It's a Bruins Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I know it's only Christmas Eve, but I've gotten all the presents I'm going to get.  And they were good presents.

We went to church with my in-laws, then headed back to their place for dinner and presents.  Dinner was good.  It was cold cut sandwiches, which are always yummy.  Then we opened presents.  My favorite present (which I will therefore mention first) is the Bruins/MSPCA Pucks & Pups Calendar.  And guess who Mr. January is?  That's right, my favorite, Zdeno Chara!  He's holding the cutest little pit bull puppy that looks a little like my late dog Caesar.  Anyway, it's a great calendar full of sexy men and their dogs, or borrowed dogs in some cases.

I also got a gift card for Amazon.com, the Olive Garden, a Bruins scarf, a Bruins hat, and some hay and treats for the piggies.

Jason gave me my gift a week ago.  He got me a Zdeno Chara shirt.  If someone still wants to get me a jersey, that's okay too.  Hint hint.

I gave Jason a really cool pocket flashlight that he can use at work and at school.  He loves the people at his new job.  I'm really proud of him for getting this job.  He was up against a couple dozen people.  He get's to work in 15 minutes in the morning and it's on the way to his school.  HE works 40 hours a week and get paid for his work.  A vast improvement over his last job.

So my Bruins obsession continues.  On Monday night, we slept through most of the game but we recorded it and are going to watch it tomorrow before going to my Mom's house for Christmas dinner.  I'm so happy the Bruins are doing well.  They may not win every game but they've won a place in my heart.  BRUINS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Night Before a New Job Jitters

My husband starts his new job in a couple of hours and he hasn't been to sleep yet. He's so excited/nervous that his body just won't relax.  I get that too.  It's like the night before Christmas for kids.  Of course I fell asleep and now I'm awake, nervous that I'll sleep through the alarm that goes off in an hour.

Everybody keep your fingers crossed about this job!

Will I Watch Duck Dynasty Anymore?

Will I watch Duck Dynasty anymore?  That's a tough question.  I liked the show and believe me, it doesn't surprise me that Phil Robertson made a racist homophobic rant.  He didn't strike me as the kind of Christian who actually followed Jesus' teachings to the letter to love they neighbor as thyself.  That means regardless of whether or not they're LGBT.  I'm all for freedom of speech but I think hatred is the wrong message to send when you're a role model to so many people.

Duck Dynasty is a very popular show.  My husband loves it and I have to admit, it is funny.  But do I want to watch a show that has such a bigot as it's patriarch, who claims he is following the teachings of Christ and the Bible when in fact he's missing the point?  I don't know, it's a tough one.  I'm not going to tell my husband he can't watch it, that's not my place.  But will I get up and leave the room in protest?  I doubt it.  I never expected the show to be made up of LGBT Allies, and Uncle Si has been known to make not quite but almost homophobic comments.  It bothers me but everyone is allowed to have their own ideas in this country and share them.

It is however the network's right to suspend him.  And if the Robertson family chooses not to go ahead with the show, then so be it.  RIP Duck Dynasty.  You were good while you lasted.  A&E has an image to uphold, and I can't say I blame them.  Oh Phil, why'd you have to open your big mouth?

Boston Bruins at Calgary Flames, Iggy's Homecoming

I have to say this, if the Bruins could play consistently, they would be way ahead of the pack in points.  The 1st two periods of this game were a trainwreck for the Bruins.  Now they're battling the flu, injuries, and a suspended member.  They've called so many people up from Providence I'm not sure there's anybody left in Rhode Island.  Now this flu.  Gregory Campbell looked like shit.  His coloring was grey at best.

Then Tuukka let in a goal that was a surprise to everyone.  and the Bruins were down by one.  Their skating was such that they were turning over the puck right and left.  They couldn't get the offensive time needed.  Until the third period.  They killed off the remainder of the too many men on the ice penalty, and fought like crazy, getting pucks in deep and they had already doubled their shots on goal in the first few minutes of the third than the entire 1st and 2nd put together.

Then the power play came.  The Bruins took their time, rotating the puck.  Finally Tory Krug saw David Krejci in front of the goal and hammered it in.  They tied the game.  1 Minute and 38 seconds later, Reilly Smith brought the puck in to the Flames zone by himself and did a miracle move getting the puck into the net.  The Bruins had come from behind and taken the lead!  And they held onto that lead for the last few minutes, with Iggy almost scoring on the empty netter.

Speaking of Iggy, what a bizzarre feeling he must have felt tonight, coming home to Calgary, only to find such an overwhelming welcome.  And they cheered for him still even though the Bruins won.  What an emotional night.

Man Those Bruins Can PLAY

Wow.  So last night against the Penguins all hell broke loose.  Louis Erikson took a shot to the head and is out with a concussion.  Marchand took a knee to the head.  And then the worst of the crimes as judged by the media is that Shawn Thornton put a Penguin in the hospital after hitting him while he was down.  Suspensions have yet to be handed out but what a nighmarish first period that was.  The Bruins were down by a goal for the Second Period and then in the last two minutes of the third period, Krejchi scores.  Then with 13 seconds left in the game, Chara scores the winning point.  What a game to have born witness to.  I was riding high on that win all night.  (And by bearing witness to I mean through the power of Comcast)

Tonight against Toronto, I wore one of Jason's Jerseys and he wore one as well.  Though he slept through a quarter of the game being so exhausted from having worked today.  When the Bruins score, I don't just smile, I scream and shout.  I pump my fists into the air and slap my husband's hand.  Well  I was a little quieter for the first two Bruins goals, but then when Kevan Miller scored his first NHL goal, I whooped so loud Jason, who was asleep, jumped about a mile.  He stayed awake after that.  What a third period.  It looked like the Bruins were going to lose coherence and consistatency when Toronto scored in under a minute in the 3rd.  But then Iginla and Bergeron sealed the deal with their goals, the fourth and fifth Bruins goals of the games.  I tell you I was nervous.  6 on 4 with a backup goalie in the net is pretty frightening, but to Chad Johnson and the 4 Bruins out there's credit, they were awesome!

So the Thornton hit.  I'm not sure he meant to send the guy to the hospital on a stretcher.  But the Penguins had been playing pretty dirty and he snapped.  Has this tainted my crush on him?  Maybe slightly.  But truthfully we've all made mistakes in the heat of the moment.  He had just witnessed Marchand take a hit to the head by a Penguin knee which was intentional.  Anyway, my humble opinion doesn't count for much but I'm rooting for you Thorty!

My Latest Obsession...The Boston Bruins

I have a new obsession.  It really started when I married a Bruins fan, although the first couple of years of marriage we didn't watch all that many games.  But recently I don't just LOVE the Bruins.  I've become OBSESSED.  It started with a dream when I met Shawn Thornton and he brought me to a game as I'd never been to a game.  The Bruins killed the opposition and Thorty and Big Zee decided I was a good luck charm so they kept inviting me and my husband to sit behind their bench at all the TD Garden games and they kept winning.  I was disappointed when I woke up and realized it wasn't true.

So I turned my dream into a novel, as I usually do with really inspiring, exciting dreams I have.  I have 25 pages written and I've hit a couple of roadblocks but I think I'm overcoming them.  But it doesn't end with the "Fan Fiction."

I've been following the official Facebook and Twitter pages for the Bruins for awhile now, but lately I get a little jolt of excitement, a little skip of my heart, whenever I see an update.  I watch the Behind the B series by Alex and Ani, and I watch all the Bruins shorts on Bruins TV on the official website.  My husband knows I have crushes on Zdeno Chara and Shawn Thornton, but it's all good because everyone involved is happily married so I'm not stirring up any trouble.  I'm just saying I admire them and think they're cute.  Of course like half the team is really handsome, especially with their scars.

