Stolen from A Little Left of Lost because I, too, am trying to pass the time...
1. My ex... is best as an ex.
2. Maybe I should... do some damned work.
3. I love... Chebbar.
4. People would say that I'm... loyal to a fault. <-- seconded
5. I don't understand why... I'm so hard on myself, yet so quick to make allowances for others (and SO much more forgiving!).
6. When I wake up in the morning... I dread going to work.
7. I lost my... mind? lol
8. Life is full of... ups and downs.
9. My past is... a learning experience.
10. I get annoyed... when Chebbar offers constructive (what I construe as) criticism.
11. Parties are... uncomfortable? Depends on the host/location/guests.
12. I wish... I loved my job.
13. Dogs… are wonderful. I can't wait until we live somewhere we can have one.
14. Cats... are not my cup of tea.
15. Tomorrow I... I have to have a cavity filled and have been warned in advance that they'll HAVE to use a dental dam. *cries* (But, better I have time to work myself up to it than to be caught of guard tomorrow and suffer another anxiety attack: they make me feel SO claustrophobic -- a tool of torture for control freaks.)
16. I have low tolerance... for everyone and everything when I'm sleep deprived.
17. If I had a million dollars... I'd pay off all of our debt, but a house on a little piece of property, and set us up for retirement. A million dollars doesn't go as far anymore. :(
18. I'm totally terrified... that one day Chebbar will come to his senses and/or find someone better and leave me.
19. My spouse is... my heart.
20. My life is... so much more than I could have hoped for.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Too close for comfort
We have been enjoying a positively balmy couple of weeks. We had a solid week of sunshine (during which I got to appreciate the moon roof in the Sunfire a few last times -- the only way the new car could be *more* perfect would have been a moon roof, but I digress). The past week has been a little more overcast, but we were still experiencing temperatures around 9C.
Needless to say, when the SNOWFALL WARNING showed up on my weather widget at 3:30 Tuesday, I laughed. We all laughed. Snow? Seriously? HA! Even as I dressed yesterday morning, I laughed as I listened to the radio morning show hosts issue their dire warnings of doom and gloom: it was *still* 7C at 7am. It wasn't gonna freaking snow.
*heavy sigh*
When I left the parking garage, I gazed in wonder at the grey sky, heavy with pissed off-looking clouds -- I actually stopped long enough to hop out of the new car in order to grab the snow brush from the (still-not-cleaned-out) old car. I still wasn't entirely sold on the idea of pending snow, even with weather reports of heavy snow and -2C temps in the town half an hour east of where I work.
By the time I got to work (about 30km/20 minutes from home), there were teeny, tiny flakes falling from the sky. Huh.
By the time I was ready to go home, about a foot of snow had fallen. The gale-force winds had provided LOVELY drifts all over the damned place. Even though I'd had the foresight to grab the snow brush, I was ill-equipped for snow clearing: I had no hat, gloves, or scarf, and I was wearing my work (read: dress/thin) pants with relatively flat shoes. My wipers were frozen to the windshield.
By the time I had the car sufficiently cleared off (read: enough to see out the windows -- normally I'm NOT one of those drivers who clear a 6"x6" space in their windshield through which to see, but it was so god damned cold that I just didn't care about removing the snow from the roof to prevent blow-back for the drivers behind me), my fingers were the colour of lobsters and completely numb. Well, until they began to thaw. Then they hurt like a mofo.
I verrrrrrry, verrrrrrry slowly and carefully made my way through the (slick as snot) parking lot. When I came to the road, I slooooowly began my left hand turn, only to find myself heading straight across the road and into the ditch, coming to stop a mere 10' from a telephone pole.
In my brand new, only driven it for two days, car.
I didn't know whether to cry, puke, pee my pants or what. All I could think was, "Fuck! I jinxed myself!" See, earlier that day, Chebbar called me on his way home from work and cautioned me to drive carefully. We joked about how it was a good thing we had bought replacement insurance on the car.
Yeah.
I couldn't gain any traction going forward and started to panic, but calmed myself down enough to put it into reverse, back up a few feet, and try again. Success! Gah.
(This morning I found out that the guy that left while I was clearing off the car made the same trip across the road: seems I hit HIS tracks.)
Needless to say, when the SNOWFALL WARNING showed up on my weather widget at 3:30 Tuesday, I laughed. We all laughed. Snow? Seriously? HA! Even as I dressed yesterday morning, I laughed as I listened to the radio morning show hosts issue their dire warnings of doom and gloom: it was *still* 7C at 7am. It wasn't gonna freaking snow.
*heavy sigh*
When I left the parking garage, I gazed in wonder at the grey sky, heavy with pissed off-looking clouds -- I actually stopped long enough to hop out of the new car in order to grab the snow brush from the (still-not-cleaned-out) old car. I still wasn't entirely sold on the idea of pending snow, even with weather reports of heavy snow and -2C temps in the town half an hour east of where I work.
By the time I got to work (about 30km/20 minutes from home), there were teeny, tiny flakes falling from the sky. Huh.
By the time I was ready to go home, about a foot of snow had fallen. The gale-force winds had provided LOVELY drifts all over the damned place. Even though I'd had the foresight to grab the snow brush, I was ill-equipped for snow clearing: I had no hat, gloves, or scarf, and I was wearing my work (read: dress/thin) pants with relatively flat shoes. My wipers were frozen to the windshield.
