I read the recent newspaper article about a lifeguard being fired in Florida for attempting to SAVE a man with complete and utter disbelief. Seriously?!? He left his designated area to assist a person in distress 500 meters from his post and he was fired?!? Oh wait, they offered him his job back when they found out that his area was still attended by other guards and huge kudos to him for turning them down. They mumbled about "protocols" and "guards calling 911" if such things occur. So the head honchos want trained professionals to stand and watch, wait 15 minutes for emergency personnel to arrive while someone drowns  before their eyes?? I'm actually speechless for once!

Whoa, it's been ages since I've posted on here! Perhaps my life has become rather boring and I have nothing to say or perhaps there's been too much going on.  You know the old adage, if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all......

I don't often talk about work on here and I'm certainly not going to start today but I will say that I was off for the entire month of May healing from my surgery, worked the month of June and will be taking the 1st two weeks of July off and another in August which can't come too soon! Calling it a toxic and stressful environment would not even begin to describe the atmosphere at the moment!

There was an unexpected death, a family member of someone very close to me which shook the world or so it felt.

I've had to reach deep for some light as of late. I am grateful for the sun, feeling it warm my skin and soul, for the kindness of strangers, sharing laughter with friends and I am soooo looking forward to some time up north sitting around a fire, drinking and being silly and of course roasting some yummy marshmallows! I am very much looking forward to my time off this summer, I'm hoping it will rejuvenate and re energize me!

I have been waiting a year to have knee surgery and woo hoo the day has now come and gone! Everything went well, I can't drive for a few weeks and will be taking 2-3 weeks off of work. Physio will start once my stitches are removed and then I'll be like new again, only better!

As you can see it's a bit swollen and I'm really hoping that the rest of my body doesn't follow suit and blimp up! That's the only problem with these sorts of things, it's kinda impossible to be active and though I do love laying around in front of the TV as much as the next person, I am dying to go and do something, anything! There are only so many books and mags one can read and shows one can watch before it gets old. I sunk to a new low and taped "The People's Court" for entertainment (it was awful as was expected), I need to get better asap before they have to remove a wall to get me outside!

The lovely Claire is having a book contest! I'm always looking for new and interesting books to read and two of her options have piqued my interest! I would love to read Join Me, I need some inspiration and a kick in the pants! I'm a kind person, I help elderly people put groceries in their cars, I give fresh fruit to homeless people, I go out of my way when I can to assist whomever needs it! Hell I saw something fly out of a woman's bag while I was driving home from the gym and didn't think twice about stopping. We had 80 km winds that day, I was wearing shorts even though it was winter and I pulled over, grabbed the item that had flown out of her bag and then proceeded to chase her on foot for 5 blocks to hand back her water bottle. I try to be a good person, but I could use a little work!

I'm also interested in reading Clara Callan only because Claire's description has intrigued me! She describes it as "compelling, unusual and cold in places, challenging but rewarding and interesting!"

Good luck to everyone and a big thanks to Claire for having this contest!

So it was 22 degrees here this weekend which is amazing for the middle of March! I celebrated by spending as much time outside as possible going for walks and soaking in a hot tub which kind of makes no sense but I didn't crank the heat up so it was perfect and relaxing and lovely. I felt rejuvenated and excited for summer, for hikes and bike riding and exercising outside.

My thoughts reminded me of a website I was recently introduced to called tough mudder. The British Special Forces designs 10-12 mile obstacle courses to test ones strength, stamina, mental grit etc. I watched some of the videos and wondered who in their right mind would want to partake in such a thing. I viewed them again a few weeks later and was actually envious of those willing to take on the challenge. Can you imagine sliding on your belly through ice trying to avoid electric shocks from wires dangling above your head.....hmmm not really! That being said I totally want to do this! It would feel like one hell of an accomplishment and while I can't take part in the challenge this year (I'm having some work done on my knee soon) I think it would be an excellent goal to work towards. Hell just the training for the event would be difficult!