This week The Bruins haven't played yet.  They had something like 5 days off.  Now they're flying up to Montreal to face their "Rivals" the Canadiens.  The "Habs" as they're known as well.

For Christmas I want a Chara Jersey,  The official one in Black and Gold.  The one that costs like $180.  Keep dreaming, right?

I Think I'm a Shopping Addict

I've known for awhile that I'm addicted to shopping.  I just haven't admitted it to anyone.  I go long stretches without shopping (because frankly, we're broke a lot of the time) but when I have money, look out Lane Bryant and Walmart!  I used to be addicted to jewelry shopping.  I guess I still am to a point.  My shopping addiction has gotten me into a lot of trouble in the past.  I've dropped $4000 on fine jewelry and then was forced to pawn it for $300.  I was heartbroken, but at the time I had no income and had to pay bank fees.

I love clothes shopping.  I really do.  I usually shop at Lane Bryant or Dressbarn, with occasional purchases at Walmart.  I love my own personal style.  It may not always be current according to plus-size fashions but I feel good in them.  My latest obsession is Sweater Dresses, leggings or tights, and my boots.  I carefully match the right jewelry, and presto!  I think I'm a movie star.

I really need to find a part time admin job so I can keep up with the terrible urges associated with this addiction.  Now I know that wpending money you don't have is a bi-product of being Bipolar, so I feel like I can justify it by saying, "hey, I'm bipolar, I can't help it."  But I think it may be more than that.  I can't possibly be manic every time I feel the need to shop.  Who knows though, right?

The British Royal Family

I am a firm supporter of the Monarchy.  I realize most people think it's outdated and should be abolished.  But I love them.  I love them all.  I loved The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress and was eagerly watching bits of the royal wedding.  I love the birth of Prince George and the lovely Christening photos that have been overpublished in every magazine from here to Tahiti.  I love how the Cambridges are a normal family with a bright future as extraordinary at the same time.

I did a paper once on why the monarchy should be abolished, there was plenty of support for that.  But I didn't believe it.  I spewed out an A paper that was totally against my own point of view.  Maybe that's why I got the A.

I do think that Prince Charles probably could have saved a lot of embarrassment for the monarchy and himself had he married Camilla in the first place.  But I know, there were many reasons he didn't.  And then there would be no Prince William or Prince Harry eye candy.  They are a very handsome pair of brothers.  What happened with their mother was tragic.  Right from the start.  But I don't believe the Royal Family had her killed.  I think that's utter nonsense.  Her death was a tragic accident and had she been wearing a seatbelt, she might have survived.

Sorry for my Royal Rant, but I just had to get it out there how much I love the Queen, her corgis, all the way down to little Prince George.

Post Surgery Blues, but some hope from Last Hope K9 Rescue

It's been 8 days since my surgery and I'm still in a lot of pain.  The surgeon packed the wound for a week before finally closing it up with stitches on day 6.  I swear the stitches hurt worse than the wound while it was packed.  Anyway, I go back and see her in a few hours.  She will change the dressing, likely prescribe me more antibiotics, and say, "See you next week!"  Which will be nice as I'm tired of having to drive into Kenmore Square 3 times a week.

Things are further complicated by a fever I have developed with nausea, vomiting, ear ache, sore throat and sinus pressure.  So I'm seeing the Chief of Medicine at Urgent Care right before I see the surgeon.  Hopefully it's just a virus.  It shouldn't be bacterial as I've been on antibiotics for 8 days now.  Anyway, despite it all I'm in a generally good mood.

My husband is doing his homework for the week and preparing for his test tomorrow.  So I'm in the office, listening to music while he studies in the bedroom.

I found an organization to volunteer at.  It's called Last Hope K9 Rescue and works to save dogs from high kill shelters and Craigslist.  I got a tip from a girl I'm friends with on Facebook who goes to Mount Ida.  She is very involved and she said I could do administrative things for the organization, like making phone calls to landlords and helping cipher through applications and such.  I'm not explaining it very well.  I'll be able to describe what I do once I start.  I'm being added to an email list with volunteer jobs.  Hopefully it gets me out of the house a few times a week.

I think it's time for more herbal tea.  I've been taking the maximum dose of Tylenol to keep my fever down and I've got to keep my fluids up.  Have a great Hump Day everyone!

Surgery, An Anniversary, and a Red Sox World Series Win

So the surgery went well.  The surgeon thinks she got the glass though we won't know for sure for another week or two.  It took her twice as long as she originally anticipated.  In the end I had to have my foot packed with a betadine packing and will have to have that changed twice before she'll close it up.  I can walk on my heel but need the help of crutches.

Today was our anniversary and it was a good one.  We went to see the surgeon, then went to Dunkin Donuts for some breakfast.  Then a nap was in order followed by dinner and a Bruins game.  The Bruins lost.  That sucked.  But...

The Red Sox won the World Series!  I wasn't allowed to watch the game as instructed by one of my friends who is convinced I am a jinx.  They do seem to lose when I watch.  So I didn't watch.  But I knew they won by the flurry of facebook and twitter posts.

Happy Halloween everyone!  Be safe!

Walking On Broken Glass

I think I took Annie Lennox's song Walking On Broken Glass a little too literally last week.  I broke a glass in my kitchen like 2 months ago and I was walking barefoot in there a week ago.  I stepped on a piece of broken glass that I must have missed while cleaning it up.  A small piece of glass broke off from the larger piece and has lodged itself deep in my foot.  So tomorrow morning I'm having minor surgery to have it removed.  I'm such an idiot and now wear slippers with rubber souls around the apartment.  It's very painful and I'm not thrilled about being in more pain while the surgical wounds heal.  How does one manage with stitches on the bottom of one's foot?

The surgery is early in the morning.  Well, early for me.  I have to be there at 8:15.  8:15 AM in Kenmore Square in Boston.  Thank goodness it's not during a baseball game.  The World Series comes back to Boston and an afternoon surgery might be very difficult to get out of.  I do have to deal with rush hour.  I drop my husband off at his new job at 7am, so I'll probably be there early.  Fortunately I don't have to rush or worry about oversleeping.  I just have to rush to get my husband to work on time.  I'm not looking forward to having to get up at 5:45am again.  But do it I will because I love my husband.

Speaking of which, it's our anniversary in two days.  Three years to the day of when I married the best man for me.  I love him so much that even though we're in a big financial hole I'm still a happy person.  Though the long hours with him away totally sucks.  His work hours are ten hours long.  Then he goes to school for another 5 hours.  In total he's gone from 6:30am to 11pm.  He does get Wednesdays and Sundays off from his full time job but he still works Sundays during the day at the auto parts store.  Ugh.  There's not a single day he has completely off from work and school. 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?  We'll just see about that.  I'm selfish.  I want to see him more.  Now I know how my brother and sister in law feel working different shifts for Starbucks.  They only get to spend a few waking hours a day together.  I guess that's how we'll be. 

The Bruins, a Wedding, and A New Job

The Bruins are doing great!  They've lost two games, but the other night they killed Tampa Bay.  A 5-0 shutout by Tuukka Rask!  It was a great game.  I'm hoping we have an entire season full of shutouts and high point wins.

Last week was Canadian Thanksgiving.  We went to my mother's house for the traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Turkey, cranberry sauce, candied yams, masked potatoes and an endless supply of pies.  There were 22 people there.  The apartment was stuffed full.

My husband is starting a new job in a week.  He's starting his very first mechanic job.  He's so excited and nervous at the same time.  He had last week off from school, and started back up tonight.  Life for him is really moving forward.  His new boss even cleared him to go to my cousin's wedding in Canada in December.  I'm really excited to be going.  It'll be a nice break from the day to day routine.  I get to dance with my husband which is something I don't get to do very often.

