Oh my good god.... we've got comments!

Yes, it's true. Someone actually reads when we write on here.... ahhh, I'm tickled. No, really, I am. Funny thing is though, the comments were left on a blog that was written last November.

I'll refresh - blog was about 'fit lips' and stuff. In it I was ranting about the Ottawa 'lip plumper queen' (oh, I've heard her referred to as much worse, by both men and women, even the kind that run in her circles - not just us lowly working folks) and how inconsiderate she was to fellow patrons of an Ottawa salon. (the lack of consideration reflected her overall lack of class and went to prove one more time, that money can not buy all things)

So, long story short, two people, who chose to not reveal their identity, left comments. Which is really cool. We didn't even get comments left when we took a run at a Parish a while back. I'm seriously wondering if it is some PR trick - maybe the offender herself - maybe just someone who felt inclined to defend the rich and rude? Hummm, it really doesn't matter. Fact is... someone left comments. Makes us very happy!

The point of all this? I just really want to say thank you anonymous comment leavers! You had enough balls to step up to the plate and open your mouth - so much more than likely 90% of the population.

Now, instead of painting me with the green envy paint defender of the rich and overstuffed, (oh and if you are reading this..... the 'bag' in question wasn't of any notable quality, it was big and it was boring) - how about focusing some energy on things that really matter. Doing your part for a 'green consumer plan', become a supporter of the 'green movement', abide by the 'green refuse, reduce, reuse' option.

Hey just a thought... instead of supporting junk cosmetic producers who are bent on making women feel inadequate unless they use their 'lip plumpers' aka 'lip irritants' and who continue to contribute to the consumer throw-a-way mentality - start supporting something or someone that really can and will make a difference. None of us are perfect, but at least this way you are helping to make the world a better place.

Comments anyone????
Have a lovely Hot Cherry week!

Single men and bad advice!

Without question, Monday's are the dullest day of the week. I believe this to be a true statement regardless of whether you are luckly enought to have the day off or if you are dragging your hurting butt back into the office. So, in keeping with the Hot Cherry Review mandate to always entertain and enlighten.... Ladies, I once again give you - 'why some men will never succeed with woman'.

Yes, I opened a 'headline email' from my favorit male advisor - Askmen.com. I was greated by their Joke of the Day. The really pethetic thing about this 'joke' is that to many guys... it all sounds reasonable. Can't you see them now, scratching their balls, giggling like school girls sneaking a smoke in the washroom? Now I'm only going to say this once... guys with a brain, this does not apply to you. Your knuckle dragging counsins though - now that's a different story.

Joke of The Day

Male Comebacks

Man: Haven't I seen you someplace before?
Woman: Yes that's why I don't go there anymore.
Man: Really? I heard it was because everyone there thinks you're slutty.

Man: Is this seat empty?
Woman: Yes, and this one will be if you sit down.
Man: Probably because you'd be on your knees greeting my crotch.

Man: Your place or mine?
Woman: Both. You go to yours, and I'll go to mine.
Man: That's cool, 'cause after I get done nailing you in the back of my car... I don't give a crap where you go.

Man: How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Woman: Unfertilized.
Man: No problem, I can always withdraw onto your face

Man: Do you want to dance?
Woman: No!
Man: I think you misheard me. I said you look fat in those pants.

Man: If I could see you naked, I'd die happy.
Woman: If I saw you naked, I'd probably die laughing.
Man: That works for me... as long as you're still warm when I do you.


Now the really funny 'joke of the day' actually shows up in one of AM's how to guide's entitle - 'How to know you've been single too long'. Here are the headings:


There is a certain luxurious freedom that comes with being single; you are free to do whatever you like, come and go as please, and you answer to no one. But indulging in that independence for too long can change a man, and usually not for the better. Bad bachelor habits can quickly become second nature and you can lose your motivation or, even worse, your edge. And like a job applicant with gaps in his resume, your periods of “liberty” raise big red flags with potential partners. Being single for too long is a downward spiral that can leave a guy sad, lonely and celibate.

We’ve all seen dudes start to slide down this slippery slope, and it ain’t pretty. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to list 10 clear signs that might mean you’ve been single a little too long -- heed the warning. If some of them hit close to home, it’s probably time to reevaluate. Unless, of course, a future filled with long, lonely nights eating pork rinds while watching scrambled porn with your obese cat sounds good.

You assume you repulse all women

You develop bad eating habits

You gush about your feelings to women

Your dating standards plummet

You get a cat

You surf mail-order bride sites "out of curiosity"

You look at female friends as potential girlfriends

You play too many video games

You consider your mother’s dating advice

You Google old flames

Okay, so better than the 10 top reason... the comments...

( Gone too long says:

Sun, May.20th 2007
at 19:53:56 PST
Rating:

I've been single my whole life as well. Doesn't matter. I just can't find anyone that interests me. I don't lower my standards. While my friends around me deal with gold diggers, psychos and constant control freaks, I wait. I've been single long enough that I'm in no hurry. It doesn't bother me, maybe that itself is a problem. But a 29 year old who reeks of desperation isn't good either. I have plenty of interests to keep me busy (cars, drums, music) so if the right one does ever show up fine. But theres nothing wrong with being single. I think its just a form of peer pressure, and it forces guys to deal with crap they shouldn't have to. Don't settle to avoid the apparently dreaded "single" label.

( TRACK3-31 says:

Sun, May.20th 2007
at 13:04:17 PST
Rating:

The cat thing is just foolish. I own a cat and rake in women. Women like anything that shows your compassionate, dependable and caring. If your a weirdo your a weirdo regardless of what kind of animal you own and even if you are a weirdo fact is, 90% of women out there are just a weird and sick as you if not more so. Milk the damaged goods persona, just be sure your as good as you are damaged.

