FLY ME TO THE MOON

BLAME IT ON THE NOODLE!

2010-01-29T19:39:00.001-08:00

I am sooooooooo disappointed. Last night I broke the cardinal rule of not weighing myself before Saturday. But the news was good...I had lost a further 2 lbs. making a grand total of 7 lbs. Unfortunately the jubilation did not last long. It was destroyed by one of the worst culinary experiences I have ever had to endure!

Eating like a pregnant bird for the past two weeks, I must say I had been looking forward very much to our Vietnamese meal out last night. It was a get-together of the parents and girls who had gone on the Vietnam/Singapore trip. We were going to be fine dining in an award winning Vietnamese restaurant - the finest in the city. Says who??? The starter made a lump of soap seem tasty. It was a spring roll with 3 prawns hiding inside it, covered in what looked like white candle wax. Yuck! it tasted bland and was completely tasteless. I could only swallow it down once I had drowned it in hot sauce. It could have been a dead rat I was eating because all I could taste was the hot sauce.

Then the entree...wait for it! It arrived looking like an omelette and when I peaked underneath the blanket of deep fried something, lurking beneath it was MORE disgusting rice noodles and three more miserable prawns. Again more hot sauce... I think I must have used up the hot sauce for all the table. I was starving so I ate it and then today to add to my misery the 2 lbs. I had worked SO hard to lose, was back to haunt me! To add insult to injury we had to pay for this amazing food!

No! I'm not a happy camper tonight. Kevin is starting me on a boot camp fitness regime tomorrow. He must have been in the army in a past life because he is taking to all this fitness thing like a duck to water. He is thrilled to be able to take out his boy toy again - the rat zapper. He gets such a thrill out of catching rats. He explained it's the hunter in him and that all men are hunters at heart. I wonder...hopefully next week will be better than this one was. Still, I have managed to keep off the 5 lbs. I lost which is good.

Shall keep you posted!

Love ya,

Patricia xxx

BLOODYHELL THE RODENTS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

2010-01-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

Remember in my last blog I told you I'd be pumping up on the exercise this week and glassing up on the water...Well my world fell apart when I stepped into our home gym on Saturday last. What greeted me was the sight of mass devastation. If ever a girl had an excuse to stay away from the gym! My beloved teddy bear Belinda was eaten alive by a rodent or dare I say rodent with an 's'. I like to think there is just one running around our garage gym. Poor Belinda was lying there with her sponge guts all over the place. They had started with her leg and made their way up to her belly. I wouldn't mind but that teddy bear has been with me for more than 23 years. In fact she was very sentimental to me and in the major de-cluttering job I rufused to let her go. When I travelled to Waterford with the Guinness Company all those years ago, Kevin got her for me to keep me company while I was away from home. Belinda's demise is surely the end of an era!

Yes! that was the end of the gym I told Kevin until the bloody rodents were zapped! He has a zapper machine which electrocutes the rat in seconds. The rat is gone before he realizes he's dead and it's all very clean. Anyway to cut a long story short, the home gym has been given a miss for a few days until it gets cleaned out and deemed same for human use.

Not being one to shirk responsibility, I grabbed two 5 lb. weights from the gym and decided to do my chip trail walk holding one in each hand. I wasn't going to let the rats get the better of me. Armed with the weights and listening to Irish rebel songs on my I-pod, nothing could step in my way. I was so exhausted after my walk, I didn't do it for another 3 days!! My shoulders and arms were aching SO much. Still I DID try! Kevin is doing brilliantly with the exercise and is now an expert. He has promised faithfully to put me on a program if we tidy up the gym together this weekend. I'll keep you posted!

Love ya,

Patricia xxx

THE NEW MAN IN MY LIFE...BRUNO!

2010-01-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

Yep! I told you a lot can happen in a week. I've sacked my Hypnotist and found a cheaper method for mind alteration. Eva was getting me into trouble and besides I am into Simple Abundance AGAIN (long may it last this time!!) I found what I was looking for in the form of a rubber dolly. He stands approx. 6 inches tall and I call him Bruno because he is a ringer for the real-deal one - far more polite I am glad to say! Bruno was gifted to me by my good friend Mary O'Neill who knows I love fashion. He is my personal shopper and very charming company. When I turn him on he replies "You're Hot Baby!" And if I REALLY turn him on (like keep my finger on the button) he flirts to high heaven and says ridiculous things like "You look fabulous Dahlin". Before I leave for work I pay a visit to Bruno in my home office to check on my attire and he says "Chest forward, shoulders back and STRUT STRUT STRUT!"
Now you can understand why he is a girl's best friend. The good thing about him is he knows his place and costs nothing. Hypnosis was a once-off experiment and I decided with Bruno now at my side, I don't need to spend money on losing the pounds. Remember, I'm back on the Simple Abundance path. Ever since the Haiti disaster, I feel guilty being so self-indulgent! Paying money for somebody to help me eat less didn't sit well with me, especially since they are starving in Haiti! So I'm going cold turkey! Yeah! Just me and my pal Bruno. I had to change his position on my desk the other day because he was trying to chat up my Celtic Angel (I swear he was inching in closer to her every day!) and she wasn't impressed.

Right now Mary...if you're reading this, Bruno is parked on my desk between a tall vase of Bamboo Shoots and 'Lucky' my black cat. He is saving me a fortune on Hypnosis and WW meetings. And I really love him which is why he is my forever friend.

Love Ya and keep doing what makes you feel good!

Now is the time to DE-CLUTTER before the Chinese New Year begins...

Delisha xxx :)

WOW A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A WEEK!

2010-01-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

Well actually today is Day 9 and as they say - Time flies when you're having a good time! Bet you didn't expect to hear me say that, especially since I haven't been back to you for nearly a week. You're probably thinking I cracked under the pressure with all that left-over Christmas stuff sitting pretty in my big glass see-through cookie jar!

The good news is I DIDN'T crack under pressure. Nah! I've been hypnotized - Remember? My alter ego Eva and myself having been having a whale of a time. We've become really close buddies especially since learning that her birthday and mine are only 3 days apart! (Yeah! different years of course but that's all mind over matter!)

When I was in the office on Tuesday and a patient said he would ask me out if I wasn't the Psychiatrist's wife (he's 12 years my junior) I realized with a thud I'd better put Eva back in her box quickly! After only 4 days of strutting, she was getting me into trouble! Still, it is rather flattering to know I'm still desirable - even if the fellow in question is a sexaholic - as they say it's all part of my job - to soothe but not sizzle!

The reason I wasn't back to talk this week is because I have been 'heavily' immersed in de-cluttering. We had 3 gardeners in for two whole days and my garden no longer resembles the jungles of Borneo - alas! Still it is good Feng Shui and hopefully it will help me land that Fabulosa Agent! Also I dropped down 8 black sacks of clothing to our local mall yesterday for Haiti. And I am cutting off the backs of several years of old greeting cards (going back 20 years) to send to a children's foster home in Boulder NV since they re-cycle old cards. So I'm being a REALLY good girl and trying desperately to earn some karma brownie points to lure that sugar daddy Publisher.

Yes, I decided before I could de-clutter my body, I had to de-clutter my surroundings. I have been chipping away at it all week so that is unfortunatly the only exercise I got!
It kept my mind SO occupied, food was something I had to do to ease my tummy rumbling. So I was good on two things this first week. I DID NOT WEIGH MYSELF until yesterday as promised and I DID KEEP WITHIN MY FOOD ALLOWANCE of 20 points a day. YEAH!!!!! Wait for it..............I LOST 5 LBS. this first week.

O.K. I shall not get too cocky - it is only the first week when one's body is all too ready to drop off the 'excess liquid' - easy on and easy off - just the first few lbs. This week promises to be more challenging I know. I promise to try and conquer the next battle - proper EXERCISE!!!!!!!! and glass up on the WATER!!!!

In my next blog I shall tell you about my new BF.

THE FOLLOWING ARE MY FAVOURITE FOOD TREATS OF THE WEEK - Only 2 points each on the WW program: -

Tall ice-cream glass filled with grapes, chopped strawberries and covered with Yoplait Source yogurt. I put a grape and a dusting of sprinklers on the top and serve with a long spoon - DELICIOUS!! All my family including Kevin love it.

Thinsulates offer different packs of goodies for only 100 cals a pack. I LOVE the chocolate pretzels. Really good value at only 2 points.

Also if I feel like crisps they have miniature packets in the shops now at only 100 cals per packet. Mind you they are SMALL but ever so tasty, especially the sour cream and onion ones! They make you feel less deprived.

Check them out and KEEP sweating!!

Love ya!

Delisha xxx :)

The

BE WHAT YOU WANT TO BECOME!

2010-01-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

Somebody in my abundance circle said "You have to be what you want to become" in order to attract what it is you are looking for". Does that sound whacky to you? It did to me until yesterday when I began my 'this time it's for real' adventure. I hope by the time the 'American Idol' series ends in May that I will be feeling over the moon with my weight loss. I've been a little bit of a piggy since the weather got cold and just having a whale of a time! Now it's PAYBACK time. Lady Karma is really cracking the whip!

Never mind I decided on a new strategy and so far Day 2 - it's working! I know I know, it's early days yet and I have the zeal of a convert. Still, there is a long way to go... My new strategy is Hypnosis. I went for a session yesterday and BOY what a fun and novel way to look at things. Like many of you reading this now, diets have come and gone and never really ever worked...for long! One has to go to the 'source' which of course is our mind and deal head on (excuse the pun) with all the negative messages we feed our brains.

Thanks to hypnosis (I was ready for it!!) I am now exactly where I want to be. I am gorgeous, lovable, fantabulous, sexy, desirable. In short, I am an Eva Longoria lookalike. So that is the seed which was planted in my brain yesterday.

Armed with this most pleasant mental ammunition, I took the supermarket on full throttle. Did all my shopping and as I walked down the aisle with my Eva swagger, not even the the new Lindt chocolate mousse chocolate bars or the sour cream & onion crisps could tempt me. They left me cold - O.K. let's just settle for lukewarm! Anyway because I am now SO gorgeous, (thanks to hypnosis and the power of suggestion) I want to keep that feeling. I don't want to do anything that would destroy my Eva Longoria figure - since I worked so hard to get it! Eva wouldn't stuff her face with junk food. No, Eva would only eat healthy food like fresh salmon, broccoli, probiotic yogurt, etc. - you get the drift! So that is why the statement `be what you want to become`might have a grain of truth in it.

Anyway - `tis early days yet and I`m still on a high since yesterday. I dress and feel like I am EXACTLY where I want to be. The target is to forget about food and try and rid myself of its power or just re-negotiate the relationship so we can live in harmony together. Astrologically speaking, people like me who have their moon in Cancer and mars in Taurus are Foodies in the extreme! So I can blame it on Venus and Jupiter! They're the fun Gods of the zodiac.

Day two is down. I have followed the weight watchers point system as I like it. The Rules of the Game which I have set are as follows:

1) Once a week weigh-in on Saturdays only.

2) Keep a food journal and work within the limit.

3) No new clothes or shoes until I have earned them!

4) Try and squeeze in 30-60 mins a day exercise.

5) Book a few more hypnosis sessions during the
the journey to juice the old engine.

6) Lotsa water and a multi-vitamin each day.

7) At the start of the hypnosis, I put on a yellow
plastic live-strong bracelet I found, so
everytime I look at it, I am reminded of my
mission!

Words of Wisdom to carry you through - CHANGE YOUR MIND MESSAGES _ CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

I shall be strictly honest with you and IF and when I fall off the wagon - I will let you know!!

Keep in touch - this should be fun.

Delisha a.k.a. Eva xxx

HALLOWEEN PLEASE COME QUICKLY...OR ELSE I'LL HAVE EATEN ALL THE CANDIES!!

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

My favourite holiday is on the way - Halloween. I just love love love it, maybe it's because it brings out the witch in me!! Let's forget about the glutton part. Leaving it as late as possible, I went to the shops this evening and got all the junk food in preparation for the mass destruction ahead. I almost needed a wheel barrow to get the stuff all into the house. Kids had to be dragged out of bed to help me. We managed to get all the stuff in. It was late because a very nice girl and boy down in Zellars spent a half an hour trying to get a halloween toy to work for me, despite the fact there were lines of cross people behind me with their wheelies full of junk food like me.

The Halloween toy they tried to get working for me was
some zombie eating a rat and the rat went in and out his mouth, or at least it was supposed to, except he wouldn't co-operate. The girl assistant took great pleasure stroking the rat's tail, thinking it might get him to move, totally ignoring the irate customers behind us. She was a lovely girl. I think she fancied the boy assistant also trying to help us get the rat moving. Love stories begin in Zellars...

Unfortunately, despite changing batteries the damn thing wouldn't work - dang!! I think it was not meant to be, besides I did promise Kevin NO MORE HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS. It takes two days to put them all up and a week to take them down, as I'm laden down with sweets and lethargic. I usually wait until it's time to put up the Christmas decorations...

Anyway Halloween is on its merry wonderful way. I just hope the candies and crisps will last... We've already made a considerable dent in the boxes of miniature chocolate bars and lays crisps!!

Help!! Halloween come quickly...!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL YOU WONDERFUL VIRGOS!

2009-09-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day - worthy of acknowledging - it is the birthday of my dear momma who turns 87 and if you saw her you'd swear she was only 60! No kidding! She has skin like porcelain and a brain as sharp as lightening, which we attribute to the fact she is a voracious reader and keeps up-to-date on current affairs and is still in love! Mother reckons that love is the secret of her youthful vigour (she used to attribute chocolate to her happiness as well until she gave it up for a special intention some years ago). She is still in love with papa bear, even after all these years - they celebrated 55 years together last February T.G. Even our kids say "they don't look like old people at all". Dad's favourite song is 'love it is a funny thing--it makes a man a fool!' He sings it when mother nags or gets him to hold her handbag...a thing my dear hubby promises he will never in a million years do! And I believe him! Maybe it's because I carry everything but the kitchen sink in my bag.

Another special birthday today is Tessa our cat. She was called after mother because they share the same birthday. When I told mother that we had called our cat after her and that they shared the same birthday - her reaction was: "Great at least you'll have one tidy animal in the house!" Virgos for the most part are 'neat freaks' mother being a classic example. It has to be said she was correct about dear Tessa. She is a pleasure to deal with. She never soils in the house - politely goes outside and if it's raining, she will ever so politely use her litter box. As for our two little chihuahuas...!! They may be small but they sure pack a BIG punch when it comes to maintenance. Against that they DO work for their supper and reward us for our efforts with lots of licks and cuddling and are loving and lovable little beasts. Tessa on the other hand is very cool and detached. "Just feed me missus!" and she's gone off again outside to chase the birds.

As well as being orderly and focused, Virgos have very high standards...as we discovered when we began feeding our Tessa deluxe cat food. She took to it immediately and will not eat anything else! Tessa's favourite room in the house is Victoria's bedroom. Could it be because she knows Victoria is a Virgo too? Yes, Victoria and Tess's birthdays are only two days apart. Victoria turns 17 on Saturday - More celebrations!!

I love Virgos because they are kind, considerate, calm, loving, hard working and YES - Purrfect Specimens!! So if you're reading this Victoria and you want to know 'what does she want now? - the answer is Nothing - Just be yourself...

Love all you Virgos and Have a great birthday month. Do something nice for yourself today...

Lotsa Love,

Patricia xxx

IT'S NOT Y0U! BLAME IT ON MERCURY...

2009-09-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

hi friends,

Before we get to discuss mischievous mercury, let me tell you about the sweet surprise. I had just written my status about life being wonderful and full of nice surprises when lo and behold - a patient walked into my office carrying a magnificent rose from her garden for me in a little glass vase. Synchronicity or maybe it's true what they say, if you think positive thoughts, good things will happen. It brings me to my favourite saying:

'Optimism is a magnet that draws good unto itself"

Which leads me to the next thought...we're going to need all the optimism between now and the end of September. The planet Mercury is going retro or backwards in the sky. It only happens three times in the year - three times too often!! Because mercury is the planet of communication and the fact it is in an air/earth combo, we can expect communications between folk to be a little chaotic on occasion to say the least. This is how mercury retro works - you lose things, you forget appointments, people forget appointments, (I notice that happens a lot in our office around mercury retro phases) misunderstandings happen between people, you get irksome, irritable, feel misunderstood, bla bla. So that's why I wanted you to know 'It's not you--blame it on Mecury! It begins the new retro phase on Sept. 6th so try to avoid signing important contracts and if so pay attention to the small print! Don't make major purchases (darn I was going to buy a dishwasher...maybe get extended warranty).

Trust me when I say PAY ATTENTION try and elminiate carelessness, keep communication as direct and up front as possible, e.g. meet in person instead of using the phone, etc.

So just in case any of you folk out there feel a bit muddled and confused or things go missing, or that phone call or letter you are awaiting seems never to come - by the end of September when Mercury goes direct again, you will notice a big difference.

Does what I am saying make sense to any of you out there? Take note and diary each day. It would be interesting to hear if you experience any of the aforementioned between 6th and 30th September.

Optimism and paying attention to detail and not being careless will be sufficient armour to protect you.

Cheers and lotsa love,

Patricia xxx

SLEEPLESS IN SIZZLING SEATTLE!

2009-08-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi y'all!

We`re all back in one piece t.g. - actually make that 4 big suitcases! From all the shopping we had to buy another case which is not surprising considering our shameful history...In any case (xcuse the pun) on our outgoing journey to Seattle, we were not deterred by a sobering message on a church bulletin board which said`Things do not make you happy```Says who!`Kevin joked ``he that dies with the most stuff wins...``It sparked a big discussion. Though on our way to Seattle to do some shopping, the timing wasn`t the best! Just as well Kevin has a good sense of humour.

Seattle is where Starbucks began as well as Jimi Hendrix and Bill Gates. You can spock it and rock it at the science and music museums and view the clothes worn by the Star Trekkers and Jimi Hendrix. Real boytown energy...gadgets and gizmos, rock `n roll, guns and science fiction.

Microsoft money is very much in evidence around Seattle`s cultural hot spots, though there is nothing micro or soft about the millions that their famous son, Bill Gates, has poured into his native town. The Seattle Art Museum was definitely worth a visit and one of the best I`d seen in a long time, because of the variety of exhibits, from ancient religious artefacts dating back to the 1400`s to magnificent silverware, porcelain, native art, Dutch and French artists, modern art - the whole gamut. Not a boring second and I was kept constantly in surprise. A treat for busy minds.

Ditto the Seattle Symphony Hall which seats 2,500 people and cost $118 million dollars to build. Apparently it is regarded as one of the top 3 in the world, from an acoustic point of view. There was a hall dedicated to Bill and Melinda Gates. I guess at that rate, they wouldn`t want to divorce now because so many things around Seattle are in their honour!!

Huge money was also in evidence at the Aquarium which has to be the best in the world - Unreal! To be honest I wasn`t particularly excited at the thought of an Aquarium...it always puts me off eating my favourite food--fish! This time it was different. I befriended an amazing octopus named `Buster`. She was absolutely fascinating. People joked that she really liked me because she had hidden in a sulk under a rock for two months and then the two of us started smiling at each other and she began to do all sorts of tricks and changed her colour and pretended to devour a 3 ft eel and winked at me and turned on her many toes and I just couldn`t get enough of Buster. The others had to pull me away from her--literally! I suppose it is the piscean in me...

Apparently King Bill lives in a 66,000 sq. foot palace in Seattle and has a 40 car capacity garage--and I thought he lived modestly! He still cowers to his father, Bill Snr. an Attorney, who is 6 ft. 6 inches in height and works in the company with him. Bill jnr. was an only son and at the age of 12 he objected to his parent`s obsessive control so they brought him for some counselling. Now they all live happily together, Bill, his widowed dad Bill Snr. Melinda and his 3 children. Their enormous house is all computer operated--naturally! The things you learn in Seattle.

