My Cat Has Trichotillomania

Described by Miriam-Webster as: noun; Etymology: New Latin, from trich- + Greek tillein to pull, pluck + New Latin mania: an abnormal desire to pull out one's hair.

He spend quite a bit of time grooming, which is normal for a kitty, but this white patch on his belly gets an inordinate amount of time, and I'm not sure if he is pulling the hair out, or has prevented hair from growing in...not sure...

It might be a stress thing, though I can't imagine his life is THAT stressful...

Dating Advice

Not that I have anything to say, but my friend K. was in need of some good advice earlier today and she thought of our friend, G. and her sage advice, handed down to her from her mother. I had to call G. to get the whole story, but that's ok, nice to take a chance to chat with an good friend.

There are 3 essential dating questions you should ask when on a first date. The first one is "What are you reading these days?" and not "Do you read books" because if he can't read, don't bother asking questions 2, and 3, and just walk away. Question 2 is how is your mother, and listen to how he speaks of his mother, a good indication of how he will treat a woman he's dating. Question 3 is "How are things at -insert local raunchy bar- ? This would be a good indicator if he drinks too much, or hangs out with a rougher crowd, drug users, etc. For my friend K., it would be "How are things down at the Gold Range"...she knows what I mean...

Her mother also believed that you can tell a lot about a man by his 5 best friends. If he doesn't have 5, no problem, but if he doesn't have any at all, maybe a problem. Similar types are often drawn to each other, so take a look at that too.

The last piece of wisdom considers the chin of a man. "If he has a weak chin, he might not have much courage". Interesting, I see what she means.

So there you have it. Wisdom from the generations. Take from it what you may, and wish my friend K. good luck on her date this week. I hope he can read.

The Many Faces of Stormy

Slow Night

So it's a slow night and I am uninspired for more...here is a link to a wordsearch I generated about summer life here in the north. Click PUZZLE to get there.

enjoy...

Too Funny

Five women were driving across the country. Each one was from a different place, Ontario, P. E. I, BC, Alberta, and Cape Breton. Shortly after the trip began, the woman from P. E. I started pulling potatoes from her bag and throwing them out the window.

"What the heck are you doing?" demanded the girl from B. C. "We have so many of these darn things in PEI, I'm Just sick of looking at them!"

A moment later, the girl from Ontario began pulling apples from her bag and tossing them from the window. "What are you doing that for?" asked the girl from BC.

"We have so many of these things in Ontario, I am just sick of looking at them!" Inspired, the gal from Alberta opened the car door and pushed the Cape Bretoner out.

HAHAHAHAHA! TOO FUNNY~!~ nothing personal to any of my many friends and family that have emigrated to Alberta...

I Have Survived

Just finished a visit with my three nephews, aged 3, 5 and 6.5 yrs...they are delightful creatures, for sure, but sucked ALL of the energy out of me, lol. It was interesting to see their separate personalities emerge in front of me.

The three year old is very bold and strong minded - he is very impish in his ways, grinning from ear to ear most of the time, and when things aren't going well, a banshee wail that will strip the enamel off your teeth. He's gonna be a heartbreaker when he grows up, for sure.

The five year old is very different. He is quite soft spoken and timid at times. He is sensitive, and his feelings are easily bruised. He loves things that stimulate his senses. I gave him a crystal ornament that has prism qualities and he was TICKLED to get it, loving the rainbows it casts in the sunrays. He loved flying kites with me, and when I gave my sister the electric turntable for the crystal ornament, I just knew it would please him. We won't tell my mother that I gave away the crystal she gave me, lol. I felt it had found a new home with a young boy who will treasure it. The five year old loves to wrestle his brothers...they are often dogpiled like kittens...strange reference I know - the dogpiles often include scratching one another up like rabid cats. He's going to break some hearts too I reckon - some women go for that thoughtful sensitive type.