It's my special day today aka I'm turning the big 34! Egad! Every year I get emails and coupons from various places offering me free swag for being a member or having a points card on my birthday. I decided this would be the first year that I would take these places up on their offers and decided to start collecting! Thus far I have picked up:

A yummy Venti Cafe Mocha courtesy of Starbucks! Full fat, full of whipped cream and the biggest size I could get! It was heaven in my mouth!

From Sephora a free mini sugar lip treatment and lipstick! They're super cute and compact and I can't wait to give them a try! They are supposed to "nourish, protect and perfect your pout with a blend of skin softening sugar, moisturizing seed oils and antioxidant rich vitamins" yes please!

I have one of those points cards for Rocky Mountain Chocolate. I rarely ever go there but voila, they sent me a coupon for a free chocolate bar and I chose yummy milk chocolate with almonds! Thank you!

I have been a member of a yoga studio for several years now. Funny enough I've only done a yoga prep class there but have taken other interesting classes like striptease pilates, meditation classes and a program about the chakras. They have sent me a coupon for a free yoga class so I will finally partake in an actual class! Woo hoo!

And lastly Boston Pizza has sent me a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert! Hmmm which one do you think I will get?!?

So I'm standing in line at the bank today between two older gentlemen who appear to be in their 70's. A woman at the front waves good bye to the bank teller and off she goes behind the line up towards the doors. The man in front of me literally walks very slowly in a complete circle so that he can stare at this woman. She has on a figure hugging dress, knee high boots, cute jacket, tastefully dressed. He is now facing myself and the man behind me as he's almost finished his complete twirl. The man behind me makes a noise, nods his head and smiles at the spinner. Nice, I'm caught between two old men sharing a pervy moment! It's one thing to take notice and appreciate another persons beauty/sex appeal whatever but to be soooooo obvious, staring and making noises, gross!! I almost asked them how long it had been since either of them had seen a woman!

You know how in January everybody and their brother are running to the gym to work out and lose weight as per their resolutions, I'm doing the total opposite this year! Not on purpose you see but after working out 5 times a week for 3 months straight something came over me (in January) and I stopped going. Just like that, BAM, my membership started to grow cobwebs and I sat content in front of the boob tube watching quality television and chilling after work instead of working hard and sweating. I'm slowly making my way back, I've been to one class a week but *gasp* tomorrow will make two classes in one week if I can crawl out of bed in time! Wish me luck folks, I'm going to need it!!!

Wow, 2012 has come upon us so quickly! I was looking back at old photos and can't believe it's been 14 years since I graduated from high school or 9 years since I went to Japan, they both seem like yesterday to me!

There were aspects of 2011 that I loved and others that were quite challenging for me. My biggest accomplishment was losing 34.6 lbs in 10 months! I might have actually reached my goal weight had I not taken the whole summer off to enjoy myself but c'est la vie! There is no doubt in my mind that I will reach my goal in the coming few months!

I feel very well rested and at peace which is a great way to start the new year! I was able to take an extra long vacation from work and have been off since December
9th however return tomorrow! I really enjoyed spending time with friends who were visiting from overseas, holiday gatherings, taking the time to read, doing a big spring clean and yes even getting sick. I was bedridden for days due to a cold/flu/infection but it gave me a chance to just rest and relax! I also lost someone who I used to be quite close with. Over the years our paths crossed less and we went our separate ways but it was still such a shock, I mean he was only 40 years old. Kinda puts life into perspective and makes you take a moment to look at what's really important and to reevaluate certain things!

In 2012 I resolve to bring light and peace into my life! I want to surround myself with positive energy, I want to meditate and to relax. Not relax like couch potato relax but to bring a sense of calmness to my life and everyday situations. I have a tendency to be more BAHHHH about certain things than Zen like, I resolve to be more OMMMMMMMMMM (like the Buddhists) than BAHHHHHHH (like me)!!!

