when working with very powerful people, there's a tendency to over-identify with them (becoming overbearing, overagressive, feeling omniscient/omnipotent, etc.) and then there's the whole fear thing...oh man I could analyze this forever. But there is no point in doing that because I have been trying to be nice to and jolly up these angry bees up for years. And officially gave up on that last night forever.

This is boundary talk and am so very pleased that my doctor agrees that I'm doing the right thing. So does Dr. GI, my oldest pal Jer, my wise pal Pauly (these people would tell me if I'm full of it, they are not PC and have done so in the past. And even if THAT failed, there is NO way the doc would be gentle with me).

Do any of you remember the rock opera Tommy? "I'm Free" is thundering in my head. I.am.not.kidding. This is a relief. I love my Mom but won't miss the need to cajole, molify, balance...holy crap what have I been doing all this time?

Maybe the wrong thing after all.

Sorry for the psychoanalytical babble. Will be back to smartassery in no time, folks.

This was the bubble bursting (in a nice way). Bridg is very relieved.....hugs to all!! Well OK except 2 and they're not here!!!

MWAH!

Bridg

I Owe You

2006-05-16T21:24:00.000-04:00

Isn't that a pretty song, world?

Anyway, as Jer said today, it's amazing how the angels are lining up. When GI came back into my life, or was it vice versa, I was certain that he/Dar needed a kidney or something. Hey it isn't like I don't have perfectly useful body parts! But lo and behold everything starts going nuts in MY life! AND he diagnoses me with something I didn't know I had (hmmmm). Then things start going a haywire both at work and at home and not only are GI and Dar the wonderful strong darlings they are, JER rescues me back. And co-incidentally there's a ladies' dinner with longtime pal and angel Doris!! On the night I need to see her sweet loving face the most (tonight)!! Thank.You.Lord. Have been hearing songs that mean a lot to me all day today on other people's radios. It's the sweetest thing.

And look at what friend Bob O in California sends me. He has no idea what's been going on, this is just one of his rare e mails, which are usually jokes. Thought I'd share it with you all since it's (a) ironic and (b) darn cool:

I believe- That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe- That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a
while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe- That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for
true love.

I believe- That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe- That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It maybe the last time
you see them.

I believe- That you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe- That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe- That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe- That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and
there had better be something else to take its place.

I believe- That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe- That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe- That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I believe- That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones
to help you get back up.

I believe-That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I believe- That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what
you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe- That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to
forgive yourself.

I believe- That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are
responsible for who we become.

I believe- That just because two people argue doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just
because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe- That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe- That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe- That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know
you.

I believe- That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to
you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe- That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe- That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

To this I would add one more,

I believe- That it's nice to be important, but more important to be nice because people may not
remember what you did--but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Buenos noches (sorry for the spelling), world.
Bridg

Season Of The Witch

2006-05-15T19:19:00.000-04:00

Geez world, I can't spell for beans.

Today was another gallop through the manure pile. Did manage to pull it off. But the manure's at ear level. Lovely in the springtime...

That was nothing compared to the good ole fam, tho.

Left a message for Bro last night with Son # 2 that Mom's staircase work, which he insisted on doing, was a screaming emergency at this point. Not because Mom got bombed at dinner (allegedly due to Sons # 1 and #2 pouring the wine) but because IF Bro had arranged to get the work done in MARCH as he was supposed to have done, Mom could have used her stairlift to get upstairs, no problem. He didn't. So, problem.

Mom advised me today that Bro is p*ssed with me because I dared leave that message with son #2. Hey it was my fault he wasn't home???

My reading: Bro feels guilty.

Good. He should.

I called tonight to clarify with Bro what the message was. Nicely and cheerfully. Got lots of attitude and monosyllabic answers.

Ask me how much I care.

The survival ratefor broken hips in seniors is five to six years. Broken necks? You guys know the answer to that. Zero. So he can scratch his mad place for all I care.

Decided with Mom that the thing to do is install the curved stairlift now (instead of removing half of her staircase, straightening the stairs, then installing a straight stairlift). No more delays. Called Sis to see if she wants to be there when we (Mom and I) talk to the installer for the second time.

Well.

Mom apparently had told Sis that Bro HAD already obtained the construction estimates, etc. as requested (not true, BTW). Sis accused me of going of half cocked 'just because Mom got drunk', etc. etc. Then she gets into the act, calling Mom, then Bro, tonight.

I.am.sick.of.all.of.them.

Talked to Mom. Advised her of what she'd done in misinforming Sis, and how concerned I am about her slipping mentally by saying all this stuff. And that I am 10 minutes away from never speaking to any of the three of them ever again (like my other Bro, the one who's married to S. I am dead serious, and she knows it). Bro has power of attorney, and he probably needs to exercise it now, as I am beginning to be convinced that she is not able to make decisions in her own interests any more.

Also, Sis and Bro either have no idea or don't care how serious Mom's problems are.

So.

I just called and arranged for Mom's health care worker to substitute His Highness (Bro) as the main contact for Mom instead of me. Am sure that this is a major part of Bro's repeated failures to act on his own Mom's behalf. Heather (the health care worker) will call me later on to discuss (spoke with her husband to leave the message). Bro has always jokingly resented my being the main contact. OK let's see how this works. I'm sure they'll call me anyway (as back-up). Bro's one of those people who revels in being unreachable/very busy/volunteer of the year, that kinda guy.

Sis has her own issues (melanoma) and very bad judgement to deal with. But I can't carry the weight for everyone and deal with Mom's acting AGAINST her own interests. What the hell am I supposed to do now? All of them are attacking me and dammit Mom's doing the same thing in her own gentle loving way.

I.give.up.

Mom said that SHE would take care of the stair thing. I doubt it very much but am sick to death of all of them, and WWIII at work. This has been going on for weeks and I can't handle all of them at once.