( JJ Björnsson says:

Tue, May.22nd 2007
at 08:06:35 PST
Rating: n/a

First mistake? Actually giving a sh*t what women think. Last mistake? See first mistake.

( dior says:

Tue, May.22nd 2007
at 09:51:25 PST
Rating:

you forgot one. visiting askmen.com : )

James says:

Thu, May.24th 2007
at 07:35:39 PST
Rating: n/a

Top sign: Sex with yourself is so good you don't even think about getting another person involved.

On that note...... Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Week!

flipping the bird!

With May comes hockey... Canadian hockey.... Ottawa Senators hockey! Second round of the playoffs, game just finished up.... whoooohoooo... Ottawa is up 3-1 in the series. The biggest news of the night though... I managed to preserve my fresh manicure - this is huge on its own.

Hockey however good it is right now in Senator town, is not the subject of this entry. It is however the cause of my grief I'm sure. Let me explain.

I was driving out to the west end of our city on the big bad highway in rush hour. Anyone who drives in Ottawa knows that come 3pm traffic almost grinds to a halt west bound. So there I am, stuck in slow moving, go-brake-go traffic. I am a very observant driver, I like to know what is going on around me. I glace back and notice a delivery sized truck making it's way to my spot.

Now had I been driving my big fearless red 4X4 I probably wouldn't have noticed until much later in the game, but I was driving my new Edge instead. Come to think about it, had I been driving the big truck, this whole story would have likely never happened. But it did. As traffic starts up the long 'Kanata hill' I now have this rather large delivery truck right on my ass. He is big, 5 ton. I can't get a make on his plate or see who the driver is - he is so close to the back of my vehicle.

Then it happens... he tries to push. Yep, figuring if he rides my ass I will somehow will traffic in front of me to move quicker... there is no space, no room to move up. Finally when all I catch is the nose of his truck dropping and a squelch of brakes, I know he has almost run into the back of me. Narrow miss.

I loose it. I pop my lovely manicured hand out the sunroof and flip him the bird - 'back off you asshole' I shout at no one in particular. Now I can't tell if he flips me back or what, he is too damn close.

As traffic spreads out and opens up I accelerate up to the 120 I tend to run and who is on my ass, still pushing. Now I've pretty much had it. I grab the cell phone and get ready to get his number. I make a lane change to get out of this stupid driver's way. He comes up along side of me now, in the outside lane and instead of going past, he slams on the breaks and darts right in behind me..... my truck shakes he is that close.

What happens next makes me wonder how a number of us got home in one piece tonight. The driver then darts out in front of the driver in the next lane and then moves one more over in front of traffic. We all get up to the stop lights on the exit and I get the number and the plate.

The delivery driver swings into the other turning lane and then pulls away from the red light cutting off the driver with the right of way. What on earth could be so important that this man was willing to drive the way he was? I don't know, but if I could make an educated guess, it likely had something to do with tonight's hockey game. Surely he couldn't have been just a really stupid and careless driver?

I did call the company and loge a complaint. It is the first time I have ever done anything like that. I was outraged, his driving was so risky, so dangerous. If anyone had made a different move, it could have been a different story all together. The company seemed concerned and was both thankful and apologetic. I didn't want anything from the phone call, just to make a company aware of the risk that was running with their name on the side of the truck.

Oh, and one more thing. Younger people and women are always getting the wrap for bad driving..... this driver was an older man, someone who you would have thought should have known how stupid his actions were.

My new Edge btw is wonderful. I really enjoy driving it. I know, its the honeymoon period, but still I think this relationship might last. On the finale of the sales deal... I ended up giving $20 to the competing sales manager and salesman by way of coffee gift cards... I figured they gave of their time and helped me keep my dealership honest. At the end of the day, they did win the deal on price.... just goes to show, it is not always price that makes the difference.

I have so much more to tell you this week... including an update on 'the daughter'. I'll keep that for next time. You have yourself a wonderful Hot Cherry week until we catch up next time.

the great vehicle debate

I drive a truck... a 4X4 gas guzzling, smoke puffing, huge truck. It's a beautiful truck, red, almost fully loaded, peach to drive, fast, responsive - I really like my truck.

But lately I've had this thing happening in my head every time I get behind the wheel. I think 'silly girl' (that's how I speak to myself when I am having a conversation with me) 'just what the heck do you need this big piece of metal? It's really too big for what you do, it costs a fortune to run (gas costs per month are currently edging towards $600), you can't park it downtown, its almost a liability - not to mention it is a huge polluter.

So, I've decided to do something about it. I'm downsizing. Like so many things in my life that I have found 'not necessary' the big red truck is one of them. Now those who have been within earshot of me lately know of the woes and frustration I have undergone while trying to put myself into a new vehicle. Notice I say 'put myself into'.

My first bit of frustration came when I found out that dealerships really don't want your business. I think I am a pretty 'qualified' buyer. I won't go near a dealer unless I want to do something, I go in knowing basically what I want, I know the terms I want it in, I know the cost of doing business etc. I am straight up and straight ahead. This time around I even further qualified myself by telling several sales men (and three managers) I am in the market for a new vehicle NOW!

No one took me seriously. As it turned out, I ended up selling myself the vehicle of my choice, at pretty much my deal. I'm neither happy nor disappointed. I'm a bit put off that no one wanted to earn my business. I'm even more put off when I hear the auto industry whine about loses.

Bottom line, I think you can be standing there with a suitcase of $100 bills ready to step into a new vehicle and 90% of the sales reps out there wouldn't be interested in talking to you. Why? I don't know. Maybe I don't deal with hungry enough reps? Maybe dealing with managers has it's downfalls.