The 6.5 year old is also different from his brothers. He is very vocal, and will contraidict you at any opportunity if in the mood, with a scowl to go with it that says "what are you taking about????!!. He is very inquisitive though, and as my sister describes it "detail oriented". Already a skilled fisherman and ball player, he is slowly emerging out of his shell. He tends to trail along the periphery when in crowds, but his mind is always turning, as he watches, and interacts when ready. He's going to run his own business someday I'll reckon, either that or a politician, as he lies his ass off is very creative with the truth when implicated in the latest upset among the trio. He's smart as a whip and figures things out quickly.

And they left this morning with my sister heading for home. I think they enjoyed their visit. I'll admit it was chaotic sometimes, with three voices demanding attention...5 if you count my sister and I, 6 if you count Stormy - he can also be very demanding. I don't think he left any teethmarks on them though, so that was good.

I have spent the day (outside of work) rearranging things back the way they were, and making some changes. Every now and then I find something they left behind...a dinky car, the Playstation (and games, all in the same damn box I mailed it to her in last winter...left behind by mistake - she brought it for them to play with), and so on. There is still some bedding to wash, and the floor to scrub, but all in due time. I am relaxing for the rest of the night, will finish off the laundry, and worry about the floor tomorrow. I already washed off the sticky chairs and table.

I have survived the first visit from my nephews. I have visited their place several times before but this was the first time they visited me on my turf. I kept my OCD tendencies in check for the most part, and since most of the tornado left with them (books, toys, little boy clothes, blankets, cuppies, snacks (yogurt, fruit cups, fruit leather, goldfish, gummie fruits...the list goes on)

When are they coming again? I miss them...

Busy

Been busy with my sis and her boys who are visiting - will catch up with posts after they have gone...want to spend as much time visiting as I can...I am still alive...

Kids and Kites

Went to the beach today with my nephews and we flew kites - this was their first time ever and they had a blast. We lost two of the kites...but they all flew for a while before flying off over the lake into the sun.

No Wonder Men Are Happy

Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth.. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100 People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

Flooding in Dunville

A friend sent me the link to this long slideshow of photos from the recent flooding in Dunville, Newfoundland. What a mess!

What A DUMBASS

Bizzare is one word for it...this guy chained himself to a tree in the woods to commit suicide. What a dumb way to go...it would take weeks at this time of year. Clearly he has some psychiatric issues...

Growing Old Together

Watching "All in the Family" today on Dejaview, I was suddenly struck by what I miss most about being in a relationship - growing old together. I'm content to be alone most of the time, but when I see a couple on television, eating breakfast together, or getting ready for bed at night, I miss that. Travelling together, making decisions about where to eat, what to see...miss that too. Sitting out on the porch at night in the warmth of summer, reviewing each other's day. Having someone to hug you after a hard day at work, someone to rub your feet while you watch a movie together, someone to look after you when you're sick.

It can be lonely to be alone.

Yard Sale!

Yup, having a yard sale on Saturday from 9am-1pm. Skeptics seem to think that is too early for this crowd as many of them don't go to bed until 5am...I'm optimistic and I don't want to take the whole day up. I don't have tons of stuff, but enough I think to warrant a yard sale and I am hoping that most of it goes. I've got movies, books, knicknacks, kitchenware, and all sorts of odds and ends...I hope it doesn't rain.

Just Me And The Boys

So I was informed this week by a health professional that I need to make some major changes in my lifestyle or I shall be risking development of diabetes - that I was pre-diabetic. I didn't know you could be pre-diabetic, but apparently you can. Hmmm...that was troubling. My bad habits have finally caught up wth me.

I have slowly been trying to integrate changes in my diet for months now, with some success. I switched from white bread to whole grain, switched from regular tortilla chips to whole grain (they are actually not bad at all), have all but given up soda, have committed to buying more fruit and veggies, and choose a fruit snack at least once a day, have been drinking much more water, etc. Now I have to begin to exercise. I have been SUPER LAZY for many months now...driving everywhere, or not going at all. Sheesh...

