Yep, I'm going to Nipawin again this weekend. I'm not leaving until morning so that gives me the evening to catch up on all the things I've been meaning to do all week.

1. Get caught up on my books.
2. House chores - cat litter, dishes, laundry, etc...
3. Hook up the new programmable thermostat I got last weekend. Well, I *started* that today at lunch time, but didn't have time to finish. Note to all others who might attempt this: FINISH this task once you start. My roommate actually tracked me down at my boyfriend's to alert to the fact that the temperature in the house was 34 degrees Celsius when he got home and the cat was panting in front of the now open back door. It took a few phone calls to my dad and an inch of extra wire to get things going the way they should. Guess I'll know for next time. [GRIN]
4. Made it to Toys R Us to pick up the other two X-Pod creatures to match the one I got in California. Of course, on my trip to Shoppers to get batteries (which I forgot to buy), I saw all the ones I needed for the same price. [sigh]

And I'm planning on playing some City of Heroes tonight too. I haven't played in a very long time.

Serenity time when I get home on Sunday. YAY! Sooo looking forward to it.

... to save a cookbook your grandma gave you from falling into hot oil, you accidentally rip off the front cover

... in the wake of almost ruining a favourite cookbook, a cupboard door comes off and can't be put back up without replacing a portion of the wood frame

... you realize much too late that you lost the hook from your lego pirate keychain in the parking lot of Safeway

... someone tells others some bad news, that was yours to tell, in an automated email

Things to get through a bad day...
... tears
... mom
... hugs
... kittens
... laughter
... friends
... bizarre happenstances

In this case, home is my folks place in Nipawin. I know it's been a long time since I went for a visit when my mom shows me pictures of a full and lush green lawn where I remember there being seed and a small smattering of green blades on black dirt.

I had intended on getting caught up on a few things of my own, like some of the necklaces I've been meaning to make and my books, but that didn't really happen. Almost all my waking time was spent at my parents' business. Mom's been trying to get her books caught up for a very long time and hasn't been having much luck. There are so many things to get sidetracked by that it's hard to stay focused. That's where I come in - I can keep her on task just like she does for me when I need it. And we have the same ideas when it comes to keeping books and how things need to be entered. That helps a lot. So we got through just over 3 months worth of data in one weekend while she hasn't been able to get through one whole month in just about that time. I'm so glad I was there to help.

And dad was good too - he was doing some jobs while mom and I worked on the books. We didn't really get to do much else besides share some meals and go to sleep. Sleep I did this weekend. I slept probably close to 14 hours on Friday night. I was obsessing about work a bit though because every time I woke up on Saturday morning, I was thinking about all the things that need to be done and how they need to be done and how I can't be afraid to say things that need to be said. I'm sure everything will be fine and while I'm finally feeling confident about my ability to do this job and feeling good about the things I'm accomplishing, I'm not perfect and still have quite a few mistakes yet to make. And you know, I'm okay with that.

And then I slept about 10 hours on Saturday night and didn't wake up thinking about work on Sunday. I was also quite shocked that it was 1 in the afternoon when I woke up. I had missed the whole morning. Since I didn't figure there was anything urgent waiting for me in Saskatoon, I thought I could stay late so I finally left Nipawin at about 9:30 which was a bit later than I had intended, but whatever. I wasn't in any hurry. [GRIN] I still managed to be in Saskatoon before midnight.

I test drove a car home this weekend. I don't think I'll buy it but it gave me a good idea of what I'm looking for in my next car. I learned that I need a car with power. [I'm hearing Tim Taylor in my head right now.] I met with a used car salesman and I liked him. He seems like a good guy. We went through what I'm looking for in a car and I think I'm going to have to spend a bit more than I was originally intending, but I know I'll be happier with the car I get. So I drove 3 different cars this weekend. A neon, which showed me that I need power in my car to be happy, an Alero, which had some power, but doesn't come in manual transmission so that wasn't great, and a Camry, which is a good car, but has a bunch of little things going wrong so I don't think it's a good fit for what I'm looking for.

I also discovered that my cell phone loses all signals just before Wakaw which is only 90 km out of the city.

So, Sears...