So, the long and short of this story.... if it all holds together, I will be driving my much smaller, much more fuel efficient, easier to park Edge by the end of the day on Friday. Now I do say, if all holds together. You just never know with a deal that sounds as if it 'was too good to be true'.

For any of you out there thinking about buying or leasing yourself a new vehicle, I've rounded up some best practices to help you get the best deal you can with the least amount of frustration.

#1) Do some research. Have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for in an auto. Passion is still the number one downfall in negotiating a good deal, don't fall prey to the 'I love it, got to have it' - this is not a pair of shoes!

#2) Know your price range. Whether you are leasing or buying most auto makers now how calculators on their product pages. They will even allow you to 'build and price' your vehicle. This little feature allows you to set some expectations such as what is in your price range and where your top end of the deal is.

#3) Don't buy/lease on your first trip out. Go on a fact finding mission. Be prepared to visit at least two dealerships to keep the other one honest.

#4) There is always room to negotiate! Work a bit, save a lot.

#5) If you really have hit your best deal, go for the extras that don't cost in the deal; ie. free oil changes, free tires etc.

#6) There is no need to rush - so don't. Make sure you are happy with the deal.

#7) Skinny deals are not always the best deals. Try not to beat your dealership up too much, leave them something in the deal. They really do need to make a bit of money on these deals, it allows them to help you out in a pinch and go the extra mile for you. That doesn't mean that you don't get yourself the best deal you can.... just be realistic.

There are volumes written on how to get your best car deal. If you want help, it is out there. Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it likely is... well unless it is chocolate and red wine :)

On that note, have Hot Cherry Day!

My scary bunny photo got yanked and I got my knuckles wrapped

Yep, freedom of the Internet doesn't really mean it's free - or something like that. Before I get going, you'll notice this blog has no pictures.... a show of respect for Mr. Bunny.

Here's the deal. Everyone knows I source funny pictures for the Hot Cherry Review Blog. Sometimes, they get yanked, most times they don't. I don't take the time to ask permission every time I grab one, nor do I believe I should have to. If someone drops into our site - how they find their pictures on Hot Cherry is beyond me - Google maybe? - (same way I find the pics in the first place?) spots their picture and don't want it being their, they yank it. No big deal. I'm easy to get along with. Personally, if I was to stumble on one of my pictures used somewhere, I'd kinda be happy about it... buy hey, that's just me.

So, as it turns out, the picture of the kinda scary Easter Bunny was the property of the Director of Web Media of the the First Baptist Church of Springdale & The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers. Here's the email I received today: 'Hello, Yesterday I noticed that you had used a photo from a blog we maintain, BetweenSundays.com. After seeing that you had used it in a post, I removed the image from the server. Please remove the call to this image on your post dated April 04, 2007. I appreciate your time and consideration. Any further use of digital images without our consent will force us to take legal action.'

I know what you are thinking.... Saturday I wrestled with the Salvation Army and today I'm back at it, now with the Baptist's - at this rate I am likely going to hell.

But you don't understand..... I don't want to go to hell. Even though I confess, I am not a church goer, nor am I the devote Anglican as I was baptised, I am not a bad person. I love my fellow man, cherish all, believe in higher powers, I'm thoughtful, considerate, law abiding etc. I don't go to Church because I feel that I would be somehow lying to myself - I have never sorted out what I actually believe in and until I do, I won't be going.

My point of all this.... well, aside from the threat of 'legal action' - wosh... was that a bit harsh or what? It's not like I was putting their photos all over 'nasty' sites, nor was I using them in derogatory ways, I didn't make t-shirts and I wasn't going to use it in any other form. It was a cute and funny picture - great photographer actually, I liked it, you liked, we used it. We certainly meant no harm.

Okay, I know you are nail biting waiting to hear how I responded.... okay, here it is: 'My sincere apologies 'name withheld' (I could get sued for using it) There were no disclaimers on your photo, in fact it was found on a random 'Google images, Easter Bunnies' search.
I do not use copyrighted or protected images, your image was allowed.
Perhaps you may want to do some research on protecting your images and not allowing them to be searchable on the Internet.
Have a wonderful day and all the best to you (name withheld).'

To that, this was his response: 'Thank you for your quick response and timely action. I appreciate your concern, but while I am concerned about the use of our digital media, I am not interested in removing them from search engines.
I did, however, find a great source of information that you might want to read when you get a chance. It explains that all intellectual property belongs to the creator, regardless of copyrights. Might be helpful.
http://www.2learn.ca/copyright/gencopyright.html'

Okay, I've been made to feel like a criminal.... yes, I've been punished again.... I guess if I would have known who the creator was, I may have asked to use the image. On the other hand, had there been a disclaimer or the creator's name, I would have likely just passed the photo by and found another one to use instead.

And no, I don't agree with the response. I've said it over and over again. Don't put shit on the Internet that you don't want others to see or use. That goes for nasty comments about your boss or your best friend, video of you and hubby/wife getting it on, pictures of your kids, pictures of your house, of yourself naked....

Time and time again I run into people who lash out against what can be found online. Now, before anyone takes my comments to extremes, I've said it before and I will say it again - there is no place anywhere for the likes of child porn, abuse, etc. There are sick, demented people out there. For this same reason, I don't like to see pictures that are searchable of stuff that these freaks can grab and use for their personal gratification. That's sick and there are 'humans' that do it. Let us all agree that there is nasty, disgusting, repulsive shit online - govern yourself accordingly. The same Internet is responsible for global communications, shared knowledge, resources etc, heck it even helps the Baptist Church out by disseminating knowledge and teachings. It's not all bad.

