Like, no way!

There's a shortage of workers right now in Calgary. We're so booming that it's tough for retail businesses to get peeps to work for them. Consequently, we're tapping a younger and younger workforce. I had the longest checkout experience of my life last night at Safeway. My cashier was 15 at best, as was the courtesy clerk.

Being really thirsty, I had picked up a Snapple and when I got to the till, I asked her to scan it first so I could crack it open and start drinking it. The clerk said to me, "I like never wait to get it scanned. My boyfriend and I like open them like up, and then we like, drink half of it and then when we like get to the till, we're like, oh, do we have to like, pay for this? and they are always like, ya and we're like, well whatever. This one time we got, like, kicked out of the store and told, like, not to come back but we went back and she was, like, didn't I kick you out and we were like, uh I dunno, whatever!"

I kid you not. Then the cashier started talking about someone batting a light bulb and being afraid that it was going to fall and break on the bed and I swear to god, I didn't know if she was talking about her boyfriend or her cat until she summed up the entire story with:

"Sigh - Boys are, like, soooooooo stupid."

And they wouldn't stop talking to me. Even as I was trying to grab my receipt and walk away. I swear she was holding it hostage.

Don't get me wrong, I've been known to still talk like a valley girl at my ripe old age of 31, but these girls. . . It was a whole different language with different social cues. As soon as one started talking about her boyfriend, the other one had to top that story. And then that story had to get topped and then they would look at each other with partially blank stares. And I wanted to reach over and start scanning my own groceries.

Longest checkout experience of my life!

Spring has Sprung

Forget the Farmer's almanac. Pay no attention to the ground hog. Don't listen to the meteorologist. The best indication that spring is finally here has officially happened!

Portia has started 'blowing' her coat.

That's what it's called when a dog starts losing thier winter undercoat due to warmer weather. Last night, Portia and I sat down for her groomies (which she LOVES!!) and instead of the usual ten minutes, it took me almost thirty! I kept getting more and more hair - the thick, dense white fluffy hair underneath her multicolored fur. I came away with enough to build a whole other Portia!

Rocky has no coat to blow since Jenge got him trimmed short for summer when we came back from Mexico. That's his new haircut to the left. Doesn't he look sharp?

TV Junkie

My name is Squirrelly girly and I am a tv junkie.

I love to watch tv. Good shows, bad shows - it doesn't really matter. I find alot of people these days turn their noses up at TV. They say there's nothing good on, it's all crap - to which I reply - you must be a boring person with no personality if you can't find at least one show you tune in weekly to watch. TV is kinda like magazines - there is something for everyone! Not that it's all good. Some of it's bad. Some of it's so bad, it makes it full circle and becomes good again! Some of the shows Jenge and I watch, we spend the entire hour ripping apart the story, the dialogue the scenery - but we have a blast doing it. Here's a list of what I'm currently watching:
1. Stargate SG-1
2. Battlestar Galactica
3. 24 (I'm new to it this season so for those of you who say that this year sux, I don't know any better!)
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. Supernatural
6. Numbers
7. Gilmore Girls
8. Bones
9. CSI's - I watch them all in re-runs on Spike TV and the History channel.
10. Discover Civilization channel - you can find out so much by watching this! Of course, none of it will ever come in handy, but damn! I'm like an expert on the Egyptian Culture of the Apis Bull now!

I've also been known to tune into several movie channels just for the hell of it. Last night I watched Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (seriously, can you get better looking than Paul Newman? Not humanly possible) and Son of Frankenstein (Jenge came down halfway and was like "Is this supposed to be funny?" and I said, well no - it was made in the 30's and was quite serious then but now we view it as kinda campy).

There's nothing like a weekend of veggin out in front of the telly. Currently, Jenge is watching the Lost World on Space. In her own words, it's kinda bad, but I sat down and watched a couple of minutes anyway.

So stand up, tv junkies and be proud!

Best Vaycay Ever!

Well, I'm back from my vacation. The laundry is complete, the suitcase is unpacked and all is back to normal.

Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

It was the best vacation ever!

We stayed in an all inclusive resort - The Samba. The staff was wonderful, the food was good, the drinks were free. What more can I say?

Jenge and I went on 3 excursions as well. On Monday we went Zip-lining (so awesome and we have pictures to prove it!). On Thursday, we went swimming with dolphins and sea lions (that's Monico above, such a sweetie pie! He gave us all a kiss). On Friday, we went for a jeep ride through the Sierra Madres, topped off by a barbeque on a private beach and then tequila shots on the ride back. Fantastic! I also went kayaking (first time ever! and I have the scars to prove it!) and on the Sierra Madre tour, Jenge got to hold a tarantula and let it climb up her shoulder!