By the time I had the car sufficiently cleared off (read: enough to see out the windows -- normally I'm NOT one of those drivers who clear a 6"x6" space in their windshield through which to see, but it was so god damned cold that I just didn't care about removing the snow from the roof to prevent blow-back for the drivers behind me), my fingers were the colour of lobsters and completely numb. Well, until they began to thaw. Then they hurt like a mofo.
I verrrrrrry, verrrrrrry slowly and carefully made my way through the (slick as snot) parking lot. When I came to the road, I slooooowly began my left hand turn, only to find myself heading straight across the road and into the ditch, coming to stop a mere 10' from a telephone pole.
In my brand new, only driven it for two days, car.
I didn't know whether to cry, puke, pee my pants or what. All I could think was, "Fuck! I jinxed myself!" See, earlier that day, Chebbar called me on his way home from work and cautioned me to drive carefully. We joked about how it was a good thing we had bought replacement insurance on the car.
Yeah.
I couldn't gain any traction going forward and started to panic, but calmed myself down enough to put it into reverse, back up a few feet, and try again. Success! Gah.
(This morning I found out that the guy that left while I was clearing off the car made the same trip across the road: seems I hit HIS tracks.)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Meme Monday - the couples' edition
I did this on the old facebook back in January, but I thought I'd bust it out over here.
P.S. I'm not the one who made all the bullet points into little hearts -- it just copied and pasted that way. :P
This is kind of like the 25 things - except there are pre-decided questions and it's about you and your spouse, not just you. Come on, play along - inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
♥ What are your middle names?
Marie and Kennedy
♥ How long have you been together?
Two years in May
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We chatted online and on the phone for a week before our first date
♥ Who asked who out?
He asked me
♥ How old are each of you?
30
♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
Probably his (well, only one of his two sisters -- the other lives on the island)
♥ Do you have any children together?
Nope
♥ What about pets?
Not really: Chebbar's dog Akeno lives with Chebbar's dad because our building isn't pet friendly :(
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Work (commuting/living so far away/shift work (specifically overnights for me, but days for him))
♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nope
♥ Are you from the same home town?
No, but we've lived in a couple of places around the same time
♥ Who is the smartest?
Chebbar
♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Oh God, me, hands down
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Boston Pizza? lol We have simple tastes. ;)
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Sun Peaks
♥ Who has the craziest exes?
Chebbar? I don't know: I don't think either of us really has "crazy" exes. I think he may have suffered more at the hand of his exes.
♥ Who has the worst temper?
I have the temper that flares up the easiest; Chebbar hardly ever gets angry, but when he does...
♥ Who does the cooking?
Moi
♥ Who is more social?
Neither one of us -- we're anti-social introverts ;)
♥ Who is the neat-freak?
I think he prefers clean, while I prefer neat/tidy
♥ Who is the more stubborn?
I'd say tie: he'd say him. We're both Tauruses, so you do the math!
♥ Who hogs the bed?
He hogs the bed; I hog the covers (well, I try to: if he starts to roll over, I have to hang on to whatever I have!)
♥ Who wakes up earlier?
By choice? Me. By necessity? Depends on his work schedule.
♥ Where was your first date?
Well, our first "meeting" was dinner at Boston Pizza. Our first "date" was a sand castle competition followed by dinner
♥ Who has the bigger family?
Family we actually *talk* to? Probably Chebbar.
♥ Do you get flowers often?
Haven't gotten any in awhile... *hint hint* *wink wink* *nudge nudge* ;)
♥ How do you spend the holidays?
All over the durned place! :)
♥ Who is more jealous?
Me *hangs head in shame*
♥ How long did it take to get serious?
Which one of us? hehehe I knew within about a month; it took Chebbar longer to give in. }:-) In all seriousness, we met for the first time within a week of making contact; we went on our first date within a week of our first meeting and were exclusive right from go; I knew I loved him within the first month (even though I was too freaked out to admit it -- even to myself!); he moved in with me 9 months after we met, and the rest is history.
♥ Who eats more?
Chebbar (it seems totally mean to put that out there)
♥ Who does/did the laundry?
Chebbar! ♥
♥ Who's better with the computer?
We both have our strengths
♥ Who drives when you are together?
Chebbar. However, it should be interesting to see how things play out after we bring home the new car... (Let's see how many actually read these damned things through entirely. Hehehe)
P.S. I'm not the one who made all the bullet points into little hearts -- it just copied and pasted that way. :P
This is kind of like the 25 things - except there are pre-decided questions and it's about you and your spouse, not just you. Come on, play along - inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
♥ What are your middle names?
Marie and Kennedy
♥ How long have you been together?
Two years in May
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We chatted online and on the phone for a week before our first date
♥ Who asked who out?
He asked me
♥ How old are each of you?
30
♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
Probably his (well, only one of his two sisters -- the other lives on the island)
♥ Do you have any children together?
Nope
♥ What about pets?
Not really: Chebbar's dog Akeno lives with Chebbar's dad because our building isn't pet friendly :(
♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Work (commuting/living so far away/shift work (specifically overnights for me, but days for him))
♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nope
♥ Are you from the same home town?
No, but we've lived in a couple of places around the same time
♥ Who is the smartest?
Chebbar
♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Oh God, me, hands down
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Boston Pizza? lol We have simple tastes. ;)
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Sun Peaks
♥ Who has the craziest exes?
Chebbar? I don't know: I don't think either of us really has "crazy" exes. I think he may have suffered more at the hand of his exes.
♥ Who has the worst temper?
I have the temper that flares up the easiest; Chebbar hardly ever gets angry, but when he does...
