RIP


1992 - 2009


SQUEAKER


My first cat-
rest in peace Squeaks

I'm just comparing my BC Property Taxes from recent years to my newest 2009 Manitoba Property Taxes. There seem to be a few differences. One being that my Winnipeg property taxes are FOUR TIMES that of my BC taxes. Half of which are SCHOOL TAXES.



Holy.
Mother.
Of GOD...

Apparently I will have to REMORTGAGE to manage to live here in this "affordable city".

Seriously.

Actually if I compare what my costs were (including mortgage payment, property AND lower income taxes) between BC and MB it was literally cheaper to live in BC. That's saying something. The only thing that's less here is GAS and MILEAGE on the cars because the "commute" here is so minor. Well under 10,000km a year on the cars- that's unheard of. In BC commuting around the Fraser Valley meant about 60km per day, per car or probably about 20,000km a year on each vehicle. I dunno. BC, it's a lot of wear and tear from mileage- here you get the wear and tear from pot holes.

But a three thousand dollar property tax bill with NO HOME OWNER'S GRANT is insane. INSANE. Why am I paying for some kid to go to school. Read a book already. Hit the internet, it's cheaper. For serious. I could finance five villages in Africa for a year with the money I'm pouring into school taxes here. What the eff.

I never read the MSN news. Today, however, I went to clean out my hotmail accounts (which I use as spam blockers. Whenever I need to "create accounts" and register at sites online I use hotmail. Even when these sites SWEAR they would never share my email address with ANYONE I know they're ALWAYS full of pooh. Case in point- I had 142 messages in one week, all spam, in one hotmail account.) So's Im at MSN.ca and I see this ad here, which made me laugh since anger is maybe one of my bigger problems. Anger, rage, then immediate regret and depression. That's my process =P If I can ever, EVER learn to overcome this I might actually be able to move past my first level of Reiki LOL. I'm pretty sure it's one of the rules (she says knowingly) !!!!!!!!!! LOL =)
Anyhoo the article says to do 7 things to chill out : take a time out, do something physical, find ways to relax, don't stew (oooh, that one is my biggest. I love stew.. stewing I mean, I love stewing), focus on solutions (*Snort* what EVER..that is hilarious advice- like anyone is REASONABLE when they're mad- hello!? Who are these saints?! They're pissing me off already lol), look for the humor in it (omg if someone laughed at me when I was pissed off that would be a bad, bad scene) and don't hold a grudge (no prob- I can never hold grudges because I never remember about 5 minutes later what pissed me off) Serious short term anger memory =) Actually just really short term memory in general, since birth. Waddyado !

In other news I got my most recent Moneysense magazine in the mail which had a great article on Best Places to Live In Canada (on the link choose the slideshow option). REALLY good read and interesting comparisons. For instance I was unaware that Winnipeg (number 7 in the list of 145 Canadian cities to live) had so many new cars on the road, but laughed when I saw our crime rate. Apparently we have a lot of new stolen cars on the road =) Another great article on this site is Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs. Take me all my vacation to read all about these 100 female professional powerhouses!! I'm such a nerd.

Speaking of being a nerd and wanting to learn about powerful women, I would've loved to check out this film The Notorious Mrs Armstrong. It just played the other night in Winnipeg. What fascinates me about it is the TIME FRAME. It was just three yrs after Emily Murphy became the first femal magistrate in AB that Mrs Helen Armstrong, a working-class housewife and mother of four in Manitoba, rose to the front ranks of labour leadership during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, one of the largest worker uprisings in Canadian history. She would have been a contemporary and likely friend of Nelli McClung, another female activist. These chicks had some serious balls taking on the Suits at that date and time. Women were supposed to make the men sandwiches, push out babies and put laundry on the line, not turn into judges, holding mock parliaments or becoming labor movement leaders! (Course perhaps some took it a bit far with Eugenics, where people considered of lower intelligence were neutered lest they reproduce and become burdens on society. Then again, there is evidence to support her theories all around us LOL... I kid, I kid)

Perhaps they lived by Eleanor Roosevelt's words:

"You must do the things you think you cannot do."

"Do one thing every day that scares you."

"What you don't do can be a destructive force".
and finally...

"Women are like teabags.
We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water!"

MINUS THREE.

Geraniums that I just planted a few days ago in planters on the front deck are having some problems. Suffering, really... I just brought them inside after a night OUTSIDE in sub zero weather. They look like wax plants =( I hope they survive...

*sigh*

Seriously. Having some issues with this shitty weather thing. Forecast WAS supposed to be for a nice weekend but I see that they've now updated for ANOTHER SUB ZERO DAY on Saturday (again, minus three). People. Seriously. I just want to buy my hanging baskets and at least be able to ENTERTAIN the thought that it's going to be WARM. For more than ONE DAY at a time.

So's anyways, when it DOES get warm - like in a few months or something - I would LIKE to get working on some yardwork. My front pathway is one of those old narrow concrete walks that has seen better days. I'd love to "resurface" it or clean it up somehow, maybe with one of those concrete sealer applications from RONA or find out the cost of getting exposed aggregate applied to it. I know updating the entrance would definitely add appeal and value so it's worth the time and effort. After this winter I just want to get outside, get physical and get rid of this cabin fever !!!!!!

Oy.
I see where they get that saying, when it rains it pours. Apparently the prairies coined it. Every storm drain is plugged, every street is a lake, and many basements (yep, ours) have water yet again. And just to add to the bliss the temperatures are dropping like a rock tonight. It makes me angry. It makes me really, really angry. Like seven months of winter isn't enough of an insult. I feel like no matter how amazing of a summer is produced, it just will not be enough to make up for this stupidity. It simply can't. You could tell me starting tomorrow until Halloween there would be clear skies and 40 degree days and I'd say so freakin what. Doesn't make up for spring STARTING IN JUNE for gawds sake. There aren't even LEAVES ON THE TREES here people.
(*breathe*)
Ooookay. Got that out. So what's good right now... hmmm.
(*crickets*)
Wait! There's that.... nope, hang on.
Lemme think.
Oh! Oh! I know, it's the... there's was that one time when.. and then afterwards... shit.
I remember I had some Good before. Yno I swear it was just here. I wonder where I put it. My Goodness, where is it. I know what I need- Vitamin B. I knew I forgot something today =P ...Course I probly need it in bucket form...
Actually I do have some goods to list. Okay I have a lot of "goods"..
Two more workdays til vacation. Check.
Lost thirteen pounds. Check.
Two happy (one crazy, one sleepy) cats. Check.
Many happy relationships with friends and family. Check.
Understanding, cooperative and reliable tenants. Check.
Yup.
So....
Livin the dream, people, livin the dream.