What ever has happened to being reasonable Internet citizens though? The 'Good Director of Web Development' will not take measures to protect his images that will restrict them from 'searches', but he will chastise me and threaten legal action if I persist. Hey, I'm the good guy here. Think of how many freaks with fetishes about people dressed in Easter Bunny outfits are out there - those are the ones the 'Good Director' needs to worry about.

Besides that I'm not 100% sure that you can claim ownership of a photo that is posted on the Internet which the creator has not taken the time to put their tag/name or TM on ... I do know (from consulting our lawyer, who specializes in e-com and Internet) that there are some very muddy areas. I can seriously say though, I do not have the energy, desire or bandwidth to argue with Mr. Director any further, so I'll just allow him this one and be done with funny looking Easter Bunnies from Baptist websites.

I am not out to piss in any one's cornflakes - (shit, can I say that without a copyright allowance?), I would have appreciated a quick note from the 'Director' saying.... hey, pulled your picture, didn't like how it was used, next time, please don't use mine. Have a great day.

On that note... You all behave and have yourselves a Hot Cherry Day!

Bunnies, eggs and strange stuff

Well it's Easter Sunday.... a day of rest, relaxation and mindless surfing of the Internet. (it's been a long weekend already and we've decided that staying close to home was a must) I couldn't resist the urge to share with you what I've learned.

Well then, have a lovely day, I'll catch up with you later in the week!

Seriously, there simply is not much on either on the traditional tube or on the internet. I've cruised through eBay several times - never buy on eBay on a holiday auction! There are too many people who are attempting to escape their families (who arrived sometime last week and are not due to leave until mid this week) and have found sanctuary in online auctions. Never the less, I have a couple of items I am currently holding the winning bid on - duh.

So while I contemplate my winning auctions I have wandered all over the Internet today. I got my gym schedule for the week, did a bit of 'work related' research, looked at a couple of online fashion shows and for the most part, I basically managed to waist hours today. (oh and no, we don't have family visiting)

Speaking of family - 'the daughter' is somewhere in Montreal for the evening. Her and 'the boy' took off this morning with assorted other friends we have never met to go to a 'wicked' all night party.... something about 'white'..... Oh to be 21 and very foolish again. I of course couldn't let her leave without the 'be careful, it's Montreal you know' lecture. Ahhh, they don't care. Hey wait, neither did we.

I do have a funny story.... my apologies if I've already told this one to you. 'Hubby' along with collecting vintage cuff links, now has a fancy for vintage luggage. (don't ask, I don't know) So, after I left a very disappointing auction early yesterday morning, I cruised through the streets of Smiths Falls. Along one street it the 'Salvation Army Store', along side the building is what looks like an immaculate piece of 40's luggage. I slam on the breaks, hop out and take a look - sure enough, it is.

Now, I don't know what time the 'Sally Anne' opens so I go to the door. I'm met by a rather 'abrupt' women who announces 'we don't open until 10!'. It starts from there. In my hand is this piece of luggage I so desperately want to purchase from the store.

I apologize for disturbing her and explain my find and tell her I would like to buy it from her. 'NO!, you can't'. 'Huhh??' 'We are not open' she tells me again. (she is speaking to me through a crack in the door btw) 'But, I'm not from here, so, can I come back when you open at 10 and buy it then?' 'NO! it has to go to intake first', she tells me. 'But, I'm not from here, I won't be coming back, can I just come back at 10 and buy it from you? Can you give it to intake and then I can pay you? After 10, when you open of course?' 'NO! It has to go to intake first, then I can sell it to you, but not today!' she is getting pretty hot with me now. 'But.... ' I say, 'NO! I Can not sell it to you today!'

I know when I'm not going to win the battle, so I hang my head and take the luggage and put it back along side the building. I know what you are thinking, the same thing I am thinking - screw it, throw it in the truck and leave! But I can't, it's like stealing from God - I couldn't do it. Instead I left to drive around town, grab a coffee and wait until the store opened.

In the meantime, I call 'Hubby' and give him the news. What do I do, I ask... 'I thought about just taking it, but I can't do that'. 'NO' he says, you can't do that. 'Wait till store opens, go find the intake guy and plead with him.

So, I do. Just as I am pulling up to the store, I notice a man wearing a Salvation Army shirt loading the drop offs from the day before into the truck, I guess for 'intake'. I park, get out and walk up to him. He tells me 'Oh yeah, (insert name of lady at the door earlier in here)..... told me about you. (I know what she told him, that I likely stole the suitcase) He looks me directly in the eye and says....'I'll have to charge you $5 though and I can't take you money on the street, I'll need to take the piece in through the back door, you go through the front, I'll meet you at the cash register, okay?' I'm delighted of course.

$5, two trips and an outrageous confrontation and I'm out of there with my very cool, very perfect vintage luggage. All of it happens on Easter weekend.... very strange.

Hope you've had a wonderful Easter Sunday.... I will be back with more this week - I just can't help myself.
Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Easter Monday!

Oh shit, it's Wednesday!

Yikes.... Wednesday - where did the week go?

I woke up this morning in an 'almost cold sweat' - notice I say 'almost' and 'cold sweat' - I figured I had dreamt that I had forgotten to do something important. Not that I often don't forget, I do, often. I need to write everything down or I will forget. There was a time when I lived with sticky notes and was the 'post-it' note's best customer. Those days have long since past - now I just wake up frightened.

