Buck it Up Buttercup

I am now on to almost finished painting the third room in our house in the last two weeks.  I'm tired of the perpetual, never ending headache of smelling paint.  It is low odour but it still smells.  I'm not sleeping more than a hour at a time and up early every morning this month to volunteer for the school breakfast program.  I am very frustrated with the lack of food at one of the schools so sweet talked my husband into donating food on behalf of the business.  Trust me hungry children cannot learn!  It doesn't help my mood that one of the other volunteers has an attitude from he-double hockey sticks with me as the target.  I bite my tongue a lot while at that school but she will not break me!  I'm there for the kids not her.  I'm just saying...

We hosted for our regular games night (about 15) then the following day for Superbowl (about 30) and were on the go every single day last week.  I've dealt with the internet going out, and pest control.  My sense of humour at catching 3 mice in less than two weeks along with killing off carpenter ants is not very good so we called in the pros.  That meant I was multi-tasking between Bell and the pest control guy just after our friend who is doing the custom woodworking left.  Oh and then my doctor's office called to say I failed one test so need to undergo further tests...like I really needed that!  AND my husband signed me up for volleyball Friday nights.  Apparently my head is a walking target for the volleyball as well with one resulting trip to ER but that is because it came so close after the slip and fall at the airport so I lost vision in my right eye for a short period.  It also doesn't help that my impacted wisdom tooth is showing signs of infection or that I am the head of a very large and what promises to be a huge community project. 

Two things happened to bring everything back into perspective.  First, someone at volleyball said "Buck it Up Buttercup".  That has become my new mantra because the reality is no matter how bad I feel or how tired I am, someone has it worse.  The second thing that happened was a little girl that comes to the one school's breakfast program (I'm at two schools) came up to me and thanked me for feeding her.  I held back the tears until I got in the car to drive home realizing I had made a difference for one child for one day and you know that is all that really matters!  So, BUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP!  Life is grand especially when you have the opportunity to help others ...

Garden Gnome
©2006-2012

My Husband and I are Nice People

Not only are we nice people our motto is always to treat folk with respect and take the high road.  That's just the way we are.  Today it was so difficult though.  So my husband's aging laptop is giving it up so we went shopping for a new one with a game plan in mind.  The new one goes home, the old one stays here and if the old one finally goes I get a new Mac with the old Mac coming here.  Hey, I thought it was a perfect plan.  First my husband is driving along and for no reason was flipped the bird.  Apparently he was number one in their book.  Then this little car and I do mean little figured they could squeeze between us and the car in front of us.  This is precisely why a bit of alcohol for the passengers should be allowed when driving!

We continued on to our next stop where either I am invisible or simply not tall enough to signal the shopper behind me not to run me over.  Thanks so much shopper as now I have a few fresh bruises to take over the fading bruises from move. I'd hate to see myself walk around without at least one bruise! <sarcasm>  Perhaps I should get my husband to put me in the kiddie part of the cart just to keep me safe from other shoppers <major sarcasm>.  Then we picked out our purchase (laptop, computer equipment and misc.) some of which had to be unlocked then taken immediately to the till where the guy told the gal we were next inline BUT apparently Miss Holier Than Thou I'm in a Hurry felt it quite appropriate to cut in line then proceeded to waste a good 20 minutes trying to pay.  By then I was ready to lose it, gave the check-out girl a glaring look while making a comment to the effect we were there first to which I got a glaring look from my husband so shut up silently thinking I should wander off to their pharmacy section to get any possible sedative available.  We finally got checked out then put our lovely purchases in the car and headed home upon which I declared it an excellent time to go to the club house for dinner.  I'm sorry but I'm tired, miserable, and have more aches and pains from moving than anyone needs.

So we get to the club house and ordered a Greek salad and large pizza.  We clearly told George what we wanted on the pizza which of course came with none of the toppings we ordered.  I told George that isn't what we ordered while my husband quietly started scrapping off the toppings to eat what was left.  I was just too tired to say much more and besides there are in our long married life together only a couple of times we have ever sent a meal back which is saying a lot considering we both are major foodies.  We left three-quarters of the pizza untouched, paid our tab with me vowing to my husband I would never eat there again on the way to the car with him saying 'you know what mistakes happen' so we will try it again.