Happy New Year!

I'm using the same meme as WIGSF! I've been on vacation now for a week and a half and so has my brain! Enjoy!

What do you really want for Christmas but you know nobody will get it for you?
*I would love a car starter or bike shorts for cycling! I did receive a car starter a few years ago and asked that they take it back. Don't ask me why cause now I would LOVE one!

What do you not want for Christmas but you know that somebody will get it for you?
*Slippers/PJ's......every year.....it's actually become a big joke because they know I don't want either of those items and yet continue to buy them for me. This year she promised me that neither would be under the tree.....

When do you open your gifts (Christmas eve or Christmas morning)?
*Christmas morning, doesn't santa fly through the sky on Christmas Eve?

Do you prefer gifts wrapped or in gift bags?
*It's definitely much more fun to rip open a gift wrapped with paper! There's more anticipation and ohhhhh what is it than if you just pull something out of a bag.

Did you re-gift anything this year?
*I did actually, a gift card! It's not that I didn't want the gift card I totally would have used it but I was too cheap to buy one for someone else and gave them mine!

What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
*Nothing new here, I love National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Frosty, The Grinch, Rudolph....all the old school cartoons!


What’s your favourite Christmas TV special?
*All of the above


Do you like eggnog?
*Do I ever, especially the eggnog lattes from Starbucks *drool* Granted eggnog is sooo fattening that I haven't actually bought a carton in years! I would totally drink a glass at someones house though.

Real tree or fake tree, which do you prefer?
*The environmentalist in me says fake, however, it's once a year so forget it, real all the way! I love the smell and would totally miss stepping on sharp needles and poking my hands on them whilst decorating if I had a synthetic tree.

Would you actually use one of those fireplace DVDs if you didn't have a fireplace?
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo

Are you sick of Christmas music yet?
*To be honest not yet! I really don't listen to stations that play Christmas music and haven't been anywhere near a mall since November! My secret, I do love a few even by Ms. Carey "All I want for Christmas is yooooouuuuu" and Whams "Last Christmas I gave you my heart" and Madonna "Santa Baby"....okay I'll just shut up now before I start confessing my love of Nickelback!

Are you getting up early to wait in line to do some Boxing Day shopping (Canada’s equivalent to Black Friday)?
*I used to faithfully for years, but the last few I haven't bothered! Other than some shirts/sweaters I don't really need anything from the mall. But who knows, I do love to shop!

When was the last time you sat on Santa’s lap?
*As a child! Maybe I should change that this year or would that be creepy?!? Sitting on some strange chubby mans lap....pfff I'm sure I've done that before LOL :P

I will be the first to admit, I wasn't super keen on Black Friday this year. I felt like I didn't need much, didn't want to spend a lot and with my ho hum mood as of late it just wasn't something that I was feeling you know.....that was on Thursday.....by Saturday I was singing a totally different tune and was thrilled that I had gone. The hours were different this year and much more convenient. The only line we really had to stand in was the one at midnight, after that people had come and gone to many of the stores so parking was easy to find and the lines were quite short. We chatted with other shoppers, the mood was light and fun and I had a really great time. It makes me sad though when I read about people who act like assholes to save a few bucks. Last year a Walmart worker was trampled to death as people rushed the doors when the store opened, this year a woman pepper sprayed a bunch of people in order to get to the front of the line where they were selling video games at half price. I can't even fathom such barbaric behaviour.......

I've been in desperate need of some new jeans as of late! After losing over 28 pounds and not having bought a new pair in a few years it was clearly time! Not only did I buy 3 new pairs but I totally branched out and bought *gasp* some skinny jeans. I always thought that I would look like more a of an ice cream cone than a stylish Chiquita but I was wrong! They are actually quite flattering!


