First Freebie received!
I received the sample of greenies today, it's a cat treat that is supposed to freshen breath and clean their teeth. Her breath smells like chicken now. Not what I'd call fresh. But she likes it, and I have a coupon to buy more. It is also salem's first piece of mail- it is addressed to her, not me.

My fridge died this morning. It's going to be 28 degrees today and it is the start of a long weekend. Not good. Luckily though I called the co-op fridge guy 2 days ago, so hopefully I might get a new fridge soon. Shannon is going away this weekend, so I plan on moving my food to her house. Good thing too, because my freezer has around 30 jars of jam in it. I don't think I can eat that much jam. The only thing worse is when my hot water tank quit in Christmas day!

contradiction

I was chatting with someone recently about how blogs are like diaries. At the time I agreed. But no, this isn't a diary.

Dear Diary,
----I don't open like this, I also don't include obscure little haikus about my computer.

blinking,
I have mail,
the ink is low.
Office Depot savior.

Thankfully this is not a diary. And that was not a haiku, it was a Senryū

Bye Bye Bert

sigh

I have a bit of an update for y'all.

Worms:

I joined a discussion group/forum that's all about vermicomposting. I'd done my research before I started, but I was a little worried because I only had a few worms. But everyone was really nice and said that I was doing everything right. Well apparently I am. The worms have had babies! They are only about 3/4 of a cm long and kinda white in colour. So that's good! I was worried that I didn't have boy and girl worms, but hey no worries they don't have sex- they reproduce asexually- did you know that?

I also did 6 batches of strawberry freezer jam in the past week. I have put a posting on my local freecycle site that if anyone has a fruit tree, I'm willing to take the fruit off their hands. Hopefully that way I can get more fruit for free. If you are interested there is a link in my links section- people post stuff that they don't want or stuff that they want- the only rule is that everything must be free. You must apply to join the group.

free is the right price for me!

Name: Evian Affinity
Freebie Type: Free Sample
Availability: Canada only
Get a free sample of Evian (yes, like the bottled water) Affinity skincare products. Choose between Original Hydrating Lotion or Oxygenating Cleansing Gel. Sign up for your sample at www.evianaffinity.ca

Name: Downy
Freebie Type: Free Sample
Availability: Canada only
Go to the Downy website, click on "request a free sample," then fill out your info to get your free sample of Downy plus Whitening liquid fabric softener. One sample per household, and only while supplies last!

Name: Nike Fitness Dance DVD
Freebie Type: Free DVD
Availability: U.S. & Canada
Register to be a member of Nike.com and then sign up to receive a free Nike Fitness Dance DVD featuring Rihanna. You should receive the DVD in four to six weeks. Hurry! Offer is only good while supplies last!

Name: Greenies
Freebie Type: Free Sample
Availability: U.S. & Canada
Click on "Get Greenies" on the Greenies site to get your free sample of cat or dog treats. Ships in 4 to 6 weeks.

Shannon got me hooked on free samples, lets see how many of the samples actually show up.

Warning!

I just received 21 comments on my blog in 8 seconds. I dunno who it is but they have included a link to click. I wouldn't click on it. I have no idea what it is. Be warned

ha!

Busted....

Since reading Sarah's last post, where she heard that word on the street is that you have to do at least one ship excursion, I have found the page that lists all the excursions and their prices. So up for the voting I think. What sounds best?
Cabo:
$69
Cruise to the Chileno Reef marine sanctuary and experience the fun and adventure of sea kayaking. Begin your adventure from Cabo San Lucas aboard the Adventure, a specially designed 90-foot boat tailored to offer enjoyment for all ages. Cruise for approximately one-hour along the coast passing world class championship golf courses, miles of unspoiled serene beaches, breathtaking landscapes and secluded untouched coves. After arriving at the protected marine park at Chileno Reef, your experienced guide will offer instruction before boarding your two-person “sit-on-top” kayak. Venture out with your guide for the approximately 45-minute kayak from Chileno Reef to Santa Maria Bay passing extravagant rock formations carved by sand, air, and sea. Stop at Santa Maria Bay where you may rest for approximately 30 minutes on the white sandy beach, swim or snorkel. The Adventurer will pick you up in the bay to begin the return voyage to Cabo San Lucas as the friendly crew provides chips and salsa and serves margaritas, beer, and soft drinks.