I expected that when I bought appliances and they were delivered to the correct house and all the paperwork had my new address last year that Sears had updated my address. And they sent me new warranty information two weeks ago to my correct address. Apparently, I was wrong. Just because the warranty people have my correct address, the whole company doesn't.

A statement to pay for my appliances on July 21 was returned to Sears. I talked to some woman last night. Poor, poor woman. I've been waiting for the Sears statement for a month and a half now. Expecting it. Knowing it was coming. Making financing plans to pay for all my appliances so that I didn't get dinged with all the interest.

Apparently, my lack of following up cursed me with over $140 in interest. I was sooo frustrated. And she couldn't even help me except to update my address. She gave me a number to call today because customer service had already gone home. I couldn't resolve it last night. I had to sleep on it. I was just trying to be reasonable all night. My plan was to hopefully spend some more time with my boyfriend, but that had to be aborted because I was feeling too cranky.

And what kind of company calls someone about a late payment and then puts them on hold, "Please hold for an important call from Sears..." Music follows. I hung up on Saturday. I hate doing my personal business over the phone. I usually miss/don't remember something important.

So I called this morning. First thing - I crawled out of bed and went to the phone at 6:30. And I apologized before even speaking about the issue. I apologized to the poor lady because I knew I was going to get upset even though I was trying desparately to remain calm. That helped me later because I knew I wasn't catching the lady off guard when I did start getting upset when recounting the details of what had happened. She responded by saying that first of all, she understood how I could be so frustrated with the situation. I told her my main concerns were the interest and the credit rating impact. She told me that they could fix the credit note and then put me on hold to speak to her supervisor. And they reversed the credit charges as I was paying the full amount - today. She gave me the total without interest to pay. I confirmed both actions of Sears and then confirmed I was going to pay today.

And then I thanked her profusely.

And now I've paid them. And I feel much better. And Sears will get my business again because of the way they handled this situation. I think I'll send them a letter.

Now, I'm not saying that the full moon has anything to do with it, but it sure does make things crazy. I don't normally have to stay overtime, but I've been working overtime for the past week and then the latest was last night until 7. Sheesh! I'm hoping that once I'm done with hiring at work, things will calm down to a reasonable list of to do's and more things on the it can wait list.

But, I did it again this weekend. Ms. Fixit is my name. I spent most of Sunday in the basement. The first hour was mostly disgusting as I can to clean up where my cat had been sick - twice. I guess carrot cake and cream cheese icing aren't the best thing for his little tummy. Next, I did some exercising. And then I rearranged the place and hung up my punching bag and got rid of all the garbage stuffs from the futon wrapping. Then I went grocery shopping and had a great evening with my sweetie watching The Return of the King on his new couch.

Last week is a blur - 4 hour meeting after work on Tuesday for the Canadian Cancer Society. I was soooo caffeinated that the sound of my heart beating kept me awake that night. But no headache which was nice. Wednesday night I went straight to my massage after work but only remember the first 20 seconds of it and the last 5 minutes. Some might say that I was sleepy. I felt grrrrreat! afterwards, though. Thursday night was also caffeinated so I was mostly awake for friends to come over and play Earthdawn. Friday night was my very first double date although it was impromptu. We went to see The Fantastic Four and then had a bite to eat at Montana's after the movie. Then I went to a birthday party for a friend who spent the summer in B.C. working as a camp counsellor. It was awesome to hear his stories of camp. And Saturday, well, Saturday was a write off. There may have been some computer games. Maybe a lot. And there were waffles. Mmmmm... waffles.

There's a llama
And another little llama
Fuzzy llama funny llama
Llama llama duck.

Llama llama cheesecake llama
Tablet brick potato llama
Llama llama mushroom llama
Llama llama duck.

I was once a treehouse
I lived in a cake
But I never saw the way the orange slayed the rake.
I was only three years dead
But it told a tale
And now listen little child to the safety rail.

Did you ever see a llama
Kiss a llama on the llama
Llama's llama
Tastes of llama
Llama llama duck.

Half a llama
Twice the llama
Not a llama
Farmer llama
Llama in a car
Alarm a llama
Llama duck.

Is that how it's told now
Is it all so old
Is it made of lemon juice
Doorknob ankle cold.
Now my song is getting thin I've run out of luck.
Time for me to retire now and become a duck.