♥ Who does the cooking?
Moi
♥ Who is more social?
Neither one of us -- we're anti-social introverts ;)
♥ Who is the neat-freak?
I think he prefers clean, while I prefer neat/tidy
♥ Who is the more stubborn?
I'd say tie: he'd say him. We're both Tauruses, so you do the math!
♥ Who hogs the bed?
He hogs the bed; I hog the covers (well, I try to: if he starts to roll over, I have to hang on to whatever I have!)
♥ Who wakes up earlier?
By choice? Me. By necessity? Depends on his work schedule.
♥ Where was your first date?
Well, our first "meeting" was dinner at Boston Pizza. Our first "date" was a sand castle competition followed by dinner
♥ Who has the bigger family?
Family we actually *talk* to? Probably Chebbar.
♥ Do you get flowers often?
Haven't gotten any in awhile... *hint hint* *wink wink* *nudge nudge* ;)
♥ How do you spend the holidays?
All over the durned place! :)
♥ Who is more jealous?
Me *hangs head in shame*
♥ How long did it take to get serious?
Which one of us? hehehe I knew within about a month; it took Chebbar longer to give in. }:-) In all seriousness, we met for the first time within a week of making contact; we went on our first date within a week of our first meeting and were exclusive right from go; I knew I loved him within the first month (even though I was too freaked out to admit it -- even to myself!); he moved in with me 9 months after we met, and the rest is history.
♥ Who eats more?
Chebbar (it seems totally mean to put that out there)
♥ Who does/did the laundry?
Chebbar! ♥
♥ Who's better with the computer?
We both have our strengths
♥ Who drives when you are together?
Chebbar. However, it should be interesting to see how things play out after we bring home the new car... (Let's see how many actually read these damned things through entirely. Hehehe)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Meme Monday(ish)
Here: I can do a brainless meme...
Firsts and Lasts
EVERYONE HAS THEIR FIRSTS:
FIRST REAL BEST FRIEND: S when I was 5.
FIRST SCHOOL: [redacted] Elementary in [redacted]
FIRST CELL PHONE: 1997 (about a week after my SECOND car (also in a week) died on the side of the road)
FIRST FUNERAL: I in grade 8
FIRST PET: A puppy named Ruff
FIRST BIG TRIP: I'd say Vegas when I was 26... lol
FIRST FIGHT: I don't think this has happened yet (well, not if you mean physical fight)
FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH: Corey Haim
FIRST TIME OUT OF THE COUNTRY? See first big trip -- ditto
FIRST REAL JOB: If babysitter doesn't count, then McPuke's was my first job.
FIRST FACEBOOK FRIEND: G -- he's the one who introduced me to this madness.
WHO WAS YOUR FIRST ROOMATE: If my family doesn't count, then Chebbar. lol
FIRST ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE YOU DRANK THE FIRST TIME YOU WERE DRUNK: I believe I got "gunk" off my mom's mai tai when I was 2ish...
WHO WAS THE FIRST PERSON YOU SNUCK OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH: I've never snuck out of the house.
WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST SLEEPOVER: No freaking clue.
FIRST PERSON YOU CALL WHEN YOU HAVE HAD A BAD DAY: Chebbar
WHOSE WEDDING WERE YOU IN THE FIRST TIME YOU WERE A BRIDESMAID OR GROOMSMEN: Never a bridesmaid! I was the flower girl at my aunt's wedding when I was 6 or 7.
FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING: Turn off the alarm?
FIRST CONCERT: *groan* Alanis Morissette (we were really going to see Our Lady Peace, I SWEAR!)
FIRST TATTOO OR PIERCING: Tattoo: tribal anklet when I was 20; piercing: ears when I was 4.
FIRST CRUSH: Some asshole named Stuart when I was 5 (I say asshole because he stole my sticker book because he coveted my Ghost Busters sticker, only to burn the rest of the album. Fucker.)
FIRST KISS: Allen in grade 5
FIRST REAL LOVE: Unrequited (read: LAME)? Brian Reciprocated? Chebbar
EVERYONE HAS THEIR LASTS
LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED: Chebbar
LAST CAR RIDE: Coming to work
LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: last night -- ditto
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED: Batman Begins?
LAST FOOD YOU ATE: Pineapple
LAST PERSON YOU KISSED: Chebbar
LAST ITEM BOUGHT: groceries -- ditto (however, Chebbar bought me a purse on my behalf)
LAST SHIRT WORN: Pink sweater
LAST PHONE CALL: Chebbar
LAST TIME YOU WERE DRUNK: Christmas
LAST TEXT MESSAGE: Received?Bro Sent? Chebbar
LAST THING YOU TOUCHED: Uh, the keyboard. Duh! ;)
LAST FUNERAL: Great Grannie *knocks wood*
LAST TIME AT THE MALL: Last Thursday
LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO: "Blue Cars" by Dishwalla
LAST TIME YOU WERE EXCITED: Saturday
LAST PERSON YOU SAW: N
LAST THING YOU DRANK: Water
LAST PERSON THAT BROKE YOUR HEART: Me
LAST TIME YOU WERE REALLY HONESTLY HAPPY: Sunday
LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED: Today
Firsts and Lasts
EVERYONE HAS THEIR FIRSTS:
FIRST REAL BEST FRIEND: S when I was 5.
