3 Days in Aspen

Who wants to see a few pictures?

Here's my less-than-inspired recount of our trip. Not that it was awful but since we're neither rich nor famous... we were forced to the conclusion that Aspen is not our kind of town. It is however quite beautiful. Let's see here...

The picture above and to your right is one of the nicest shots we took from the plane window flying into Aspen. Breath-taking. One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

BUT

Can you say altitude sickness? Yucky, nasty pounding headaches that build to a throbbing crescendo awaited fair Ted and John and put us out of commission for the first afternoon/evening. Oh... hah, incidentally our first afternoon/evening started 24 hours after everyone else, because we misread our boarding passes and ended up stranded in Pittsburgh overnight. "John and Ted, I'm sorry to inform you... you are the last team to arrive and you have been eliminated from the Amazing Race". ...ok, so it didn't happen quite like that. (poor Uchenna & Joyce though) That might have been more entertaining actually. hah

But we did finally take in "The 300" movie. Hordes of insanely hot, scantily clad men or not... that movie is the very definition of gratuitous violence. Not terribly enjoyable beyond the first 2000 gallons of blood splashed across the screen. But hey - did you know that movies are still only $4-$5 in the US?? Wow. Even after exchanging our lowly loonie that's still a bargain. Anyhow... back to the trip, right? This picture (lookie-here)... is at the base of Aspen mountain. Our hotel is a little more than a block to the right of what you're looking at. Dinner was at the top of this mountain on the first night (for us) and "D'oh" if we didn't forget to bring the camera with us to catch all the glorious, beautiful mountains from a cranium-pounding altitude at sunset. We took that lift (a fifteen minute ride - ...the recent 8-million dollar upgrade that the city's quite proud of) up for free that night, thinking "ok, we'll get the camera and go for a ride tomorrow". Nuh-uh... $23 dollars per person to go to the top. And ladies and gentlemen, the Tedster and I are not cheap... just po'. Or rather too po' to fork over $46 American for another trip up the slope to something we'd already seen. On our second day, after a morning cooking class with a professional chef (Glenn Smith - totally funny, great guy) we walked and walked and walked every inch of the "boutiquey" downtown core. (I'd post the pictures, but although nice, they're not that interesting unless you've been there, or so I'm guessing.) That night was the formal awards gala. Ted's whole reason for being there in a sense. It seems silly to not have taken a picture of what he wore to the dinner, but he wears a suit every day, so I guess we didn't deem it too important. Now "me" in a suit... there's a purple elephant sipping jello through a fire-hose. (in plain-speak - it's RARE.) Exhibit A:

Cherish this one folks, it's the funeral and special occasion monkey suit. That's taken on the little balcony of our hotel room incidentally. If I look half as awkward as I feel than it's an adequate picture. Where are my jeans? Where is my hoodie? Who put this noose around my neck? I look respectable don't I? Church flash-backs. Church flashbacks. Don't make me go 5 times a week. Please.... NOOOOOO!

Ahem... I'll stop being Not-Funny now. Here's my handsome Ted. Enjoying that balmy Aspen weather. (I'm not kidding; it was colder here at home than it was there.) Ain't he a hottie? One picture from the afore-mentioned walk and a second from the hotel balcony in his freshly christened ski-bunny sweater. (give the gay-guys the room over the entrance, it's good for business - no seriously... our neighbours were gay too. Small world in the gay, gay, hotel & hospitality industry. We were everywhere!! Mwah ha ha ha)

Overall, it was a fun trip, but far from our most memorable vacation. Blame it on having no money to spend, blame it on the altitude, blame it on nothing to do in a frou-frou community of 5,000 where you might as well go home if you're not the outdoorsy type. Boy did I feel like chubby white trash by the way. Everyone is tall, fit, and pretty damned hot in Aspen. So there was plenty of eye candy to look at. Hell - the hotel staff alone were beautiful to the majority. Alan... Jason... we love you even though you don't know we're alive. hee

Other things of note: it's a dog-town, which we loved. Dogs EVERYWHERE, and what a wonderful environment to have them. We met a little basset hound tied-up outside a shop downtown and while we were petting and fawning over him, I read his name tag... ..."Porter"! Hah! Isn't that cool? All of the dogs made us miss our babies though.