Jenge had to give serious consideration at the end of the tour about whether or not she was going to chuck it all back in Calgary and stay in Puerto Vallarta and become a dolphin trainer. In the end, she decided that it would be too hot for Rocky.

Vaycay!

Whoo hoo! My vacation is finally here! I'm packed up to spend a fun filled, sunny week somewhere in Mexico.

Don't know exactly where. Why you ask? Because in trying to "grow" as a person, I have left all the travel details to Jenge. She booked us, knows where we are staying, knows the buffet menu, has been buying our stuff for us, booked the puppies in a doggy resort and has all my tickets.

Normally, I would be online right about now researching my vacation, planning out my days, getting maps of the city, seeing the hotel on its website but this time it's Fly-By-The-Seat-Of-Her-Pants Gita who's in charge!

Ack! I hope it all works out!

Calendar Girl

Yes, mes amis, it's that time of year again. The time where Stage Mother Gita comes out full force and shines her baby up! It's time for the 2008 ARF Calendar Submissions!

This is OUR year! I KNOW it!

Are you infected?

Someone told me today that we are all infected by the virus and it is hate, fear and doubt. We come into the world virus free and slowly (or quickly depending on the circumstances) become more and more infected until we cannot tell who we are separate from the sickness. She said the virus makes us doubt ourselves, makes us fear, makes us mistrust and we knowingly and unknowingly pass it on to others every time we do something hurtful or mean. The only way to cure ourselves is to figure out who we are apart from the virus. I'm not sure what it all means yet, but I'm working on it.

The Power of the Jenge

After last night's Battlestar Galactica, Jenge was adament (or would that be "Lee ADAMAment) that I tell the world SHE CALLED IT! She said that Tighe and the chief were cylons about six months ago and while others scoffed and pooh poohed, she remained resolute. She's not even a sci-fi geek, only getting dragged into watching those shows because we only have one tv.

Even Rocky bows to the power of the Jenge.

Top Ten Songs on my iPod

Here's how the play counts stand:
10. Beautiful People - Marilyn Manson. Count = 65
9. This is How a Heart Breaks - Rob Thomas. Count = 66
8. Bridge to Nowhere - Sam Roberts. Count = 70
7. Disease (iTunes original version) - Rob Thomas. Count = 73
6. Don't Be So Cold - Stabilo. Count = 74
5. Cemetary Drive - My Chemical Romance. Count = 75
3-tie. All That I Am - Rob Thomas. Count = 81
3-tie. Helena - My Chemical Romance. Count = 81
2. You Won't be Mine - Matchbox 20. Count = 84
1. The Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance. Count = 273 (no that's not a typo, I really like that song!!)

Runner's Up
Flawed Design - Stabilo
The Grace - Never Ending White Lights
The Sharpest Lives - My Chemical Romance (impressive since it's also pretty new compared to the others)
They - Jem
Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake

About to Crack 50
Pretty Life - Jakalope
Barely Listening Pilate (actually, think they are called Pilot Speed now?)
Forever Love (Digame) - Anna Nalick
Graduation Day - Chris Isaack
Rest Stop - MatchBox 20
Precious - Depeche Mode
I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! At the Disco
The Hideout - Sarah Harmer
Bulletproof - Blue Rodeo
Moondance - Michael Bublé

Evolution
I was thinking about my Grandmothers today. Not that I knew either of them very well, one lived in Nova Scotia, the other in Greece. But I was thinking how different their lives must have been from mine. As I walked from my car to the Sobey's, I thought about how I was wearing leggings that, frankly, could use a wash. My shirt, hidden underneath my coffee stained coat, had a small hole in it. I wasn't wearing socks and my runners were muddy and have seen better days. Ah yes! I was a vision of weekend lovlieness! So I was wondering what my grandmothers would have said if they could have seen me. I don't know for sure, but I doubt either one of them were the pant-wearing type (unless we are referring to the rule of the household ;)). So would they have yelled 'Brava!' and applauded the freedom I can enjoy with my wardrobe, or would they have hung their heads in shame, telling the other dead grandmothers that I didn't, couldn't, belong to them?

And then I decided I was going to make dinner. So I bought pre-made garlic bread (bake in oven for 10 minutes), pre-made ceaser salad (assembly required), pre-made tortellini (boil for 10 minutes) and pre-made pesto (spoon on tortellini and toss). I thought, what would these two women who had to bake bread over a wood fire have thought of this? Would they be astounded by modern convenience, or would they just be disgusted that my idea of cooking is "assemble and re-heat"?

Yup, it's a different world now from the one they lived in, that's for sure. I wonder what they think of it.

Question Answered.

Sometimes I sautner on over to Portia and I say, "Portiacakes? How did you get soooooo lucky to be soooooooo good looking? Why are you sooooooo good looking? You must be one lucky puppy! Who's a lucky puppy? You're a lucky puppy!!"