Any ideas, world? Mom says that she loves me, I'm her best friend, yadda yadda yadda. And she wants me to calm down. Frankly I think she wants out and this is a great way to do it. I know her better than I know myself. The other two are so 'busy' in their own little worlds it's easier for them to dump stuff onto me, and then swarm up like angry bees when something like this happens (against me, naturally)....I'm so fed up and tired.

The hell with all of them.

Talk me out of feeling like this.

Please? I am so fed up with them I want a divorce, at least from the bossy, dog-in-the-manger, know-nothing, never at a loss for an opinion (but chronically short of facts) siblings. I love my Mom and do my best to help her. Always, not just when it's convenient. Sh*theads.

Boy that feels better. Thanks for reading. I promise to be nicer tomorrow. On a different topic.

Love Bridg

UPDATE

Last night I sent a copy of this post to both siblings, ending with the 'talk me out of feeling like this' part. Got a 'divorce' from Bro this a.m. in very crude terms that ended with "you are dead to me". Typical dimestore drama. Know something? It's a relief. Sad for Mom, but a relief. At least the dog-in-the-manger competition's gone. Sent a copy of his diatribe to Sis and am expecting the same nonsense from her.

Ahhh spring.

The Sweetest Thing Part Deux/Happy Mothers' Day

2006-05-14T17:11:00.000-04:00

Hi world, happy Mothers' Day and I love you all!

Just had my second visit with GI. Yes he stayed overnight and yes we behaved.

Of course.

Really.

He and his wife are visiting next weekend. Am having Jer over too and I hope he doesn't forget. I want/need to get these guys together.

It was a wonderful, magical time. Had another multihour dinner (three). Saw a table nearby with three elegant older folks who looked to be in their late 70s, early 80s. Two ladies who sat side by side and a gentleman. As I left to 'powder my nose', I pointed them out to GI and said 'think ahead a few years'. Poor man, I think I gave him a heart attack. But they just made my heart swell.

Talked about everything and anything. Was curious about who else he dated, so he told me. Along with that came the story of university, med school, how he met his wife, etc. It was lovely. Guess my story sort of accompanied that but he already knew a lot of it anyway. We drove by what used to be the grocery store where we met in 1970-1971 and the place where my family used to live (where he'd walk me home). The sun was setting, it was sooooooo cool. And the neighborhood was of course older but nice. Except someone had planted some big honking flagpole (complete with big honking flag) right in the middle of the front yard (of a semi detached house) which looked silly, but....as faults go, no biggie. It was so sweet. Then we went 'home' and looked at photo albums, played Simon and Garfunkle/Style Council and drank Fosters (but only 2 each). Stayed up till 1.

Know I snored (oh I'm so CLASSY!) because I woke up with a dry mouth. Class act that GI is, he swore that he didn't hear it. I made him shut his door, mine was shut too. The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe would not have let either of us sleep had she been able to invade either bedroom, so mutually closed doors were the order of the night. Fortunately, it was so cold I got to wear winter pjs. The summer ones make the weight situation look far worse than it already is.

I bet you guys are rolling around on the ground laughing, right? Well go ahead I do not blame you at all. It is hilarious.

He is with the right woman. Things happen for the best, for the right reason. My heart's at peace, his is too. Has been all along. I love them both so damn much. Am so very proud of him. And her. Not sure that I have any right at all to feel this way but don't care. That's the way it is, dammit. They're very fine people and I"m proud that they're my friends. As some of you might have noticed from my comments about other friends, I tend to keep people in my life for very long periods of time (um like elementary school buds are still there? I"m 54 years old? Yah like that). These two are the most special of all the special people I know. So are Peggy, Jery, Pauly Doris, Scott/Keanu Reeves (now nicknamed Chief Biscuit) and Ray. Have not forgotten any of youse guys. Each of you in a unique way for very different reasons.

Great now I'm tearing up again.

Happy Mothers' Day everyone. Please kiss or hug your Mom, or if you can't, someone's Mom who needs one. K?

Love you, Bridg

UPDATE:

Dinner was fabulous. All nine of us showed up on time. The wait staff was the best and a superb time was had by all. I tipped 25%--they more than earned it. Mom got bombed on two glasses of wine at dinner, and that scared the living daylights out of me/all of us. She could not walk, stand or anything else. Made her promise not to attempt the stairs at her house for several hours. At her age (77), a broken hip is a very serious thing. Brought her her nighttime meds and a drink of water, made sure that the cat was fed. Left a message for Bro that it is time to get the stairs done NOW-- it is a four alarm screaming emergency. No more 'yah, this should happen some time soon' and forgetting it stuff (this has been going on for several weeks, and it was urgent according to her health care worker then). Told Mom that either the stairs get done pronto or she's into a retirement home, and I don't mean 'someday'.

Sorry that this happened today of all days but she scared the living daylights out of me. Since Bro's too busy to handle this, I will.

It's always the women in this family who get things done. Drives me nuts.

Sorry for the griping....Bridg

SECOND UPDATE:

Realized what caused Mom's problem last night. I had the same thing with my first bout of anorexia in the last 1970s (lost a fair chunk of weight quickly, went to a friend's house for dinner. Had two drinks, and wound up passing out in the bathroom). That's what happened to Mom. Not all that much alcohol, but she has lost a lot of weight. She keeps saying that she's fat (an anorexic thing)--she is NOT fat-- and the alcohol hit her like a ton of bricks. Aha. This doesn't take the weight off of Bro/the stair thing at all, tho. It just possibly explains what happened. Mom's telling her doctor about this at next visit....

Re Last Week

2006-05-13T14:58:00.000-04:00

2006-05-12T23:40:00.000-04:00

One Embarrassed News GuyThanks Geo!!!

