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Wednesday, May 31, 2006

A baby blog is being born

I have been kind of busy working on the other blog. The joint blog I share with Barbara B, Jas, Allison, Alana, Becky and Evelyne. The new blog is dedicated to all things about George Stroumboulopoulos and The Hour. Our new baby is called The Stroumboulopouli. It will launch officially this Thursday if all goes well.

In the mean time here is an email joke for your amusement. Thanks to my email contributor JC.

Expensive Dish

A cannibal was walking through the jungle and came upon a restaurant opened by a fellow cannibal.

Feeling somewhat hungry he sat down and looked over the menu. . .

Broiled Missionary: $10.00
Fried Explorer: $15.00
Baked Politician: $100.00

The cannibal called the waiter over and asked, "Why such a price difference for the politician? "

The cook replied "Have you ever tried to clean one of them? "

Monday, May 29, 2006

The prospective teacher (from my email) ty JC

After being interviewed by the school principal, the prospective teacher said, "Let me make sure I've got this right: you want me to take a room full of kids, fill them with a love for learning, instill pride in their ethnicity, maintain a safe environment, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, check their heads for lice, censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons, raise their self esteem, teach them patriotism, citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, how to apply for a job, recognize signs of anti-social behavior, make sure they all pass mandatory state exams (even those who don't attend regularly or finish assignments), give every student an equal education (regardless of mental or physical handicaps), communicate regularly with their parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, email, and report card, provide many of my own supplies since you have no budget to do so, and all on a salary that qualifies my family for food stamps? You expect me to do all this and then you expect me to not pray?!"


I think we should pray for them too!
Good on anyone willing to do that.
Barbara

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Update on Me Bad.


My sister driving us round the neighborhoods of TO

I have an update on the post about losing my Sister's 200$ cell phone in The Eaton's Centre in Toronto.
My Sister had so much trouble with Bell about getting a replacement cell phone in a reasonable amount of time. Long story involving customer service people trying to win an argument with my Sister. LOL. Good luck! She was so frustrated with them she cancelled as much as she could. She is stuck with the cell phone contract for now though. She switched over to Rogers for cable and internet. (I hear Rogers is big in Ontario.)
End result is I lost a 200$ cell phone and she will be saving about 500$ in bills.

I guess I am not such a bad Sister after all.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

On the fringe of the Fringe Fest.



3 Blind Mice presents: Pools Paradise
now playing at MainLine Theatre form May 24 to May 28
3997, boul. St-Laurent, (514) 849FEST

I am taking my Mum out Friday night to see a play called Pools Paradise by Philip King. My very talented friend Tobey did the set design on this production and it's previous production See How They Run. Both plays are very clever British comedies set in England at the time of the second world war. We had a great time at the first production and we hear the second production is even funnier than the first. The acting talents are mainly from a pool of John Abbott Drama graduates, who really do a wonderful job.


Since I decided to get a life, I am buying ticket to more events this spring than I have in the past two years.

Talk about a good day!

Yesterday I had a pretty good day! I hope you did too.
It started out with good email, continued with good snail mail.
In the snail mail was something from my world vision child's. Her first letter to me. I have to answer that one today. She tells me she will be going to school next year, she even drew a picture for me. aaaw.
I went to work after two days off in a row, and I was so happy to be back at work. Everything at work went well. How nice is that?
As soon as I got home there was more good email from friends and new friends plus the 72 computer generated compliments about my blog... That was the only weird part.
I was answering my real email, while watching The Hour. My efforts to make George and his crew smile turned into smiles for my blog buddies and other The Hour Viewers. He was talking on air about this blog post. To quote George "God love Barbara". Hey, it's not everyday one gets a blessing from George. This is a picture from Evelyne's blog recent update on the naming of the kids. Strombo(or Stroumbo) the kid will be a girl goat because the boys get sold off and no one want's to see little Strombo sold off now do they? George may even get a sweater out of this deal.
If you missed The Hour yesterday, 'shame on you'. You had a chance to watch it again at 11pm and 2am. I'll see if anyone posted the clip later.
More good things happened yesterday, the Oilers won the hockey game in a real nailbiter finish. Good on them!
I think I predicted with my card reading that they had 6/8 chance to win the Stanley cup. To quote me...