$19 -cheap and is only 45 minutes long
Travel by boat to view Cabo San Lucas’ famed rock arches, where the Pacific meets the Gulf of California. Your approximately 40-minute boat tour explores Los Arcos, the majestic rock arches where the waters of the Gulf meet the Pacific. Watch for wildlife including pelicans, sea lions and seals as Jean-Michel Cousteau provides taped narration of the area’s ecology and points of interest. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while surveying magnificent views of the coast, Los Arcos, and your Princess ship at anchor.

$49
Your guided kayaking adventure visits the dramatic rock arches at Los Arcos, then you don a mask and snorkel to explore the marine sanctuary at Lover’s Beach. Transfer by water taxi to the kayak launching area, where you receive an orientation on how to kayak and your mask, snorkel and safety vest. Board your two-person sea kayaks and paddle across San Lucas Bay, passing Pelican Rock and circling the dramatic rock arches of Los Arcos. Continue to Lover’s Beach, where the waters of the Pacific and the Gulf of California meet. The offshore waters are part of a marine sanctuary; you have a short time to swim, sunbathe or snorkel. Board your kayak and return to the kayak launching area, where a water taxi transfers you to the tender pier. All snorkeling equipment including safety vest, instruction and supervision, bottled water and transportation are included.

There are about 20 different snorkelling tours, so apparently that's the thing to do there. There is also whale watching and swimming with dolphins!!!

Mazatlan:
As much as I'd love to spend $50 to see a flip-flop factory.... All of the excursions sound awful. But I think the deer island one is the one Sarah and I plan on doing, but on our own (without the blue haired ladies)
$67
Travel to secluded Deer Island for swimming, hiking and a guided kayak trip that is suited for beginners. After a short transfer by taxi, board a catamaran for the 40-minute cruise to Deer Island. Disembark at the beach on the island’s leeward side, where you find chairs, ample shade, bathrooms and changing facilities. Swim or take a guided hike of the island that leads to stunning views of Mazatlan, the coast and the Pacific. After a short safety orientation, board your kayak for a 45-minute guided paddle along the island’s shore. (These simple "sit on top" kayaks do not require prior experience.) Board your catamaran for the return cruise to Mazatlan.

Peurto Vallarta
$99- I really want to do this one!!!! Is rappeling hard?
Explore the jungle canopy of the Sierra Madre by air-sailing from treetop to treetop. Receive a briefing onboard and then drive to a private reserve in the Sierra Madre, where professional guides help you master the techniques of using horizontal traverse cables to travel through the jungle canopy. Glide through the trees 90 feet above the ground along a series of zip lines, jungle bridges and across a Tarzan swing, pausing at special observation platforms in the virgin forest to observe plant and wildlife. At the end of your adventure, rappel 70 feet to the forest floor. SPECIAL NOTES:This active excursion is designed for passengers in top physical condition.


OOO or this one! Price isn't listed
Experience the thrill of discovering the flora and fauna in the jungles of the Sierra Madre. Designed for maximum adventure, this tour takes place in an area of pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. This active 6-hour excursion brings out the child in all of us. The adventure begins with an off-road adventure when you board a Unimog 4x4 and drive into the heart of the tropical forests where you'll learn a variety of wilderness techniques, ride mules, splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools, and soar 200 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage on a 1000 foot zip line! Our trip leaders' knowledge of the landscape and wildlife makes these trips unforgettable adventures - and their expertise ensures a fun, educational and safe trip into the wilderness. Discover and explore the extraordinary flora and fauna hidden away under the canopy of the jungle.

