December 28, 2006

.. one more day, one more day, one more day

today is Friday - I mean Thursday, but really like a Friday since I have an EDO tomorrow, and then it's 4 days off with NO family commitments - wicked sweet!

Fun and frivolity shall rule on Sunday evening when the annual "rumoli for dimes" game commences at Lu's new condo. I might even walk away with $5 or so. We missed last year, so we are really looking forward to it. No kids, no holds barred rumoli is a frighteningly lifelike entertainment where the luck of the draw is the prime mediator ( that and the "pay a quarter for stupidity" rule ).

Other than that I have 2 sewing projects left , curtains for Ron *&$#@!, it's really cool material, but causing me no end of grief and snarls on the machine and another night shirt for dad, 1000+ photos to sort through, crop and post, the usual household chores - laundry, floors, the bathroom, clean and water the jungle, cat litter, clear the disarray in my room that has piled up over the packaging season and maybe grab a few groceries. yada yada yada.

Then maybe I can relax for a day, install my new game, watch a movie or two, sing on the phone with the grandkids - that kind of stuff.

Well back to work - the intention is to leave the desk clean and bright for the New Year :)

cheers

December 27, 2006

astrology ~ fact or fiction?

another friendly discussion quickly ramped into overdrive when some of the parties became overbearing and obnoxious, open mouths & closed minds. so I though I'd voice my ideas here.

It seems to me that humans for the greatest part have a tendency to dichotomy (a two sided view) : black/white, right/wrong, fact/fiction. I think that this is very narrow. Before I get into the first question, there is another unspoken question here: "What do you believe?" Belief is a fact to the person espousing the belief and colours all areas that the belief may touch upon. This weighs heavily on any discussion of a theoretical system of personality profiling.

For those that know me, or don't care about the arguement, or only want to know how the bits are related, here are some excerpts I have received recently. I am a Scorpio (western: Intense and complex by nature) Ox (Chinese - stop laughing - the Ox is slow but the earth is patient - persistent & stubborn), with a Cancer Ascendant (earth mother,friendships are made for life), Moon in Gemini ( vivid powers of emotional self-expression, can be a nonstop talker) and Mercury in Libra ( a true raconteur of culture and taste, with ideas and opinions that are neat, elegant and refined, a born diplomat)

As one interpretive book put it I could be described as a slightly kooky sherman tank. Most of these hold true NOW, ( so a birth chart also shows potential ) but they most certainly were not true until I had worked through all the other shit life threw at me, or I threw myself into (after around 35 or so it started to gell). Life is NEVER STATIC, for that matter even death isn't - but that's another chat entirely.

Fact: today's astrology is the culmination of a personality profiling system based upon the cyclical nature of the movement of spatial bodies and the observation of human behaviours based upon time and place of birth. The base assumption is that every individual is a part of the same system as all spatial bodies ( the universe ) and that the movement of those bodies have distinct affects on an individual's behavioural tendencies.

Fact: the human body is 70 - 75 % water, specifiaclly the brain which is about 90-92% ( google chemical composition of the human body )

Fact: the moon creates tides of up to 52 feet in the Bay of Funday which peaks twice a day ( every 12 hours and 50 minutes ), a body of water 180 miles long and tapers from 62 miles wide at its mouth to a mile wide at the end of the bay.

Fiction: lunar forces have no affect on human brains.

Fiction: horoscopes found in the newspaper accurately apply to all individuals ( are you kidding me? 12 personalities for the entire human population - not bloody likely )

Fact: astrophysics show that large spatial bodies have long ranging affects on other bodies.

Historical Facts:
astrological systems have been created by many different cultures throughout history, for common purpose:

Vedic (India):
oldest, Base = date, place and time of birth. Uses the actual constellations of stars as seen in the sky & produces a completely different chart than the one used by western astrologers. The system recognizes the heavenly bodies in our solar system only and considers the rest of the constellations and galaxies as reference points in relation to the planets. The strength of the planets is judged based on the constellation they are moving against. The Indian system considers zodiac as ecliptic rather than circular, with 12 houses of varying degrees directly related to a specific constellations at time of birth, increasing individual chart accuracy.