FIRST SCHOOL: [redacted] Elementary in [redacted]
FIRST CELL PHONE: 1997 (about a week after my SECOND car (also in a week) died on the side of the road)
FIRST FUNERAL: I in grade 8
FIRST PET: A puppy named Ruff
FIRST BIG TRIP: I'd say Vegas when I was 26... lol
FIRST FIGHT: I don't think this has happened yet (well, not if you mean physical fight)
FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH: Corey Haim
FIRST TIME OUT OF THE COUNTRY? See first big trip -- ditto
FIRST REAL JOB: If babysitter doesn't count, then McPuke's was my first job.
FIRST FACEBOOK FRIEND: G -- he's the one who introduced me to this madness.
WHO WAS YOUR FIRST ROOMATE: If my family doesn't count, then Chebbar. lol
FIRST ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE YOU DRANK THE FIRST TIME YOU WERE DRUNK: I believe I got "gunk" off my mom's mai tai when I was 2ish...
WHO WAS THE FIRST PERSON YOU SNUCK OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH: I've never snuck out of the house.
WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST SLEEPOVER: No freaking clue.
FIRST PERSON YOU CALL WHEN YOU HAVE HAD A BAD DAY: Chebbar
WHOSE WEDDING WERE YOU IN THE FIRST TIME YOU WERE A BRIDESMAID OR GROOMSMEN: Never a bridesmaid! I was the flower girl at my aunt's wedding when I was 6 or 7.
FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING: Turn off the alarm?
FIRST CONCERT: *groan* Alanis Morissette (we were really going to see Our Lady Peace, I SWEAR!)
FIRST TATTOO OR PIERCING: Tattoo: tribal anklet when I was 20; piercing: ears when I was 4.
FIRST CRUSH: Some asshole named Stuart when I was 5 (I say asshole because he stole my sticker book because he coveted my Ghost Busters sticker, only to burn the rest of the album. Fucker.)
FIRST KISS: Allen in grade 5
FIRST REAL LOVE: Unrequited (read: LAME)? Brian Reciprocated? Chebbar
EVERYONE HAS THEIR LASTS
LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED: Chebbar
LAST CAR RIDE: Coming to work
LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: last night -- ditto
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED: Batman Begins?
LAST FOOD YOU ATE: Pineapple
LAST PERSON YOU KISSED: Chebbar
LAST ITEM BOUGHT: groceries -- ditto (however, Chebbar bought me a purse on my behalf)
LAST SHIRT WORN: Pink sweater
LAST PHONE CALL: Chebbar
LAST TIME YOU WERE DRUNK: Christmas
LAST TEXT MESSAGE: Received?Bro Sent? Chebbar
LAST THING YOU TOUCHED: Uh, the keyboard. Duh! ;)
LAST FUNERAL: Great Grannie *knocks wood*
LAST TIME AT THE MALL: Last Thursday
LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO: "Blue Cars" by Dishwalla
LAST TIME YOU WERE EXCITED: Saturday
LAST PERSON YOU SAW: N
LAST THING YOU DRANK: Water
LAST PERSON THAT BROKE YOUR HEART: Me
LAST TIME YOU WERE REALLY HONESTLY HAPPY: Sunday
LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED: Today
At a loss for words
Who, ME?!? Impossible! ;)
But really? Possible. Probably. I *want* to write. I likely need to write. But I just can't. I can't muster up the energy or strength or desire. I don't want to talk about what's going on, but I just don't have it in me to pretend that everything is hunky dory.
I'll be back, but I'm doing the things-suck-so-I'm-withdrawing thing. Please forgive me.
*smooches*
But really? Possible. Probably. I *want* to write. I likely need to write. But I just can't. I can't muster up the energy or strength or desire. I don't want to talk about what's going on, but I just don't have it in me to pretend that everything is hunky dory.
I'll be back, but I'm doing the things-suck-so-I'm-withdrawing thing. Please forgive me.
*smooches*
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentine's Hate
There's a lot of opinion regarding Valentine's Day being bandied about everywhere I look: the TV, the newspaper, magazines, blogs, Twitter. Hell, even the radio hosts relish in sharing their thoughts. There are many reasons trotted out to defend the intense dislike of V-Day. Some cite the blatant commercialization of the money-driven "holiday." Others, single or attached, bash the mushiness of the whole shebang. Still others bemoan the notion that they are supposed to show their love and/or appreciation on one day: why not EVERY day, they cry.
All of these are valid points. Valentine's Day is a consumer-driven event that is shoved down our throats and thrown in our faces every time we turn around for a minimum of two weeks leading up to the dreaded day -- by the time the 14th actually rolls around, who isn't sick to death of red hearts and pink cherubs? But someone is buying into this shit, otherwise how on earth would Hallmark be able to justify those $8 (yes, EIGHT) cards? Someone somewhere is buying that $8 card. Granted, it's probably that poor guy who completely forgot and is standing in the card aisle of the grocery store at 11:47pm on the 13th, frantically scanning for something, ANYTHING, that says "I love you" in a way that isn't going to net him an all expenses paid stay on the couch.
As the (until recently) perpetually single gal, I can sympathize with feeling of nausea when faced with the overwhelming schmoopy schmaltz of the occasion. What better way to drive home the point that hey! you're SINGLE and ALONE and have NO ONE! than pink hearts and yellow moons and green clovers? Oops. Wrong cereal. Even couples protest the "forced" affection: why do we place so much importance on one day simply because the calendar dictates we do so?