Oh... and for gifts as only Starwood can dole out. Ted and I both received Colorado Timberline ski jackets (Ted did go skiing at Snow Mass on our last morning.), a whole mess of snacks and wine and vodka, and the gift to top all gifts: a digital picture frame. That thing is very cool.

How dare I complain about anything really. It was a fun time away, and nothing went terribly wrong at home and work while we were away either. Nice. Well, to amend that slightly, Porthos had a huge gash in his nose from being bitten by our dog-sitters (who shall remain nameless) dog. That wasn't so great. But he's recovering and both Cole and Porthos slept all weekend; content to be reunited with their doting daddies.

Just as happy as we were to see them I'd wager. All's well that ends in sleeping puppies.

Amazing Race Post-Posting Post

OH OH OH!

And as a Post-Posting Post (brought to you by Post)

DID ANYONE reading this watch the Amazing Race on Sunday night????

I've never seen such airport bedlam on this show before. Between Eric & Danielle getting yanked off a flight moments before it took off and the show-down between the nasty Team Guido and that equally horrible old married couple (Terri and Ian) that I hate, I was so wound-up and high-strung, I needed to lie down after that episode. Too intense. Great editing!

I also have to say, as much as Charla and Mirna annoy me because they're always yelling and getting in peoples faces... they also keep me in stitches. Just seeing Charla pop up under desks and little places (in order to be able to look people in the eye when she talks to them) makes me giggle. Good for her y'know, but it's still funny.

And next week is a TWO-HOUR SPECIAL! I don't think my heart can take it.

Cheerio!

Smokin' in the Kitchen with Elmo

Saturday March 24th:

Today is an unproductive day. Well... not entirely... I spent the good part of an hour stuffing insulation into a huge crack in the wall under the kitchen sink that has been allowing an unknown neighbours cigarette smoke to overrun our entire apartment for months and months. The crack came from long-ago pipe repairs that the management conducted in all of the units in our section of the building. Once they were finished, pretty much every night we could smell second-hand smoke in the kitchen. Not so nice when you're not a smoker yourself. We then complained a few times to the super, and twice had the maintenance guy come up and tell us once that "nothing was wrong "with a second performance verdict that "nothing could be done".

Then recently Ted bought one of those air ionizer things, which does the trick, but for obvious reasons, cannot sit in the middle of our kitchen floor at all times.

Long story short, I think I've sufficiently stuffed all the open seams with that pink fibreglass stuff and then duct-taped over that. Nope... it's not pretty, but it's on the inside our our cupboards; so who cares for now. It seems to be smoke-free for now. Cross your fingers for us.

___got interrupted and never finished the post____

Tuesday March 27th

My friend Keltie brought up a fun time from my childhood (and hers) in the comments section of an earlier post, about me dressing up as the Easter Bunny at a little crap-tastic mall in Kingston, called Frontenac Mall. (I don't even know whether it's still open to be honest.) My cousin Ruth set me up with that high-paying gig when I was 14. I say high-paying, because in 1987 getting paid $75 to wear 30lbs of fun-fur that smelled like bad-breath for 6 hours was a plumb-employment opportunity - even if it did involve having children climb all over me. Keltie had the distinction of being "balloon girl" and I "think" she got paid too, but I'm not sure on that one. She didn't have the luxury of anonymity that a bunny costume can provide but we laughed a lot and probably ate more chocolate easter eggs than we handed out. Good times.

That little recollection got me thinking about all the other indignities I've gladly taken-on as a result of putting on a mascot-sized costume....
I've been a Hostess Munchie, and the Easter Bunny (different costume) again for the Petro Canada station I worked for in Kingston (Division Street @ the 401), - I actually have a picture of me in that particular bunny costume toting a pretty little Easter basket in one hand and the other hand firmly grabbing my crotch. - I'm prone to classy moments such as this, but at least you couldn't see my face. The Hostess Munchie costume was for a Petro Canada promotion as well. I recall with grief that it was a summer weekend with the temperature in the high twenties/low thirties. Lori Boucher and I took turns sweating and waving to traffic (and subsequently trying not to wander IN to traffic 'cause you couldn't see out of the gi-normous red Munchie head.)

I've also been "O.J. The Orange" (one of my first radio duties in Belleville - biggest complaint: no mask or head covering. I looked like an ass and everyone knew who I was.) I literally worked for food at that station. They never once paid me. No wonder I had to move back home. Ahhh... radio.