Western (Modern based on Mesopotamian celestial omen reading):
Base = date, place and time of birth. Being Geocentric it uses the path of the sun through the heavens, as seen from planet Earth. It looks at the constellations, which used to lie along this path, now called the Zodiac. The sun sign represents the sign of the Zodiac that the Sun passed through at the time of the birth of a person. The Greek discovery of the ecliptic allowed for the complettion of an exact sloar calendar.

Chinese( Ancient Asia - Middle Ages ):
Base = date & year of birth.Core elements are Ying-Yang, the Five Elements, and a 60 year time cycle. There are twelve signs in Chinese astrology as well but are based on a different zodiacal structure. Most people tend to stereotype Chinese astrology as an over-simplified system of one personality type that applies to everyone in a given year. However, this astrology has a set of interpretative rules and divisions of topic in life equally complex as western or Indian astrology. One will note the cultural influence in Chinese astrology delineations that reflects the importance of family and ancestors.

There are also known systems for the Rom, Egyptians, Mayans, Incas, Greeks ...

Fiction: All individuals born in the same sign are the same( over simplified ).

Fiction: a birth chart will show all of the details of an entire life.

Fact: a bith chart shows trends & tendencies, which known may assist in avoiding unpleasantness, or piques an interest and leads a person to it ( be careful what you ask for ).

It is my opinion after a couple of decades of studying, that astrology is a viable system for general personality profiling. The questionability arises with the source of interpretation. Yes there will be errors, and charlatans abound ( please remember that these systems were created by people ). And yes I am sure that every individual has the opportunity to make meaningful changes in their lives. A birth chart simply provides a foundation to build upon, as progression charts can be done for following years.

Another addendum: In the western system, your sun sign describes the foundation when you are born. The Ascendant sign describes how other people perceive you ( we all wear masks ). Your Moon sign describes your emotionality, and Mercury describes how you communicate... If you get a chart done and you discover a negative trend, remember the warning and make better choices.

December 26, 2006

. . . boxed in day

... aaaahhhhhhhh! for the bitter sweet taste of an apres-santa pint to top off the hullaballoo of the holiday week. the celebrations were grand, the food was tasty and plentiful, the company agreeable and the kids didn't complain about anything except having to finish the real food on their plates and wanting more time to play with their new stuff.

the highway to Moose Jaw was clear and the weather simply beautiful for December in Saskatchewan. Dad gassed up the gator, hooked up the sled and the hilarity commenced. Dad even took a turn hauling the kids around, then it was the grandkids hauling the greatgrands. rosy cheeks, runny noses, a couple of small wounds, one run in with a sign and several near misses (the sled doesn't stop when the gator does)had everyone smiling.

we were back at my daughter's for christmas eve (a sleepover at the grands request), the grands opened their traditional PJs and it was off to sugarplum land for them (Devi 6, Seth 5)I won the super scrabble game, just about got trounced by Amanda. after the evenings special project was complete we all settled down for a short winter's nap.

the aroma of fresh java lures you out from under the covers as the squeals of delight from the living room tell you the children have seen the stockings. all those lovely wrapped parcels shredded in mere seconds ... my sister brought wifesaver for brunch, lots of family cycling through - and the baking and nibblies, and a delicious turkey dinner with this to die for chocolate cake my son made for dessert. and NO dishes for me to wash! Amanda and Chris hosted and all they asked me to do was make salad - so my sister Patty and I sat and watched the pageantry - it was so weird - and yet wonderful at the same time.

even so, I was thoroughly exhausted when I got home around 7 or so, and was quite happy to crawl into my new winnie the pooh PJs (I always wanted a pair)and wrap myself up in my daughter~made afghan (so soft and warm and looks like waves or dragon scales) then friends showed up and it was off to Lu's for a few games of crib with the girls, especially good because none of our kids were around and we hadn't had a chance to spend much time together between the rush of the season, moving, and nasty winter colds.