And don't even get me started on the expectation. I had a small taste of what the "other side" goes through when Chebbar looked at me three weeks ago (three! WEEKS ago!) and said, "I made the reservations and did the planning for Valentine's Day last year: where are YOU taking ME this year?" Last year, being our first Valentine's Day together (added to the fact that he had been laid off in November and wasn't able to give me a gift for Christmas), involved a very fancy meal and rather expensive gifts (and I had used up all my good ideas two months ago for Christmas, people!). In that split second, the blood drained from my face, my fingers went numb, and my mouth was dryer than the Sahara Desert in July: where do I take him? will it live up to last year? how soon do I make reservations? same restaurant or a new one? gifts? no gifts? GAH! I feel for every single male on the planet in any type of relationship at this time of year, because heaven help you if your plans don't live up to her expectations -- hell hath no fury like a woman let down on Valentine's Day.
(I made reservations two weeks ago at a newer restaurant we haven't tried. We'll be exchanging cards and might catch a movie after dinner.)
But who is to say that we have to fall into the V-Day Trap? It may be corny, but, considering the tough times many of us are facing with the state of the economy, why not drag out the construction paper and felt pens and make your own Valentine? And if you don't have kids/craft supplies, there are these nifty stores where everything is sold for a buck. You could go together to pick stuff out! Make a day of it! Or, well, 15 minutes. Whatevs. If you're not generally the cook, make dinner at home (says the girl with the reservations -- heh). I don't care if you make me hot dogs: food tastes excellent simply by default if I don't have to cook it (and if I don't have to clean it, too? you might be getting "dessert" *wink wink*). If you're single and secure enough, channel your inner dork, go buy a box of 32 Valentines, and give them to your coworkers or friends. Hell, do it if you're NOT single. It's fun. And unexpected. And you'll surely brighten someone's day. (However, from what I'm reading around the webiverse, it's slim pickings the night before.) Invite some pals over for a potluck dinner and a night of board games. Then, turn this into a monthly "date" night.
It doesn't have to be flashy or extravagent or expensive. It's about gestures from the heart and showing people you appreciate them. Yes, we should strive to do this every day, but if it takes a little heart on the calendar in February (a rather craptastic month otherwise) to remind us, what is the harm?
All that being said, I have to admit that I *feel* like I should hate Valentine's Day, or that I'm going to be scoffed at because I'm looking forward to our "date." What about you? Do you hate it? Do you celebrate it? What do (or don't) you do?
All of these are valid points. Valentine's Day is a consumer-driven event that is shoved down our throats and thrown in our faces every time we turn around for a minimum of two weeks leading up to the dreaded day -- by the time the 14th actually rolls around, who isn't sick to death of red hearts and pink cherubs? But someone is buying into this shit, otherwise how on earth would Hallmark be able to justify those $8 (yes, EIGHT) cards? Someone somewhere is buying that $8 card. Granted, it's probably that poor guy who completely forgot and is standing in the card aisle of the grocery store at 11:47pm on the 13th, frantically scanning for something, ANYTHING, that says "I love you" in a way that isn't going to net him an all expenses paid stay on the couch.
As the (until recently) perpetually single gal, I can sympathize with feeling of nausea when faced with the overwhelming schmoopy schmaltz of the occasion. What better way to drive home the point that hey! you're SINGLE and ALONE and have NO ONE! than pink hearts and yellow moons and green clovers? Oops. Wrong cereal. Even couples protest the "forced" affection: why do we place so much importance on one day simply because the calendar dictates we do so?
And don't even get me started on the expectation. I had a small taste of what the "other side" goes through when Chebbar looked at me three weeks ago (three! WEEKS ago!) and said, "I made the reservations and did the planning for Valentine's Day last year: where are YOU taking ME this year?" Last year, being our first Valentine's Day together (added to the fact that he had been laid off in November and wasn't able to give me a gift for Christmas), involved a very fancy meal and rather expensive gifts (and I had used up all my good ideas two months ago for Christmas, people!). In that split second, the blood drained from my face, my fingers went numb, and my mouth was dryer than the Sahara Desert in July: where do I take him? will it live up to last year? how soon do I make reservations? same restaurant or a new one? gifts? no gifts? GAH! I feel for every single male on the planet in any type of relationship at this time of year, because heaven help you if your plans don't live up to her expectations -- hell hath no fury like a woman let down on Valentine's Day.
(I made reservations two weeks ago at a newer restaurant we haven't tried. We'll be exchanging cards and might catch a movie after dinner.)
But who is to say that we have to fall into the V-Day Trap? It may be corny, but, considering the tough times many of us are facing with the state of the economy, why not drag out the construction paper and felt pens and make your own Valentine? And if you don't have kids/craft supplies, there are these nifty stores where everything is sold for a buck. You could go together to pick stuff out! Make a day of it! Or, well, 15 minutes. Whatevs. If you're not generally the cook, make dinner at home (says the girl with the reservations -- heh). I don't care if you make me hot dogs: food tastes excellent simply by default if I don't have to cook it (and if I don't have to clean it, too? you might be getting "dessert" *wink wink*). If you're single and secure enough, channel your inner dork, go buy a box of 32 Valentines, and give them to your coworkers or friends. Hell, do it if you're NOT single. It's fun. And unexpected. And you'll surely brighten someone's day. (However, from what I'm reading around the webiverse, it's slim pickings the night before.) Invite some pals over for a potluck dinner and a night of board games. Then, turn this into a monthly "date" night.
It doesn't have to be flashy or extravagent or expensive. It's about gestures from the heart and showing people you appreciate them. Yes, we should strive to do this every day, but if it takes a little heart on the calendar in February (a rather craptastic month otherwise) to remind us, what is the harm?