Yep, disappointment. It's going around lately. Hopefully you didn't catch it; I have a serious case of it myself. Funny- I was just ranting to someone about it and then I read this post on a friend's blog. Oy. I just hate the feeling of things or people letting you down. On the Pollyanna flip side you should be glad to have discovered what is not working for you and be able to resolve it, or move in the direction that Life apparently wants you to go. Wudev, say what you will, it's a let down =P
I so need a vacation. Just four days to go...In my mind I'm going to get away. In reality I'm going to work on the yard, edge lawns, rip up weeds and plant new things in the border garden. One day I'll be able to go on a real trip, somewhere new, somewhere exciting, and see things you normally only see in National Geographic. One day. When is One Day anyways?!

I said I would post today and I will. I've been away for a while, just busy, not really in front of the computer long enough to do anything worthwhile. However, today - on this day especially- I just wanted to say thank you to someone who was very important to me for many years. For when things were good between us. For learning to speak TO people instead of walking away muttering like my dad does while you chase after him wondering what he's saying. For learning to become who I am, which you helped shape. For going through all the things we did, because I think we lived through more really tough times and hard experiences than most people do in a lifetime. For the great family you have.
Just for what was and what we had.
Thank you.

Black, Black, Black, Black, Number One....

Oops, I did it again. The box says DARK BROWN so I pour it on my head. Forty five minutes later I'm Goth Girl. Gah! Wudev, it isn't grey any more. If I hit a tanning booth I may not look quite so shocking =P

In other news things aren't quite so dark =) I should hear from the City this week about the status of our application for subdividing the duplex into two titles which opens a world of opportunity.

Starting off the week hopeful, so that's always good.

My horoscope for Monday:
"This is a really good time of the month to get noticed, so get out there and take charge. Things will generally get busier, reserve extra time on your schedule for unanticipated appointments or prolonged, profitable personal engagements. The spotlight turns up, and you're on stage -- perform! Family and home are focuses of change now, as old familiar patterns undergo an irrevocable transformation: time flows in one direction only. Real estate investments offer lucrative rewards at some risk. A change of residence is likely."

I've been trying to wander back over to that right brain side lately. It's been getting slightly easier in the past few days with the sunshine, the snow completely melting, the green grass of the front yard visible and just being surrounded by signs of Spring. If this hasn't been THE most depressingly LONG winter IN MY LIFE, argh...insert squinty DOH eyeballs here ><

Some other glimmers of light are that I found out my duplex here already HAS applications on file with the City to split it into 2 titles, which is FANTASTIC. I guess the previous owner was trying to do the same thing and already did the survey, the application and the whole process last year. That saves me MUCHO TIME and headache! When I purchased that was one of my diabolical plans for Year One here. Having 2 titles means (a) I can sell one half anytime I want should I want or need to and (b) it creates 2 mortgages - one for me (as a primary residence) and one for my tenant's side. The beauty of this is I can consolidate any of my own personal debt into my mortgage without compromising anything. Which bring me to the OTHER glimmer of light!

Yesterday I was talking to some people about mortgage rates, and if right after getting MY mortgage for the duplex the rates didn't drop again (*raspberry*). Apparently their open rates are hovering around the 2% mark. My two mortgages are at 3.5% open variable and the other at 4.3% closed/fixed. If I were to swap these over to 2% it literally saves me about 300 bucks a month and makes both properties income earners as opposed to just breaking even. Woo hoo!

The only hang up is I need to answer my questions about the duplex title split and complete that process before I go wandering off with the then TWO mortgages I will have for each title and each side of the duplex. But meanwhile I COULD theoretically wander around with my condo mortgage and shop for a better mtg rate for that any time I want.

Oh, I just love it when the right side wakes up and gets to think wild and crazy thoughts!!
=)

Happy Easter Everybody !

That's about all I have today.

Don't really feel like blogging lately...

I'll come back to life after Easter =)

Ha! Prophetic words from Abraham Hicks this morning in my inbox.

Make the best of it. When you make the best of whatever you're focused upon, your future will be better than your now. If each moment you're making the best of what-is, no matter what it is, you make the best of it; make the best of it; make the best of it—your future just gets better and better and better, and better.

I love it when pearls of wisdom are emailed randomly. It's so... it's so just my way of learning =P You know, randomly.

I had an incredibly weird dream last night as I always do. Something about owning a house with a fantastic ocean view on a rolling but snowy hillside. Suddenly the water was really high, just about level with one of the hillsides. I thought wow this property is precariously situated and prone to flooding. Then I noticed a weasel hole on the top of that hillside and I thought holy, that weasel will drown if that water pours into his hole! I poked him awake and he ran out of the hole, scampering across the hillside. He was thin and sickly and needed nourishment. (This is where it gets really weird) Uphill was a dog with her teeny newborn puppies; the weasel went to her to be fed. Weird eh?! Very weird. Like why am I saving weasels; the flooding or threat of flooding I get... and no, I did not have cheese before bed.

At any point in my life, this will ALWAYS be my favorite song and video. No hands down. Any time. Any reason. Just go ahead- dress like a girl. I'll dress like a boy.

Who will look "stupid"? And why? Interesting that this video was banned in many parts of the world. 8 years and it's still difficult to find.

Fascinating.