Other things I discovered - Seattle has 416 Starbucks outlets. Every second place is a coffee shop. The city began with the gold rush around 1807 (if I remember what the tour guide said!) and was just a few lads panning for gold, a pub and a brothel...You can really feel that male energy around Pioneer Square the oldest part of the city.

The best value in town is the city pass - it just costs $54 per person and well worth every penny. For that we had free entrance into the Seattle art museum, the aquarium, a cruise, the space needle, the science museum and the music museum - all terrific places to visit.

We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel on 6th Ave. bang in the middle of the action. A fantastic location but expensive for dining and not really that great. We had breakfast there one morning and it was rather tasteless and the orange juice did not taste freshly squeezed. I know `size matters`but Gawd! when they brought me out an omelette the size of an elephant`s trunk, it really put me off, even more so when it tasted of nothing. If you want food - take a trip to the Pike Market. Great fresh fruit and food on the go. Flowers at $5 a bunch which would easily be $30 here in Victoria. All the locals shop at the Pike Market, which is surely one of the MUST SEES in Seattle.

Family fun is all thrown together with adult fun, in a rather `couldn`t care less`manner around the market. As I waited for my DELICIOUS felafel at the Felafel King take-out, I was entertained by the bunting across the street `Showgirls with nothing on but a smile` and sex toys for sale only a few doors down from the toy shops selling proper toys in the original sense of the word - you know Curious George, etc.

So if you`re thinking of planning a trip to Seattle, I`ll throw in my penny`s worth...

MUST DO: City Pass

MUST GET: Hotel that is in a central location - they are all offering killer deals now as business is down due to the recession

BEST SHOP: Nordstrom Rack which sells designer stuff at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

MOST FUN ACTIVITY:

Ride the ducks...This is a 90 mins. tour of Seattle by land and sea. The ducks are fully restored WW11 amphibious landing craft. They are driven by coast-guard certified Captains and they do as they promise which is to Quack-you-up with local folklore, historical information, funky music and it really is a lot of fun. We had a great Captain - Captain Hugo and it was really a travelling party as we sang party songs - 70`s disco music, Frank Sinatra and it was one of my most memorable experiences. I bought a plactic duck noisemaker and drove Kevin and the girls nuts blowing it all the time. I got great mileage out of it so every time I got lost, I blew it and they knew where to find me!!

That`s all the news about our Seattle Adventure...Definitely worth a visit!

Lotsa love for now...

Patricia Delisha

P.S. Somebody asked me ``so whatever happened to your resolution to live simply...I`m actually wondering the same thing myself!!

It's either a feast or a famine...

2009-04-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Darlings,

How're y'all doin' out there in the world...in Ireland, San Francisco, Australia, Canada, Luxembourg, Dublin, Co. Kildare, Co. Galway - Heck! that sure sounds impressive - doesn't it?

I am in total heaven since I got my new home computer last night. I was without one for several weeks and it was AWFUL. I missed it so much. In the beginning I was like a drug addict missing my fix - hands shaking, etc. etc. I missed the connection despite the fact there are 5 home computers in this house of mine - I just don't like using other people's computers - besides they are always stuck to them like clams - two's company - three is a crowd!
Now I have my own magnificent baby - a Dell and I'm just loving it. Don my computer man ordered it for me and saved me $150 in the process. In addition he spent hours in his home transferring all the old files onto the new computer and then he came to the house last night and spent a further 3 hours going over everything with me. Such a gentleman and only wanted to charge me $90 for I am sure at least 15 hours work if not more. He had to remove the old computer, order the new one, collect the new one and then bring it to his home and then return again with it loaded and all of that work for only $90!! He is an incredibly decent human being but I always give him a bit more than he asks for.

He is just such a non-materialist and not in the least bit greedy. I guess if he was married with children, the story would be different!!

We had a fellow come in and clean the windows not so long ago. He did an o.k. job but felt he would have to make a '2 day job out of it'. Anyway Dave the window cleaner 'fleeced me' - charged GST plus PST and every other bloody tax he could conjure up and get away with!! For his few hours cleaning the windows he charged a whooping $320!! Compare that to Don the computer guy!! However, Dave informed me that he has a new woman "and she does all the books now!!" - easily known because after he had fleeced me, he produced this really fancy fridge magnet to remind me to book another window session. The moral of the story is 'don't book a window cleaner who has a woman at home 'doin' the books!'.

My golden wonder car is driving like an absolute gem. I love love love it. Don't know how I ever existed without it. Imagine my surprise the other day when a knock came on the door - a fellow was standing outside with a HUGE floral arrangement "Happy Easter Mrs. O'Neill from all at Three Point Motors" What a nice surprise!! It was the most magnificent floral arrangement I had ever in my life seen - wild and exotic with bird of paradise flowers and exotic palm tree foliage and yellow exotic flowers - honestly it took my breath away. I had given a thank-you card and bunch of flowers to Alexia the girl in the Mercedes Benz showroom who had been so helpful to us. I think she did that as a thank-you. Maybe they do that for everybody. And we're only in the 'B Series' - the lowest of the low!!

As I said - Stuff happens when you least expect it!!

Love y'all. Be good to yourselves and Enjoy every precious moment. I'll finish with a poem...

Little drops of water
Little grains of sand
Make the mighty ocean
And the beauteous land

Little deeds of kindness
Little words of love
Make our earth an Eden
Like the heaven above

Cheers and BFN

Patricia Delisha xxx

Stuff happens when you least expect it!!

2009-04-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Picture the scene...Friday afternoon I'm rushing down that lunatic highway I was telling you about before, surrounded by hundreds of cars on both sides of me - all in the same hurry as me. I had a 4 p.m. appointment in Langford (about 20 mins. outside of Victoria) to meet with a graphic designer re. my book. Suddenly the car has a fit - not me the car! I was driving Kevin's car at the time. The quicker I drove, the noisier the car became. It felt like as if I had a puncture but because there was no place to stop I had to keep going until I got to Langford and off the motorway. When I got to Langford, I checked the car - surprisingly no flat tyre - what the hell was that noise? Fortunately and by some instinct, I had blessed myself with holy water before leaving the office. I had actually returned to the office to do that (don't normally do that).

After my appointment was finished, I decided to head for home and get Kevin to check out what was causing all that noise. So off I went again back on the dreaded lunatic motorway. This time the car was really really getting to sound more and more desperate and then the steering wheel began to shake so much I could barely handle it. Even though I felt really nervous, at the same time I had the strange calming sensation that an angel was steering the car. This one is definitely an 'Angel Story'. I progressed on my journey with Angelica steering the car. We barely made it off the motorway onto a quieter road when there was a loud CRASH!! The car came to a standstill and I watched in horror as I saw my front tyre jumping up in front of my eyes and across the road about to hit some fellow in his brand new red Audi car. I put my hands over my eyes and begged "sweet Jesus don't let that tyre hit that man's car". It didn't - I missed it by a split second!!

As I watched my left front tyre hop and skip across the road almost hitting this poor unfortunate, I thought of my friend Rose Delay in Calgary who was killed stone dead with her three kids behind her in the car from a similar incident. A tyre fell off a lorry and hit her window and that was the end of Rose at age 37!! Phew! I can tell you those fellows who had put a new and espensive set of tyres on Kevin's car the previous Monday had a lot to answer for!! They had not put the tyre on properly. I was bucking and cursing and swearing like a drunken tinker to myself as I got out of the car - once the shock of what 'might have been' had passed. Imagine if that tyre had come off on the motorway and me going at nearly 110 kms!! There would have been not one but SEVERAL fatalities - a big pile-up for sure!

The moral of the story is - PRAY - bless your car. I ALWAYS say a prayer before I even start the ignition for a safe journey. I can tell you - I have had a few hit and misses like that and I always end up saying a Hail Mary in thanks. Elderly folk driving not watching where they are going and stopping dead, indicating right and going left, driving through four way stops, etc. etc. All I can say about the whole incident is that it was MIRACLE and I always thank God for my angel friends...

OH! I nearly forgot the good part - Just as my car came to a dead stop - the fellow directly behind me came out of his car - obviously! He was easy on the eye which was a nice bonus but an even BIGGER BONUS - he was an off-duty cop! Talk about luck!! The easy-on-the-eye off-duty cop took control of all the mess and asked me to step off the road so as not to get knocked down - thank you handsome cop!! What a gent and how GLAD I was that I had washed my hair and dressed up nicely - trust me it always helps to act the damsel in distress in such cases!! Not that I would wish a similar incident on anybody!

To ease my distress the fellow in the red audi (who was equally easy on the eye) was extremely pleasant about the whole 'unfortunate' incident. "My car is fine" he smiled "No problem".
Phew!! Thank you world. I didn't have to lift a pretty manicured nail. De boys did all the dirty work - removing offensive wheel, phoning for tow truck, etc. The off-duty cop phoned his on-duty cop to come and report the incident. Mind you it was best for last because the on-duty cop was a Robert Redford lookalike (RR in his hey day).

So all's well that ends well...

I needed some chocolate at Easter to help ease my post-traumatic-stress-disorder!!

Cheery Billy Bye and Love y'all.

Patricia Delisha xxx

We're back in business again...

2009-04-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

Hope you all enjoyed your Easter break and got out and enjoyed the sun... oops I meant rain!! What's to enjoy about rain - nothing!! We headed over to Vancouver, and being the eternal optimist, I only packed light bright cheery clothing in anticipation of some lovely spring sunshine. Good Friday was lovely t.g. and at least I got one wear out of my white pants and yellow top. We walked along the beach and down Robson Street ending up in the best fish and chipper in town (we had it planned). It was totally scrummy and the place was packed because being Good Friday, everybody was off meat for the day - or so it would appear. Late Saturday and all of Sunday it was rain, rain and more rain!! We went to see a movie and I fell asleep in the cinema - Julia Roberts in her latest movie (the name of which I have forgotten) it was that exciting!! However the locations were fabulous - Dhubai, Rome and London - that was the best part.

I am deeply ashamed to say I cracked up in Vancouver and broke into an easter egg on Easter Saturday! Unfortunately, it wasn't guilt I felt afterwards, but frustration because the chocolate tasted DEsgusting...It really wasn't worth breaking my 'off-chocolate' promise. However, I must explain why...Every Easter we have a family tradition to go visit 'the olde English Candy Store' and choose our easter eggs. It is such a pretty shop and has been in existence for decades to give pleasure to chocaholic ex-pats. In the summer they sell the naughty sea-side post cards which I love and you can buy 'normal' cheese and onion crisps there at 'abnormal' prices - but it's worth it every now and then!! We make a ritual of visiting the shop every Easter. The girls begged me to "Just for Easter" eat some chocolate. I knew it was important to them. Ali said it would ruin the Easter if I wasn't eating chocolate so that's why I gave in.

I'm a sucker...and in this case I DID put up quite a fight. I think once the sluice gates of deprivation were opened, I went in search of tastier chocolate to discover that the Godiva shop on Robson had closed down!! Closed Down - how could that be? Obviously the universe was consipiring to make me keep my no-chocolate promise!!

We enjoyed our long weekend in Vancouver - dining out and shopping and eating chocolate and really letting it all hang out...In prep. for the 10k coming up on the 26th of April, Kevin and I did a massive walk starting on Sunset Beach and we walked all around the seafront until we reached Coal Harbour. It took us in all two and a half hours and not exaggerating - I'd say we walked ten miles!! Obviously - the girls did not join us!! We were starving afterwards and I was quite exhausted - though not as bad as I felt two Sundays ago when I did my first proper 10k walk. I hadn't been doing any walks so imagine my delight when I did the 10k in 1 hour and 36 mins!! With all that walking my appetite is huge!! Never mind - it's all in a good cause - or is it???

I am SO GLAD to be alive - maybe at the back of my mind was the thought - Heck life is short - you have to enjoy it...Tune in to the next blog to hear about my close brush with death...Yeah! sounds dramatic...and is dramatic!!

Cheers and Remember do at least ONE good thing for yourselves today and TWO good things for others and if they tell you to MYOB - turn the other cheek - the BUTTOCK one!!

In the next blog you will really learn that MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!

Cheery Billy Bye...

Love y'all

Patricia Delisha

P.S. I'm back on track and OFF chocolate forever now and as for YOSA ...I dunno what way the Universe is working these days...

The Simple Abundance of driving a Mercedes Benz...ahem...I have some explaining to do...

2009-03-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

BEFORE you accuse me of being an arch MATERIALIST...let me do some explaining.

Firstly, the merc cost the same as our Mazda did 12 years ago - I know! hard to believe so really there was no argument. If we get 12 years of trouble free driving out of this new baby, well then I shall not complain. BUT it is not just an ordinary car - NO this car makes me feel like a SEX KITTEN. Seriously, the metallic bronze and golden colour so suits my hair colour, it is such a SEXY car!! I now have to dress accordingly. Everything about this car spells EMANCIPATION. It is a girl who wants adventure type of car - if you get my drift. No it is not a big huge Moma Bear SUV like the Mazda MPV gas guzzler was. I am going from an 8 seater with child vomit and doggie destruction engrained into the seats, to a slick 5 seater with a smooth golden interior and tinted windows - a real Thelma and Louise vehicle - YEE HAW - anchors away...Goodbye Moma Bear lifestyle - Hello Glamour Puss!! It was meant to be!!

So yes - I shall be saving on motor repairs and fuel bills - I think that warrants the sainthood status of simple abundance? It makes sense from an economical point of view...right?

Oh by the way...just as I was complaining about the lack of daffodils in my garden, guess what happened this morning? I went for an early morning walk around the garden and found several daffodils hiding behind trees and in little warm shady spots. I got a lovely little bunch and now am enjoying looking at them on my office desk as I write. They brought a big smile to the faces of all the patients coming in. They were truly worth the wait and are so much nicer than the runt daffodils they were selling at safeway. These ones are voluptuous and one of them has an orange interior. I picked them at random so what a lovely surprise to find the one with the little orange face. Yes, nature is awesome.

Tonight Kevin and I hand over our old Mazda and I am very lonely having to kiss it goodbye. It is truly the end of an era...We collect the new vehicle and if our experience with the Mercedes family is anything like it was on Saturday, I shall look forward to meeting them again. Picture the scene last Saturday - Kevin in track suit bottoms and unshaven looking like a druggie and me with no face made up and I don't even know if I had brushed my hair - no showers yet and wearing the first thing that came to hand. We had just literally raced out the door on Saturday morning to get Claudia to the airport on time. Everything about the venture was impulsive.

We arrived in the highly sophisticated and glossy Mercedes Benz Showroom - looking like hillbillies - yet they treated us like royalty. Daniel our salesman was a charming Chinese guy, sleek as the cars he was selling - a Libra - what else could you expect with such charisma! D was put together as beautifully as the cars - clad in black designer gear with bright orange tie and hair all gelled, a gentle whiff of RL cologne followed him around - he was the bees knees! We did the business with Daniel and he made us a delicious cup of coffee served in Starbucks european white porcelain cups - Delish!! smooth as velvet.

After coffee, D brings us in to visit with 'Lexia', their ultra sophisticated finance lady - WOW! that's all I can say. If you ever watch the housewives of Orange County - Lexia would fit in. Gorgeous, blonde shoulder length hair, slim, tanned, almond shaped hazel eyes, french manicured nails, designer clothing, designer leather bag on the shelf behind her, banana lunch sitting beside it and a bottle of hand sanitizer completed the picture of perfection. On Lexia's desk there was a little miniature Mercedes Benz business card holder. We discussed at length what we could do with our crock of a car (not the mercedes - the Mazda!) would we like to donate it to charity? or what about having it towed by the city? - you must be joking!! Come down to earth Lexia - it's not THAT bad!! In the end we did a deal. I had thought of donating it to Kiwanis House, the charity for single mothers but then again they would need to do a lot of repairs and if anything happened to them driving it, I would feel really guilty!! the brakes were getting old like myself - slow to get motivated some mornings...

Lexia offered us more of their designer coffee while we hummed over figures and boring stuff like that - Just get the job done Lex...We did and in the end after all the finance stuff was worked out Lexia invites D back into the room and together they shook our hands and said "Welcome to the Mercedes Benz family Kevin and Patricia". On the way home Kevin jokes, "now that they are part of the family, should we invite Daniel and Lexia for supper!!".

You must admit - LIFE IS FUNNY!!!

Better go and get the old Mazda cleaned out and have a farewell supper tonight. We meet with Lex and D tonight for the handover...

I send you all out loads and loads of hugs and kisses from Victoria...

God Bless and be good to yourselves...

Cheers,

Patricia xxx

Hello Universe...what message are you trying to give me?

2009-03-23T13:24:00.001-07:00

Right Fellas!

Two months ago precisely - I started off on a new and awe-inspiring journey. It was to be a year of Simple Abundance...In my heart of hearts I was looking for a simple life, what was I thinking? I was destined for sainthood and even if I say so myself - was beginning to get a tad bored being so abstemious - putting it bluntly - it's not in my nature to be penurious so I was fighting against the tide - going against the wind of change. By the way I'm still waiting on the bloody daffodils to appear!! What I thought were daffodils back in January turned out to be snow flakes!! The daffodils have been teasing the hell out of me - now you see me - now you don't - If you really want me, you can buy me in Safeway for $1.99 a bunch, or I could stop off the next time I'm in the Mayfair Mall and pick up a bunch in the shop after I've had my nice Italian coffee...hmm

You know all this depressing recession stuff is making me go gaga!! I heard the other day on the radio that Paris Hilton was doing her bit to help the world and is buying all around her with gusto. I can see the economic logic of that and I take my hat off to Paris...always liked the girl despite the mean things people said about her. She had a reality show on t.v. recently to help her choose a new BF (best friend). I so wanted to take part but I guess I was on the wrong side of 40!!

To cut to the chase, the Universe didn't like the 'new me' either. After the Cleopatra bed for Claudia, the latest acquisition to force its way into my life - DESPITE putting up a good fight (well not really...I must be honest!!) - was this gorgeous metallic golden/bronze beauty of a car. Did I need to get a Mercedes Benz? No, probably not, but the car came into our life rather than the other way around. The extraordinary thing about the motor industry is that prices have dropped considerably and new incentive packages make it most attractive for people to purchase new cars.

We were at the airport on Saturday morning dropping Claudia off on her way to Calgary for the Spring break, when Lo and behold - a vision in white appeared - No, not an angel but not too far off. It was a new mercedes benz model but we could not believe how fuel economic it was as well as incredibly low interest rates and to cut a long story short - they made it very easy for this new baby to enter the family. So two months after YOSA began - we've adopted two new kids in the 3rd world, a new bed and now a new car - HOLY SMOKES - that's after only two months...I think somebody somewhere is trying to tell me something...I swear to God it's not me. I really have tried very hard to be very good, even though I must admit feeling that if nobody is spending, the economy everywhere is going to KRASH - and a loud noisy one too.

The truth of the matter is we needed a new car since my current van has been in the family since Claudia was 2 - so it's not like we are impulsive with cars and seeing as I spend a lot of time on the road - the inevitable had to happen!! It was a gas-guzzler and was just about entering the danger zone of very expensive repair jobs. The new model has a 7 year warranty - no repair bills for 7 years and cheaper fuel costs - no argument on that.

We collect the new baby tomorrow D.V. I just love the thought of out with the old in with the new. I did another major clean-out at home and 3 more black sacks made their way to Value Village on their way to charities in Africa. So that's the end of that!!

Haven't been blogging for a while due to the pressures of getting this baby book out. I did not like the art work for the cover so have a new Dutch artist now whose work I absolutely LOVE. By the time the book comes out, it will have had quite an International body of people working on it - Irish, Dutch, Canadian and Polish!! A labour of love - even if I say so myself.