I've spent the entire day wondering just what I have forgotten, there has to be something about that alone that is all wrong. The fact that I worry about it is even worse. Take for example 'the daughter'. She forgets things all of the time; that her insurance payment is due (to me btw because she can't remember to change the billing over to her name, it still comes out of my account), her laundry, that the mascara in her pocket does not belong to her and that the cool, very funky retro sunglasses perched on top of her head actually need to be perched in a basket in my dressing room. Does she loose any sleep over these things she forgets - no way - she's probably forgotten all about it.

Why then are some of us so twisted up about what we can't remember in the first place? Don't look to me for an answer, just nod and acknowledge that we are all really 'bent'!

On other fronts, I think I have developed a sort of awe inspired fetish for video - no not that type of fetish... wait, let me think.... Seriously, video video - the clean and funny or not so funny stuff that is recorded and stored for viewing at a later date. Every time I turn around recently I seem to be running into more and more applications for live video feeds over the Internet. Rather like your best friend buying a car that you have never heard of and then all of a sudden everyone is driving one. I'm not entirely sure what the best thing to do with this video thing I have - some say porn is an option.... I say,... 'hey baby, with this butt, it's not!' I have my ideas and no, they are not 'dirty' of course they are all top secret so I can't tell you right now either. (buy me a whiskey or two (okay maybe a few more than that) though, and I can't be held responsible for what comes out of my mouth.

Our friends are in Mexico right now, with a young neighbor couple who are renewing their vows. Yes, I did say young, you now should ask 'why?'. I don't know. Well I do know why our friends are there - they wanted a vacation and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Why the 'kiddies' are renewing their vows so early in the marriage life span, I don't know. Why do couples need to renew their vows anyways? We have the photos and likely the video (ahhh, see) what do these couples know that I don't. Was there are reason involved, such as infidelity? Is it guilt? Or is it just an excuse to go on vacation? Sounds like an excellent revenue generator for some resort on the Myan Riviera!

I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering what 'the daughter' and 'hubby' have been up to this last week. Let me start with 'hubby'. The amazing man I married has once again reversioned himself. When we met he was one of the least compassionate men I had ever engaged in conversation with. (but then again he wouldn't wear pink.... yeah, ask him about his tailored Venice french cuffed pink shirt) This week and a portion of last week the unfortunate of the world weighed heavy on his mind. I'm happy he is thinking in terms like this..... I would just like to know why now. This does not make him a candidate for some religious based group that would like to get their hands on his (and my) hard earned $s - but it is still a bit of a step in another direction. I wonder often if our lovely daughter hasn't effected him more than he will let on.

Speaking of 'the daughter'. She returned home this Monday (which was also her 21st birthday) to visit with her poor old folks and of course collect the gifts that we showered her with. We wanted to get her all useful things this time... we especially wanted to get her a gift card from a grocery store so that she would have emergency money for food if she needed it. After much consideration though, I opted for clothes, a collection of 'needed items' for her day to day existence and a gift card to Shoppers. Why no groceries... well... I don't know what grocery store is in the area of where she is now living and I was convinced that if there was not one right close the gift card would just go to waste.

So home our little darling comes. She tells us about her wild birthday weekend... how she has no money...... how they partied three nights..... how she has no money..... how she is thinking about becoming a tattoo and piercing person. Yep. Welder, Piercer... I can see the relationship there. They both work with industrial metal - duh. Oh, she brought her laundry too. I can't win. We also had a discussion about the pig pen of a bedroom that she maintains in this house. 'Oh, I was thinking about that' she says, 'so I'm going to have to come home and pack up all my stuff to move into our new apartment, like, one night, maybe next week'. I of course respond... 'cool' and then ask her... what are you going to pack your stuff in? 'Oh, I hadn't thought about that'.... the rest of the evening our conversation sounded like that.... 'oh, I hadn't thought about that'. What can I say.

In the morning she gets up, running late she jogs to the door and goes outside for a smoke. Comes back in and goes back up stairs. 10 minutes later and almost late now, she comes back down and goes to fetch the laundry from the drier. 'Ahhhh damn it!', yeah it's 'daughter'. 'My clothes aren't dry!' I smile and say... 'well sweetie... why didn't your check them when you woke me up pounding down the stairs chatting to your friend on the phone at 1am? Or, why didn't you check them when you went outside to have a smoke?' 'Oh' she says 'I guess I forgot'. I can't win!

So that's the start to my week. Whatcha up to this coming long weekend? Traditionally we spend Thursday night having way too much fun at the local Pub. We get up and drag our sorry butts to the area's biggest junk auction on Good Friday. We spend Saturday doing 'stuff'. Saturday night back at our local Pub and Sunday trying to remember just why our heads hurt.

I know I've forgotten to tell you something, that I was meaning to tell you. Likely some cool information about how you can buy something so under value that it is insane - but hey.... I forget. Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Easter weekend - I promise, I'll catch up next week.

crazy things that happen on a Monday

Ah yes, Monday - again. I'm not entirely sure why, but there is no other day like a Monday. They almost always seem, well, out of whack.

I was woke from a pleasant sleep 5 minutes prior to the alarm going off by a rumble and the old house shacking. An earth quake, a very large truck getting stuck in my yard... perhaps the 'secret, not so secret' forces guys were practicing again.

As it turned out, it was thunder. Yep last week was -15 at night, this week we have a thunder storm. Stupid weather. It gets stranger though. I was sitting at my computer, which resides with my multi function fax/printer/scanner, a halogen lamp (responsible for melting the corner of my flat screen monitor) numerous piles of paper, a water bottle and my 'D-Link' broadband router. I'm sorting papers when there is a 'electrical snap', I look up to see the flash jump from my multi function and I feel a burn in my finger. It was one of those 'wtf' moments.