She's so good looking to distract from her fatal flaws.

One of them Mummy Jennifer came home to today.

Jenge called me at 3.30. . . .
Jenge: Are you coming home before greek class?
M: well, I'm on my way to my nail appointment now, but I'll be home after that. Say, 5.30ish?
J: You better pick up carpet cleaner on the way home.
M: Why?
J[pause]: because there is projectile diarhea all over the stairs.
M[pause]:what?
J: I dont know what happened. I'll do the best I can but I got parent teacher interviews tonight.
M: I know. Um. Okay. I'll take care of it when I get home.
5 minutes later phone rings again
J: It was Halls. Cherry flavoured Halls. A whole bag.
M:Dammit!!
J: it's not toxic. She'll be okay. I don't even know how you're gonna clean it. I mean it's. . . and it's all. . . and there's. . . I don't know how you're gonna clean it.
M: I'll figure something out.

The Doctor is In

C'mon. Don't we all wish that Gregory House was our doctor? Sure, he's acerbic, snotty, mean and generally a pain in the ass to those who know him, but the fact of the matter is, we love him anyway. Why you ask? Because he keeps going till he gets the answer! He doesn't care if he hurts your feelings, or has to inject you with a toxic substance, or has to put you on a treadmill until you have a heart attack, he will find out what's wrong with you. In a time and age where my doctor has to glance down at my chart to remember my name, there is something very comforting about House in that he will leave no stone unturned. Sure, he only wants to solve your illness because it's a giant puzzle to him, but the fact remains, he wants to solve your illness! If only to throw your assinine, illness causing behavior back in your face. But you'll be cured, so you won't really care. Don't you wish your doctor showed as much interest in your symptoms as House does in his patients? Don't you wish your doctor could diagnose you as fast as House fixes the easy patients in the clinic?

As I said, if House was your doctor, he's chew you up and spit you back out emotionally, but at the end of the day, you'd thank him with tears in your eyes for curing you. And then he'd hit you with his cane and move onto the next patient, never giving you a second thought. And you wouldn't care.

Message from the President

Friends, Romans, Countrydogs. . . As president of the Secret Doggie Alliance, I want to thank you all for your support. Remember to stay the course. Our mission here at the Secret Doggie Alliance to ensure that we remain vigilent.. . . vigilant. . .vigi. . . darn it! I hate large human words. We gotta remember our rights! To bark when we want! to sleep where we want! To have coffee every morning if that is what we want! You must remember that though it appears your humans are in charge, the fate of your household in fact, rests on your canine shoulders. You must never reveal your secret dog name, given to you during your initiation ceremony. Should someone guess your secret dog name, you must pretend you didn't hear them. In fact, it's best to pretend you don't hear your humans at all. When they call you over, when they ask you to sit, when they want you to come inside because you are barking too much and the neighbors are starting to complain . . . The only exception to this rule is when you hear one of the following magic words: Treats, Cookies, Walk, Bedtime.

Be strong my friends. Soon we will rule the world.

Nevermind. . . I don't want to know. . .

So one of the bathrooms at work got re-done. The toilet seat is weird. It's all shaped and contoured. I guess it's supposed to be ergonomically designed or something.

Come on. Ergonomically designed? Just how long were you planning on sitting there?

I take it back, I DON'T want to know.

My faith in humanity restored!

Car is back from the shop and I must say, those guys at the Husky gas station (where I took it) were super nice. I feel I got a good price for the work done - they switched out my coolant fluid, ran a pressure test on my coolant system and changed my oil. They even filled up my washer fluid, even though I didn't mention it was low! They must have checked it for me. And my conversation with them went something like this:
Mechanic: Well, you were totally out of coolant fluid. All the seals on your system are shot.
Me: I know. I was told by the dealership that it would cost $1200.00 to fix
Mechanic: Oh no. It shouldn't cost that. I mean, you're looking at about 925.00 but 1200.00 is too much.
Me: I just can't afford that.
Mechanic: Well, as long as you put fluid in every time the light comes on, you'll be fine. It'll drive no problems. Just keep an eye on it.

And I waited for him to pressure me to fix it, like the dealership had done, but then there was just silence from his end. And I said:
Can you change my oil while you're in there?
Mechanic: No problem. By the way, whoever added coolant last didn't put the lid back on.
Me: Oh. Well. (pauses - and then blurts out) It was me! What an idiot!
Mechanic chuckles: well just make sure you put it back on or it can cause worse problems.
Me (sheepish): okay, thanks. When will it be ready?
Mechanic: anytime after 1pm. You can pick it up till 9pm.
Me: Oh, wow thanks!! How much?
Mechanic: Well, I haven't totalled it up but it'll be around $XXX
Me: Alrighty. Thanks.