But wait, I'm not done. I've also had the privilege of donning the one and only, creme de la creme of fun fur costume of..... (drum roll) ...The Polkaroo.
That's right ladies and gentlemen. I was the Polkaroo, at the Kingston Memorial Centre for some event my friend Susan was involved with. Sadly... I didn't even get to say "polkaroo" to the kids. It was basically, a "just wear the costume and be silent" scenario. I was disappointed, not only because the Polkaroo only had "one" line that I wasn't allowed to say... but also because the costume was the stinkiest of the stinky costumes I've ever had to wear.
Thanks a lot TVO! You suck for not keeping your mascot costume clean.
I can just picture the wardrobe people saying "Oh the dry cleaners were here and we missed them AGAIN."
(That's a Polka Dot Door joke for any of you who might read that and think "gee, that's not funny at all". --- Hey - I can't help it if you didn't grow up watching the same quality children's programming that I did.)

Now, if only I could get my hands on a life-sized Elmo costume. My dreams will be fulfilled. If you hear of a mugging/assault at an "Ice Capades: Sesame Street on Ice" show... ...it just might be my doing. Elmo is one of my best voice characterizations, and I shudder to think of the hi jinx I could cause with a life-sized costume. Y'know... wandering around your local Zellers store, picking up screaming children and telling them to "shut the hell up".

"Mommy and Daddy, can't spank you anymore, but Elmo will!"

ha - again I say... "Good times".

Cheers y'all.

Song of the day is another electronica/chillax/dance track by a little-known group called "Andain". They only have 3 songs, and I highly recommend them all (even though you have to seek them out individually.) The lead singers voice is so soothing and melodic, and the music is moody but danceable. They're supposedly working on a full-length album. I'll be first in line if it ever sees the light of day.

"Beautiful Things"

Got up early, found something's missing
my only name.
No one else sees but I got stuck,
and soon forever came.
Stopped pushing on for just a second,
then nothing's changed.
Who am I this time, where's my name
I guess it crept away.

No one's calling for me at the door.
And unpredictable
won't bother anymore.
And silently gets harder to ignore.
Look straight ahead, there's nothing left to see.
What's done is done, this life has got it's hold on me.
Just let it go, what now can never be.

I forgot that I might see,
So many beautiful things.
I forgot that I might need,
to find out what life could bring.

Take this happy ending away, it's all the same.
God won't waste this simplicity on possibility.
Get me up, wake me up, dreams are filling
this trace of blame.
Frozen still I thought I could stop,
now who's gonna wait.

No one's calling for me at the door.
and unpredictable
won't bother anymore.
and silently gets harder to ignore.
look straight ahead, there's nothing left to see.
what's done is done, this life has got it's hold on me.
just let it go, what now can never be.

so many beautiful things...
so many beautiful things...
Now what do I do
can I change my mind
did I think things through

It was once my life
it was my life at one time

The Canker Punk Movement

I have had a canker sore inside my mouth (where else would it be right?) for like ...oh... 6 weeks or more. And it is driving me insane. I know it's a canker sore because I've had them before (although never this resilient) and I've tried the hot water and table salt thing, I've tried sea salt, and rock salt and mouth wash and Ambesol. This canker sore has the most incredible will to live I've ever encountered. I tried giving up pop of any kind to try to be rid of it, to no avail. I've even (don't read this if you're squeamish).......
bitten it off... it then healed... gave me a false sense of security and then returned. I've squeezed it like a pimple. I've Googled canker sore cures (which taught me nothing I didn't already know). I've willed-it away (evidently my canker has a greater will than my own). And yet... there it still remains... taunting my tongue and my teeth to constant distraction and Tom-foolery. I'm "thissssss" close to super-heating a knitting needle and giving myself a nice punk-like lip-piercing right through this nine-lives canker. I've got some of the look down-pat (ie: the hair, the leather and the ear rings), I could definitely pull it off. I only lack the knitting needle and the nerve. (And probably the attitude - I'm seriously lacking in that punk attitude - but who knows what this canker sore will eventually drive me to.)

At any rate, this is kind of a throw-away blog entry but it has helped me make it to 5 o'clock and now the whole internet is privy to my nasty little oral affliction. (And once again for emphasis: I know it's only a canker sore. My (cute) dentist confirmed the diagnosis.)

