Can You Hear Me Now?

LOTS of pictures, so go get a drink while they load.

I have tons more too, but I took a lot of the same thing over and over again, because you just can’t have enough!! Tonight I should get better ones with AH’s digital. These disposables cameras I use do the trick, but they don’t do close ups!

Me holding little Pepper

Pretty little Pita

I am now the proud momma of the two most perfectly gorgeous kittens to ever grace the face of this earth!! My mom and Bob picked me up at about 9:30 a.m., and there they were, in a large cat carrier on one of the passenger seats in the van. I burst. They were cuter and prettier than I could have imagined. They’ve got black and orange on their backs and faces, with white tummies and legs, and of course the white around their noses. They look sort of calico. I’ve been taking pictures all day so I will upload some very soon.

I named them Pita and Pepper, and it’s hard to tell them apart! Pepper has bigger eyes, a little more white on her face and a black spot on her back left leg. Other than that it’s really hard to tell. I took turns holding them as we drove. Pita liked to just sit on my shoulder and look out the window.

Our first stop was my chiropractor’s office, where everyone in the waiting room went crazy over them. We had to show my chiropractor what I’d gotten, since he okay’d it in the first place! So we brought them into his office, where he wanted to keep them. He said they were exactly what he was hoping I would find, and he didn’t want to give them back to me. They stayed there on his desk for all three of our treatments, curled up together. Sooooo cute!!! Then I had to steal them back. After a quick stop to buy cat litter, we finally brought them into their new home.

We just watched them play with each other and some of the toys I bought, and tried to find them while they hid under my La-Z-Boy and behind the sofa. They found the food and water right away, let’s just hope they remember where the litter box is too!

I’d love to end this entry by showing you photos, but I’m just not that technologically advanced! I only have a few shots left on this role of film, so whether AH makes it by here tonight or not, I plan to get these developed tomorrow anyway!

Right now they are curled up together in a little ball behind the couch.

Eeeeeeeeee! OMGOMGOMG they’re sooooooooooo cute!!!!

My mom just called. It is confirmed, they are picking the kittens up tomorrow morning!! I’m gonna be a momma!!

The reason I am getting two, is because everyone I know that has or has had two cats said it is actually easier than one. My cousin has had two cats from the same litter for 14 years, and she was the most insistent about this. They play together, they groom each other, they have companionship, they keep each other busy and out of trouble… it started to make sense the more I thought about it. I am home quite a lot, but on the days I work at clients, I’d rather know they have each other, than having a cat sitting in front of my door meowing and whining the entire time I’m gone. That’s what my previous cat used to do!

I also really wanted a male, because in the past I have had better experiences with male cats. When I was a kid, our cat was a male and he was the BEST.CAT.EVER. The cat I had several years ago was a female, and she had a very different personality than the male cats my room mates had over the years. My room mates’ cats were so cool, while mine liked to make their lives miserable by swatting them every chance she got and starting hissy fights. (She was four years old when I got her, so I always said “the damage was done, she does not take after me”. Heh). Now I won’t be able to use that excuse.

Once I decided on two, my main concern became that they be from the same litter so they’re already family, and not to worry about the sex. I *think* I am getting two females, but no one is completely sure at this point. I guess I’ll find out when I take them to be fixed! They’re only 6 weeks old, so it’s a little early yet.

Awwwwwww, six weeks old!! My babies!!

I am hoping AH will pop by with his digital camera this weekend to take pictures and email them to me so I can share them as soon as possible. Otherwise, we wait for the film I use up to be developed. Either way, there will be pictures by early next week!

Yesterday I saved a man’s life. Maybe. I was in a taxi going downtown, and the driver was making a left turn and not looking in front of him, he was looking over to the left. There was a man crossing the street and the car was headed right for him. I noticed and yelled at the driver to “LOOK OUT!” and he slammed on the brakes. He literally just missed the man, who by this point knew he was almost hit and jumped a mile high. My driver kept thanking me and saying I saved his life. Well, the other guy’s life maybe, and a hell of a lot of hassle. So that was my good deed of the day.

Today I worked and worked and worked, and totally forgot that the recording studio owner was supposed to come over today. He must have forgotten too. I’ll have to call him and set something up for next week.

