Winter wonderland

Jan(mmt & myself)

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:33:17 GMT

Back with good news.....and still alive!!

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:02:42 GMT

It's been an interesting week to say the least!!

For the past few weeks, I've been unerved by a lump that I discovered(quite by accident). You cannot imagine all of the things that go through your mind at that time not to mention that dreaded C word....Cancer.
I had been thinking that some of my bad eating habits from before have finally come back to haunt me and that I would have to undergo Chemotherapy. Most of all, I thought about my friends and family during this time and how different my life would be from now on.

This past week, I underwent some tests to finally determine what I had to deal with.

The first was a mamogram. For those who haven't had one of these yet, well it's not the most pleasant thing one goes through. Having your boobs locked in a vice while they take x-rays is not my idea of fun!! LOL

The second test was an ultrasound.
Both of these tests confirmed, to my great relief, that this lump is a very small cyst, very superficial and definitely not cancerous. Phewwww!!!! I had noticed that the lump has started shrinking in size from a few weeks ago but I did not want to become too optimistic until I received confirmation from the doctor. This small cyst may still have to be removed but it will be a very simple procedure. Very good news regardless!!!!!

I consider myself extremely fortunate that my results were negative. I can't even begin to imagine what goes through someone' s mind when they receive news from their doctor that they've tested positive for cancer. How devastated they must feel.

These past few weeks have been hell but my family and friends have been so supportive. Some of my coworkers have been through this before(one actually had breast cancer) and some of you on my flist have had some similar stories which helped me to remain positive through this ordeal. Your positive comments and thoughts have been a godsend!!!

Thank you all!!!!

*hugs*

PS to all women on my flist.....
Although mamograms are not pleasant, they can save your life because early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. If you find a lump, please get it checked out ASAP.... for your health and your peace of mind.

Something funny and oh so accurate...............

Sat, 19 May 2007 01:40:02 GMT

Ladies restroom saga

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of
women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.
You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has
been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern
"seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty.
You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there
isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom
would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your
pants, and assume "The Stance".
In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd
love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or
lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance."
To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you
discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can
hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the
seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake
more.
You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the
one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that
now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same
time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible.
It's still smaller than your thumbnail.
Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door
hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest,
and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet.
"Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door,dropping your precious,
tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing
altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of
course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late.
Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form
on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that
there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your
mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her
bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear,
"You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get."
By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so
confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose
against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that
covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush
somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty
toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.
At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet
toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you
found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.
You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic
sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk
past the line of women, still waiting. You are no longer able to smile
politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a
piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe.(Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this." As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used and left the men's restroom.
Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging
around your neck?"
This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms
(rest??? you've got to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what
really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked
questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other
gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the
door!
This HAD to be written by a woman! No one else could describe it so
accurately!

Popping in........and catching up on stuff

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:38:51 GMT

Well the snow is finally gone and my flowers are slowly starting to come up. I'm already anticipating all of the yard work I have to do. Gahhhh!!!!!

My boss is still on holidays so it's been very quiet lately......LOL One of my co-workers is returning tomorrow after a three week holiday so I won't be pulling double duty at least for a while.....*doing cartwheels*
We also survived our financial year end and audits. Yayyy!!!

I've reached my weight goal of 55lbs.....Double yayyyy!!!! Now comes the ~~fun~~.....hard part of weight maintenance and management(keeping it off...LOL) I've been trying to walk as much as I can during my lunch hour when it's nice outside. When it isn't, I try to avoid the elevator so I walk up the stairs(5 flights) . I find that I'm not out of breath as I used to be and my knee joints don't hurt as much(due to the excess weight).
I couldn't have given a better gift to myself..... Taking better care of my health.
It's definitely improved my energy level and self esteem.

While I was away, I missed a birthday....*slaps forehead*

Happy Belated Birthday wishes to cionaudha !!!!!! *hugs* I hope you had a great day!!!!

To lindsaygirl , Cheers to you girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!! *hugs*

To shipotl and lindsaygirl, I'm already beginning to feel Rome withdrawals!!! *sigh*

A big hello to my all flist buddies.......Missed you all!!