GREAT MORNING to ya! Mine started out with a Tim Horton's delivery in bed (O for twelve on winning something with those damn roll up the rim things). I flicked on the tv to see Dan Akroyd giving away free wine at the forks and watched Breakfast Television which hosted some great jazz. It's all comin' together! I briefly considered cleaning myself up and going down there for an autograph but meh, I just want to veg today and spend the day in jammies. Not that I won't be productive; oh yes, I have things to do. I just prefer to do them in my own time, in my own space, in my own non-daytime clothing =P

So yes, flood snow winter storm warnings in effect today. Snow is already coming down in Winterpeg and accidents are apparently everywhere. I guess a couple small towns outside the south perimeter are either being evacuated or are no alert to BE evacuated right now. I keep wondering if Car is okay or if she's sandbagging as we speak lol! Our basement's got very minor trauma; just a trickle from the wall straight to the drain. Luckily it's an unfinished bsmt so just painted concrete anyways. Wudev. Some people in other areas literally called 911 when they saw water pouring in their bsmt windows. Floods do suck; in Chilliwack I had to contend with flood waters as well (which just a month ago other Chilliwackers did also in that there link). Part of the gig living near rivers is hey- they swell during Spring thaw- waddyado. It's nature, baby... still scary, still a very real threat.

In the flood of 1997, the Red River breached its banks and spread out 2,000 square kilometres — an area equivalent to the size of Prince Edward Island. The rain forecast for North Dakota — a system that may deliver 20 to 60 millimetres of rain — has officials there ramping up emergency flooding efforts. In Manitoba provincial flood forecasters are predicting the second-highest water levels on record, equal to that of 1979. That flood is ranked second only to the flood of the century in 1997, which caused $4.4 billion in damage along the Red River valley between Winnipeg and Grand Forks, and forced about 80,000 people from their homes. Even with the floodway protection, Winnipeg city officials are preparing for the possibility that almost 300 homes will have to be sandbagged.Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said the city has already contacted people in what he calls the flood "hot-spots." Discussions have been held with homeowners in St. Norbert and Scotia Street, areas that are vulnerable during times of high water.

Seriously.

You guys are scaring me...

Water in my basement...

Should I inflate my 2 man boat now, or in a few days?! In my place it's just a little stream. On the other side it's about a 6 foot diameter low lying pool of about an inch or two of water. We're removing the snow from the perimeter of the house tomorrow, and I guess I'll buy a wet vac? Otherwise I can't do any "preventative landscaping" for another month or longer. Oy vey... This is where I miss living on mountains...

Dude. I slept until 1030am, had a pile of coffee but I still couldn't get started until noon. Worked hard all afternoon to get ready for John's grandmother coming for dinner, which turned out to be a great evening despite my non Polish speaking abilities =) I actually met her when I first arrived here- must've been July 2007. Saw her once again a few months later at another relative's home; this was the first time we had her to OUR home for dinner. Very nice. Very very tired now though. Must sleep now. BURNT OUT...!!

Welcome to the Spring Equinox. According to the web, "modern astronomy aside, people have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years. There is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. It is also probably no coincidence that early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising Sun on the day of the vernal equinox."

Funny thing, bunny spring!! I have had this rabbit coming around for the last week just sitting in various spots in our still snowy yard. I often see him very early in the morning before the sun comes up, his ears very tuned in to the increasing commuter traffic on the nearby road. Sort of nervous energy, those rabbits. I have that myself a lot lately with everything going on. I suppose he is here to point that out to me- to be aware, to be cautious, to be observant.

Rabbit totem is actually ruled by Hecate, goddess of the crossroads. I admit I hadn't read about her before now. What an interesting goddess. Very independant, intuitive, trustworthy; friends with everyone even Hades and Persephone of the underworld. Hecate protected people who lived on the fringe of society, tolerant of those who were different or less fortunate. She reminds us of the importance of change, helping us to release the past, especially things that are hindering our growth, and to accept change and transitions. She sometimes asks us to let go of what is familiar, safe, and secure and to travel to the scary places of the soul.

Yesterday I was just talking to people, in different and totally unrelated conversations, on these exact topics throughout the day. I must be inviting this kind of energy and these kinds of topics to me right now lol... The topics I refer to are of healing, moving forward and reflection, but in a way that honors what was, recognizes where it is now and relishes where it will go.

These past 3 weeks I have steadily been releasing "things" that I no longer need or want. Moving house lets you see all those possessions you have and forces you to ask yourself WHY am I keeping this?! But in a larger way I took that thought and really sat with a cup of coffee a few mornings, looking at it all and really soaked in that word- RELEASE. I recognized I could release in so many areas of my life. I hope to spend this year reorganizing myself, in all aspects, to shed a skin and come out better at the end. No small or easy task, but this year seems to be one in which the ox works the soil, tows the field, lays the foundation for a flourishing garden next year.

Rabbit should have some lovely carrots NEXT Spring; I hope he continues to visit =)

This is a photo of Poland. I put it here because I *believe* we may be having "Babcha" (Grandmother) over for dinner this Saturday evening. She only speaks Polish! But I am SO glad to have her here. I truly miss the dinners we had at my Nana's, and just the general interaction with grandparents now that they are all but gone. Too bad they come into your life when you're too young to appreciate them; why is that?!

It's such a unique, honored and special relationship to be a grandparent. (This coming from someone who publicly denounced parenthood a few short years ago LOL!! Which I still STAND BY but I'll get to that in another post) But honestly if you *are* a grandparent I think it's such a neat relationship to have. Firstly to see your KIDS as parents and recall all YOUR memories of bringing home your children and raising them. Secondly to know that part of YOU exists in them. That must be a holy cow moment to recognize that essentially these kids represent you in some form or fashion (Seriously! Your "legacy" if you will! If it weren't for you in the FIRST place, they wouldn't BE HERE!) I find geneaology amazing. Really- it is, to see where grandchildren get inherent skills, talents and aptitudes from.

I had a lady come by the other day to purchase a cabinet I had for sale. She complimented my grandmother's artworks. I was so proud to say that they were hers, because likewise I love them but more than that- I know where they came from. In fact one particular painting I know I saw in its sketch state when I was roughly 21 years old. When my Nana died when I was almost 30 and her estate was being given away I saw the painting again- only finished. I saw that she had taken what I said about the sketch and painted it, and I was so floored. I was so glad to get that particular painting, knowing that I had collaborated with her verbally about what direction to take it years earlier. It is the only piece I have that I have of hers that provides that connection with her abilities and my artistic suggestions. I always felt that I was meant to have that painting. It's called Hidden Pathway.

