Local Talent

February 27, 2007 at 3:59 pm (Wonder Boy)

Insanely busy right now trying to get ready for Convention, but I needed to tell you all about the Fashion Show I went to last night.

The designers were local, the models homegrown, the music was rockin and the cost – $10.00.  And the designs were amazing, both practical and fun – all designed by people under 18 yrs old.

Wonder Boy started a “Youth In Action” group at his school with some friends a year or so ago.  They raise money for local charities, participate in food drives and ultimately, would like to have enough money to sponsor a child in a third world country.

Last night was the culmination of almost a year’s work.  They recruited some students to design outfits for both the boys and girls.  They held auditions for models – stating they wanted a diversity.  And the 6 boys spent the better part of Sunday and 14 hours yetserday setting up the free space they had brokered with the Local Art Center. 

It was a little iffy there for awhile, as it has been snowing here since 6pm Sunday evening…but their troopers.

They transformed the space with banners, balloons, streamers, lights, etc.  They did a phenomonal job and the best part is they raised over $1750.00 for charities.

So here’s a shout out to my “little man” – I am proud to say I am your Mom and am in constant awe of the size of your heart.  Congrats!!

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In honour of Mom

February 24, 2007 at 9:47 pm (Family)

Today is a very special anniversary for my family, for me.  It’s the day we found out my Mom’s Cancer was gone.  Gone as in no more chemo, no more radiation.  Still weekly, than monthly, than quarterly, etc Dr’s appointments.  But it was gone.  I remember being at work, on edge waiting for my Mom’s call and not being able to follow a single thought thru to the end.  Oh, I could finish the “What if it’s still there” or “What if its spread” thoughts, but nothing else.  When she finally called with the good news, I laughed with her, congratulated her and then went into the ladies room and cried for about 30 minutes.

Don’t misunderstand, I was happy – I was ecstatic.  But I had kept everything inside for almost two years while I put my life on hold to care for her and I just fell apart upon hearing the news.  Kind of like when I found out she had Cancer.

Backtrack two years.

My parents had been separated, on the way to divorce (a nasty divorce), for 6 months.  My Mom hadn’t been feeling well, had these “hive” like things on her face and arms.  The Dr’s wrote it off to stress from all the changes in her life.  The “hives’” continued to grow until they looked like bee hives – the multiple layers – and the ones on her face stuck out about an inch.The day I got the call at work, I expected my Mom to be on the other end telling me it was an allergy or something non threatening.  It was my Dad on the other end, telling me my Mom had Cancer and I needed to get to Mac Hospital ASAP.  My whole body started to shake, to the point I couldn’t hold the phone.  A co worker had to drive me the 45 minutes to the hospital.  The reason my Dad called?  My Mom was so upset when she found out she forgot her and my Dad weren’t talking.

My Mom had cutaneous t-cell lymphoma.  My sister and I were tested for bone marrow compatibilities; we were told my Mom had maybe a year.  A year.  My son was only 8 at the time.  This was also, thru the tests, where we found out I had Lupus, but that’s a whole other story.

Mom started chemo right away and my sister, in an act I viewed as cowardice at the time, but have since forgiven, packed her bags and went back packing across Europe / Asia for three years.  My Mom lives 15 minutes from me, so, when I wasn’t at work, Wonder Boy and I were there.  All her care fell on me.  When she had chemo or radiation or Dr’s appointments, my employer allowed me to work from home.  I lost 30 pounds in 2 months and started smoking again.  It was the worst two years of my life.

It was also the best two years of my life.  My Mom and I never had a great relationship when I was growing up and she was angry at me for having Wonder Boy so young (20).  She’s always been an amazing Grandma – but she felt I was repeating her mistakes.  In those two years we became friends.  Not best friends, but good friends.  And the relationship she forged with my son, that continues today, can not be replaced.

A couple months into the chemo, my son’s Christmas pageant at school came up.  My Mom had lost all her hair at this point, still had some growths on her face and she asked him if he would be embarrassed if she came to the pageant because of her looks.  His reply “Why, you look like Grandma.”  Did I mention I love his big heart?

She has been Cancer free for 7 years as of today.  She runs marathons now for the Lymphoma / Leukemia Society as part of their Team in Training.  This year, she’s going to Dublin.  She is my hero.  As I sit here crying and typing, I want my Mom to know I love her, I respect her and I hope to someday be as courageous.

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Dallas trip needs help

February 24, 2007 at 12:28 pm (Work)

I’m going to Dallas in a week for work.  I’ve never been – in fact I’ve been very few places in the lovely US of A.  My dad’s place in Hilton Head, Disney in Florida and Denver.  Sad, I know.

I’m there primarily for a convention at the Gaylord Texan, but have some free time Monday and Tuesday.  Any suggestions on where to go to eat, shop or have a drink?  I have access to a car and about 4 hours on Monday and from 4pm Tuesday to do what I want.