Am I Living Up To My Blog's Name?

My blog is called "Living Life To It's Fullest".  But am I really doing that?  Not really.  I lack purpose, except to be my husband's wife.  And to be the mother of my 6 guinea pigs and 4 snakes.  Other than that I feel like I'm floundering.  I haven't worked a regular job in really six years now.  I've dropped all my hobbies and I just seem to be like a flag waving in the wind.  Not really going anywhere, just swaying the way the wind blows me. 

I tried school, that didn't work out for financial reasons.  I tried volunteering with animal shelters but there are apparently lengthy volunteer waiting lists.  I'm allergic to cats so I'd rather work with small animals or dogs. 

The bottom line is maybe I have to accept that my body has limitations.  I'm not lazy as it was pointed out to me.  I have real physical and other issues.  I am limited in what I can do.  I need a part time desk job.  So I've started applying to those.  I am doing everything I can to get out of this rut.  I can't work retail and be on my feet all day.  It's just not an option.  I have to accept it. 

So I may not be living life to it's fullest but I'm going to try to get there.  I have a family in my own way with a truly loving husband.  I can't wait until he's done with school so I can see him more.  He's already done with his first 3 month term in another week.  Then he gets a break.  Then he has 15 months to go. 

Guess what?!  Because his break is coming up we can go to Canadian Thanksgiving at my mother's house.  My mother was worried we weren't going to be able to make it but we will.  I told Jason to ask for it off from his part time job, so that should be all set.  Mmmm... I can't wait for homemade pecan and pumpkin pies.  And the cranberry sauce.  Oh hell, I love it all!  See I can get excited about things.  I can't be that far gone, can I?  LOL.

Just a Few More Days Til The Bruins Are Back!

I may not have been a hockey fan until I met my husband, but I'm a hockey fan now.  More specifically I'm a Boston Bruins Fan.  Last year was a little heart breaking.  I think if Bergeron had been able to play, really play, the results would have been different.  I'm not saying he's the whole team by any means, but he's a really good player.  It's kind of like losing Chara.  Yeah, that bad.

Anyway, the hockey season starts now and I'm psyched to see the Bruins play.  I may not be able to afford to see them at the TD Garden but I can watch them from home.  And watch them I will.  I will DVR The Big Bang Theory, Survivor, and all the rest of my shows to watch the game.  I follow along on Twitter.  At least I did for the PreSeason Games.  They had a great Preseason run.  I hope it continues into the regular season.

My husband may not be able to watch the games as he's in school, but I'm a fan now.  I saw them win the Stanley Cup a few years ago and I know they can do it again.

Go BRUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comcast, the Apartment, and a 4.0 GPA

Let's start with the apartment.  It wasn't clean enough for Comcast to come in and do their thing setting up our service.  They came by twice and neither time it was clean enough.  So I spent days upon days just cleaning.  God bless housemaids, I don't know how they do it.  Anyway, We finally got it to the point where Comcast would enter and then they brought the wrong box, didn't make sure the box worked before leaving, and left me with poor instructions.  Then we decided to add services and rather than have a person come back out we had the self service kits sent out.  They took over a week to arrive and then once I set them up, the phone line didn't work and the DVR box didn't work.  So after 2 hours on my cell phone with Comcast they finally told me they would send a tech out on Thursday to fix the problem.  If they don't fix it on Thursday I am going to be pretty frustrated.  I've had problem after problem with Comcast and it's been less than a month since I first called them.

Jason is top of his class!  He got a 4.0 GPA, and he's up for Perfect Attendance.  I'm so proud of him!  Now they're starting electricity so that he can learn to fix the electrical components of cars.  It sounds hard.  I'm praying for him that he can keep his average up.  Anyway his first term is coming to a close in a few weeks.  Then it's time for Canadian Thanksgiving!  Yay!  

The piggies are good though Snickers may not be marking her territory like we thought.  The vet indicated she might have a bladder or UT Infection.  So I guess we'll be bringing Snickers in.  Poor baby.  

50 Shades of Amazing

Normally I would not promote a Facebook page that is not my own.  But if you want to see spectacular mostly tropical views I suggest you like the 50 Shades of Amazing Page on Facebook.  The pictures are breathtaking, taken all over the world.  Though I confess, there were a lot of Bora Bora.  One day I WILL see some of these places.  I will go on vacations and visit tropical locations.  Anyway, it's a goal to set for myself.

I'm completely in love and addicted to my Guinea Pigs.  If you haven't figured that out already you haven't been reading my blogs.  Smores is growing so fast.  She's such a sweetie pie.  Though she's a little nibbler.  She sat on Jason's neck for a good half hour yesterday and let him pet her.  Then we brought Snickers in and Snickers allowed us to pet her too.  I think she was trying to steal the thunder from Smores.  Then Snickers in her usual playful self went exploring.  Bernie shrieked like mad when I picked her up yesterday.  You'd have thought I was killing her!  But then of course she started purring once she settled down.  Oreo's face is doing much better with the ointment.  Her bacterial infection is I think almost gone.  Penny has been a good girl and hasn't bitten me the last few times I picked her up.  And Amy?  Oh boy, she is skittish!  It's hard enough to pick her up but two minutes after you do she takes off and tries to hide in the bed.

I have a cold.  Blah.  My throat is red and sore as are the glands underneath it.  My right ear is blocked and I have sinus pressure and a runny nose.  So to the doctor I go tomorrow.  It's probably just a cold but I've been getting strep a lot so I'd feel better if they tested me for it.

No luck on the job front.  I lose internet completely any time now, so I will be spending lots of time at Dunkin Donuts and Panera for their wifi.  Comcast was supposed to come twice this week but both times they decreed my apartment too messy to work in.  So I'm spending the next week cleaning.  Yuck.  But once it's clean it will be so nice.  We can have dinner guests and I won't be enbarrassed to have my social worker come over.

I suppose that's all for now.  Have a good Friday the 13th!  Oh wait, it's 1:15am, it's Saturday the 14th now.  Oh well.  Time does fly.

Zombie Nation

This phrase has two meanings.  One is the obvious, the group that plays the song that the TD Garden plays whenever the Bruins score.  The other is I'm a zombie right now. I haven't been to bed yet and here it is 5:00am.   I've tried everything, Ambien, Tylenol PM, two doses of my muscle relaxer (spaced out of course) and all my other night time medications.  I'm just plain old not tired.  I'm drinking some hot herbal tea, hoping that will help because the alarm for me to get the hubby ready for work is going off in 2.5 hours.

I have two pregnant friends.  Two!  And one is carry twins!  That's 3 babies, all being born around March.  I confess I'm a little envious.  But I'm not sure if I can A) have kids or B) want kids.  So the level of envy isn't very high.  But I am supremely happy for all involved.

Well, I should attempt to sleep.  I just felt like writing for a few minutes.  Nothing else to do!

Am I Just A Bad Person?

I think everyone at some point in their lives has asked that question.  "Am I a bad person?"  I always thought I was a good person because deep in my heart I mean well and I have great capacity to love.  I try and think the best of people but I think deep down I'm lazy, incompetent as a house-wife, and I feel like I might be a racist.  Okay, I just put a lot out there.  Let's break it down piece by piece.

I can't seem to hold a job.  Which is a big problem because I can't seem to get a job.  I think that at heart I want to work and do something meaningful.  I really wanted to go to school to learn to be a vet tech.  That would have been meaningful.  But working at CVS is killing me and making me think I can't work.  I need the right fit.  I need to do what I know how to do.  I know Purchasing.  I'm not all there yet, but I know I can learn on that career path and take night school classes in business to further my understanding of Purchasing.  Maybe I'm full of myself, thinking I'm too good to perform minimum wage jobs.  Am I too good for them or am I just too lazy to work them?  I know I can't be on my feet all day.  I've figured that out.  I need a desk job.