Art is one of those skills that will go on beyond your own lifetime. I recognize its value now, more so than in previous years. When you create, you leave a mark on the world. So go create- in some form; in ANY form. You touch other people by doing so. Go be creative today! Be something to others by doing so. What a fantastic legacy =)

Imagine if you will, your life is like an exciting car race. You choose a vehicle. You choose a path. Do you want a rally style race? Do you want an Amazing Race scavenger hunt where you explore and find things along the way? Do you want a figure eight track with cash prizes and recognition? Maybe you don't want to race at all but just see what's out there- pioneer, survey the land ahead of you, enjoy the drive. There are SO many options... You choose your vehicle and head to the starting line. Wait, there are some fees to enter this race. Crap. Whatever, everything costs money, right?! That's life. You sit at the starting line, checking out the road ahead of you. Some people just dive in and start quickly- go go go! Some stay and analyze and survey the road, contemplating HOW to drive it. When you're ready, you begin to drive. You hit some spots you didn't realize had potholes but as you go along you either recognize them when they pop up or continue to hit them, unaware. You see some glorious lakes and mountains that you didn't know were along your journey or become mesmerized by the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets. You pause and reflect at some spots along the way. In other more foreboding places, or on days that the weather is poor and the outlook not so bright, you look forward to what you will find ahead. While you drive you remember the people you bumped into on your journey. People you gave a lift to, people who gave you a lift. People who made a difference or continue to make a difference in your race. Maybe you picked up someone along the way, and you likely had to leave people behind when they reached their stop.

The great thing is that you never know what's out there. It's truly in the exploration and the challenges that you find the greatest rewards. Without rain you wouldn't celebrate the sunshine. Without minus 40 windchills in March you wouldn't look forward to late April and May when possibly the weather will allegedly improve =P Every moment of it is necessary to appreciate and understand and respect for what it is. Around every corner is some new horizon. A new emotional place.

This is life. And today we can welcome little Mister Bryson into this race, who was born last night and is just checking out his starting line today. Welcome little man =) Welcome to your car race, whatever you decide to make it into.

Well, here we are, it must be Tuesday. Not that Tuesday, but this Tuesday. Could be next Tuesday....never know, might be Friday.

I'm exhausted. Everything lately is so much work. Is it the Virgo full moon or the time change or my move or all of the above?! Seriously. This week has run me ragged. Check this out :

The Virgo Full Moon is dissolving structures. It’s wiping away limitation. And it’s doing this through shifting our view of what’s real and what’s fantasy. But even more than this, it’s telling us that the world is coming into alignment with what we hold to be real and we have to trust what was previously only our fantasy. It was never fantasy, just a high level vision that seemed a bit crazy to obtain. The new structures to support our new selves are dropping into place. They are natural, simple, organic. Word. I see that. But why's it have to be so tiring LOL

The Full Moon finds itself sitting almost on top of Saturn in the Ajna Chakra, in the Gate of Oppression and Exhaustion. The Gate of “I Just Can’t Go On Another Step.” What a place to find a Full Moon, in it’s last moments before turning to renew itself. The key here is cheerfulness.

When we meet with adversity we remain cheerful despite all danger.

This cheerfulness is the source of all later success.

Ooooh...Dude I'm so at that gate!!! lol... screw cheerful, I'm going to bed. Without sleep there AIN'T no cheerful SO THERE!! And I literally CAN'T go on another step. I'm done. Spent. Finito. Ciao.

It's more or less a home, in two days time. Nice!

SO NICE to have this much space. Coming from a one bdrm condo this is fan-freakin-TAS-tic. A few surprises upon move in, which I suppose you have to expect. One of the movers borrowed the washroom (and it weren't a number one) at which point we discovered the toilet was turned off. When turned on it leaked all over the floor from the base. Needless to say we shut it off asap and called a plumber, and then our lawyer. Being that the toilet was turned off it seems a bit like something may have been KNOWN about said leak, yet not mentioned on the property disclosure. Duly noted, and quickly reported to Mister Lawyer Man, thank you very much, nice try.

Our other soo-prises included the what -we -thought -was -a -white -bathtub. Sadly a buyer beware moment; evidently one should inspect white bathtubs to see if, say, someone had painted it with white latex paint. Which some knob did, and when you run water in the tub it of course peels off and floats to the surface. I'll have to look up Shell Busey's remedy for that one. Or not, since he apparently recommends painting tubs... idiot.

This morning a long hot shower first thing in the morning to soothe some aching moving muscles was in order. But wait, there's more things that are just a little wrong. Like uhhhh the hot water tank that was turned on to vacation mode and had say, 5 litres of hot water in it this morning and turns Psycho cold on you within seconds. I hate when that happens. Quick and easy fix, though, and NOT involving a plumber which is great. Always in threes, so that was them three there.

Condo still has things in it to transfer here. As always you underestimate what you have stored. Our storage room was packed with boxes and bags and buckets. Likely still a few more trips cleaning out the kitchen contents and the last of that storage room. The light at the end of the tunnel is that we feel at home here, this is a GREAT house, we have SO much we get to do here to "make it ours" and it's highly likely we won't be going anywhere soon. And because MOVING SUCKS !!! =)

Well, it's March isn't it. Kind of glad to flip the calendar after last week's vexing race to the finish with the duplex.

I had four people - slash- couples from Tuesday onwards vying for the first appt to see the duplex. Some wanted to move in April 1, some March 15 and one couple announced more or less last minute on Wednesday that they wanted for March 1st. The March 1st people were willing (a) to put up payment right away and (b) meet me very late after 11pm on Thursday to submit their application and secure it. They did all this and are the successful renters much to the disappointment of the other applicants. I got up really early Friday to phone the other interested parties, give them the sour news and remove all my ads from teh internets.

Simultaneously, I spent the week securing house insurance, getting hydro re-connected into our names, making appts for internet, phone and cable connection. Meanwhile I was scrambling to get my bank to communicate with my lawyer and lastly finding the money to connect all the last final mortgage/ legal statement of adjustments by FRIDAY that unfortunately cost more than I expected. Nothing that couldn't be overcome; we did what we needed to do in order to secure our future. I know it was hard and at times this week REALLY REALLY overwhelming with other stresses added on top. But I can't let myself lose sight of the Big Picture and the True Long Term Goals because of minor short term discomfort and frustrations.