My husband wandered off to play poker with his entourage while I had a steaming hot bath.  In the big picture a lot of things that happened today could have caused a blow-out.  My husband and I are nice people so blow-outs are just not our style.  We believe in Karma and pay-it-forwards.  Today was a bad day but tomorrow will be a better one and you really can't ask for more than that.

Oh and I have to tell you about a wonderful person coming out of a store we were going into.  His arm was in a cast and he was using a crutch.  Like a true gentleman he held the door open for me.  I smiled and said I should be the one holding the door for him.  He smiled back and said 'pass it on'.  Even a bad day holds priceless gems :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

When I Get Sick...

When I get sick there are two major symptoms - my face especially my cheeks get bright red and I do mean bright red AND I spike a high temperature.   I've always been like this so when my cheeks were flaming yesterday I took my temp and sure enough it was spiking AND appearing to want to continue rising, I was a bit concerned.     I went back to check the warnings of the med I'm on and apparently flushing and fever can be one side effect.  Ok, this is well beyond flushing but might fall under fever but still cause for concern.  I decided on a cool bath and aspirin to bring the temp down. 

When I'm sick I don't want to be coddled or waited on or anything.  I want to be left alone (not kidding), listen to my body and heal.  Heck, I know the biology and physiology behind what is happening and know how to respond.  I don't want someone telling me to eat when I know clear fluids is the best course of action.  Seriously, I hibernate.  I know you need to starve a fever so going without food for a few days doesn't bother me one iota.

My husband tries this coddling thing when I'm sick.  I puts me into the foulest mood ever something that is not conducive to healing.  I can't convince him to just leave me alone.  Don't talk to me, don't ask questions...just leave me alone.  But it is not his nature to do that.  In the long run that's likely a good thing and honestly I know he really cares, but I just want to be left alone when I'm sick.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

I Am A [only in your mind] Victim

According to the Province of Ontario, I am a victim of a violent crime not once but twice.  The irony is both crimes were murder.  Both have profoundly affected my life.  The first really was a bit easier to deal with then the second but I am used to being followed and stalked.  That's my life.  It always has been and I doubt it will ever stop.  But I would like to say, I'm a survivor.  I've learned to protect myself and my family.  I will not let the Province of Ontario or the accused tell me I am a victim.  I'm sorry but that is not in my realm of thinking.  I am not a victim!  I live my life as I see fit and no one not even someone capable of murder is ever going to dictate or control how I live.  So I am flipping the bird at two individuals who are guilty of murder.  You tried to take something from me but in the end you made me stronger!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Flash Backs

I hate the turmoil and chaos of moving.  For some strange reason it triggers strong emotions and flash backs from my childhood, something I have worked very, very hard to keep in the deepest recesses of my memory.  I don't talk about my childhood to anyone including my husband or kids.  I can't explain why those particular memories start flooding back and I can't explain the vivid imagery but I can say I don't like it.  I can't control it so I've learned to deal with it.

Our house is sold.  We are moving so end of and quite frankly I can't wait to move.  We are both excited to be going home to where our family and friends are.  It's funny that once the news came the house was finally sold I went into a packing frenzy but the flash backs didn't happen that day or the next or the next.  Oh no, they waited until the following week then hit with a vicious vengence.  I seriously dread the night when dreams become reality.  I will wake soaking wet and in a panic from one nightmare only to drift off into another one and so the pattern repeats itself throughout the night.  I will find any excuse not to go to bed including drifting off in my favourite chair.  Nothing stops the nightmares!  Trust me, being sleep deprived is one hundred percent better than those nightmares...

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Excited but Detaching

My gosh, everything is just happening almost too fast.  We knew it would with the right buyer but I did not bank on this almost lost feeling selling the house.  It isn't that I don't know where to start with the packing or what to get rid of,  but rather more of lost for lack of a better word.  We've had sixteen months to decide how we were going to handle this move.  I know what I want to replace as far as furniture and etc. with a set budget.  I already have my colours picked out for the new house AND we have arranged to be able to have access three weeks before the official closing date.   I have a lot of plans for the new house! 

I am seriously totally wound up aka major hyperactive.  I tore apart the upstairs bathroom just after getting the news everything was official.  It is empty and in ready to move condition.  I've gathered up all the nautical themed decor into two boxes, one to give away and one to take to our vacation home.  I've gathered up all the documentation that needs to stay with the house like manuals.  Unwanted items are going out the door daily.  And so the detaching begins...

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

It is All About Me!

