Sassylassy's Slice

She Is More Than That...(Bif Naked 2016, to start)

2016-05-05T20:16:00.000-06:00

When the announcement posted on my Facebook Wall, I literally jumped of the couch. Our town and county mayors announcing Bif Naked (and some other people - just kidding) would be playing this year’s free admission Party In The Park, Labour Day long weekend, 2016. And then I proceeded to gleefully jump around the house making loud “Yes. Yes. Yes.” and “Oh my god. Oh my god.” I then went to work and subjected my co-workers with copious amounts of Bif Naked history, without any shame and included a full declaration of girl-crush. I also booked off time to make it to her performance, weeks in advance.

Have I lost my mind? That is really not the right question. Will I lose my mind? That is what I’m trying to prevent when Miss Beth Torbert and her band, Bif Naked come to town. Then I read comments re: my raving post on a local community page. It went something like (exactly) this,

- “wish the town would live in 2016, not 2003.”

- “I didn’t even know that she did anything anymore.”

And even as far as,

- “I heard she was a mega-bitch in person.” That one both made me laugh and want to throat-punch the person, personally. Simply because, everybody is a ‘bitch’ sometimes.

And all these comments were to be expected from certain folks, previous history dictates. I also couldn’t resist to urge to reply a knock’em-all’down reply back, as follows,

- “Pretty sure this Bif Naked: Forever (Acoustic and Other Delights) was released 2012 and her new book, just hit bestseller across North America. (So who's living in what year again?) This woman rocks anything she gets her hands on, including breast cancer and stuff. And she's sexy as hell through it all. Living super woman.

BIF NAKED ~I Bificus [FULL ALBUM]

I’m not a fanatical fan by any means of the word, or psychological profile, really. I just really love and appreciate this woman for her accomplishments, her talents (which are so many), and her ability to share so openly about such personal moments, whether just waking up in her kitchen in Paris, or waking up in her hospital bed, after chemotherapy. Beth Torbert (Bif Naked) is just that way.

In short form, her resume reads experience and success in song writing, singing, poetry, Animal Rights activist, acting, philanthropy, motivational speaking, non-fictional writing, blogging, (take a breath), and more.

Moral of this post: Just because you think that a musician is no longer performing, or (at the extreme) falsely dead, maybe a person should use their wonderful Facebook and Google apps and they will probably find out that they themselves stopped ‘rockin’, not the artist.

©Dominique Clark 2016

When You Have The Change...(RUFKM, I Thought It Was Done With!!!)

2016-05-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

(Caution: Language pertaining to the woman's anatomy and functions will be described in the following article. This is important and should be shared with anybody you feel has not been upgraded on their education of what to expect in Peri-menopausal and Menopausal)

I'm not an expert on health by any means but what I've been experiencing for the past few years (stopped counting after 5 or so), is no less than an incessant inconvenience of all sorts. I've had body pains, night-sweats (just pure pleasure that is, not!), and some other debilitating symptoms. I had inquired with several doctors within my town regarding these ailments and was told,

"No, you are not menopausal. Get more exercise." And that was the extent of it.

January, 2016 comes around and everything is pretty much going the same, minus all the symptoms listed previously. Then February, and no period. Then March, and no period. As I etched into the end of April, I was getting ready to pop the champagne and begin life without the baggage of feminine hygiene products, ever. I also wasn't feeling the best, physically, either. There was sharp pain in the upper back by the spine that was causing some much grief. Not enough to send me to the doctor as I was managing and the discomfort seemed to be easing, as 4- 5 days went by.

On April 30, as I prepared for evening sky-watching through YouTube, a sudden urge to urinate sent me to the bathroom where I discovered that Mother Nature was not finished with me yet. This first frustrated me. Quite a lot more than just a bit. I grumbled as I went to bed and was still grumbling when the alarm went off. Almost talked myself into thinking it was the wrong day and would have gone back to bed. I blame my period for that, because I just spent two months of pure bliss. No cramps, no bloating, no back-pains from hell and especially, NO PADS.

But no, overnight, my jeans are sausage-tight, no joke. And my skin feels like it's going to breakout any minute. I'm too old for this shit!!! And I don't want to, nah! I spent almost every other hour of the following day (today) hoping that it was just a 'blip' in the schedule and would be done by the end of the day. That didn't happen, either.

I know that my BFF just went pure hell as she seemed to have all the symptoms x 10 and even referred to feeling like a pig being bled-out, for days on end. I wanted to ask her about my current circumstance, but considering how awful her experience was, I couldn't. So I did the next best thing: Googled it! (And it worked. Imagine that.)

First off, I'm not nuts and you ladies out there, are not going nuts either. We are stuck in the 'Perimenopausal Stage' (Premenopause). And this can last for what seems like a second lifetime. And it is common for 'Aunt Flow' to come in and out of her cycle until full Menopause takes over. And yes, it might get more painful, complete unpredictable and seem like the bleeding is heavier than in previous cycles. This not what I had in mind when I said I wanted to feel like a teenager again.

Second, big, huge Thank You to the people at Canadian Women's Health Network, who put together one heck of a website that is going to help me figure all this crap out. Third, doctors need to start giving women more information on what's going on with their own bodies. We don't all have a gynecologist available, a big sister who's been through it or a mother who's comfortable enough to share her experience. Even if the doctor is male and is uncomfortable himself discussing female events, the least he could do is guide us towards the right source for our own information quest, as I've done here.

There is lots of information out there from professional individuals and women's clinics and other fantastic sites. I would hope that this site and the information on both phases of Menopause are helpful to somebody who, like me, has to find out somethings on their own.

©Dominique Clark 2016

#Menopause #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #Health #Postmenopause #CanadianWomensHealth

Have You Heard?!?!?!.... (Canada Rocks, Pops & Hip-Hops)

2016-04-22T15:09:00.004-06:00

Despite the exceptional access to more information than ever previously imagined, the world still perceive Canada as being sparsely populated, under-educated and uncultured. Yet, we continuously export some of the 'World's Best', such as chefs, musicians, artists, engineers, researchers and so on. This also is true in the realm of music.

Whether at the beginning, such as song-writing and sheet music, to the final production of a vinyl record or stage production. Canada is producing some of the world's best future producers, photographers, engineers and musicians.

Our first example shall be, Sir Bryan Adams. This man has represented Canada as a musician, photographer, humanitarian and animal rights. As some contemplated Sir. Adams's retirement, he has just gotten his second wind to Rock 'n' Roll again, with the release of his new album, Get Up (log in to listen, for free.)

Moving on to Sass Jordan. An accomplished singer, songwriter and actress, this gorgeous 'should-have-been-a-model' blonde may have been of English birth, she is most definitively 'Canadian Made'. She is currently rocking out with her band, S.U.N. (She was even made an honorary colonel in the Canadian Forces based in Cold Lake, Alberta, in 2012.)

And of course, there's multi-talented, guitar virtuoso and always handsome, Ian Fletcher Thornley. He's weaved in and out of the charts since his debut with Big Wreck , then his solo era (which I personally thought was fantastic) and a period of near obscurity as he dabbled with this, that and other things. Including making a family and becoming a dad. The last 5 years has seen the return of Big Wreck in 2012 (They are performing across North America this year, too, so don't miss a show. , his solo revival and another album release, Secrets, in October, 2015. (Blown Wide Open redo. Not necessary, but still done right.)

