Shocking the Other Person

No, this post is not about me torturing someone, it is about perceptions. Last night I was chit chatting with a couple of friends, about the usual: books music, etc.. I do not remember exactly how we ended up taking about Black Flag and Henry Rollins, but we did. When I mentioned that I happened to like Henry Rollins and much of his work, one of my friends was stunned. He kept staring at me in utter disbelief, like somehow his understanding of basic logic was shattered. In response I kept asking why he was so shocked. Finally he admitted he was unable to reconcile his perception of me as a hippie environmentalist with this new information (these are my words not his...).


My friend's description of me as a "hippie environmentalist", is not something I disagree with. I think it describes a dominate aspect of my personality, I do not think that it describes my entire personality. Like everyone else I have many layers to my self and life, some of which may seem contradictory.



This is not to say that I have not experienced the exact same thing as my friend. I too have been surprised by a close friends, and in each case my surprise was due to my beliefs or perceptions. It is this perception of others that got me thinking, is it possible to have a relationship where you are not surprised by the other person because you know them so well. Personally, I'm not convinced that you can know a person that well, at least I do not seem to know anyone that well.

BTW- Sorry about the link not working. I'll keep working on this one.

Plodding along...

I figured that I would do a bit of an update about my little corner of the world.

In a few days once again I will be going to the polls, his time it is for a municipal election. Unlike the Federal election, I have no idea what any of the candidates are campaigning on or about. I do need to get my butt in gear and find out about everyone so that I can at least vote intelligently.

Work has been exceeding busy and while I am always grateful that I have steady and interesting employment, I am fearful that I am losing the work-life balance. This balance is something that is almost sacred to me. I do not wish to become an individual who either cannot or will not retire because they have nothing outside of work. Hence I ensure that my free time is spent on activities and thoughts that have nothing to do with work. Right now I am hopeful that soon work will go back to normal and I will again be able to get a decent night's sleep without the nagging worry about things that need to be done.

I signed out a couple of books from the library, in an effort to learn how to crochet and knit. This has not worked out so well and I am now looking for a class. Hopefully I will find one soon.

Not all is doom and gloom in my life. I had to take one of my kitties to the vet and after some dental work she is now in good health. There was some concern regarding a lump in her mouth, however the lump has been removed and she is back to her feisty self.

I have also been inspired by a friend of mine, and I am once again beginning to sew. So far I have started a simple nightshirt. I figure if it does not turn out exactly as I want no one need see it.

Congratulations President Obama

Last night I, like many, spent my evening glued to the television watching the results pour in. When the media finally declared Barack Obama as the next US President, I felt a sense of elation, and I was speechless. As trite as it sounds, I could not help thinking, this is history and I am a part of it. I was not sure that I would see this in my lifetime. For me, a Canadian, Barack Obama is a symbol of change and hope, even though he is not my leader. His speeches and actions were inclusionary, something I have hoped that our politicians would be. Perhaps for Canada's next election we will have our Obama.

President-Elect Obama has a tough job ahead of him. I believe that he will do a great job and I wish him and all of America the best.

Halloween memories

Ohhh I've been a bad blogger. Lashings for me. I could talk about how busy I am and the like, but really that is just an excuse. However, onwards....


Halloween is quickly approaching. Although it is my favorite time of year, nowadays I find it a little depressing. While I love to dress up and as an adult I enjoy watching the trick or treaters, I do not get to do as much of it as I used to. I think that I have mentioned that live in a condo and while I initially thought that would mean hoards of children (as a kid I loved apartments, you got to get to more places, which meant more candy) but in the past I have not had any. I still buy a couple of bags of goodies, just in case, but I have always ended out bringing them to work for everyone.


My memories of Halloween are less sinister than I what I see as today's version. For me the bad house was the person who gave out apples or if you went to the dentist's house who gave out the toothbrush. As a kid it really was all about the candy, and for me apples and toothbrushes never cut it. I loved figuring out what I was going to be, designing the costume, making it. I was thrilling. The fun did stop for a while when I was a teenager (the too cool for life stage) but when I was a younger adult, once again the costumes came out and instead of going door to door it was either a house party or the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Now, if Halloween falls on a work night, I stay in usually watching a movie, hoping that one or two children will knock on my door, if it is on a weekend then I meet up with a few friends. However, it is not the same, perhaps because I am older and do not have children. No need to get depressed, I still have fun and my house is decorated but it is much quieter. Then again I seem to enjoy quiet more often.