NEXT WEEK. When I turn thirty-eight. On Monday. Yikes!

My birthday plans are to spend tomorrow with my parents and kitties, and then on Sunday AH and I are supposed to go out. It’s his birthday on Monday too (in case I ever failed to mention that our birthdays are on the same day) and it will also be the one year anniversary of our first date. Although, this is NOT a date, Donna. Then, on Monday, I am working at the Pub and sticking around to have a birthday drink or two with Christine. A low-key birthday this year, I’ll party it up when I turn 40.

I’ll update after I get the kittens tomorrow and tell you what they’re like!

This has, so far, been a week full of happy things. I’m also getting lots of work done, which makes me feel good and I don’t get all stressed out when someone says “I have a new client for you”.

On Monday, my brother came over so I could do his taxes. His was super easy and it was filed in a few minutes, with a nice refund on its way to him, so he’s happy. He also wanted to take me for lunch and buy me a DVD or something for my birthday. So, I hopped on my scooter and we headed down to the Chinese restaurant up the street. It was closed! I forgot, most of those little places don’t open until 4 or 5:00. The only other sit-down-and-be-served type restaurant really close is Smitty’s in the mall, so we decided to head there.

Sometimes I forget how bad the service is at that location, but after waiting forever to be seated and another forever for water and another forever for menus, we actually ended up with an excellent server. I had a Baja quesadilla and it was pretty good. Darren had the veal and mashed potatoes because he’s obviously not against EATING BABIES.

Smitty’s is known for their pies. They have a big glass case at the front of the restaurant full of them, and they sell for only $3.99 ($1 for a big a slice!) Darren decided to get me a “birthday pie”, and we were told they only had Hawaiian Strawberry, Peanut Butter Crunch or Almond Crunch left. Both our eyes lit up at the words “peanut butter” (we do share a mother and father, after all) so that was settled. We took the pie to go, and headed down the mall to find me a DVD. I chose Arrested Development - Season Two because I’ve been renting Season One from DVDflix. I LOVE that show.

We came back to my place to slice up that pie in all its whipped cream fluffy goodness. We each took a bite and got strange looks on our faces. Another bite… what is that? It’s like… a tangy taste? Another bite… it’s like… they tried to mix lemon meringue with peanut butter and Ivory soap? We actually sat there and finished our pieces of pie (it’s that blood relation thing, again) while complaining about how disgusting it was. Then we couldn’t throw the rest away fast enough.

The next morning, Pam came by to file her tax return. She stopped at Tim Horton’s on the way and got me a coffee, AND she brought me homemade cookies. What a sweetie. The cookies are delicious… oatmeal raisin. No chocolate. Therefore, health food, right? No guilt!

The rest of Monday and Tuesday were spent finishing up other work. I’m also expecting a call from another possible new client, a coffee shop, that a current client is referring me too. I told him to go ahead and pass on my number as long as the guy can wait a month or so, because me and a coffee shop would be a good thing. My clients need to fit in with my life now, that’s just how I want it, and I’m lucky I can pick and choose that way. I turn down investment and development companies and accept musicians, recording studios, pubs, and coffee shops. Hee! Love it.

I am still doing work for one real estate guy/geologist, a dentist, a life performance coach, an upholstery company, and businesses like that, because I have been doing their books for years and I’m not about to get rid of clients that have been with me since I first started up my company. They’ve all become friends and have seen me through a lot of ups and downs, and were there when I needed them the most! (Plus I really like them).

Oh yeah!!! On Tuesday I also helped get the amazingly brilliant Rob Szabo booked into the Pub. I told Kevin I would personally make sure that room is packed. So… whatcha all doing, Saturday, June 3rd??? That is going to be one hell of a show.

Anyway, today I worked at the upholstery company (my first real client, since Troy started and worked solo out of his basement in 1999!), the place I go two days a month where the coffee and bagel magically appears on my desk when I arrive. Mel and I always go for lunch, usually Hooters, because it seems I’ve been working there on Wednesdays a lot. Hooters offers a 20% discount to women on Wednesdays. Plus it’s always quiet, and we never have to wait for a table in what is beginning to feel like our own little private non-smoking room.