I was working today so I did some card reading at lunch for a few
more teams. Senators... No Way. 100% no to win the cup this year. Colorado
maybe... Depends on how ruff they play and if they get caught at it. Edmonton
looks very good. 6 out of 8 on the, yes they will win side. If they push it and
if they are mature enough they could win the cup. New Jersey has a 5 out of 8
chance if they don't get complacent. Now that was just for fun. I am not betting
anything.
LOL. Ok not all my card predictions came out so well.
The offer still stands, anytime my blog buddies want a card reading I'll do it. Keep in mind it's just for fun. I only claim to be a sigh-chick not a psychic.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Ok, what is this about...

I got home to find over 40 anonymous computer gererated comments on less recent posts of my blog. All complimentary. Many saying the same thing, and I tracked it back to a drug rehab centre in Colorado. What is the point of that? *Scratches her head* If you know why this happened let me know.

be puzzled
Barbara

Monday, May 22, 2006

Don't let dark clouds spoil things for ya.


Yesterday I took a long walk with my umbrella and my camera in hand.

Today from the CBC Mtl. cam
Cloudy and cold this holiday weekend.
Keep warm and enjoy the holiday.

If you don't want to go outside today you can always look through your cupboards and medicine cabinets for expired foods and meds. Throw the foods away (the expired pancake mix can kill ya) but you can take the meds to the pharmacy for proper disposal.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Just for Laughs

I booked a couple of tickets when I heard that some very funny and talented women were coming to Montreal. I am going to see Women Fully Clothed at the Centaur Theatre.

Starring Robin Duke from Saturday Night Live/SCTV, Jayne Eastwood from My Big Fat Greek Wedding/Chicago and This is Wonderland, Kathryn Greenwood from Whose Line Is It Anyway?/This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Debra McGrath from Getting Along Famously, and Teresa Pavlinek from History Bites/The Jane Show.

Ok, it's a while off yet, this will take place in the middle of July. That gives me just enough time to find a date.
Can you just imagine me asking a guy if he wants to go to a comedy show that may very well be a man bashing fest.
I'll let you know how that search is going.

be amused
Barbara

speaking of fully clothed have you seen pictures of Dr. David Suzuki lately? Wow that man is in great shape for his age. brb gotta get a link for this...
Warning partial nudity and Canadian content all at once.
there you go http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-74-663/people/david_suzuki/

Saturday, May 20, 2006

When I need a poem I turn to Mattie

This is a poem from the book
'Reflections of a Peacemaker'
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek
The Spirit of Success
It is in the spirit that makes school a success.
The spirit goes through different seasons,
And traveling through each season takes time.
During this time, many experiences
Affect the mind, and the heart,
And the essence of our being.
These experiences are shaped by people-
Our teachers, our friends, and our families.
Our spirits are gently, yet meaningfully
Touched, as we learn from these people.
And through these lessons,
We build our future and our life,
As we grow in the spirit of Success.
June 13 1999
I think Mattie was nine years old when he wrote that poem.
I find great wisdom in it.
Keep in mind how you may be shaping the spirits of others.
And how others touch your life.
It's something that has been on my mind as of late.
For more about Mattie Stepanek I am sure you can google it.
be you
Barbara

Friday, May 19, 2006

an old email for the long weekend

Cigarette: A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end & a fool at the other.

Divorce: Future tense of marriage

Conference: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

Conference Room: A place where everybody talks, nobody listens & everybody disagrees later on.

Ecstasy: A feeling when you feel you are going to feel a feeling you have never felt before.

Classic: A book which people praise, but do not read.

Smile: A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

Office: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.

Yawn: The only time some married men ever get to open their mouth.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

OK wishing you a cup of joy

Click the link and enjoy!
http://www.castlemountains.net/flashmar/A_Cup_Of_Joy.swf

I prefer the Three Dog Night version of this song but, it's the thought that counts.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

You know what bugs me 'bout Toronto?

Now that I am back home, back at work, and pmsing I want to complain. Whenever I am in Toronto and I am washing my hair, I can't get a good lather. The shampoo don't foam like it should! You tell me why that is. What is wrong with the water in Toronto? Body wash does not lather properly either. Maybe Torontonians have never experienced a really good lather. I feel bad for them now.