All of my dress boots have stiletto-ish type of heels, sexy but not necessarily comfy you know. So I bought the most comfortable pair of wedges that fit like a glove and a pair with ruching and a small heel. As well I have been looking for a pair of black flats for the last year. They seem to be everywhere and yet picky pants IE moi has not been able to find a pair....until now! Score!


My current purse.....well the one I use daily (let's be real I have several) has been very well loved and is starting to rip along the bottom. I found two really cute replacements, one at 60% off and one that I splurged on. I also found this cute black scarf with silver accents and a new wallet as mine was completely falling apart.

I was on a mission to find something fun and fabulous for the Prince concert! I figured the shinier the better as my friend was deciding between gold lame (not lame but lame with an accent aigu....the fabric) or something bright purple. I found this fabulous sparkly dress with sequins and rocked it Saturday night!!

My favorite purchase of the trip was this super fun Betsy Johnson umbrella! My face lit up when I saw this gem and actually had to rip it off of the display as it was the only one left with this pattern. I even love the sparkly pink box it came in, I mean come on, what's not to love!!

I bought a few other items like those super warm and comfy marshmallow socks and some perfume! Ohhhh and a Lonely Planet book on India.....I keep saying that I want to go but I need to turn that want into REALITY!

So I'm sitting here having an uneventful Wednesday evening when all of a sudden I hear "ping." It's my ever so helpful cellphone letting me know that I have a message. I open up my email and see a phone number followed by mms@ blah blah. I open up a message that begins "Hey sexy, how's the nite? I'm cool chill 28, looking to kick it." Figured it was just some spam and didn't think anything of it when not less than a minute later "ping" another message from a bizarre phone number. "Hey there *insert name* you are fucking yummy...." on and on it goes with a lovely photo of this gentleman's hard nether region. WTF? Another follows within seconds by yet another guy who actually sounds relatively normal and said that he saw my posting and wanted to go on a date. I start freaking out!

A little back story, recently someone I know had their email hacked into and thoughts of my normal innocent pictures photo shopped onto naked bodies was racing through my head!

I decide to email the normal one of the bunch and explain that I have not posted anything anywhere and ask him to show me what he has seen as I am dumbfounded and confused. He sends me a link for Craigslists intimate encounters in Portland only it doesn't work. I'm now freaking out, I have the "contact us" section open and am sending a "TAKE THIS DOWN NOW" note to those in charge. In the meantime and before I can hit send, he sends me another email with a copy of the actual post and 2 photos of this attractive 21 year old who thankfully is not me. Turns out this lovely young woman was looking for some fun and happened to have the same name and email as myself with the exception of a few numbers. The pervy horny men mis read her email and started to contact me instead. Phew!!! I thanked the normal one, wished him luck in contacting the proper person and signed out. "Ping" Oh noooooooo!!! Now he's sending me messages asking me questions about myself......seriously!!!!! Maybe he's not so normal......

I was able to laugh AFTER I found out there wasn't some hacker posting dirty made up photos of me online; and I did end up with a photo of a very interesting looking.....you know.....EWE!!!!

I haven't been around much on this blog as of late. My creative juices (ewe that sounds dirty) have not been flowing recently. I want to write, I want to stay in touch and read blogs and contribute and I will! I just need a little more time!

I'm doing the annual Black Friday trek next week followed by a Prince concert! I'm beyond out of this world thrilled about that! I saw Prince way back in like 1997 and have waited FOREVER for him to return. It's funny when people think of Prince I'm sure they don't think of him as a sexy man.....but I do!!! Something happened back in 97, the way he danced and moved around on stage had me mesmerized. It sounds ridiculous I know, he's a tiny tiny person but WOW, he is a sexy mother*$&#@) live! (Did anyone get that....he has a song called Sexy Motherfucker....anyone anyone....)