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Dedicated to Dar

2006-05-12T23:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks Peter T! Hey since these things are just big vibrators, that means that this guy got....oh never mind.....

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Stillwater Morning

2006-05-12T21:03:00.000-04:00

Hey world! Thank you all for your kind comments and welcome home.

Am waking up to how things went wrong at work. Remembered an old word.

Co-dependent.

Oh yah, that one.

Can't blame M entirely for not doing his job, although he didn't. It isn't that black and white. Am glad (sorta) that I got verbally b*tch-slapped by M's boss, it's about the only thing that would have woken me up and gotten things back on the rails. Heaven knows M wouldn't/couldn't have done that.

Back at the old job, M said that he loves/loved me. I know he did, and it was mutual. It started off on his part, I think, as a mind f*ck and wound up somewhere else. We're waaaay too much alike, 'separated at birth' as he put it. And on and on goes the psychodrama as his current boss put it went--(high turnover, high pressure, blah blah blah) and presto, a very highly co-dependent relationship was born with both of us defending/supporting the other. Mind you, it isn't like we both weren't being constantly unfairly attacked by Mr. B. But that's in the past.

The same pattern started emerging over here at the new job. Not that the current boss is anything like Mr. B, far from it. The conditions are light years better. Yet the closeness between Bridg and M led M to start getting sloppy. Spend weeks on what should have taken at most an hour to do. Worked on a hobby at the ofice because Bridg did his job (a big no no on her part). The kids saw it, so did everyone else. I said zip about it but it was f*cking obvious anyway. And the more it went on (i.e. the more I enabled him) the lazier and the more brazen he got. The bolder and the more arrogant he got with his own boss, until the man finally stood up and said ENOUGH to the one person who he knew would fix it.

Me.

And he did it in a way he knew would get action fast.

OK OK OK I get it, I fixed it, we're back on track.

And we are too. The boss dropped by at the end of the day just as we were discussing a key issue that needed his input. He was delighted, sat down, listened to our (my) idea, agreed with the approach, and off we went. He mentioned/gave direction to M on other stuff, it was fabulous. And for once, M acted like a manager and employee. About f*cking time. This is a VERY important man that M has been treating like a clerk. I can't believe we aren't fired. And grateful. It's a measure of how good this man is that we aren't (yet).

I have stopped buying him (M) coffee, didn't eat lunch with him today..no socializing AT ALL(well very little, none that didn't involve work). This is a bit like separating two souls at the roots because we are so damn much alike and have worked side by side for years, but I don't care. The boundaries went up overnight and if I have to break both our butts to get him to behave and do his job so be it. I don't love him like that, he's got a job to do, so do I and I would no more hurt this office and the people in it than I would set my own house on fire.

He was behaving like a spoiled little kid and I enabled him.

Shame on me but it's fixed.

Most of you are wondering about the quick change in topic from GI to M? Don't be. M and GI are so unrelated. M, much as I care about him, and much as it pains me to write this, is highly intelligent and gorgeous. Women everywhere give him the eye. Think Richard Gere. Extremely smart. Manipulative. Womanizer. (sort-of) Married. Great sense of humor. Anything but innocent. On the selfish/self-centred side (I hate typing that). Have known him for a few years (2-3). His wife is a lovely and long suffering person. I like her very much.

GI I met in high school. Also intelligent and gorgeous in a Colin Firth way. Innocent as the day he was born. Sweet. If he's dated more than 10 women in his life I'd be astonished. VERY married. Great sense of humor (much like M's). Not in the least bit manipulative. The soul of integrity and honour. As is his wife. She is beautiful right down to her bones, funny--she makes me shake my head she is just so beautiful. They work together and I just love her and them. Know what I mean? It almost makes you cry they are so good. I wish that they'd had kids, they are the type of people that the world needs more of (OK I know that this grammar is bad). The last person in the world that he thinks of is himself. This might sound stupid and impulsive but if I had to give up my life for someone not related to me it would be these two without a second thought. It isn't just him, it's them.

Does this make sense? I wish I could introduce them to you. Hope this helps, world. This type of person/people is so rare. I'm glad they exist and have stumbled into others like them, but they are definitely at the far end of 'fine'. Think that the kids that I have the honour of working with will mature/grow into similar people. Sure hope so. Anything I can do to help them that way, I will.

Wonder if I'd had kids of my own if I'd be this kind of nurturing? Hmmm

Hoping I haven't bored you all to tears.....

Bridg

p.s. You know I love you guys, right?

p.s.p.s. The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is home. Her teeth are clean and one was pulled. YAY!!!!! Nagging (and eating) to begin tomorrow, we are sleeping off the anaesthetic right now. Thanks for all your prayers/good wishes, I know they helped. No word on Sis yet, I think she goes in for 'sentinal node' testing in 2-3 weeks. There is only one surgeon in Ottawa who does this stuff.

2006-05-12T06:39:00.000-04:00

Mothers' Day

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What The Man Said

2006-05-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

OK Hola world BOY did I miss you MWAH!!!

Firsties, it is nowhere NEAR as bad as I thought it was.

Well, it sure sounded bad (work). But I busted my butt making up for M's screw ups and today it all came through. In a good way, I mean.

Things are fine and dandy. Still employed. Good news (for Visa) financially. Mentally, well.....

Still can't tell you where I work, world, but will put it this way. If M's boss doesn't get down in the weeds details (which M thinks is micro manging), people die. A LOT of people die. Well, they can/could die, anyway. I pointed that out to him today, in front of the kids. The sad part is that the kids already knew it and were giving him little evil looks like "smarten up, idiot". But it was all good in the end. M's boss is happy, kids are thrilled that things are stable and that they know what's going on. I am happy but gave M the height of crap for days, M is happy that things are finally cleared up, I am relieved (but mad at both of them for not managing and mad at me for letting them do that to me). Told M that I'm mad at him for doing this to me, and that he has to manage from now on.