     Still wearing the bejeweled crown of 'Queen of Punk', Vancouver's imported (born in India), beautiful, powerful, and contagious joy that is Bif Naked (Beth Torbert). If ever there was an example of a living warrior princess, its Bif Naked. She represents the strength, willpower, softness and determination that is woman, Canadian and human - thank you to Kickasscanadians.ca for the article link. She sings, designs, draws, writes (some are songs, poems and a book or two) and is spokesperson for Cancer Survivors, Animal Rights and Humanitarian projects.

     Representing Canada is the best ways, is Monster Truck, from Hamilton, Ontario. These beautiful beasts are rocking every country that will let them in! They participate in the national pastime every chance they get! Monster Truck even went as far as sponsoring a whole team! Can you tell that I'm very much a fan?

     Also contributing the continued life of Rock 'n' Roll, Metal Rock and the reputation of being LOUD, The Wild, from Kelowna, B.C., Canada. They are touring somewhere near you this summer. And currently enjoying some earned success with this gem, What About You?. It's playing for the last few weeks on my local station. And I dare you to not appreciate after one listen.

Let's not forget the ever-expanding world of Hip-Hop/Rap. It's not my area of knowledge, by any stretch of the imagination, but 'I likes what I likes', and so I learn and listen. And boy, am I learning. Such as there is a whole organization dedicated to the support, promotion and future of Hip-Hop and everything it can involve from lyrics, beats, soundtracks, videos, wardrobe and so much more. Not all things Rap in Canada involve Drake and some are quite connected to their own heroes of the American Music Scene, having collaborated or currently doing so. I'm speaking of SDK - Stompdown Killa. And if you check their facebook page for this weekend, I bet you can find a show with some of our country's best up-and-coming talent.

     Some of that talent includes Merkules and Prada West, both working out of B.C. Canada. They are both actively touring Canada every other week, so check their FB pages and their Twitter accounts to catch a live show before they get too big. (Not even close to being a joke. Seriously.) And if you can't catch a show, at least support by liking, downloading and especially sharing their videos with others who would appreciate some fresh lyrics and crazy twisted flows. Check out 'One Of Those Days' - 2013, 'Leave It Alone' - 2015,
'No Chances' and also 'Balaclava Boys' - 2013.

     Hope there's something here for everybody (except Country and such. I don't do Country.) Rock on!!!

#CanadaRocks #RockNRoll #HipHopNation #SDK #Merkules #Pradawestmusic #SassJordan #MonsterTruck #SirBryanAdams #BigWreck #IanFletcherThornley #BifNaked

The Summer Of NetFlix....(I Sure Do Miss Ragnar Lodbrock.)

2016-04-08T17:05:00.000-06:00

(Be forewarned… this blog post is a link bomb!)

It’s been over three (3) months since the faithful phone call to end one of my longest relationships. It was painful, brutally abrupt and left me feeling kind of disconnected, for about a minute. There were reasons behind the ending of our union: 1) No real communication, 2) Only one of us paid, all the time, 3) Moments were almost always about reruns, non-relevant issues and other people’s dramas. And other small irreconcilable differences.

I had an urge for some Space 1999. Yes, it’s a thing. And damn if I wasn’t successful in finding the complete series, for free, on #YouTube. (Sorry that sounds like a spam comment insert, but it’s the truth. INSERT LINK HERE). I binged on the commercial-free marvel of SCI-FI for two weeks. Most of January and February of 2016 were spent in this manner. Time well spent learning, exploring and almost vomiting in my mouth, all thanks to YouTube.

Then came the awakening of an under-used Netflix account. If anybody was being neglected it would have to be my friends at Netflix . Being one of their original Canadian customers since so long ago, I starting browsing their homepage of (kind of) boundless entertainment offered in T.V. shows and movies.

A big Must Watch is Swelter! My love-lust for Jean Claude Van Damme has been reignited and yes, that man is still relevant and certainly, not ‘faking’ it. The cast is well-rounded, and the story holds up, for me anyway. Danielle Favilli is just fantastic as the psycho half-brother.

Then I spent two days with Jai Courtney smokin’ hot, talented, versatile actor from Down-Under. I binge-watched Spartacus prior to GDTDH, and was already tickled by that man’s physical condition. I had previous watched the first season of this series back in the day. Unfortunately, after the death of their previous leading male actor, Andy Whitfield, I was lacking interest and lost track of the show. (That’s another blog that shall be written someday, in the near future.)

(Quick note: EXCLUSIVE Trailer: ‘Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story)’ Goes Inside the ‘Spartacus’ Actor’s Battle With Cancer. Released April 8, 2016)

Continuing with the Action theme, I was able to view recently uploaded Terminator Genisys and spoiler, he still doesn’t die in this one, either. But the plot twist did catch me by surprise, so I give it a ‘Thumbs Up”. And oh yeah, Jai Courtney is also in this one. Mr. Courtney also stars alongside Bruce Willis in A Good Day to Die Hard 2013. Be your own critic and watch some of these.

Which brings me to the darker side of exploring unseen films. These films are usually independent, scantly censored and either nonsensical, psychologically twisted, or both. And the next mentioned piece cinematic art is all of those and features a mega-superstar Canadian, Ryan Reynolds. The movie that I’m speaking of is – The Voices 2014. The versatility of this extremely gorgeous man is not in question. Ryan Reynolds proves his range of emotion and extreme control, within the role of Jerry. There will be no spoilers for this one. I was creeped out, in awe and almost sorry that the movie ended, really. (Think of it as ‘Taxi Driver’ meets ‘The Truman Show’ with a drop of ‘Hannibal’ for dessert.) Definitively, recommend this at least once. (FYI to anybody inside Netflix, Two Guys, A Girl and A Pizza Place would be a real treat for us, your customers. Trust me on this.) Also note-worthy is that both Ryan Reynolds and Jai Courtney are in the now international blockbuster Deadpool.

Needless to say after experiencing such intensity with The Voices 2014, I was in the mood for short spurts of comedic relief, with a story line if possible. And I’m still pretty much in the midst of an almost perfect summer viewing blitz.

Here’s a short list of some suggested time well-spent and the laughter alone will make your heart, lungs and other organs, get a workout. So don’t say I didn’t warn you.

1. Grace and Frankie – Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. These ladies are as ‘relevant’ as they were when they enacted “9 to 5”. I was so upset to come to the end of the first season. And it’s at the top of my must-watch list during the summer when season two is uploaded to Netflix. Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up!

2. The Ranch – Sam Elliott (enough said)…. Joking aside the cast is loaded and pretty solid storyline in the first season. This one took me by surprise as I’m not a country girl by any means and I’ve become immune to Ashton Kutcher. Yet, I absolutely love, love, love Same Elliott. And he is in this, so watch it. Really.

3. Spartacus – Andy Whitfield’s last know contribution to the entertainment world prior to his untimely passing. He is still sadly missed. The series continued on, thanks to Netflix and gave several more seasons of spectacular, historically correct moments in Roman society and some of the bloodiest scenes I’ve ever enjoyed. Oh and did I mentioned the copious amounts of bare-breasted women, the unadulterated orgies and the epic gladiator matches. Obviously, I will never say enough about something I enjoy so much. I yelled “Spartacus!!!” every chance I got for at least three weeks. I order you to watch this show during those rainy days.

4. Marco Polo – Not particularly standing out for anything but still holding its own as historically accurate, for the most part and the scenes are breathe-taking.