Today we are packing and getting our contents ready to move tomorrow first thing, speaking of frustration (does ANYONE like moving? Um, no). We have way more crap than I remember! Some stuff I was like, why do I still have this? So I listed some things online on Kijiji for sale - our built in dishwasher, our spare double bed set, some assorted boxes of stored clothes and jackets that I never unpacked when I got here, weights that I obviously don't use (shaddap), yada yada. May as well sell it; someone might want this stuff.

Pretty likely we will have to make some trips to get everything from our storage room - especially all the artworks that are odd shapes and sizes to attempt to pack. Ah, no rest for the wicked. Let the pace continue...

Tuesday edit...

Tonight, the New Moon occurs in Pisces, presenting good opportunities for committing to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of "perfection", starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another. With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

Before I freak anyone out further with my creepy, dark dreams I'll change the tune LOL! Funny- I've had dreams like that since birth so nothing even fazes me. No exploding dogs in this one so hey, I did okay =P

Probably the Pisces influence. With a Pisces Moon my mind is admittedly a busy, creative place. Should be interesting with this New Moon on Tuesday in Pisces. I can only imagine what my poor little brain will unleash on me under that influence lol!!

In my waking state, however, I'm pretty bloody focused. Planning and organizing this move on the weekend, updating our new address with companies and creditors, yada yada yada. I could write a book. On top of that we have countless appts to show the duplex on Friday and some seemingly very serious people about it coming with cash or cheques to secure it.

I listed the condo for lease also. I've already had some emails about it from a few interested parties. Two people were out of towners coming into the city that need a shorter term lease while they house hunt. Another couple were relocating here from another city and the last couple were locals looking for something nicer than where they were. Winnipeg does have some cheap rents I'll give it that. But what you get for that rent is what you get for that rent. I'd like to keep the condo simply to build equity. I could sell it in a few years and make a few bucks on it. i figure if it costs me nothing to keep it, what's the harm?

Back atter tomorrow. So much to do this week it's unbelievable. You'd think after a 4 day hiatus from work I'd be refreshed LOL. Ah, but were it only so... I'm starting to think I go to work to relax or at least escape from my LIFE lol!!

Okay I wasn't going to post this but I can't help it. You totally need to check out this dream I had.

Here we go:

I'm at a dock on a river and there are some huge sailboats there for pleasure cruises. I don't know if I was IN England or people were just English tourists but the ship that boards and leaves ahead of mine is full of people with the British accent. Sort of mostly young 20-30 somethings out for a nice afternoon cruise. Their boat goes out first, my ship follows. Our ship has people sitting on the top deck, watching the scenery. The other ship for some reason shortly after their departure everyone goes under deck into the galley and I can see them in the narrow windows enjoying glasses of champagne or something like that. They look like they're having a great social time schmoozing with each other. I can feel a great breeze which although a little cool is very refreshing. The banks of the river are treed, the water is kind of dark and I notice that it's really not that wide of a waterway- only about as wide as the Red River here in Winnipeg (or the Fraser near Agassiz). Ahead of our boats I can see many people on the water- jet skiiers, other smaller boats. About halfway down the river it curves. The other ship either hits something or veers off course. I see it's nose go up a bit and the whole boat wobble.... the rear takes on water and within seconds it slips slowly and easily under the water. For a moment the nose end bobs up and I see blonde hair against one window. I hear horrified screaming of people trapped inside, tumbling around. It slips back under the water, then the tail end comes back up. I see a brunette girl, soaked by water, lying face down and motionless on the rear deck and think omg a survivor. But the boat slips under again with her on it. Again I hear the screams. It disappears under the water and I hear bubbles coming to the surface and popping, every bubble releasing the sounds of screams. My boat still cruises on like it's on autopilot and I'm watching this whole scenario happen behind me. i don't see any people pop up to the surface, omg.. Then I think to myself omg where is OUR captain, and where are WE headed? Somehow I know he's under the deck piloting the vessel but I suddenly wonder if he can see all these other boaters. Shouldn't someone be sounding a horn that we're coming through?! We seem like we're on a direct, intentional, aggressive path right down the middle of this river.... I can see the other boaters out there are just floating around almost oblivious to us. We manage to avoid collisions but come close to one jet skiier and I think man, that horn would be handy right about now! As I see our destination coming up ahead I go below deck. Oddly there is no galley but a live aboard environment consisting of a living room-bedroom area. I see the windows have flags and not curtains and somehow I know that this is "required" for vessels to indicate where they are from. The couch on the right side has nice cushions; the bed on the left side is sloppily made and I feel the need to fix it. I start taking apart the bed. As I take off the top 2 layers I realize they're covering up muddy floorboards. That can't be good. I look out the window and see that we are docked, or at least stopped in a wooded area of the shore, at a very large, odd wooden deck covered in mud that the ship rests against.

So what's it all mean:

- The ship is a vehicle on water. My duplex and condo are vehicles to get me financially from one situation to another.This is a dream about fear manifesting (ya think?!)

- Risk is involved. I mean, do whatever floats your boat, but as lovely and healing and pleasurable as water is it can also be dangerous and even deadly. (note to self that investing in real estate won't kill me lol. Really the worst case scenario is I could drown in debt (ROFL!! And hey, I can always bail myself out. I mean truthfully I could go down with the ship here- that happens (LOL sorry, I seriously cant help it. I'm on a pun roll here...) Great, now all day I'm going to go around with my fingers in my mouth saying I WAS BORN ON A PIRATE SHIP... =)

- You can see that this is house related by the interior of my ship. But...
- Is my ship sea worthy? Are there any wet muddy floorboards underneath everything that I see?! What am I going to discover here? I guess I'll find out when i reach the shore. I'm almost there- after all, moving day is literally a week away. I'll be able to look at the duplex every day and see what muddy floorboards I discover, if any.
- If I take it even further I can say that those other boaters would be other home owners that do NOT invest in real estate with a direction and purpose like I am trying to do with my properties. Hence why they are out on the water, just enjoying themselves. As an investor I literally need to negotiate them to get where I'm going. (Damn, I'm good...!)

6 Word Saturday

Condo For Rent, Furnished or Unfurnished
(I'm posting in six word sentences)

Apparently you can rent out condos. For months I hummed and hawed. Do I rent it or sell? Can I get what I need? Will the rent cover my costs? It appears that I indeed can. I looked up other rentals online. Most furnished places are quite costly! They average 1200 to 1500 monthly. I have extra furnishings to spare. Even unfurnished places go for 1100. That's exactly the amount I need. I figure wudev, let's list anyways. I'll know the response soon enough. Good news is it was renovated. Plus this is a secure building. People like security, updates and location. And this is a GREAT area. Worst case scenario I can sell. I put the ads online already. See how many calls I get.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!