My father thinks it's all in my head (on my head?), re the shampoo thing. He may have a point. You can't take me seriously, when I am like this (all grumpy and emotional).

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Cheers!


To my The Hour buddies, If you are ever over for coffee,
I will fill up the second mug for you, but inventory will be taken before you leave.
lol. I am such a mean hostess....

Me bad!


When my Mother and I decided to explore Toronto on Monday before our 5 pm train would take us home, my Sister thought it would be a good idea if she lent me her cell phone. She drove us to her place of work and we took the subway from there. She was to meet us at Union with our luggage at 4pm. I think she was worried about us so she lent me her fancy cell phone. I am so not used to having a cell phone. She phoned me up to check in on our progress a few times. I kept wondering what that ringing was... Oh yeah, *digs it up out of my purse* Hello? I better put it in my front pocket right? Bad idea. Somewhere in the Eatons Center I lost my sisters cell phone. I only noticed it was missing when our tour bus pulled in front of the CBC building. I was a bit too freaked out to check if that really was George out on the lawn... I was busy checking under the seats for that freakin phone. I am SO SORRY Judie!!!! I am a bad Sister! *sends myself to the corner to think about what I have done.*

Monday, May 15, 2006

Stories of TO

click on the pictures to get a better look
I am home now as you can see. I had a great time in Ontario. They said it was mine to discover so I decided to explore and keep it. Thanks for the province! I have adopted Toronto as my second city. Like a second boyfriend kind of... But this city is only for fun. Well it's fun unless you work there. I went down to Front street at rush hour and no one looked like they were having fun but me and my Mum. She enjoyed my dragging her to the CBC to take a bunch of pictures and buy some stuff at the CBC gift shop. I asked about tours of the building but they are not set up for that 'right now'.
To give them some credit there is a free museum with Friendly Giant,


and Mr. Dressup stuff. That was cool. I read the guestbook signed by schoolchildren and one boy wrote 'I love you Mr. D.' (Soo cute shortening Mr. Dressup to Mr. D.)
*example of marking territory with photograghy see post re:taking Honey for a walk

I was the only person in Toronto wearing an orange tie dye tshirt today not to mention an orange Jazz fest hat.. I liked it that way. I noted the colours people were wearing and orange was not one of them. C'est pas grave, I never followed fashion.
I took a tour of Toronto by bus. That is one thing I have never done before. I have been to Toronto maybe 20 times or more throughout my lifetime. I found out on the tour that there is a nudist beach in Toronto, did you know that? Did you need to know that? I found out lots of stuff on the tour... What else did I learn? The history of buildings of interest, including my Fathers alma matter the U of T. Lots of things like the cost or the personality behind the building. All kinds of facts I bet Torontonians never knew. I have taken a walking tour of Montreal architecture in years past, and learned a great deal too. If you live in any city you should take a local tour. You never know what you are missing.
more later...

Some of your favourite things.


Do you like this picture?

Highlights Of the TO trip


I don't like the way Mr. Gould is looking at my mother!


The CBC employee parking lot. See how they care about the environment...

hmmm lots of odd architecture all mixed together.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

A few samples from Toronto

Torontonians buying flowers for their Mothers
Looking back at Toronto on the way to North Toronto
That building you can see from the CBC Cam...

Taking Honey for a walk


I love visiting my Sister 'C' at her 'big blue house' in Burlington. She and her hubby have three great kids, two boys and a girl. They also have a golden retriever named Honey. I was taking my Sister's dog 'Honey' for a long walk. She was sniffing at all the news other doggies scents left behind and then she would leave her 'scent' over top of the other scents. She read their posts, then left her comment. She was trolling the entire street and park finding out what the other dogs were all about... Feel free to leave your two scents about this post. Just don't make a big deposit.
That's all for now.

Barbara in Toronto...

Thursday, May 11, 2006

My blog will be quiet now.