5. Flaked – Will Arnett and some other underrated, yet very talented actors who portray eccentric people living in Venice, California, of all places. Will Arnett is dark, yet lovable, endearing, yet untrustworthy and that’s just the first episode. And yes I admit, he can almost be very seductive.

And that just the beginning of my adventures in the world of Netflix (Canadian link). And did I mention the crap-load of savings from not paying for cable. (I sure do miss watching Vikings on History Channel.) I just have to make sure that all this new control over my quality of entertainment is going to lead to a more controlled intake of this said entertainment. NOT!!!

If you don’t have an account yet, get one. Start by going here Netflix.ca, or check with your actual Internet provider.

(One last thing: who’s on board to petition Netflix to give us back the reviews and ratings options? I’ve got some feedback that’s dying to get out. Anybody else feeling the same way, too?)

©Dominique Clark 2016

#FBF Homecooking... (Swore I would never do #FoodPorn)

2016-04-01T20:18:00.001-06:00

Since it’s #FBF, I’ve decided to break a little rule and throw some #FoodPorn out there. I’ve taken up making my own bakery goods, including bread. For the last 8 weeks or so, I’ve only eaten my own homemade bread buns and really liking the experience. So last week, I went one step further… and made REAL bread.

I can’t help but flashback to my mom’s kitchen (no matter where that kitchen might have been or how small). I watched her so many times make her bread, yet when I tried her very own recipe, it was never quite the same. I missed the smell of the bread rising, then baking and cooling. Just knowing that there would be fresh, baked goodness with supper was a stomach-grumbling starter. Not ashamed to say I was a ‘Is it ready yet?’ kid as my mom was a good cook. Unfortunately for my mom but fortunately for my neighbours downstairs (unknowing yet welling testers), I tried a Betty Crocker White Bread Recipe (with a couple of tweaks for my taste).

For a first time try last week, the loaves turned out wonderful. I was scared to slice into the full-size loaves, as I wasn’t sure that the bread would withstand such a telltale test of good consistency. Hoorah, it was a perfect slice and so was the next one and so on. Each loaf, including my mini-loaves sliced perfectly, whether thick or thin.

Homemade Betty Crocker Classic White Bread

And the bread itself was excellent for soaking up au jus, gravy and anything you might want to dip it into.

“And how about toasted”, do you ask? Well, it’s some of the best toast I’ve had since grandma’s woodstove toast. The bread crisps nicely and yet the mead stays nice and soft without fall apart when spreading or adding toast toppings.

The healthy side of this bread is the basic ingredients and the fact that it’s made so fast. (I do it by hand, although you can check the website BettyCrocker.com for a machine recipe.) There are no eggs used to make the bread, although there is the basic flour, milk yeast and shortening. There is also a minimal amount of sugar and even less than a teaspoon of salt in the whole recipe. And this recipe makes a lot of dough, trust me.

I used aluminum pans and they worked great and I was inclined to purchase a rolling pin as spreading the dough by hand was just not working for me. The rolling pin is pretty nice for the low budget price and I got it at Walmart

Today, after I tried the same recipe twice, I have enough bread to last me the next 6 to 7 days and as stated before, brought a loaf to the neighbours, just so they know I’m not completely evil, (wink, wink). Hope they enjoyed as much as I did with my supper.

Medium-rare roast beef with mashed potatoes and Betty Crocker Classic White Bread Slices.

And I also hope that this gets you baking your own bread, maybe even this coming week.

As long as you’re breathing, you might as well learn something new every once in a while.

#FBF #Homecooking #BakingJoys #LearnOneThing #SelfTherapy #BasicBaking #OldSchoolCooking

©Dominique Clark 2016

I Really Didn't See You There...(Prosopagnosia, for real!)

2016-02-18T17:58:00.001-07:00

I have been aware of this impairment for many years and suffered many moments of embarrassment and confusion prior to self-discovery. It's seems that although there are not a massive amount of people with the same type of 'brain glitch', there are documented clinic cases and studies showing two types of face blindness: acquired (usually caused by brain injury) and congenital (unknown deficiency during the developmental stages of the brain, either during birth or early childhood). And the name of this wonderful impairment is: Prosopagnosia.

Polygon data were generated by Database Center for Life Science(DBCLS)[2]. - Polygon data are from BodyParts3D[1]

   And this little 'brain glitch' comes with it's set of social and emotional issues. Your confidence takes a major hit, on a daily basis when you are misunderstood as you don't acknowledge people in public because you genuinely didn't see them. You walked past your own parents because you didn't recognize them and you just left their side around the corner not even two minutes before. You would look at pictures of your self several times over and compare them in the mirror because you just don't recognize yourself. Your now ex-husband would think you being 'dumb' because you couldn't find him in a crowd, ever.
     These kinds of misunderstandings and negative reactions to my misread actions were only amplified with a developing social anxiety that turned this "out-every-night-with-group-or-not" into "Hermit-Of-The-Year" candidate.
     Hence, the need to voice the experience that over 2% of the global population suffers from, either from the time they are born or due to some workplace accident, ski slope tumble, etc.
     This is not temporary amnesia, nor a curable affliction. The brain is a very curious instrument that we haven't even begun to understand, although we have made some progress in mapping it.
     I just wanted to have the knowledge out there on a more social platform so others know: I'm not a bitch because I didn't wave back, it's the fact that I don't recognize you; I avoid gatherings because I can't find anybody in a large crowd; I might have met you more than once, it won't change the fact that I don't remember who you are, even if you are famous.
     So there it is, it's real and it has made life very difficulty as this has cost me work, acceptance, social contact, and most of all, alienation from my own family as I've always been perceived as weird when in actuality, I just don't see things right, seriously.

#BrainInjury #Prosopagnosia #SocialAnxiety

©Dominique Clark 2016

Cheap Cat Toy...(Felines Are Weird.)

2016-02-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

     A few months ago, a large open-topped box was left on the kitchen floor and was immediately adopted by my fluffy furball, Rocco. Even once he had scratched, dug and shredded through to the kitchen floor, I was unable to remove the box as he would sleep in it.
     When my son visited, he mistook the box as garbage and threw some garbage of his own into it and 'Rocco's Box of Peace' was no more...
     Rocco started spending more time inside his apartment(kitty carrier) and less time with Oscar (alpha feline) and myself. He was also starting to use furniture for his manicures.
    Today, I had Rocco on the brain as I was walking through my local grocery store and came home with a brand new box, exactly like the one he loved so much. And this is what happened...

Oscar had Rocco by the throat at one point, but I was unable to grab the phone-cam fast enough to bare witness. After a brief struggle and some growling, Oscar sat pouting for over half an hour and Rocco never moved a muscle for the next two hours. He will probably lived there for the next two months or so until I hear laminate under his eagle-talon claws again.

©Dominique Clark 2016

#CheapCatToys #CatsAndBoxes #FelinesAreWeird #FelineFurballs

Get The Love Back...(And why your cooking may taste like sh*t.)

2016-01-13T16:15:00.001-07:00

As a teenager, I LOVED to eat. So I enjoyed baking, too. The pleasure of making delicious pies, cream puffs, crepes and so many kinds of puddings. I made some fantastic apple pies from scratch, back then. And I got even more pleasure when my family would enjoy what I had made. I was still learning and more important, I wanted to keep trying even after a failure or two with some new recipe.