Since I'm a knitting needle away from "God Save the Queen", song of the day is by the Vines. Cool song for thrashing one's head about in a rebellious manner. (See... there's not much punk in me.)
PS. To my friend Dan (aka "Skink"), the coolest punk I know. I miss talkin' to you and I hope you're happy and well.

"Get Free"

I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
Ride into the sun
She never loved me
She never loved me
She never loved me
Why should anyone?

(Come in, come in, come in)
I'll take a bullet for ya
(Come in, come in, come in)
Drag you around the corner
(Come in, come in, come in)
You know you really oughta
(Come in, come in, come in)
Move outta California

Get (get)
Me (me)
Far (far)
When I'm alive again
Save (save)
Me (me)
From (from)
It! (it!)
When it's breeding time
Look into your eyes away

I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
Ride into the sun
She never loved me
She never loved me
She never loved me
Why should anyone?

(Come in, come in, come in)
I'll make it better for ya
(Come in, come in, come in)
Drag you around the corner
(Come in, come in, come in)
You know you really oughta
(Come in, come in, come in)
Move outta California

Mama Said Knock You Out Rocky

Something must be said about last night's episode of Survivor: Fiji. I have NOT had this level of lingering anger and frustration over an episode since Jonny Fairplay splayed his assholishness all over every inch of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

I am well-aware that every edition needs it's villains and abrasive personalities to make things interesting, but "Rocky"... has got to go. He is quite possibly the most obnoxious Survivor contestant I've ever seen. He's sexist, homophobic, disrespectful, loud, rude, has no self-restraint, arrogant, he's a complete hot-head and he's stupid as hell. Were I among this tribe and seen/experienced the way be behaves, I think I would be very prone to violence. I'm sick to death of mild-mannered, good-natured people being down-trodden, disrespected and cast-aside because they are pacifistic and "too nice". How sad is it that anybody in our world could be considered "too nice"? That's appalling! "Too needy" perhaps. "Too lacking in self-esteem" maybe. But from what the editors allowed us to see... Anthony's game-play was always respectful and considerate, and evidently his only crime was a lack of aggressiveness. I really hate bullies. And that is precisely what Rocky is. My respect for the other seemingly "nice" guys in the tribe has just plummeted because they acknowledged their disdain for Rocky and pretty much denounced his behaviour for the camera, but when the other tribe members are around, they just let it happen. They just let another human being be treated like garbage by one of their peers when they should be telling the offender to "shut the hell up".

When Jonny Fairplay was causing havoc on Pearl Islands, it was all with the wink/smile, lie-through the teeth, just-playing-the-game mentality. You can tell that Rocky is just as big an asshole in his "day-to-day" as he is for the cameras. Someone like that needs to be centred-out and sent home, and told exactly why their bags are being packed for them. He's a disgusting sack of crap and a poor example of a human being. Maybe that in itself explains his one constant facial expression: that of a man in a state of eternal constipated poop-cramps. He's ugly on the inside and it shows on the outside. DOWN WITH ROCKY!!! Ship him home in a crate!

I'm almost as displeased with Lisi as well, but I'll save my soap-box rant on her despicable behaviour for a later date when she's had more air-time with which to show more of her thus-far nasty personality.

At any rate, it would seem to anyone reading this that I hate this season of Survivor, so I should clarify that I'm loving it - aside from some "unsavoury" characters. It's nothing if not engaging.

And since Global took it upon themselves to unceremoniously cut-off the end of the show, thus depriving Canadian viewers of Anthony's closing comments and how the vote went, I did a little online research. The vote was unanimously for Anthony (except for Anthony's lone vote for Rocky/James.) And this was what Anthony had to say about getting voted off:

"I am a little pissed off. I'm a lot pissed off. I'm mad at myself for apparently not screaming to the world (and) being a jerk. Apparently that's what you need to prove that you're out for a million dollars. Regardless of what Rocky says I have great social skills. I'm not what was wrong with that tribe. It was Mookie and James; those are the problems with Ravu and that's why they're losing and their going to continue to lose until both those guys are gone."

His comments about Mookie aren't surprising, because he's been one of those "dick-head jocks who only went along with the other cool kids in high school" type people. He might be an under-the-radar player that goes farther than you'd expect though. We'll just have to wait and see.