And Happy Birthday to Adala... =)



Love it or hate it, here it is. Little cupid here is plain old tuckered out from sending love around the world.

You can always send yourself love, like with Selfkiss. It's creepy, but it works. It's a way of photoshopping yourself kissing ... uh, kissing yourself. Which is wrong in so, so many ways. I mean, this takes wrapping your arms around yourself when you're a kid and pretending to be making out with someone to a WHOLE new level!

Anyways, send some large love out there today. Get your groove on if you have that option, and at the very least... just try to have a nice day =)

The calm after the full moon madness... or IS IT ?!?

It was LOST night last yesterday and that show just doesn't disappoint. Finally more questions being ANSWERED than being created. I even questioned Sawyer's Nickname Generator online and discovered my real name is EL DOCKO... course I tried it a second time and ended up with Kenny Rogers, so who knew, who knew... =)

Conclusions and resolutions are good things. I'm feelin' that this week, for sure. Everything is wrapping up: the mortgage, some tasks at work, the upcoming exchanging of homes here, my insurance claim for my condo should finalize shortly, T4s come out for taxes asap, yada yada. It's all about the END OF THINGS mu haw haw haw haw!

See, it's even the end of the week tomorrow! Yup, Friday the 13th... ooogiddy boogiddy! Apparently the real name for the FEAR of the FRIDAY the 13th is paraskavedekatriaphobia. Don't try to say it out loud, you'll feel stupid and spit a lot.

=)

Apparently I missed this show a few years ago when it debuted on NBC then got cancelled after only nine episodes. I managed, however, to catch a rerun last night on TV. Omg, I cried. What a complete tear jerker! The premise of the show is to grant people wishes (exuse the Amy Grant pun there lol). They went to a senior's retirement home and granted wishes to some old timers who just wanted to feel active and alive again. One guy's wish at 80 something yrs old was to be a jazz musician again, so off he goes to a jazz club in front of a crowd of cheering people, his old blazing fingers pounding away on his little jazz piano! One really emotional young black guy in college (whose grandfather had only died 2 weeks before the shoot) had a terrible stutter. He said people thought he was retarded and it was really holding him back. They gave him some sort of hearing implant and COMPLETELY cured his stutter. He was so overcome with emotion. I felt so strongly for him, for people to dismiss him for years due to a speech impediment, and suddenly have a new lease on life. My gawd. One old lady wanted to be a flight attendant, so off she goes to serve people on a flight! And one young 33 yr old mother finds out she is adopted after both her parents die just 2 yrs previously and is instantly struck with "who is my real mom" and "who am I", "Where do I come from", "does she still want to meet ME" and omg.... I can only imagine what must go through your mind. And at the end of the show, in front of THOUSANDS of people at an Amy Grant - Hootie and the Blow Fish concert, mom and daughter are tearfully reunited. Well, good gawd if I wasn't a mess by then. All these lovely people, connecting with their dreams, oy! I couldn't TAKE it!!

Speaking of dreams- WEIRD ONE the night before last. Apparently Kevin Bacon was in Winnipeg. He was all low key, looking for unique architectural buildings to photograph and old antique books. He was apparently working on some artistic endeavors he does on the side and I was leading him around, pointing out places to shoot. Probably had this dream because (a) of the one couple that were going to rent from us that were artists and videographers and (b) because I watched him on tv the other night discussing his charity- 6 Degrees (named after the famous game of 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon). Nothing amazing happened in it; just kind of connecting with some sort of mutual interest in art, architecture and antiques. I seem to be on a theme here of appreciation lately; finding things I connect with emotionally or maybe just connecting with things more emotionally lately. Could be the Prednisone =P lol.... let's hope it isn't. I think the "need to connect" is too important to dismiss.

I met a new little man named CHASE yesterday at work! He is just a few days old; new member of the Costco Family to manager Sandra =) Chase had his little arm across his face at delivery and got a few bruises which are now just limited to a teeny baby black eye which is SO ADORABLE! He looks like a ittle boxer! Awwwww!! Welcome, little newcomer! Only a few weeks until we have another Costco Family member so this should be a neat time of meeting some new little faces.

I found out this weekend that my sign on my property is wrong.

/*slaps forehead...

Yes, for almost 2 weeks now apparently I have been advertising to how many vehicles as they drive by my rental, a 2 BDRM 2 BATH FULLY FURNISHED BSMT. Indeed, the first part is correct. It is 2 plus 2. Sadly, someone answered FIVE and intperpreted my original order of the bsmt being FINISHED, as being FURNISHED. Hmmm, so close and yet so far. Before I point fingers, however, I asked for my original work order to be sent to me so I can verify my handwriting. Normally it is pretty legible, but let's err on the side of caution afore we freak out. =)

Lots of interest still, but omg will someone just commit already. Send me a completed tenant application form, for the love of gawd! I showed the place to easily a dozen couples over the last 2 weeks. I answered closer to 40 phonecalls. I still get about 3-4 calls per day from my Kijiji ads with positive feedback from my slideshow. I keep hearing from everyone that comes through, everyone that emails and checks out what is on the market, that "your place is beautiful" and "it's at the top of their list"- things like that. 3 couples that are interested need more time, however, looking for April and even May tenancy. I would hope, though, by the end of the month that we get someone in there. Regardless this venture will pay off but I'd much rather have that happen sooner than later.

Speaking of paying off, who knew that Prednisone could cure chest colds. I was VERY resistant to taking 50mg for 7 days. I know it's short term but still- I know what it's effects are, how addictive it is, and frankly I didn't want to go there. But I started it yesterday at 10am. By 7pm I had NO cough, I had energy, I had focus, I was all but cured. All in a day! WTF! Who knew! I am amazed and stand corrected. But am still confused that 7 days of zithromax antiobitics did NOTHING- nada, zip, zilch. I even confess I DOUBLED the dosage for 3 days to get rid of this terrible cough. No result. I took 3 different bottles of cough syrup- drank them like water- nothing. Nada. Took that stupid puffer- same. Took Nyquil, Dayquil, Benylin, Sudafed... nothing. Only a virus is resistant to that much medication in that variety.