I will be going with my parents to Toronto this weekend. It looks like rain all along the 401 for the five hour drive there. That should be a fun drive. I got a mix CD I prepared for the drive that I hope my parents will let me play twice. LOL. It's got everything from Sam Roberts singing Brother Down to People are strange by The Doors, plus a lot of Canadian folkrock and rock from both centuries.
I am not even packed yet but the music is ready!
First destination is Burlington for a nephew's first communion party. Looking forward to seeing Everyone. Two days there, then two days in Toronto to paint the town with my Sister, her kids, and my Mother. Monday afternoon it's goodbye TO. Hmmm there would be time for the CBC tour... We'll leave my Dad to drive home by himself while we take the train home.
Poor Dad can stop where he wants, listen to what he wants, and have peace all the way home.
Will I be able to blog while I am there? Yeah right, try getting computer time when there are kids in the house. So I will be back in no time, you have a great weekend and if I don't come back for some reason, I will try to get a message to you...
be happy
Barbara

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

J'ai écrit ton nom... From my email(ty Tobey)

J'ai écrit ton nom ... sur un morceau de papier mais, par accident, j'ai perdu le papier.
I wrote your name on a piece of paper but, by accident, I lost the paper.
J'ai écrit ton nom ... dans ma main mais, quand je me suis lavée les mains, il n'était plus là .
I wrote your name on my hand but, when I washed my hands, it was no longer there.
J'ai écrit ton nom ... sur le sable mais, la vague l'a effacé.
I wrote your name in the sand but, the waves eraced it.
J'ai écrit ton nom sur la neige mais, le soleil l'a fait fondre.
I wrote your name in the snow but, the sun made it melt.
J'ai écrit ton nom ... dans mon coeur et il y restera gravé pour toujours.
I wrote your name in my heart, it's stays engraved there forever.

blame the translation to English on me.
Barbara

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

International sign for...

Is this a univerally understood symbol of Easter? Puppies are cute but they ain't no bunny.









^Is this a universally understood sign? I think it should be on a 45% angle, no? People don't slide down horizontal hills.

Now is this one is a symbol of loving the Stones? Or Being a fan of rock?

Monday, May 08, 2006

This one goes out to the one I love


This is the picture on my desktop. Meet Graham. He is everyone's buddy.
You would like him. He had a million good stories and could make anyone laugh.
He took the time to talk with people one on one, charming them within minutes of meeting them. He was his parents best friend, his best friends best friend and my best friend.
He could get into a great conversation with you about your favorite subjects.
Whether that was music, literature, computers, hockey, or popular culture.
ie: The Simpsons.
He was known for his Simpsons quotes...
This picture of Graham was taken in the Apartment we shared in Dorval.
I think he was installing The Sims Hot Date on my old computer for me.
Smiling at the memories
Barbara

These are good questions from my email (ty JC)


Why? Why? Why?
By C. Farnham


Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Why is a boxing ring square?
Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Why is it that to stop Windows, you have to click on "Start?"
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why is the word dictionary in the dictionary?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Got any answers?
Barbara

Friday, May 05, 2006

H'our Buddy George

I love this picture. You can only imagine what George is talking about. In fact, I will leave it up to you to imagine whatever you want.

George just to let you know, I am a fan, not a stalker. It's perfectly normal to send emails every other day, right? Just checking. I'll be in Toronto on Mothers day. You don't mind if I drop in to give your Mother a hug? She puts up with so much from you. She is a saint! It was so cute when George phoned her up near the end of the Las Vegas show, to see if she was watching. Happy Mothers day to her.

George is our buddy and he takes care of his fans. Don't you George. Thank you for everything you and the crew do for us, we appreciate it. Don't worry I don't know where you live.
For those of you who don't know who it is I am not stalking, George Stroumboulopoulos, (how many times do I spell that wrong?) is the Host of The Hour .

Not every topic George covers on The Hour are of intense interest to me. I don't care what the Stoners or the Celebrities are up to in most cases. The one time I emailed a disgruntled email, he reads it on air. (see My Montreal post) He has opened my eyes about music, social issues, culture and technology and Eagles named Gordon. I buy downloaded music now. Before I used to buy it at the store. Oh by the way, I am a suck, I have never downloaded a song for free. Wait, I just caught myself in a lie. I won 10 songs from the National Playlist that was free downloading for me. I believe in supporting my favorite artists by buying the music.

Yes, I see some irony in my last paragraph because Musicians are often the stoner celebrities...