For now... I'm rooting for Boo. But it's precarious. He could slide easily to a position of being the target of my contempt. Right now... he's eye-candy, and he seems to be smart without being cocky. Anyone who openly acknowledges that their game play has to change with the circumstances is one to watch in my book. It's way too early to be declaring yourself powerful in this edition.

***Post-Posting... I remembered that I also wanted to comment on how it baffles me in this life that people with no social skills are always accusing others of having no social skills. WHY is that? Since Rocky is a complete buffoon with no idea how to respectfully interact with other people, how the hell does he even know what social skills are to be accusing someone else of lacking them. I'm wondering if he caught an episode of Oprah on the flight to Fiji and picked up a few foreign terms that he just decided to throw around at leisure. GRRRRR***

Anyhoo... Survivor rant at a close. Sorry if you're not a fan. But if you aren't... ...well... why aren't you? It's sooooooo good! hee

Song of the day is a favourite electronica track with a lot of break-beats. Love this song. It's slick, and driving and the lyrics although simplistic and repetitive, have a lot of merit.

"Somnambulist (Simply Being Loved) by B.T.

So little time, so little time
I'm so frustrated
So little joy, so little joy
It's complicated
So little time, so little time time
To work it on out (Yeah yeah)

So little joy, so little joy
It's complicated
I feel I'm stumbling in the dark
Somnambulated
I feel my heart seeking the sparks
I'm praying for love (Love love)
Praying for love

So little joy, so little joy
It's complicated
So little time, so little time
When your heart's been faded
So little hope, so little hope
I'm praying for love (Love love)
Is more than enough

(chorus)
Simply being loved loved loved
Simply being loved loved loved
Simply being loved loved loved
Is more than enough(Yeah yeah)(x2)
Simply being loved(Yeah yeah)
Is more than enough(Yeah yeah)
Simply being loved(Yeah)
Is more than enough

So little joy, so little joy
It's complicated
So little time, so little time
Be acclimated
So little hope, so little hope
And I'm prayin' now with love(Yeah)

So little time the pace has changed
But I'm still waiting
A thousand years of timeless days
Somnambulating
I'm stumbling wounded in the dark
But I'm praying still for love
Love love
Prayin forLove
love love

(chorus)

Some little joy some little joy
It's complicated
So little time, so little time
So frustrated
So little hope, so little hope
And I'm praying still for love
Love(Yeah)
Prayin' for love

So little hope, so little time
It's so frustrating
I feel I'm stumbling in the dark
Somnambulated
I feel my heart's seeking the sparks
But I'm praying still for love(Yeah)

(Yeah yeah)I'm in love
Yeah (yeah yeah) Simply being...
(Yeah yeah) I'm in love
Yeah yeah!
Simply being..
Simply being loved loved loved
Simply being loved loved loved
Simply being loved loved loved
Is more than enough(Yeah yeah)(x2)

Simply being loved(Yeah yeah)
Simply being loved(Yeah yeah)
Simply being loved(Yeah yeah)
Simply being lovedYeah
Simply being loved Is more than enough
Yeah.

Paranoia Will Destroia

Vacations are supposed to be restful and restorative. That's why we take them... ...to get away from everything that causes us stress and fatigue. I know this because I've been on vacation before and enjoyed myself profusely.
The lead-up to this particular vacation is making me wish a) we weren't going at all and b) that it was already over and done with. I'm sure I won't feel that way while we're ON vacation. But for now.... I am S_t_R_e_S_s_e_D.
Did you know that "doom" has a scent?? An actual, tangible, smell?? What does doom smell like you say? Well it's best described as the feeling one gets when one has to train a completely green person (...no, not a Leprechaun - although they have a scent of their own) to do one's job with accuracy, with not nearly enough time... due to financial restraints and "watching the budget". Doom also smells distinctly of fresh strawberries n' cream topped with battery acid.
Yes, I smell doom and cat-ass-trophy. Since I'm trying to stay positive... I'm hoping, wishing and praying to unknown deities that I will not return to complete chaos and smoldering ruins where my desk once was. ...Wait a minute. ...Would that REALLY be such a bad thing?
But that's not the only reason why I'm S_t_R_e_S_s_e_D.
With vacation time, comes the need to leave our precious babies in the care of others. Cole is singularly MISERABLE when we're away, even though he should know the routine by now. Porthos is new to the whole thing so I'm certain he will adapt, but I am concerned that he will misbehave, and by misbehave I mean LARGE. 'Cause he's not big on listening or doing things he doesn't want to do. I'm concerned also because we're leaving them in the care of a household of cigarette smokers and I'm not crazy about knowing their little lungs with be subjected to that. And the list goes on and on.