A the very same time as all this happens, my broadband connection goes dead. Shit I think... we've been hit. (by lightening, it happens once a year) I start by checking all pieces of equipment, everything seems to be working, even though there is a faint smell of melting plastic.

Well, as it turns out, the only victim of the lightening strike was my 'D-link' router. I haven't done anything about it. Seems these days I am the only one in the house that needs an Internet connection and I can run direct. I'll get to replacing the hardware, one of these days.

Daughter.... she picks Monday nights as the time she comes home to do laundry. Last Monday she had agreed to clean up the room she has occupied and called her own for many years..... (I believe there are critters living in there) Well, that is not happening. She did bring home a backpack full of dirty clothes to take care of though. I have to say, I do sort of admire that she can go an entire week with a backpack of clothes... that wouldn't last me three days.

She also is complaining about being tiered... its hard to work from 4pm to 8pm and still feel fresh. Yeah, I did say 4pm. Hubby says it is 'a good learning experience for her', I wonder what she is learning - btw, there are laundry services where she is living - why dirty clothes come home I just don't understand. (yeah, so what's your point..... we all brought laundry home... but I at least stayed and ate for the weekend.)

I guess I'll get past the 'I'm going to ignore you' attitude - and yes, the laundry too. i just wish she had a bit more personality or at least be a gracious enough guest to sit down and say hello when she walks in and raids the refrigerator.

I've decided I hate Mondays for other reasons too. Monday are my fat days. It sucks. I guess if I didn't manage to over due the weekend as much, then I wouldn't be facing 'my ass looks like the back end of my truck' realization when I look into the Monday morning mirror.

Mondays are also the worst day for meetings. I had one pulled off my agenda that had been scheduled for a week - changed over to Tuesday. The fellow I was meeting with had to go see about some x-rays. Reasonable excuse.

My second appointment of the day was a no show. I sat for almost an hour sipping on a cup of exotic tea at a cute little shop down in the Byward Market. My appointment used the excuse that she was waiting for me at a Japanese Noodle shop in the same building. Well, not really, first it was in the same building, then it was in another building - apparently the one that I was in housed a Chinese noodle house. Yep, another 'wtf'. Especially seeing as we were not to meet in a noodle house at all, instead a 'tea shop'. Noodles - tea...... pretty hard to get mixed up wouldn' t you say.

I think really what happened is that she forgot and then made up the excuse. I would have been much happier had she just said... 'hey, listen, I forgot, I screwed up, you weren't that important'. I am her career coach - hummmm.... should I take this as a sign?

So I'm looking forward to a much better Tuesday. I have two meetings, one for lunch. Both with senior professionals who I am sure put me in their agenda's last week. As for 'daughter'... I get to drive her back into the city. Oh lucky me. I'll let you know how that goes.

Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Day - I'll try to keep my cool today and root up some more interesting stories.

Weddings and Funerals.... no kidding

So is it true, what they say about Weddings and Funerals? That you only see relatives and long lost acquaintances at them? What does that say about us as a society - other than, we just don't give our relationships their due respect?

I'm wondering, why don't people take pictures at funerals? I know it is a very sad time, but it is also an occasion. A time when people get together. I know that at my funeral I will be pretty ticked off if people are mourning the loss instead of celebrating my life. So why wouldn't you take pictures. Wouldn't Aunt Nelly like to see the people who attend the service and all of the nice flowers as she wasn't able to be there in person?

Why don't people do the same things they do at weddings? There is a receiving line, a visiting time, a reflection time, there is a get-to-gether for family following the event and there is food and drink - all the same as there is at a wedding. Yet, we don't video our funerals or take pictures.

Am I just being morbid? Is that what is wrong with my thoughts on this one? We can't talk about death and departing? Why don't we celebrate a person's life? Why can't we record their last public appearance? Why can't we put the event in a form that can be shared by many? Record the funeral so that it is never forgotten?

I also want to know why we make such a huge fuss out of capturing our wedding days. Heck over 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Couples spend massive amounts of ching, making sure that they can 'look back on the special day' - or burn the evidence which ever way it works out. No one would question taking a video at a wedding that had less than a 50% chance of not ending in hurt, pain and hardship - yet tell them that I want my funeral filmed and they gasp with disbelief.

Seriously.... I want to hear your thoughts on this one. What if in 100 years from now, one of my ancestors looks up their lineage and finds a web archive of my funeral - I'd like that. What about you?

Yet another original thought by yours truly from the Hot Cherry Review group.
Take a moment and write to us... tell us your thoughts about capturing of a funeral. Until I hear from you again - have a wonderful Hot Cherry Day!

yet another Monday

Ah yes, yet another Monday.

One could only hope that not all weeks start off in such a lack-luster way - occasionally though, they do. I'm going to call this Monday - 'flat day' and get on with it. Ahhh, I know you, dying to know all the yummy gossip, all the goings on, the inside track.... 'kay, here we go.

Let me first tell you about my day. I'm finishing up a 3 month contract that ended up being 4 months for the nonprofit I mentioned in earlier entries. At one time, I thought it was going to suck the life right out of me. More recently though, it actually allowed me to regenerate some desire to conquer the business world. (within reason of course)

Through the contract I met some amazing people. Bright, talented, scopey.... unfortunately not many were with the group I was contracted to - ah well. I think if you stay in a situation that takes everything out of you just to get out of bed, sooner or later, you'll be swept under. It sucks but it's true. Run - run very fast!

So, energized and ready to do battle I am out looking for my next place to land. I've spent the last year doing and learning, focusing on all of these 'little projects' that I have. It's been great. I miss being a part of the bigger mission though. I seriously like interaction with others. It gets me up in the morning. Besides, until 'we' figure out all that 'we' need to on other fronts, I'm going to still have to work to fund the 'project'. Yep, I'm job hunting.