September 10, 2004, I moved into my house. So in honour of spending that much money a year, I spent some more this weekend. Finally got the golden see-through curtains for my bed and I only needed 6 instead of 8 and they were cheaper than I thought, only $15 a piece. And then I got a canvas wood holder and carrier. I just take it off the base frame and go get the wood in it and then put the bag on the rack holding the wood I just brought in. It's something I've been looking for since I moved in. And I got rid of the front curtains and replaced them with a bamboo rolly-uppy window covering which is see through so I'll have to back it with some fabric, but it was cheap so I'm okay with that. Besides I have all this curtain fabric to spare. [grin] And I got a green roman shade for the kitchen window for roommate happiness. And I got a futon for the basement which is much better for guests. And I finally hung the roman shade in the stairwell window for more roommate happiness. I bought that shade in November of last year and it took me all of 10 minutes to put up. [sigh] And I got rid of the Mickey Mouse border in the computer room finally which makes it feel sooo much different in that room and it's a really good kind of different. Much cheerier and brighter. And taller, actually - the room seems taller. And much more roommate happiness. And I finally hung the black cat picture over the fireplace that's been sitting on the mantle since I moved in last year. And I also hung the CD rack (8 holes in the wall later) which has been on the floor since I moved in. And I also finally wall mounted the massive power bar for all the electronics in the entertainment unit. And I only broke three CD cases and one of my roommate's baking sheets in the process of all this handiness. Pretty good ratio of fixed to broken if you ask me. ;)

And I had a fire last night which was wonderful.

In the fireplace.

I was wrong. I shouldn't have asked all those people to come to this wedding that didn't want to come. That isn't to say that I didn't really enjoy their company because I did. They just didn't enjoy the event as much as I did. I was selfish. And I should have gone to the gift opening on Sunday too and I didn't.

Kate and Jason Parsons are fabulous people. Kate is someone who I've admired for as long as I can remember. When I first met Kate, I remember thinking, doesn't she know that her smile is too big? And what a horrible thing to think because Kate's smile is just one of the reasons she is such a beautiful person. Her commitment to her friends and family surpasses everyone I've ever known. I've known others that are committed, but they manage to lose themselves in serving others but not Kate. She is strong and devoted and charismatic and beautiful and determined and confident and forgiving. For most people, it takes them a long time to really know and accept themselves as they are. Remarkably, Kate's known who she really is since I met her. She might argue the point, but she was always miles ahead of the pack in that regard. Most times that I think about Kate now, I just think how incredibly fortunate I am to have someone like to her in my life. Everyone has role models in their life and she's one of mine. And to know that Jason loves her and his strength of character to be a partner for Kate for all these years makes me very happy to know that he's the one for her.

On a more humourous note, mom and I were dressing in my room for the wedding and I was changing my bra to go with the shirt I was changing into. Mom just looked up at me as she was talking and turned back to her own clothes and started to giggle. Before she was too far gone into the giggles, she managed to tell me that as she was glancing at me, she noticed my boobs and had the thought, "Hey, I've got one of those." I'm laughing so hard right now the computer is shaking and I can barely see through the tears. LOL We had a right good laugh about it then too.

I got this link from a dear friend of mine who got it from her mom. These are along the same vain as the MST3K episode with the crazy androgynous "Mr. B. Natural!" [shutter] Of course, the little songs don't make me want to run and hide.

My nervousness peaked today as I went to UPS to pick up my package. I knew it was my shoes. They phoned the house to tell us that they couldn't deliver the package because they couldn't find the address. I thought that was weird. Then they couldn't find the package with the number they'd given my roommate. All the time, I was being crowded by this guy standing behind with no sense of personal space. I was getting really twitchy after a long day at work and I really, really wanted my shoes.

And there is was - a shoe box sized wrapper with "oooo"ing and "aaaahh"ing feet drawn on the side. Definitely my shoes. I started getting really anxious - are they going to fit? are they going to be worth everything it took to get them here? did I really need to special order these shoes? The knot of doubt growing in my belly.