BTW, anyone else hooked on Life on Mars???? Hilarious!!!

Surviving a cold

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:01:41 GMT

I don't know which is worse...being cold or having a bad one!!!

I've been literally dragging my behind these past couple of weeks just trying to get my work done. I've tried many concoctions to get rid of this annoying thing and I think I'm finally getting the upper hand.....

Every person thinks they have THE cure and when they know someone is sick, they are more than happy to give suggestions.
Someone suggested trying some rum(in a hot toddy I guess?) although I've never heard of using rum as part of a cure for a cold.

What are some of the wackiest and strangest cures, concoctions, brews, toddys, medicines etc. that people have suggested to you?

Two days to go....

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 02:39:01 GMT

Checked the weather network for Western Canada temps and right now it looks like they are getting rain mixed with snow.....Ewwwww!!! Just what I don't need to hear!!!
Looks like the extended forcast for next week looks great with hardly any precipitation and typical fall weather. Great for flying, visiting, shopping and coming back(I guess I have to sometime)

Mood: chipper
Weight: down 11 1/2 lbs
Inches lost from entire body: 9
Packing suitcase: Ya!! I'm getting there!!

Although I watch very little TV, I caught the first part of a two part series called "Answered by Fire" starring David Wenham!! It's about two UN workers who are in East Timor during election time in 1999. The people from East Timor, at the time, were voting to succeed from Indonesia.
Second part is Tuesday evening and I hope to catch this Canadian-Australian production. It's excellent!!!
I also may be a bit biased because "Daisy" Wenham is in it....*slurp*!! *g*

A very solemn post......

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:33:04 GMT

I opened my TV during the supper hour to watch the news. To my horror, I saw there was another mass shooting at a school, this time at Dawson College in Montreal. From last reports, one student was confirmed dead, as well as the young gunman, and about 20 others were injured(some of them critical).

It brings me back memories to another trageday, the shooting at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal which occured approximately 16 years ago. A lone gunman, Marc Lepine, went on a shooting rampage and killed 14 student(all of them women) and injured many others. He left a suicide message saying that he hated and blamed feminists, for they were reason his application to attend this Engineering school was refused.
I was approximately in the same age group as these students, as I was finishing my post secondary studies at the time. My feelings were, if it happened to them, it can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Sixteen years later, another similar tragedy occurs......

As I reflect upon the events which occured today, it makes me think....A school should be one of the safest places a child should be besides their own home. How sad is it that the promise of a new school year for these bright young students should begin like this.......

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families and friends of these injured students(and to the parents of the young woman that perished a short while ago) and especially to all of their classmates who will have to cope with the memories of this tragedy. My hope is that they eventually find the strengh and will(with the help of their loved ones and friends) to continue their studies despite everything that has occured today.

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 20:59:12 GMT

My Renaissance Village by Saphyne

Username

Country your village is in

Your village is really more of a

thriving metropolis

The best thing to ever happen there:

Your town was voted "the best place for happy sheep in all the country!"

The worst thing to ever happen there:

The inn burned down which stunted tourism and caused everyone to lose all of their money.

The richest SOB in the village is

pamdram

The tax collector is

hhhatholder

The sheriff is

intervain

The town priest is

iansmomesq

The town prostitute is

guttermaiden

The village idiot is

lindsaygirl58

Chance that everyone will die of the plague

54%

Re-reading some favorites...and a Scots moment

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 02:51:19 GMT

Have you ever read a book only to re-read a few years later?

I'm in the process of re-reading Outlander(by Diana Gabaldon). It's not something I would ready do but her novels are definitely worth a second read. No only am I refreshing my memory but at the same time I'm picking up a few details that I missed the first time about James Fraser, the Scot.

Has anyone re-read a book they just love for the second time, third time or possibly twentieth time?

Speakng of Scottish things, yesterday I attended a wedding(the daughter of a friend of mine). The choir had just completed singing a hymn when I heard a sound coming from outside the church. As we were leaving, a lonely piper played the bagpipes. I had chills running down my back as I just stood there listening to him. It's not something that usually happens around here.