That's all the news thus far - Hope y'all had a great St. Patrick's Day. Yes, I did go mad on St. Patrick's Day - I always do. Got dressed up in 40 shades of green and saw a rainbow on my way into work. I stopped off and bought some golden coin chocolates in Save-on-foods and some miniature green and white cupcakes. When I got into work I put out some sweets for the patients and dropped some around the offices to spread De Love. A little girl going up on the elevator with her mum and granny was thrilled when I opened up my green bag and offered her a fist full of dollars! Her mum by way of thanks laughed "I see you are wearing enough green for all of us!!". Twas a grand day by all accounts.

I cooked up the traditional Green cabbage, white potatoes, orange carrots and Pink Bacon for hubby. Later we went out to an evening of Irish music which would have been fantastic if the lead singer could sing - everything about her was perfect, except her voice. It sounded like sour mild for want of a better description but I loved her dress - green velvet to the ground with long red hair. She was about 90 but great energy trying to get us to buy her cds. The dancers were fantastic and I see they have new Irish dancing costumes now. The big fancy $2,000 dresses are 'so yesterday'. The new ones are sleek, much cheaper and easier to wear I'm sure. Black with colourful skirts - 2 blondes with red skirts (the prettiest and best dancers) two dark haired girls with purple skirts, and two reddish haired girls with green skirts - so on stage they looked quite sophisticated. They all wore the funny curly wigs which bounced up and down and looked like a hundred little piggy tails bundled together. Diamonds shone from their hair and they smiled throughout their dances. I am sure they found it much easier to dance without the big stiff heavy dresses of yesteryear.

We did not wait for the finish as Kevin and Ali found the lady with the sour milk voice too hard to bear. Even in church, Kevin has a very sensitive ear for music. I could listen to anything, as long as I don't have to do dishes!! Outside in the streets young guys were going around sloshed wearing the green t-shirts and disgracing us Irish folk in front of all the lovely polite folk. I'm sure people realised that they weren't Irish just wearing green t-shirts bearing the usual "Kiss Me I'm Irish". Ali hates the fact people associate the Irish with drink and behaving like clowns. Poor St. Patrick has a lot to answer for and I'm sure he never in his life put a drink to his mouth.
I forgot to mention I also got jelly snakes for the girls to share with their friends. I told Claudia to tell her pals that St. Patrick was famous for driving the jelly belly snakes from Ireland.

That's all the news this end.

Hope you are all well and thriving and Thanks be to God - Ireland won the Triple Crown and the Grand Slam for the 1st time in 61 years - YEE HAW!! - On the strength of it we're going out to dinner tonight for Ali's birthday... we were going to go out anyway.

Be good to yourselves...realise life is short...Poor Natasha Richardson being a case in point...I so so sympathise with her family - I fell and broke my ankle on a beginners ski slope - I HATE HATE HATE Skiing - Seriously what is the point? I mean you're racing down a ski slope but yet you've no bus or train to catch? Can anybody persuade me otherwise that Skiing is not for the faint-hearted or the level-headed!! If you love skiing - we can agree to differ.

Love Y'all

Patricia Delisha xxx

Is the world really becoming very mean...??

2009-03-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

Just wondering...everybody keeps talking about the world becoming such a mean place, with no manners and an 'every man for himself' mentality.

Certainly at the Confirmation class last Wednesday we all had to sit through a gruelling 45 mins. movie about a selfish King. I glanced over at Claudia a few times as she tried to contain herself. "It was for 4 year olds mum - seriously!" She didn't have to tell me. It was a story about a selfish King who liked nothing more than to sit in his bubble bath all day long playing with his duckie. He loved his duckies and had a kingdom full of plastic duckies. One day a servant asked him for one and he said "No, I like my duckies". After the movie, the children had to discuss the movie and see if there was anything about it that pertained to the season of Lent which is upon us. They were speechless - Claudia later told me they were bored to death and that one kid nearly fell asleep during the movie. They had not one single word to say about the movie so that was the end of that!

We discussed lent some time ago and when one child was asked "what is Lent?" his response was very amusing "It's when you put a black thing on your forehead". This class is SO much fun - almost as funny as the belly dancing. I suggested that maybe the moral of the movie was that we must not be selfish Yeah - whatever! Kids nowadays are so tired all the time. Claudia explained that after a long hard day in the classroom another series of quizzes was the last thing people wanted. Certainly the way the class is constructed, it's all very fact orientated - all head and very little heart. Could that be why the world is becoming a meaner place? I dunno...

Sitting behind a desk in a psychiatrist's office, the harshness of the world comes pouring in day after day and I keep asking myself 'Why?' and 'Is the world really becoming meaner and less friendly and less caring? Kevin maintains it's due to a lack of spirituality and that all the chaos and financial crisis in the world today is going to force people to look within and to return to kinder, less material ways. Stuff is so transient - one day your shares are up - another day they are down. You have no control over anything except your spiritual journey because in the end, it's all you need...

I am writing this blog during a lull moment at work. The girl next door came in with a letter addressed to us and delivered to her in error. Speak of the devil - it was a letter from a divorce company! aptly named 'Fairway - Divorce Solutions'. I wonder why they are sending it to our office? It was addressed to Kevin personally...Jeez NOW I'm beginning to get worried!!! JAAAAAAAAAA

Phew - I needed a cup of tea!

This Fairway company are offering to provide a fair system for people seeking divorce solutions. I guess they must have thought we would have a lot of people in that position. Staying with the 'mean theme' I must share the latest bit I just read about the new kind of speed-dating - it is called 'Hate-dating' or 'Hate-dates'. It started in London and apparently for a few seconds you get to vent your rage and frustration with the world and spit out all your hates...apparently it is very therapeutic and is the 'in-thing'. One fellow remarked he never knew women were SO angry!!

Have you heard of Hot Yoga? The first time I heard about it I thought in my innocence, that it was a place to pick up a 'hot date'. I had read of establishments in Vancouver where men (gay obviously!) all do yoga in the nip - so that is what I thought 'Hot Yoga' meant! LOL. I was wrong obviously - or maybe not! Well anyway the newest form of yoga is called 'Laughter Yoga' - the world has become too serious and depressing so now with whatever free pennies you have left from the recession you can go into a room and people will come over and make jokes and do everything in their power to make you laugh - AH............no tanks!! I think I would rather have my funny seaside holiday postcards. They make me laugh louder than any laughter yoga could do!!

On that funny and thought provoking note, I bid you all a cheery billy bye...

Do something nice for yourselves this weekend - how about Hot Yoga? or Laughter Yoga? or Speed Hate-dating? or ....

Delisha xxx

"Just Lights"

2009-03-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogger Buddies,

I have to share this beautiful obituary I read in the newspaper the other day. It made my eyes misty to think that romance never dies...

"Just Lights"

When I worked on the trains, the lights in the windows of farmhouses against the blackness of night, held out the promise of such warmth and coziness within. From ships, the lights in the windows of homes dotting the coast stirred the imagination to thoughts of that same promise.

When I married you Arabella* the promise of those lights became mine. Since you died sweetheart, the lights I now see in the windows of farmhouses, and in the windows of seaside homes, don't seem so cozy anymore. And the lights where I now live without you have become - just lights.

Forever as one,

(Not her real name to protect privacy)

Beside the obituary section was - naturally - an ad for funeral homes. Their 'thought for the week' was "Maybe it's true that life begins at fifty...but everything else starts to wear out, fall out or spread out!".

How true the above!! That's how I feel now as I try to get the old engine fired up for the 10k only weeks away. I really don't know why I have decided to put such challenges in my path this year - but there you go! I'm doing so much walking these days it reminds me of what Ellen DeGeneres said about her mother 'my mother started walking 5 miles a day and now nobody knows where the hell she is!'. In addition to the daily walking I started belly dancing classes this past week. So much fun!! That was the third thing on my wish list - write book - walk 10k - do belly dancing classes. Now with the world in such a state of chassis - belly-dancing is the perfect antidote. I'm still nibbling away at the first two and still aching to my toes from all the exertion of the belly dancing.

I bought this gorgeous red thingamagigg with all the coins dangling from it some 3 years ago. I was going to wear it to a xmas party but changed my mind. It really is for belly dancing. Then another time I went to a flea market and picked up amazing jingly jangly belly dancing bracelets
including one for the ankle. I was really all dressed up now but nowhere to go until I discovered my editor also taught belly dancing classes. She is a lady of many talents. I never realised it was such a good work out. I got carried away when the music started and suddenly I was an exotic dancer. "Did you do this before" Carol asked in feigned admiration. "Yes-in my dreams!". We all had so much fun daring our hips to behave themselves for once as we danced around in a circle. Then we started making the weird tongue sounds that the ladies make at special events...it goes like this yeeeee yeeeee yeeeeeee. Considering there was a grandmother in our class (not as old as my friend at the gym) we did a pretty good job.

When I got home they were all glued to the box watching 'American Idol'. In between the ads I performed a special belly dance for the family. Even Lulu and Chi Chi were very impressed and raised their heads from the trough for a second to watch me.

'Tis indeed a beautiful world...

Hope you do something nice for yourselves today and TGIF.

Thank God It's Friday...

Cheery Billy Bye

Patricia Delisha xxx

You're never too old...!!

2009-02-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

The other day I decided to return to my old gym. It's been so long since I visited them - a bit like my last confession in that regard. With the 10k walk coming up on the 26th April the pressure is now on to get fit. Besides I still have membership in the gym until the end of May. Foolishly I took out a 2 year membership with a friend and then as soon as we began to pound the treadmill together - Murphy intervened - she got a full time job and I began to work in the office with Kevin and that was the end of that! So essentially I've been paying for nothin' for the past two years - hate that! It takes a bit of the sting out of it when I remind myself that my friend who joined up with me is an accountant and very sensible with money - so we're in this frustration together.

What's even WORSE and further adds to my shame is the fact we have a fully equipped home gym out in the garage complete with treadmill, exercise machines, t.v. music sound system, mirror and loudspeakers! It's disgusting I know - I should be the fittest person in the world - there is absolutely NO EXCUSE. At least Kevin uses it - phew! that's takes the sting out - a bit at least. I even paid a personal trainer to come in and show me how to use the machines in our home gym and what happens? - nothin' - that's what happened.

It gets even more insane...here I am with membership in an excellent gym...a fully equipped home gym out in the garage and then what do I do? Yes - the insanity to get fit intensified - I took private weight training sessions with super fitness guru Sherry who has enticed me to do the 10 k walk. It was the best for last - that's for sure. The problem with the other two was I found it next to impossible to 'do it' unless somebody was expecting me - if you get the drift - life gets in the way! Then of course I started the YOSA year and questioned all my fiscal insanity - the exercise thing stood out as being a classic example of how I was messing around and making an ass of myself.

So the guilt about wasting all that money, and the thought of the 10k ahead was enough incentive to get me back to both the home gym and the paid gym - both at the same time. It was in the HG that I was listening to Pink the other day and it was in the PG that I encountered a remarkable woman last Saturday. I had just walked the chip trail and was feeling full of the joys of spring, so decided, on the spur of the moment to pay a visit to my long lost paid-for-gym. It was like I never left - I keyed in, and the cheery voice on the machine said "Enjoy your workout". I answered back to the invisible woman "I'll do my best" and in I went.

I tried not to LOL (laugh) when I found myself alone with two women - one lady was a Mennonite as you could tell from her dark clothing. She must have been sweating profusely (which is the object of the gym after all!) - as she rowed away to God's knows where on the rowing machine dressed in a long black heavy woolen dress with strange head gear and clunky walking brogues. In fairness to her she was doing better than me! The other lady was remarkable - an 85 year old by the name of Ruth (who was far fitter than me - that's the LOL part!).

The two of us got chatting and that was the end of that - I did no work out apart from one or two machines. Ruth had responded to my smile and began talking like as if we were best friends. She was so lonely and at the end of our little chat asked me if I would like to meet up for a coffee one day - so now I have a new friend! She told me in a nice motherly way that I was not using the machine properly - which is true I wasn't - and that if I went too fast, I could do myself an injury. Easily known she used to be a teacher! She suggested that I invest in some private lessons to really get to know the machines. I didn't tell her that I felt I had 'invested' enough money already on exercising! She would have been shocked.

Ruth is an artist in her spare time, volunteers in her church and attends the gym 3 times a week. She drives her own car and is not against falling in love again. She was widowed some years ago and was just about to marry her husband's good friend, when he died too some 3 years ago!

Ruth had lots of other amazing life lessons to teach me such as - persistence is the mother of miracles - the importance of putting a luggage tag on your walking cane - no matter what life throws at you, just keep on going - that exercise keeps you mentally alive - and best of all that 'You're never too old!' She had had a tough life, with many health problems and her youngest child was knocked down and killed when he was only 6 and stuff she did not want to 'burden me with'.

She left her home in Ontario when she was 15 because her father detested the snow and horrible climate. When they sold their home she single-handedly painted the inside and outside of their 8 roomed house before coming out to Victoria in 1939. They packed all their possessions into a little box and away they went just like the pioneers you read about in stories - except this one was real! They arrived to a little shed in the middle of nowhere on Vancouver Island with no running water, no electricity. Her mother bought a piano for herself and her sister. They were home-schooled, going into the nearest big town to sit exams. Ruth and her sister used to perform little piano recitals and entertained themselves with - need I say - Simple Abundance!! Hello! Sound familiar?

O.K. I do not want to live in a shed in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or running water. It's just the way her eyes misted over when recalling the happiness of her life back then when everything was so simple and unspoilt - close to nature and making your own music.

Sure I know I didn't use the gym the way it was intended to be used - but I've got a new friend and a brand new attitude now!!

Cheery Billy Bye and remember...You're never too old!

Do something nice for yourself today.

Patricia Delisha xxx

So What...!!

2009-02-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

na na na na na na na na na na
na na na na na na na na na na

I guess I've just lost my husband
I don't know where he went
So I'm gonna drink my money
I'm not gonna pay his rent (nope)
I got a brand new attitude
And I'm gonna wear it tonight
I'm gonna get in trouble
I wanna start a fight
Na na na na na na na na na na na
I wanna start a fight
I wanna start a fight

The waiter just took my table
And gave it to Jessica Sim.....(shit)
I guessl'll go sit with drum boy
At least he knows how to hit (whoops)
What if this song's on the radio?
Somebody's goin' to die
I'm gonna get in trouble
My ex will start a fight
He's gonna start a fight
We're all gonna get in a fight..

Na na na na na na na na na na na

So picture the scene, I'm listening to Pink yelling out the above song - I'm playing it over and over again and by the time Pink and me have finished letting off steam, I've worked off 20 mins. on the treadmill at 5.2 speed. I could not have done it - seriously - without the help of my new songstress Pink. Yeah! So what if she's a little on the aggressive side - you need that you keep you motivated on the treadmill.

But - you'll agree it is a far cry from 'Singing in the rain' and 'A spoonfull of sugar' and 'Let's go fly a kite'...As I'm listening to Pink on my i-pod I'm watching top chef Gordon Ramsey's 'Hell's Kitchen' on the t.v. Between listening to Pink and watching Gordon, things, are getting pretty steamy. Gordon is effing and blinding at the poor chefs who are about to get the chop - if you'll excuse the pun! Prior to that they were all working hard in the kitchen, sweating profusely and then my memory recalled the poor girl in Subway the other day being lacerated by a customer because her tuna scoops were miserable. So what Gordon if somebody can cook scrambled eggs with seafood better than somebody else? Next Gordon sends his trainee Chef off in disgrace and he has to walk up a corridor of shame but not before being given a bleep bleep from Ramsey just to further tell the chef he is a loser. We see the failed chef's picture appear on the screen and then a flame burns it away - he's gone - never to return. This is 'Hell's Kitchen' after all!!

Along then comes the charming chef Emeril from the 'Emeril Live' show. Emeril is Italian and I would say his charm far surpasses the grub he produces. But he is charming and everybody loves Emeril - He is rather stout and obviously enjoys eating and making merry. Emeril feels sorry for the rejected chefs in his reality chef show, so gives them all a copy of his new book as they leave the show. But before he gives them the book he puts it up to the camera so we can all see the title of it - Good man Emeril - that's what I call Show Biz!!

Everyday of the week, there is a reality show on t.v. We follow American Idol. We also watch 'Dancing with the Stars'. Then there is America's top Model show - top Hairdresser reality show - top Dress Designer reality show - Top Scientist reality show - top Singer reality show - top Dancer reality show...top Interior Designer reality show - you name it and there is one out there. The problem I have with these programs is the systematic humiliation that the rejected ones have to suffer when they fail the challenge. Is it really necessary to be so horrible to these unfortunates? Simon Cowell is legendary for that and even though it is ha ha ha stuff Imagine how you would feel if he said to you "You've just blown the biggest chance of your life - a million dollar opportunity - you've just blown it because of your appalling choice of song, and sorry but I don't like your outfit either - you need to lose some weight - I'm only being honest because somebody needs to be honest with you...I mean PLEASE...

I guess it hits close to the bone for me because I'm going to be facing all that rejection and possible humiliation when my book comes out in a few weeks time and every time Simon is chewing them out of existence and spitting them off the planet, somebody will do the same to me
the only difference is that the whole world will not be watching it on t.v.!! Can you just imagine the balls you'd want to have, to get up there in front of the world, and then have to face Simon Cowell after you have been watching his face screw up like a constipated dog. Weird as it sounds all those young hopefulls on 'American Idol' are my heroes. If they can do it - so can I!!

This past week in Victoria we had some really nasty murders, but it's even worse in Vancouver where violence is really escalating. A young 20 year old girl was pushed in front of a bus here in Victoria and she died later from injuries. The guy who did it apparently was a very nice fellow!!

Listening to Pink and watching all these sadistic reality shows - I wonder if they are part responsible for all the violence? I mean if you are listening to stuff like 'Just a spoonfull of sugar' and 'let's go fly a kite' and watching Gene Kelly singing in the rain and Doris Day on t.v. would you still want to go out and push somebody in front of a bus?

Just a thought...

Love y'all - Do something nice for yourself today!

Cheery Billy Bye...

Patricia Delisha xxx

The future is friendly...

2009-02-18T11:34:00.001-08:00

Yee Haw! At least that's what the Telus truck in front of me said this morning as I was driving to my dentist appointment - they could have fooled me! On another dirty van somebody had scribbled the words 'I love you'. As you know these are all messages from my angels. Nice start to the day, especially since I made up my mind to stop hating Wednesdays and just - get on with it! Yes today I had made up my mind to embrace Wednesday with positive ideation and dare I say - joy! It wasn't me who said 'Wednesday's child is full of woe'.

It was a gloriously sunny spring day outside, the birds were happily twittering on the trees and all around the garden, new life was appearing. Clusters of snow drops have taken up residence at the base of our old oak tree. I never noticed them there before. The snow drops are just so pure and beautiful and delicate. They have an innocent quality about them and remind me of the little kids in our confirmation class.

The thing about Wednesdays is that I get a lot of work done and at the end of the day I feel I have achieved something for my efforts. I have deduced it to the fact that Wednesday is Virgo's day - ruled by the planet Mercury, which is a busy busy planet. On the other hand Thursday, my favourite day of the week and also my lucky day, is ruled by Jupiter the largest planet in the solar system and that happens to be the day I feel the greatest urge to eat, shop and be merry.

My mouth is still frozen up from the dentist - Dentist Again? I can hear you say and you would be right. The last two visits were only for fun, poking around my mouth and thinking and wondering, but doing nothing. Tooth #17 still acts up from time to time and we still haven't got to the root of the problem - if you'll excuse the pun! Well today my nice friendly dentist got some action going and replaced two old fillings - Hell! one was the wisdom tooth - two doors down from #17. It was impossible to get at it and my jaw was killing me trying to 'open wide as much as you can'. To add to my horror I knew I wasn't properly frozen as he had only left it set for a second. So they had to double on the freeze and give me another needle. I felt guilty telling them I wasn't properly frozen as time is money to these folk. I also reminded them I had 3 babies without epidurals and that I'm not normally a wimp when it comes to pain.