First thing I did when I got the package into my hands was look at the address. Sure enough - someone couldn't read along the way and therefore typed the address into their electronic system wrong and since you can't read hand-printing anymore, the UPS drivers couldn't find the address. Instead of 8th Ave N, the street was shown as "8th E" which would boggle anyone's mind. Of course, the policy sheet they stuck in with the form covered everything but the house number. And they stuck the form and policy sheet in a plastic thingy covering my address that was on the brown package in big black marker. And everything was printed very plainly so I could see where they went wrong. NOT!

Relieved that there was no duty and that I finally had my shoes in hand after not 3 - 7 days, but 3+7 days of waiting, I decided to not panic about the large rip in the brown paper which exposed the shoe box plainly. I even managed to wait until I got home with the box on the passenger seat still mostly intact. I did have to open the form in the plastic thingy to see what address had been provided.

Home now and it's about to happen - the opening of the box. Stupid packing tape made the process a little longer than I would have liked, but I eventually won. The box is open now and what do I see right on top? A hacksaw blade. My first thought was, maybe they're too long and will need to be sized down. I didn't like that thought so I dismissed it and put the hacksaw blade aside even though it was still puzzling to me. I wouldn't immediately disregard the thought that someone put it in the package deliberately just to mess with my head so I let the idea rest in my brain while I go for my shoes which are finally in my hands.

And headed straight for my feet. SCORE!!! They're fantastic. I've never had a better pair of shoes in my life. Wahoo! It's the little things that make life wonderful. I wore them around the house for the next hour just enjoying them. I also got a card and a note from the sender with no mention of the hacksaw blade.

Unfortunately, some poor UPS patron doesn't have a hacksaw blade anymore. I can see why it was shoved into my package. It was ripped open and the box had an edge that made it easy to slip something back into which was probably what the delivery folks did. No commitment to customer service. I don't care now though, I have my shoes. And a shiny new hacksaw blade.

I'll bring them by to visit everyone real soon. [GRIN]

Last week was crazy! Trying to get things ready to make the quick trip to Edmonton this weekend. I got some sleep on Thursday night instead of killing myself to get everything done that needed to be done for Friday's trip. Friday, then, was crazy busy. Cookies, laundry, packing, work, keys to drop off, banking... You know, all the little things. Heh.

My roommate and I did the dishes before we left which made coming home yesterday very nice. He drove the whole way to Edmonton which was good and we were there by 10:30ish. I was very tired by the time my head hit the pillow. Socializing and all that nervousness that comes with staying in someone's house that you don't know that well.

I was up very early on Saturday to go visit my aunt before she headed out for the weekend. Some hugs and smiles and stories later, I headed back. More socializing and getting to know our hostess. She and her husband are really great people. Their whole family of friends is great, it seems. Of course, no one is perfect, but there is a fabulous feeling of trust and familiarity that I wanted to be a part of. It made me realize how out of practice I am at making new friends! I confirmed with my roommate that I was much more outgoing and trusting and talky before I moved to Calgary than when I came back. I really value all the friends I made in Calgary and still make time to see all of them as often as I can. I stopped making the effort for acquaintances and I shouldn't have.

I had wanted to spend the afternoon with my other friends in Edmonton, but didn't want to dictate everyone's day. So when I got struck by a monster headache that landed me in bed for the afternoon, I was glad to not have to break any plans. I really wanted to spend time with the newlyweds and my older friends who moved from Calgary to Edmonton a few years ago. I haven't spent nearly enough time with them. I think the next time we go to Edmonton, I'll try to be more prepared and make arrangements to see everyone and still have time to make some new friends.

The game we went to play, Kingdom Come, was a blast. I really, really enjoyed it. I have big plans and big dreams for what I can accomplish in the game. They are very long term plans, but I hope they make the game more interesting for me and for others. That's the point, after all, isn't it?

We left around midday yesterday after a good night's sleep. In fact, Saturday after the game, I pretty much just headed straight to bed. They used an electronic airpump, which if you know anything about them are very loud. I slept through it. Someone took a pillow from under my head. I didn't mean to be laying on all three, but I was. I was very tired, and I'm very happy that I sleep like the dead.

My roommate drove all the way home again. It was good to be home. We talked and then watched Sliding Doors. A fine movie. Makes me cry every time. It's still a gooder.

Today, I had the pleasure of the company of next weekend's bride. She doing better than I might be in her place. She's managing to remain reasonably calm. This is one woman who has always inspired me. She has such a good and forgiving heart. There are some people in this world who I am privileged to be able to call a friend and she's definitely one of them.