And by the way, anyone know where the nearest Target is to it?  Always wanted to go to a Target.

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Working off the bad karma

February 23, 2007 at 7:43 pm (Rants, Work)

Apparently I have some bad karma to work off.  There is no other reason for why yesterday’s insanity showed up today.   

  • Retrieved my morning coffee from Tim’s without the hassle of yesterday.  Sipping it on my way to the bus stop…that’s odd, doesn’t taste like it normally does.  Take another sip.  What is that taste?  I know…it’s….spoiled milk.  Yep, they put bad milk in my coffee.  Pay back for yesterday?  Don’t know, but I went thru 4 pieces of gum till I could get to the toothbrush in my desk.  Think I’ll take the hint, walk an extra 5 minutes and go to Starbucks on Monday.
  • Being the first person in the office and not being able to remember my alarm code.  Lovely, the alarm company just woke my boss’ wife up at 7:30am.  Kiss that raise goodbye in April.
  • Start up my computer….that’s odd, why is the screen a funny shade of blue?  According to the Help Desk it’s lovingly referred to as “The Blue Screen of Death.”  My hard drive – fried.  According to the very nice, very cute Adam, he’s never seen anything like it before.  Do you think my boss will believe I overworked it?

I have been covering all week for our Marketing Director who is at our office in New Hampshire.  I’ve been waiting all week for something to go wrong.  And it did.  At 4:30 on a Friday afternoon.  All the flyers that were suppose to be delivered to newspapers, post offices, etc for the weekend papers – lost!  Skipping over the how the hell do you loose 2 million flyers – let’s talk about the bitch witch I had to deal with from the printing company. 

Just because I’m not the Marketing Director and I’m from your neighbour to the North, does not make me stupid.  When 35 stores call me to say their flyers haven’t been delivered, no, I don’t need to call them all back to confirm.  It is cold up here but our brains aren’t frozen.  And no, the fact I haven’t heard from the other 200 yet does not mean it’s an isolated issue.  And when you finally admit that the delivery company has lost the shipment – do not, I repeat, DO NOT laugh like a school girl and say “these things happen.”  Last time I checked, we paid you a ridiculous amount of money for a SERVICE, a service you failed to provide.  Find the flyers beyatch – or better yet – find the god damn trucks their on. 

I’m off to get drunk tipsy with my girlfriends – apparently it’s been one of those weeks for all of us.  It has to be something in the air. Normally I’m a straight G&T girl, but tonight calls for some shots of Jager.  Or Tequila.  Or Goldschlagger.  Oh hell, who am I kidding – copious amounts of alcohol.

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Please stop the ride, I want off.

February 22, 2007 at 7:56 pm (Rants)

I checked – no full moon.  No heat wave.  No extreme cold weather alert.  So is it my perfume?  Is it a magnet for all the random WTF’s that was today?

In no particular order:

  • the employee at Tim Horton’s this morning who took my order, my money and then walked away.  Yes, walked into the kitchen, never to be seen again.  I had to ask very, very loudly if I was expected to jump the counter to get my coffee now that they had gone self serve.  Resulted in chuckles from the people in line and a mgr running out of the back.  No apologies, but I did get my coffee.
  • the man on the bus on the way home, who kept sniffing my hair.  While I realize the smell of my shampoo & conditioner may be foreign to you, based on the stringy, oiliness of your hair – not to mention the smell emanating from your coat – really not acceptable behaviour between strangers.  Especially when I’m trapped on a crowded bus, nowhere to go, and actually ask you to “Please, stop sniffing my hair.”
  • the sales clerk in the clothing store, where I was looking for short sleeve T’s for my upcoming trip – “Ma’am, you may want to consider a different store.  Our clothes aren’t designed for generous women.”  I’m not slim by any means, but since when is a size 12 generous??  And who says that to people?
  • my son’s father.  While both the crazy and intellectually challenged apply normally – whole new level reached today.  Sending me a 2 page email explaining how you have been laid off and won’t be able to pay anymore child support til you find work – dude, you’ve paid maybe and I’m being generous, $2,000.00 in the 15 years we have been apart.  But hey, you’re communicating….
  • the grocery cashier who, even with a computerized till, could not give me the correct change.  My bill – 17.16.  What I gave her – 20.16.  This is our future poeple…I guess I can kiss that government pension good bye.
  • my son’s inability to take out the kitchen garbage when its full.  He puts stuff on the counter.  Oh that’s right…I raised him like he lived in the wilds.  Or even better, the non existent maid will pick it up.  How about I put that garbage in your bed?  Bet you’ll start taking it out then….or at least once.

Please let tomorrow be less taxing….it is Friday and I don’t ask for a lot

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Open letter to our public school board….