In anticipation of wanting to go out walking, I had ordered an mp3 player from eBay, a nice SanDisk Sansa 250. I looked at the iPods, decided they were over rated and not worth the big bucks, and went for something more than half the price. Sweet little unit arrived today and I spent the evening loading songs onto it. Then me and the boys (John, Jimi, James, Jack, and Jim) went for a walk about town. What a difference it makes to have music along. The last time I had gone walking with music was with a clunky disc man that skipped, and I always got sick of the one or two cds I brought along. Now I have about 300 songs loaded on, with plenty of room for more. Who'd a thunk it...

This is my second night out walking at 10pm and so far, so good. I'm not winded by the time I return, though I know I am walking briskly enough to break a good sweat. And no one has thrown beer cans at me, or tried to run me down - yet. There are a number of cripples here from being hit by cars locally, and plenty of drunk/cracked out drivers...it's a risk...but for now I'll take it and see what happens. For the most part, everyone I've seen has either given me a nod, a hello, or a wave. Good start for me and the boys...

Oh, The Carwash...

Took my car into a car wash in Yellowknife last week while visiting...that was interesting. It was formerly a coin carwash, but the immigrants who run it found a way to make even more money from me by computerizing the water use, but still offer a shitty car wash. The "soap" function had no soap, and the hose was covered in tar...as was the floor. Some dirty bastard had obviously brought his truck in there and made a fine mess of it. I managed to get it all over both hands, arms, legs, sandals, the pedals of my car, the mat on the driver's seat...you name it. And when I attempted to complain about it to the Asian lady taking my money, her response was "twelve dollah!". Um, what? Your hose is full of grease and I need something to clean it off. "twelve dollah!". Ok lady, LOOK at the grease all over my hands. I am NOT getting back into my car with grease all over me. So she hands me dry paper towels. Like that is gonna work on tar. I couldn't get through to her that it was all over the hose and that she needed to get some cleaner to get the tar off it, and should clean the floor with something. I had tried the spray from the hose, but it didn't do a damn thing to get tar off. Sigh...I miss English.

I went to the carwash to clean my car and came out filthy. Great. I tried everything from wet naps to glass cleaner to armorall to dish liquid to hand soap and finally what took it off was one of my friend K.'s wax remover pads - real oily. Dammit.

Newfies

Just in case you don't know, I have only respect for Newfies - my father is one, my daughter is one, I have a house on the rock, and my parents live there. I was even screeched in as one decades ago...so I don't mind using the term Newfies. I love 'em! My dad sent me this one...

The Pet Diary

"Excerpts from a Dog's Diary"

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe, for now...

Holy Shit On A Christmas Tree

The power cord on my laptop has shorted out...I am on my last hour of battery...can't continue...must die...gasp...

Oh, SAVE the dramatics...but the reality is, my power cord has gone on the fritz; I have ordered another, but it will be a few weeks. I have access at work, but am going on the road tomorrow until Sunday and had planned on posting from away...scratch that now...rats...

I am however, going to head home and fish out a pair of pliers and some electrical tape and see if I can't find that damn short...I can't make it any worse...unless I fry my laptop...egads...perish the thought...

Egads

Life is dull these days...no real highs or lows - nothing to write about here...sorry to bore you...other than the red lined washing maching (I dyed a shirt) nothing noteworthy has happened this week...perhaps life will pick up after a few days up north (leaving Wednesday)...

Even Stormy is dull...other than puking for the second time since I've had him...

Can't say the same for this interesting outcome - a 13-yr old girl convicted of multiple counts of first degree murder today...certainly unusual. Her life is anything but dull...

Explain This

Why do cats always choose to barf on the rug and never on the bare floor? Ewww, I know. And then the dirty little buggers go and eat it again. At least mine does. Ewww. But he sure is a handsome tomcat.