As I was leaving the dentist studio, I told them my mouth felt really fuzzy and when I opened wide, we discovered why - the assistant had accidently left the cotton wool in my mouth. So I wasn't lying about feeling fuzzy!!

I had made an appointment for the computer man to come by this evening to put my book on disk form - I should know how to do that. Then I realised that I have the confirmation class so had to cancel. Don my computer guy is an interesting fellow. An eligible bachelor in his early 50's I would think. He lives alone with his widowed mother and is a lonely type of fellow. He really loves family life - I know that because he prefers to come in to our home to fix the computer rather than the office. He likes the girls running around the place and music and the dogs and the smell of food. I can tell. Once we weren't there when he came to fix Kevin's computer and apparently he seemed very disappointed "where's all the family" he asked. You wouldn't think he noticed because when he comes around he sits in front of the computer
for hours with a blank and vacuous expression on his face. The girls think "He is Weird!"
I guess he is, but he never overcharges us, in fact he is incredibly cheap which is why I always give him a big Xmas basket - because he deserves it.

He also deserves a woman - and the thing is - I have 'the perfect woman' in mind for him. She is tailor made for the man - looks after her widowed elderly father - is in the same age bracket - is mad for a man - she loves to cook and would adore to have a family and wants to go to the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and to check out her Irish roots. The problem is how do I introduce them? - every time I see either one, all I can think of is that they each deserve some happiness in life - I've done the name thing and her christian name and his surname go very well together. Anyways - I did try! I gave her his name as being great at fixing computers!! If there is any news I'll keep you informed...

On that hopeful note, I'll say cheery billy bye.

Look after yourselves and remember 'The Future is Friendly'.

Trisha Delisha xxx

Yes, I know where you're coming from...

2009-02-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Viv & Jim,

Re. Slumdog Millionaires and Boy in Striped P.J.'s

I didn't see Slumdog Millionaires but the girls did and they enjoyed it. Interesting that you found it so depressing with all the doe eyed street kids begging to be adopted. That is what started me going on the YOSA year. I saw a similar programme on t.v. and it really really got to me. I began feeling guilty splurging on fun stuff knowing there were kids out there suffering and starving. The two little sisters really touched my heart with their courage and will to survive and their efforts to make something of their lives. Their parents both died from aids and they lived alone in a mud cabin. It was their faces - those haunting eyes - I could not get it out of my head.

As for 'The boy in striped P.J.'s - now that I could not handle at all. Claudia was in tears when reading the book. I hate anything to do with Concentration Camps or suffering or wars or anything like that. Kevin can watch them and it doesn't seem to bother him but I find them way too upsetting which is why I never watched certain movies like 'Schindler's List'. The last one I saw like that was 'Sophie's Choice' with Meryl Streep and I promised myself - never again!!

I'm thinking of going to see 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' - maybe it is too close to the bone!!

Cheers and hope Valentine's Weekend was all roses and sweetness for the most part. On Valentine's Day we passed the Cathedral and there was great excitement. I later discovered why - 5 Filipino friends were all getting married at the same time! It was a 'first' for Victoria. They met as nannies and became good friends and all shared in the wedding festivities. Now that is what I call a good idea! Wonder did they go on honeymoon together?

Cheers and Slainte to one and all xxx

Patricia Delisha xxx

No fire without a spark...

2009-02-15T10:32:00.001-08:00

Thank you Sherry Ulaszonek from One to One Fitness for being the spark today! If you truly want to be fit in your life - there is no excuse with somebody like Sherry around! Sherry, God bless her faith in me...suggested I join her team to do the 10k walk in late April. I said yes...without thinking of course (we roosters do impulsive things and apparently make wonderful soldiers). So this morning I was to walk with the walkers in the beautiful Beaver Lake Park, but woke up with a burning fever and sore throat and said 'Oh no - the flu I had for most of January is back again to haunt me - typical! Now Sherry will think I'm chickening out!! (she would have only been 25% correct). I was sick. Anyways since I like Sherry, I got dressed in the fever, but took so long I had to phone Sherry and explain. Felt so guilty and being already dressed to walk, I borrowed Kevin's 1-pod with exercise music and off I went to the Chip Trail, my piece of heaven.

The weather was simply glorious but the trail resembled the Bay on Boxing Day - it was packed - with 10k hopefuls I suspect. I did my 3 mile walk and am now back and in a sweat - but a good sweat. It was the first time I was back on the trail since before Xmas. I had forgotten how much I like that walk. Listening to David Bowie and other icons from the 70's made for a very pleasant journey. The ducks were all down by the pond busy as usual and hoping somebody nice would bring them a Sunday treat.

So thank you Sherry for being my 'Spark' today.

Thank you Kevin for being my 'Spark' yesterday. The nicest, and perhaps the least expensive Valentine's Day to-date. We started off with morning coffee and
then opened our home-made Valentine Cards. Mine from Kevin had angels and stars and was addressed to 'The Scribe of Sonria' - I love it I love it! Kevin's one from me was a picture of two birds holding hands swinging from a tree. We recycled old cards as that is what I wanted to do for this YOSA. Then I made brunch for Claudia's pals who overnighted.

Later Kevin and I headed into town. We decided we would celebrate by pretending we were visitors to Victoria - seeing it with new eyes and all that... Thanks to all the RBC rewards, we had all these gift vouchers. We'd get a treat each in the Bay. Kevin was delighted to find a fab. Tommy Bahamas shirt at half price and paid for it with his complimentary gift card from me! I did the same with his one and got moisturiser which I needed. It was a great day to hit the Bay as they were pampering women all day long and offering all sort of freebies. I got a wonderful complimentary ginger hand massage and later did the rounds of the perfumes, choosing Chanel to travel with me today. Wonderful, off we set for the next round.

Got out on the street and two nice girls carrying baskets gave Kevin and me some free chocolate from Rogers, the Victoria Chocolatiers par excellence. No! I didn't eat it but kept it to bring back to me darlin' daughters. Off we trotted down Government Street for more cheap thrills. I tell you there is nothin' as fun as being a tourist in your own home town! Our next Port of Call was a wonderful tea shop (name I cannot remember) It was 'the ultra' in terms of sophistication and elegance. They offered us samples of delicious teas. I loved the black rose petal tea - truly wonderful.

We walked all the way down to Roberta's Hat Shop on Government. I spent at least 15 minutes trying on various hats and never in my life had so much fun. We did Easter, Weddings, Xmas and every occasion hats and my favourite was a green velvet hat with black feather - divine for St. Patrick's Day, when I celebrate with O'Bama - since there is nobody as Irish as Barack O'Bama as the song goes...Why they even changed his name from Obama to O'Bama - I say!

After the hard work with the hats, we walked down to Chinatown. I needed a latte in my very favourite coffee shop in Victoria - if not the world! It is called 'Bean around the world' and is quite an eclectic place. They serve delicious toasted sandwiches and their coffee is organic from Salt Spring Island - Delish! They also have the very best carrot cake in town - thick, moist and succulent. We did the honours and in addition Kevin got their raspberry shortcake. The girl serving us was so polite, she even asked 'would you like a corner piece or a bit in the middle which has more fruit?" I ask you - who would bother their ass asking you that with such a large lineup? I told her it was a very important question and thanked her for asking me and yes, I'd have the piece in the middle with more fruit on it. My Barista gave me the heart on my latte - but of course for Valentine's Day!!

Ahh...this is the life and so far our wonderful day has cost us virtually nothin' Simple Abundance...I tell you there is something in it...o.k.. o.k.. we bought the Cleopatra bed for Claudia earlier in the week - but you know that was for Claudia. Each of the girls has been given a bed for life to bring with them whenever, and if ever they have their own homes. An inheritance - call it what you will! We got lovely distressed-style French country Ethan Allen beds for Alexandra and Victoria in Calgary, and Claudia had been rendered 'the runt' as she felt, so yes, it's only fair she should have her 'Cleopatra Bed' too. Listen, it's like I'm barking up the wrong tree trying to make my offspring see that Yes, life can be good - with simplicity and fewer possessions - o.k. o.k. I'm 50 something and it's taken me a while to see that...Yes I agree. When I was their age, fashion and fun was the only thing on my agenda...

After 'Bean around the world' - an interesting name since that's what we've been doing today, we headed over to the Irish Times Pub/Restaurant on Government and enjoyed some wings and chips with garlic sauce. Full of nourishment and salty as hell to encourage people to drink more. We enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and really it was just like being bang in the middle of Dublin in a pub on Grafton Street! - no different.

After 'The Irish Times' we went up to see 'The Bard and Banker' also owned and operated by the same Industrialist from Northern Ireland. Like 'The Irish Times', the place is sumptuous, for want of a better word. Originally, it was a bank, and like all Banks and Churches in a bygone era - was a place of respect, fit for a King - so hence the name 'The Bard and Banker'. Apparently he spent millions doing it up and you could tell - the chandeliers, brass fittings, marble, etc. magnificent and really a credit to him to 'raise the bar' if you'll excuse the pun! Since 'The Bard and Banker' as you can tell from its name has a British and Scottish theme, the girl attendants all wore kilts. They wore sassy kilts in 'The Irish Times' too and some kilts were short enough to see Paris and France - Kevin rationalised that like the salt in the food, the sassy kilts make men order more drinks - I wonder why!! They sure attend to all the fine details in both these establishments of pleasure.

That was our day - we headed back home to join the girls, ordered in some Chinese - what happened to the Paella I was going to make? yes, that's a good question - I was wondering the same thing! I guess it didn't happen. The Chinese more than made up for it. Later we had delish raspberry mousse cake.

Yes, all in all I needed that 3 mile walk this morning...Holy Moley look at those calories consumed yesterday. No I choose not to - thank you very much. I think like Molly Darcy now "Yesterday is history...tomorrow is a mystery...live for today".

Each day brings wonderful new surprises...that is what makes them so special. Enjoy your Sunday and hope you took time to do something nice for yourselves - remember in the plane - you gotta put the mask on yourself first!!

On that happy note,

Cheery Billy Bye,

Patricia Delisha xxx

Love is all around...every sight and every sound

2009-02-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

So who says Canadians aren't romantic!!

Check this out folks. Driving around this morning love is definitely in the air. Hot pink and dark pink tops on girls, red necklaces, hearts all around. Every gal is dressed up for Valentine's Day - meself included - Hot Red Moma today!!

First thing this morning we turned on the t.v. in our bedroom - I know I know - there should not be a t.v. in the boudoir - but there you go. We looked at belly dancers strutting their stuff - I so want to learn belly dancing, even if just for the clothes! Next our eye witness on the streets of Victoria checks out all the lingerie stores in town and what they are offering - PLEASE! naughty knickers for boys - black lace and slinkey - if I saw him coming out with that on I think I'd be keeping a very close eye on my underwear for any missing pieces - Seriously what man is going to wear a black slinky number like that. They had quite a few of them in the shop...so maybe they know...they know!! The girls stuff was the usual black, red and pink pieces of fluff and froth. I just don't get it with the thongs...I could tell the male reporter was getting a bit hot around the collar.

Got into the office and I was pleasantly surprised with a scented feather rose from a patient - looked real but was made up of feathers - absolutely gorgeous! I was just thanking her and saying why on earth would anybody buy a real rose now especially since the ones in the shops don't have any scent from them...this one looks the real thing, smells the real thing...and will last a lot longer than the real thing. The feather was symbolic of the Holy Spirit and at Xmas she gave us two starbucks mugs with red doves on them. The inside of the mugs were also red. I told her the significance of the dove and the red made me think of the Holy Spirit. She loved the symbolism and since then it has been doves and now the feather rose. The rose of course being symbolic of Our Lady...So lovely.

In addition being asked to oversee the confirmation class has further activated the Holy Spirit theme which seems to be following me this year. The synchronicity of life!! I so enjoyed the session last Wednesday with the kids. Love love love them and am so grateful for this experience. It was meant to be.

Hope you all have a truly special weekend - bring out the red xmas cloth and decorate the room. Since Claudia is having some friends come around this evening, I did a quick makeover before I left for the office - Check it out girls! got red xmas cloth, draped pink one over it in the shape of a diamond. Later got out my two valentine trees (purchased in winners bargain bin some years ago for $5 each). Brought out the red candles from xmas. Got my box of rose petals from the Holy Communion parties of years ago - spread the rose petals all around the table. Voila - Magnifico! Got my cherub angel with heart and draped her off the chandelier along with some rose napkin rings - also from the xmas drawer. So much fun and that is going to be my table this whole weekend. Plan to cook Paella for Sat evening. Kevin is bringing me to the Irish Times earlier in the day for a romantic lunch and that is about the size of it.

From my heart to yours I send abundant love...hugs...and kisses. I would love to hear how you celebrated the love this weekend - minus the steamy bits of course - which I shall leave to my imagination!!

May the force be with y'all this weekend of love...

Delisha xxx

I love Jerry Dean

2009-02-12T22:43:00.000-08:00

I love Jerry Dean because his music makes me feel happy. It has a Mexican/Bavarian trumpet twist - very unusual. As I was listening to it today in the car, I had visions of 90 year old Molly Darcy, mother of 14, jiving around the floor with her son the Industrialist, Bill Cullen. We are our thoughts after all - and the happier we can make them - the better. As you listen to some of the jive numbers, try some visual stimulation - see if it works for you.

I was introduced to his music by Kevin after he visited Sante Fe, New Mexico some years ago. He brought me back a piece of Jerry in his suitcase and I have loved him ever since. I can hear so many cultures in his music - Irish - German - Mexican - Spanish. I guarantee there is not a single person in the world who would not feel happy listening to him. So today was a 'Jerry Day'. Google Jerry Dean - Latin/Spanish Pop - that's what he calls his music on I-tunes. Love to hear what you think.

I was singing along with Jerry in the car, and really enjoying driving around the city, watching people move and groove to the beat. Even a very rude and impatient yellow taxi driver behind me today couldn't phase me. Another day I might have yelled and told him where to go - (taxis and red pick-up testosterone-loaded truck drivers, are my worst enemies on the road). Not today - today was a Jerry Day. We passed a motor bike with a young couple atop. It looked so funny because the fellow was sitting at the back and he was enormous and perched in such a way I thought he was going to fall off the bike. His girlfriend the driver was teeny tiny - it should have been the other way round? But listening to Jerry they looked hilarious.

Next we passed a tandem - I hate hate hate to see very young children on those - they look so dangerous. There was a dad pedalling away in front while his teeny tiny little daughter was in the back pedalling to keep up with him - what if she fell off behind? would he notice or see if she got into difficulties? I don't think so. She should have been in front and the dad in the back. Anyway some of the things you see on the road!!

Next thing we passed a Subway restaurant and Jerry whispered into my ear that today was a day for simple abundance - and that I was to simply forget the thrift krap - and get an abundant tuna wrap. Who was I to argue? In my books food should not be one of those areas to drastically change, especially if you are not on the breadline - and not wishing to make others suffer - right? My SA journey is for me alone, and I don't want to make others suffer...Right? which is why I allowed Claudia get her Cleopatra bed yesterday and will reinstate the Chewrifics for the bitches. Jerry agreed that yes, that made sense to him too. I shall continue to do sensible things like not buying a 43rd pair of shoes, especially when I only wear about 9 pairs, and stuff like that.

I had to make an extra trip to the school today as Vicky had forgotten an important blue folder that she needed for school, so instead of saying 'darn' I said I would turn a negative situation into a positive one, and buy Subways for everybody - Yeah! what a great idea. Too bad I couldn't buy Jerry one too.

I headed into the Subway and shortly after I arrived, a big fight ensued - not a physical bust up - no just a very irate lady began to fight with the poor young 'Sandwich Artist' as they call them over here. The Sandwich Artist hadn't a word of English except to say "you like" and point to the tomatoes, peppers, etc. It has always worked for me and everybody else but not today. I always say "fully loaded - like a pistol love" and they always understand. Fully-loaded meaning a little bit of everything - believe me it saves at least 10 mins. in the line up.

'I am so very disappointed with Subway" the skinny irate lady spitted out, her face getting redder than the tomatoes the poor SA was trying to put on her slab. She must have had a tapeworm I rationalised because even I could not have handled the enormous footlong she was ordering. "I notice, and have noticed for some time now that your scoops of tuna are getting smaller and smaller" she continued, fuming at this point.

I could tell the poor sandwich artist hadn't a clue what the irate lady was saying. The irate lady with the tapeworm could not be comforted by the SA so the poor SA had to call the manager and all hell broke loose. I realised then she was probably looking for a freebie. It happens.

Subways and Starbucks have a lot in common in that regard. People are almost as fussy as me - some are even worse. I saw a similar incident in another subway in Fort McMurray some years ago. It was so ferocious an attack, I never forgot it. A very large 6' 10" caucasian male attacked the poor sandwich artist and abused her to high hell telling her she was the worst person in the whole wide world and that her scoops were pathetic. The girl - this is no joke - ended up becoming a patient of Kevin. I recognized her face - hard to forget it when I saw the colour drain from it. And I thought I was the only fussy eater.

Next time I go to Starbucks and order my tall 1% extra wet restretto cappuccino, I'll know I'm not the only one with simple tastes and that if he is a minute late serving up my creamy goodness, I'll be given a complimentary beverage coupon to reward me for my patience - Ah! that's the way to do it!

So the message of today's blog is - "If you feel like a lift - welcome Jerry into your life and see the sun begin to shine".

On that happy note I'll bid you adieu - Can't wait to hear how your Valentine's weekend goes. I shall be setting up the table with pink and red tablecloths, red candles, my two red heart shaped trees with dangling red hearts and will scatter red and gold foil chocolate hearts all over the table. Hell I know - but never mind I'll be singing along with Jerry...

Love y'all.

Keep Happy and look after yourselves.

Delisha xxx

Simple Abundance Me Ass - What was I thinking?

2009-02-11T08:55:00.001-08:00

Some mornings I wake up and cannot remember what day of the week it is. I'm like the late Spike Milligan in that regard - if I recognize my surroundings it's all I ask, and I'm happy to be still alive. This morning...what can I say - I even knew before I awoke it was the dreaded Wednesday. Today's Wednesday was even more Wednesday-ish than normal if there is such a thing. By 9.00 a.m. there was enough drama packed into the day to last me all day and for the rest of the week.

Boy Scout Kevin was up at the crack of dawn and woke me up at 6.45 am with the coffee. He had broken my rule of no coffee before 7.00 am weekdays and none before 8.00 am weekends! He had been out in the gym at some ungodly hour and was full of the joys of spring. He puts the dogs out to do their business and then comes back and throws Lulu on my stomach like she's a 2 lbs. bag of potatoes - that woke me up! When I looked at the clock and saw it was not even 7.00 a.m. I knew I knew I knew - it was going to be one of those days!

Next I discover that Lulu or Chi-Chi had done a number on my La Senza favourite pink dressing gown that the girls gave me for Xmas. It wasn't just an 'ordinary' number. This was so unusual for them - only once did Lulu do a number in the bed - my reaction was such she never did it again. My favourite dressing gown had fallen off the bed during the night and was on the floor and all I can think is that the culprit must have thought it was a newspaper! The reason I didn't hang it up was because I got to bed so late ironing 20 shirts. I always leave it until Kevin is looking for me to sew on a button on a shirt. Then I know he's down to the last two.

I ironed at least 20 last night - enought to last 3 weeks. So that's why my dressing gown was at the end of the bed and not hanging up - The brats are paper trained which is why they must have thought my dressing gown was paper. Another thing - the 'culprit' must be mad at me since I haven't bought the 'Chewrifics' for a while now. That could be it too...They don't call them bitches for nothin'. Like roosters, they have to work on earning the title!