Why do I think I'm a terrible housewife?  Well our apartment is a mess.  I hate cleaning.  Which is funny because I like to be organized.  I call it organized chaos.  I can usually find what I'm looking for in little time it just looks disgusting.  And the kitchen is almost nonfunctional it's so messy.  We don't have any pests other than fruit flies.  I don't know what is wrong with me I just can't seem to get myself to clean.

As for the last it kills me to even suggest that I might be a little bit of a racist, but honestly I think there are few people who are truly not racist.  In Freshman Year at University of Toronto my roommate spent the whole night on the phone talking in Korean.  For years after every time I heard someone speaking Korean I cringed.  Although the song "Gangnum Style" has helped me get over that.

So deep in my heart I believe I am a ood person who has some character flaws.  Who doesn't?  No one is perfect.  But where is the line where character flaws became truly bad parts of ourselves.  Who decides that?  I believe God does, but you're free to draw your own conclusion.  Anyway, thank you for reading my ramblings.  Sometimes I just need to get some things out there.

Ugh...Always Drink Coffee BEFORE an Interview

My big interview and I stuttered and stammered my half asleep head off with the hiring manager.  He asked me some sourcing questions and I don't think a sensible answer came out of my mouth.  The rest of the interview went great.  I think I impressed everyone else.  But not impressing the hiring manager, big problem.  It was my dream job too.  With dream health insurance.  Damn.

I have another interview Monday morning with a placement agency and Jason has an interview that afternoon.  We're hoping one of our interviews turns up something.

I played with some of my piggies today and last night.  They're so sweet.  Jason and I are both home tomorrow so we'll catch up on chores, looking for jobs and computer time.  I will play with my piggies some more and Jason will play with the snakes.  It should be a good day.

Roll With The Punches

So I'm not going to Mount Ida College which means it's back to finding a full time job.  I have three interviews scheduled for this week.  One with an insurance company, one with a placement agency, and one at a pharmaceutical company.  The first one I don't think will work out because I think it's commission based which I don't do.  The second is a placement agency which does temp to perm job placements.  When they first contacted me they mentioned a Buyer position and an administrative assistant position.  Then when I set up my interview with them they said something about real estate.  Huh?  I have 0 experience in real estate.  The third interview at the Pharmaceutical company is for a Buyer position.  Hallelujah!  And it's not the preliminary interview with HR.  It's the full on 5 person multiple hour interview.  I can do everything in the job description, I have done it all already, and there's room to grow.  Plus it's in North Waltham!

I know previously I've said I'm not sure I would be happy being a Buyer again.  Well I have to tell you, I'm so excited for this job I feel like I never stopped!  I can't be a Vet Tech but I can be a Buyer.  I just have to convince these 5 people I'm perfect for the job.  I know I am!  But I haven't been a Buyer for five years now.  That's a long time.  I have to be confident and knowledgeable.  I read up on this company last Thursday and I plan on working on it more the next two nights.  I need this job.  I really do.

We picked Smores up from the vet and she's all recovered from her Upper Respiratory Infection.  Yay!

Life Goes On....

I am filing an appeal for my financial aid but the chances of it getting covered enough are slim to none. However in a strange twist of fates Banfield Pet Hospital called me and asked me for an interview for a Vet Assistant position.  I'm going to go on the interview and hopefully I'll get the job.  CVS is killing me.  The stress of the job is causing my stomach condition to get worse.  It's not that the job is overly stressful, it just isn't propelling me towards where I want to be in life.  I want to work with animals.  Or maybe become a Medical Assistant and help people.  I don't know.

Smores is sick.  We had to bring her back to PetSmart and they're treating her with antibiotics for two weeks.  Then we get to pick her up.

Anyway, regardless of what happens, life goes on.  I'm still married to a wonderful guy whom I love very much.  I just need to get out of my rut and do something useful with my life.  On the bright side, Minnesota and Rhode Island now are conducting gay marriages.  Yay for Equality!

My Husband Will Be Happy and That Helps

I'm feeling kind of down fellow blog readers.  I can't afford to go to school.  Bottom line I have to reevaluate my life's goals and what I want to accomplish.  Should I do a program like my husband and study Medical Assisting instead of Veterinary Technology?  Should I compromise my dream?  I clearly need to weigh all options.  Because Mount Ida doesn't look like it's going to be one this year.  I don't have time to appeal my Financial Aid.  Tuition is due Thursday.  Jason's birthday.

Speaking of Jason's birthday I got him a really nice shaving kit consisting of shaving oil pre-treatment, shaving cream, and aftershave, and a really nice brush.  I got him these in Sandalwood scent (yummy) from the Art of Shaving New York.  Kind of an expensive place but he gets like a year's supply and the brushes last for years.  Anyway, I got him this before he lost his Full-Time job.

Jason's first week of school went well.  This week he should be getting his tools and uniforms.  He took his first test on Thursday and he thinks he did well.  I hope he got an A.  I want him to feel confident in his course.

So I have a lot of thinking to do.  I go back to work on Tuesday.  Hopefully my digestive tract allows me to do this.  And on Friday, after I work, I'm going to Boston Beerworks with my friend Adam, his partner John, and of course Jason.  I'm going to drink Blueberry Beer and then we're going to the Red Sox Game.  They're playing the Arizona Diamondbacks.  I don't know much about this season, but I hope the Red Sox win just to make it an interesting night.

I know I have plenty to look forward to in life and I'm not giving up.  I just wish life weren't so darn hard sometimes.  Oh, and here's a picture of Smores.

Shattered

I'm so disappointed.  I'll admit it I still cry about it.  I wanted it for my future so badly.  That's right I've deferred my entrance to Mount Ida for a year.  My mother won't cosign a loan and my credit sucks.  I'm just shattered.  I'd even signed up for classes and been sized for my scrubs.

On top of everything I'm sick.  I've not been right since I had diverticulitis in January.  I'm trying fiber supplements and probiotics as suggested by the GI doc I saw yesterday.  It's doing nothing for the vomiting but it should help you know.  The other end.

Jason loves school.  He is so excited to study.  He leaves at 3 everyday for a 6 o'clock class so he misses the traffic and so he can study before class.  I'm so happy he gets to live out his dream.  I just miss him.  He doesn't get home til almost 11 o'clock at night.

So Close and Yet So Far

Mount Ida may be beyond my financial grasp.  My mother needs to agree to cosign a loan for the remaining amount left on my bill.  Which for Semester 1 is a lot of money.  I am going to try an Appeal to the Financial Aid committee and I am working on pulling together the necessary paperwork.  But anyway, my mom is unlikely to cosign for several reasons.  The biggest is that my husband was laid off from his primary job on Wednesday.  I'm not going into that but suffice it to say he is once again looking for a job.  His second job will help us squeak by.

Now you may be wondering, "Wait a minute, didn't you just get hired at CVS?"  Why yes I did.  But I am out on health leave because I can't stop getting sick out of both ends.  That's as graphic as I'm going to get.  I'm seeing a GI doctor on Tuesday so hopefully we can put together a plan to get me back to work.  We need the extra $150 or so a week.

So what would a smart person do when she goes to PetSmart to buy frozen mice, hay, and guinea pig food?  She would AVOID the guinea pig enclosure because she has a big heart and can't stand the cuteness.  Well I wasn't so smart.  On Friday I went shopping there and fell in love with a baby Abyssinian Guinea Pig.  So Saturday I drag my husband in to show him and he VERY reluctantly agrees to letting me get Smores.  That's her name because her coloring is Graham Cracker, Marshmellow, and chocolate.  She's beautiful and only about 5 weeks old.  She fits in the palm of my hand.  We put her in the cage with Snickers and put Bernadette back in the big cage with Penny, Amy, and Oreo.  So far no problems.