Whatever, I figure I'm cured! ... if not now hopelessly addicted to prednisone for life...lol

ps. YAY WORDLE... ! Thanks for the Bloggess introducing us all ....

Nyquil is highly overrated

Yeah, nothing works or has worked. 10 days I have suffered with this wicked chest cough. I lie down, I can't sleep and lie there wheezing so I get up and sit here wheezing. Then I lie down and I ... you get the picture. So I went to 2 medical clinics today - one prescribed Prednisone (which thanks, but no thanks) and a chest xray on Monday (agreed). The other doc more antibiotics and some special cough syrup (doubled up on both today). If these don't work I will take the Prednisone but only if I have to. Talking is bad. Moving around is bad. Both create massive irritation and horrible coughing attack. The only good thing is that I have no appetite. Well, that's really all I wanted to report today. Kind of a downer post. I've been avoiding talking about it because I'd rather report good things =)

Intoxicated chickens dizzily trying to fly

Well, I can SEE the finish line. I KNOW that in just a few months, even, all of this will be a distant memory of us jogging along towards the goal of getting a freakin' tenant!! The odd thing is there are SO many phone calls, SO many people who seem SO interested. But getting someone to commit to signing in the small time frame I have available to me is a little tough. I may have to (worse case scenario) wait until March 1st to rent it out and possibly get someone for April 1st. Meanwhile I will purchase this Finish Line doormat so that every day I can feel like I accomplished something =P

It is, after all, a full moon on Monday. A great day to see things come to completion, to finish, to finalize and wrap up. This is actually a GREAT weekend to gitter done! I believe this particular full moon is actually a lunar eclipse. I tried to read an astrologer's take on it, but there were a lot of words that spilled into paragraphs, and then pages, and bleh... I couldn't get through it all. I think the gyst of it is that this lunar eclipse full moon action is referred to as the Snow Moon in the Farmer's Almanac. I know this full moon is in Leo. "The beauty of Leo is how much it truly cares about others, and since this is a Full Moon, let’s get into a celebratory space and bask in the light of Leo’s positive qualities." Leo is the charismatic memorable leader who works on developing themselves and others. So this weekend and on Monday's lunar eclipse, just think of showing up with a serious commitment to who you are and not backing down for anything. Release your intentions! Make your vision board and contemplate what you're after.

ps...
(And someone needs to tell me what Sabian Symbols are and why they translate to things like "intoxicated chickens dizzily trying to fly"... what the...???

Yay, over the humps!
Over a few humps, actually.
Today my antibiotics kicked in and I'm steadily getting better. I had a coughing fit this afternoon but overall had a pretty good day considering how I have been up til now. Day One on the drugs (yesterday) introduced some unwelcome side effects which luckily were not long lasting. By this morning they were far less evident. The asthma puffer is indeed magic. Some sort of corti-something steroid that energizes and confuses you. It's rather good!

We have a professional couple interested in our place, which is great. They are expecting this Fall, and looking to move from their current apartment into more of a "home" to start their family. Looks like this situation could really work out; I just have to receive a written commitment from them and deposit to confirm their intentions. I have to say my interest was piqued when the husband said they are both artists who freelance. I have mixed feelings, since yes this excites me being a creative person myself but knowing their incomes are from freelance work doesn't necessarily bode well in that respect. However, the offer is for a 3 month lease so let's try it and see.

My last hump to overcome is just the final step- selling the condo. Once we move into the duplex I will glady sell this place and leave condo living behind. It's been an experience, this condo thing. I never lived in one before this. I owned a home in BC for years with privacy and seclusion. It was lovely (other than the house itself ...lol! But the LAND was gorgeous) Condo living has been rules, and neighbours that complain about "when are you done with the laundry", and "you can't throw that wood in the garbage", or people who complain "your car is too big, I can't park next to you easily". Just such whiny, annoying things. Just today I got a notice (and it isn't the first) from the condo board saying "anyone with cats cannot have them in the halls. We know you have cats and you're one of the few that does so we have our eye on you" blah blah blah. My cats are *never* in the hall. *EVER*. So I just find that kind of frustrating. If, for some reason, at some time my cats ARE in the hall can you just TELL ME rather than slipping a typed up, certified letter from the board under my door?!

Speaking of notices, whenever there is a community posting on our condo bulletin board near the mailboxes, people have the need to make cowardly, snide comments on them. For instance we had our front window broken recently. It was an accident, probably from someone moving in. A notice was put up literally stating "The broken window was the result of an accident, not a break in. There is no cause for concern". People wrote all over this notice in pencil, in pen, things like BULLS*IT, and BRUTE FORCE, and just the most ridiculous, judgemental comments they could. The person responsible wrote SORRY IT WAS AN ACCIDENT on it, hence the brute force comment in response to the apology. What does this prove?! How does this help improve the FEELING of living there to other residents in the condo? Or potential residents? I took the sign down, I figured someone should. All it serves is to spread ill will. So good riddance, condo living.

Yes, looking forward to all this lovely, personal space in the duplex. I think the master bdrm is as large as my condo !! Actually, just to have 3 floors of 1000 square feet each to use is going to be great coming from 700 total sq ft. Plus a YARD that I can PLANT FLOWERS in (which is when, here, JUNE?! lol) and play in the dirt again. Mmmm, playing in the dirt. I miss gardening and having a BBQ. Yes, this last hump is going to be a good one to overcome =)