I'm a worrier. Sometimes it's justified, but more than often it's not. Ted can attest to this because he's not a worrier (usually) and most of the time it baffles him that I dwell on worst case scenarios when I should be enjoying the view (per say). ie: I OBSESS over locking doors and securing things from theft, to the point of making sure the apartment door is locked when I do something as simple as taking laundry down to the laundry room in the basement of our building. ie: I lock the car doors when we're pulling up to an intersection if I see any people mulling about. ie: I prefer to pack the car for a road trip in the middle of the night so people won't see us and know that we're going to be away. It's ridiculous and compulsive on top of all that. But it explains a lot when wondering why the time leading up to the joyous occasion of a vacation (a FREE one at that) has me thinking of ways I could stay home just so the status quo is not disturbed and I can keep an eye on things. BLAH... my mom would say that's a lineage and I'd have to reluctantly agree with her. That kind of thinking is what prevented my grandparents from going anywhere... just locked-up in their house, afraid the neighbours were going to pillage everything they owned. Where the fuck does that mentality come from and how is it passed down like red hair & freckles to grand children? If anyone knows... please e-mail me.

At any rate, I usually tell Ted I'm paranoid from growing up in Kingston. (C'mon... there ARE like 6 or 7 penitentiaries there... I do have a little bit of justification I suppose.) I remember when they first introduced/imposed fines in Kingston for leaving your car unattended with the doors unlocked because it was too easy for escaped cons to use them as getaway cars. And I always had it drilled into me that the convicts families were always just as bad, if not worse than the person in jail and they inevitably all moved to Kingston while their loved-one (accomplice)(ha) was doing time. I have no idea whether this has any statistical bearing to back it up or not. But I do know, Kingston was a rough little town. Looking back now, I don't think I feared for my life nearly as much as I fear I will succumb to someones bad breath on a Toronto subway. But that's not the point.

I will get through my vacation. My job will get through my vacation. Our dogs will get through our vacation. And everything will be fine.

Yes. Yes it will.

On a happier note, Ted's picking up the new car tonight. YAY!! ...Although we didn't manage to sell the Acura. BOOO!! But this is it. No more ring-around-the-rosey car leasing. We stick with the Camry to the end-of-term. I'm looking forward to taking it on some kind of errand this evening, knowing that we've cut our CO2 emissions in half (and then some). Upon careful consideration, we thought it was appropriate to name the Camry "Shocka Car" given it's hybrid-electric guts, as opposed to "Chaka Khar" the third. It's one of those things that only we will find funny. And I can live with that.

Lots of stuff going on over the next 2 weeks, so I don't know how often I'll be blogging, if at all but things should be back to normal by April 9th and I'll be full of charming little anecdotes about vacations and family visits and my plot to destroy the Easter bunny. No wait. Forget that last part. No one must know, or the rabbit may prevail.

Lots o' Love,

John.

OH... and tomorrow is Rosie O'Donnell's birthday... I always remember that because it's our anniversary. "Happy Anniversary Me & Ted"! 11 Years, and a love that endures and grows.

Song of the day is from the CD "A Love Supreme"; one of my must-have desert island favourites)

Thank You for Lovin' Me - Chante Moore

This mellow jam, is for the one, who knows me from the inside,
he always comes around, when I wear a frown, and lifts me up from the down side.
Savin' the best for later on, is his specialty,
just wanna take time out to say, thank you for lovin' me.

For every sweet little word you say,
thank you baby, thank you baby,
this uncontrollable smile on my face,
thank you baby, thank you baby,
thank you for givin' good love to me,
constantly, constantly,
just wanna take time out to say,
thank you for lovin' me.

Can't figure out how he keeps on givin' me good love,
(after good love, after good love), (after good love, after good lovin') like it ain't nothin', no.
He can look right in my eyes and see, if I'm truly happy,
I say with all sincerity,
thank you for lovin' me.