A couple of years ago I was bashed, and I do mean bashed for not using my real name as author of my blogs.  Using a pseudonym has long been acceptable in the literary field and that has been widely acceptable in the blogsphere.   The bottom line is whether anyone else agrees with it or not, those who are important to me knows my online nym and my real identity.  I refuse to be bullied and that is exactly what it was with my online stalker trying to bully me into disclosing my real name.  Then the issue became that I don't talk enough about my online stalker, I don't disclose enough about myself and guess what I apparently don't make my online stalker the centre of my universe.

My blogs are about me, all about me!  They are a reflection of how I see the world, my experiences and me sharing what I know.  I, as author of my blogs, allow the reader to see one very, very narrow aspect of me.  What I choose to share with my readers is entirely up to me and always has been.  I will not be bullied or dictated to.  I resent the judgemental attitude, telling me how I present my own intellectual property is wrong.  The bottom line is under the Canadian Constitution I have every right to present my intellectual property any way I see fit.  So my blogs are all about me but if you really want to know me, don't rely just on my blogs.  You need to develop a personal relationship, one of which I will accept enough to let you get close enough that I will even talk to you,  And let me tell you I do not and never have warmed up to people.  At this stage in my life, if you aren't in my inner circle of friends and family the chances of you getting into my inner circle is pretty much nil.  I'm just saying. 

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Chaos Starts the Week

My gosh!  I spent the weekend at the home of oldest and youngest grandchildren.  What a hoot!  I left for their place around lunchtime on Saturday and arrived back home Sunday about 9 pm.  I was going to stay longer but our real estate agent called to see if they could do the first dog and pony show Monday morning.  That meant I had to get home Sunday night in order to do the spit and shine for the showing.  I didn't get into bed until 2:30 in the morning then was back up at 8:30 am to do the last minute touches.  At the same time I knew dumb and dumber were coming out to fix our satellite dish for the internet.  As I puttered I hoped they would show up after the dog and pony show.

The dog and pony show went well with 7 agents and our agent attending.  The one comment was the stairs to the sunporch needed painting so I was on the phone to one of our kids who picked up the paint and came out to prep the stairs.  The intention was to do the first coat of paint today but I started it after dumb and dumber and $290.25 left.  Apparently when the high winds moved the satellite dish they also damage part of it.  The nice thing is I managed to avoid paying HST on the part, so take that McGuinty!  By the time I finished the first coat of paint on the stairs (inner supports, landing and runners) it was time for dinner and Corrie.  Then it was time for laundry, a bit of blogging and the quick realization I think I'm coming down with a cold.  And so the week started...

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

I'm Sorry But I Don't Feel Obligated

It seems to me the people expect a lot more of others and when the expectations are not met they get a bit huffy. I'm sorry but I simply do not feel obligated to share anything I've paid for including services regardless whether someone doesn't like it or not. I don't feel I should have to drop and run to answer the door or the phone just because. Our house is for sale so the other day someone rang the doorbell and I was busy so didn't answer. My property, my choice and my right. The next thing I knew there was a couple walking around our back yard and when I asked them what they were doing they said just checking out the property. Then he said 'well I did ring the doorbell and got no answer' as if I was obligated to answer the door. Let's see the last time I looked a For Sale sign on your property is not an open invitation for someone to trespass. Can we say rude? You want to see the property go through our agent! The very same day I got a phone call from someone clearly upset that our answering machine does not take messages. Too bad! I hung up on them then blocked their number. The audacity of some people simply amazes me! How dare they think they have the right to intrude on my space then turn around and rudely tell me what to do in my space as if they think I have some obligation to them. Here's a clue, I own them nothing!

Here's a few things I don't feel obligated to do or even make any excuses for not doing:

• answer the door - Sorry anyone on our property technically is trespassing unless invited. That include those trying to scam us into switching gas providers and trying to save our souls. I'm a bit more lenient towards kiddies doing fundraisers and trick-or-treating. We pay the property taxes and the mortgage so I will answer the door if and when I choose to do so. Please note that me not answering the door does not give you the right to wander throughout our property as you choose as should be duly noted by the skulls strategically placed around the yard as a warning against trespassing.
  