Finally went to the walk in clinic yesterday to deal with this insistent cough. Although I *know* from past experience that I have bronchitis based on the deep, rib shattering coughing I'm enjoy daily, the doctor assessed me with asthma. Asthma, seriously?! I mean, for REAL? I have to go back on Saturday and see her to find out how I responded to the medications she gave me. Alls I know is nothing over the counter was doing a THING to help, and this weird, squeaky, liquidy noise escapes when I breathe out all the way. Like when you walk on seaweed at the ocean, know what I mean? It makes that squeezy, high pitched, air-through-liquid sound when you walk on it! That's what my lungs sound like! OY! Freaked me out when I first heard it. I turned over to go to sleep and I was breathing out my mouth and I hear this squishy wheezy noise. I actually looked around for a second, like what the eff was that?! When I lay down again and heard it I realized omfg, that's ME...!! Holymother... what the... ?! Hence my trip to the clinic asap. I thought I had the 'numonia. =)
Otherwise, all is the same- showing more potential tenants the place tomorrow evening. I had no idea there were so many people with dogs out there, eh? Holy moly, that really must limit how many places you can find to rent, I would think. Being that this home isn't fenced all the way around, dogs aren't a great idea unless they're a mostly-indoor small breed. Too bad I can't request people with snakes, lizards or spiders or something. Maybe I should request that, LOL...!!
Over and out- I'm away with my sore ribs and my puffer to get in touch with my Inner Stevie from Malcolm In The Middle.... I... need... to.... (gasp)... take my... med...medicine...so I don't get sick... ick! =P

Strawberries.
I found them in the snow.
I had to go out, despite the raging cough and it being a cold snowy evening, to make a made dash to the bank. I was frustrated, maybe even a little pissed off at having to go out. It was either I go and take care of things or discover two NSFs in the morning which I'd rather not deal with, so off I went. Anyways, I came out from the bank machine, looked down and discovered these little berries in the snow which I figure must be my prize for doing so.

So what about strawberries, anyways?

Strawberry signs
Because of its heart shape, the strawberry (a member of the rose family) has long been a symbol of purity, passion and healing in literature and art through the ages. To signify flawlessness and virtue, medieval stonemasons carved strawberry designs in churches. In the same period, strawberry soup was traditionally served to the bride and groom at their wedding feast. It was also thought that strawberry birthmarks were a sign of royalty. This delicate heart-shaped berry has always connoted purity, passion and healing.

Maybe the healing part, or the "being fruitful" part is what meaning was meant for me. Or, they could be just part of a tacky keychain found in the snow =P At any rate I got a prize today, and it was berry nice.

FOR RENT

Tomorrow I meet potential tenants. We're showing the duplex to a number of people tomorrow night after a solid week of responses to the sign I put out at the end of the lot, as well as the ad I placed on Kijiji.ca. I know the right person or family is out there to rent to. I am just reviewing what terms and conditions I wish to have as "house rules" such as no pets or pets? Will I allow live Xmas trees in the home (fire hazard)? Will I allow barbeques on the premises and if so, how close or far from the house? Yada yada. Interesting the amount of issues it brings up, this landlord tenant relationship. I can tell you that this is not what I want to be. That is an angry, controlling and unfortunate landlord LOL (although I believe it's a joke that was posted on all craigslists... or maybe it is for real, let's hope not) !! I can tell you that I do want to be reasonable and agreeable but will not allow myself to be walked on. I know that a few short months from now I will gain a better perspective on this in so many ways!
Wish me luck, guys!

I'm totally loving this spider. Seriously. He has some good, good hair like pieces on him! I found him on funnyjunk. I'll obviously have to update my searches for good pictures. I used to have some great sources for weird and wonderful emails but sadly some of the sites have died out, or they make you download things now. Compfused is one that went south, but College Humor is still good and you can find some great pictures here and there. Sometimes you just need a good laugh!

Sharing some bugs around the workplace again. Either that or the cold snap has a bite. I have a nagging cough and all the signs of a cold but am working on it with hot water and lemon. I don't think it'll linger long.

I got a great email tonight on the topic of caring. Kerr Cuhulain is a [retired] police officer. Recently he worked a shift in Vancouver working 911 emergency. Late at night- near midnight- a call came in about a young Asian boy running in the streets in his pyjamas in bare feet looking for help. Some sort of domestic fight in his home and he was begging for help from strangers. Six witnesses saw or interacted with the child; nobody called 911. One lady finally did after mulling her interaction with the kid over on her way home. Seriously, what is that? Are we that disjointed and disconnected from other people that we would disregard someone -especially a 12 yr old child- in crisis?

Maybe you're wondering why I called it a great email after I told you the nature of it. It is great. It's great to know that people out there DO care. It's great that people say, hey- this isn't right. It's great that we stop and think about how we can impact someone else's life today, tomorrow, next week in a way that helps them when things are tough for them.

Remember that, will you?
Be that person for someone else.
Just care.

I love it when the horoscope speaks to me LOL... I actually have an astrology chart specifically for me (based on my birthplace, time and date etc) which is far more specific. However I still read the online ones for my sign and rising sign just for farts and giggles. Check it out, the now me... LOL

Weekly Horoscope:
Sunday, January 25, 2009

All Signs:
This week is the true beginning of 2009 because it's the first New Moon on January 26, the Chinese New Year of the Ox (woo hoo that's me!). This is a most auspicious time to set new intentions about how to improve your life. There are two approaches: You can reduce harmful habits, and you can introduce beneficial habits. A little of both makes a big difference. And hey, the positive impulse alone that is generated in your mind is a wonderful thing. It's good to help yourself because the purpose of life is to be happy. A reduction by just 1 per cent of harmful habits and an increase by 1 per cent of positive behaviour is miraculous. And lucky ones (like me) with lots of harmful habits have so much room for improvement! Life is good.

Aries (March 21-April 19) More than any other sign this year, you have the best opportunity to make resolutions and set new intentions for yourself for 2009. Why? Because you seriously need help. (Just kidding.) It's because this particular New Moon takes place in the part of your chart that is all about setting future goals. So for you, this New Moon is a double whammy. Do take a few minutes of your day and write down what you would like to do less of, and what you hope to do more of, so that you will have a happier life. Friends and groups will definitely help you this year, plus your ambition is aroused this month. Why not do a vision board? Okay, seriously- I was JUST talking about this. And JUST completed one for my computer desktop so I see it every day. That's awesome =)

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Naturally, you want to make resolutions about various things, but this particular New Moon urges you to think about how further education or training or travel can improve your life, your work and your job satisfaction. Specifically, this New Moon focuses on publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law. It also highlights all aspects of travel and dealing with other countries. It urges you to tap in on your quest for adventure and desire to know more about anything -- philosophy, religion, politics, quilting. What turns you on? What would make you suddenly very excited if it was on the agenda for 2009? (Aside from sex.) Again right on target since I'm taking a 3 day training course this week coming up that relates to insurance, which I would say is in the neighbourhood of law and legalities. Far out man!