Over coffee Kevin was delirious about his new hero 'Bill Cullen' - Ireland's answer to Donald Trump. The owner of 17 companies, a self-professed workaholic, 66 years of age with the body and mind of a 26 year old! Bill is up every morning at the crack of dawn and goes into the gym...so that explains!!

After listening to him being interviewed on radio last week, Kevin admires him so much. One of 14 children and raised in a one bedroom tenement in the back streets of Dublin, Bill was always a cheerful worker. His first job was working for a car company. His hours were supposed to be from 8-6 and instead he went in from 6-8 - "That's the way to do it - Bill's your man - Simple Abundance me ass - go out and spend a week in the cat's shed and tell me how you like it! - simple abundance - me ass - I know you - you're barking up the wrong tree - you like the good life too much - if you get a windfall in the morning, I know what you'll be doing - you'll be saying Simple Abundance me Ass - get me down to Chintz and La Senza and Winners!" - He knows me! The man knows me!
Wonderful - and it was still only 7.15 a.m.

"The secret to life is Work Hard - Spend Hard - Play Hard - and enjoy your life. All this SA krap is for lazy bum Gigolos who don't want to work, and want to spend the day rejoicing in the way the sunlight casts rays upon your hair - and get you off to work woman". - That's my Man! - All Aries Male - every bit!

Wonderful! and it was still only 7.20 a.m.

I had to be up early as 'The Bed' was being delivered at 8.30 a.m. In prep for the bed I had to do the usual 'Charlie' routine - vacuum downstairs and check for chihuahua droppings - even though I know where they dropped them this morning! Though I discovered some near the t.v. - b.....s! I think it would be a good idea to reinstate the Chewrifics.

I got dressed this morning - not the usual pj job - and off we flew to the schools to be back by 8.30 a.m. I was back before then to discover - as I knew I would - that the delivery fellows would be waiting for me. They were. I told them to bring the van over to the side as it would be easier to deliver the bed through the back garden and that way they could avoid the stairs. They were grateful for my consideration - drove the big-opened-ready-to-deliver-de bed van around the side and THEN I discovered that hubby had all the gates locked like Fort Bloody Knox - what was he thinking? We're not quite at Bill Cullen's level yet!

I ran inside to look for the keys to unlock the gates - could not find them - was cursing - can you imagine - the fellows waiting outside. This had happened before with the gardener and Kevin showed me where he kept the key. (The gardener had to take the whole bolt apart and put it together again). The key wasn't where it was supposed to be, so the poor fellows had to walk all over the place with the heavy bed - the front door and stairs would have been a lot easier!!

The bed is for Claudia's room as she did not have a proper one. "That's my point about all this SA nonsense" Kevin so rightly pointed out. "It's not just an ordinary bed you got - it's a bed fit for Cleopatra. What happened to Simple Abundance?". He's right - the man is right - However, Claudia and I did the rounds on the internet to source a nice bed - the ones on Ikea looked o.k. but were, like all Ikea stuff we have bought in the past - too cheap and cheerful for our taste. Claudia is Libra - For Gosh sakes - what do you expect! - she has impeccable taste - the bed is for her - it is a bed for life!

The good news is the bed was cheaper than the Bay where we looked first - we thought we could sensibly use all our hundreds of dollars worth of vouchers to buy one there - nice try except it did not work. Their beds were for 'Grannies' as Claudia so correctly remarked - dark and gloomy - could picture a corpse being laid out on them.

Then on to 'Chintz' - my idea of Heaven! I was shaking with pleasure at the thought of a visit there - had not been there since the YOSA year began. Too risky...given my track record!! Oh my Lord! it was even more heavenly than I remembered - divine in fact - jewels from Egypt and the far corners of Afghanistan-Bananaastan, glistened from glass cases and teased the hell out of me "Buy me, I'm yours baby" "No over here" a gorgeous chintz couch yelled "I'm all yours and a great price too". I know it would look fab in the front room to replace the dog's disgusting one...Damm...get me to the beddery..quick!!

We got there to discover by pure luck the most beautiful bed I had ever in my life seen - and at a steal of a deal (they all say that I know) but compared to the stuff we had seen elsewhere - it was a great deal. A clearance item because of a little scratch in a place you would not even see. It is a sleigh bed, queen size in my favourite wood of all - burl - from the old french word 'bourle' which means tuft of wool. It has varying shades of colour - light and dark wood and has a very nice pattern from the way they applied the veneer. The bed is divine and looks very old as if it came straight out of Louis IV's palace in Paris - that's my Claudia! As long as she's not looking for a prince to join her!! I'm o.k.

So now you can understand why Kevin says "SA me a!"

By 9.00 the bed was installed until they discovered that they were missing two very important bolts for the base - I'm sitting here waiting for somebody to return with the bolts ...to take the bed apart again...to put them back in. But why did those nice fellows put the bed together knowing they were missing the bolts and that the bed would have to be taken apart again? Beats me.

Told you I didn't like Wednesdays...Wednesday happened before I even said a word...It's just doing its own thing.

10.20 - still no sign of them. I had to cancel a coffee morning with some nice girls this morning because of this bed. We will do it next week instead. I have to be in to the office early today as I have to leave early because I have the two rides today - the hospital run with Vicky which I dread - up and down that lunatic motorway where they have no manners, and are all worse drivers than me - then after that I have to rush home, make a quick sandwich for the car and then bring Claudia to Confirmation class. I will study the book in the office when I get in - when and IF I get in - still waiting on the bolts...

So that's the rest of this wonderful Wednesday...and whatever happens in between...

Still no bolts...Kevin went off to work early singing Molly Darcy's favourite song (Molly Darcy being Bill Cullen's mother) "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery...live for today". I would - if it wasn't a bleedin' Wednesday!!

Love ya. Be good to yourselves!!

Delisha xxx

Isn't life funny!

2009-02-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogging Buddies,

After yesterday's events, I was going to send y'all out a message admitting defeat...going something like this - I GIVE UP!! - No I wasn't buying any more clothes or shoes. But the universe conspired against me and sent a deluge of new expenses my way...unavoidable ones...educational trips for kids, driving lessons, new bed, etc. etc. The message I was getting was loud and clear - Hold your fire lady! - which made my little coffee here, and coffee there, seem like a wart on an elephant's backside!

Then I got this lovely message from Mary, a lady on myspace.com who told me she was enjoying my blog - THANK YOU MARY - you saved me going downhill!!

Now I'm back all bright-eyed and bushy legged - No! I shall not get an expensive salon wax treatment - I shall do it myself! I shall continue my fight even if it only seems like a wart on an elephant's back side!

I love my new sons whom we call "The Lads". Charles (who is not a Charlie type) but is the real deal 'Charles' has the most captivating smile. I put his photo on the sideboard and every time I pass it I cannot help but smile back - am loving it!

On that cheery note - actually it gets better - I FINALLY finished de book - I now have to go over it again with a fine tooth comb to weed out some words - I'm far too wordy.

As a Rooster in the Chinese astrology system - We have more of a problem pulling in our horns - than blowing them!! I ain't a COCK-A-DOODLE-DO for nothin'. They make us work in this job!

Love Ya...

Be good to yourselves...

Delisha xxx

Congratulations and Celebrations!!

2009-02-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah I know!...I wasn't supposed to be blogging and all that... but to tell the truth I missed you guys. Something happened now and I just had to share the good news. Would you believe I still have my orange coat and scarf on me I'm that excited to tell you. What is it? you may wonder. A total miracle happened tonight. Do you remember at the start of this blog, I told you I wanted to adopt two new kids? Well tonight out of the blue - (1st time in four years of living here) a priest came to talk to us in church. He had a table full of photos of children from all over the world looking for sponsorship. It was synchronicity because that is what was in the back of my mind, especially since Fluffy's departure.

As he was talking, I did the sums and for the exact same amount as feeding and getting bedding for Fluffy, we can sponsor a child - exact same amount to the penny - except the rabbit food was not tax-deductible. We now go to 5.00 p.m. mass instead of 11.00 a.m. so we can get to sleep it in on a Sunday morning - as well as getting to sleep it in, we are also saving ourselves $40 per week not getting a brunch out after mass, like we always used to do. So I did the sums - missing just one Sunday brunch, we could pay for another little fellow for a month.

On a table in the vestibule of the church they had all the little kids looking for sponsors (their pictures - not the kids!!) The priest asked us to help out little boys as the girls are more popular. We ended up getting a little boy from Ukraine called Ivan (Scorpio) blonde and gorgeous, and another little boy from Kenya called Charles (Libra) 5th October b/day with a big libran smile.

I have always wanted sons - now my family is complete. A weird thought but true all the same - For the cost of feeding Fluffy for a month I can now feed Charles. Insane isn't it?

Wasn't it just weird the way this priest should just happen to come in tonight? I call it divine timing.

Lots of love,

Kevin, Patricia, Ali, Vicky, Claudia, Ivan, Charles and Sima xxx

I have two new sons and no! I haven't really gone around the bend and t.g. they are out of nappies now so I wont be up all night!! Been there done that. It was a pain free delivery - no epidurals - no stitches!! Allelulia...Kevin was joking we will become like Schmidt in 'About Schmidt' who adopted some kids, was bored in his retirement and began talking and writing to them and telling them all his troubles, etc. not there just yet!

Cheers and look after yourselves xxx

Delisha xxx

the time has come for a brief hiatus

2009-02-06T19:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Though words have no wings, together you and I have flown thousands of miles in the last week or so. You have taken the time to write comments and read my ranting blogs, as I voiced my opinion, and shared a little bit about my life here in Victoria. You have driven in my car with me, held my hand at the Dentist's, and shared my enthusiasm for sweet Charlie. It was so much fun. By doing this, and thanks to your support, I have got over a little of my stage fright as I now prepare to launch my first astrology book entitled 'Children of the Stars'.

I have to meet with my editor Carol next Wednesday D.V. and hand her over my completed manuscript - so I'd better get my skids on. (If you are reading this Carol - don't worry! I am working into the night and will have it ready for you by Wednesday D.V.)

Should you suffer any withdrawal symptoms - don't worry I'm always on hand to share a laugh. Email me at either phoneill@shaw.ca or delisha57@hotmail.com

Oops...before I go - I did promise the recipe for my delicious and economial
Vege Lasagne.

Some Lovin' from my oven...

Delisha's Delectable Vege Lasagne

2 packs of Yves Italian flavour vegetable protein (340 gram) or any tvp mix)
1 large can diced tomatoes (Italian flavour)
I small can tomato puree
I large onion
4-6 cloves garlic (I like lotsa garlic)
salt and pepper
3 large organic carrots
10 or so mushrooms
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil (has more flavour than canola oil)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Lasagne sheets (oven ready - preferably wholewheat ones - way nicer)
2 packs alfredo sauce mix (follow instructions on pack)
Grated cheese for top (love aged white cheddar the best)

**********************

In large saucepan fry onion and garlic gently in oil. Add chopped mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and peas. Keep stirring for a few moments until onions take on a nice golden hue. Next add tvp mix and break it up with wooden spoon. Add
2 cups or so of water and tomatoes and tomato puree. Give everything a good mix and if the mixture is still too thick for your liking - add a little more water - go gently with the water first as you don't want it too wet! Maybe even start with one cup of water at the beginning. Cook this mixture on the stove for about 10-15 mins or so before putting it into the oven.

Next spray base of lasagne dish with PAM or low fat spray. Put mix in base.
Cover with lasagne sheets and repeat until mixture is used up. Cover with alfredo sauce mix (some people use bechamel sauce). Lastly sprinkle some grated cheese over top. Pop into 375 deg. oven or whatever heat you normally use in your oven for a lasagne. I have an electric oven. Medium heat.

Enjoy....I get 8 average portions out of that one.

One more...

You come in home hungry from work or play, and want a quickie to satisfy you before you hit the cookie jar!

Turn on your sandwich or Panini maker (invest in a Panini maker - they are invaluable - mine was a cheapie from London Drugs (around $40) and is terrific.

Tuna Diablo is delish!

1 can tuna (in water and not oil as it makes it greasy)
hot sauce
chopped pepper
some chopped onion
mayonnaise
1 slice aged cheddar (best flavour)
2 slices of thick sandwich bread (must be thick)

*******************

In a bowl mix together tuna, some chopped red onion, red and green pepper (only a little). Add mayonnaise and hot sauce (depends on how hot you like it), taste as you go with the hot sauce! Add liberal amount of mayonnaise until you form a nice moist mixture. Put some mixture on bread (keep away from edges as it will spread). Place slice of cheese on top and then cover with other slice of bread. Stick it into Panini maker and ENJOY! Totally satisfying supper and very filling. Of course you can make that a lot lower in the calories if you use the WW wraps (1 point each) and lesser amounts of tuna, low cal mayo and low cal cheese.

Another delicious one is if you used the 'proper' panini bread which you can get in the supermarket. Butter on some basil pesto sauce (green coloured one) on the bread (it is rich so maybe on one slice) cover with a slice of havarti cheese and toast - rich but delish!

Enjoy!

Watch this space...I'll be back.

Lotsa love,

Delisha xxx

Why I hate ATM machines

2009-02-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

I was standing at the ATM machine one bright sunny day - delighted with myself - Spring was in the air. All around you could smell new paint as merchandisers got ready for summer. Bright fluffy stuff had arrived in the shops...and my hands were itching to spend.

Behind me in line were five men, four ladies, three Romanian gypsies and two Romanian gypsy babies. The man directly behind me was a fine hunk - not that it mattered - but he was coming in a bit close to me. I could feel his breath warm on my neck. Anyway, I stuck in the card, keyed in the pin numbers and waited...and waited...I hoped they would give me new crisp notes today - the ones that shine like silk. Still waited...nothin' happening. THEN lo and behold out comes a note - it made the empty flake wrapper they gave a fellow in the cadbury's ad. look good. This is what it said: "eff off lady - you're broke - get a job!".

I wasn't giving up without a good fight, so I keyed in my Savings account pin number - same sob story. Yes! I'd try my gold visa card - I should have thought of that in the beginning - dammit -why they even give you rewards points when you spend - now we're in business! Yes, it would be third time lucky! By now the fellow behind me was positively indecent as he pressed his body against mine - even worse - a Romanian gypsy woman has wrapped herself around my ankle like an umbilical cord "Please missus - spare a copper for the chisler - we need Pompers". The sniff would indicate that yes the baby did indeed need new Pompers.

I waited...Please Mr. Visa...be nice...if you are, I promise I'll give $20 to the Romanian gypsy for her baby. I waited and finally a note came out - the abuse of it is something I shall never forget: "Eff off lady - you're broke - get a job you maggot, you scumbag - you sweet lousy faggot - get a job!". I thought quickly as I had to save face with the decent folks behind me "Drat" I said to them, raising my hands to heaven "That's what happens when you can't remember your pin number!".

I found a kit kat in my pocket and gave it to the poor unfortunate Romanian gypsy woman - She threw it back to me "Eff off lady - get a job!" she said - this was the same lady who when times were good I gave her $10 for the Pampers and she kissed my hand - and phoned Romania on her blackberry and told them to buy another plot of land - and now she was telling me to "Eff off lady - get a job!".

Suddenly! - I woke up. I was in a lather of sweat. Hubby was swimming around in the bed "Darling, maybe you should take something for those night sweats".

Be good to yourselves - and stay away from dem ATM machines!

Lots of love,

Delisha xxx

Goodbye dear Fluffy - I shall miss you...

2009-02-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

God works in the most mysterious of ways as you will see...

Jokes apart, I had been really concerned about Fluffy's situation for some time now. In fact I tried to find her a home about two weeks ago, but it fell through. Every time I passed her cage in the basement, I would get a whiff of guilt and sadness at her sorry plight. She really had a miserable existence and may as well have been dead. I thought of maybe returning her to the pet shop where we bought her, at a weak moment, after Tatiana our hampster died two years ago. In desperation I even considered bringing her up to the University of Victoria where hundreds of rabbits run free, in the hopes she may make a friend or two...then the girls said "Mother you'd be arrested for doing that" so that was the end of that.

Today, one of Kevin's patients was very upset because it was her daughter's birthday tomorrow, and she wanted to get her a bunny rabbit - but could not afford to get the cage and all the paraphernalia involved. She is a single mother of four young children and is just going through a very bitter divorce (tell me - are they ever sweet?). Kevin mentioned Fluffy, and call it divine providence or what...but Fluffy ended up packing her little suitcases this evening. Claudia helped me to clean out her cage and told me she was female.

She was so good sitting there patiently as we cleaned out her cage - almost as if she knew. Lulu and Chi Chi were also very lonely and really it was like an Irish Wake as we gathered up all her little things, food, bedding, feeding dishes and water containers.

As we left the house Lulu and Chi Chi came out to the front door to see her off. It was all really very strange and sad and weird. I am so sorry for all the mean things I said about her in the past. When I looked at her today, she looked absolutely beautiful with her little bobby socks paws and beige velvet coat dotted with little black stripes (which is why we called her Tiger initially). I changed the name to Fluffy as I felt Tiger was an unlucky name. A cat we had in the past was called Tiger Lily and she fell off the neighbour's tree and broke her neck. Everybody thinks she was poisoned as cats always fall on their feet.

The same neighbour informed me that cats were not allowed to roam in the neighbourhood and that I could be fined $30 for allowing TL to do so. Unknown to this lady, her husband offered to look after TL when we were in Ireland - (without asking her permission), so she was mad with him, as she did not like cats. Her new second husband was off to a very very bad start!! Two days before we were due to leave for Ireland, Tiger Lily fell off her tree and died 'mysteriously' in the neighbour's garden - Divine Providence of a lesser kind...!!
Again it was one of those experiences that you never forget because you are left wondering...

Anyway Fluffy is gone now to a 'perfect home'. When we arrived at the house, the mum, whom I'll call Rosabelle (because it suits her) began to cry with joy. It was love at first sight for both Fluffy and her. She loves rabbits and had one years ago. She thought Fluffy was the most beautiful rabbit she had ever in her life seen and remarked on her beautiful colouring and pretty little feet - everything of course that Rosabelle was saying was absolutely correct - she was a beautiful rabbit - it's just I did not have the time to notice that nor did the girls who are gone beyond 'the bunny stage'. Rosabelle's little girls Ruby and Violet began to dance around the room with joy - it was the happiest scene I have seen for a very long time and it warmed my heart.

Of course Fluffy is in bunny heaven because Rosabelle wants to let her have the freedom of the house like her last one had. This was a classic example of a WIN WIN WIN situation.

The moral of the story is - Do not buy a bunny rabbit - unless you have the time to play with it. Of course a Playboy Bunny is a totally different story - they never have any problem finding people to play with them.

Cheers, and thought that little magic story would warm your heart on this cold frosty evening.

Thank you God...I love you for the miracles you create.

Delisha xxx

God Bless you Ms God Diva - you're a Lady!

2009-02-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Ms. God Diva,

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to get around to thanking you yet for your very helpful comments and suggestions - you see there is one little thing - I know it's got absolutely nothing to do with you personally - really it's just a name! It's like this - when I see your name written down in front of me, I get the hebejeebies - In addition to being a shopaholic in remission - I am also - wait for it - a chocaholic in remission - Jeez I'm a right mess, aren't I? You see in my past life I just LOVED Godiva chocolates - they were in fact my very favourite. It took me a while...but I'm ready now Ms. God Diva to look at your name and not weaken - I'm strong now.

In response to my 'Cruisin' down the Root Canal' and the immense pain and suffering - not to mention expense - you suggested that I should consider having everybody's teeth extracted...mind you I had to chew on it for a bit. Believe you me every time #17 acts up - which is every day - I'm giving your suggestion a lot of consideration. And yes, it would indeed save much money all around...no more cooking...only liquids...cheap soda pop and not having to worry about tooth decay...lovely false teeth and even co-ordinate them to match each of my outfits - have a pink day - a lilac day - MAN - you're one hell of a genius!