Now I am waiting for a couple clients to drop off the work that will keep me chained to my desk for the next two days, except for a brief trip downtown tomorrow afternoon to get my transit pass. As long as I can stay out of the Bay and away from the MAC counter and “Free Gift with Purchase” offers, I don’t expect it to be a costly outing.

Oh, yes, and the most exciting thing to happen so far this week??? My Stepdad found me kittens and I am getting them on Saturday. Yes, them. More on that when they are actually in my hands and I know they are real!!

Oh yeah… and GO FLAMES GO!!!!

Last night Michelle picked me up and we went for dinner at my favourite Vietnamese restaurant. I am hoping the one across the way from me is good, because it is closer, and as much as I love the food at this place (and it’s the only restaurant I have found that serves the dish I go there for – a spicy chicken satay over rice vermicelli), the owner is GRUMPY McGrumpypants. And he’s getting worse. His service is terrible, and I usually get stuck with him. My mom doesn’t even want to go there anymore because of him.

After dinner we made our way to Mount Royal College and the Leacock Theatre where the beautiful Johanna Sillanpaa was holding her debut solo CD release concert. I brought my walker because a) my ankle is still in pain and every step is owowowowow; and b) I wasn’t sure how far the walk would be from the MRC doors to the theatre and I’d rather be safe than sorry. When I called in advance they said it was all accessible with ramps, and it sounded like a bit of a walk from the main doors. It was, so I’m glad I had that thing. The ramp up to the doors of the theatre was so steep! I would not want to be pushing someone up that thing in a wheelchair. Never mind going down it!

Michelle carried my walker down to the front of the theatre (there were some stairs in the actual theatre) so we could grab front row seats. That worked perfectly, there was lots of room for my walker and I could even put my leg up. Plus, we had a great view.

My buddy Jason was the MC, so he came out first to introduce Johanna and her band. Most of the musicians are also members of her band Sillan & Young, so they were all familiar faces. And I’m a little more familiar to all of them than I realized… after the show when Jason was introducing me to people, I heard a lot of “oh, yeah, I’ve seen your blog!” “Yeah, me too”. “Oh, yeah, I’ve seen it!” Hehe I think they had all read this entry when they went searching the ‘net for Sillan & Young. So, hello Johanna and Al and Kodi and Aaron and everyone else because I know you’re reading this too! Aaron’s wife asked me “what’s a blog?” We all hear it, I know… some people don’t know they exist, and even more don’t “get it”. I’m not sure I “get it” all the time either, I just know I like to talk about myself and write, and if others want to read it, so be it. Cool.

Maybe I need to be careful about what I say in here from now on and not be so out there. HA!

Anyway, the show was fabulous, and when Johanna sang “Calling You” (from Bagdad Café) for the encore, you could hear a pin drop in that theatre. Shivers. She is amazing.

After the show there was a little reception, so I bought her CD and got it signed and hung out with Jason and drank his beer. I met a new client in person last night, the one who owns that recording studio and called me last week. He’s coming by with his work next week, but we knew we would both be at this show so we were sure to say “hi”. Jason warned him, as we were hugging and smooching goodnight as usual, to “keep it business, man, or else you end up all over that blog…” Hehe I heart Jason.

Everyone who crosses paths with me sooner or later ends up in my blog! Especially if I like you, so take it as a compliment.

I woke up yesterday morning with a couple huge bruises on my legs, the one on my right hip being particularly painful. I won’t be wearing a bikini anytime soon. Yes, that’s my only excuse haha

The first thing I did (as usual) was head to the computer, where I posted on a forum I frequent about a dream I had the night before (Jason joined Lavalife and asked me to check out his matches because he hadn’t had time, and all that he matched with were men – he had accidentally put himself in the Men Seeking Men category Bwahahaha!) Shortly after I posted that, I went back to the forum and was surprised to see it had been hacked! I called Jason (it’s his band’s forum) and he said he’d get on it. Their computer guy has been MIA for months; I think he’s off making porn, that’s where the real money is for those webmaster guys. Heh. Anyways, it’s back up now, and nothing was lost, so that’s cool.