Okay, yes I know the timing was pretty poor.  But my heart is big enough to love all my babies and it makes me happy.

Orientation, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was Orientation for the Transfer students at Mount Ida College.  I got there late because I fell asleep after I turned the alarm clock off.  Jason was late for work and I was 25 minutes late for my Math placement test.  Yikes.  I couldn't remember how to do almost anything consciously but my subconscious seemed to remember some algebra and I scored a 72.  High enough to get me into the required math course for my program.  Then I went back to the building where the presentations occurred.  I did learn some interesting things.  For instance, there's a free tutoring program.  Did not know that.  I will be using that a lot first semester.  

Then after financial aid made their presentation we broke for lunch.  Sandwiches and such were provided as was a nice breakfast spread.  I had a roast beef sandwich and some potato salad.  I didn't take much in case the food didn't agree with me.  Then us Vet Techs were taken to a room with computers and we sat down with a staff member and picked our classes.  Dr. Sarah Lefebvre, the Anatomy and Physiology Professor helped me.  It was so cool meeting one of my profs.  

Then once I had registered for classes I went to order my scrubs, stethoscope, and bandage scissors.  Next I had my photo taken for my student ID.  Thank goodness I dyed my hair a few days before.  I talked to security about where we could park and then I frolicked off to pick up Jason at work.  Then we went to the Autobody shop where our baby is being fixed up and I signed some paperwork.  Then I got back in our rental 2013 Prius and came home to cook a chicken and to get a good night's sleep.  Tomorrow I find out if our medical expenses will help us out with the financial aid because in Jason's case it will.  

I Miss My Husband Already...

Life is hard that's for sure.  Jason's now working two jobs and I already barely get to see him.  When he starts school I'm really never going to see him.  We have his financial aid meeting tomorrow so we find out then if we can afford to send Jason to school.  Yikes.  He'll be working two jobs and in school 4.5 hours M-Th.  I know it doesn't last forever but I will miss him terribly.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder right?

I worked my training shifts on Friday and Saturday in Downtown Crossing.  While training at the registers we got a lot of British and Irish folks.  I loved hearing their accents.  But I couldn't believe how exhausting it was working two hours at a cash register after not working basically at all for 5 years.  I have a 7 hour shift on the 4th.  Time and a half baby!  But 7 hours.  I'm going to buy insoles for my sneakers, which yes I am allowed to wear.  I have to walk to work in 90 degree heat because Jason's shift at Advanced Auto Parts starts an hour before my shift does.  And really it's only a 15 minute walk.  Not so bad.  I'll get used to the standing I'm sure.  It may just take a little while.

School Orientation is next week!  Yay!  I get to sign up for classes and talk to my student adviser.  I need to have the money for scrubs somehow.  It's like $100 + shipping.  Yikes.  So many costs.  I guess that's what school is all about.  Learning and fees.  But I'm excited for Mount Ida.  Vet Tech here I come!  Now if only we can make all this scheduling work with only one car, we're golden.  :)

Some Things Ought Not Be Forgotten

My grandmother, Nanny, just turned 92 a week ago.  She is getting along although her words are slipping and she's trying various walkers to help her get around.  She is a grand Lady.  She served in the British anti-aircraft gunnery units as the commander in London during the Blitz in World War II.  She went on to serve as a civil servant for the Canadian Government for over 40 years.  She was the best secretary there was, top officials fought over who would have her work for them.

My Grandfather, Grumpy, will be I believe 87 in the fall.  He has served with the Canadian Army's UN Peacekeeping core, traveling to places such as Burma, and India, the Middle East and the South Pacific.  Such tales he could tell of his adventures.

Yet in all 33 years I've know them I've barely heard the stories.  I guess they don't like talking about the war and the missions after.

I have this strangling feeling that I'm going to lose a piece of something forever in not that much longer and I don't know how to get that piece of something.  I'm running out of time.  I want to know it all.  But it's painful to recollect and I've waited too long.

Some things ought not be forgotten

A Little of Bruins and an All Around Update.

The Bruins won!  The game.  Not the Cup.  They have to win 3 more to do that.  But tonight they won.  Daniel Paille scored the winning goal in overtime.  Good for them.  My husband was originally the avid Boston Bruins fan but he has turned me into one too.  I also cheer for the LA Kings because I feel like I should be living in LA.  And of course, because of Wil Wheaton.

I passed the background check at CVS (of course I would). So I filled out some paperwork online and now I just have to go to my training sessions in Boston.  Which is going to be a real pain to get to but I'm sure I'll work it out.  I am a little nervous working after not having worked for 5 years but I have faith in myself.  I know I can do it.

My husband started his second job at Advanced Auto Parts tonight.  He said it was good and he likes it.  He worked a double today.  He had a Honda Village Saturday shift first, then he had a few hours off before his AAP shift.  I gave him some oatmeal in between because it was too early for dinner but by the time he got home for dinner he'd be starving.  I made homemade chicken stew/soup.

We have to go back to meet with my husband's school, Porter and Chester Institute because the Financial Aid person's computer went down right before she was going to help us.  So we get to go back this week and try to work it out so that he can go to school.  Advanced Auto is okay with him just working the nights he doesn't have class, so that's great!  He will be a very tired man for the next few years but at least he will be moving in the right career path to jumpstart his career.

I have signed up for Orientation at Mount Ida.  I signed up for July 9th Transfer Student Orientation Day, where I will have to take a math placement test (yuck), and I will pick my classes (yay!).  I met some of my fellow Class of 2017 Vet Techs on Facebook which was pretty cool.  I even talked to one in chat for an hour.  She was shy but I think she warmed up to me.

The piggies are well.  I have discovered they like blueberries and green beans, red-leaf lettuce, as well as carrots and parsley.  They're not big on oranges though.  They'll eat them eventually but they're not excited about them.

A Step In The Right Direction

I got hired by CVS!  Now all I have to do is pass their background check.  The I take orientation and fill out all the paperwork.  Then I have a training day and then I start.  Yay!  I'm to be the Greeter/ person who helps you with those self check out machines.  I forget what they're called.  Cool, huh?  And they know I'm going to school and will work with me on the hours.

School.  Yeah, so I need to still come up with a pretty big chunk of change for student loans.  Yuck.  I'm not going to lie, my credit is not so shiny.  So we'll see if I can actually pay for school.  I have befriended many of my fellow Class of 2017 Vet Tech Majors via Facebook and can't wait to meet them in real life.  Of course since I am transferring credits I may be able to graduate a semester early.  Or something like that.  My credits aren't in Vet Tech but at least I don't have to take the tedious English courses over again.

The Piggies are all well.  Amy is back in the big cage and Penny is bullying her as usual.  Bernadette has been moved to the small cage with Snickers.  They seem to be getting along reasonably well.  I can't wait for them all to be in the big cage.  That should be fun.

Monty the Ball Python had her first complete shed that she didn't need any helkp with last night.  What a relief.  I suppose there are advantages to outside humidity.  Twinkie, Rusty, and Peanut are all fine.

Well that's as good an update as any.  Stop and enjoy life.  Take a breath of fresh air whenever you can.

A Painful Way To Spend a Rainy Day, But Good News Is on the Horizon

I had a tooth prepped for a crown today.  Not so much fun.  It wasn't so bad while I was at the dentist because of the Novocaine.  But when I got home and that Novocaine wore off, holy Ouch Batman.  I took Tylenol and 600mg of Ibuprofen.  Fortunately for me that worked.  Then I fell asleep.  I woke up at 5:45 pm remembering Jason got off at 6 today because he picked up an extra shift.