I am looking for a place where I can make a difference, contribute to the overall goal, do some good. I'm looking at all kinds of companies. Big, small, start up and established. I've met some nice folks already, have some interviews, some more meetings in the works. It goes well. Until this morning.

I had a phone interview set up with a local company who designs and delivers HR functional software. (I won't name the culprit yet) The women doing the interview, from HR didn't want to meet in person, so, on the phone it was. She couldn't facilitate this last week as she was 'too busy', so we opted in for today. I arranged my schedule to accommodate her..... the time came when she was to call, the time went, with no call. I checked my messages... everywhere.... I checked my email.... all accounts... Nothing. I emailed her. Nothing. I am not impressed.

Companies wonder why it is so hard to make good hires, engage their employees, retain their people. Well, need we even discuss it any further. With the likes of this women in HR, is there any question. I'm going to give her until tomorrow, after I call her in the morning... or maybe not. Fact of the matter is, if HR can't be bothered to keep an appointment, it is not the kind of company I want to be associated with. Tomorrowis another interview... in person... with a company I really like. Will see how that works out.

On the home front... daughter just came home. She is moving to the city. Sort of. All of her mess, dirty clothes and assorted mess still lives with us... and so does she apparently, when she needs to do laundry.

Long story short is this; last Sunday morning at 2am, I get a call... half sobbing she says - 'it took me two hours to get here, my car kept over heating, I don't know if it is going to run in the morning'. Did I mention 2am? Just what am I going to do about it at 2am when she is safe at 'the boy's' place? Sure enough... her car didn't start. Sure enough, had she had it looked at and had she changed the thermostat three months ago... the poor little abused car would still be alive today. Oh no, couldn't do that though - head gasket, machine the head etc. over $1400 - $1400 that she doesn't have.

So she is walking (or busing). We would have helped her get a new set of wheels but it would have meant that she would be still living at home and she would need to get a second job. After much consideration she elected to not fix the car and to move into the big city. Keep the one low paying job until somehow she manages to get employed in her trade again..... I hear the washing machine... I feel so used.

Did I ever tell you about our good friend Stu who used to do his laundry in our other good friend's pool? Not a word of a lie. He'd come over, strip down to his gitch (when there were women around) and proceed to launder his clothing in the pool. No soap, no softner... just pool water. I miss Stu, he moved home and we haven't seen him since.

So that's my day. Yours? Oh did I mentioned a stressed out hubby? Yep.... seems he had too much on the go today... he confessed though - 'I don't handle stress well, when there are too many things to do, I freak out'... yeah. He called more than a few times... stressing about labels that wouldn't print, too many things to do, and a cursed printer, all things that I could do nothing about.

On that note... I'm outta here. I'll keep you posted on the interview process, hopefully without many more stories like today. Feel free to share yours too - we are all ears. In the meantime, have a Hot Cherry Day!

My friends make cookies!

Cookies are the most wonderful thing on the face of the earth. Well, next to fab shoes, wicked retro outfits, real gentleman (who hold open doors, make eye contact when they talk to you, ask a girl what she thinks and smile even though it all pains them) and hot sandy beaches.

What moves cookies way up the list though, are the best people in the world who make them for you. Home made, nummy, fresh cookies. Cooked to perfection (not that way that I cook them, slightly over cooked and too brown on the bottom), complete with icing and served up in a cool container.

To our friends who do this for us - thank you, thank you, thank you! You don't contribute to my goal of dropping a few pounds, but you certainly add to my daily happiness! xo

Now, on to the guts of this edition. It's Valentines week. Ugh. I don't like it personally. Even though I am often spoiled by my wonderful Hubby. So, I'm not complaining on that front. I just don't like the exaggerated prices and the pressure it puts on both couples and singles.

Couples must adore their loved ones with at least a box of over priced chocolates or a dozen of exaggerated and stale roses. And don't forget the card (useless is it not... you read, you 'ahhh, honey' and you put it away. I always feel guilty throwing out a card that someone has given me - I have heaps of them. Hummm, maybe someday they will be valuable and some will trade them on ebay?). The card must sum up in one little entry, exactly how special your Valentine is. Oh the pressure.

What about 'couples just starting to date'. What the frig do you do about Valentines Day? (This is for you my cookie making friend!) Do you buy the gift? What about the card? Is he really worth it? What kind of card to give - thanks for a great shag, it's too soon to tell if you are a keeper, hey don't go reading any thing into this relationship just because you got a card, whoa big boy, easy now, don't go getting all freaky on me.... See what I mean.

Oh and what about the casual 'friend with benefits' situation? Do you even acknowledge the day under those circumstances? I don't have the answer on this one btw, though I would be interested in knowing.

And that moves us over to the singles. Who on bloody earth wants to be single on a day all about love, romance, kiss me and tell me you love me and then take me to bed, kind of day? Been there and done that... I remember feeling left out - 'hey just because I'm single doesn't mean I'm a looser! I like being on my own. I don't want another looser boyfriend who causes me grief and aggravation and btw, I just got rid of the stalker....'

No matter if being single is your choice or not, it just feels that everyone is looking at you thinking (and some saying) 'oh poor dear... she's all alone on Valentines Day'.

What did I do... well. I stuck my head in the sand, put on a smiling face and basically told them all to go f-themselves. Then I went home and climbed into bed with a box of ice cream, a spoon and a good movie and yes, felt sorry for myself. Yeah, Valentines Day sucks!

Enough.

I think I've also had enough of winter. This cold is nasty. There is so little snow to do anything. It is almost tax time (don't get me started). I think it is about time we turned our attention to spring.