February 22, 2007 at 9:23 am (Rants)

crabby1.jpgI know you are responsible for thousands of students and I realize your under budgeted / under staffed…but seriously, after 10 years at the same school do you think you could get my name right?  Everytime you call about Wonder Boy, you call me Mrs C (we have different last names).  You had to look up my # and as I fill out the forms every year, I know my name is right beside it – my real name.  How about stepping out of the box there darling and realizing its 2007?

My son is an honour student, on varsity teams & various committees.  So when “I say he’s bored” at a parent mtg and the teacher’s volunteer to give him more assignments….this does not mean you can send me a bill for $859!!  Its a public school system – one my taxes pay for – see ya at the Trustees mtg next week.

To the VP of the school who told me I had to pay the bill and that “I should stop feeling some sort of special entitlement because I’m a single Mom”… love that you had the balls to put it in an email.  See you at the Trustees mtg beyatch.

To the Math teacher who, while I like that you’re keeping the parents in the loop about tests, etc – STOP with the thrice weekly “math is wonderful” emails.  I realize its your first year but if you don’t stop I am going to have to come down there and kick your ass.

And its only 9am….

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The Edible bacteria

February 20, 2007 at 1:29 pm (Uncategorized)




Science Project 2

Originally uploaded by josie28.

Finally figured out how to upload pictures….here is a shot with my camera phone of “our science project” from last night.

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My Science project

February 20, 2007 at 1:05 pm (Wonder Boy)

This is what I did with my evening last night…just in case any of you thought I sat around eating bon bons and sipping champagne.

Wonderboy’s GRADE 11 Biology project was to make an edible replica of a bacteria.  Yes, you read that right.

This involved a 25 minute trip to the grocery store, where I do believe we walked the store 4 times trying to find the things we needed.  And we left without the “actual” food required for his lunch for the rest of the week.  I know, another notch in my bad mother of the year belt. (At the rate this month is progressing,  I am going to need a hell of a big belt for the year.)

The ingredients (and $25 grocery bill):

16 twinkies

1 bag of red licorice nibs

2 boxes of Fruit by the Foot

1 bag of red licorice “pull ‘n peel”.

1 container of toothpicks

He had showed me a picture Monday night of what he needed to make and I came up with the idea….I know, my mind is a scary thing.

The twinkie is a “vacilli” bacteria, that we had to cross section to show the white filling of the bacteria as genetic material.

The fruit by the foot on the top represents cell membrane.

The fruit by the foot wrapped around the entire twinkie represents cell wall.

The long stringy pull ‘n peel licorice represents flagellum.  (This was threaded thru the twinkie by pushing a toothpick thru first to make the hole)

The nibs represent pilli.  (Held on with toothpicks broken in half)

Yeah…I don’t understand half of that either and yes I had to ask WB how to spell those big words.  But he gets it and that’s what matters.  And he thinks they rock.  And he thinks I do right now too…

Anyways, when we finished, I asked him how much this was worth towards his final grade….5%.  So wish I had asked that first.  I would have bought one of those log cakes and called it a night.

 I’ll let you know what kind of grade we get….better be an A 

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And the Dentist bill goes to…

February 18, 2007 at 4:32 pm (Uncategorized)

My son just came home from spending a couple days with his Dad and family for Chinese New Year.  He had a great time and informs he may never eat again.  Coming from a 16 yr old boy who I refer to as the garbage can…that’s saying something.

My issue isn’t the numerous red envelopes with money.  I realize its tradition and I know Wonderboy is good with money.  The issue is the amount of candy / cookies, etc he comes home with after seeing his grandparents.  I love my ex in laws – they have always treated me well.  But does one boy need – a bag of mini Kit Kats, a tin of cookies, a box (64) of hallowe’en sized chocolate bars and a box of Lindt chocolates?  No, he doesn’t.  And neither do my hips, ass and thighs.

We’re still trying to get thru the Christmas candy – which filled one of those huge gift bags.  And that’s with me taking stuff to work and giving it away.  And Easter’s around the corner….then its a game between my Mom and his Dad’s parents as to who can rot his teeth faster.

So, anyone want to offer to pay the dentist bill, or better yet take the candy off our hands??  My dress pants are begging you….

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The Beginning

February 16, 2007 at 11:35 pm (Uncategorized)

I’m a little slow to start New Years resolutions.  I quit smoking.  I quit my 3 year relationship.  But did I start blogging like I promised myself I would?  No.  A girl can only handle soo much stress in a span of a couple weeks.  And the added stress of all the food I ate to supplement the smoking and loneliness won.

I’m also a little nervous.  I’ve been lurking for over a year now and the magnitude of brilliant writers out there is scary.  So while I hope not to bore anyone who stumbles across this with my mindless drivel, I am starting out this blog as a purge.  A purge of the “bad” relationship I allowed myself to wallow in for 2 yrs, 354 days too long.  Beyond that, probably just my own little rants on the world, people who annoy the crap out of me, raising a teenage boy on my own and trying to figure out who I am.

So, bare with me…it gets better. 

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