I have been going for laser hair removal treatments for close to a year now. It can be a bit painful, nothing one can't handle but a bit uncomfortable every now and again. I started out lasering my armpits and soon after began to have my bikini line done as well.

While it's not the most comfortable thing being semi naked on a table in front of a stranger with a teeny tiny towel covering your bits....I eventually got used to it. Perhaps it was because I had built a rapport with the woman lasering my armpits that when it came time for my hoo haa area it wasn't a big deal. Granted I have no idea why they even bother with the towel, I suppose it's there to make you feel like you're not so exposed but come on now.....the tech sees everything.

So I'm at the office the other day for session #4 on my bikini line when I'm informed that my technician is gone (like gone forever) and some other woman will be taking over. Whatever, so I'm in the room and normally they leave so you can undress and get situated on the table but not this chica. She had her back to me a bit and was asking me questions while she was pointing at me to get on the table. Alright then, off everything goes.....

While this woman was nice enough she took double the amount of time than the previous woman had taken. And for some reason she handed me these stress balls (WTF I've never been given these before) to squeeze AND it hurt waaayyyy more than usual. When all was said and done I started to hop off the table and she was like "Oh I'll let you get cleaned up and dressed". What so NOW you're going to leave the room???

Enjoy the weekend folks, it's my favorite time of year of course Halloween though funny enough I'm not sure of my actual plans as of yet. Silly me made early Sunday morning plans which don't bode well with a night on the town the evening before. Nor have I looked for a costume but who am I kidding....I'll just be the same thing that I am every single year!! How's that for creativity!!!

The weather here on Friday left something to be desired it was gloomy, cold and rainy......all day and all night long. I made it to my class and then hit up the grocery store to buy ingredients for a new recipe. I made these super yummy pumpkin cupcakes with caramel sauce and they're low in fat to boot. One more recipe down on my goal list!

Of course Saturday was Depeche Mode Fest and I had a fabulous time. The DJ played all of my favorite songs and then some as he had 6 hours to fill up. The pictures on the screen made us laugh as some were VERY old and the band looked hilarious.....Martin in his chain vest....I forgot about that fashion statement! I chatted with random strangers and even ran into a guy from my high school. It's funny as I run into him every once in a while in the oddest of places. That used to happen to PP and a friend from high school, she once ran into him in NYC and another vacation spot...so bizarre. There are countless photos of the crowd including LD's "TYB" and someone I was chatting up that she referred to as "your dad". Apparently he was graying a bit....whatever I think it makes a man look more distinguished! Anyway I had a lot of fun and the crowd was great as everyone was there for the same reason, to get their groove on to Mode!

Sunday was spent laying around for the most part of the day as we didn't make it back to my friends house until 4am. Late nights/early mornings are getting to be a bit much for this old lady! There are a few more theme nights coming up that I'm interested in attending mainly The Cure and a Smiths/Morrissey evening! This particular DJ also holds themed fetish parties so we're looking into a few of those as well, give us some time to make appropriate outfits. Some up and coming ones are: Studio 54: Sleazy 70's, Bawdy Medieval Yuletide Fete & "Nice Boots, Wanna F*ck?"As for the coming week I'm planning on taking it easy!

Remember my recent post inquiring about meditation practices? Well I found a 4 week course to teach just that! I attended the 1st class last week and it was quite educational and very intimate as there were only 5 students in total. I enjoyed it very much however when there is A) such a small group and B) a quiet class it's hard to hide any noises coming from ones tummy. Yes there were a few gurgles here and there from the other students, no big deal. But my god do you think my stomach could have picked a worse time to have gas bubbles???? I ate well before the class and nothing odd of course as I didn't want to have the reaction that ... well I had!

As soon as I sat down I felt my stomach churning and could hear the gas moving around. Oh fuck!!! The thought of even attempting to pass the bubble did not cross my mind as there is noooooo way you could sneak one out in such a setting. So I had to sit for an hour and a half in absolute pain. A few tried to sneak out my mouth so I did the quiet burp in your mouth kinda thing but it's still obvious when it's soooo bloody quiet. Oh well, I think I'll skip eating beforehand however that leads to other problems....gurgling hungry tummy sounds. Perhaps a light snack will do the trick.