As I set off into repetitive, random chaos of choices and compromises that is Adulthood, the love of food became a battle against food and thus started my spiral descent into non-culinary care and fear of delectable exploration. I came to the sad resolve that nothing I would concoct would ever be edible so never presentable to others besides my family, who were also defeated to knowing the meaning of ‘Free-For-All’, in the torture chamber that became any kitchen that I was standing in. Pizza (or other Take-Out menus) were handy when expecting company. Alcohol was helpful with the hosting or lack thereof.

Then Life shifted, as it does, presenting me with a re-do of opportunities and lots of time to think about all of everything. Since it wasn’t my first time at the rodeo, I had long decided that I would go into this new shift of circumstances using the knowledge of the past, without fear blinding my future possibilities.

I caught myself watching a cooking show now and then. Nothing ever lasted more than 15 mins (or the time of a recipe) and none of the hosts were my kind of teacher – sorry Mr. G. Ramsay. Until I came across Anna& Kristina’s Grocery Bag and I was hooked. I had previous caught some of their shows during their earlier show “The Grocery Bags” (good stuff), I just wasn’t able to appreciate what they were offering to me, at the time. During the first episode of Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bag, I was enjoying watching them execute a random recipe for their first time and showing that mistakes happen to everybody (even you, Mr. G. Ramsay). And it was okay to try again, or find something else to create that you can accomplish.

The inspiration from Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bag helped bring the love back for me. I cleaned out my kitchen and started making some bread. It was a re-do, of course. That is why I went for it. And I was rewarded with some pretty delicious dinner rolls. Then came the whole turkey (secret ingredient - Club House Montreal Steak Spice) and started the New Year with a Knock-Your-Socks-Off Banana Bread, using a variation from the original Betty Crocker recipe.

And when I rocked the French Crepe recipe from King Arthur’s Flour, to the raves of my teenage son, I knew I had brought myself back to a level of contentment that was reflected in the love I infused while I was in the kitchen.

Get your ‘bake’ on, people. It might be the therapy you need.

©Dominique Clark 2016

Before You Say 'I Do'...

2016-01-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

The concept of the Institute of Marriage has been long disintegrating within the North American culture, as half of American marriages end in divorce (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.html) and Canadian marital statistics are not much more encouraging (http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/marriage-and-divorce/) The lack of current information at the Statistics Canada, last updated in 2005, is also a little concerning, yet I will leave that for later. The normal course of marriage has become divorce as more thought is put into a divorce agreement before the actual ceremony, than asking the more important questions to make sure that the union survives the waves of time.

Marriage is a commitment that requires effort, compromise and sacrifice, EVERY DAY! When you choose to be in this type of arrangement, you need to put the thought, passion and motivation you put in every day at work, at your favorite hobby or your weekly group activity. This article is written to help those contemplating this major life-changing decision. Read it with an open-mind and your thinking cap on. To start this examination of marriage, please read:

"I, ____, take you, ____, to be my (husband/wife). I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

In the United States, Catholic wedding vows may also take the following form:

I, ____, take you, ____, to be my lawfully wedded(husband/wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

These are traditional Roman Catholic vows. Let's not knit-pick about the wording, most cultures have similar vows expressing same commitment, sacrifice and loyalty. It seems that the meaning of these vows has either not been explained properly or the mass general public has no use of any of these qualities and characteristics in a partner. It's exactly those three things that are lacking in most relationships.

When talking about spend their lives together, most couples talk about cute babies, having a nice car, where their first vacation is going to be (if they didn't already take that trip pre-honeymoon) and how much the wedding is going to cost. These questions have become too much of priorities and yet are nowhere to be found in the vows. Not everybody will make it the whole stretch and yes, shit happens. But if any part of you is human, you would like to believe that the person beside will always be there, no matter what.

Let's start the list of important points of marriage when picking a life-time partner.

1. Take a good visual look at the one you want to bind your life with. Close your eyes and picture them old. Picture them with thin grey/white hair or none at all. Picture them with a hunched back, swollen finger joints and wrinkly skin. You need to visualise this person in the most advanced stages of aging. Most of the time, looking at their parents is a very good indicator of the person your 'life's desire' will become. Do you want to be there?

2. Imagine this person you 'can't get enough of', sick or permanently injured. Imagine this person needing continuous care. Imagine them not able to function or be productive for the rest of your future together. Imagine this person losing their limb, their speech or their consciousness. Can you say "I do." to 'in sickness or in health'?

3. Where are you going to live during your golden years? This should be discussed long before the number of kids (if any) or which house you really like right now? If you want to finish the Race of Life at the foot of a mountain and your current 'reason for being' can picture all the conveniences the city would offer to seniors, you would be blind to not see a problem.

(Are you really reflecting on these first few points enough to even need to continue reading? Have you realized that you are 'not there yet'? More 'in lust than 'in love'? Keep reading, as this should help you make sure that when you are ready it's one time and forever.

4. Whose career path holds more importance when the promotion and move comes up? The reason this should be discussed is that, if any changes occur at the drop of dime due to the employment of one or other spouse, there is always the chance of resentment and feeling of missed opportunities by the partner who changed everything for their loved one. This resentment can come from abandoning a loved job, a circle of friends and family and a structure of life they loved. Will they do this for you as you would do this for them? So you hope and you must blindly trust.

Military families are not the only families, anymore, who have a parent faraway from home for weeks at time. All the decisions that are needed will be made by one partner in absence for the other. What kind of involvement do you expect from your partner in the establishment of a foundation and continued growth of your relationship for those golden years together?

5. Are you ready to support every decision or idea even if it isn't what you would want or do? The most passionate of relationships crumble in the face of reality that not both parties are in it to the same degree. If you can't give unconditional support despite your personal feelings, you are not completely loyal or committed to this person. And if you are not working on the end game, then there really is no point in working on the present together.

A real marriage is built on the basis on two individuals with similar goals, needs and desires. Anything not founded on those principles is doomed to end. Sooner or later, it really doesn't matter, it will end. One of you will want out and one of you will be devastated. Are you prepared for the 'light in your life' to quit caring as quickly as they cared for you? Are you ready for the little things you love much to become the things that may annoy you the most?

At this point, you should be able to make your choice of asking your 'future better half' to continue on the beautiful journey of life together or you decide to just continue to enjoy the relationship you have and let it run it's course without intertwining everything and everybody in the process. Good luck on making the 'right choice' for yourself and your beloved. My only wish is that this article would help somebody make the choice that is best for them.

#marriage #relationship #commitment #choices #compromise #sacrifice

©DominiqueClark2016

Constant Reboot

2016-01-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

That’s how Life can feel for some of us. We describe our daily routine as a struggle, a battle, or some other term encompassing the random, yet consistent chaos that is your life. And the more your determination is communicated as anger, resentment, pain and such, the more the opposing forces will build against you to stop your constant attempt for change. Once you accept the theory of action, reaction and opposing balance, you will be able to find balance in the chaos that you don’t control.

That about sums up what I have gotten out of my endless months of blog silence. The valleys have been very deep indeed and the ascensions that followed were just as breathtaking and arduous, and here I am…hitting the Reboot button on life, again. And during this mild hilltop moment, I’ve found myself writing, a lot. The love and interest in certain pastimes has returned over the last 24 months, in increments, including baking and the need to make some sweaters. All these things were lost to me during times of depressive valleys.

I hope to make the most of this year’s opportunities, whether I create them or receive them for like-minded people. I have come to the conclusion that the struggle is more of a bumpy journey if you learn to understand and work through, around or with your situation to correct it to fit your current needs and wants. I’ve come to understand that Contentment is far easier to achieve than defined Happiness. You cannot expect respect for yourself if you don’t respect yourself.