• answer the phone - We pay a fairly hefty fee for phone service which means a 5 minute telemarker call is costing me money. I feel no obligation to deal with telemarkers. I do feel quite justified blocking telemarketers phone calls and sharing those phone numbers online so others can block them as well. In fact if you catch me at the wrong time I may even invite all my followers on Twitter to give you a call to let you know how they are today. Any phone call that begins 'And how are we today' is going to an automatic recommendation for repeating kindergarten. I also feel no obligation to turn my answering machine on or even return calls I don't want to although if I like the caller there's a better chance I will call back. Despite some beliefs the phone is not fair game for anyone to call anytime they want. I also don't fee obligated to give out our phone number. You should see some of the looks over that one. That can be a whole entertaining conversation in itself as someone tries to find out why you don't have a phone. The funny part is they ask for your phone number to which I reply I don't have one. Notice I said I don't have a phone number not that I didn't have a phone.
  
• answer email - I pay for my internet access and while I do welcome electronic communication I feel no obligation to reply to unsolicitated email (aka spam), rude email, or any other rude or obnoxious online behaviour. I do reserve the right to report such actions to your ISP.
  
• answer online questions - I participate in several online forums. My rule is just because you ask me a question especially one that is entirely none of your business does not mean I feel obligated to reply. No one needs to know what colour my skivies are or all the details of my birthing experience although I will gladly tell that, just not what the secret ingredient is in one of my signature dishes. If I told I would have to kill that person to keep the ingredient secret and that just seems like too much time and effort for me. If I don't answer the question within a day that means I actually have a life or have decided not to answe it. Either way, move on.
  
• give an explanation or excuse as to why I don't feel obligated - It goes without saying.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Here's Your Sign - Talk to the Hand!

I am by nature an extremely private person both in real life and online. When someone oversteps their bounds, intruding into my personal space I tend to get a bit on the testy side. A wall will go up so fast that it really doesn't matter what the offender does after that they will be met with a solid wall along with a talk to the hand. If someone has ticked me off to the point that wall goes up the only thing they can do is talk to the hand because as far as I'm concerned they no longer exist, period.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Footprints in Life

The Beach
August 15, 2009

Last weekend we spent a wonderful couple of days boating and swimming. The weather turned quite warm to the point of being uncomfortable. We finally broke down and turned on the air conditioning. So Monday morning I was all gung-ho to get a bit of blogging. I was in such a grand mood that morning! As always I checked my email, made a couple of replies then checked the groups I follow and made a couple of replies. Within a few minutes of one of the group replies there was an extremely nasty and hateful reply. I sat there looking at it for a minute then decided to take the high ground, thank the poster politely for her reply and move on although the way I feel right now it will be quite some time before I participate in that group again!

It is so easy online to forget that the words you type affect real people. Folks under the cloak of anonymity say things online they never would dream of saying directly to someone's face. Yet those words leave just as big of an impact especially when it comes from a trusted source. Feelings get hurt and unlike footprints in the sand the impressions have a lasting effect. Unlike the footprints on the beach the impact remains.

So to the nice and I'm sure you are a nice person who for whatever reason lashed out at me with your spiteful nastiness, I wish you well. I hope you don't experience someone lashing out at you the way you did to me. I hope you had a pleasant and restful day full of good vibes and I seriously hope no one left negative footprints on your soul and heart. May someone throughout your day tell you that you were appreciate and are loved and your knowledge had value in their lives. Perhaps the memories of their kind words will help take the sharpness off of yours before they are spoken forever to leave a footprint.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

A Sad Ending

Reflections
May 16, 2009

Several years back when our kids were pre-teens a little girl in the Detroit area went missing. At the time I followed the story of this little one. Unfortunately the outcome was not good. I cried for the family then was horrified when it later came out that the mother had been involved. I'm sorry that is just not something I can understand! Mothers and fathers are supposed to protect their children from harm. I know that just the sheer act of giving birth to a child does not make you a parent but the instinct to protect your child from harm begins for most the moment you find out you are expecting.

Once again I have been following the story of little Victoria (Tori) Stafford who was 8 years old when she was abducted in Woodstock, Ontario on April 8, 2009. Again the outcome is the worst case scenerio. Two individuals are now in custody with the 28 year old male charged with abduction and murder while the 18 female charged with abduction and accessory to murder. There is some indication her charge will be updated to murder as well even though she is helping police in locating Tori's remains.

I've been very active in trying to get the word out to bring this little girl home. Because of that I have refrained from passing judgement against the parents of Tori. I'm sorry, the following is going to sound very harsh but it echos what others have already been saying and it is my gut feeling.


Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Springtime

Spring Blossoms
May 10, 2009

Spring is a wondrous time that always signifies renewal not only for our surrounding environment but also the spirit. There's the new growth combined with cleaning off winter's grime. There's the anticipation of warmer weather to come. It is officially spring here even though it is still unseasonably cool. The cooler, wet spring has slowed progress in the gardens. Yesterday we woke to a good coating of frost. I acted on the previous day's frost warning so all my plants were protected so had very little frost damage.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Random Act of Kindness

Bright Smiles
May 1, 2009

My husband surprised me with a bouquet of beautiful, bright flowers last week to cheer me up. What a sweetheart! I have very much appreciated their cheery colours. The last couple of weeks have been both emotionally and physically draining. Each time I felt my stress level rise, I stopped and took a few deep breaths while enjoying my flowers. Complicating things was another horrid sinus attack that lasted a little over 4 days exasperated by the damp, rainy weather. Honestly these attacks are so bad that sleep is not much of an option! I've had to make an extra effort to not let my worsening mood affect my husband or the kids.

Yesterday morning as it clouded up I could feel pressure and pain in my sinuses again not even a full 2 days after the attack had subsided! By mid-afternoon the internet signal was going up and down! So this morning I was up early hoping to get some serious blogging done. I had one picture edited and was just getting ready to re-size and save when the power went out! I powered everything back up just in time to see the television sat was down meaning the internet would be going down as well. A couple of seconds later the power went out again. So I took the hint, smiled at my flowers and climbed back into bed!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

Change

Yesterday we hosted a large event so after getting the guys settled I sat down to check my email. What was supposed to be a bit of quiet time for me turned into immediate panic. One of the banner exchanges I participate in is changing their rules dictating where the widget can be on my blogs and introducing ads that I have no control over unless I pay to not have them displayed. Neither of these changes sit well with me so I went to the forums and voiced my opinion. At the same time I cancelled all advertising form this exchange. And the heated discussions have continued. The ultimate was this afternoon when one of the moderators accused me of writing paid posts on my Blogger blogs when in fact I never have and that's one thing I really don't like. I am upset and I am fuming because I put a lot of support into it. Then I did a bit of a think.

Change is always difficult but it is an opportunity for learning and growth. It can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it. In this case I think I have pretty much made up my mind as to how I will proceed in the matter. In this case change is going to be a blessing because it is a change made freely based on my guiding principles. I'm sorry but I will not compromise my principles and sell myself short by allowing something on my blogs that I know my readers would not want or appreciate or even be offended. This is the first time as a blogger I've had to take a really hard line and what I quickly realized is where I draw the line in the sand and I'm sorry no one is going to cross that line. That is a blessing because I now know where I stand and what I will put up with as a blogger. Sot it was a blessing!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

But I don't have a water bowl???

I received the following from a friend and thought I would pass it along. Thanks friend for sharing this wonderful story with me. You are always welcomed at my water bowl :) I've taken the creative liberty of adding a graphic for you.

-----

This explains why we forward jokes.

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," he answered.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?! "

"No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind."

Soooo...

Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word.

Maybe this will explain.

When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.

When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.

When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.

Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get?

A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.

You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime.

-- author unknown

-----

Garden Gnome
©2006-2009

In a Funk

I've been in a funk for the past week or so. For me that is a good thing! I've come to realize that funks pass and behind them there is always renewed creativity. It is as if my mind is saying hey I need a break but trust me on this one. Not only is a funk itself a blessing for me recognizing what it represents is also a blessing. It forces me to slow down, do a bit more pondering and give my mind the break it needs. We can all use a mental break from time to time to get those creative juices flowing.

May you have a blessings filled week,

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008

toxic people

Here's Waldo!
Oct. 10, 2008

If you have followed this blog you will know I love wall art so I'm going to make a few comments before going onto the main topic for this entry. We found Waldo! He was on one of the bridge abutments on the lift bridge we had to go under before reaching the marina. As wall art goes this one is striking because of the contrast however it loses a lot of points because it is obviously a stencil and really not a well done one. It was cute though.