All that being said, I have to admit that I *feel* like I should hate Valentine's Day, or that I'm going to be scoffed at because I'm looking forward to our "date." What about you? Do you hate it? Do you celebrate it? What do (or don't) you do?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Meme Monday/Bits 'n Bites
It's been a... (not quite) week.
- While MUCH better than he was, Chebbar still isn't 100%, but he has to go back to work tomorrow anyhow.
- This bug is nasty and making the rounds: my mom is sick now, too (although not from contact with us!).
- Friday while driving home, I noticed that my car was making the same squeaky rattling thunk that Chebbar's did when we had to replace his *cough*$1,000*cough* front struts.
- Chebbar got his T-40(?) for his EI last year, reminding me that he is very likely going to have to pay income tax.
- Which reminded me that I will likely have to pay income tax as well.
- However, Chebbar talked to the office manager at the doctor's office on Friday and she apologized profusely: Chebbar was right and the cheque was never supposed to be cashed. They cut us a cheque the same day and stuck it in the mail; we should get it sometime this week.
- The cost of car repairs vs. potentially buying a new (to me) car + prospective income tax bills - the idea of selling and buying a house + potential renos to get this place up to snuff / pending PMS = a melt down of epically ridiculous proportions.
- Two members of the strata council decided to act like children, with one planning meetings that the other cancelled, culminating in me pretty much refereeing over the phone while they slung accusations and called each other names. At 8:45pm. On a Sunday night. *growl*
- My supervisor from my old job emailed me at work on Friday: I responded. I decided to log into my email from home at 10pm last night to see if she had replied. She hadn't, but there was a not-so-nice email from The Big Boss that made me instantly sick to my stomach with worry.
- Car/money + strata BS + work worries = not so much sleep last night
- This morning with the help of my boss, I *think* we solved The Big Boss' issue. But I haven't heard anything from him. Still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
- That other dude at work was having a bad day and I guess I got in his way (sitting at my desk in my office), so he growled at me.
- Both the front and back struts on my car are original (10 years/190,000kms -- supposed to be replaced every 85,000 or so). The back struts were completely gone and had to be replaced ($590+); the front are soft and *should* be repaired ($750+), but can wait until they get "annoying." We opted to fix the back, leave the front, and shelve the new car discussion. For now. It's an inevitability if we don't want to keep pouring money into a 10 year old car, and will likely have to be done sooner than later.
- I was emailing back and forth with my old supervisor today and found out that my favourite PM asks if I'm available for work every time he talks to her. I emailed him today to see what's available.
- Because of his schedule, I got to see Chebbar when I walked through the door; we went for a walk and I felt exponentially better just being with him.
- I had a bath and I'm feeling okay!
1. What was I doing ten years ago?
Ten years ago I was a couple months away from turning 21. I was living at home, working in retail hell, and working on my crim diploma (or was I on my degree at that point?). I was juuuuuust finishing up my bar star days and most likely dating some idiot while pining away for another idiot.
2. What are five things on my list to do today?
I'll give you 5 things that were on my list today, since I'm kind of behind...- Take the fish out of the freezer (fail)
- Car to mechanic (via Chebbar)
- Ask Boss about Bigger Boss' not-so-nice email
- Go for a walk
- Do mending (only got through 2 pairs of pants before pain in wrist became unbearable)
3. Snacks I enjoy?
M&Ms (peanut, peanut butter, almond), potato chips, anything bad for me, really (I do also enjoy fruit and granola bars during the week while at work)
4. Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire?
A BILLIONaire?!? Wooooo!
- Build my parents' their "retirement" home
- Build Chebbar's dad's "retirement" home
- Build our dream home
- Money to our sibs
- Travel
- Donate to charity
5. Three of my bad habits?
My inherent need to second-guess myself; my inability to cut myself slack; my failure to have more faith in myself.
6. Five places I have lived?
BC, AB, BC, BC, BC
7. Five jobs I've had?
Ha! I'm only just on my fifth job now!
- Fast food joint
- Chocolate shop
- Retail hell
- Construction company
- Manufacturing company
8. How did you name your blog?
I yam what I yam!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Poor bugger
My lovely friend TUWBVB talked some sense into me and helped calm me down yesterday regarding the whole cheque business (thanks again, dear heart).
However, the talking me off the ledge was wholly unnecessary: when I got home, I went in to wake Chebbar up so he could get ready for work, only to find him burning up, shaking/shivering/shuddering like mad, and moaning -- he had a fever of 102. :-S It seems one of his lovely co-workers came in to work sicker than a dog on Tuesday night. When I told him he couldn't go to work like that, he got rather upset, saying that we can't afford for him to miss work (I hadn't even told him about the cheque yet... ). I pointed out that he couldn't stop shaking and was having a hard time putting a sentence together; I then went and got him his phone and the Advil Cold & Sinus.
His fever had gone down to 100 before he fell back to sleep around 10pm, but it was the same when I checked on him this morning. I left him with more Advil, but he didn't want to take it yet. He hasn't eaten since probably 6am yesterday -- he's afraid to because the guy at work was vomiting and Chebbar doesn't want to push his luck.
I wish I could have stayed home to take care of him (read: make sure he keeps drinking and taking the Advil -- stubborn Man-Thing).
(I did tell him about the cheque and he's going to phone the doctor's office tomorrow; I also double-checked the account and we're more than okay until they reimburse us.)