So I go into 2016 on another Reboot. With some unresolved situations that need to be finalized and some new ideas and hopes that may need to be realized. But the ultimate conclusion is: that I’m able to do any of what I do on a daily basis is awesome, to say the least. And I’m trying to make the most of this life as the highs and lows allow. And I’m going to use those same highs and lows to my advantage on this Reboot. 3, 2, 1…Click.

#depression, #socialanxiety, #therapy, #mentalwellness, #letstalkCanada

©DominiqueClark2016

Cut Off The Cable Today...(WTF!?!?!)

2016-01-06T12:51:00.003-07:00

It’s done. I can’t believe I just did it. I cut off my own cable TV today. The decision did not come lightly as I’ve spent the better part of December 2015 and the start of January 2016 thinking about it. I’ve lived in some not so great places and in some not so great conditions but somehow, I don’t remember ever not having some kind of TV program, running in the background of whatever situation I was in. And after spending the last 3 years very much in solitude, I’ve found that the TV is constantly occupying my space, even when I’m doing something else, in another room. If that isn’t a sign of pure, unadulterated addiction, then I need to reread the definition of addiction.

I remember, now more than ever, all those hours spent reading books on all kinds of subjects. Women’s Romance Novels started the cycle when I was a young awkward, confused, angry teenager. Then I found pleasure of Science Fiction such as multi-dimensions worlds, time travel and other undiscovered possibilities. Once I fell in Fantasy fables and tales, I was awakened to ever flexible boundaries of creativity with words. I finally saw the connection between idea, development and actual creation.

I lost all those feelings through Life’s roller-coaster ride of poor choices, compromises and disappointments. I’ve come close, several times, to letting the desperation engulf me to total darkness. Those had to be the darkest of times for me. Yet, here I am, wanting to return the enjoyment of escape while finding balance in the reality of that surrounds me.

By losing the chain that cable TV has become in my life, I want to find the space to fill with more of what is around me personally and globally, without it being scheduled around a pre-scheduled timeline on a TV Guide screen. As almost every minute of TV seems to scream at me, all that I seek is available across the Internet. And I’m going to find out for myself if this true.

As I write this, the TV is running on its last hours of paid subscription and I’m feeling about as nervous as each time I attempt to quit smoking. Sure hope I’m more successful at quitting cable TV.

#cuttingoutcableTV ,#returntoreading, #simplfy, #returntosilence

©DominiqueClark2016

Ohhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Vidal.....(It's that good.)

2013-05-14T12:01:00.000-06:00

I never thought i would leave my faithful haircare line but who of us can see into the future. I won't make this more difficult for the wounded parties so I won't mention my former mangle-candy for my hair. I really thought I would have to do the eternal back-and-forth for life to keep the bounce and shine going.

Did I mention my poodle-frizz? (without trying, it really looks like this.)

So then, I catch an ad announcing the new Vidal Sassoon Pro Series. Do I dare spend my peanuts on a product I may use only twice if not satisfied? (There's a drawer filled with those products).

Well, I did and I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

I brought home the V.S. Pro Series Volume shampoo and conditioner.

And it never saw the drawer. Of course, I ran out of conditioner before the shampoo so I brought home the V.S. Pro Series Moisture conditioner.

And the love is just growing stronger. I have not had to use any other products after my shampoo and conditioning. I do not tell a lie!

It used to be shampoo, condition, leave-in condition, blow-dry, straightener spray, straightener.
Now I shampoo, condition, blow-dry and straighten. (See how much shorter that is.)

Ladies, just one try and you will fall in love, too.

Forgiveness...(An Individual Thing).

2013-03-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

It's been a while, maybe even longer than that. I've wanted to just key-off a few different odds and ends and then I would stop mid-thought, mid-action,....mid-sentence. My inspiration of subjects, passion and motivation is not lacking; my focus is not centering on the thought at hand. This is all interrupted by one thing.

My life isn't over and I'm still healthy and employed and sheltered. My life is still shattered... And this isn't the first time. Only it is worse then the other events of misery, lose and confusion, it's all of them in one.

Only this time, an Obituary doesn't give any closure and the reason for the ending isn't so clear. This time, forgiveness is harder to find, and forgiveness is harder to reason with. Forgiveness may not be within me, for this event. This time...what's the plan?!*%#

Life is a trip, sometimes fantastic, sometimes not so much...As I blast Big Wreck "Wolves"(missed their concert too)... I cry, I smile, I want to break things....I want to leave. It's hard to hit a "Redo" button and scratch the plan...I cry now when I think how many times I've scratched the plan...or burned it. And that's why I have to do something, do anything....do this.

I've spent the last few months walking through most days and not always in a stellar manner. I'm late for work now, almost all the time. ( Used to be 15 mins early). Dirt on my unit...just a new color for the bucket (hahaha). I never have another better thought, doesn't matter now, does it. Life is really full of lessons and confusing people who misunderstand, misdirect and misuse and whoever does it best, WINS.

At 16, you might put your faith in your peers, your family (and maybe a beautiful child along the way)...then 10 years.

At 26, you know your family can turn on you, so your faith is in your peers who will always have your back and your first love with a second beautiful child (your first love leaves and then leaves life...grieve quickly as it makes others uncomfortable) ....then 10 more years.

At 36, you think maybe you should make your circle a little smaller and you happen to also just want that one special "Candy" the yummy you can't go without. You are going to put all your faith into that, your "Candy". You just changed your plan 4 times since you were born if you include when your parents were in control. So you hit the brakes ever so slight on that 4th plan...for a few years, then you make a new plan with that "Candy". Your new plan has you enjoying your "Candy" for a longtime, so long it almost might be...a Jawbreaker.

This 5th plan is going to be different though because it's PERMANENT....(only for some). I'm usually so careful in reading the fine print and between the lines. And I should have kept to plan 4 and let the chips lay where they may....back then...then 10 more years.

Here I be.. with my only regret...(why does it have to be this). It tears my focus so quickly just keying those words. My mind is still screaming...even now. (I really need to get this out and down...tried everything else and the brakes are still stuck. Which brings me to - Forgiveness, or lack of. How do you forgive betrayal of ultimate faith,,,? The closure in the near future is only a technical fix to a fraction of the damage. How do you rewrite the next 40-50 years that were "written in stone"?

I will not "get over this"...I didn't ask for this. I asked my "Candy" to be my "Candy" again after his hard times had lasted long enough ( 3 years). My partner, my friend, my soundboard, my focus, my heart didn't hear those words...nor did he hear the words he said to me... "You will be alone forever...enjoy. Karma says so." Again....WTF.

There isn't enough 'smoke' in this area to put me back to calm; to put me back to me; to stop the rest of the mess from playing out. I'm slowly erasing the moments and days that meant the most and finding a life of nothing left. And that's OK. It helps to make the pictures, cards and messages disappear...sometimes in flames..but not really. I can not forgive. And I'm not going to try anymore. It would drive me crazy to try and forgive somebody who vowed to be there through the worst and leave when it was going to go up for them. I was there through all of it (and fixed a huge percentage of it); sacrificed with no reward or advantage in exchange. I didn't walk or run when the opportunities and reasons kept coming from Day 1.

WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? WHAT A FINE HUMAN YOU ARE INDEED!!!!

(Why stomp me????)