And then I showed up and it was EXACTLY what he said it would be!!

This is the first time I've gone to a mechanic and haven 't felt TOTALLY screwed over when I left. I was dealt with politely and (I feel) fairly. I paid what I was told it would cost. And no one pressured me to get this or that done to my car.

Monday. . .sigh

So far today: I have run out of windsheild washer fluid (and it's a bad day for that), had an electrical malfunction in my car (which now has to go to the mechanics tonight), had a parking meter fail, spent 40 minutes on hold with the parking authority, returned back to my car to find a parking ticket (and now I'll have to call those fascists back!), the power went out here - it caused my database to corrupt itself, now I'm trying to restore 20000 records and it's slow going.


sniff.

Whoa-oh, it's Magic!!

Seriously, what is that Mr. Clean Magic sponge made out of? I love it!! I use it to clean anything and everything and it truly is a miracle! It takes soap scum off the bathtub, it cleans the gunk outta my kitchen sink, it takes puppy footprints off linoleum.

And isn't Mr. Clean a happenin' guy? He's got the earing and everything. Although he kinda looks like a cross between Yul Brenner and Telly Savalas. . . .

Is Baltar a Cylon?

Now, I know Heidi's opinion. Heidi has always firmly believed (and correct me if I'm wrong in the comments, Heidi!) that Baltar is a Cylon. But I firmly believe he isn't. He should be so lucky! That would be the best thing that ever happened to him!

Besides, what kind of freaked out algorithm has he got going that makes him so squirrelly? If he was a Cylon, they would have boxed him ages ago. Seriously. You can't have a frak up like that out there running amok.

Seriously, BSG is the best show out there right now. If I was an actor on that show, I would get down and praise the gods everynight that I was born on Caprica, or woke up in a jelly mess of Cylon goo, just so I could have all my choice dialogue, angst filled scenes and the occasional jolly good time in the mess hall. But a couple of things have me worried:
a) where the heck is Caprica Six? I assume she got tossed in the brig, but we haven't seen/heard any of this (and the obscure reference to her on tonight's epy doesn't cut it).
b) Who is getting killed off? If you read the chatter out there, someone is going to that big Jupiter Eye in the Sky. Pray for Starbuck, my fellow Capricans!! She's the best female hero on tv! Sure, she's crazy and totally fraked up, but you gotta love the girl!!
c) Together, Lee and his wife are Lee and Dee. As I said to Ashleigh, BARF!
d) Why doesn't Tighe get a glass eye or something? Honestly, if the Cylons can make entire human bodies that are nearly undetectable, surely someone can toss a piece of glass at Tighe. Maybe he can use one of his whiskey shotglasses?
e) Did Adama and Roslyn get it on on New Caprica? Am I supposed to be 'in the know' on this or will they keep vaguely referencing it without actually saying it?

Dog N A

I'm a curious person and being a curious person means that I read alot. Last night I couldn't sleep but I didn't want to get wrapped up in a book and then stay up all night, so I plucked some mindless reading of my bookshelves - Your Alaskan Malamute and You. Now, Portia is not a pure bred, she was rescued by ARF (link on the right) but based on her appearance, they speculated she was either a Husky or a Malamute cross. After reading several books and scrutinizing pictures, I have decided to go with Malamute.

I was reading last night the general characteristics of malamutes: stubborn (check), likes to be with her pack (check), loves children (check), worst guard dog ever (check - she loves anyone who looks at her sideways), loves snow (check), etc. But all of this got me thinking - these were not physical traits - these were mental/emotional traits. So how much of who she is is defined by her DNA? And by that turn, how much of who we are is defined by our DNA? The old Nature vs Nurture debate. If there are characteristics that can be generally applied to most alaskan malamutes, then what would be the charateristics applied to me by my ancestors? What's a product of my environment and experiences, and what's a product of stuff lurking in my genes? My love of pink? Scrapbooking? My dislike of seafood?

If you say that someone is an artist, or musically talented because someone else in their family was and that was passed on, then what else can be handed down? Like, I hate the smell of wind, I love crunchy food and I'm afraid of the dark. If I could hand out questionaires to all my ancestors, what would they say? Would there by a high proportion of people who like pink and solitary activities the same way that Portia's ancestors learned you depended on your pack for survival and therefore, pack was all?

Shrug - but it sure makes for interesting wool gathering late at night.

That's the pic on my calendar for February and I really like it! Don't you hate it when you really like your February calendar picture but you know it's only gonna be up for 28 days? Or less if you're like me and you forgot to flip over from January. And why haven't we done something about this whole 28-day-February? Why can't we take a day from January and one from March and make all three 30-day months? Don't you think it's odd that we've never fixed this? I call for a revolution!!