My buds are the best. Pauly only you know how much I love you. S you are better looking, smarter than Keanu Reeves and such a good pal. Geo who knew how good a bud you are. And GI what a stalwart you are and Dar too. Words fail me. Don't know what I did to deserve any of you, let alone all of you but whatever it was, I want to pass the blessings on.It's humbling. Most of all Mom for listening to me rant. I.love.you.all.to.bits. If I could die now would die very very happy. Oh yah I forgot. Right after I got yelled at--OK it wasn't yelling, I got sort of verbally b*tch slapped by M's boss. It wasn't fair, according to my shrink but was pretty effective. Had an appointment with her by co-incidence--she wanted to check my meds ROFL--half an hour after the verbal slapping. Burst into tears. She said she'd never seen me so bad (have been going there since 1990. Told me to take a month off.

OK this is bad. All the work is due in 6 weeks and it's never been done as far as I know in the history of our field, and we have a world class bad person doing one of these studies. And two great but new kids to do the work. And M, who really can't do this work. And two senior managers (see below) who HAVE to be in the weeds. And I'm gonna take off for a month????? And do what? Cry about my sister? Yah right. So it's lose or lose more. Either way I not only get screwed, I hurt people I care deeply about.

Called Pauly, who advised me to take a deep breath, see what happens the next few days. He makes infinite sense. Plus Pauly and D, a world famous consultant, think the world of the guy who bitch-slapped me. I do too. Just can't put these things together. So dragged my butt in there. Also talked to GI (think he called me to see what my shrink said about the Cushing's, which that day I called Crushing's by mistake. She concurred with his diagnosis pending the test data. He was delighted but horrified about the verbal slapping. Yet the talk we had and the Pauly talk did me a world of good). So went into work, determined to get this crap into order or die. Got it into order. Gave M marching orders. The kids were relieved and frankly things were pretty much under control among us, it was M and his boss who weren't talking to each other. This is my fault? No. So I get yelled at? Sh*t, I can't do EVERYONE'S job, but....oh well. Enough said. I set up meetings, gave M his marching orders. He took it well, we got things in order, ta da, everyone's happy and we''re on track.

Now.

Have been nauseated for days. Surprised? No.

Had to get in someone to fix the water heater (as you know), then a plumber to fix the pipe that leaked onto their precious water heater, then someone to fix the cables that run the phones and the computer (no computer for about a week ARGH), taking the cat to the vet, physiotherapy for whatever I did to my wrist and rotator cuff, GI coming here on Saturday (my pjs make me look even MORE like a cow than normal), and on it goes. Oh yah us singles have absolutely nothing to do. I mentioned Cushing's, right? My shrink concurs with GI. Am waiting for the test results to prove it. My 'normal' GP only ordered half of the tests he should have according to GI and my heart doctor/endochrinologist/superdoc. I could strangle that guy (the 'normal' GP). We'll get the REST of the tests he SHOULD have ordered when the first one comes back. The one he did order measures cortisol. A stress hormone. I took that test the night after I found out about my sister's melanoma. Geez wonder how THAT'll turn out.

Found out that I've lost 15 (OK 15 +) pounds. Also that I'm diabetic. Ewwwwwww. Blood sugar went from 3 to 6.7 in six months. Not.fair. Was a bit ticked about that because have been eating well for years. Turns out that what you eat has zip to do with this kind of diabetes. Has to do with my starve and eat thing (anorexic twice). Sigh. And genes. Always with the genes. Big deal, onto the next disaster. Anyone want a slightly used bod? Didn't think so.

Speaking of that, The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is getting her teeth done tonight. I'm here by myself and very very lonely. And worried. Hope that it's just her teeth but the way that things have been going for me lately am dreading a call from the vet. Lost her sister only a few years ago dammit. Am NOT ready to lose this one. She started licking her food. If you saw the size of this cat, you'd know that something's not right with that! Has tartar too. So....they get to do her teeth. They love her at that place, and it's where she came from as a tiny little kid (OK kitten).

Just finished doing work of not too swift consultant (went to high school with him). It's very odd how people from that long ago are starting to reappear. Maybe that's the wrong word. Comforting in a way to a kid who moved 13 times in 16 years and hated it. Isn't it amazing how many great people there are in the world?

OK off to bed. Sorry about the rant....love you all to bits.

MWAH!!!!

Bridg

It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's A F*cking Country And Western Song!

2006-05-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

Oh world, I am laughing my ass off. And swearing too.

Woke up at 5:30, as those of you who are unfortunate enough to be on the joke list noticed. Have been waiting till now to take a shower (stores here don't open till 10:00-noon ish anyway). Noticed that the water wouldn't warm up. Hmmmm and oh-oh. Have been here before, haven't you?

Yep you got it. Pilot light out. And because of the layout of the (spider laden) basement, the only way to get down to look at/attempt to light the pilot light was to lower all 275 lbs of me by leaning on ---TA DA!!!---the broken wrist, rolling around on the spiders, their webs and all the dust elephants/bunnies (the basement is the one thing I didn't have time to clean). The hot water heater is 20 years old exactly (a rental thank heavens). The last time that the Direct Energy/Whoever they are this week guys were here to fix that thing, they said that I needed a new one. Think that this was at least a year or two ago.

For some reason known best to God, I didn't bother replacing it. GI coming next Sat? Well that will teach me. OK the teckies are coming tonight to look at the now dead water heater. We are telling Mom about Sis this aft at 1:30. She (Mom) will need me to be with her tonight at dinner. AND the water heater guys need me to be at my place. Not sure how to juggle this but will give it some thought. Good news is that they can get in a new water heater in a day or two. Bad news is that they won't order it till the teckie physically shows up here tonight, looks at the dead heater and says yep it's dead, like I said before, let's get in a new one, shoulda done this two years ago, lady. Other good news is that since it's a rental I don't have to pay for this. Yay.