However, the talking me off the ledge was wholly unnecessary: when I got home, I went in to wake Chebbar up so he could get ready for work, only to find him burning up, shaking/shivering/shuddering like mad, and moaning -- he had a fever of 102. :-S It seems one of his lovely co-workers came in to work sicker than a dog on Tuesday night. When I told him he couldn't go to work like that, he got rather upset, saying that we can't afford for him to miss work (I hadn't even told him about the cheque yet... ). I pointed out that he couldn't stop shaking and was having a hard time putting a sentence together; I then went and got him his phone and the Advil Cold & Sinus.
His fever had gone down to 100 before he fell back to sleep around 10pm, but it was the same when I checked on him this morning. I left him with more Advil, but he didn't want to take it yet. He hasn't eaten since probably 6am yesterday -- he's afraid to because the guy at work was vomiting and Chebbar doesn't want to push his luck.
I wish I could have stayed home to take care of him (read: make sure he keeps drinking and taking the Advil -- stubborn Man-Thing).
(I did tell him about the cheque and he's going to phone the doctor's office tomorrow; I also double-checked the account and we're more than okay until they reimburse us.)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Is "I told you so" bad for relationships?
Cuz I'm gonna release one on Chebbar's ass when I get home. *deep breath*
Back in January, I posted about the cheque he wrote for his CPAP machine, complete with his laissez faire attitude about the whole thing. Guess what I saw when I logged into the bank account this morning? That a cheque in the amount of one thousand nine hundred thirty-one dollars and zero cents had been cashed.
*steam*
We're so fucking lucky that I had been procrastinating and hadn't transferred my last pay cheque (three cheques last month equalled extra money! woo! NOT) to the savings account yet. We're so fucking lucky that I budget one month in advance for our bills.
We have the letter from the insurance company stating that the second claim was approved and that payment would be sent as soon as Chebbar signed forms at the doctor's office (done a few weeks ago). I have no idea now if the insurance company will reimburse us, or if the money will go to the doctor's office, as that is who filed the second claim. Bloody doctor gets paid TWICE?!? I don't THINK so!
Guess what Mr. Eh, Who Cares? is gonna be doing tomorrow?
*head asplode*
Back in January, I posted about the cheque he wrote for his CPAP machine, complete with his laissez faire attitude about the whole thing. Guess what I saw when I logged into the bank account this morning? That a cheque in the amount of one thousand nine hundred thirty-one dollars and zero cents had been cashed.
*steam*
We're so fucking lucky that I had been procrastinating and hadn't transferred my last pay cheque (three cheques last month equalled extra money! woo! NOT) to the savings account yet. We're so fucking lucky that I budget one month in advance for our bills.
We have the letter from the insurance company stating that the second claim was approved and that payment would be sent as soon as Chebbar signed forms at the doctor's office (done a few weeks ago). I have no idea now if the insurance company will reimburse us, or if the money will go to the doctor's office, as that is who filed the second claim. Bloody doctor gets paid TWICE?!? I don't THINK so!
Guess what Mr. Eh, Who Cares? is gonna be doing tomorrow?
*head asplode*
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Role reversal
We had an... interesting episode yesterday.
I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection at the beginning of January. I was cautioned to use a back-up method of birth control. We, uh, "got carried away" at one point and kind of "forgot" the back-up. *shakes head* When my period came a week later, it was... weird -- not as long, much lighter. I joked with Chebbar that I'd be peeing on a stick in two weeks.
This weekend was two weeks. I hadn't given the above any more of my brain power or time until yesterday morning. I was terribly, horribly dizzy -- off-balance, woozy, and slightly nauseous. We had a bunch of stuff to do and needed to get going, so I was going to Google dizziness remedies. Well. One of the first things in the drop-down menu when I started typing was "dizziness and pregnancy."
*thud*
We left and were talking about the big P and what the hell we'd do if that were, in fact, the case. I lost it. I lost my shit. I was damn near hyperventilating as tears coursed down my face. Chebbar, on the other hand -- the one who claims to not want children -- was calm and rational as hell (which helps when I'm freaking out because ONE of us has to be rational, but at the same time, it's very distracting to my melt-down when he's being all logical and shit). Even in the midst of OMFG, I found it rather interesting that *I* was the one freaking out while HE was cool as a cucumber.
First off, he told me there was really no point in stressing/freaking out over something we weren't even sure was the case (well, duuuuuuuuuuuuh. But if I could control my shit that easily, I wouldn't be ME. And I'd probably get a LOT more sleep... ) and that I should wait until we knew for sure to freak the frack out. Secondly, he assured me that we'd be more than fine: we're both employed, we have a home, we have an amazing support network on both sides, we have our shit together.
I didn't say it out loud, but of course my inner dialogue was discounting every point. We're both employed FOR NOW: his hours are threatened all the damned time and lay-offs are happening at my job every time I turn around. We have a home -- in a building that was AGE RESTRICTED 19+ and is trying desperately to get that way again. Oh, did I mention that we're both on the strata council that is TRYING to put this bylaw back on the books? Hypocritical much? lmao At the same time, this *would* be the time to be up the duff because we'd be grandfathered in, but I digress. We *do* have a great support system, but his dad lives in another town, works at the same place Chebbar does (so works the same crazy shifts), and plays a HUGE role in Chebbar's nephews' lives; and I have no idea how much my mom would be interested in helping out. And what about that pesky issue involving Chebbar NOT WANTING KIDS?!? (I did call him on that one and he (again, calmly *rawr*) responded that he's not ready for kids NOW, but if that's what happened, so be it.)