What a treat that was!!!!!

Your favorite swear word........

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 00:14:53 GMT

In this day and age of high stress lives people seem to be less cordial and more in your face angry. Are you an impatient driver, an underpaid worker, a tired mom/dad or just sick of it all?? If you've had one of those "WTF" days.........this is the place to let it rip!!

What is your favorite swear word or expression, where and when do you find that use it the most.... *g*

I promise not to take offence!! *G*

Name your favorite actors......

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 23:56:49 GMT

I'm disappointed in mainstream movies and actors so I'm been looking for unusual movies.

I'm curious to hear about some of your favourite actors(could be any nationality, not necessarily the most popular ones) and a role they've made their own.

Time for a holiday....

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:54:30 GMT

After long consideration and not to mention that I need a freakin' holiday......I've decided to book a flight to Edmonton, Alberta next month. It will be my first time in western Canada so this should be intesting. It seems strange even to me that I've been to Europe a few times and it's only now that I will be visiting that area.

I'm looking forward to visiting some friends and relatives and I'm sure the change of scenery will be an added bonus. I hope there won't be any major travel concerns happening at that time but then again WTF.....I can't and won't put my life on hold because some terrorist/s have decided to make threats that may or may not happen!!!!

As for the weight loss, 4th day and a couple of pounds(probably mostly water) already dropped...Yayyyy!! I think the real challenge will happen when I'm on holidays. I just hope the screwy flights schedules, time change and restaurant menus won't undo the progress I've made so far. MUST HAVE WILLPOWER!!!!!!!!

It's meme day!!!!

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:14:37 GMT

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Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com</td>

As long as it's not winter!!!!

A meme....

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:05:37 GMT

You'll become a millionaire on:	Wednesday February 8th, 2039

What's the first thing that you'll buy?	CHOCOLATE!!!
Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

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</table>

2039????? I can't wait that long for chocolate....DAMN IT!!!!!!!!

A lofty goal!!!

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 23:34:43 GMT

After thinking about it for a bit and getting myself psychologically ready (partly as a result of the unerving feelings I experienced about my mother's procedure this week and partly bad eating habits) I've set myself a goal to lose some weight. In the past few years, I've noticed that my health has been in a slow decline in large part due to my weight gain. The aches and pains in my joints seem to be getting worse and my energy level has tanked!!! Arghhhhhh!!!

I've been inspired by my good friend lindsaygirl 's LJ when she made the difficult decision to quit smoking. I'm sure it's not been easy because the temptations are sometimes still there but when one has a great support system, these goals are achievable. Go girl!!!!!!!!!

I've started a program which involves a healthy balance in nutritional meals including supplements(but you're also allowed a treat per day). Oh well.....musn't forget about the 8 glasses of water..........*runs to washroom......AGAIN!!!!!!*
A couple of people in my office have participated in this program and have still kept their good eating habits. I've seen the results for myself and I was quite impressed.

Today is my first day of eating healthier and I hope for the remainder of my little existence on this earth....I just wish I didn't have to freakin' pee so much....LOL!!!!!

I've also decided to re-read the Outlander series....I miss Jamie, the tall redheaded Scot(I've changed my userpic for added inspiration)!!!! I figure if I going to be "living" in the washroom, I may as well have something good to read!!!! LOL!!!!!!

Anyone else out there who have bad habits they would like to change??????

An update...

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 02:37:04 GMT

My mother is back from the hospital and the procedure was successful. The angiogram showed that she had two blockages in her veins which required immediate attention.
The cardiologist took care of them right away.
She spent one night in the hospital and she was discharged this morning. She is fine but tired....of course.
So all's well so far.....what a relief!!!

A big thanks to all of you for your best wishes!!!
*Hugs*

Tomorrow's the day.....

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 02:15:14 GMT

....when my mother has her angiogram and possibly angioplasty.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to get away from work since we're so short staffed but my Dad will keep me updated ASAP. It's probably just as well that I would be at work since it might keep my mind off things and keep me busy. I'm still a worry wort and I'm trying to be optimistic so that everything goes well tomorrow. One good thing about the recent delay is that she was able to recover from the flu so now the doctor is able to proceed with the procedure.