Okay, okay, I know he's not a kitten anymore. He'll just always be my baby-cat. And after being bothered about his behaviour all weekend, I finally took him to the vet on Monday. And I was quite relieved to hear that he had good reason to be acting so strangely. He had a nasty fever.

Of course, the vet also told him that he'd have made a good mom which I got defensive about, but that's neither here nor there. I was proud that the vet thought he was clever.

I got some antibiotics for him and less than 24 hours after the first half-pill, he was doing much better. He was well enough to be sucky last night and follow me around all evening. And de was a portion of whiny self to get outside this morning. Both very good signs. Of course, the lack of very hot skin was also a good sign.

I got to have lunch today with one of my mom's brothers. I always have a good time with him. Today, he left a book in restaurant on purpose - a travelling book. C.S. Lewis' Miracles. I don't know if I could leave a book to the fate of the world. I think it's really interesting though. Where might that book travel? He's already sent one book to some place across the Atlantic ocean that I've already forgotten the name of. What adventures is that book going to have? And is someone going to adopt these books as their own instead of letting them travel the world? I really liked the sticker on the front cover that said, "I'm not lost." Heh. Personification often gives me a giggle.

$5 million and 4 months to fix the damage...

Okay, it's not an update on when I'm getting my new shoes, but I did find out some information about where Chaco shoes are sold in Saskatoon:

Welcome to the Chaco dealer locator.
Chaco footwear is sold at more than 1500 retail outlets around the world.

Boomtown Outfitters
210 20th Street W
306.242.0882

Outter Limits
644 Broadway Avenue
306.374.1663

It was hard to choose just one, but I keep coming back to this one at Alcatraz.

From slot canyons to alpine hikes, The Chaco Z/2 Colorado Sandal performs under all conditions. Soft, polyester pull-through adjustable straps are carefully positioned for comfort and support. Durable polyurethane footbeds feature Chaco's BioCentric™ contour for biomechanical fit and comfort. High-quality outsoles by Vibram® maintain your stature as an upright citizen. It's not only what you do in these sandals, it's how they measure up through an activity that earns them the "Performance" title.



- Simple, secure and very comfortable
- Originally designed for river use, Colorado soles are versatile, lightweight, and shed dirt and debris easily
- Wrap around, adjustable toe loop provides an extra measure of forefoot stability
- Ideal for wet and sandy environments

Really, it just means that the sole on the bottom of the shoe is less thick and has a difference tread than the ones I tried on - the Terreno.



- Simple, secure and very comfortable
- Ideal for hiking and travel
- The thickness of the sole gives an extra measure of cushion, comfort, and durability
- Wrap around, adjustable toe loop provides an extra measure of forefoot stability
- Terreno Sole is great for traction on loose, uneven terrain or cobblestone streets

I'm really, really excited about my shoes. I've been trying not to guess when I'm going to get them. But I *will* make it through next week. EEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

If you want more information about these shoes, the best I could come up with is this google search for all the online stores that sell these shoes.

Absolutely nothing extraordinary has happened to me or by my actions in the past few days. I didn't want to go to work because my roommate is out of town and I desperately need a day just to myself, but alas, that isn't to be so I'm using my time however I see fit. I've cleaned the fridge, had friends over one night, watched Sin City with my boyfriend last night, and slept in as much as I possibly could and still make it to work on time.

And my cat has been sleeping since the roommate left as well. And isn't energetic, and he missed jumping on the bed last night, and he hasn't been eating. Quite frankly, I'm getting really worried.

So here's my next pet (courtesy of neuba).

YOU OWN THE DRAGON OF WATER....CALM,COLLECTED AND
LOYAL HE IS A PERFECT PARTNER...WHEN IN A TIGHT
SPOT :)


Which Mythical Dragon do you own?
brought to you by Quizilla

I got this from a friend's blog. No budget, a little bit of every plot - sounds like my life. Although Sofia Coppola might be able to turn it into something more interesting.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
You scored higher than 62% on action-romance
You scored higher than 41% on humor
You scored higher than 21% on complexity
You scored higher than 23% on budget

I had the strangest chiropractor appointment yesterday. Dr. Marshal Montgomery made a few adjustments to my back and foot, but then he asked if I was congested because of my cold. The sneezing, runny nose portion of my cold hit yesterday and I ran out of tissues just before my vacation and then I went through the last of my co-worker's box who sits next to me and so I was travelling around the office stealing tissues from everyone equally so no one person felt the burden of my nose-blowing tissue needs. Of course, that's waaaaaaaaaaay too much information so I'll digress.