I will not change the new plan for anything or anyone unless it's name is "Life's Plan". I'm watching myself becoming unlike myself and I'm not going to stop it.

No I will not forgive, but I will forget (as best as I can), for the rest of my life, that YOU ever happened. I will get my name back, I will try to straighten out the mangled parts and I will be somebody else but not US or what was US. That never happened.

(Slap) That was easy....

How Should One React When...(@#%?!)

2012-07-10T09:47:00.000-06:00

Every person is responsible for their actions and words, whether at home, in public or doing their job. Yet some live 24/7 with a sense of being more deserving than others and it's evident in everything they do and say in any given situation. This said, a situation occurred the other day and would've, could've, should've gone some many different ways. But it didn't.

- As 1st driver turned off the busy highway with other fellow motorists, it was noted that a Tandem was pulling from the curb on the secondary road and would soon be at the T-section stop. Both the 1st driver and the passenger noticed as the passenger commented that Tandem didn't seem to be stopping at the Stop Sign. With several other vehicles around the T-section, the 1st driver responded that the Tandem driver had seen them and wouldn't think of pulling out. The Tandem proceeded to drive right through the marked stop and turned in front of the 1st driver, blocking the T-section completely.

The 1st driver and two other motorists were forced to brake immediately and come to a complete stop. And this moment "the Tandem driver voiced out to the 1st driver (sorry for the language, have to stay true to the story) "Fuck You". The 1st driver and passenger couldn't believe the disrespect and the passenger asked the 1st driver to kindly return with the translated word in Sign Language. The Tandem pulled onto the highway after a few more minutes, and everybody continued on their way. Or did they....

As the passenger was exiting the 1st driver's vehicle, a male approached the 1st driver in a very aggressive manner in the very busy parking lot and proceeded to ask if the 1st driver had a problem.

1st driver- "No, do you Sir"

Tandem- "Why did you give me the fuckin' finger?"

1st driver- "I do believe because u said it first after knowingly cutting me off."

Tandem- "Did you see what the hell I drive? Do you know how hard it is to see at that point?"

1st driver- "Yes, I do. It's my job too Sir. And I have no problem doing that shoulder check and seeing all the way to the lights. You looked right at me Sir, as you drove through that stop..."

Tandem- "You don't know the first thing about..."

1st driver- "Why doesn't everybody agree to just drive better. And you have a good day Sir."

Tandem- "Should watch who you swear to."

1st driver- "You started that Sir. So don't sling it, if you don't want to catch it back."

So how would that have gone down for you?

Enjoy your 24 hours!

A Whole Year!!!!!...........(EXPLICIT LANGUAGE)

2012-06-27T13:36:00.001-06:00

I don't think I will ever finish "Every Woman Needs 7 Men Theory" as I have come to the conclusion that my personal opionons will only interfere with scientific facts. Therefore, I will just continue where I have left off and return to enjoying blogging about blahblahblah, and other things in the world.

New on the list....I have returned to the realm of education. I enrolled in a full college course, while still retaining my employment. This part of my life had been put on hold for over 15 years and I couldn't let it keep being a nagging thought (everyday, is nagging, isn't it?). So I spent a couple of my days off doing some research and the following week started the phone calls and paperwork. It took 5 weeks to get the process completed but it was well worth it. I will be blogging about that part of my life in the future as I feel very strongly about the subject of educating one's self.

So after consulting with my boy, we are going to excelerate the "Change of Venue" plan and shooting for end of September, beginning of October. Now to start the "Book of Eternal Moving" LOL (so many copies of that saga, hahahha). .....

In short, there will be more and more often. Later, my peeps...

Oops...(Did It Again.)

2011-04-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

So I was on a roll a few months back, with almost everything coming together except a couple of personal areas. Well, those exceptions turned into main events of my life for a few weeks (OK months) and everything that I was working on just fell to the side of the always-moving asphalt. So rolls Life.

It wasn't vacation time, either. I've been trying new products: some passed, some failed. We are still enjoying new antics and tricks by Oscar & Rocco, (trilling/talking to people, opening rounded doorknobs,...). I surfed the web and found new shopping sites with easy check-outs and Paypal friendly (not everybody has or wants a credit card-very un-techno but a choice none the less).

So let's get back into it with a little review on Purex with Zout.

I'm already a big fan of Purex Complete 3-in-1

so it was an easy choice with such a great price and a promise to clean even my dingy whites. And it was exactly what it promised. Nobody had an allergy reaction ( Gillette 5 in 1 bodywash & teenage son - will review). And when I pulled the fluffy housecoat out the dryer, it was given another 4 weeks grace from the garbage heap. That's how white it looked.

And to help you make up your mind just try this 'free sample offer' for Purex Complete with Zout. And check out the Purex website for their complete line of laundry needs. My laundry is lasting longer for it and so is my paycheque. Try it for yourself, with a free sample offer , Purex is going to have something you need and love the results you get.

Until the next post, enjoy the moment as it is more unique the last and less unique than the next.

Loving New Spreadsheet Program...(If you like that sort of thing!?)

2011-01-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

I just want to share another tested product. I don't usually download free programs as they always come with invasive adware and hidden spyware. Sometimes you even get the dreaded "pre-load virus". So I was hesitant at first when searching for a free database/spreadsheet. And then I came across this Gem.

I'm actually looking forward to data-entry again. This program has everything that Microsoft has. Just like it promises, it's easy to use and interfaces with other programs quite nicely. I've already produced 2 spreadsheets and going to try my hand at connecting data from one document to another. According to Openoffice, this should be a breeze.

Openoffice.org has tons of templates to choice from in several categories including personal, business and hard-to-find templates. I even found a template to keep track of my son's diabetes. It was provided by a another user of Openoffice.org and once I figured out how to stop my date from looking like "Y2K incompatible", the whole thing looked clean and easy to understand. My boy's diabetes team are going to love this new tool.

Although I had a couple of glitches when I first opened this program, it was nothing a good 'defrag' didn't cure. The download time is also descent considering all the features provided. Anything Works or Excel can do at full cost, Openoffice.org can do at no cost. And again, I stress that this program can interface with other major spreadsheet programs out there.

Just thought I would share this one with those who are "admin. geeks". I'm not ashamed as I explained to my husband that spreadsheet programs are to me what Xbox 1st person-shooter games are to him. Pure bliss. Most should understand that feeling.

Until our next moment in time, enjoy the day, not matter which day it is.

2011...(Bring It On!)

2011-01-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

The year is close to over with another set of 12 months to take it's place. 2010 was not the worst or the best of years. It's almost been a replay of certain situations that should only be experienced once in a person's life. A lot of surprises both professional and personal, right to the end too! A couple of disappointments and joys thrown in just to keep the balance.

In the next year, I hope to increase the quality and quantity of my posts, although it was still be as diverse as ever. Keep checking my list of "Recommended Products/Services", each linked to a review post. And if you wish to see anybody listed in the "Interesting/Important People" column, please e-mail me. So, for your visual enjoyment and a toast to years gone the Sassylassy household, I've decided to post a few favorite pix. Enjoy and Happy New Year to All!

Dogs have funny butts! LOL! 2004

C'mon! Please! Can I hope in? Please! 2004 (2)

The Three Amigos- "I swear I saw something move, guys!" 2005

I'm so sorry, Dude! 2010

Hope you have enjoyed this little display of interpretation and digital manipulation. My hubby was approving of the clipart. Took all these years to finally understand "Paint", go figure. LOL. Read me soon, people, and...