Now for a cold water sponge bath. Yum.

"Always look at the bright siiiiide of life"

Am splitting a gut laughing. It IS funny. Filthy, smelly, and funny. One must laugh.

And around me, not breathe too deeply or downwind.

ROFL!!!

My life, the country and western song. Should not be driving a Honda, should be driving a big freaking truck.

Apologies to you truck driving C&W fans out there.....

Bridg

We All Need Laugh (Love), I Swear It's True

2006-05-07T07:15:00.000-04:00

How's that for shameless perversion of song lyrics?

Here we go with more funnies. I desperately need to laugh and am catching up with e mail stuff. Since Yahell will only let me send out so many jokes an hour and I don't have the patience to do gmail at the moment, you folks get to read them here first.

Might have done this one here before but may be worth a repeat....

> In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the
> earth and populated
> the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach,
> green and yellow and
> red vegetables of all kinds,
> so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
> Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and
> Jerry's Ice Cream
> and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?"
> And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as
> you're at it, add
> some sprinkles."
> And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
> And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might
> keep the figure
> that Man found so fair.
> And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat,
> and sugar from the
> cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 12 to size 18.
> So God said, "Try my fresh green salad."
> And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery
> croutons and
> garlic toast on the side.
> And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the
> repast.
> God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy
> vegetables and olive oil
> in which to cook them."
> And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and
> chicken-fried steak so big
> it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight
> and his
> cholesterol went through the roof.
> God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it
> "Angel Food Cake,"
> and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate
> cake and named it
> "Devil's Food."
> God then brought forth running shoes so that His
> children might lose
> those extra pounds.
> And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man
> would not have to
> toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed
> and cried before
> the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
> Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in
> fat and brimming
> with nutrition.
> And Satan peeled off the healthful skin & sliced the
> starchy center into
> chips and deep *fried them. And Man gained pounds.
> God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume
> fewer calories and
> still satisfy his appetite.
> And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double
> cheeseburger and
> said,
> "You want fries with that?"
> And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!"
> And Satan said, "It is good."
> And Man went into cardiac arrest.
>
> God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.
> Then Satan created HMOs.
> Thought for the day . . . There is more money being
> spent on breast
> implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's
> research.
> This means that by 2020, there should be a large
> elderly population with
> perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no
> recollection of what to
> do with them.
> If you don't send this to five old friends right away
> there will be five
> fewer people laughing in the world

heh heh heh

Happy Sunday, world.

Love ya, Bridg

Good Advice from Peter M

2006-05-07T07:06:00.000-04:00

"When you are in deep trouble, keep your mouth shut and look like you know what you're doing."

Peter, you are very very smart. Thanks, this is going to be my new wallpaper at work.

Bridg

Never Said I Was Smart

2006-05-06T21:21:00.000-04:00

Oh world! Just realized that the remark about Cushing's might have been a tad confusing. OK here goes.

The day after GI was here (Thursday) I had an appointment with my own GP. Got lectured and scared by the guy. Called DI to report in what he said. DI and I yacked quite some time as usual about this and that, mostly about what it was like to be taught by nuns (bet a lot of you ladies are laughing out there now).

GI came into the middle of this conversation and asked me a few questions. By then I was parked in my work parking lot. Asked if I had a stiff neck. Yes I do. Do I bruise easily? Yes, thought it was because of all the anticoagulants I'm on. Do I have (this one's funny) purple stretch marks on my thighs/abdomen. I thought about that one for a long long time. It isn't like I look a lot around there. Did have them in the past, never mind where. It's really kinda funny. I waited so long to answer that he asked if I was looking. I told him where I was and said, uh, no, there are guards walking all around this parking lot....no am not looking! Am trying to remember. Yes I do have them. Then he asked about muscle weakness. Oh yes big time. Can't stand or walk for more than 10 minutes. This is very odd. A sharp change from even a short time ago.

He asked me to write down the name Cushing's Disease (right then and there), and to call my gp back and ask for a requisition to be tested for it. It's a disease of the adrenals/pituitary that causes all of those symptoms plus others that he noticed during dinner/our visit. Sudden weight gain. Loss of front hair, cholesterol issues, blood sugar issues (a new prob as of Thursday and I don't use sugar ever), high blood pressure and about 5-6 other items. I had all of them (I googled it).GI said that it hit him like a ton of bricks on his drive home. The treatment depends on where the origin is, pituitary or adrenals. He's never had a patient with this but wants to see my numbers when they come back. Cool!!! I now have an m.d. guardian angel and his wife helping me. VERY cool.

I hope I do have this. First, it would explain a hell of a lot. Second, GI would feel fantastic being able to help. Thirdly, it would me feel less like this is exclusively my fault, because up till now I've sorta felt like it is. The weight did just kinda jump on there very fast (about 80 lbs in a few months). I'm a former aerobics freak. This really is ummm odd.

Would be great to get this under control. Am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Know you ladies feel that way huh?Wow first the bipolar thing now this.

OK next step is fixing Sis. Start your good thoughts engines, please....

I may need some prank delivery help from some of you. Not re sis, re a really nasty pair of guys hassling DI and GI in B.C. Give it some thought...we can discuss offline...

Bridg (fading fast....again).....love you guys

p.s. Have always been as healthy as a horse my entire life except for allergies. I hate being this way.

2006-05-06T20:44:00.000-04:00

Write On

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It's A Small World After All

2006-05-06T15:48:00.000-04:00

Well world, am doing what any normal person would do after a night like last night.

Am getting the house painted (inside).

Yah you read that right. Put down a deposit on a huge indoor painting job (ouch). Hope I can afford it but this place is driving me nuts after over a decade of living here.