holy crap, it's 9:30 - what a good sleep! things to do, where's my list? it's boxed in day - the ONE day of the year I usually refuse to go within 2 blocks of a retail outlet. but I needed some stuff and had wheels so... boxed into wrong lane when trying to turn - twice. boxed into parking lots. boxed into the wrong area at Future Shop from the crush, which really didn't matter because they didn't have the game they were advertising by the time I got there. same thing at home depot ...though I did find exactly what I was looking for. I drove PAST Safeway, wouldn't even consider joining that shmozzle!

so now it's time for sleep, work tomorrow ~ all good. I missed chatting with a couple of my friends, hopefully I can catch up to them before New Years. (we're playing rumoli for dimes).

So a BIG THANKS to everyone whop made my days joyous and I do hope that everyone's holiday was as wonderful as mine!

cheers

December 24, 2006

. . .craziness

yesterday was insane and the first task on the list was over an hour late because the rental place was behind. last minute "have to be dones" that needed my assistance kept popping up - but I managed to catch up by about 7pm. I got all the presents for my friends delivered and collected lots of great hugs.

okay so it's the morning of christmas eve - I think I have everything that needs to be done - done. as usual - the regular dysfunctional family crap has already begun and the christmas "keep everyone who is feuding on an even keel dance" has commenced. the van is packed and it's off to sunny Moose Jaw for parents day. the kids will have a blast and it will be nice to visit with dad - hope his night shirt fits. Viv is cooking dinner - always a tasty feast - and then it's back in the van and off to Amanda's for christmas eve with the grandkids. and maybe a game of super scrabble with the daughter and her man. then it's sugarplum time while we wait for santa to visit,

all of my very best wishes to all of my friends and all of the friends I haven't met yet!

December 22, 2006

. . . epiphanies

a wonderful but oft abused word meaning
1: a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something 2: an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking 3: an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b : a revealing scene or moment

you know how every once in a while the planet just gives you a kick in the pants ... just to let you know that we are all just small potatoes in the scheme of things? well today I went back to one of my old high schools, my grade 11 niece was singing a solo in their Christmas variety show (very proud auntie). so off we go, and as I am crossing the street I automatically douse my smoke - school grounds you know.. cross the lawn, observe the lawn lights are now rooted in cement blocks with heavy duty wire cages around them, then up the steps and through the doors trailing behind what appears to be a group of students.

epiphany: all high school students throughout history are the same. I watch the parade of personae in the making - a couple of geeks over there, a few gangster wannabes shuffling down the hall, a smouldering dark rebel or two holding up the wall, an academic utterly lost in what she is reading on the steps, and in the middle of the foyer 3 grade 9 comrades in arms trying too hard to impress their style and stature (ROTFL) upon the girlish archetypes nearby: punker/goth, tart(bimbette), jock and at least 2 bubbleheads. bare shoulders, legs and feet with less than a week to christmas (however I only started wearing socks in the winter about 4 years agowith short/long/styled/unkempt/blue/pink/red green hair (the blue looked pretty cool)and a plethora of tatoos and piercings (teenage angst) A couple of seniors stride through the adolescent tidal pool and the kids waver and eddy in their wake. every face I tried on in high school came back to me. Now THAT was bloody shocking. They are all me, and you, and you, and you...

the doors to the auditorium is to remain locked until just before the performance but the music teacher takes pity on our small group and lets us in to sit and BONUS we got centre front seats.

The show was entertaining, and Goldie sang very well, hugely emotive and she has a particular note that is so pure and so clear and powerful it makes the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up. scads of pics with my new camera, but forgot to change the focal length when i moved from distance to close ups. I must say in my own defense, that the background in the close ups is unbelievably crisp.

I love my new camera - I just need to figure out all the gizmos and whim-whams for gooses bridles that run all the detailed functions (which should only take the next 5 years or so)but at least I can take basic pics for santa day.