So Jason is going to talk to his boss about the tuition reimbursement program and possibly go to school at Porter Chester Institute at night to earn his Auto mechanics degree. We filed for FAFSA just in case work doesn't cover all of it and I'm very excited for him.  It's an 18 month program.  So I would go to school during the day while Jason works, pick up Jason, go to his school and sit there and study and do homework while he's learning.  I won't have any distractions.

Once Jason is an auto tech he can move up from being a valet to something that uses his skills.   Let's just hope it all works out.

Mount Ida College, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!!!!

I got into Mount Ida College!

It took so long because my transcripts kept getting lost in the mail.  Finally I had them sent to me then drove them to the College myself.  I got my tentative financial aid package which I'm not going to lie, does not close the gap as I would like, so I will talk to them about options.

But I am going to go!  My fortune cookie said to take a big step and this sure is a big one!  I'm going to be a Vet Tech and finally have my BA.  Or in this case I believe it's a BS.  Oh I am so glad.  I am going to work my ass off too.  No more scraping by, no more watching TV rather than going to class.  No more getting too sick to go.  I'm going to go and make a difference.  I'm going to study and do my homework.  I'm going to go to Discussion Groups.

And I'm going to make some new friends.  I already have a few and a great new friend, my buddy at Honda Village, but it will be nice to see the same people every day and get to know them.  My classes at UofT were so huge I didn't really meet anyone through class, just through my residence.  And Northeastern I talked to a few people but then the class would end and that was it.  This time I'm going to be with the same group of people for four years.  If I can't build friendships out of that I'm utterly hopeless.

So long story short, I'm going to Mount Ida College in Newton, MA.  Look out!

Market Basket: Heaven or Hell?

I discovered Market Basket several months ago.  I discovered the good produce, low prices, clean organized store, but I also discovered the madness that is the phenomenon of Market Basket.  Lines to get parking spots, lines to get carts, lines to checkout that extend far back into the aisles.  The wait at the deli counter can be upwards of half an hour.

So I found a solution.  I go to the Burlington Market Basket at 7:00am, right when they open.  There are parking spots, and just a few elderly people there.  I have my first choice of sandwich meats, produce, breads, bagels, etc.  This is heaven.

On Sunday I experienced Hell.  I had to drive to Lynn to pick up the tickets for the Drag Show from Shawompa, and Burlington was completely out of the way home,  I desperately needed groceries and I only had $30 to spend.  I ask my friend is there a Market Basket nearby.  Turns out there's one basically on my route back to Waltham so I get directions and head there.

The Market Basket was huge.  I found a parking spot okay, but there were no shopping carts inside.  I had to go back out into the parking lot where the attendant let me take one of the carts he was bringing in.  The store is so crowded I'm trying to to have an anxiety attack.  I rush through, counting up how much each thing costs and trying to determine what we can go without for a week.  Then I see the lines.  The lines are backed up into the aisles with Market Basket Employees directing carts when and where to go.  I got stuck behind a guy who had his groceries literally in a wagon.  It was bigger than a Red Rider wagon but it was still a wagon. He opened up the can of whipped cream and sprayed some directly into his mouth.  He did this several times before switches to eating some rosat beef deli meat, following by what else, but sliced cheese.  I thought I was going to be ill.

Finally it was my turn and I paid for my items.  I pushed my cart out to my parking spot and loaded up my meager selection of groceries.  Unlike the people who literally left there carts in the middle of the parking lot, I put mine in a cart collection gate.  Then I left.  I took a wrong turn getting out of the lot and ended up lost in Chelsea.  Fortunately my good sense of direction led me back to Rt 16 and I made it home alive.

My First Drag Show

I had quite a weekend!  First the YES concert then tonight I saw my first Drag Show entitled Size Doesn't Matter with a picture of a banana on the front of the program.  It was a charity event put on by the Monday Night Bowling League to benefit Boston Living Center and Community Servings.  Boston Living Center helps out those who have HIV/AIDs.  Community Servings serves meals to people who are home-bound due to illness, originally AIDS, but has expanded to other illnesses.  There was a raffle and a silent auction as well as a couple of hours worth of performances.  It took place at Machine Nightclub in Boston on Boylston Street.

My friend, we'll call him by his stage name, Shawompa, performed two numbers. Get the Party Started, not the P!nk version but by Shelley something-or-other, and Proud Mary by Tina Turner.  She was fabulous!  How she can dance in those heels is beyond me.  The dresses were perfect, the wigs were perfect.  I'm just gobsmacked how good Shawompa was.

I loved the red tassel dress for the first number.  With the gloves and the mask...  What a way to open the show!  And that hair!  How did it stay on?!  I had a dazzling evening and am so proud of my friend who has severe stage fright.  I could never do that, perform in front of all those people much less in drag!

An Evening With YES! at Foxwoods

Last night my husband and I went to a concert at the MGM Theater in Foxwoods to see an Evening With YES!  He had a phenomenal time.  I had a good time.  I confess I'm not a YES fan but I don't dislike them either.  It was a good concert.  Not too long not too short with an encore that was just the right amount of time.  We bought the tickets a long time ago, back when I thought we could afford them.  As they were non-refundable I thought we should go.

We started off the evening with a long and traffic filled drive down to Mashantucket where we parked with relative ease at the MGM Grand.  Then we took the shuttle to Rainmaker Casino and ate at the Festival Buffet.  Since we couldn't really afford to eat there I made sure I pigged out sufficiently to justify the cost.  I hit the BBQ station first and enjoyed some steak, pulled pork, and sweet potatoes with some cornbread.  Mmm mmm good.  I next hit the "International" Stations where I had mashed potatoes, pot roast, rice pilaf, and fried chicken breast.  Then I went for the Asian and seafood counters where I got some Scezhuan String Beans, Spring Rolls, and of course fried clam strips.  For dessert I enjoyed cheesecake, Boston Creme Pie, and Coconut Cream Cake.  Ugh, I overate just a tad.

We walked the mile back to the MGM Grand Theater and picked up our tickets.  Then we went and settled into our seats in the Right Mezzanine.  They were pretty good seats being only $20.  We waited patiently for the show to start and then there they were.  YES! live on stage.  I decided the lead singer looked a little like Viggo Mortensen.  They played two albums in their entirety and then my husband's favorite song for the encore.  I confess it was past my bedtime and I couldn't help yawning through most of the show.  But it wasn't because I was bored, just tired.

We got home at midnight and actually found a parking spot.  Yay, us!  We stayed up talking for awhile until Jason fell asleep.  Then I tooled around on the computer for a bit before going to bed myself.  The most interesting part of the night however was that I was hit on by a woman.  I'm starting to regret my short haircut.  It is not attracting mean, but women.  Which wouldn't be a problem if I were single or a lesbian, however I am neither.  And I don't react well to anybody hitting on me.  I get shy and then ignore them.  Oh well, she could have thought I was a bitch and I'm okay with that.  After all, I'm not all sweetness and flowers dispite what you may think.  ;)

That Pesky Sleep Eludes Me

It is a Saturday.  It is a Saturday in which Jason does not have to work.  Yet I woke up at 5am and cannot fall back asleep.  I'm not really sure why, as sleep is rarely a problem for me, but today, like last Sunday, the sandman didn't blow enough dust over me.

I took Monty and Twinkie to the vet on Thursday.  Twinkie is healthy, while Monty has an Upper Respiratory Infection.  Guess how you give antibiotics to a snake?  By injection.  Oh yes, every three days Jason will hold her down while I give her shots.  The good thing about this is it prepares me for my training as a vet tech.  I get to use my mad skills to make a pet better which is what I want to do.  She doesn't like the shots, she takes after her father like that.  And by father I mean Jason.  He is petrified of needles.