Happy Halloween everyone.

Try, try again...

I love to learn and have decided that I am going to explore some of my interests that I had when I was younger, things like art and design. I am under no illusions that I am somehow the next DaVinci. Even the stuff I do well is not to the level of some masters, but for me it is fine. In other words I can cook well enough to feed myself and guests without having to ensure that the ambulance is on standby, but Iron Chef Feenie I am not. I have decided to learn how to knit and crochet. I figure that this will nurture my creative side without taking away from my practical side. When I get really good I might be able to make sweaters...I do live in Canada and despite global warming it still gets very chilly (read darn tootin cold).

Prior to my deciding to learn these skills, I should note that I can crochet a single line for as long as I would care to, but really that is about it. As for knitting, somehow that is a process that has long had an air of mystery for me. I know and have known extremely talented people who are able to create wonderful items through knitting and/or crocheting, but alas not me. In fact my grandmother was an amazing knitter; I'm not actually sure I remember seeing her sit down to watch television without knitting something. She made sweaters, blankets, toques, and a number of other things. I also have a really good friend who is very artistically talented. When we were housemates for a bit she crocheted these amazing sweaters, not lacy ones, but gorgeous sweaters that fashionable type people wore. Both of these people make it all seem so easy.

My grandmother did attempt to teach me to knit, but for whatever reason, I was never able to get it. As for crocheting, my good friend was able to explain crocheting things other than a really long chain. I remember being able to crochet a square, but really it has been a very long time and honestly I just cannot remember what she was teaching me. Previously I have borrowed from the library (and once in a while bought) in an effort to learn how to do both. Thus far, I have not been successful. Once again I have signed out a book from the library, in the hopes of changing my track record. This time however, I have borrowed a book from the children's section. Perhaps this time Ill have more success.

For the love of pets

Shhh....don't tell my strata, but I share my humble abode with two (yes, I said two) cats. With the exception of the balcony, they are indoors. Mostly they sleep and shed. It is only occasionally they have fits of energy and rip through the apartment like they are on fire. They each have their own very distinct personality and for me they are like children. Love me, love my cats. I am a pet person. You might say that if you are not a pet lover, I'm not the person for you. It is a deal breaker for me. Anyone who knows me will confirm this.


I was talking to one of the women I work with and she mentioned that she is not a pet person. However she also mentioned that her children are really excited to move to a house because they will be getting a dog. She went on to explain that she has already told her husband that she wants no part of a dog, that the dog will not under any circumstances be allowed in the house and that if anything happens the dog will have to leave. She has had bad experiences with pets in the past and has no desire to get one. As for her husband, he works long hours and her children are way too young to assume the full responsibility of a dog. And yet, it would appear that that they will be getting a dog. My prediction is that this dog will not last long in this household. While I do not think ill towards this person, I am hopeful that they do not get this pet, only because this is not a pet who will be allowed to be a part of the family, and when (not if) the dog becomes a hassle or does something irritating, the dog will be forced to leave.


I take my responsibility for my pets very seriously. I got the first kitty (Sweetie Pie) while I was still renting after I asked the property manager if I could get a house cat. Although the place had a 'no pets' policy, I decided to ask anyways. In my mind I had decided that if the property manager was not willing or able to allow me a cat, I would be moving as soon as I could find a place that would allow a pet. At the time I realized that I needed to have some sort of pet for my emotional and mental state of mind. As a child we always had cats and for me they make a home. That and I was tired of coming back to a place where the only sound was the radio or television.


Years later when I was buying my own place, one of the deal breakers was a no pets policy. The place I currently live in allows for one small pet (either a dog or a cat). After a while I found that others in the complex had more than the single pet. In each case it was two indoor cats. So I put out the feelers for another cat as a companion for Sweetie Pie. Enter George. Like Sweetie Pie, George is a rescue.