Netflix...(More T.V.!?!)

2010-12-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

On his 3rd day of holidays, my teenager was already bored. And he let it be known to anybody within earshot, including the neighbors and passerbys. His extra-loud music, his moaning, animal noises I had only heard on National Geo graphics. He whined about wanting a new computer so bad; he whined about needing a new Xbox 360. This carried on for well over 2 hours. (Not an exaggerations. Teenagers can be consistent for the 'right cause'.)

His last resort of battling boredom was to sit beside me at the half counter as I tried to concentrate on doing some data-entry (known as a job to some). The concept of my attention on anything but my beautiful baby boy is still not a reality, even at his age. So the conversation went like this:

"Mom. If we had Netflix, I won't be so bored."

"HAHAHAHAHA"

"Really. Why don't you check it out right now with me. It's cheap. It's works really well. And we already have everything we need to use it right away."

"HAHAHAHAHA"

"At least my broke-down Xbox can be useful to watch movies, again."

"HAHAHAHAHA"

"If we have Netflix, I'll still be here when Grandma and Grandpa stop by. If we don't get Netflix, I'll need you to take me to my friend's"

"HAHA (click,click,click.....) HAHA (click, click, click....) HAHA..."

"Thanks, Mommy! This is so cool."

And I didn't see him again until suppertime.

That's how quick, easy and joy-inducing Netflix is for my family. My hubby hasn't watched regular T.V. for 4 days now and even stated, "We only need regular T.V. for the news." (I don't think we're there yet.)

Although we are only in the first 30 days of the free trial. I do like most of the features and the different ways I can access my own account. (This is a big attracting feature for myself as you can read in other past product/service reviews.) Their selection is pretty extensive with plenty of room to grow in the Archives Department. (3 of 4 movies that I searched as some of my all-time favorites were not available.)

The picture quality is great on 3 different screens types used in the household. Audio was also great, on the T.V. and my boy's iPod. I really like the ability to instantly view what my son's been watching. (Part of the requirement of that parental responsibility thing. LOL)

I'm still reserving my finally judgement on just how great Netflix is for when the 30-days free are up and the first bill with the real service cost is put in black and white. As it stands, it should only be towards the $10.00 when it's all tallied with the taxes and such. But I'm no spring chicken, for sure. And I don't take anything at face value. Ever. So check back in 4 weeks. I may not have such a pretty vocabulary.

Down Memory Lane...(Take Two?)

2010-12-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.people-clipart.com/

So it's a busy time of the year for all, it seems. And although I don't necessarily partake in the preparation and shopping frenazy, it's still busy for our house, too. And my son has decided to test the boundaries of love and rules as Mom seems spread thin enough to agree/accept anything. Right?

So as he pilfered the family wallet, starting Friday, he used his bedroom as home-base for his peeps from out of town (without much notice), announced that they would all be staying for supper come Sunday evening (announced at noon Sunday!!!). He then decided to have a "confession time" with Mom & Dad just prior to leaving for an over-nighter at another friend's house.

Well.... It turns out that after all these years of thinking that his injury was acquired during the "Elk Photo Op" was caused by a game of "Don't Touch the Lava.",this is not so. Apparently, the boys did not listen to both moms and did end up going outside while we were out quading. And this is where the story takes a twist.

The boys grabbed some golf clubs as they headed outside to hit a few golf balls into the snowbanks, in the front yard. No harm, right? READ ON. Everything was going well. It was the other boy's turn to take a swing and he told my son to step back. As my son was still only 5 years old at the time, he was distracted within seconds of hearing that request and walked right into the swinging club.

This is just an example of how nothing is what it seems when you are not there to be a witness. Especially if you're Sassylassy and her clan. I now have to deal with the fact that I may end up questioning any other events my son has recounted to me as maybe not being exactly as he described. To be revisited for sure.

Poses of Relaxation...(Kitty Style.)

2010-12-10T14:58:00.001-07:00

Caution: Enjoy in moderation. (If stared at long enough, feelings of warm fuzzies will follow...)

Solitude Pose

Hold Me Pose

Group In Sync Pose

Paw for Pillow Pose

Paw for Pillow Pose 2

Doughnut Pose

Gentleman Pose

and finally...

The "Completely Vulnerable But I Don't Care" Pose

These poses should not be attempted without first checking with a relaxation professional. All cats depicted are professionals and were closely monitored while performing all poses. Please keep watch for future installments of "Poses Of Relaxation".

And The Suprises Keep Coming...(Wouldn't You Know!)

2010-12-07T13:17:00.001-07:00

Don't take my silence as a sign that all is calm in this little home. Especially on the feline front. Although it was a hard decision to make, one of the darling strays had to be placed into a foster home. And that's the cool part. It's an actual foster home for cats, where she'll be prepared for adoption. And now we have 2. So in the meantime, Oscar was put through the process of neutering. He didn't seem to mind, in the least. Oscar showed no discomfort or pain and continued on with life within minutes of returning home, that afternoon.

We chose to keep the 2nd stray (a Calico Long-hair) and named her Cleopatra, Cleo for short. When I picked up Oscar from the Vet, I booked Cleo in for a Check-Up, Shots and spaying. If we were going to keep her, we going to do it right for both of them, from the start. I took Cleo in this morning without any fight. After a lengthy discussion with the Vet desk, I left Cleo in good hands and went off to continue my morning. I picked up my son and off to school we went.

This was all within 15 minutes of dropping off Cleo and my cell rang. It was the Vet Clinic. Upon first examination, they discovered something surprising. Cleo wasn't a Cleo, after all! I burst out laughing, literally. And I couldn't stop. My son thought his mom was finally losing it. As I parked in front of the school, I finished promising the Clinic a new name for our pet by Pick-Up time that afternoon. My son looked puzzled as I stated the new fact of Cleo's sex. As we all lived with this animal for a month now, it just seemed hilarious that we not notice anything protruding from under all that fur. Manual inspection would have helped but I'm not in the habit of inspecting my animals in that way.

It took all morning but we did come to an agreement for a new name for the fluffy fiend. I introduce to you: ROCCO.

I can't help but wonder what next week might bring. I couldn't begin to imagine and neither could you, believe me. Until the next mystery unsolved, be kind to your neighbor. They might own a gun.

Down Memory Lane...(Ouch! Yes, It Hurt.)

2010-12-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Just as I was, literally, going out the door this morning, my sister called from my mother's house to inquire about an "urgent need for pictures for the yearly calendar." (This the same calendar that was canceled in last month's email due to "poor picture quality".) Anyway, I not only went to actually look for some good pictures, I FOUND SOME COOL PICTURES! Sometimes, I surprise even myself.

During this hunt for memories, I came across a few pix of my youngest boy, whom I treasure as a precious jewel. And one image, in particular, brought back one painful yet hilarious 'incident' that happened that left him with another permanent scar and embarrassing story for his mommy to tell when he's a really big boy.

So the story 'sort of' goes like this...

When the 'little guy' was about 6 years old, I took him with me to visit some friends who were trying their hand at raising elk and I was going to take some pix, use those for business cards and pamphlets/posters. In order to take some good shots, we thought it would be better to go look for the herd. We told the kids to stay in the house while we were out on the property, as this would be the safe thing to do. We planned on only being gone for no more than an hour. And off we went on the quads....