I was absolutely flabbergasted by my extreme reaction. I've written before about my uncertainty where parenthood is concerned. However, I've also 'fessed up and let Chebbar know that I'm leaning more towards yes than no. But I kind of figured that *if* we get around to having *a* baby, it will be 2-3 (4? 5?) years down the road when we're both a little more sure of our jobs (will Chebbar still be at Job? will he have started a trade? is he even gonna do that anymore?) and we've moved and saved some money. Like Chebbar pointed out, for a control freak like me (heh, he didn't use the word freak *wink*), to find out that we're going to experience a life-changing event with no warning or planning would be hard to swallow. But I was completely taken aback by my apparent vehemence towards the idea of being pregnant -- it seemed like a pretty big "hey! you don't really want to be a mom!" to me.
We HAVE discussed what we would do if I did end up pregnant and are in agreement in our course of action (I played the sneaky girl game and asked him before giving him any indication of what my stance is). We also understand that, even being on the pill, we take a chance every time we don't use a back-up method -- antibiotics or not. We know we're taking that chance; however, I think it's more a matter of selective amnesia (if I don't THINK about it, it can't/won't happen! :D ) than a matter of us consciously going, "Well, if we get pregnant, we get pregnant. Oh well!" At the same time, we're both of the mindset that everything happens for a reason.
Long story short, only one line. I don't know if I've been this relieved in awhile.
I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection at the beginning of January. I was cautioned to use a back-up method of birth control. We, uh, "got carried away" at one point and kind of "forgot" the back-up. *shakes head* When my period came a week later, it was... weird -- not as long, much lighter. I joked with Chebbar that I'd be peeing on a stick in two weeks.
This weekend was two weeks. I hadn't given the above any more of my brain power or time until yesterday morning. I was terribly, horribly dizzy -- off-balance, woozy, and slightly nauseous. We had a bunch of stuff to do and needed to get going, so I was going to Google dizziness remedies. Well. One of the first things in the drop-down menu when I started typing was "dizziness and pregnancy."
*thud*
We left and were talking about the big P and what the hell we'd do if that were, in fact, the case. I lost it. I lost my shit. I was damn near hyperventilating as tears coursed down my face. Chebbar, on the other hand -- the one who claims to not want children -- was calm and rational as hell (which helps when I'm freaking out because ONE of us has to be rational, but at the same time, it's very distracting to my melt-down when he's being all logical and shit). Even in the midst of OMFG, I found it rather interesting that *I* was the one freaking out while HE was cool as a cucumber.
First off, he told me there was really no point in stressing/freaking out over something we weren't even sure was the case (well, duuuuuuuuuuuuh. But if I could control my shit that easily, I wouldn't be ME. And I'd probably get a LOT more sleep... ) and that I should wait until we knew for sure to freak the frack out. Secondly, he assured me that we'd be more than fine: we're both employed, we have a home, we have an amazing support network on both sides, we have our shit together.
I didn't say it out loud, but of course my inner dialogue was discounting every point. We're both employed FOR NOW: his hours are threatened all the damned time and lay-offs are happening at my job every time I turn around. We have a home -- in a building that was AGE RESTRICTED 19+ and is trying desperately to get that way again. Oh, did I mention that we're both on the strata council that is TRYING to put this bylaw back on the books? Hypocritical much? lmao At the same time, this *would* be the time to be up the duff because we'd be grandfathered in, but I digress. We *do* have a great support system, but his dad lives in another town, works at the same place Chebbar does (so works the same crazy shifts), and plays a HUGE role in Chebbar's nephews' lives; and I have no idea how much my mom would be interested in helping out. And what about that pesky issue involving Chebbar NOT WANTING KIDS?!? (I did call him on that one and he (again, calmly *rawr*) responded that he's not ready for kids NOW, but if that's what happened, so be it.)
I was absolutely flabbergasted by my extreme reaction. I've written before about my uncertainty where parenthood is concerned. However, I've also 'fessed up and let Chebbar know that I'm leaning more towards yes than no. But I kind of figured that *if* we get around to having *a* baby, it will be 2-3 (4? 5?) years down the road when we're both a little more sure of our jobs (will Chebbar still be at Job? will he have started a trade? is he even gonna do that anymore?) and we've moved and saved some money. Like Chebbar pointed out, for a control freak like me (heh, he didn't use the word freak *wink*), to find out that we're going to experience a life-changing event with no warning or planning would be hard to swallow. But I was completely taken aback by my apparent vehemence towards the idea of being pregnant -- it seemed like a pretty big "hey! you don't really want to be a mom!" to me.
We HAVE discussed what we would do if I did end up pregnant and are in agreement in our course of action (I played the sneaky girl game and asked him before giving him any indication of what my stance is). We also understand that, even being on the pill, we take a chance every time we don't use a back-up method -- antibiotics or not. We know we're taking that chance; however, I think it's more a matter of selective amnesia (if I don't THINK about it, it can't/won't happen! :D ) than a matter of us consciously going, "Well, if we get pregnant, we get pregnant. Oh well!" At the same time, we're both of the mindset that everything happens for a reason.
Long story short, only one line. I don't know if I've been this relieved in awhile.
Meme Monday
Schmutzie mentioned chickiedoodle today on GiST this morning. Being the link-clicking whore that I am, I naturally had to go read chickiedoodle's blog. While there, I found this meme and thought I'd give it a go.
The concept:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, and pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.
The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favourite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favourite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?
The result:
The concept:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, and pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.
The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favourite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favourite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?
The result:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)