The treatment Dr. M gave me was massaging my sinuses and ensuring that all the gross build up didn't settle and become a real problem. He vibrated my head and my chest. And he patted my back on each side and of course, I got the full treatment because he also said a little rhyme for me about Betty and some bitter butter or something like that. It was entertaining and made me smile. It's his kids' favourite.

Then I locked my keys in the trunk of my car.

And I woke up this morning able to still breath which is a first for any cold I've ever had so something must have been good about the treatment in combination with the 4 litres of water I drank.

I must have started hallucinating because I swear I just heard my roommate say, "I am a gimp." I gotta go to bed.

From the time I got home, I have been busy with stuff and things.

I had my mom's paper supplier drop off paper at my house about a 1/2 hour after pulling into the drive way. He knew more about my mom's plans to come into Saskatoon this weekend than I did! But that really started me wondering what my mom had planned...

A friend called me to make sure I made it home safely. And we chatted for a bit about my trip and seeing each other on Saturday before she let me go so I could call my mom to see what was up. I was so scatter-brained that it took me about an hour to call her after my first inclination to do so. Laundry, unpacking, trying to get organized and everything else took some time.

One of her 8 brothers was going to be in Saskatoon with his wife this weekend for a wedding so they were having lunch on Sunday. This actually worked out pretty well seeing as she needed to pick up the 5 boxes of paper now crowding my front hallway and she could use this trip to bring my baby-cat back to me. And I got to hug my mom which is always a good thing.

Saturday's massage was nasty and wonderful all at once. My hips and lower back were so bad that I had an upset tummy all day Saturday and most of today because of the work my massage therapist did. Of course, it's all good because it needed to get worked out, but dang... I managed about a half hour soak in some epsom salts before calling my friend to come over for a bit. I showed her my San Francisco loot and we swapped some stories about the pictures my boyfriend and I had taken. Then we got in most of a game of Kaiser with my roommate and her roommate which we haven't done in quite a while.

Then it was off to pick up my boyfriend to play Earthdawn with our other friends who were in San Francisco just before us. It was a good afternoon. Our host showed us his LEGO TIE fighter which came with a Darth Vader lego guy that has a light sabre that actually lights up when you push on the top of his head. Heh. And to think he was disappointed when he couldn't get the mini star destroyers he wanted for a fleet. You can get them online... Speaking of which, I seem to have found their wishlist option and added a few items.

Sunday started with being woken by phone calls from my parents. My dad told me to phone my uncle and figure out the plan for lunch. My mom didn't even recognize my voice and told me more details for lunch as I hadn't called my uncle yet which included inviting everyone to my house because she was running late and wouldn't make it by check out time. So I spent the next two hours cleaning my house which was really all I needed. Didn't have a chance to vacuum, but I'd be forgiven that one thing, I'm sure. Besides, no one but my mom got to see my clean house. Not that I mind, the cleaning needed to get done anyway.

Lunch with 2 of my uncles and 1 aunt and my mom was great. We went to Station Place which was very nice. Actually has train cars as part of the restaurant. After a few hours there, my aunt and uncle had to head back to Edmonton and my other uncle back to Humboldt area. Mom and I headed out to Wilson's greenhouse as they are having an end of the summer sale. And I finally got my bougainvillea!! I've been wanting one since I moved in last September, but haven't been able to get/find one. I hadn't been looking very hard after my several trips to farmer's market where I found the first one I wanted which was before I got possession of the house. I gave up and got a food processor instead all the while still pining over a bougainvillea. I love it and now I have one. I took a picture too just to show everyone my new beautiful plant.

I had a glorious nap after mom headed home and then my boyfriend came over and we played with my new LEGO and watched Star Wars: A New Hope on CBC. All in all, a fantastic end to a fantastic vacation.

I think I've got a cold.