No more than 30 minutes had gone by and the herd was nowhere to be found as of yet. So as we came back in front of my friend's home, we both noticed that one of the employee's was trying to get our attention, desperately. As we approached the gateway access, he started to talk frantically about one of the kids being hurt and bleeding and that he didn't know what to do and started running for the Shop/Quonset. Well, this definitively got our attention and we took off running after him.

That's where we found my little boy with blood running down his face from a hole in his forehead. And this was indeed quite the gruesome sight as it looked like a piece of his forehead may have been missing. (As we learned later on that this was not the case.) The poor Shop employee was pale from panic and had to be told he could go outside for air as I was afraid he was going to faint. My friend started up her vehicle as I gathered up my boy in my arms to rush him, once again, to the emergency room.

During the time of getting his 2nd set of stitches like a pro, my son explained to the amused doctor that he and his friends were playing "Don't Touch The Lava. He slipped from the couch to the fireplace and bumped his head on a piece of chopped wood. Although it did require 11 stitches (4 inside/7 outside) to close his forehead, there wasn't any missing and the scar is pretty cool for a young man to show off.

Then there was the 3rd set of stitches...involving a chain-link fence, Power Rangers, and a process known as 'Morphing'. That 'adventure' is for another bedtime story, though. Until then, goodnight kids...(and play safe.)

I'm A Texter Now...(LG Rumour 2 Review)

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Isn't it pretty? I think I'm truly in love with my phone. And I've only had it less than 24 hours. Sure my hubby got the exact same one almost 3 months ago. But his is black all over. My beautiful blue beauty is so pleasing to the eye that I've already thought of having a vehicle with the same color scheme and metallic brilliance. Just love the interchangeable back plate. I already switched mine out.

Of course, I used Virgin Mobile Canada to get the service up and running. I reviewed Virgin a few weeks back, with my son and hubby as guinea pigs. And I still stand by the review posted back then. Virgin Mobile has even upgraded their website service, once more. And offer even more options, without contracts. My hubby and son are still big fans of the Unlimited Texting Plan. And it's been very manageable to Top-up each account on time and without breaking-the-bank. (I just heard another $400 cellphone bill from a defeated parent. Research is a very powerful tool. I can't stress that enough.)

The LG Rumour 2 is awesome. Physically, it is a very comfortable phone to use either closed or in 'texting' mode. It's well-balanced and fits well in the hand. This is a Texter's dream phone. My hubby has transferred my son's play-list to his phone and the sound quality is quite impressive for 'just a phone'. It doesn't lack much in applications except maybe no video mode and the need for a memory card to increase storage capacity. Otherwise, this is a great buy without breaking Mom/Dad or the struggling student. The Contacts List can store up to 600 peeps!

Combine this phone with a Virgin Mobile Plan (so many to mix and match - You are in control!) and you have a great Xmas gift that won't turn into a 'money pit' in January. Just an idea....

What Doesn't Kill You..(Will Still Cost You!)

2010-11-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's Day 23 of the 'No Smoking Project' and I have not had a single cheat. This Nicorette Inhaler is working for me. Awesome! No person or animal has lost their life, as of yet. May need to shop for a new wardrobe, though. I've been doing my best to keep busy with the usual Family/Work/World combination and in my spare time, I try to get ahead with the housecleaning. You do start to realize how much time you spend smoking when you equate it to a cleaning task.

So part of life's plan to test my will to quit involves my son, Oscar the cat and XBox. Strange, yes, to an outsider. The "6 points of separation" Rule applies in this Happy Home. So there is a connection. It this is how it goes.

Oscar's girlfriends are still residing with us, despite numerous efforts to give them opportunities to find their way back to their original homes. Yet, they continue to return to this door and it's now week 2 and they sleep on our bed. Twice, now, I've been awaken to heavy pressure on the chest, restricted movement of the extremities, and very real feelings of being "watched". This may be caused by the 3 felines that have tried to band together and snuff the life out of me, in my sleep. The 1st time, I barely managed a small "help" that my hubby actually heard. I'm still in awe that he did hear as he is deaf as a post (did all the tests). (I do believe that my hubby was actually watched the kitty-kats plan my 'peaceful demise', seeing how far they could take it before I would either sleep forever or walk up really 'cranky'.)

Neither happened, as I was too terrified to really do much expect the little 'help'. I know better than to trust any animal that may share a human's home. Any animal! If you knew some of the 'stuff' animals do around myself and my loved ones, you would probably -pee your pants and die of fear- and everything in between.

Back on track...I mentioned to my son that Oscar was scheduled for his shots and 1st check-up and he asked to come. Bad Mom that I am, I actually indulged for once and called him in so he could help his mom out with cat/work/house stuff, all afternoon. And it really was worth it, too. The boy was kind enough to insist on carrying Oscar himself during the whole process, as he wanted to voice his disapproval of any treatment that seemed unnecessary to his beloved 'Animal Friend'.

The exam started immediately upon Oscar exiting his carrier. The 1st step being the insertion of a thermometer into Oscar's rectum. Well, didn't my son see this as obvious abuse. Immediately, after this followed a direct needle into the fleshy part of his behind. This does last for a couple more seconds than I would have liked as Oscar was abit more of a handful for both myself and vet tech. For round 3, Oscar require the usual "Ear Flush" as I had known that he had ear mites since kitten-hood. Wellllll!!! The sound-effects that reached us down short hallway was quite disturbing for my usually so tough son.

"That's not Oscar, is it?" he stated really panicked. "What are they doing to him?" "They can't just being washing his ears. He sounds like he's dying!" The look on my boy's face was priceless ( says the sadistic mommy.) The vet staff was uncertain if Oscar would stick around once the towel was removed from around his body. I reassured them that he would be fine and he was. He actually jumped into the carrier as it was his only way out of that Kitty Torture Chamber. My son grabbed the cage and asked that I hurry up and pay so that 'They' could go home. I was laughing so hard in the car, I almost wet my pants.

Oscar survived his ordeal and Jessie/I survived ours. May have cost a little more for Oscar's care than first quoted and yet didn't feeling guilty at all when I denied my boy. Another day laid to rest.

Godspeed, Ladies.

Sassylassy's Slice

She Is More Than That...(Bif Naked 2016, to start)

When You Have The Change...(RUFKM, I Thought It Was Done With!!!)

Have You Heard?!?!?!.... (Canada Rocks, Pops & Hip-Hops)

The Summer Of NetFlix....(I Sure Do Miss Ragnar Lodbrock.)

#FBF Homecooking... (Swore I would never do #FoodPorn)

I Really Didn't See You There...(Prosopagnosia, for real!)

Cheap Cat Toy...(Felines Are Weird.)

Get The Love Back...(And why your cooking may taste like sh*t.)

Before You Say 'I Do'...

Constant Reboot

Cut Off The Cable Today...(WTF!?!?!)

Ohhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Vidal.....(It's that good.)

Forgiveness...(An Individual Thing).

How Should One React When...(@#*%*?!)

A Whole Year!!!!!...........(EXPLICIT LANGUAGE)

Oops...(Did It Again.)

Loving New Spreadsheet Program...(If you like that sort of thing!?)

2011...(Bring It On!)

Netflix...(More T.V.!?!)

Down Memory Lane...(Take Two?)

Poses of Relaxation...(Kitty Style.)

And The Suprises Keep Coming...(Wouldn't You Know!)

Down Memory Lane...(Ouch! Yes, It Hurt.)

I'm A Texter Now...(LG Rumour 2 Review)

What Doesn't Kill You..(Will Still Cost You!)

How Should One React When...(@#%?!)