When everything in my world, seems like it's all going wrong,
and I'm feeling so heavy, heavy.
And my way I cannot see, it seems like no one, no one, no one loves me,
I know that you love me for all that you say,
and in every little thing you do,
thank (thank you baby) you!

I can't explain why you give your love,
all I know it's all I've ever dreamed of,
and the more you give, the more it seems I begin to live.
And when the morning comes,
I see the sun rushing through our window,
all I can do is say thank you, thank you for lovin' me.

For every sweet little word you say, thank you baby, thank you baby,
this uncontrollable smile on my face, thank you baby, thank you baby,
thank you for givin' good love to me, constantly, constantly,
just wanna take time out to say, thank you for lovin' me.
For every sweet little word you say, thank you baby, thank you baby,
this uncontrollable smile on my face, thank you baby, thank you baby,
thank you for givin' good love to me, constantly, constantly,
just wanna take time out to say, thank you for lovin' me.

The Anti-Dork Pill & Infernal Journal Giggles

Before I talk about ANYTHING today... I have to, have to, have to post a link to what my friend Nat is doing at her radio station in Montreal in conjunction with Apple computers latest campaign. Go HERE and laff, laff, laff (especially at the 3rd video in the series) at the complete zany humour that this brilliant girl is capable of. (Incidentally, I'm so happy that's she's ended up with such a handsome guy who is as equally twisted as she.) Her two Chihuahua's Flea and Chachi make hysterical cameos as well. hah

In other news, my voice session was last night and it went well. (or at least I think it did.) It only took about 15-20 minutes, which is not an unreasonable amount of time for a first time outing. I wish there was an anti-dork pill that one could take before such engagements, to calm the nerves and insecurities of performing a silly cartoon voice in front of a room of six strangers and being subject to scrutiny. Not that it turned out to be a bad thing. Not at all. Although I was incredibly self-conscious and subsequently sweating like a pig because of it. In all fairness, I should clarify that I couldn't see the 6 people. I was isolated in a booth - BUT - there was a camera on me - so they could see me. GAAAAH
I think at one point just before I began, there was a solitary moment where I thought "What the hell am I doing here?" and started to doubt myself. But then I countered that with... "You've got this huge chance to do what you've always wanted to do - now just show 'em what you got. They're expecting a professional, and only YOU know that you're an impostor." So I did it. And last night in bed I was lying there thinking about it and I kept giggling. Which was keeping poor Ted up. He asked me why I was giggling and I just had to tell him, it was one of the most fun things I've ever done. I loved it. What a great thing!
So now what? I'm going to pursue this. I mean really pursue it. And I'm saying it in my blog to make sure that I've got a few witnesses that I'm going to carry-out one of my infamous big ideas that I usually only talk about but never do. 'Cause THAT, my friends, THAT which I did last night is something that I could do for the rest of my life and always have fun doing it.
Phew! All this inspiration from voicing an animated Kit Kat bar for a website!! Who knew?
Now here's hoping they don't secretly recast/replace my part before the whole thing comes to fruition. hah

Anyhow, I should be thinkin' 'bout work. So I bid you a great weekend!

The song of the day is for my dad. Today would have been his 71st birthday and I'm grateful now that he instilled a love of country music in me. He'd be happy to know that, considering his love of HEE HAW aggravated me so much when I was a kid.

Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose - Dwight Yoakam

Well I'm back again
for another night
Of trying to break free from the sadness I can't lay to rest
This old honky-tonk
sure does feel like home
And the music and the laughter seem to soothe my loneliness

So turn it on,
turn it up,
turn me loose
From the memory that's driving me lonely, crazy and blue
It helps me forget her
so the louder the better
Hey mister, turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose

Now if a tear should fall,
if I should whisper her name
To some stranger I'm holdin' while we're dancin' to an old Buck Owens' song
I know she won't mind,
she won't even know
'Cause she'll be dancing with a memory crying teardrops of her own

So turn it on,
turn it up,
turn me loose
From the memory that's driving me lonely, crazy and blue
It helps me forget her
so the louder the better
Hey mister, turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose

So turn it on,
turn it up,
turn me loose
From the memory that's driving me lonely, crazy and blue
It helps me forget her
so the louder the better
Hey mister, turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose
Yeah mister, turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose