Oscar Nights And Random Thoughts

I love Oscar Night and every year I plan a little shin dig usually with my family. This year the girls wanted to dress up like the stars and wear their pretend jewels from Harry Winston. We had a few friends over and I loved when Kelly said "Oscar night is like my Superbowl." I couldn't agree more.
Here are a few of my thoughts as the evening progresses...........


-Portia De Rossi looks beautiful.
-Abigail Breslin was pretty as a princess.
-Guiliana De Pandi from the E channel wore a great dress.
-Jennifer Hudson borrowed her jacket from the Jetsons.
-Nicole Kidman, I've seen her wearing better dresses.

-The colours of the night are champagne and black.
-Ellens best line during her opening montage......"Jennifer Hudson was on American Idol, America didn't vote for her, and yet she's here with an Oscar nomination. That's incredible....And then, Al Gore is here, America did vote for him, and..."

-I can't believe how many of the male attendees are not wearing tuxedos. It's not a tuxedo if you don't wear a bow-tie. George Clooney always shows us what men should wear to the Oscars.
-Jack Nicholson is sporting the Moby look....with his trademark shades.
-Helen Mirren looks like a my daughters grade 2 teacher.....Mrs. Chesko.
-Alan Arkin won best performance by a supporting actor. Hip Hip Hooray!!! I was thrilled by this win. Alan Arkin is an asset to any movie he stars in.
-Happy Feet wins Best Animated Feature Film......I'm pleased as I have fond feelings about this flick. I went with Alleys grade 1 class to see it. Dancing penguins will take the win everytime.
-The Sound Effects Choir was kind of cool.
-Leo DiCaprio and Al Gore actually deliver the best joke of the night "I will take this opportunity to formally announce my-" Cut off by the music! Audible sighs of relief from the Hillary camp.
-Ellens piece about getting Spielberg to take a picture of her and Clint for her MySpace page was funny.
-Gwyneth Paltrow looked lovely.
-Jennifer Hudson wins best supporting actress for Dreamgirls but she should really win the award for most references to God in a thank you speech.
-Best Original Screenplay, which goes to Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine.(Hip Hip Hooray)
-During Celine Dions performance I relized that Celine Dion, like Ryan Gosling and Paul Haggis, is Canadian. (Go Canada!!)

Okay that is it for me.........I have to work a day shift tomorrow. I need sleep. I 'll hear who the other big winners are tomorrow.

Questions & Answers

Lyndsay sent this to me and I decide to post my answers here. Put your answers in the comments. I put Lyndsays there as well.