Yummy spring shoes, cool outfits, wicked colours! This week we are going to start looking at the new spring trends. I'll tell you where to get them, what they are worth and why darlin' you need em.

In the meantime.... enjoy your day, make cookies and protest against holidays that exclude happy people and make them feel miserable.

Have a Hot Cherry week!

Nah na, nah, nah, nahha, hey, hey hey......

Yeah, I don't know..... I read somewhere that when you endeavor to write, it is always best to write down what first comes to mind. Do you at least remember the song?

What made me think of it was simply a connection between the 10 vintage rock t-shirts I took into my possessions this afternoon and a true rock anthem. This brings me to my question of the day. Why is it so damn hard to get guys to part with their vintage rock t-shirts in the first place. Don't look to me for the answer, well other than, they hold memories - if you know how to get them out of their clutches though, please do let me know.

Here's another blast from the past. I've taken the notion that I would like to locate a bit of memorable from my youth. An vintage 'rain lamp'. They were either on the table in the living room or hanging in a corner. Made of brass with some sort of figurine in the centre. The heat of the light bulb warmed the oil which moved from one reservoir to another via dripping down a set of beads, into the base and being pumped back up. The lamps were never really a thing of beauty, but many people had them. I believe most of them hailed from the 50's as my memory would have been when I was in my early teens.

So, I am seeking a 'rain lamp', hopefully functioning. If anyone knows where I can get one - the real kind not the late '80's early 90's reproductions, kindly let me know.

Another quest high on my list is funky hanging lamps. Yep, right out of the 60's and 70's. Orange, blue, green globes, hanging from golden chains. They need to be glass though, not the plastic type. Oh and chairs. Big ole tulip chairs in all kinds of bright garish colours. Send them my way.

Now I know that most people find this retro stuff just pure junk and frankly, I bank on that. I was never a real fan of furniture when I was younger, it is a later in life thing. I did however have the most outrageous bedroom as a teenager. Bright purple with huge purple flower wall paper. I had a huge room too. Complete with a 'stereo corner' and a 'work area'. A double closet that you could never get the door closed on. You know the kind - hell you all had them. Oh and the best - purple shag carpet! My room rocked.

Come to think of it, the 70's pretty much rocked too. Yeah it was high school, there were always issues, always reasons to panic, but you know, looking back, life was good. As a kid I never wanted for much. My family worked on the basic principals - earn your way. I always thought we were hard done by, needless to say, I was delusional. As a teen I worked on the family farm and in town at the local (and only for 30+ miles) Canadian Tire.

My girlfriend got me the job, in the paint department. It helped too that a guy she was dating, was the owner's son. I worked after school and full time once I was out of school for the summer. My first year at the CTC was also the first summer that I had my driver's license and was able to drive on my own. With Daddy's car, which of course I abused the privilege of having. (after I took it to my ball game, headed off to 'party' with the group - yes with the boys - and 'forgot' to make it home)

My Dad was very fond of taking away privileges - he took away the right to drive. Grounded, I went to and from work and to and from the barn - for a whole summer..... my life sucked! Well except for sneaking out when the folks took a well deserved weekend away and left their 'irresponsible, not able to drive daughter' in charge of milking their 100+ herd of dairy cattle. Oh and I was allowed to play ball and hang out in town occasionally with my group of girlfriends - as long as I reported if I left their house..... yeah, as if.

Speaking of the farm. It was over 800 acres, 100+ head milking, calves, horse (which I worked my butt off to have), a few goats, a pig or two and assorted other critters my Dad had a habit of bringing home. (once again, I wonder where I got the 'collector' habits) I worked a crappy job, which I loved by day and most days when I got off I either jumped on a tractor or found my way to the barn to milk. Yes, I complained, yes life was hard. I remember one exceptionally hot Sunday. I'd been out - at a girlfriend's in town, watching tv, helping her babysit - all the night before and Mom had picked me up bright and early so I could come home and help with the hay. Did I mention it was hot. After a long day in the blistering sun, burning to a crisp and fighting an ever present hangover, I finish the field and headed for home. I pull my big mighty Case tractor up to the fuel pumps, passing by the front veranda. On it were my two good friends - guys of course having a nice cold beer with my Dad. Nice. I was very hard done by!

Ah yes, the 70's were pretty cool. I can't say I ever want to go back - though I do kinda wish I'd hung on to all of that weird and bright clothing I had. And the rock t-shirts.... oh my, what was I thinking. Those days were certainly the foundation of who I am today. They gave me structure, want and desire. I remember graduating from high school knowing that the future held opportunities that I could not even begin to understand.

I fondly recall a high school basketball coach - he was instrumental in keeping me on the straight and not so narrow. He was my coach from grade 9 until grade 13 grad. I was one of his 'chosen kids'. He was our mentor, our guidance councilor and our friend. He taught me about perseverance and tenacity. He made me understand the meaning of fighting harder and digging deeper. He still makes me smile today and I can still see him and hear his boomy voice. Mr. 'Buggsy' Stevens (Dave to those who were not his students) passed away the summer after I graduated. I called home from a weekend away with friends camping - it was May 24th. My mom gave me the news, it was sudden. I didn't go to the wake and couldn't bring myself to go to the funeral. I always knew I was one of his 'special students' I guess I just always wanted it to remain that way.

Ahh yes, life was bitter sweet and tragic. There were days that held no rhyme or reason. But over all, it was all pretty good.

The 70's gave us so much. Besides peace, free love and assorted wicked wild experimental drugs. It gave us the right to be who we are today. The freedom of expression and speech. The pride in ourselves and our country. Life indeed was good.