After yakking with Jason, I continued procrastinating work until I received a phone call from a client who was looking for an update on the status of his stuff. Immediately, I sat myself down on the floor, sorted the rest of his receipts, posted what was left, organized it all, and bing bang boom called him back and said he could come get it any time. Go me!

Then it was latte and reading time.

My friend Katrina stayed over last night. Her husband went out of town, and since they work right near me but live across the city, it would be an expensive cab fare for Katrina to go back and forth without Jay (one vehicle, and they work together). I had mentioned a long time ago that she could crash here since I’m so close, if she ever needed to. So she took me up on that yesterday.

We had a really nice evening. She showed up with another bottle of Diet Coke with Lime (”in case you ran out” – I still had one of the two bottles left they bought me last week!) We ordered in food, watched Fever Pitch (cute movie), Oprah, and talked and talked and talked. Or, at least I did. When my words started slurring I knew it was time to give my mouth a break (no, I wasn’t drinking, that is an MS symptom that appears occasionally when I talk a lot. Very occasionally, of course).

I was telling her all about AH and how we met and everything that has happened between us. I discussed how recently, Oprah has been doing some shows on relationships and has mentioned the book “Getting the Love You Want” by Harville Hendrix, and even had him on the show. One of his theories is that we draw people to ourselves that most can reflect and help you to heal the wounds of your past. Oprah said she would not still be in her relationship if she hadn’t read that book 18 years ago, and to “stay” when there is a conflict until “you have learned the lesson you need to learn”. AH is that example in my life because, like every other man from my past, I pushed him away when I figured he wasn’t living up to my expectations. I took so many things personally, jumped to conclusions, drew suspicions about him that were entirely untrue (I know now – at the time, I was assuming and guessing, and wrong!). And then, I cut him out, because that’s just what I do. That was in late September. Then, in mid-November, his first day back driving with Access after 6 months of not, he showed up at my door. His first day back, he was sent to me. Not by his choice or mine. That is when I realized I still had something left to learn here… we had unfinished business.

It was about a month later, that night in December when he couldn’t come pick me up and I didn’t believe that his car had actually broken down… until he sent his buddy from across the city instead… that I realized. Oh, My God. I have been so wrong. This man has never lied to me, he is everything he has ever presented himself to be to me, a man of honour, character and integrity. Of course he is human and has flaws and made mistakes, but he never “treated me badly” as I have stated. I saw a lot of the good stuff in the past, but I also found reasons not to see it. And this past few months of talking more frequently and becoming good friends has sealed that for me. So what have I learned?? Number One, not to take things so personally. It’s not about me, or because of me, we all have our “stuff”, and when our friends and partners are sorting theirs out, we need to know it’s not about “me” and try to be patient instead of jumping to conclusions or being in a hurry to just write them off (I’m so good at that - sometimes it is truly necessary, but not always). When the core of that person is good and true and honest and solid and worth it… let it go.

After Katrina left in the morning I showered and dressed and got started on another client’s work while I waited for another one to pick his up. After he left, I called AH to say “hi”. He was at the drive-thru getting lunch. I heard him order a Double Whopper combo w/ Coke. “Double Whopper!” I exclaimed. He said he’s depressed and is eating whatever he wants. I absolutely CAN NOT identify, sorry! Heh. He’s having some problems with his hearing and this ringing in his ear, and is having to wait to see specialists. He’s supposed to be seeing some one over in Northgate which is across from me, but we couldn’t figure out who or what clinic is over there. “Let me take my scooter over and go look!” I said. He said no, no, no, don’t be silly, but I figured what the hell, it’s a gorgeous day, and that would be a great excuse to get out of the house and go for a ride.

We continued to talk and I told him some of the things I had on my mind as mentioned above, and apologized to him for some of my past behaviour. He accepted my apology with grace, which I think often takes more character than giving one. I also thanked him for his patience with me, and the big lesson I hope I have finally learned. Time will tell, I guess. I’ll try not to mess up with the next guy, and hope that he is actually available.