George brought up a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Blogging, free speech and keeping the internet free and open. No way am I going to let big corporations shut out my little unimportant, non commercial blog, from total internet access. All the unimportant things I blog about need to reach the widest range of people. I did something activist just now, I joined the save the internet group. See I am not just a BloggerChick. I am a free speech on my own terms blogger chick. Ok I got that link from other 'Hour' fans. Thank you Barbara B. The Badtempered Zombie and Kian and Metroid .

Thank you George for being you. I am so going to miss you when The Hour is on summer break. I hope you have fantastic summer. Renew, refresh and see you back safe and sound in September.

What the heck am I blogging about?

I want to ask you something.
My question is "do you think I am a bits nuts to be blogging about all this personal stuff in the first place?" I look at the content of my blog and mostley it's surface stuff, it even has a pattern with a 'ehem' monthy cycle. I only go deep into emotions when that is all that is on my mind. Jokes from my email, stuff I did, stuff people I like did, more email jokes, self pity and other emotions, then more stuff about George S. (see the pattern) I think the real therapy begins with posts about my deeper feelings. Sorry I had to drag you all into it. I hope it's at least entertaining. It entertains me.
My next post will be about George S.

be love
Barbara

Thursday, May 04, 2006

I am a bloggerChick now.


I went a joined a gang.
A gang of bloggers.
Not just any old bloggers either.
BloggerChicks!
If you are a chick who blogs and you
want to join the gang
click on the link on my sidebar
The one that says Join BloggerChicks
No pressure.
And no we don't do kinky initiations

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

List of what I don't have to try to be.

  1. I don't have to try to be Canadian. That comes natural.
  2. I don't have to try to be funny. If you don't get my jokes, tuff. They are funny.
  3. I'm brave. All I have to do is remember that.
  4. Being all a woman needs to be, is no problem for me. Unless you think cleaning is a part of that...Yeah right. Some things I don't have to try to be I am just not.
  5. I enjoy life, and I take a moment once in awhile to be grateful for it.
  6. Accepting of others, I am.
  7. Kind. I'm that too.
  8. Self-respecting took me time to learn. I have that now.
  9. Good? No I have to work at Good, that always takes effort.
  10. Human, that comes natural too.
  11. I don't have to be brilliant because God only gave me a smart brain and I use it for all it's worth.

You be you and I'll be me.

Barbara

I'll just keep trying to be more than that is all

Don't ask me for Diet advice!

This is why I don't listen to any diet advice. Thank you J.C. for this email today!

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO . Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

Be happy
Barbara

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Now I can't wait for CFL Football season.


The cards said it would be close. But the Habs lost my friends. The end.
The Flames and The Oilers and The Senators are still in it though. Good luck to 'em.


Monday, May 01, 2006

Graham I miss you



Two years ago around this time of year I was visiting my boyfriend in the Hospital everyday.
He was partially paralyzed from the lung cancer at this point.
I don't want to go into those details with you.
I remember it was spring and the tree's were just budding as I would walk to the hospital from the Metro carrying a Tim Hortons coffee, other treats and some CD's for him. I would play his favourite CD's. I entertained him him as best I could. I stayed strong for his family and for him and for me. One day we were listening to The Carpenters 'We've only just begun'. I started crying. Graham was surprised. I am only so strong. We only had three years together. We had only just begun. It was not long after that day that we rode in the ambulance to the palliative care home on the South Shore. La maison Victor-Gadbois is the name of that Home. His room had a nice view of the budding trees. They could even wheel his bed outside if he wanted.
I remember seeing a soaring Hawk or Eagle hovering over the home that day.
I did not drive at the time so I got lifts there with his family every day. I did not miss a day. I was holding one of his hands, his parents held the other one when he passed away.
Some details are too painful to blog. Just do me a favour, please don't smoke!
The reason I bring this up today is that his cemetery is not far from that palliative care home he spent his final days in. I will be driving there today all by myself for the first time. I have been putting that solo visit off. I decided to do it today before I go visit with his parents.

What in heaven? (email from wu)

I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights, nor its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp--
the thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics, and the trash...
There stood that kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought, would be rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I'd love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?"
God must've made a mistake.
"And why's everyone so quiet, so somber? Please, give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He, "they're all in shock;
No one thought they'd be seeing you."
Judge NOT.
Author Unknown