Things I'm enjoying:

I saw these yummy looking treats at the grocery store and thought what the hell why not try em!! When I opened the package they were quite tiny and not very impressive, looked like cake in a bowl. I must say the end result was quite good! The cake was moist ( I'm cringing, I HATE that word!!) and the pudding tasted like lemons! The portion turned out to be perfect and I really enjoyed the warm yummy tart treat!

Mmmmm I'm super in love with the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappucino from Starbucks! When they first came out I had a few too many but have since calmed down. It's bizarre as I'm not a fan of salt at all and don't put it on anything however the different flavours in this bevy make my mouth water!

I saw some random guy wearing a white watch in the summer (can one wear a white watch after labour day?) and thought it looked rather sharp! I kept my eyes open when low and behold I found this gem, a beautiful big fun Toy Watch. It was the same brand as my skull watch which I adore so I thought, what the hell! The price was a bit steep but luckily I found the same bloody watch elsewhere for half the price (shout out to my American peeps)! I love everything about it, the size, the cute little crystals inside and the way they sparkle in the light!!

Okay I don't actually OWN a snuggie! I mean hello, when these first came out I was appalled by their sight and thought only a HUGE loser would buy one. Friends got them as gifts and I'd ask if the giver disliked them! Skip ahead a year (few years...whatever) and I totally want one!! I was at a friends recently freezing my arse off when she pulled out her snuggie to help warm me up! I was toasty in no time and the only complaint I had was the largeness of the garment/blanket. It was huge.....but that can totally be fixed by my dress maker!

Surprisingly I've been losing weight again! I say surprisingly considering my first two "things I'm enjoying" are fatty treats! I took a slight detour with my goal but I'm back at it and lost a whopping 4.6 lbs in 10 days! I didn't starve myself or do anything weird, I simply tracked what I ate and worked out! I know every week will not be like that, heck I'd be surprised if I ever see such a big loss in such a short time again but I tell ya that made me want to work harder than ever as I am creeping closer and closer to my goal!

PS Please tell me you didn't think my labour day question was serious!!! I actually think "not" being able to wear white after a certain day is ludicrous! I mean who cares, wear what you want when you want!

Hmmm so I've been having a bit of a meltdown for lack of a better word recently. I don't care to describe it or go into any details but I have not been myself at all lately. I knew it was bad and I reached out to a friend over the pond as well as one close by. They're amazing women and I'm a very very lucky person to have such wonderful friends in my life so big hugs ladies!! I've been meeting with a professional over the last few weeks to get some advice, we're focusing our sessions on career counselling and figuring out what types of careers would best suit my interests and personality! It's been quite interesting and I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders after the first session, but to be honest I'm back to feeling like BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I don't know what I want to do with my life! I've been debating about going back to school.......but for what? That is the question......

I'm pretty sure I'm burnt out from my field, it's emotionally draining to work day in and day out with people who are in a constant state of crisis. Many have addictions and mental health issues and it's hard to work with the same people for years and years and years and not see a change in them. I feel like I've become a bit jaded and cynical and cranky! I met a volunteer recently and she had the most amazing attitude and spirit, my field needs a million more people like her!!

One of my goals this week was to go over a list of like 100 jobs the tests picked out as matches......I wrote down about 4 that interested me oh my! I feel like screaming!!! I'm in the midst of learning my new position which is stressful, I have pages upon pages of stats to learn, I'm losing hours and therefore taking on another new position at the end of this month which I will have to learn on top of my already new position.....are you still following me....so I'll have 4 different positions to make up my full time hours! Huh...exactly!!!

Also, I just found out that someone close to me is terminally ill. It saddens me greatly, she's such a wise woman, I've always found great comfort in talking to her and I remember at my Aunts funeral, I was 22 years old and stuck to her like glue! She made everything okay with her words even though everything was not okay. She's not a religious woman but a very spiritual and intuitive soul that embraces the world and it's people with open arms. I'm sending love and light her way in hopes that she will have many more months ..... years.... can I be greedy and wish for many more years......so that I can continue to learn from her and she can continue to live!