After I hung up, I took my scooter out and went across the bridge over to Northgate. I checked out the businesses in the strip mall – I knew there were places like Staples, a Dollar Store, Shoe Warehouse, etc. – but I never knew there was a little Vietnamese restaurant in the corner!! I got very excited. I do live (summer weather) scooter distance to Vietnamese food! It’s amazing what you can find right in front of your face when you open your eyes

I saw no sign of an ear related medical clinic. A couple chiropractors, family practitioners (hmmm… two female doctors… wonder if they are taking new patients??), accountants… I called AH from outside the Professional offices and told him what I saw, and read him the tenant list. When I got to “Men’s Crisis Center” he stopped me and said “do you think that’s where I am going?” (remember… he’s not from this country, he doesn’t understand everything, he thinks his ear is a crisis). I said “Are you losing your hearing because your wife is beating you?”. “Oh”. Heh.

Anyway, since I was over on that side of the train tracks, I stopped at the Starbuck’s in Safeway to get my latte and then rode home. When I got here my voice mail had a message from AH, playing some country song from the radio and singing along dramatically. I laughed my ass off. No word yet on AH returning to his wife for sure, but it doesn’t matter to me now. Today helped me decide he’ll always be a part of my life, even if I have to become her best friend! hehe

Blahhhhhhhhhhh.

My day started with a building maintenance guy entering my apartment while I was in the shower. I had given them permission yesterday to enter if I wasn’t home, because they wanted to set more mouse traps and look for holes to seal with poisonous steel wool or something like that… I guess my not hearing the knocks led them to believe I wasn’t here, but you can imagine my shock when I stepped out of my bathroom. All I can say is, THANK GOD I put on that robe.

My left ankle (that I broke several years ago) is in so much pain today I can barely walk. I have been baby-stepping it and wincing in pain, and had to take my walker when I went to the doctor instead of just my cane because I can’t take more than two steps without something sturdy to hold me up.

So yes, this afternoon I saw my wonderful doctor of 17 years for the last time. If I wasn’t on anti-depressants, I probably would have bawled. I had him sign a form I need to bring in to Access Calgary (my service expires June 30, so I need this form filled out and signed by my doctor before I attend an interview to prove I still need the service). Luckily, my doctor is totally cool with that kind of stuff, writes whatever I want to make sure I get what I need, and never charges me. The only thing I was charged for today, was to pick up the copies from my file. Sandy handed me an envelope that was a lot thinner than I expected. “I’ve been coming here for 17 years and my file is so thick! Why is this so thin?” She said, “your urine tests from 1996 are a little irrelevant now”. Heh.

Anyway, I received a few prescription refills, found out my Doc just turned 70 (wow! He looks so much younger! I guess he is allowed to retire…), had him look at my ankle (he figures it’s the hardware from the surgery I had a few years ago – the steel plate/screws in there, that are still causing so much discomfort – I may need another surgery to have them removed. Ick), and a referral to another doctor, one that is very close to me and appears to be someone my doctor knows. He can see me May 2; I will see how that goes, and I still have an appointment May 15 with a female doctor as back up if I don’t like this guy.

I gave big hugs to my doctor and thanked him for being the best doctor ever, and to Sandy, who says her cancer is growing but she is refusing more chemo and although she feels fine now, “things don’t look good”. What do you say… except good luck, take care, squeeze hands… sniff.

So I guess my emotional afternoon would account for my being in a bit of a daze when I took my scooter over to the mall. Because it is so nice and sunny out, I wanted to ride outside instead of through the mall like I usually do. There are wide sidewalks all along the front of the mall clear to Walmart, so I never have to ride through the parking lot or anything. However, as I was passing this one entrance, there was a huge delivery truck blocking the way. I thought, oh, I need to go off the sidewalk now, onto the parking lot… and simply turned to the right. I didn’t even look at the sidewalk, my focus was on the truck, and I didn’t realize that part of the sidewalk wasn’t “accessible” and dropped down like a regular curb. So… can you guess what happened next?? My scooter toppled over with me on it, I fell off, it fell on me… I heard screams of “OH MY GOD!” as tons of people ran over to help me… a couple guys lifted my scooter off me as my leg was trapped under it. I’m all scraped and bruised (as is my scooter), but I’ll live. They helped me stand up and that is when I finally started to cry. Partly from pain, mostly from embarrassment, partly from shock. A nice woman was there comforting me, and another man gave me a tissue and asked if I was going to be okay, or required medical attention. I said I would be fine, I was just shook up. Once I got myself settled I rode back on to the sidewalk and took a rest until I stopped crying and figured my eyes weren’t too red. Then I went into Walmart to get Polysporin for my scrapes before coming home.