Jer called this a.m. Made me feel a world of better. His mom got right on the prayer circuit. Angel that she is. His voice was like a bath of sunlight. He'll be back in Ottawa by Wednesday so we have a hug-date (no no no I am a good girl /freelance nun, you guys). Didn't realize the similarities to GI that he has before (who am I kidding, never gave it a thought) but Jery has a recording studio in his basement, likes the same music that GI does, and collects the same kinds of guitars. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. These guys have to get together, thinks Bridg the meddler/networker.

Jer and I met the year after GI and I parted company. He (Jer) tried to teach me genetics (at Carleton Univ.) in 1972. Poor Jer, I was a HORRID student.

What does this have to do with painting the house? Want it to be perfect (well, OK not perfect just not so ummm what-it-is-now) for DI when she and GI get here in June. Want her to love this place. Shit, want to give them a key to this place. OK OK this is a lot very fast. Slow down Bridg.

But it all feels so right even if it is fast. Is this part of bipolar or a rush of rediscovery/discovery?
When I was picking out colors for the paints, all I was thinking about besides what it would look like and if I liked the colors was if THEY would like them/how DI and GI would react. I not only reconnected with GI, I have a new incredibly cool bud (DI). Am thrilled. Am incredily sad about Sis but she's going to be OK. I know it now. Feel it in my bones. Really. Or I'll kick her little blonde butt.

Getting back to the painting thing, this is beastly expensive. But worth every cent I hope.

Got the Cushing's and X ray tests done this a.m. (woke up at 4:00 again. Have those two somehow have turned me into a morning person. Telepathy?). Both Jery and GI asked if I'd read the DaVinci Code that Wandering Coyote wrote about. I have the book, meant to read it but haven't even had time to read a newspaper in two weeks. Jer mentioned the book this afternoon. We have a 'date' to see its predecessor's movie version (demons and devils? Something like that) on May 19.

Am still damn worried about little Sis but in a good way now, thanks to DI, GI, Jery and all of you. My heart's so full of love it's about to explode. Remember that term 'pathetic fallacy' from high school English classes? It was raining this a.m. Now the sun's out and it's a gorgeous day.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Things happen for a reason. There is a God. Good does come from bad. Not always right away, but it does.

Keep praying, folks. I am. I can feel yours working and I love you all so much for it.

Love always, Bridg

p.s. Prayers, if I can be so bold, for DI and GI too? I can read the weariness in their faces from fighting the evil in GI's family....

p.s.p.s. They (D & GI) are coming here even sooner!! On May 20. I am so f'ing happy!!! Could not have waited till June. YAHOOO! OK now on to fix little Sis...

Don't Think Twice, It's Alright

2006-05-05T19:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry have been away for a bit world.

Got a little older in the past few hours and days.

Just found out Sis has malignant melanoma.

About an hour ago.

What the hell does she think she's doing? She's got a partner, a kid and a fantastic new dream job. I'm sitting here with a cat (mind you a great one), no partner and just waiting to go. Shit. And SHE gets sick? Man. The f*ing nerve of some people's younger blonde sisters.

Also found out that (as you, my blogbuds, know) that I'm a good person. Found a long lost ex-bf and his wife and deeply adore both of them the right way if you know what I mean (no threesomes ha ha ha).

Shit am sitting here wanting to give someone a kidney and my sister, my one and only, up and gets a disease I can't donate a body part to.

Well, my aunt, one of THE best women on the planet, got this and survived. So did S The Stabber (the worse thing of the female gender infesting this poor planet). So if the two extremes can survive this, so can my darling little sister.

All of you take special care, OK? Especially GI and DI. Crap comes in threes.

love, Bridg

UPDATE

My uncle (husband of the aunt who had the malignant melanoma) is a retired doctor. Just spoke with the two of them. She's been fine for over a decade and a half. But this condition of course needs quick action. He confirmed that where Sis' tumor was doesn't have lymph nodes, contrary to what Sis said (good, they won't revoke my measly BSc). That is a good thing.

Have been up since 4:00. Busy but invigorating day.Talked to DI (as in GI) for over an hour. DAMN I like her so freaking much (return visits next Saturday and June 3!!!!). And did really good work if I do say so myself. M said that I'm indispensable (ha). All of us did miracles this week and today was the icing on a huge cake.

I want my sister to get better. And I love the world. Thank you, esp. DMJ and GWB for your good wishes...M.W.A.H.

Am keeping a weather eye out for those two other @#$% shoes.....

love y'all

Bridg

Ah-Ha, That's Why....

2006-05-04T06:05:00.000-04:00

Today's angel card. Italics are mine...

EARTH

When you choose this card it may mean that you need to be more
grounded. You may feel spacey, scattered or easily distracted. Connect
with earth energy. Hug a tree. Take a nature walk. Imagine yourself
firmly connected to the earth. To be grounded is to be centered
within yourself. Be down to earth in your decisions. Plant your feet
firmly, and be steady in your thoughts. Know that you are an
important part of the larger picture. Perhaps you are a Lightworker
here to ground a new energy, awareness or consciousness into the
earth experience. You may feel the need to be supported in some
endeavor. Feel your connection to the earth, and allow her to support
you. Use wisdom in your choices (Bridg says, oh but I did!). Perhaps you need to meditate
to really connect with the pulse of the earth, the heartbeat of the
infinite. Choose to get in touch with earth energy, perhaps through
the use of a crystal. Earth, strong and steady, nurturer of all life.
A time of reflection is at hand. How do you choose to walk this
path? Time to get your priorities straight. Listen for messages,
both on inner levels and outer levels.