I'll keep it short and sweet this morning as I type in the dark.  Happy Easter/Passover everyone!

Sometimes Life Will Kick You In The Pants...

Dear all, you are all my dearest friends, I know, so I am not afraid to share this with you.  Life is hard.  That profound statement will, I think, ring through to most people.  Life isn't meant to be easy.  Easy is boring.  That being said I wish that life were a little more boring sometimes.  I'm still trying to get into school, though whether or not I can make it work financially is left to be seen.  If I am accepted I will have to wait for my financial aid package.  In the meantime I am going to get a part time job.  I have applied to PetSmart already and I will apply to more places as they occur to me.  Petco is next on my list.  I haven't given up on volunteering, I'm still waiting to hear back from the MSPCA.  But that will most likely only be for a few hours a week.  So I need something that pays to occupy more of my time.

I need to get used to being up and busy all day.  As I sit here at my husband's dealership, waiting for him to get off of work, I find myself trying to come up with ways to improve my quality of life and prepare for being a full time student again.  I want to do well.  I need to do well.  I am telling myself that I will excel at school because the outcome means I get to work with animals and people who love animals all day.  I will have a clean apartment to study in and I will have a loving husband who will make sure I stick to my studies, because I literally cannot afford to fail.  What with student loans and such if I fail, I need to pay back failure and that's just like a slap in the face.

I am very proud of my husband for landing such a great job, working with great people.  I have a new friend, who is the Showroom Coordinator at Honda Village.  I arrive early to pick up my husband and chat with my new friend every day.  He is a very funny, talented man, and I'm happy I'm getting to know him.  As for my husband's boss, he is a great boss.  Very friendly and organized, and understanding.  A few days ago I was violently ill and needed to be seen by a doctor.  Jason's boss didn't give him any trouble so that he could take care of me and drive me to the hospital.  Soon Jason will reach his 90 days at Honda Village which means he will get full benefits and will no longer be on probation.  Yay!

The piggies are all well.  I have started a new page on Facebook called "I Love Guinea Pigs", and I post cute pictures of the piggies on there.  Snickers is getting bigger and she is getting much more active.  She's no longer the timid little guinea pig baby that would sleep on Jason's chest, oh no!  She goes scampering around the bed, popcorning and having a blast.  We fed the snakes last night and they all ate, though Twinkie, our new Caramel Albino Ball Python had a little bit of trouble adjusting to the frozen mice.  She is used to live mice.  Yuck.

Mount Ida College, Here I Come!

I have decided that I need to change my direction in life.  I have been on a road going nowhere.  Unemployed and sitting at home day after day.  But that is going to end soon!  My decision is to find a job doing what I love, and what I love doing is taking care of animals.  So I'm going to be a Veterinary Technician.  I've looked online and there's a great school that offers Vet Tech degrees in Newton, which is the same city where Jason works.  It's Mount Ida College.  I've already submitted my application and Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), and I'm working on getting test scores and transcripts sent over.  Northeastern will process my request electronically but University of Toronto and Arlington High School require actual written signatures, so I need to get those requests off in the mail.  The College Board's website is frustratingly circular because I haven't taken the SATs in over a decade.  But I will prevail and figure it out!

My college essay is going to be a challenge in picking a topic, but I'm confident in my writing skills, especially with my sister the English BA's proofreading the paper.  I think I should talk about how I've been challenged with life for the last decade and a half, and how taking care of my pets really has helped me out.  It's true!  My piggies are a great source of love and peace.  And so I'm going to apply that on a greater scale and help other people with their pets.  It's a great choice for me and probably a much better match than being an Admin or a Buyer.  While I was good at those jobs, it was hard to be passionate about them.  Although, working at a pharmaceutical company I was proud to make a difference in patient's lives by doing my little bit for the company.  So I suppose I was a little passionate, just not quite AS passionate as I am about animals.

Then there's the recommendation.  I've asked my former boss of 6 and 1/2 years to write a recommendation because frankly, I don't think there's a high school teacher who will remember me other than one, and even he probably wouldn't know what to write because it's been so long.  Nevertheless, I will have one recommendation.

I picture myself working at a local animal hospital or veterinarians' office.  Making a difference not just in the people's lives, but in their pet's lives.  And I picture myself happy.  That's the most important thing.  I will be happy at home with the love of my life and our "children", and I will be happy professionally.  So Mount Ida, take notice, I am coming your way!

A Night At The Oscars 2013; The Red Carpet

Tonight is that magical night, Oscar Night.  I love the Oscars, not just because it honors some of the greatest movies, but because of the fashion.  I'm watching the ABC Red Carpet Presentation first, and then I will flow directly into the Oscar Ceremony.

First up, I love Jennifer Lawrence, but I'm not a fan of the bottom of her dress.  I like the color on her, and the top is very chic, but the poofiness of the bottom just seems a little odd to me.  Zoe Saldana is wearing a very interesting dress, I like the color and the slit up the front.  I love her long dangly earrings.  And her hair is very sleek, she looks well put together.  Catherine Zeta-Jones looks like a really sexy Oscar in that gold dress.  Her earrings are sparkly but look heavy and painful.  

Oh Goody, Daniel Radcliffe!  He's talking so fast!  And he could use a bit of a shave.  Naomi Watts, I'm not a fan of the sequin dress which is odd for me. It's not the sequins, it's the shape. I must say I want to see her movie.  It seems really moving.

Okay, I had to make dinner for Jason so I missed a few stars.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on now.  He has fun socks on!  I couldn't see what they were but they were fun.  

Anyway, they're doing a little montage right now.  I haven't seen many of the movies up this year.  I want to see Silver Linings Playbook because I love Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.  I want Ms. Lawrence to win because I loved her in the Hunger Games.  

Bradley Cooper looks dreamy.  I hope he wins.  I can say that now because I forgot who else is nominated. Nicole Kidman's dress is fun and sexy.  It's kind of blackish goldish sequinny fun.  Again with the heavy earrings though.  I love a classic updo.  Nicely done Nicole's stylist.  Hate Charlize Theron's dress.  Hate.  The color, the little flair at the hips, hate.  I'm a hater, what can I say?

That's a cool idea to have the college students give out the Oscars.  It's a dream come true for these young adults.  I wish I had won that contest, but let's face it, if I had to carry the Oscars out I would fall flat on my face.  I can't wear heels and I'm the clumsiest person I know.

I just saw Jennifer Garner's necklace.  So pretty!  I wish I'd seen her whole outfit.  Hugh Jackman is strong!  He looks very handsome and I love his accent.  

Okay, I'm bored with this.  I think I'm going to stop even though there's still another 35 minutes of Red Carpet.  Sorry folks.  I think I'm going to bed.  Tomorrow's a work day for Jason which means I have to get up at 5:15 am.  

It's the Oscars baby!

Two years ago I did a live blog of the Oscars and managed to offend one of my friends.  I think I'm going to try again only this time, hopefully no one will be offended.  That's only if I can stay awake long enough to see the ending.  It's 6:45am and I've been up since 2:30 after going to bed only two hours earlier. I can't sleep.  I was waiting for the sun to come up but I forgot it's snowing out there.  So tonight I will tune in to ABC and watch Seth Macfarlane either sink or swim.

See you all tonight!

To Pass the Time...

Hello.  I can't seem to convince any employers to hire someone who has been out of work for 5 years.  It's too tough of a job market to get ahead with that kind of disadvantage. So at the suggestion of a good friend of mine, I've applied to start volunteering.  I'm going to start with the MSPCA shelter in Jamaica Plains, cleaning out small animal cages and socializing with the animals.  Unfortunately it takes 4-8 weeks to get an orientation scheduled so this might take awhile.  In the meantime I'll research other volunteering opportunities.  I really want to work with animals, so I'm looking at the area shelters.