Where I am staying for the rest of the week!!

Guess who’s procrastinating work in order to write another blog entry!?! Guess who’s going to be stressing about how much work she has to do while she’s NOT EVEN DOING IT!

Shhhhh don’t tell my clients. It will all get done. I’m good under pressure.

So last time we talked, I was meeting cute boys for lunch. We went to Olive Garden because it’s close to me and they were pressed for time, and I will never say “no” to Olive Garden. Or Jason and Sheldon, for that matter. We had an extra one join us too, so it was Jason, Sheldon, Aaron (awesome guitar player) and ME. How it is I manage to find myself in these situations where I am the only woman with three cute guys, I’ll never know. It seems to happen on a more regular basis than should be allowed to any woman, so that makes me Blessed. You can touch my arm if we ever meet.

On Saturday morning I received a call from the guy who owns the recording studio Aaron works out of (he is also a producer and all that stuff). He just incorporated last year, so he needs someone to do his books and Aaron recommended me. So he’s coming by this week to bring me everything.

So this is what I need to do (work wise, only) by the end of the month:

• Finish up 2004 for one musician client;
• Then do his entire 2005 from the time he incorporated in January;
• Four years of taxes for another musician client;
• Organize 2005 year end papers/reports for the Accountant and do the 2006 first quarter and GST for my Life Coaching client;
• 2005 books for the recording studio;
• 2005 year end and Personal tax return for my Courier client and his 2006 first Quarter books and GST return;
• 2005 year end and Personal tax returns for my Tailoring client and her husband, and her 2006 first Quarter books and GST return;
• Personal tax returns for my family members;
• Contact my hairdresser about getting her books dropped off so I can get her salon set up as a client and get started;
• My usual work at the Pub and Troy’s, a few more days this month.

That’s a lot, for those of you that read the above and just saw “blah blah blah blah blah”. And that’s just what I know for sure, it does not include the “surprise” phone calls I may receive from other people I have been recommended to… many crawl out of the woodwork this time of year! I have to say though, it is nice to be in a position where the work comes to me and I’m never looking for new clients.

Yesterday was Easter and my mom and Bob came over. I was surprised by a phone call from my mom before they got here, asking “we’re in Mac’s, how do you make your coffee?” And I was like, what?? “your special coffee from Mac’s, how do you make it?” “Oh!! Half French Vanilla, half Seattle’s Best medium light roast”. Nice!

They arrived with a nice big cup for me, as well as tons ‘o food and a very smelly dog. One of their bathrooms is being renovated, the one with the tub, so they have not been able to give Clancy a bath for quite awhile. He really smelled bad. Bob used my tub to clean him all up and then I let Clancy near me! He’s so damn cute.

Old picture of me and Clancy, circa 1998? Before I had to cut off all my hair. Sniff.

We ate ham and scalloped potatoes and ordered perogies from Swiss Chalet because they are SO yummy. Then we watched the first half of Don Juan DeMarco (This is the fourth time I have watched it in the past few weeks, I love it!) while our tummies settled before digging into our chocolate fondue. We had strawberries and bananas, but the best idea was marshmallows dipped in the chocolate and then rolled in graham cracker crumbs. Ohhhhh, heaven!!

Then we watched the second half of the movie, then mom helped me change my bed and put away laundry while Bob vacuumed rice up from another mouse that is visiting. Sigh. For days I heard him in behind a wall in the kitchen, and I guess he finally chewed his way in. I’ve got my traps set up in the obvious places and hope to get him soon if he hasn’t moved on. In the meantime, tomorrow I will talk to my landlord about getting an exterminator through this entire building, I can’t be the only one having problems! Oh, and I need to buy Bounce. The no-name brand stuff doesn’t work, but the Bounce seems to. It must have a secret chemical.

When Mom and Bob went home, they left me some scalloped potatoes, the fondue pot and forks, the marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and all the chocolate, including a couple extra chocolate bunnies.

Sigh.