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

so tomorrow I have to pick up the van, drop off a stereo, stop at the Tire, have tea with my friend PJ, grab some fresh greens and do the laundry. the 24th will be out to MJ with the crew to see the grand puba, and back for the evening to my daughter's. it's always a joy to watch my grandkids faces santa day. pure unadulterated glee. supper with the clan and then some visiting with the girls.

... last day at work before santa day

The crew was in great form at Ohee's last evening. happyness and warmth abounded, comrades new and old packed the beer soaked planks of our local pub. a good time had by most.

December 21, 2006

.. . little niggles

~ those things which don't bug you enough to set you off, but drive you wild when too many get under your skin (like sand in your socks)
* * * * * * * * *
the word "ma'am" used in reference to me:

I do not to be called ma'am,
I like it less than I like spam.

I ignore it from a child,
from adults - it drives me wild.
It's on my list of words forgotten,
it makes me feel old, used and rotten.
Lady, hey you, whistle or Tchhh,
or even in extremis, bitch
All of these gain my attention,
and other words you'd never mention
Call me these, I respond better
or madam, just don't drop "d" letter.
I'm not a cowgirl tough and hardy,
but a wench who likes to party.

I do not to be called ma'am,
I like it less than I like spam.
* * * * * * * * *
reactionists

I have a bit of education in the realm of comparative religion. Since the release of the movie "Davinci Code" I have received over 50 emails asking me to defend/refute (depending on which side of the fence they are on) the religious truth/accuracy/ideologies encompassed by the movie... oh ye hundred little gods ... grant me the serenity ...

IT"S A FREAKING MOVIE! It's purpose is to engage people and make money. It worked.
* * * * * * * * *
New Year's Resolutions

resolution: the decision to embark upon a process which resolves what is perceived as a problem, or to improve a perceived lack.

I used to make new year's resolutions every year, work hard at them for a few months/weeks/days and then casually let them fall by the wayside by summer. then take a trip on the guilt train because (check all that apply):
. . . broke your word to yourself
. . . are weak
. . . lack focus
. . . are terrible at time management
. . . forgot
. . . let yourself down
. . . looked in the mirror and realized what a beautiful person you are INSIDE

. . . I don't make NY resolutions any more.

December 19, 2006

... not quite wednesday

whew! glad Monday flew by - very productive - work caught up before all the holidays - start the new year with a clean desk. it was great to come home and find my son had reorganized and cleaned the media stand, hid all the wires and he cleaned the kitchen too! wicked sweet...


and now it's tuesday - "could be my good news day" .... bygones, it's a line from a song that seems to be running on an infinte loop in my back brain. so what is the good news? well you know that cookbook I put together, I gave a copy to a good friend of mine and she was excited about my granny's silver dollar pancake recipe ...(life is good when such simple things excite us) and lo and behold there are the ingredients - WITH NO MEASUREMENTS. And I had the damn thing proofed twice - by different people no less, it was probably the font. No, the solution is not to type them out and stick the correction in the book, but to leave the mistake there, in all it's misshapen glory, and see how many people notice. heh heh heh I could tell them I did it on purpose so they would have to call me - but that would be wrong (but funny).


so how much more do you have to do to be ready for xmas? only 6 more sleeps...here's what I still have to do
. . . finish at least one of Dad's nightshirts (AHA - I finished one tonight - doin' a little happy dance round the sewing machine!)
. . . wrap the presents


yup, that's it. Some might say I still need to put up the tree and do some baking. I decline for lack of motivation. HEY - I heard that - I am not a scrooge, Im just tired. I did get my summer vacation 2007 calendar done today though.


no worries

December 17, 2006

dear santa

thank you for my gifts last year, they were just what I needed... I have been very very good this year. I treat my body better. I was happy more often. I wasted less and did my thing to reduce green house gases. I spent more time with my family. I helped others whenever I could and picked up trash when I went for walks. I volunteered on a few projects and met alot of new people outside my comfort zone. I learned some basic phrases in 3 other languages, and I did my best to be less of a consumer.