Greatest Love Of All

2006-05-03T22:12:00.000-04:00

(much as I am not fussy about Whitney Houston, love her voice--esp the ending of this song)

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride
to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter
remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

Chorus:
I decided long ago
never to walk in anyone’s shadows
If I fail,
if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me

The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride
to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter
remind us how we used to be

Chorus

And if by chance
that special place
That you’ve been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love

Oh man, world.

Words fail me.

Incredible, touching reunion, and that's the understatement of the century.

There are a million definitions of the word 'love'. All of them fit this relationship. In all directions, in all elements of time. I would no more do anything to harm his marriage than I would cut off my own head. Neither would he. We love each other (the good way), we are dear friends, we cherish each other. I want him to be at ease at (his) home, and to think of me with a smile and love in his heart, not guilt.

That made things very easy.

The deepest friendship you can imagine.

The most meaningful type of love you can ever possibly think of (in my humble opinion). See above lyrics.

And I love his wife too. She thinks like me. Writes like me. Analyzes like me. Folks, you would love her too and I'm so damn happy that he has her. I'm so DAMN glad that after having those #$^^&& parents and even worse twin brother that he found a really pretty, smart, classy, what-else-can-I-say, wonderful woman to be married to. (can you believe it NOW I'm tearing up?). As far as I knew in 1971, he wanted to be a doctor like all get-out, had a sh*t-head twin and parents who treated them both like trained rats and favoured the sh*t-head. I was so damn scared for GI it wasn't funny. All I saw ahead for him was disaster. And here he is 35 years later, blooming. I'm so damn happy and proud and glad it isn't funny or natural. Know what I mean?

Hopefully I'll meet her soon.

At this very minute, I'm worried about him arriving home safely. After 35 years, just want him to get home safe and sound.

I know this story isn't sexy, but it's such a relief. You have no idea.

He's older, grey (but so nicely), a bit thinner. The same warm brown eyes, incredible smile. Marc led him into the office while I was on the phone. He was carrying the biggest bouquet of flowers I've ever seen. I whispered very quickly "oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, I'll call you back" to the man who would NOT stop talking to me on the phone and hung up.

He came around the desk and hugged me. For a long time. Marc went away, and I asked if he could close the door. Don't really remember a whole lot after that, except asking if he was disappointed (a shocked 'no'). No tears, lots of hand holding and talking for hours. My office door is never closed but it was today. Not because of untoward activities, just so that we could talk. It felt like days but was probably an hour and a half. We went to dinner, talked for hours. Then to my house, looked at photos, and he went home. He thought that the house was adorable. He did notice it was clean. I said that I'd told you guys that I'd bop him if he said that (but didn't).

I just wrote the longest e mail to his wife thanking her for allowing us to meet and inviting/begging her to come next time and to come soon. I really really really want to know this lady. GI married her, she is so very special to him (hey I've been e-chatting with her, she IS damn special), and knowing what I've gotten to know about her I really like her. This is a lifelong thing. If either of them needs a kidney, they can have mine.

GI said that it sounded like I'd had a lot of tragedy in my life, am I happy? Indecently so, even before I reconnected with him, I said. And that the losses were like the impact that fire has on steel. I'm not hard, it just made whatever is good inside me better. And burned out the bad stuff (ego, pride, that Pain In A** stuff). What I didn't realize at the time is that he'd gone through the exact same thing and didn't even know it. Those parents? That twin bro? And probably tons more that he hasn't talked about. It's in his eyes, to quote Phil Collins. In the past. He's still the same loving, kind soul he was in 1971. I'm just so freaking glad that he found another one to marry. Thank the Loving Lord for that. He's safe.

And now I'm waiting for him to call to let me know that he got home OK.

Does this sound anywhere near normal? I feel so damn blessed.

Bridg

Update: he's home, he's safe. He thanked me for the wonderful evening (DITTO big time!!). I asked if he could bring his wife next time soon please....i.e. before the Most Spoiled Cat In the Universe and her spider friends have a chance to mess it up again. He's checking it out.

Hope I can drop lots of weight by then....;)

Night world...billions of hugs and lotsa love....Bridg

Angel Card For Today (Wow Do You Believe This Stuff?)

2006-05-03T06:12:00.000-04:00

RELEASE

Prepare for a new lease on life! Feel free to grow and stretch toward
your fullest potential. Let go of the past and move forward. Time for
change. Let go of old habits. Time to be free of a confining attitude,
situation or relationship. Re-evaluate your choices. Re-negotiate. A
release in energy prevents you from having to repeat the same lessons
over and over again. It enables you to be in the divine flow once
again. Let go of control and risk the release. What is the worst that
can happen? The tighter you hold on, the harder the opposing forces
pull in the opposite direction. The only way to hold on is to let go.
Letting go gives you a second chance. Rel-"ease" does not have to
be difficult. It is usually fear that makes us cling so difficult. Facing
the fear can often be a release in itself. By not forcing an issue, you
may loosen up the energy and prevent blockages or setbacks. Allow
the energy to flow. Give people the gift of allowing them their own
experience. Trying to protect them can often do more harm than good.

Describes me and everything to a T. Will blog more about it later. Have a wonderful day, world. Wishing you, GI, his family love, peace and happiness (he's getting here at 2:30). Have been e-chatting with his wife. She's fantastic.

Bridg

I Love You (Molly Maids)

2006-05-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

Molly Maids left an hour ago.

This place looks like a brand new house.

Cost $166. I gave them $200 and a bottle of wine. Seem to do that a lot these days (give away wine) but can't drink on the new meds anyway, the wine was here anyway, and they worked their hearts out. Plus have overdraft on my account.

My mother thinks I'm nuts. Probably am but am so damn grateful.

Am NEVER going through this (anxiety, cleaning) again. Will get someone to help once a month if I can afford it.