I put it to K and he was very enthusiastic. He said there are occasions when he would rather I did not have teeth as he finds them scary - wonder what he means? - search me! I put it to the girls - they were far less enthusiastic. We really did take it seriously. I even blew up 5 photos (actually 9 including my furry friends) and with a black pen erased a few teeth here and there...It just didn't look great. Please don't be offended Ms. God Diva. Chi Chi shows me more teeth than I ask for, especially if I go near her leopardskin igloo when she is chewing on a bone - Actually of all the 9 of us in the house - Chi Chi would be my first choice to have a tooth extraction - especially the molars - they are seriously SCARY. Good suggestions...Are you a Virgo by any chance?

Dear Miracle Man Two,

I never realised you were married - (no offence, but can you please change your name to 'Miracle Husband' because some of the antics your wife is up to would suggest you are - for putting up with her! So you say when it comes to jewellery, your wife is definitely a vegetarian - It's carrots, carrots, carrots all the time (is she a Taurus by any chance?) I'm not a bloke and actually there is no need to send me a photo of her winning the Miss Manilla 1999 Wet t-shirt competition - suffice to say - I can only just imagine!!

I'm sure the day she lost her ring, your turkey wasn't too impressed with the intimate body search - but as you say yourself - all's well that ends well and you're happy that she's happy and I'm happy that you're happy and that I told you about that Mercury Retrograde thing - so now you know - If you're ever missing rings or watches or things - especially around Xmas - you know where to look!

Slan, and keep on doin' what makes you happy

Dear Lady God Diva,

You really are a lady and a practical one too. You are truly in earnest and take everything I say to heart. Seriously - this double remission thing I'm in at the moment is self-inflicted - so don't feel bad. I feel I wasn't suffering enough in my life - I need to do this - it's important for me deep down to...for want of a better word...suffer.

Suffering is good - it makes you strong - It's just the bloody cost of living that's a curse. I'm tackling it head on and I have not ruled out the teeth yet.

Being the Year of the Ox - you suggested that perhaps I could yoke one on to me old 12 year old car and yahoo - I'd be on my way...I agree parking an Ox in Chinatown could cause a problem though.

Now as regards getting a donkey and cart to ferry me three Ms. Daisies around town...I would feel too much of an ass - I can just picture myself jumping out of bed at 7 in the morning in my pj's and then having to wake up a sleepy ass - I agree feeding an Ox and a Donkey would be a lot cheaper than petrol for a car and yes! I could give them all those filthy carrots and spuds from the garden.

Never say never...

God Bless you Ms. God Diva...and Sweet Dreams

Delisha xxx

Dear Viv and Jim,

Re. 'Pardon me for a moment while I throw up'

Always good to hear from followers. Hmm...I had to think about what you said. So your sympathies clearly lie with the girl who had the boob job? The Ms. Perfect Playboy Bunny Statistics Girl - correct me if I'm wrong! Miss Manilla Wet t-shirt girl thinks I have missed 'Ms. Mammaries Points' and that she wasn't upgrading the chassis for Ol' Blubber Boy - and that - nah - she just realised that mammaries of mass corruption are essential weapons in the war of the wet t-shirt brigade. "Bring em on baby..." (Readers - they are Viv and Jim's comments - absolutely not mine).

Not wishing to offend - But I found absolutely nothing titillating about Ms. Playboy-Bunny-Wannabe's story. She is welcome to her HOBBY! (hateful ol' blubber boy Yuck!). My sympathies were with her completely - look at all the efforts she was making to look good for him - and what does he do to try to look good for her?...nothing. I guess it's true what they say - love is blind!

May the force be with you.

Slan,

Delisha xxx

Well Fancy that!

2009-02-04T10:46:00.001-08:00

I want to share with you a wonderful experience which happened today. I was chatting with a lady, who for purposes of anonymity, I shall call 'Marilyn' as she looks exactly like Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn is currently going through a rather bitter divorce - tell me are they ever sweet? She is the daughter of a Texan oil millionaire who set up a trust fund for her so she would never have to do a day's work in her life. Trust me - these trust funds never work and are more trouble than they are worth.

Marilyn is a highly intelligent woman - but she never worked or had the opportunity to show the world what she was capable of doing - sadly. She tricked around for a bit with dress designing and jewellery designing - but never really worked too hard - because she did not need to.

She had looks and money - the whole package BUT, to quote her, attracted only "Loser Men" into her life - including the current one, who wants to take her to the cleaners. He likes to swagger around in the BMW she bought him, and play golf in the local Uppity Golf Club. He tells them all at the bar that he is tricking around in real estate - like Donald Trump -LOL. Sounds like a chapter from Desperate Housewives? Believe me this is the 'real deal'.

So what is this wonderful experience I want to share with you? - THIS IS IT - Marilyn has now embarked upon the 'Simple Abundance' path. She told me this - naturally I got excited - because I'm on the same journey myself - It was like meeting up on the train with a stranger and realising you are both going to the same concert!

Marilyn told me that she has booked herself into a convent for a few days to embark on a spiritual retreat* (see note below). She has done several of these retreats and getting so much out of them. She told me her bedroom there was a very simple room - just a bed - no ornaments - no pictures - no i-pods. It is a non-denominational convent retreat centre for meditation, etc. She is lovin' it. This is a girl who grew up in a 'Dallas style' ranch with every modern convenience. She told me the nuns encourage people not to let the water run when they are brushing their teeth, and all sorts of good advice like that. Do you let the water run? - I certainly did - until now!

Marilyn and myself exchanged some useful information, which I will share with you now. Firstly why don't you check out a retreat centre near you - you'd never know what you might learn - or who you could meet - or what you may experience - right? Every new day is an adventure in itself.

So for my part I told Marilyn (who is also a shopaholic in remission) about the Safeway 10% off Customer Appreciation Day (first Tuesday of the month deal) and how - wait for it - trumpets please - how I 'Saved' $170 which was deducted from the final count - everything I bought was on sale, and in addition I got my 10% discount off everything. Marilyn was amazed because she has lived in Victoria for years and never knew about that.

She likely shopped in those expensive organic markets which I 'used' to frequent until I realised they were all full of phoney baloney 'holier than thou' krapology. The last time I was there - and trust me - it was the 'last time tango'. They charged me the earth for their organic produce - which went off after two days - charged me twice as much as Safeway does for their equally good organic produce - and then they had the AUDACITY to ask me "do you want a bag?" I wanted to reply, but I didn't - (I'm trying in earnest to zip the lip). If I could, I would like to have responded "At the price you're charging me lady - it's the very least I deserve!" And then they make me feel like the scum bag ignoramous that I am when I say "yes please I'd like a bag" - here is the hook - they sell you expensive recycled bags which you can use for a week, until the handle falls off - it happens!

But you see I have to tell you - being the smart recycler I'm in the process of becoming...I reuse the supermarket bags when my pampered poochs do a little number on the street. Once I forgot my supermarket bag and Chi Chi did a 'little one' outside a lady's house. Because with chihuahuas 'little' is the operative word, I could have slipped off into the night like a thief - and nobody would have been the wiser - but not this time, I was being watched closely by the homeowner, from behind the valley of her squinting windows.

I knocked politely on her door "please missus but could you spare me a bag - my doggies have done a little you know what...on your lawn". The little lady raced into her kitchen, almost tripping over her walking stick, and rooted around for bags and then very kindly brought me out one which she presented ceremoniously to me (not 2 - they are a precious commodity) Armed with the bag in hand, I went to look for the dropping to pick it up, but I couldn't find the darn thing! Because she was watching me now, and had gone to so much trouble to find me a bleedin' supermarket bag - I simply ended up pretending to pick up something, grabbed a piece of grass and put it into the bag. I duly tied a knot in the bag, felt a right eejit, as off I trotted with Lulu and Chi Chi. So yes! supermarket bags come in handy on occasion!

The other bit of useful information which I shared with Marilyn is something I only recently discovered myself - (see the Universe is conspiring to make it happen!). It concerns gift cards. In fairness to them, the banks have always encouraged me to spend, and have been very supportive in that regard. (ATM machines being the exception - I find them moody and unpredictable).

As a thank you for spending, the bank rewarded me with Visa Gold Points (RBC Rewards Program). You spend lady - and we'll reward you - so really you're not spending at all - it only seems like you're spending. Anyway to cut a long story short. I discovered that you can get gift cards with your reward points - you can use these gift cards in major stores - The Bay, Zellers, Future Shop and Homesense - Eureka - I have tons of points! - I wonder why? Now if I need to buy a present for somebody for any occasion - christening, birthdays, wedding, divorce, pet dying sympathy gift, etc. etc. - I shall use my gift cards - after all I earned them!!

* A word of warning about touchy, feely places!! - As you vomit out your feelings, and your defenses are down - the gigolos are 'up'...to all sort of mischief!! Isn't that how Elizabeth Taylor met one of her husbands - they were drying out together - and ended up trying it out together!!

My word for today is HOPE

H - High fibre
O - Omega 3's
P - Probiotics
E - Enzymes

With hope in your body, and heart - you're on the right road!

Anchors away...

Patricia Delisha xxx

This is what it's all about...

2009-02-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

This morning, I completely forgot I had to be out of the house by 7.00 to bring Vicky to her leadership class - despite the fact I have been doing this every Tuesday since September! So out I flew, still warm from bed - threw on my coat over my pyjamas - and away we went.

As we neared the school, we passed Lake Hill Elementary school. We pass this school every day as it is just beside St. Margaret's. However, today it was different - why? A circle of colour in the morning sky rested like a halo above Lake Hill - it simply took my breath away - quite unexpected. It was a profusion of the most beautiful shades of pink - fuschia, magenta and baby pink all delicately woven together with ribbons of gossamer, and sprinkled with fairy dust direct from heaven.

It was all very poignant because yesterday was also the 1st anniversary of the savage slaying of Lindsay Buziak, a stunningly beautiful Realtor - stabbed to death while showing a home. She was only 24 years old, bubbly, vivacious, and full of the joys of life. A year on, and still nobody has a clue who did it.

I thought of Lindsay especially this morning because Lake Hill Elementary is where she spent her childhood years. She would have happily swung from those same monkey bars I pass every day, and she would have raced down the slides with glee. A lively and effervescent little girl with a big smile and a big heart. Now the playground that once echoed her happy laughter was eerily silent (I guess it would at 7 in the morning!).

Her mother would have driven on the same road that I do every morning, and probably like me, would have had to fly out of the house in pyjamas to bring Lindsay to ballet class, and girl guides and all the things little girls do. They would have passed that same enormous weeping willow tree every morning - the one that gets a hair cut every Spring and probably wondered like we do - why on earth would anybody give a willow tree a blunt trim? - the limbs are supposed to hang down sadly - hence 'weeping willow'.

A year on, and I still think of Lindsay every time I pass Lake Hill school - I don't know why as I did not know her personally - but then look at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Paris - nobody knew him - yet his spirit lives on.

In the ten minute spin to and from the school, we also pass another poignant spot where two years ago, a 22 year old boy was knocked down and killed by a drunken driver as he stood on his skateboard waiting for the lights to go green. His parents keep his picture on the pole near where he was standing. Every day we pass that spot - sometimes four times a day, and we always say a prayer for the boy we call 'the skateboarder'. Recently I found out his name was Jason as curiosity brought me over to see his photo. He was a tall, handsome, fine cut of a lad with a big generous smile. Every day hundreds of kids pass by the spot where he died, as it is just beside Reynold's High School.

When I see the kids passing the place where he died, and laughing and especially at christmas time, I cannot help but think of him, and how he never got to live out his dreams. Like Lindsay - was it all meant to be? And what about Phil, another kid shot to death by a 16 year old kid after a silly row in a club this past summer. Phil was in second year psychology - just like our Ali. He was the only son of hard working Philipino emigrants. His father remembers teaching him how to drive when he was only 2! Phil was keen to turn the steering wheel all by himself. One day Vicky was buying a pair of jeans in American Eagle, where he had a part-time job and it was Phil who served her, with a smile - like his father before him, he was a hard worker and driven to succeed.

Fast forward to now - all three are dead - gone like dust in the wind...a sobering thought. Aged 20, 22 and 24 - and not another day more.

Man what a downer today's blog is!! - quite different from yesterday's - eh! I had no idea what was going to come out of me today - this is it folks - sorry if you find it depressing - It is depressing! Seeing Lindsay's smiling face all over the papers yesterday made me think of her and then seeing her school all lit up from heaven this morning, further drove home the message of the Transcience of Life...

I guess for me the moral of the story is - Life is a Bitch - You REALLY REALLY REALLY have to love your children, every second, every minute, and every breath of their existence - because youth is no guarantee of life...which brings me back to the point of this whole exercise - which is to try to simplify my life. You have to love your life and whatever it takes...do it!

The whole purpose of YOSA came back to me today when I opened up a page in Sarah Ban Breathnach's book - 'A Daybook of Comfort and Joy' - one I would highly recommend to everybody.

This is an excerpt - 'The Gratitude Journal' (January 14th)

'Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow...

On that lovely thought, I shall bid you all goodnight...sleep tight.

Patricia xxx

Charlie is me darlin'...

2009-02-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

Charlie came...at 11.03 a.m. to be precise. There was no rude announcement - no door bell - no door knocker. (why the hell did I bother getting that fancy Big-Ben door bell when nobody ever uses it!) I was busy in the bowels of the basement looking for chihuahua droppings for fear the service man would drag some around the house - or worse! slip on it and sue me - since everything nowadays is 'KOMPO' - how else can people get paid during these 'hard times'.

Well thanks to the piercing efforts of Tallulah Conchita and Tequila Sunrise who barked the house down, I raced upstairs to find this giant of a man waiting for me. It was the serviceman for my dryer - at last! Having waited a week, three hours and 3 minutes for his arrival - I would have been - to say the least - 'disappointed' had I missed him. Lulu and Chi-Chi were delighted with themselves - it was all thanks to them - the best doorbell a girl could have. No way could I eat them now!! I asked him his name, as I find when you do that, you get a better service. 'Charlie' suited him as 'Bonnie' suited Dr. Endo's assistant. He was a Charlie guy - not a 'Charles' or 'Ignatius' or a 'Christian' type.

Charlie proceeded to put two little blue hats on his hoofs to protect my rug (which cost the earth to get cleaned at Xmas). So far he was doing everything tickety-boo and he called me 'Miss' as opposed to 'Mam'. We were indeed off to a good start. The two of us clippity clopped in unison down to the basement and I left him to it.

twenty minutes later he shouts up the stairs "I've fixed your noise Miss!". Well after 25 years of marriage K has never managed to 'fix my noise'. It was something about the way he said that. Sure enough he had fixed the noise and then politely informed me that it would help if I bought a heat vent for the back of the dryer - that way the fuzz would not be blowing back into my 'new' dryer - which caused it to black-out in the first place - of course he was very nice about it. Is a heat vent a luxury or a necessity? that I have to think about. When Charlie asked me to "Put your hand in here and feel the heat" I had to oblige -after all - he had fixed my noise. I duly stuck my hand into the dryer and yes - it did feel hot. Thank you Charlie.

Yes today the Universe was really conspiring to make it happen for me. Lulu and Chi-Chi had saved the day and I gave them two beggin' strips, two chewrifics as well as two marrobones each. Charlie had fixed my dryer - and wait - there's more - I got a cheque for $4,500 back from one of the schools - they had accidently double dipped for the past few months. They owed me $8,000 due to taking post-dated cheques and DD's. At least I'm paid up for the year and I get change - Yipee!

Why is it every time I decide to really look at my bank statement - I find a whooper of a mistake like that. It does me no good because then I worry about all the mistakes I must have missed in the past! I never check statements. Two more happened - one from each school - the other school sent me a statement charging $843 for a Doctor's visit! Claudia had to see a doc when she had a cold once. "What's DIS?" I asked. "But they said the doc was free mum" as the colour visibly drained from both our faces. I phone them up "oh that doesn't sound right, does it?" "No, it doesn't" I agreed. "We'll rectify it" and that was the end of that - no SAM I am MAM (sorry about mistake) - there's never a SAM I am MAM - ever. The third 'mistake' happened a day after the second one.
I was 'double charged' for a skirt I had to buy for Claudia - just as well I noticed it on time.

Why all the screw-ups? and the fact I double-booked two patients myself one day? - I'll tell you why - the planet Mercury was retrograde in the sky for the last few weeks - every time Mercury is retrograde stuff like that happens - it is classic Mercury retro stuff - classic! Like when you lose your watch and it turns up in a turkey's belly - that sort of stuff.

Anyway - all's well that ends well. Mercury is direct now - dryer is purring happily again - everything is tickety-boo...

Hope it's the same in your world.

Lots of Love,

Patricia Delisha xxx

Spread the good news...

2009-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Dear followers of my blog,

The more the merrier...I would SO SO SO appreciate if you could spread the good news. The first thing to do is become an official follower so I can see your handsome head appear. You do this by clicking 'follow this blog' underneath my picture and then just follow all the instructions. That way I get to know who is travelling this bumpy road with me. Please feel free to post a few comments as well.

Love ya,

Delisha xxx

Monday Monday...I want to shoot them all down...down...down

2009-02-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Observing the Housewives of Orange County, CA, I thought the body weight of choice for women today was 98 lbs. It seems that number is dropping by the day. I was listening this morning to a group of women discuss the super bowl game on t.v. last night. One woman bemoaned the fact she had gone to a super bowl party and the only thing she remembers about the game is that she put on 5 lbs. - to which one lady responded "that's what happens when you eat the hostess".

Yes folks - you learn something new every day!

I'm sitting here waiting patiently for a service - to my dryer that is. The man was supposed to be here anytime between 8 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Wonderful "So does that mean I have to sit around all day looking out for him and miss a day's work in the office?" - we've all been there. After pleading and explaining that we have two new patients coming in this morning and that I REALLY must be in today - she grudgingly squeezed out "O.K. missus - he'll be there some time between 8 am and 12.00 noon. that's the best I can do for you". Two hours and twenty minutes have passed and no sign of 'the one'. Besides that dryer was only bought in July. It's like Fluffy my rabbit downstairs - they all have 'attitude' now.

The roads were krazy out there this morning - I admit, I was probably contributing my bit to the mayhem. I had three passengers today - lover boy because he left his car at work on Friday, going direct to the sea plane to whizz him off to Vancouver. I had to be in three very different places within a space of 35 mins. - dropped C off first - then K - then onto V's school. It was tense and the roads reminded me of a scene from WW2 where a bomb is about to explode and people are running here there and everywhere like headless chickens - was it because of me? I hope not.

Then we realised there would be a clash of times on Wednesdays from now until May. Vicky has to be in the General Hospital every Wed. after school where she volunteers her time because she has to clock up 60 hours community service (no she didn't rob a bank or kick a senior) she is doing a leadership course at school and this is one of the requirements. I had forgotten Wednesdays are my horror days driving 2 hours in the car - the hospital drive is brutal - up and down a lunatic motorway - and people are way worse drivers than me - naturally! Some of them have the cheek to honk me on occasion - when I stop to let a poor unfortunate cat cross the motorway - honestly! there's no manners left in the world!

One young fellow met his death not too long ago, on the same road, when another motorist didn't stop to let him pass. The question was what was he doing trying to run across a busy road? At least the cat could dive beneath wheels and escape if he was lucky. (wednesdays are as bad as 8's because it is a mercury day which is polar opposite to my sign - which explains). Now Claudia is making her confirmation on May 10th and the only day they can do prep is Wednesdays after school - wait for it - the only way she can get to make her confirmation is if I will lead the class as they have only 3 youths making it! and nobody to instruct them. Yes Wednesdays have taken over from 8's at the moment.

No sign of the man - and the annoying thing is I could have driven Ali into her orthodontist appointment (yes it seems we're all visiting the teeth men these days). I could have driven her and saved her having to get two busses!) Don't you hate waiting around? Hopefully he'll come. Another day I was waiting like this for the window cleaner - all day - he NEVER came. Excuse? "forgot about it". Another one for the 'attitude' list.