My thoughts and prayers will be with her tomorrow morning...

Another crazy meme!!

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 02:59:44 GMT

I'm sorry that I sold your soul to Satan.

Love,
Howard Stern

'What crappy greeting card will you receive?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Reply: Sorry Howard, already beat you to it!!!!! *g*

Summer Reading

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:48:56 GMT

After being away from the computer for a bit, just thought I would check on some LJ pals and see how their summer has been.

It's been unsually warm in the past few weeks(even up here), I haven't felt like doing much except a bit of summer reading. Now that's it's starting to cool off, I'm still in the reading mode. *g*

I haven't been drawn to fictional books lately, but a series of novels from Giles Blunt came to my attention last year. He's a mystery/thriller writer and he's penned three fictional stories concidently set in my hometown(which also happens to be his). His vivid descriptions of this area and some of the characters involved(although using fictional names) are quite astounding and acurate.
If you are from this area, you can picture exactly where and whom he is talking about.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading these books but once I did, it was hard to put them down.
According to Amazon, a fourth novel will be coming out in October 2006.

So what books has everyone had on their summer literary menu?

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 03:16:16 GMT

We finally took my Dad out for his Birthday this evening. His Birthday was actually on the 10th of July but we had to postpone the celebrations because he wasn't feeling well(and his cold is still linguering a bit). My mother still has some of her cold as well(her appointment with the cardiologist has been postponed 'till next month)...Gahhhhhh!!
What on earth is it with summer colds and the flu this year???? It seems there's an epidemic of people in my office who are also sick....Don't know if it's due to the weather but I've never seen it this bad before. So far I've been able to avoid the sniffles but I wonder if my luck is about to run out. I've been trying to stay healthy by washing my hands often(don't know if I'll have any fingerprints left*g*),getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy(as much as I can) and taking vitamins.
Whatever it is that's going around, I hope it ends soon enough......after all, winter will be here in no time at all....... LOL!!!

Happy Birthday Joe McGann!!!

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 21:07:09 GMT

He probably won't get a chance to see this .....................

Hope you'll have a wonderful day Joe!!

*Hugs*
Rollande

I'm getting so freaken tired.............

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 02:53:22 GMT

Another storm last night....Gahhhhhhhhhh...Get me outta here!!

I can't believe all of the weird and wacky weather we've been getting lately. No damage this time at least!!! Sheesh!!!!! So people still without power from Tuesday's storm........

I just want to move to the Artic right now.....better yet the Antartic!

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 01:55:39 GMT

Hope you had great one Magda!!!!

*Hugs*

Rollande

Saying a little prayer for my Mom....

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 03:34:29 GMT

My absence from LJ and the Library have been due to recent some recent stressful situations. My Mom's had a few medical problems lately, unfortunaly most of them due to her advancing age as she puts it(she's 75). *g*

Looks like the small operation to save her eyesight was successful but now a new concern has surfaced. It looks like she may have a small coronary blockage that needs to be taken care of. The specialist's office(out of town) called and quickly made an appointment with her so he could see her in less than two weeks from now. She'll have an angiogram(and possibly angioplasty) but unfortunately for her, she's been ill this past week with bronchial asthma. If she hasn't sufficiently recovered in the next few days, they will have to postpone her test. There are so many people who've been recently ill with the flu or cold and summertime has to be the worst time to be sick. It seems to take longer to recover.

I hope she recovers from her current illness quickly enough so she can get her tests completed. If angioplasty is required, she wants to get it done ASAP so she can get back to her routine. What a strong woman she is!!!
As I age, I hope to have at least 1/2 the energy and strengh in character she has...

---------------------------

Mom, I'm not as spiritual as you are, but I'm sending a little prayer to that everything goes well......

Snagged by hhhatholder

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 03:01:38 GMT

What kind of Bean addict are you?

Hot damn........What a man!!!!!