Three people came from MM and they kept asking "you only have ONE cat?". They used a lot of my cleaning stuff since it was better than theirs (yah too bad I didn't use it more huh?) In case you're curious, those Mr. Clean scuff pads? Work like magic. And Oxy Clean spray foam--comes in a purple pumpy thing...magic too. Don't bother with anything else. The MM ladies were amazed by the stuff.

Found spider webs all over the place. It's hard to gross out a biology major but I'm totally grossed out. My glasses must need fixing.

And am now relaxed for the first time since April 14.

Talked to GI this am (he called) and to his wife by e mail today. And Pauly today at work. Feeling really relieved. Got good work done (God only knows how) and someone told me that I really lost weight recently. I know I did, because have been having trouble eating (nerves) and clothes are looser.

Just spoke with M a few minutes ago and apologized for being a basket case and thanked him for being such a great friend. He said that it's ok and that a great many things were being resolved all at the same time for me. He's right. Like a cloudburst of good stuff. Wonder if it's the new meds?

Thank.You.God.

Have a three hour meeting starting at 9:00 tomorrow. Not looking forward to it (3 hours of anything, especially first thing in the morning is hard) but it will take my focus away from GI and M will be there. That is always fun. Plus M's boss is the best boss on the planet. He's fun, fair, knows what he's talking about, backs you up the hilt and is ethical which is rare. I love working for this guy. And he's very witty. Someday I"m going to get him cloned when he's not looking. Once I figure out how to do it.

Want to know how nervy the damn spiders are? Too bad, I'm going to tell ya anyway. Have one of those clear ball hall lights leading from the front door into the living room (it's a long hall). Right up against the ceiling. There were so many spiderwebs in it (it's a beige-y thing) that it looked like a boiled marble. EWWWWWW.

Sorry, I bet most of you just lost your lunch/dinner.

Bad Bridg! Bad bad Bridg (smack ouch!)

Nighty night world.....hugs....Bridg (the spider killer)

Steppin' Out (Ha I Mean Update II)

2006-05-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Here is today's horoscope I kid you not:

Here is your horoscopefor Tuesday, May 2:Is this person too good to be true? It's almost like Central Casting sent up the person of your dreams. Go ahead and enjoy their company, but don't commit to anything just yet. More will be revealed.

Commitment has nothing to do with anything! But isn't that weird? Maybe they mean re getting walls painted, which I have to do and getting carpets cleaned (they are FILTHY and I mean gross not that I notice that kinda stuff).

Today's angel card was so sweet...don't worry, I'm not going to post these every day.

MIRACLES

Know that your chance has come to beat the odds. Energy is flowing in
your favor. Do you believe you can pull it off? Yes indeed! Mighty
forces are working with you for positive outcomes. Expect wonderful
results, ranging far beyond the mundane everyday things. Expect
the unexpected. When your worst fears are manifesting right before
your eyes, look very closely. They may be miracles in disguise. You
can make great progress now. Much help surrounds you from other
dimensions. Limitations are removed. Acknowledge this and manifest
miracles. The energy is right. Anything is possible. Surprising
outcomes and changes for the better are coming your way.
Opportunities! Inspirations! Great energy abounds, watch for it.
Look for the everyday miracles and live in joy.

Sorry I didn't post last night. Was in a frenzy of yah, laundry. But got it done. Decided not to fix the damn screen door until today if I have time. If not too bad. Whatever poked its nose in there can keep doing it for a while with my blessing! At least it's the GARDEN door, not the front one.

Called and left my unlisted home number with GI's office (wife/daughter) so that they can reach him if needed. Thought that this was a good thing to do because they can't look it up and he didn't have the number either. Just realized that last night.

M is back at work. He wasn't in a snit but a very playful mood. Made a big fuss over my car--claimed he didn't recognize it although he did know it was my car by the license number yada yada yada. It does look fine except the @#$%^ trees are shedding pollen all over it. Mom said to take the pollen off by either driving fast (can you believe she said that after me going through a red light with her in the car--one of those traffic camera intersections ?) or by using a feather duster on the car. I said that if I did the latter the neighbors would have me locked up and it's true. OK I love that car but....could you see that???Yah right.

M agreed to bring GI in. I was worried I'd cry (ha I KNOW I"ll cry) and this place is big on being very ummm well not like that. Not in the lobby anyway. So GI gets an escort from my boss/bud. Then M starts teasing about what's in it for him. I remind him that I have a dissection kit that hasn't been washed since 1974 and I know how to use it very well (really I can dissect a plant freehand down to 1 cell thickness). Advised that maaaaaybe he doesn't wanna go there. He laughed and agreed.

Then he, A and I got into a telecon with a bunch of IM/IT folks. A bright manager (also named M) and a moron. M and I (and A actually) got into our one-brain-between us thing. It was fantastic. Turned out great and the other M was fantastic too. We all overrode the moron but it was very very difficult at first.

Bribed two people with wine to do their jobs. I wish I was kidding about this--it worked. They are not sleezy, they are just swamped and I had to get their attention somehow. The second person was today and I promised him a Chateauneuf De Pape vintage (love that wine, don't buy it often $$$) and the first person I"m paying off today. Didn't say what I'd get her but it's a St. Emilion that I happened to have here.

I.am.an.idiot. If my boss' boss finds out my butt will be kicked from here to Alaska. That's why I don't tell you guys where I work. But hell I HAD to get this stuff done. This could be a pretty pricey job.

Well, won't make offers like that again. Just hope word doesn't get around. Was being funny. Me and my big fat Bridg mouth.

Didn't post yesterday because had too much to do to get ready for M Maids and the @#$% laundry plus was really weepy (getting up at 5 regularly will do that to me). But it's sunny, and as Elton John says, the sun's been quite kind.

And if I don't get to work soon, I will be in big doo-doo. Later folks!!!

MWAH!!

Bridg the reverse wino (giving it away with both hands--the wine I mean!!!)