At least all this is keeping me away from the shops...too busy for them. Yeah!
Gotta look on the bright side. Today is the start of week two...

Anchors away for another week on the high seas of adventure. Will the devil make me weaken? With Valentine's Day quickly approaching - the poor punters like myself are being assaulted daily with floating hearts and chocolates (man it's double punishment) and pink fluffy boas and jewellery for your loved one - and meals out, and music and everything (with the dwindling economy I can't say I blame the merchants for trying - Valentine Valentine Valentine - Spend Spend Spend - More More More. Reminds me of something Paul McCartney (it would be him!) once said:

"Buy Buy Buy says the sign in the shop window - Why Why Why says the junk
in the yard".

Or what about Bob's Hopeful wisdom "A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it!". I can also understand the logic of that too - given today's fiscal fiasco.

Cheers,

Keep doing what you love - as long as it doesn't cost money - right?

Delisha xxx

Pardon me for a moment while I throw up...

2009-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Sun-day, as its name suggests should be a sunny day - right? (weather permitting of course!) All joyful, sunny and happy. You sleep, eat, pray and play. That's why it's not called 'Rainday' or Stormday' or 'Bankruptday'. The good lord when he planned the day, had it in mind that the Sabbath should be a day when we totally unwind, eat chicken pot pie, put the work boots away and replenish our batteries for the long week ahead and to get ourselves psyched up for MOONday - a day when most people feel tired, cranky and moody - which is why the Boomtown Rats with Sir Bob at the helm, had that big hit 'I don't like Mondays...I want to shoot them down...down...down'. In fact I frequently find myself singing that song in the car, as I drive sleepyhead passengers to school. To stay awake on those dark moonday mornings, my favourite road game is counting the fender-benders.

Today, Sunday started off as anticipated - sunny, deliciously decadent and peaceful. Lulu had been a good girl and did not pee in the bed lastnight so that was nice. Since my automatic coffee maker was still in Vancouver, I brewed it up myself and brought my steaming mug of delicious creamy coffee into the bedroom to enjoy. I filled the hot water bottle with fresh hot water and headed back into the snuggest place in town - bed! Normally when himself is around we listen to nice soft music like Cat Stephens and his gorgeous song 'Morning has broken' or the Eagles or even Leonard Cohen, though he usually sounds better at night with his sleepy, hypnotic voice. So anyway that was this morning.

Later I headed into the living room and turned on the t.v. to enjoy a bit of distraction while I ate my toasted muffin with organic blackberry jam - delish! (I am telling you this by way of explaining what a 'typical' simple abundance day should be like). I agree it is harder to do the SA thing with everybody rushing here and there on school mornings. You get better at it...

As soon as I turned on the noise box, all the bad stuff came shooting out at me like bullets - bang bang bang - (not too unusual these days when you turn on the telly) - Belgian massacre of innocents in Kindergarten, murder and savage beating of elderly lady for her pension and wedding ring, road death of 3 kids (14-16) - same age as two of mine - who bought an old crock of a car for a bit of adventure and ended up dead before they had even completed high school. Then the economy...the economy. Jeez...I thought to myself - why didn't I just keep listening to Cat Stephens!

I was trying to get happy again and then I saw it! - yes flicking the remote control, I stumbled upon a documentary about a girl who had just had a bust enlargement operation and was going out to buy new bras with her friend. "Do you think X will like it?" she asked her friend, as she tried on a black lace bra. "That's a given" the friend replied. The girl who had the operation was a gorgeous auburn haired young lady, with a slim figure and lovely eyes. It showed her before, and after the operation - there was really very little difference I thought. Then the evening came...and she got all dressed up in a glittery evening dress to meet 'The One'. When I saw him - I got such a let down! 'The One' or 'X' or 'King Kong' as I shall call him - was fat, slobbery, greasy and disgusting looking - he made Hulk Hogan look like an anorectic!

I thought to myself surely he must be a very nice fellow and that deep down beneath his fatty apron midriff - he had a heart of gold. Just like the beast in Beauty and the Beast. I was trying to help her out - mentally - you know what I mean. I suppose when he's testing her new coconuts tonight, she could always put a double bag over his face and an empty can of beans at the end of the bed to trap any melted fat, like I have in the kitchen when I am frying pork chops. Then 'X' opened his mouth and revealed the heart of a true MCP (male chauvinist pig). The first thing he said he did when she got 'the job' done was check the Playboy website and now he could proudly acknowledge she had the same statistics as a Playboy Bunny - exact! He now had his own living, walking, talking Playboy doll. Wonderful.

What did she get out of the bargain? Nothing - that I could see. He was delighted with himself - no diets for him - or enlargement operations, as he oinked down his gargantuan t-bone and belched up the beer. Why is life so unfair for females? I mean we are supposed to be the smarter gender and yet when I see stuff like that I wonder... Maybe she had dieted all her life and lost all her brain cells? There has to be an answer...

I have decided not to discuss anything as vulgar such as money on Sundays - After all, it is the Lord's Day. Suffice to say I have stuck to my guns - for the first time ever my purse remained as fat today as it was on Moonday - and never once did I return to the ATM machine for more...Trumpets please...(whisper - I saved at least $200 this week - no kidding!)

Sunday will be our Simple Abundance day. I know I promised to give you a recipe for vege lasagne and prayers and nice things. If you don't mind I will wait until tomorrow as I want to give my daughters a lecture on what not to bring home to Moma, by way of a Son-in-Law!

Slainte (Irish for good health).

Patricia Delisha xxx

Hello! - now I get it...

2009-01-31T14:10:00.001-08:00

For the life of me I could not understand the logic of being asked if I was on a diet by Dr. Endo on his questionnaire form - or for that matter if I was on the other thingamajig diet. (I mean he's a tooth man). Then it hit me - Halitosis! that's it - it has to be. They'll put H beside your name if you are on a diet and will know this one is definitely 'a DB case'. (double bib - in case one falls off) Makes sense now doesn't it? The other major thing of course is that dieting is such an expensive business - a credit status is needed first, to ascertain you can pay the Endo - no kidding!

Let's face it girls - Dieting is an expensive business - right? Milk shakes, protein shakes, diet meals, membership to weight loss clubs, gym that you visit for a week and then forget about it, having paid your fees, and of course that gorgeous dress you bought as an incentive - one day I'll fit into it - and never do! - not to mention the daily cappuccinos to give you a lift, having skipped your lunch. Skinny lattes are a lot less calories - right?

Then there is the weighing machine for dieter alone, the cheerleader weight loss magazines, the 'dieter moods' which fill you with both euphoria and gloom in the space of an hour. The euphoria one is worse because then you go out and buy clothes because you are looking and feeling so bloody fantastic. You go home and people are all shouting "WHERE WERE YA ALL THIS TIME?" - spending...you feel guilty - right? You cook a big huge supper to satisfy the troops and then YES - you pig out with them and that trousers you just bought will never in a month of Sundays fit you...Damn!

Yes - dieting is akin to a lobotomy - the only thing you lose are your brain cells, and spontaneous delight in a good meal (why should we always feel guilty after a feast?). When people remark how 'good' they were going to a restaurant and telling the waiter to leave the sauce off the meat and the bread on the side - insane! - if you cannot properly enjoy your food - why go out at all? Like it's not as if you get treated every day of the week, is it? and besides will the worms care if the corpse had sauce on the side - I doubt it! (actually they'd probably prefer if you had the sauce). Wake up World - we are slowly driving ourselves INSANE. Long ago people never dieted and they never had weight problems. Ahaa...I had a light bulb moment - the secret is smaller portions, food lasting longer...smaller shopping bills...I think I'm onto something here...

So all in all "are you on a diet?" is like asking 'are you krazy or not?' and yes, now I understand.

Vicky loved the 74c canned mushroom soup - couldn't tell the differnce between it and the usual $2.99 one I got. Interesting. I'm finding my new challenge very absorbing to say the least. Husband is delirious with joy and wants to go on a mad spending spree to celebrate 'the new me'. What's this weird thing going on? He wants to spend - and I want to save! All I like to talk about now is the price of this and the price of that. I keep a copy of 'How to manage your money' and 'The Wealthy Barber' beside my bed in full view. Financial experts maintain it is the best Aphrodisiac for a man - forget the baby dolls!

Hubby is in Vancouver this weekend at a conference. Normally when he is away we girls get a pizza to last the whole weekend, or a Chinese meal, that way I get to have a cooking-free weekend - kept me sane thus far. I didn't get a take-away this weekend - Did I miss it? Actually no. We watch all the girly stuff on t.v. - 'Get Away Fridays', 'World's Weirdest Homes' and all the make-over programs - 'Style by Jury' 'What not to wear', etc. - love Fridays. Vicky baked delicious oatmeal cookies with walnuts (left over after the banana muffins). She's becoming quite the cook now. That was another ambition of mine that the girls would take an interest in cooking - now that the cupboards are bare - there's no choice! We rummaged around the kitchen and found ingredients for at least six different kinds of yummy things to eat.

Simplicity - no fuss - joy in little things - a pleasant book - a big roaring fire - bedside tea - stroking an animal - putting outfits together - lighting a candle in the bedroom, and listening to Leonard Cohen as he puts you to sleep - saying a little night time prayer and giving thanks for the day just spent - Gratitude - YES that's a big SA thing - a little prayer for your deceased friends and looking at their smiling faces before you fall asleep - taking a walk in the garden and watching all the new springs buds emerging (and knowing you wont have to pay for daffodils!). These are a few of my favourite things... when the world bites, when the neighbour stings, I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel so bad!

I remember some time ago I girl I know told me she had a huge chocolate urge one night so her daughter and herself made a chocolate cake. I was hugely impressed (this girl is always very very sensible). If I had a chocolate urge - I would have gone down to the shops and got a 'quick fix'.

The world is changing. The birds are singing in chorus outside - laughter fills the air - (that's the kids saying I'll be back to normal by Monday!) Seriously -even the weather is getting better to please me! - Why soon I'll be able to grow my own spuds, tomatoes, berries and broccoli again...la di da...The devil calls me 'Polyanna' now. He chides and reminds me I never did a day's gardening in my life - that's hubby's baby. Well at least I cook the stuff he produces, and I clean the filth and mess around the sink and floor that all this organic stuff brings in - not to mention the crawling worms and maggots - Jeez I dunno why I do it. Give me pre-washed supermarket veggies in bags any day!

It sure felt like the Universe was conspiring to make it happen today. Claudia treated me to a complimentary Starbucks on her Starbucks card (b/day present from somebody). I accepted her offer as it made the two of us feel good. So after I dropped the girls into town where they were going to see a movie, I treated myself to the coffee from Claudia. I told myself that if I found money on the street, that would be a good luck sign and lo and behold! - before my very eyes, a bright silver toonie ($2) smiled back at me from the road 'take me I'm yours' it said. That shall be my lucky cheerleader toonie for the year ahead.

For the first time ever, if you were to ask me how much a loaf of bread is, I could tell you - even know the price of a litre of milk now. This is so much bloody fun - all the years I wasted and all the money - damn! I knew I'd be a dab hand at this! - O.K. Mr. Devil - I'm quite aware - thank you very much - that it is early days yet, and that it is only 3 weeks since I had a mad splurge in the Orlando Designer Outlets - enough stuff to last the next decade at least. Tomorrow ends the first full week of YOSA. Am I happy with the way things went? YES YES YES. I haven't really got into the full deal YOSA yet as I was too busy this week learning how to behave like a grown up in the supermarket - not to mention wrestling with the devil who is determined to put a spanner in the works - will he win? Now that is a question neither you or I know, at this point in time.

Tomorrow I will also tot up all my savings, share a healthy and inexpensive recipe with you, which I cooked last night - Vege Lasagne. Enough to last two nights and only cost approx. $12 to make, and has 8 generous portions...so keep an eye on this space. It is also super healthy.

Over the course of our journey together, I will share some wardrobe tips...my best consignment wear outfits, the good days and the not so good days of SWP,(shopaholic withdrawal pain), my favourite simple abundance tips - and more...much more. I am determined to prove to myself and y'all - that sure, the world is clearly changing economically - but it is a change for the better! If you lose your job - it may be the start of something better. God does not close one door - without opening another.

On that hopeful note,

Nighty night wherever you are...

Delisha xxx

Oh by the way...

2009-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Miracle Man,

I forgot to thank you for the helpful advice you gave me the other day when you suggested I eat my dogs, (being Chinese New Year, etc.) that way I could cut down on my grocery bills, and at the same time save on the vet bills. It does make sense. Believe me, I have thought about it long and hard, but then I did the math - a cooked chicken would cost me $7.99 and would really only properly feed four of us. Whereas if I was to sell my two chihuahuas, I could get a lot more money - thanks anyway. After your comments, I was looking at Lulu the other day, and really there isn't much meat on her - certainly not more than a quail.

Our cat Tessa is very sensitive to all the new vibes, and has been working over and above the call of duty (she's a Virgo). This morning I spotted her out in the back garden working really hard chasing birds and catching rats. She saw me looking and really upped her performance - so I think she's safe.

As for Fluffy the rabbit - She/He/It (I never worked out the gender) does absolutely nothing to help the household, and is getting as fat as a pig and the stink out of his/her/it's cage is disgusting. I remember once eating rabbit stew in Paris and it was surprisingly delicious. So I would say that Fluffy is definitely treading on dangerous ground at the moment. In fact He/She/It tried to escape about a week ago and we had to put the cage up against the wall. Maybe I should have just let it run away...Rabbit food and bedding is so expensive and Fluffy has quite the appetite. I gave it a wilting carrot (to use it up) the other day and He/She/It spit it out. I dunno - It's a sign of the times I guess!

Dear Canadian Mounty,

I promise I don't make a habit of breaking the law - as it would appear from my last blog. I am a good living citizen - I don't drink, smoke, eat chocolate and for the last few days gave up being a shopaholic. I only ever got 3 tickets - only 1 for speeding and that was the incident on 14th St. Calgary. My car is 12 years old and like myself is not up to speed these days.

Keep doing what makes you happy...

Dear Viv and Jim,

Disturbed to hear the world economy has crashed since I stopped spending. No, the Chinese PM has not been in touch with me yet.

Cheers,

Delisha

Cruising down the Root Canal

2009-01-30T09:01:00.001-08:00

Driving to the Endo this morning, I don't know which was bothering me more - the thought of what awaited me there, or the fact I had to pay him out $100 for a sneeze of his time! - $100 - just like that! Seeing the way I sweated and toiled to save $6 on 2 lbs of Starbucks breakfast beans - that would mean I would have to buy approx 33 lbs. of coffee to save that amount of money! Bah humbug!

To take my mind off my worries, I played my favourite road game - looking out for messages from my angels on the back of buses or trucks and sometimes I'll see them displayed on stickers in cars. Now I'm looking out for butterflies as well to assure me I'm on the right track. Doing this, I could see a plumber's van driving in front of me with the message 'Why go to bed with a drip?' and 'take me to your leaker...'. Now the 'take me to your leaker one' reminded me of another thing that happened to me on Wednesday which I forgot to mention.

There was fish sitting in the fridge for 5 days and I ate it!! Ali said it tasted "weird" so I ate it - couldn't bear the thought of throwing out nearly $8 dollars worth of good fish. Besides if they can survive on the fear factor eating worms and rancid meat in sour milk, well then I would too. Dentist Day I was lying on his couch and I got the most dreadful pain in my abdomen. Suffice to say...I needed the peoples plumber!! and all for the saving of a couple of dollars - well at least it went to a good cause and I am still here to tell the tale.

The minute I arrived at the Endo's, the annoyance about the $100 fee became like dust in the wind. He had an army of women working for him - three to be precise. So I had visions of the four of them sitting out on the grass dividing the spoils after I left - $25 for you, $25 for me...and then I didn't feel so bad about it. A smiling Bonnie (who lived up to her name) brought me into the Endo's surgery. What would happen if you had the face and body of the amazing hulk and your name was Bonnie? Somehow I have never come across that yet.

Anyway, Bonnie sat me down and lo and behold I could see my office building right in front of me outside the window - so weird - I could see the people going in and out. Was that Johnny X coming in early for his 10 am appointment? I recognised his coat. Bonnie proceeded to put the dreaded 10 ft sticks into my mouth to take X-rays. Prior to that she gave me a list of things they were going to do to me, and was I allergic to latex? not that I know, I don't wear condoms, and did I like to take anti-biotics before a procedure? I asked her to pass on that one. Later she told me I would be given a questionnaire to fill out, after the Endo had done his 3 seconds thing. Really Bonnie should have got the lion's share of my $100 - it's so unfair, especially when she's doing all the work!

Bonnie was being really helpful, while the Endo was doing the rounds (and making tons of nosh). Did I ever play with my teeth? she continued with a serious expression on her bonnie face, as if playing with your teeth was a bigger offence than not parking your car parallel to the meter. No that one was new to me too. I've heard of people playing with their toes, and their hair and...but teeth? By 'playing' she meant tickling your teeth with your tongue and that it can sometimes give you a tootache - Really? you learn something new every day.
Then Dr. Endo appeared with the mystique and grace of Obama himself. "How are we today?" I dunno about you Sir, but I've seen better days... My Gawd - he was young enough to be my grandson! He had eyes that made me realise I still have not entirely grieved for chocolate. There is still some residual longing for the brown stuff. His peepers were like my favourite chocolate rum truffles, when I used to eat them. Suddenly I had the urge for chocolate. If the eyes are the window to the soul...I wouldn't mind seeing the rest of his house - that was the Devil - not me who said that!! I'm a happily married woman thank you very much. You can look at the shop window but you don't have to buy...actually that ism is a bit too close to the bone at the moment!

Endo, with the heavenly eyes did all the usual tapping and freezing and said I was on 'the fence' as regards #17 - and he didn't know quite what to do - it could go away by itself and sometimes they do that and I should wait and see and if the pain continues, put some topical desensitizing agent on the tooth. Wonderful! if it does go away by itself then I wont have to fork out several hundreds of dollars for a journey down the root canal. Give me Paris or the Panama Canal for that matter - but not the Root Canal!

Endo left the room, leaving a pleasant fragrance and Bonnie busily proceeded to give me yellow forms to fill out, as promised, and hundreds of questions to answer and was I on a diet? none of their business - aren't women always on diets? Besides, why would they want to know that? Was I pregnant? - hopefully not - at my age it would be an immaculate conception. Then the questions became even more exploratory 'was I on the yin-yin diet?' or something like that. I asked Bonnie what that was and she said that it must be some dreadful diet that people go on but brushed it off as if it wasn't that important and besides, I didn't have the appearance of a mal-nourished woman.

My financial situation took an upbeat twist as I left the Endo's. My dental insurance will cover 80% of the fee and also I may not have to get a root canal done after all - hip hip Hooray! Oh yes, that reminds me I had forgotten to mention medical and dental expenses on my list of 'Essentials' in day one of this blog. That's another biggie for the list.

Still staying firm to my frugal lifestyle - I've been reborn - told ya and you didn't believe I'd stick to it - right? Well you're WRONG - wrong wrong wrong.

I had to make a quick trip to the supermarket this evening. This time I had a list and boy did I stick to it this time - better still EVERYTHING I bought had to be on sale. There was only one item not on sale - mushroom soup - so I got the cheapest brand 74 cents per can as opposed to the $2.99 container I usually got. I'll tell you how it tasted later. I am going to slice in fresh mushrooms into it and do my magic tricks with it. I'm deferring gratification on supermarketing until the big day next Tuesday when we have 10% off everything in Safeway. They do that for the first Tuesday of every month and call it 'Customer Appreciation Day'. In fairness, I always avail of that - even when I was a shopaholic I did it.

By the way, my toothache went away all by itself. Sometimes they play tricks on you - just like that. #17 - you are weird - totally weird!