this year my list is small:

- a moment or two of happiness for EVERYBODY.
- children to have a childhood
- peace

Thank you

December 16, 2006

seasoned greetings

you know you live in the bible belt when a man complains that using "seasons greetings" or "happy holidays" is wrong, and it should be "Merry Christmas". He went on to explain that Canada is a christian country (WTF) and if we went to other countries we wouldn't see them changing their holiday salutations to Merry Christmas (apparently there are no christians in other countries)and if someone takes offense at "merry christmas" they should go back where they came from.

really... it was so bizarre, why even try to argue with him. that mind is a closed trap, best left shut or unimaginable garbage may spew forth.

personally - i don't really see what the big D is. I'm not christian but I don't go off when someone wishes me "merry christmas", and "season's greetings" seems completely appropriate if you aren't sure of someone's lifepath and are trying to be PC. I say "happy santa" because it is the spirit of saint nick that I celebrate. it's good to gift others, to share what you have - without expecting recompense. it's an example of what the world COULD be like if we all worked at it. well - once you get past the commercialism...

budgets are tight - aren't they always? so why not give of yourself?

This year my sisters and I realized how many memories and family traditions we were losing with the loss of our grandparents' generation, so we created a Family Cookbook, with 100+ clan gathered recipes. We are giving one to every member of the family and I am fairly sure that there will only be a few complaints (but those people complain about everything). my 16 year old niece and her friends got together outside of work & school and raised enough money to "Adopt-a-Family-for-Christmas". There is hope for us yet!

These are the kinds of things that christmas is about for me. And it's not truly selfless either - never doubt it! The feeling that you get when you help someone without expecting anything in return is the BIG payoff, unadulterated JOY.

So as Three Dog Night so wonderfully reminded us - Joy to the World baby!

December 15, 2006

it's blogissimo!

namaste, hola, heya, cheers to all and sundry. I've spent a gazillion hours creating the most fantastic websites only to not see them disappear into the ether. poof says the 404 not found fairy! well no more - or less really, I have determined that this just might be the outlet I was looking for. thank you schmutzie.

so what is wenchwire? a work in progress, a collection of anecdotal ramblings, a real-ease from my corporate tongue in cheek, don't say what you mean but mean what you say and still be polite to the customer who is always right but may be wrong daily writing, goddess goodness, a rant forest, dk's digital declamation of interdependence. All of these more and less.

okay then - so what might you actually find here? being an observant perpetual student of "life the universe and everything" maybe it would be better to make a list of my interests in no particular order: being awake physics guinness spirituality interdependence photography shoes people kids grandkids words technology rock techno drum'n'bass blues gospel house belly dancing flamenco tenor opera all religions writing, creative or otherwise poetry science fiction/fantasy swords home renos self preservation friends healthy living web design set construction tailoring stained glass pottery grandkids education asking questions gaia communicating yoga diabetes movies tai-chi the sims travel cookery swimming volunteerism family genealogy astrology runic systems history

.... enough. probably too much - what can I say? I have been alive a long time.

so basically I'm a curious woman (could be read "nosy") who looks for answers everywhere, AND I'm chock full of contradictions too boot.

no worries




improvise & overcome

... and why would I choose to associate myself with a term that most used used in a derogatory manner?
In order to change the meaning of a word or create a new meaning for a word, one must own the word. Over time and use the word may evolve to mean other than was originally intended & to that end...
my definition: an independent woman

dictionary definitions:

1. informal term for a (young) woman
2. an unsupervised umarried woman
3. a young woman or girl, esp. a peasant girl.
(usually facetious)
3. a woman servant
4. a wanton woman
5. Archaic: a strumpet
[Origin: 1250–1300; ME, back formation from wenchel, OE wencel child]

synonom :"dame"

acronym:
Women Entitled to Nothing but Complete Happiness

International Wenches Guild

what do you believe?

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