I hope that everyone enjoys their weekends! I'm heading to a friends about an hour away to attend Depeche Mode Fest; 6 hours of music and videos dedicated to the band! That makes it sound like it's at his condo....it's not, it's at a bar of course. Conveniently he lives about a 20 minute walk from the place so it should be a great night. I'm very excited as I attended a similar David Bowie night years ago and enjoyed myself thoroughly! Gotta love the weekend!!

I've received this email several times and it cracks me up each and every time. In fact I may have posted it previously though I really have no idea. Alas, here it is perhaps again, or for the 1st time, enjoy!

Why Raincoats are Yellow:

It is Monday after all and I needed a good laugh as I'm back to work after a week off. Granted it wasn't so much time off as more of a time to catch up on things. I had a few appointments and even attended a training for work (don't ask). I did book a facial at the spa which was lovely and relaxing. They had the most amazing tea so I took the little tab from the satchel and will try my darnedest to find the stuff. I tried a green tea/tropical fruit mix and it was just delightful and sooooo refreshing

Anyway off to work I go to play catch up! That's the only problem with taking time off you always have quadruple the amount of tasks to complete when you return to your desk *sigh*

I found it kind of interesting that most of you were either unaware that I had my tongue pierced or were sort of surprised that I had it done. I pierced my bellybutton when I was like 16 or so and my tongue followed soon after. I've had a few in between and of course 8 or so in my ears. I've always wanted my septum (bullhorn)or labret (chin) pierced however do not want any scars on my face so didn't bother with either. Anyway here is a silly pic of the tongue, I must have been talking and for some reason my friend decided to take this close up shot of my mouth....classy!! Not the best photo to showcase the bar but you can see a bit of the silver ball......that and the only two things people ever compliment me on: my teeth and hair! Ha!

Anyway back to my original post:

Things that I'm into right now:



I was watching Dr. Oz recently and became enamored with his guest Dan Riskin a parasite expert......mmmm a cute nerd!!! Me likey!!!




I love love love anything pumpkin pie related!! I saw a commercial for this wonderful treat and found myself at Dairy Queen the following day. I'm totally going back and getting another one with the whipped cream.....I may even get a large. It was the best fucking thing I've had pumpkin related since the pumpkin spice latte. Which do reminds me, a friend suggested I try a pumpkin spiced donut and while I'm not a fan of the fried treats I will give this one a go.



A friend of mine goes once a month to get pedicures and always has super cute art on her toes. We went together last month and I'm totally addicted. Mine were supposed to be a zebra sort of print though everyone tells me they look like candy (they're red and white...candy cane perhaps?). Either way, it's fun and creative....I might get cute little skulls next time!

1. The phone rings; who do you want it to be? Someone from work telling me there is a snow day.....


2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Always, I mean how lazy does one have to be to leave the cart like 3 meters from the cart holder and out in the middle of the parking lot. I usually use a basket but on the rare occassion I opt for a cart....I always put it back.
3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Depends on the company that I am keeping but I'd say a little bit of both.

4. Do you take compliments well? Not at all, they make me uncomfortable and I often will
poo poo them away "Oh this old shirt..."

5. Do you play Sudoku? I haven't for quite some time but I do enjoy the game.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? Hell no, I hate bugs, I don't eat meat and I doubt i'd be eating any weird berries or mushrooms or anything like that. I'd give myself one night.

7. Do you like to ride horses? I only rode a horse once, like 15 years ago....it was fine...but clearly it's not something that I'm super into or I would have gone again.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? I went once but it was our end of the year trip for school.

9. What was your favorite game as a kid? Clue, I always have to be Mrs. White and I always win ;)

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he was married, would you go for it? I plead the 5th.....seriously though....nah there are plenty of men out there, I don't need someone elses.

11. Have you lied to get out of a date? Not that I can recall.....

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? Possibly, I'm not a religious person and don't do well around religious fanatics but I can respect anothers opinon.

13. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? I like to be pursused, pursuing is too much work.

14. Use three words to describe yourself? Outgoing, funny, kind

15. Do any songs make you cry? Oh crap probably, not any one in particular but if I'm in a melancholy or poor me mood then yes certain songs will turn the water works on.

16. Are you continuing your education? I'm not in school but I take different courses, training for work and other such things.

17. Do you know how to shoot a gun? Ugh, noooooo! I hate guns!

18. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? Pictures....

19. How often do you read books? Less than I should but I'm working on it.

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? I think more about the past and future than the present. I'm reading A New Earth to help me work on this.