Friday night we settled in at the marina enjoying the beautiful Indian summer. Saturday a couple of late arrivers docked. Well within 10 minutes of docking one of the women who we have know for a few years and her husband is a real sweetheart made it very clear that she was greatly aggigated but this time I was the object of her furry! I managed to say hi when she just flew off. Without saying a word I got my husband's eye and we headed back to the boat where I talked. We figured it was just a fluke because we had seen this type of behaviour from her in the past. Nope, it wasn't a fluke and by the time we left she actually had her little group of girls over by themselves doing that childish schoolyard thing that mean "I'm talking about you and you aren't part of the in group" thing, I seriously could not believe this and that is just for being polite and saying hi? She was horribly nasty making snide remarks anytime I was in her presences. So knowing it had nothing to do with this particular trip, I thought back to the last time we boated and she was there. It was as far as I can figure August of 2007 and again nothing comes to mind that could have set her off. Prior to that it would have been the May long weeked of 2007 and again nothing. So I'm baffled. Neither one of us can come up with any explanation for her sudden vicious and nasty behaviour.

Today I had a chance to reflect and I honestly think she is one who falls into the category that they are not happy unless they are in total control of everything. The moment they aren't, anyone in their pathway is going to get the outfall regardless if there is no reason. They are bitter and always on guard to find fault and reward you with a sharp tongue. She reminds me strongly of some folks I have met online who revel in spreading nastiness and hard feelings. In both cases these are toxic people. They don't care how or who they hurt as long as they inflict pain and quite often I don't even think they know why they are doing so. They aren't happy unless they are hurting others. Every time your thoughts turn to them trying to figure out what the heck set them off yet one more time, they are getting exactly what they want. They are eating at your heart and soul.

I'm sorry but I don't have time to deal with toxic people. Taking the high road is always the best course of action when dealing with toxic people.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008

how much is that doggy in the window?

The Dog
July 21, 2008

Now this is a real fitting picture! This dog (and yes it is a real dog) was sitting in the window of a store is St. Ignace, Michigan. I want a dog oh so bad yet my husband doesn't want one. According to him and since we have a boat any dog had best be able to swim from the middle of the lake. I still want a dog! It doesn't matter that I have allergies, I want a dog! Not a huge dog or a fancy dog but a dog. I had a dog for 18 years of my childhood and I had multiple dogs that also shared our home. I need a dog! We tried one of the oh so cute spaniels from the Beanie Baby® collection. I'm not kidding he used it to turn out the light in our room! He could whip that stuffed dog across the room and hit the light switch every time. So I figured out he didn't really like spaniels even though they are oh so cute. And this really comes as a surprise since he actually allowed the kids to keep Tiger (a tabby cat) for over 20 years! Men are so complicated sometimes. Here's the deal I will cook, clean, entertain, quit complaining and in short your life will be heaven [much the same as it is now] if you just let me have a dog. Man! I won't even complain about him having to control the tv remote 24 hours a day 7 days a week or his belching or even when he laughs because he toots (what's with that anyway?). And when the scary parts of Law and Order or Criminal Inten come on I won't have to run to the washroom because my dog (aka my dog) will make it ok. From my perspective, that seems like a pretty good deal :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008

the kitchen is finished!

The biggest blessing this week is that our kitchen renovation is finally complete! The renovation actually began shortly after moving here late June of 2007 then life got in the way. The tile supplies sat in a convenient place perfect for stubbing toes each morning just inside the kitchen since March 3. May 26 saw the start of refinishing the cabinets. Tiling began on the 4th of August. Now I should point out that my husband and I are DIYers but that does not mean we work well together even though we have fairly well defined roles during remodeling and the end result is always worth it. The problem is I have the idea and will research how to do something but sometimes he doesn't listen. As this continues I find myself repeating the same thing several times leading to frustration and failing to listen to him so really we are not effectively communicating. Compounding this problem is my temper is always the first to flare. Allergies and sinus headaches tend to make me irritable. Both of these are affected by the dust and chemicals involved with renovating. Even though we try to use eco-friendly products some things simply cannot be avoided during renovations. The worst part is the chaos involved that really makes me feel disoriented! Anywho despite the delays, frustrations, bad advice, chaos and occasional temper flares the kitchen is finished (huge blessing) and I think it looks wonderful. I've been posting our progress here where pictures of the finish will also be posted. In the process we both discovered the ineffective communication was hindering our progress. After all these years and all the renovations we have done together this discovery was like a weight was lifted off of both our shoulders. Learning more about each other as we journey through life together is always a true blessing! We will be working on improving our listening skills in preparation for our next renovation project.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2008