I recognize that having a pet or two is a big responsibility, but there are also wonderful rewards. Financially, the vet bills can add up. Kitty food and litter are not free either. When I go on vacation I need to ensure that someone takes care of them. There are really nice things about having a pet (they both make for wonderful footsie warmers in the winter and great companions while watching a movie) and some not so nice things (changing the litter box). But for me, the good really does outweigh the not so good.


Having a pet is a long term commitment. I believe it is unfair to bring an animal into a home that is not entirely keen on having it, or is unwilling or unable to make the commitment needed for the life of the animal. No matter what kind of pet, inevitably the pet will get into something, destroy something or behave in a manner that makes you want to scream. I could talk about the first day I got Sweetie Pie and how she bit through my hand after she became extremely terrified. Or I could talk about how when I am sick, both of them refuse to leave my side, and to this day when I am on the computer, at least one of them is on the back of the chair guarding me from any potential intruder. It is the latter that I chose to focus on.


Finally I believe that each of us needs to be honest with ourselves and others. As I said at the beginning of this post, I am a pet person. I love my pets and recognize that my decisions affect the quality of all of our lives. Even when I live with others, I still crave (need?) the affection of animals. Others are not the same. Some like my workmate have no desire for pets, but are being pulled into pet ownership. Perhaps I am being too harsh on my workmate, and should pretend that it is not a big deal, but then I would not be honest with myself or for that matter others.

Frugal tips

Previously I mentioned that I was going to talk a bit about frugality, without focusing on food, most of what I have is what I refer to as the "what momma always told you". It is stuff that my mom did to make ends meet.

1. Stop shopping. Do you really need the item or are you caught up in the latest must have craze?

2. Eat in, and make it yourself. I am old enough to remember a time when going out for dinner was a special treat. Of course making it yourself means no frozen or ready made meals. You take basic ingredients out of the cupboard or fridge, and make a meal.

3. Eat leftovers. I actually know people who don't eat leftovers because they "don't like them". I agree that turkey surprise is not most favorite meal (especially after I have eaten turkey for the last four days straight), but you can always freeze some for later use.

4. Make a list (and stick to it). In other words don't get distracted by all of the marketing hype.

5. Combine trips. Gas is expensive, so I plan the route.

6. See if you can share the cost with another person. I share the cost of a discount shopping membership with one of my friends.

7. Drink water from the tap. I fill a pitcher and put it in the fridge and I find that the taste goes away.

8. Turn down the thermostat in the winter. If you are cold, put on a sweater. Conversely in the summer, try not to use the A/C, unless really needed.

9. Try eating vegetarian once or twice per week. Meat is expensive.
10. Turn off the lights that you are not using.

11. Line dry your clothes. Even in an apartment I manage to dry my clothes on an fold out dryer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water. Saves money and energy.

13. If you need something, is it possible to borrow it (from a library or a friend). This is good especially if you are using the item only once or twice or if you are starting a new hobby and are not sure if it is something you are going to stick with.

14. If you have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum. This is a long term savings thing.
15. Buy generic, if you do not notice the difference. For somethings I can easily tell, others I have no idea.

16. Save money. Start a savings plan and have something that you are saving for. Remember to pay yourself first.
17. Keep your car in good condition.
18. If possible take transportation. When I head into the big city (Vancouver) I take transit. Who can afford to park? This also allows me the opportunity to relax and catch up on my reading.
19. Go to the bank once per pay period and take out an 'allowance'. Then pay cash for everything. I believe that my mom used to call this the envelope method of finance. Also track your spending. This gives you a good idea of where your money is going.
20. Go online and see who has the best deal. This is especially good for grocery shopping as I have 3 major grocery stores within blocks of each other.
21. If you are in the market to buy a place, do not buy at the top of what your pre-approved loan is. Do you really need to live in the mansion? Or will a more modest house (or townhouse/condo) do? Remember it is not only the cost of buying, but also the future cost of maintaining (upgrading?) that will affect your finances.
22. Learn to complete simple home repairs yourself. This also includes learning how to maintain your home.
23. Hold a garage sale or at least get rid of your excess clutter. By keeping the clutter down there is less of a tendency to misplace or lose things which means that you don't have to unnecessarily replace things.
24. Use cloth napkins.
25. Maintain your health. This means make sure you eat healthy foods, get enough exercise and sleep, etc. Basically all the things your doctor keeps telling you to do.