Snickers had her first vet visit a week ago.  The Vet suggested we put Amy in Snickers cage so the two can get used to one another.  Then in a few months, when Snickers is full sized, we can introduce her to the other three.  At first Snickers seemed to be afraid of Amy, but I think they're warming up to each other.  I hope so.  Snickers is the sweetest little guinea pig.  She gives us kisses and the Vet told us that she is "grooming" us when she does that.  It means we've been accepted.  It's so sweet.

We're getting more snow tonight but it looks like the precipitation totals have been lowered.  Thank goodness, I'm tired of shoveling!  And I haven't had it nearly as bad as my brothers and stepfather.  They've had entire driveways to shovel out while I just have to shovel out my car.

Snow Snow Snow

You might have heard, we had a wee bit of snow this weekend.  The Blizzard of 2013 is what they're calling it.  I'm fairly lucky in that I live in a community that clears the snow from the sidewalks and roadways.  We are responsible for digging out our own car.  As the storm progressed through Friday night, the snow piled in front of our screen door to the point we were trapped in our apartment.  Fortunately our really cool neighbor dug us out.  He knew Jason was struggling with his knee and he wanted to help us out.  I did thank him when I found out.  Anyway, Saturday as the sun began to come out, I attempted to find the car.  I had foolishly parked next to the piles of snow accumulation set aside my barrels.  I shoveled for 15 minutes before my lungs and back gave in and I went back down the steep hill (which was hardly cleared) where I wiped out in the snow spraining my ankle. I got up and then went back inside to the warmth of the apartment.

Two hours later Jason (armed with his tough knee splint) and I climbed the steep ramp carrying shovels and found the work I'd already done had been swept back by the gusts of wind.  We spent more than an hour clearing out the car and pulled it forward enough so that we could get out Monday morning.

Sunday disaster struck.  We ran out of toilet paper.  I made my way up to the car got in and pulled out, no problem.  Meanwhile there were about 30 people down the parking lot road clearing their cars out.  I drove past them with little difficulty and found the short drive to Shaws clear.  I ran in and with a dollar bill and a handful of change, I bought two rolls of the most generic cheap 1 ply toilet paper you can get.  It's all I could afford.

I got back to the community and discovered people had been throwing the snow from their cars onto the road and a plow hadn't been through in awhile.  My tough little Scion pushed through the snow and I made it back to my spot only to find someone else had taken it.  Growling I turned around and headed back to a clear spot I had passed.  Because of all the snow thrown in the road I got stuck.  I asked three guys to push me out, which they did.  I finally got to a spot but I had to shovel a little to get into it and the woman shoveling next to me yelled at me for piling snow where she was clearing it.  I apologized meekly, slammed the car into the spot and brought the toilet paper down the steep ramp back to the apartment ready to cry.

Monday morning I got out easily, thank goodness, and drove Jason to work.  Then I drove to Arlington to pick up a check from my other account.  I drove through terrible rush hour to 4 different Bank of Americas to find one that opened at 8.  None did so I went to one that opened at 9 and took a cat nap in the car.  I then proceeded to go grocery shopping.  Upon arriving home I was trying to get into an only partially cleared spot when I stepped on the gas too hard and stuck the car into a snow bank.  With a car full of groceries I finally got the car unstuck and parked in a cleared spot.  Then I made 5 trips between the car and the apartment, up a flight of slippery stairs to bring the groceries in.  I put the groceries away, drank one diet cola, and then went to get my stitches out.  She had trouble getting 3 of the 6 stitches out and it hurt.

I was late picking up Jason and went I went home, I was reminded how much I love my husband.  Jason helped me relax, and wind down.  I had a nap and felt much better.

So now a Meteorologist is claiming we should expect more storms this year.  I'm seriously considering moving out of New England to a place like North Carolina.  Snow is pretty when it falls and then melts away.  Snow is not pretty when it cause deaths, road rage, and parking rage.

Snickers to the Rescue!

I've had a not so great year health-wise and neither has Jason.  First he has Gall Stones so he's on a low-fat diet.  Hopefully they will opt not to remove his gall bladder.  Then Jason injured his knee while running at work.  He fractured the tibia in the knee, has major contusions on the tibia, and sprained his ACL and other ligaments.  Yet he continued working.  He doesn't run anymore but he can't use crutches at work so he just uses them as soon as he's done his shift.  He pushed through the pain until an MRI showed the extent of the damage.  Then he kept pushing.  I think his boss is impressed by him.  He only missed one day of work because he was in crippling pain.

As for me, I came down with diverticulitis.  A very painful infection of the diverticuli in the colon.  I'm mostly better now but this weekend I had an accident and needed 6 stitches in my arm.  Yikes.

I was feeling pretty down and then we went to the pet store to get hay.  There she was.  The little multi-colored Abyssinian Guinea Pig.  Jason got her for me as a present for taking such good care of him with his knee and for my troubles too.  I named her Snickers and she is the cutest sweetest little girl.  She is in quarantine from the other guinea pigs until they are recovered from their upper and lower respiratory infections.  Snickers lives in the little cage we have all by her lonesome for two weeks.  Then the vet said we can introduce her to the others and soon they'll all be living together as one big happy family.

Thank goodness for Snickers!  She cheers me up when I need it, just like the other piggies.

The Glass is Half Full

I've been doing a lot of thinking and I've decided to try and change my outlook.  I think of myself as a slightly pessimistic person who dreams for the stars.  Well everyone is tired of the pessimistic part of me so I have decided to work on seeing the glass half full.  This all became clearer as of late when an acquaintance of mine had her baby nephew admitted to Children's Hospital, I think for a congenital Heart Defect.  I may have good days and I may have bad days.  But I'm not struggling for my life.  I don't have cancer, I'm in relatively good help and it's time I appreciated each day knowing that I am lucky to be alive.

My piggies are all sick,  Amy and Penny have Bronchitis and Oreo and Bernie have Upper Respiratory Infections.  Penny and Bernie will take their medicine by Amy and Oreo flip over backwards and act like I'm trying to kill them.  I love them to death but this is going to be a long two weeks.  Still, it's completely worth it if they feel better afterwards.

Jason's knee is on the mend.  It turns out he doesn't need surgery, it's a very bad bone bruise.  Praise the Lord!  He's been in so much pain for a month now and it's nice to finally see him moving around without being in excruciating pain.

I didn't get the two jobs I interviewed for earlier in the month.  It is so hard to get a job.  I've got to just keep plugging away and hope that I meet the right job soon.

Job Search and a Gala

I've been looking for a job for some time now but I've really been applying to everything starting about a month ago. I've gone on a number of interviews, some really promising and some not so promising.  I went on two earlier this week and I was really confident and myself in those interviews.  It's too early to have heard back yet but I kind of wish I heard something yesterday as it was my birthday.  What a birthday present that would have been!  Anyway, I'm hoping to hear back from one in the next week and the other in the next two weeks.  I'm hoping I get a job offer but we'll see.

Bernadette is still sick.  Now she's on two anti-biotics and she really hates the second one.  I don't blame her, it's green!  I hope she gets better soon.

Jason started his new job and he absolutely loves it!  All the people are so friendly and he enjoys driving the cars around.  Tonight was his company's company Holiday Gala, held at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.  Jason wore his suit, he looked so handsome! I wore contacts and makeup, did my hair, and wore one of my fancier dresses.  It was a blast.  We met some really nice new people and saw some of Jason's new friends.  Dinner was fabulous.  Short Rib that melted in your mouth and crab cakes.  There was an entire array of h'ordeuves.  Yummy.  We were in the downstairs reception area where there was a band and upstairs was the DJ and dancing.  It was fabulous!