21. What is your favorite children’s book? Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

22. What color are your eyes? Blue

23. How tall are you? 5'4

24. Where is your dream house located? Good question, somewhere quiet and hot where I can lay by the water and read a book.


25. Do you have a secret fetish? Now why would I tell my "secret" fetish....you'll have to earn that answer!

26. Have you tried sushi? Of course, it's one of my favs!! This place near me makes this fabulous roll out of rice paper, it has tempura bits, mushrooms, spicy sauce, some green stuff I have yet to identify and a few other items....it's so fucking good!!

27. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? My friend and I used to take them every time we went to the mall in our teens....so yes!

28. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? Last year, it's a ritual when we go shopping for Black Friday. We spend like 14 hours shopping and then gorge ourselves on breadsticks, salad and pasta!!

29. When was the last time you were at Church? Oh jeez, a wedding last summer, like 2008 last summer.

30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? About 20 mins away so not far at all.

31. What was your favorite job? At an amusement park working in the beer garden/staff room. I was young without a care in the world, it was the best 4 years of my life...so much fun!!!

32. Do you like mustard? I like it on my veggie burgers/dogs but that's about it.

33. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? If I HAD to choose I'd say sleep, I don't get nearly enough and yet I love it!

34. Do you look like your mom or dad? I look more like my father.

35. How long does it take you in the shower? Washing hair/shaving probably 10-15 mins, otherwise I'm super quick like 5 mins with no hair washing.

36. Can you do the splits? Sort of.....not all the way anymore but close. Oddly enough only with my left leg forward not my right.

37. What movie do you want to see right now? God Grew Tired of Us, Whip It, Couples Resort, Taxi to the Dark Side

38. If you could fast forward your life, would you? Yes of course but only if I could go back and live it!

39. What did you do for New Year’s? Went to a house party, drank, played Cranium and Rock Band.

40. Do you think The Grudge was scary? Worst movie ever, such a waste of my time and no it was not the least bit scary.

41. Could you relate to a character in Mean Girls? A bit, they were extreme but parts of the girls yes.

42. Do you own a camera phone? Yeah but I don't use it very often I mean if I want to take a shitty picture then I will use it....

43. Do you have an “ex box” with pics and letters from past lovers? Nope, I have a box of old cards people have given me, not just ex's but everyone.

44. Was your mom a cheerleader? Of course and my dad was a jock!

45. What’s the last letter of your middle name? N

46. Do you like your middle name? I find it boring but it was my great grandmothers name.

47. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? Oh 5-6 though I really need more like 8.

48. Do you like care bears? When I was younger I did. I had their cloud car and a few of the figurines.

49. What do you buy at the movies? My ticket, I don't usually eat at the movies and if I do I bring my own almonds or chocolate. Who wants to pay $5 for a chocolate bar??

50. Do you know how to play poker? I've only played once so I managed to get through that game but I certainly do not know how to play.

51. Do you wear your seat belt? Always!

52. What do you wear to sleep? Depends on the weather, sometimes a nightshirt, or shorts and a shirt or flannel jammies.

53. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? Yes two girls were abducted by these horrible people, tortured for weeks and then killed. They dismembered one and put her into cement blocks in the water. It was horrific and disgusting. I was a year younger than the girls who were abducted at the time and everyone lived in absolute fear.

54. How many meals do you eat a day? 3 meals and a few snacks

55. Is your tongue pierced? Yes!

56. Ever meet anyone you met on myspace? I'm not on myspace

57. Do you read myspace bulletins? No

58. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny, I don't do well with super serious people I mean how can one be soooo anal all of the time??

59. Ever been to L.A.? Not yet, but I hope to one day.

60. Did you eat a cookie today? Nope but I had some lemon pie!

61. Do you use cuss words in other languages? I have but not on a regular basis

62. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? It's been a very long time since I've downloaded anything, but I paid for it.

63. Do you hate chocolate? Hell no....I LOVE chocolate much to the dismay of my thighs!

64. What do you and your parents fight about the most? There are a few things.....

65. Are you a gullible person? I used to be moreso but not so much anymore.

66. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? Nah, I've been single for years and while I'm not the happiest cat I think a partner would just make things more complicated and thus more miserable.

67. If you could have any job what would it be? I would cohost the Amazing Race with Phil! "You are team number 1"

68. Are you easy to get along with? I'm very easy going and have a devil may care attitude so yes as long as you have a sense of humour we're good.