1. How old will you be in five years? 45 I'm beginning to embrace my 40's.
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? Garth.
3. How tall are you? 5' 1/2 (I can't forget the 1/2)
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Celebrating my daughters birthdays and the arrival of Spring.
5. What's the last movie you saw? Pursuit of Happyness. What an inspirational story.
6. Who was the last person you called? Tara.
7. Who was the last person who called you? Kelly.
8. What was the last text message you received? I don't do text.
9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? Kelly.
10. Do you prefer to call or text? Call
11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Sleeping. (I bet you're surprised)
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced ? Married. 48yrs this August.
13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Early February, when I was staying in Brantford to help her as she recovered from knee replacement surgery. I wished she lived closer.
14. What color are your eyes? blue.
15. What time did you wake up today? 8:30.
16. What are you wearing right now? Pajamas.
17. What is your favorite christmas song? Nat King Cole......"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."
18. Where is your favorite place to be? With family and friends.
19. Where is your least favorite place to be? Dentist.
20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Somewhere warm.
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Right where I want to be.
22. Do you tan or burn? tan
23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? The thing under my bed.
24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Alley.
25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 6......OMG.....I am my fathers daughter.
26. How big is your bed? Queen
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Both
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? In the summer.....I'm in the buff. In the winter the curve of my back always gets cold so I wear a skin tight tshirt that hugs me and keeps my back warm.
29.What color are your sheets? Chocolate brown pinstripes.
30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1
31. What is your favorite season? summer
32. What do you like about fall? the smells and the colours
33. What do you like about winter? Snowdays with the kids.
34. What do you like about the summer? lazy days, flowers, barbecues, swimming.
35. What do you like about spring? I always feel there is an air of anticipation in the air with spring......a buzz, a sense of excitement of what is to come.
37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Oakville, Sarnia, Dunnville, Kingston, Fort McMurray(Alta.), Maracaibo(Venezuela), Whitby, Brantford, Oshawa, Bowmanville.
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? bare feet.
39. Are you a social person? yes
40. What was the last thing you ate? Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing.
41. What is your favorite restaurant? Shrimp Cocktail
42. What is your favorite ice cream? Butterscotch
43. What is your favorite dessert? Creme Brulee'
44. What is your favorite kind of soup? tomato rice
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Strawberry
46. Do you like Chinese food? Absolutely.
47. Do you like coffee? Absolutely.
48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? 6
49. What do you drink in the morning? coffee
51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? closest to the door
52. Do you know how to play poker?No.
53. Do you like to cuddle? Yes
54. Have you ever been to Canada? Huh?
55. Do you have an addictive personality? Absolutely.
56. Do you eat out or at home more often? 1/2 & 1/2.
58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yes, my wild child cousin.........Sally. She was born on my 6th birthday. I still remember the day.
59. Do you have kids? Yes, I have 2 wonderful daughters.
60. Do you speak any other languages? I used to know spanish pretty well from living in South America but I have lost most of it. Every once in a while my father will try to speak to me in Spanish and I know what he is saying but I get stuck with a reply.
61. Have you ever gotten stitches? I had open heart surgery as a child and my daughters were born via C-section so yes I have had my share of stitches.
62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Never.
63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Pool.
64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats? Window.
65. Do you know how to drive stick? No
66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? My kids
67. Do you wear any jewellry 24/7? my wedding band
68. What is your favorite TV show? Lost and Rescue Me.
69. Can you roll your tongue? yes
70. Who is the funniest person you know? Leslie.
71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? God, No!!!
72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? I don't do ring tones.
73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? of course
74. What red object is closest to you right now? candles
75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? not always
76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? closed
77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? neither
78. Do you flirt a lot? no
79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? plum or sweet and sour
80. What is your favorite food? seafood
81. Can you change the oil on a car? no.....but Mr Lube can.
82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Maybe one or two...or three or four......or....
83. Have you ever run out of gas? yes.
84.What is your usual bedtime? depends, I"m a shift worker.
85. What was the last book you read? Tara Road
86. Do you read the newspaper? Daily.
87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Rolling Stone and Toronto Life.
89. Do you watch soap operas? No.
90. Do you dance in the car? No, but I sing.
91. What radio station did you last listen to? 94.9.....The Rock.
92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? Brooke and Alley together.
93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? Grocery List.
94. What is your favorite candle scent? Cinnamon
95. What is your favorite board game? trivial pursuit.
96. When was the last time you attended church? Francescas and Franks wedding.
97. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Mr. Bolton
98. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? a week

ASU Baby Shower

I have been surrounded by babies this week. Everywhere I turn. It has been a few years since I have cradled my own babes in my arms and smelled the sweet smell of newborn newness. I have been feeling the lure. Just born - miracles of life - so innocent, so sweet, so sleepy. I miss the soft sweetness of a newborn. I realize that while that newborn time was perfect (and horrible and crazy), each day gets better and better with my girls as they get older. More challenging in some ways, but definitely better.

She Was Born To Rock

Brooke has inherited her fathers love of music. They spend their weekends scouring the fleamarkets looking for albums. She will sit with him for extended periods while he spins tunes and looks over the new found treasures. Recently she asked her Dad to teach her to play the drums. It has been two weeks and she practices frequently. The girl is a natural.

Movie Review: Casino Royale

This film for me was more fun than the last few Bond films put together. It is full of physical effects and human drama. Daniel Craig brings back the raw physicality to the role that Sean Connery introduced. Some of the latter Bonds focused more on the gadgets, gunplay and big chase sequences than it did about physical combat.
Daniel Craig has the benefit of our maturing curiosity, we are not so easily amused by explosions, gadgets, girls and exotic locales, but in need of understanding how Bond became the suave but ruthless and hardened 007. I'm glad they finally decided to unwrap this man of mystery even if it took them over 4 decades to get there.

A Weekend Retreat

I just spent an extended weekend visiting my parents in Brantford. It was great being able to spend time with my parents and I am grateful that Garth was willing to go solo with the girls for the last few days while I roughed it in the separate apartment off my parents home. It was tough having to sleep in a queen sized bed by myself and waking up without an alarm clock. I fumbled through using the bathroom and having baths without having to share facilities with others. I think I'm a quick learner tho' and embraced this new concept. It was difficult for my mind to handle the constant and nagging noise of ....Quiet!!!!
I had to adjust my way of thinking while I was away at my parents....there was no fighting over the remote control due to the fact that I had my own 56" Television and limitless supply of DVD's. If I could make it through them then my Dad has his endless recordings off the television I can watch. ( And I think I'm a TV Junkie) If I was feeling parched from my tiresome and exhausting days of rest and relaxation then I could refuel with a limitless supply of tasty bevarages or ice cream delights.
In all seriousness, I had a great time and was able to make a dent on my Christmas Shopping while spending some quality time with two of my favorite people. Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you both.

Municipal Election Results

Mayor ... Jim Abernethy (With more than 49 per cent of the vote, Mr. Abernethy almost doubled incumbent John Mutton, who received about 26 per cent.)
Ward 1 and 2 Regional ... Mary Novak
Ward 3 and 4 Regional ... Charlie Trim(Returning)
Ward 1 Local ... Adrian Foster(Returning)
Ward 2 Local ... Ron Hooper
Ward 3 Local ... Willie Woo
Ward 4 Local ... Gord Robinson(Returning)

Clarington's council will look quite different when it resumes in December. There will be three new faces, while three councillors will return to office.

Voter turnout is being reported at 38% and even with that figure a
strong statement has been made by the voters.

Wise Words

In an April interview of Maya Angelou. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words! Maya Angelou said this:

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

“I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.”

“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.”

“I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.”

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.”

“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”

“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”

“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”

“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Another Milestone: My Baby Loses Two Front Teeth

My mom commented to me today that when she viewed the Halloween pictures that I recently posted, she didn't realize that Alley had lost both her front teeth. I had just assumed everyone knew because it was consuming the whole house while it was happening. Alley worked so hard at getting those suckers out and she had trouble with the one because the tooth had fractured previouly. Here is a picture that I took of her on October 18.

Halloween 2006

My Halloween observations this year.....What a perfect Halloween night. It was warm, dry, partly cloudy, complete with a half moon. It should be a universal rule that trick or treating starts at 6:00. It gives us time to get our act together before kids come around begging for sugar. At 7:00, the cute little kids are slowly being replaced by the middle-school age kids. I begin looking at my watch at this point. By 7:30, the older teenage kids begin showing up with a plastic bag and no costume. They are not trick or treaters they are jackasses!!! Speaking of which, Sweet Jimmy Swinghammer was in the neighbourhood and was sporting his Johnny Knoxville look. The kids scored a major haul and I will be sharing it with the crew and patients at work this week. My little devil doesn't need any excessive amounts of sugar as you can tell from the photos.

Dayshifts Suck!!!!!

Day shifts are hard on my body. I strongly believe that getting up at 5:15 am is WRONG. I enjoy not having to set my alarm clock when I work nights. Some nurses tell me that working night shifts makes them feel like they have the flu. Well, day shifts do that to me. It takes me many days to get over the pure exhaustion of working day shifts.
At the hospital where I work there is a shift premium for the evening and night nurses. I believe that the shift differential should be awarded to the dayshift as they work twice as hard. I often feel that when working the day shift I have to work at an inhuman rate. On night shifts, the workload feels more manageable. There’s less chaos and disorganization. On night shifts, I don’t feel like I’m “just trying to keep them alive until the next shift.” Instead, I feel like I am being a nurse and working with my patients.

I Am About To Cut Off My Nose!!!!

I am at the point where I don't care if it will spite my face. Since my summer vacation to Myrtle beach, I have had the worst sinus pain ever. I tried to avoid going to the doctor and treated myself with all sorts of home remedies. During the second week of August I relented and went to urgent care. The doctor there gave me a prescription for one of those funky new antibiotics that you take once a day. I left hopeful but soon felt hopeless. The pain persisted. I was waking up with nosebleeds and feeling frustrated. In September I made an appointment with my GP to have an overdue yearly physical. I had recently turned 40 and became preoccupied with the state of my health. I am happy to say I passed my physical with flying colours. have had my eyes checked and everything is A- okay. I have gone to my cardiologist and everything is so good, that rather than every 3 years he says lets make it every 5-10 years. I have had extensive bloodwork with no red flags. I am scheduled for a baseline mammogram at the turn of the month and don't expect any major concerns. I do however have this ongoing pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My Gp says " Oh you most likely have a nasal polyp related to allergies." She prescribes the same funky antibiotic as the other doctor. I ask," What ever happened to prescribing good old Penicillin?" She just smiles and tells me this is the best choice and also prescibes a nasal steroid spray. So here I am 10 days post treatment and I am in excruciating pain. My left nostril is so congested and the bridge of my nose has PRESSURE beyond belief. My top teeth are killing me. I am thinking this may be my destiny.

Bowmanville Zoo

This past Sunday we spent the afternoon at the Bowmanville Zoo as they were offering free admission to all. The air was cool and all the animals were in fine form. I used to frequent this little gem of a zoo when the girls were younger. It was a great place to go for an afternoon picnic with an infant and toddler in tow. The girls were amused by "Side Step Sally" the mutant cow with a 5th leg growing right out of his back. Is this any indication that we live too close to Darlington Nuclear Plant.