I love y'all.

Be good to yourselves this day and don't forget customer appreciation day in your local supermarket - wherever you live.

Delisha xxx

The hated 8 came back to bite me today!

2009-01-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's only day 3 in our magical mystery journey - today it felt more like day 73! By the way I should explain the symbolism of my blog picture. That's me on the flying leaf with Angelica my support buddy. We're heading towards butterfly land. I'm turning over a new leaf - get it? and the butterfly is the symbol of transformation and I'm singing a happy song...

"Beautiful butterfly, joyfully free, no longer awkward or earthbound to be,
the way it has changed, tells what is happening to me. The old me is going, my spirit is renewing..."

Anyway nuff of that soppy nonsense, I'll bet you want to hear how the hated 8 came back to bite me today.

It became abundantly clear when I awoke this morning that this was not going to be one of those pleasurable, lazy hazy SA days - you know when you kick off your shoes and slob around the house and tell everybody "I'm OD" (off-duty) and they shout back "Yes mum we know you're odd!". I was howling like a banshee suffering from an excruciating tooth ache in my upper east side. In fact the tooth has been bothering me even more than the SWP (shopping withdrawal pain). I didn't want to tell you about that in case you thought I was a real martyr. And seeing as I don't wallow in self pity and all that...

I had an appointment with the dentist for 9.00 a.m. sharp (preferably 8.45 a.m.) but first I had to get Vicky to her school for a mathematics test at 9.00. I'm a mother for Tut's sake - I'm a dab hand at having to be at several places at the same time! We arrived at the school at 8.46 which left me 14 minutes (not counting time killing pedestrians) to get to a destination that would normally take 20-23 mins. approx. and I hadn't even my face made up yet. I flew - literally flew and made up my face at each red light. Somehow, rushing to the dentist didn't give me the same adrenalin fix as getting to the shops on Boxing day. Still...I arrived at my punctuality-obsessed dentist's office at 9.03 and he was all ready and raring to go - waiting for me of course! He is sporting a moustache now and it looks really odd - I'm afraid to say he now bears a chilling resemblance to Hitler. But he is such a darling of a man - should I tell him to drop the tache?

Two seconds later - pleasantries dispensed - I'm lying down, all the fight gone from me, with my mouth wide open, and at the mercy of Dr. Hitler lookalike. Hm..hmm...he keeps saying looking into my extremely painful orifice and pearly browns. Hm..hmm he continues. (is he punishing me now because I haven't flossed since my first communion?) Would he ever do something - like take the bloody tooth out - anything!

He got out his weapons of mass destruction and began to squirt ice into my mouth, hosing down each resident tooth on the upper east side. Eventually one resident reacted violently "THAT'S IT" I shouted - "THAT'S HIM". "Yes Sir" That's my P-Spot". His assistant looked at me kindly (I had given them oranges and chocolates at Xmas so she was being really nice to me). Dr. Hitler look-alike then got his little dentist hammer out and began to bang on the roof of each of the 3 suspect teeth to further ascertain which one was 'IT'. I put my finger on the one I thought was the culprit and he said it was different from the one I had said earlier - it was all so confusing - for him and for me.

"O.K." he continued, dangerously intense, and the bib now covering his nazi moustache. "It's either tooth #16, #17 or #18. He is very precise at the best of times (most likely a Virgo). "I'll bet it is #17" I offered, trying to help - the tables had turned. "You see any number that comes to an 8 doesn't like me - we're not compatible" I whispered timidly, scorched beneath his masterful gaze. The assistant smiled kindly again - they're trained not to laugh. Guess what? we eventually discovered that the carnassial culprit was no other than tooth no. 17! - Take a bow # 8 - you've done it again!!

Root canal work on #17 is something I can look forward to as soon as they can get me in, but in the meantime Delisha has to dole out $100 for a consultation with an Endodontic Surgeon tomorrow morning - Endo? that one is new on me. Do they end peoples lives? And yes, I would count this one as an 'essential' - not a luxury. As it so turns out Vicky has a big job on tomorrow with her Orthodontist. So we can both look forward to another bitingly tense day.

Finally - I earned a few brownie points for thrift today - despite the tramua of this morning - Not as traumatic as the fact I had to get up early to make us home made cappuccinos as we had run out of coffee - why? because I was determined to drive into town today to get 2 lbs of Starbucks in Chapters where they give you a 20% discount when you buy 2 lbs. - Trumpets please!! However, I could only find a 20 mins. max parking space so had to dash into Starbucks at Chapters. I ran all the way and just by the skin of my teeth - (YAW why did I mention 'teeth' ) anyway you know what I mean - It was a race between me and the Meter Monster as to who would reach my car first. I beat him! T.G. because the 20 mins had expired - just!

They are demons in Victoria for giving you tickets. Once the MM gave me one because I hadn't parked my car directly parallel to the meter. (it was likely 1/8th of an inch off). Rumour has it they carry rulers around with them and measuring tapes. Some even tie you up and whip you. (that might be a young wives tale). The day I got the unwanted slip, I could see him in the distance writing out the ticket and ran over to fight with him, (almost getting knocked down) because I knew I had loads of time left in the meter - he explained why he was giving me one - B.....D! I uttered to myself - his wife must have withheld favours last night. If you are married to one - be kind - do the world a favour , and unwind the beast before he goes to work.

I know I know - it's not entirely fair to tar all ticket dispensers with the same brush. I've had a couple of scrapes with the gentlemen in uniform - and believe me - some of them are suckers for a sob story, a blonde and an Irish accent!

One Saturday morning in Calgary when flying up 14th St. to bring 5 year old Vicky to ballet classes, I could hear sirens blaring, horns honking - there was a fierce racket going on outside. I remained oblivious as I had a mission on hand to get my gorgeous little blonde Shirley Temple lookalike to her ballet. Suddenly a face appeared beside me. He wasn't smiling either as he beckoned me to stop. Who me? I asked incredulously - "YES YOU LADEE!"

He directed me up a side street until I could stop - and as sure as God it felt like a scene from the Godfather where they put a bullet in your head! My hands began to tremble and my heart stopped for a minute. Mr. Mafia himself looked into the car and when he saw my little golden angel in the back seat, looking out angelically at him, "who's that strange man mommy?" his face crumpled like the incredible hulk before he sheds his skin.

He had got me on 3 offences all in one go! surely worthy of a bonus at the station - no drivers licence on me (left the bag at home I was in such a hurry) no current tax disc (I had bought it the previous day and forgot to put it on - damn!) and leaving the best for last I was travelling 30 klicks above the speed limit! (I was a harried mum that morning and had learnt my lesson!) I explained about the ballet, and after a discrete telling off he told me I was lucky it was him. He pretended to write me a ticket because his boss was watching him and when I got home and opened it up - it was blank - all blank. As we say in Ireland - God Bless him - may he be the father of a Bishop!

Can you imagine my angst if I had got a $30 ticket from the MM today and all for a saving of $6 on 2lbs of Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee beans!! Now wouldn't the devil and his brats have had the last laugh!!

Sleep tight...

Delisha xxx

Miracles are happening...

2009-01-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Wow,

It's only day 2 of my 365 day challenge and I can already see miracles happening!

I awoke to a song on the radio - you know the one that goes 'Be happy...be happy' and when I looked outside and saw the snow re-appear, I knew that would be the major challenge of the day. Then the first words out of dear hubby's mouth were "People need to spend more money and not stop spending..otherwise the economy is going to crash...people need jobs...we need to keep the wheels of industry rolling". WHAT? was this the same hubby who only a few weeks ago (in the midst of Xmas lunacy spending) said to me that if given the choice to spend - or not to spend, I would choose the former! After 25 years of marriage he knows me too well!!

So here he is now saying that people should spend more during these times of recession. Yes, I can understand the logic of that... but if I was unemployed, would I still? - so as I was digesting my coffee, images of all those nice fluffy things I saw at the mall yesterday came back into my head. Hmm...I wonder did I mistake the message on the bus yesterday - the one that said 'Quitting is contagious'. Did they mean I should quit now while I'm still ahead?

Haw! No - I ain't a quitter... Six months ago, I was a self-confessed chocaholic - could not live without chocolate - had to have a daily dose of it, and now I'm proud to say I have not touched the stuff for at least six months if not longer. It was for a special intention that something good would happen to somebody I care about a lot - the miracle hasn't happened for her yet, so I have to keep off the chocolate until such time. I even resisted all those delicious Irish chocolates that were sent to me for Xmas.

Vicky had an exam today so did not have to be at school until lunch time and Claudia had a bit of a cold and was not up to gym first thing, so I changed my plans and went into work this afternoon instead. What a morning! I have not enjoyed one like that for a long time. It brought me back warm memories of when I was a fulltime mum and looking out at the Alberta snow with my precious little girls. I baked some banana walnut muffins for us to enjoy with the 'American Idol' tonight - nothing like the smell of baking! Then I made us all delicious chicken quesadillas - "aah just like old times mum" Claudia and Vicky announced happily Yeah! - way better than a bought subway! I thought to myself.

The simple abundance joy continued as I got dressed for the day. This part of the morning doesn't always run smoothly for me - What shall I wear? is a constant problem despite the fact I have enough clothes to wear something different for each day of the year - well maybe not quite that much!!

Before the Chinese year of the Ox began, I cleaned out my closets (as the sages advise people to do before a new year) - I spent all weekend at it. So picture my delight when I discovered long lost tops and skirts that I had totally forgotten about. I organised everything in prep for the YOSA - everything now organized by colour - trousers all together - closet heaven ensued - Yeah! I put together the most amazing outfit - Claudia my fashionista was hugely impressed.

Last weekend as I prepared for YOSA I brought down all our old clothes to the Mayfair Mall and they gave us $5 gift vouchers for each bag weighting 15-20 lbs (What a great idea!). I used these vouchers along with points accumulated from spending at the Bay and bought Kevin a trousers which was on sale. He was thrilled because he had been looking and couldn't find his size in navy. As well they were on a 40% off sale so I virtually got his designer trousers for nothing - Boy! did it ever feel good coming home triumphant with the pants for him especially with the great deal I got him. Was he happy? You bet!

With this new 'sensible' regime, I am getting to appreciate my clothes more and give each one a proper turn on my back! It's like my friendship with long-lost clothing has been rekindled. I'm using my accessories more - taking more time to look good. Before starting the YOSA year, I was aware of how nothing was a treat any more - I was too spoilt! I wanted it - I got it!

Now everything is becoming more of a treat. I like the feeling that I'm not letting the marketing gurus and consumer society control me, or dictate what I should, or shouldn't wear. The word 'trendy' can feel threatening to some people. Another word for trendy in my estimation is 'conform'. It's like if you don't conform to 'our' idea of what trendy is - then missus you are one of the POOFS (peculiar out-of-fashion simpletons). Yes! hurrah I want to be a POOF!
I think where clothes are concerned - I agree with Coco Chanel who once said:
"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress". So work on having a healthy figure girls - then even a sack bag will look good on us - right on!

I still cannot forget the image of those two little orphan sisters in the mud cabin, with nothing around them but the bare essentials - no living relatives alive since all their family and parents had died of aids - and their greatest challenge each day was not what to wear but whether they had enough
food to survive. Yet despite all this, they had a glimmer of hope in their hearts and were teaching each other how to read and write. One wanted to become a teacher and the other a doctor so she could cure people. The female reporter could not contain the tears - nor could I. Ever since, I've been feeling guilty at how spoilt I am. I want to lessen the woeful waste in my life, and the woe in others' lives.

So that's about the size of it for today...and as the song goes "I wont back down".

Have a great day,

Patricia Delisha xxx

D-Day

2009-01-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

I got off to a rather wobbly start once I realized that it was the 6th anniversary of the day I broke my ankle in Calgary (like an idiot I was attempting to ski for the 1st time at 45). Needless to say - it was the start of a year from hell! I've never liked the 26th since then, or any number that arrives at a single digit of 8. I've noticed it doesn't work well for me - something to do with it being a Saturn number and all that... Once at the supermarket when I realised I was at checkout #8, I wanted to turn on my heel but it was too late! I went home to discover that the checkout girl had left out the sandwich meat and given me somebody else's bread soda!! It was so annoying when I reached for a slab of turkey breast to discover it was left behind.

Another 8 day happened at the ferry terminal - ignoring my warning cries, hubby boldly made his way to gate #8 laughing and muttering something about superstitious nonsense. What happened? - you guessed it - the ferry we were aiming for was full so a long, boring 3 hour wait in the heat ensued.

So along comes D-Day - the start of my YOSA (year of simple abundance) and it comes to a bloody 8!!

The negativity continued well after K (hubby) brought me my early morning coffee. I was suffering a bit of PTSD from the skiing accident when a heading from Sunday's newspapers caught my attention for obvious reasons 'Why the party is over' and 'High flying couples brought down to earth with a bang' (Ireland's Sunday Independent 18 Jan).

Not being one to wallow in self-pity (the kids would disagree) I put on my positive thinking cap and came up with a couple of nice ideas to help get me through D-Day (day ones of any new regime are always brutal anyway). It hit me that the Chinese love the number 8 - every house they live in has to have the # 8 and if it doesn't they have it changed and insert a number 8, so a Realtor once told me. Eight is the number associated with wealth, which is why our office neighbour, Dr. Lee, has the only office on the floor with an 8. He is Chinese so that makes sense. So maybe I'm off to a good financial year - only time will tell.

The day laboured on with mixed blessings. When I was driving the girls to school I noticed a big message on a passing bus which said 'Quitting is contagious'. I roared in delight - it was definitely a message from my angels for me. It reminded me of a saying I once heard 'when man decides to do something, the universe conspires to make it happen' - and yes I'm quitting being a shopaholic - I've thrown out my mall walking shoes -for a year at least.

I'll admit the two younger kids didn't conspire to make it happen today and it wasn't plain sailing. We had a bit of a showdown tonight when Vicky and Claudia announced that I was going through a mid-life crisis and that in a week or so (they hope!) I'll be back to my normal spontaneously generous old self - yeah right!!

I had to bring Claudia to the Mayfair Mall today to get a new cellphone charger. She lost her old one in Vancouver at the weekend and I made her pay for the new one out of her own spending money - don't worry her personal account is way bigger than mine. If that wasn't bad enough - I ignored the foodcourt and Starbucks completely. Normally I would pay them a visit on such occasions but not today. Later I passed a florist shop displaying the most beautiful Spring daffodils - my favourite! Prior to YOSA I would have bought them in a heart beat. I could just see them on my office desk. Then I had to pass several dress shops displaying all the latest bright, fluffy spring wear - YES -the devil and his brats were working overtime on me. I resisted. Yee Haw - I had the last laugh.

I don't intend to go back to that mall in a hurry - no way baby!

I am being sensible now. Instead of my daily fix of Starbucks cappuccino I bought a container of Italian espresso coffee which will produce 30 cups for the price of four Starbucks and believe me way nicer! When I got home from the mall, I was still a bit weak after the devil's attack, so I cleaned the cobwebs off my home made cappuccino maker (which I had got free on Visa points) and brewed Ali and myself a cup each of delicious frothy cappuccinos. Believe me, they were finger lickin' good.

Later I went outside to the garden and all around me I could see the sight of little daffodils beginning to emerge. They looked like fluffy little yellow goslings. In another week or so I'll have my daffodils for free!!

Honestly - I really did a lot to deserve a big pat on the back today!!

I ended up my first day of YOSA making four separate suppers - stew from leftovers for Kevin who loves that - salmon for Ali and me - mozza burger for Claudia, and vege burger for Vicky - Whoever said Mothers have an easy life!!

I'm going to retire to bed now before I get the urge... for a McDonald's strawberry sundae...

Only 364 days left in the challenge...

On that happy note - Goodbye.

Tomorrow is another day - wonder what it will bring?

A self-confessed shopaholic gives up compulsive spending for a whole year - how long will it last?

2009-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

Today the earth moved.... It wasn't really supposed to move 'officially' until the 1st of February but because tomorrow heralds the Chinese New Year, I decided - to hell with it - No time like the present. Besides between now and the 1st of February there is an awful lot of damage I could do, stocking up for the hungry year ahead - those cute black shoes I saw in Winners at a steal of a deal will have to take a walk - on somebody else's feet that is! Yeah, I may as well start now - 'No sooner said than done - so acts your woman of worth'.

I have made a firm commitment to give up compulsive spending - YES - give up compulsive spending for a whole long year - no luxuries - just essentials - like food, gas, hefty mortgage, childrens school fees, dental fees on braces for two of the kids, retirement savings plan, education plan for kids university, property taxes, bank interest fees, insurance and taxes on two cars, life insurance plan, B.C. hydro costs, telephone charges - (landline and 4 mobiles), Terasen Gas for heating the house ( it's going to snow next Tuesday so we'll need lots of heat), city charges for emptying the garbage (I don't want rats around the house), clothing for three children (not ME remember I'm off luxuries for a year) hairdresser (does that count as a luxury or a necessity?) food for 4 pets and occasional vet visits, (the last occasional vet visit cost me $420!). Yes, folks the aforementioned are just a few of the daily/weekly living costs of an average family of five. Give me luxury any day - screw the essentials - they're no fun!!

Just seeing the above all written down has made my heart turn inside out - Flippin' hell - I never knew we had so MANY life essentials - how on earth did I ever afford to become a compulsive spender? I mean...? O.K. I shouldn't be so hard on myself - I'm not that bad. Really, I just compulsive spend on bargains. Phew! that doesn't sound so bad. For a minute there I was beginning to get worried... The guilt was about to choke me. The devil just whispered into my ear "Your house is bursting at the seams with bargains Delisha" - the cheek of him! He has no right to call me Delisha either - especially when he is insulting me.

Maybe he's right - I know I didn't really need that sleeveless RL top I got in the January sales, even if it was on a 60% off bargain or the two pairs of boots for the price of one. The challenge ahead is to know the difference between want and need. Right?

Why do I want to do this? Because there is too much waste in the world and I have far too much stuff - and my knuckles have blisters from bringing 6 black sacks of stuff down to the charity shop - the last time I brought it down to them they told me that they had no room for any more stuff!! So I had to drive around until I found a thrift shop that wanted my unwanted stuff - Then when I saw the starving children in Africa on t.v....and the little 12 year old orphan girl who had to walk two miles for water and carry it back on her head and the sight of her little toothbrush stuck in a hole on her mud cabin wall - it got to me. I already have one adopted kid in Africa. Now I want two more - one for each of my three children. I should have done it ages ago but I turned a blind eye. Oops - I'm getting a nasty guilt attack...but I cannot take tylenol to ease the pain...It's stuck in my gut.

When you see our essentials list, you probably think we're millionaires - Nope, we're just ordinary Joe's living in North America (though I'm not a hockey mum), and there's only one earner in this little family of ours - just one earner. Sadly in some homes now, there's not even one earner, so I know I'm lucky on that count, but life can change in an instant for anybody, which is why I want to learn how to lessen my grip on the glossy stuff - I'm sure by the time I've finished writing this, I'll remember other things I forgot to mention on our 'essentials' list - Yes - the annual family vacation - my husband says it's not a luxury - "It's an essential!" I wont argue with that.

I work in the office for my smarter-spending other half (as his secretary/receptionist), so at least that saves us having to pay somebody and can go on my list of credits - as well as the fact I just compulsive spend on bargains. Correction - 'used to' compulsive spend on bargains!

Tomorrow is D-Day.

Please tune in and join me on this adventure of a lifetime...A year of Simple Abundance...Will it make me even more irritable than the normal menopausal woman that I already am? Will I be able to pass on some wisdom from the experience to you and give you some useful tips? - or if bad comes to worse - will I crumble the next time I see a bargain in the weekly flyers?

Let the Adventure begin as we welcome the Chinese Year of the Ox...Yee Haw!!
Anchors away...

Patricia Delisha xxx