69. What is your favorite time of day? Evening, I'm a night hawk so 8pm and on.

Working on

#24 Try a new recipe once a week for 4 months (5/16)

I made this bean and shitake mushroom dish which was quite simple and surprisingly tasty. I find that oftentimes when I try a new recipe I really dislike the final product but this one was yummy!!



#14 Take vitamins everyday for 90 days 6/90

Ugh the fucking vitamins.......enough said!

#35 Read all of the unread books on my shelf (10/35)

While the number is the same as last time (pitiful I know), I am in the midst of reading two books, 28 Days of Aids in Africa and Still Life with Woodpecker.

#57 Go on a minimum of 5 dates (2/5)

I went out recently with a friend of a friend. We had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and then hit up a live show. I had a good time and that's all I'm going to say about that!

Completed






#4 Go topless at a clothing optional beach

I realized in mid September that I had yet to complete this goal and figured I better get on it ASAP as the weather was starting to get a bit chillier. A couple of friends came with me however they went to the clothed side of the beach while I ventured to the naked area. I must say I felt a bit self conscious at first as I heard people walking very close to my towel. I got over it quickly and just enjoyed the hot sun as it was a beautiful day and really, most of the people out there are actual nudists so they could really care less about me being there.



#49 Mow the lawn


You know I didn't mind doing this however I had a hell of a time taking the bag off to empty it. Half of the clippings ended up back on the lawn and I felt like my back was going to go every time that I had to empty that bloody thing. Perhaps the lawn mower makers could reposition the bag to make it less awkward to take off!!!



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I know that I have to pay $10 for every unfinished goal towards some type of charity or make a donation. I recently received the Wish List catalogue for World Vision and was thinking I should pony up some $ to them for goals not completed IE do the cancer bikathon "next" year....that should have been in 2008....sooooo......


I hate to assume that I won't complete some goals however it's getting cold here and if I don't head somewhere hot on vacation (which is unlikely) I'm probably not going to get out on a jet ski anytime soon. I'll have to go through the list and see what I think.

Friday was a super gloomy day. It was the kind of day that makes you want to lay around in bed, drinking tea, curling up with a good book wearing fluffy slippers and flannel jammies. I had the day off however was not able to do the above, I was up at 7am and out the door soon after.



I did treat myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte mid afternoon, non fat to make it a little less of an indulgence. I had to laugh as the barista asked the cashier if I wanted whipped cream, she answered "no" for me then turned to me and said "I always assume that someone who orders a non fat drink doesn't want whipped cream." I told her she was correct though I'd imagine there are some oddballs out there that would want the topping. I guess I shouldn't say that as I'm sure some people figure they can save calories on the milk and enjoy the whipped cream or whatever as every bit counts.



I really liked the quote on my cup:



"People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others."


Youssou N'Dour

I did manage to get quite a bit of reading done on Friday evening which I really enjoyed. I rarely take the time to sit down and read as there are far too many technological distractions for me....computer, tv, phone....to name a few. I'm going to try and read a bit each evening from now on as I certainly don't make enough time for it and yet I find reading quite relaxing.

Actually I was thinking of trying to meditate again as well to clear my head and help with relaxation. I tried many moons ago and had a hell of a time trying to shut off the noise in my brain.....it was next to impossible for me to concentrate. There is actually a Buddhist Temple near my place that has a meditation program however you must make a commitment to attend 5 days a week for many months which I am unable to do. I may look further into the program to see if there is any leniency as far as attendance is concerned though I do not believe there will be any.

Does anyone out there have any tips on how to keep a focussed mind while trying to meditate? I know a few people that I can go to for advice but I was also thinking of borrowing some CD's or books from the library on the topic.

(Photo by Rose Wind Jerome)

There are moments when I KNOW I should refrain from pressing that send button. I’m well aware that it could be detrimental in more ways than one and yet I just can’t stop myself. I go back and forth between “this is a really bad idea” to “you’ll never know if you don’t try”. Of course my rational self always loses such battles and my other self takes control; the one full of hope and what ifs.......

I'd much rather take a risk than play it safe for you never know what the outcome may be. Regardless of what happens in the end I'm always happy that I tried! The anticipation gives me the butterflies.....makes me feel like I'm alive!!

Have a great weekend everyone!