$69
This one sounds good, but I think it might be the same place that Arnold Scwartzenegger's Predetor was filmed. Others have said to avoid that tourist trap.
Relax on board a modern catamaran as you cruise south of Puerto Vallarta following the spectacular tropical coastline of Banderas Bay. Your journey takes you past some of the most picturesque scenery in Vallarta, where dolphins and humpback whales are often sighted during the winter months.The morning is spent at the tranquil cove of Majahuitas, an unspoiled area of natural beauty on the southern coast of Banderas Bay. Only accessible by sea, Majahuitas is the desert island beach of everyone's dreams. With swaying palms, and a sheltered cove with crystal clear waters which offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.After lunch aboard your catamaran, head off to Yelapa, an old charming Mexican fishing village set in it's own natural cove. Long a famous day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa has become a must on most tourist's lists, but since there are no roads in, this tropical paradise is only accessible by boat.The tiny village is a true escape from civilization. If you love the outdoors and want to spend time exploring nature, this idyllic spot is perfect for you. Hike through the jungle to the Cola de Caballo waterfalls, swim in the cove's protected waters, or just relax on the expansive sandy beach. As you cruise back to Puerto Vallarta, the on board fiesta wraps up a day full of fun-in-the-sun with an open bar, dancing, music, and entertainment provided by the friendly crew.

So what would you do? Check out the other options at: http://www.princess.com/shorex/index.jsp

Garden!

So this is my garden! There are Iris's, a dhalia, basil, oregano, dill, sage, rosemary, lemon balm, mint, a hosta, a succulent, and a hydrangia

There is also a couple of cucmber plants













On the far left is a lilac tree that will eventually be moved to another location.
In front of the Lilca is a green pot that Katilyn and Kassie helped me plant garlic and regular chives in last night.











This is a pot of iris's that Dad and Judy gave me. There is also a calla lily just coming up.

















This is the veggie garden. There are Walla Walla onions, lettuce, beans, radishes peas and strawberries. Look how big the lettuce in the middle is!












This is lettuce that I started from seed, It'll be ready to eat in about a month I think.












This is another type of lettuce that I started from seed. The huge gap in the middle is where the carrots would have been if the squirrels hadn't made a feast of them!









And these are beans and radishes. These beans grow in a bush instead of a vine. We'll see what happens!





~

Domestic Goddess- darn toot'n

Now THAT's my blueberry pie! Looks pretty good doesn't it? It was really good. The recipe said to use 3 Tbs of cornstarch, but all the reviews said that was not enough, most said 4 was perfect and 5 made jello pie. So I chose to use 4. It was way to runny. The next one will have 5 Tbs. Should be perfect. It didn't bubble over at all, it did however spill it's juices all over my carpet like a CSI crime scene. That's how I found out that I needed more cornstarch. So I'm also including a review of Shout Carpet Stain Remover. Works like a damn. No stains left on my carpet.

I'm not a rat stuck in an endless maze!

www.gethuman.com
The key to getting a real person on the phone. No more following the endless promps that inevitably end with "I'm sorry that option is invalid, please try again." The genius behind this website has cracked the codes, and listed their secrets. Like say you wanted to call Sears credit card - how would you ever know that in order to get a human you must press "0000000; and then press 0 at subsequent prompts" or that at Virgin mobile you have to ... "At prompts say "English", "More Options", "Ask a Question", "Live Advisor", "Something Else", then enter mobile # or say "I don't have one." wheew! This could be a lifesaver. It's an american based website, but there is some Canadian stuff, like the code for Air Canada.

We all have our moments of stupidity

Salem hangs out on my balcony, there is no way for her to get off of it, I leave the door open all day so she can come and go as she pleases. This morning I was making breakfast, when I heard a noise, not a crash, more of a thump. So I go out to investigate. I don't see anything, I figure she has gone inside. I look down to see if anything is amis in the neighbour's yard. Then I see my neighbour standing there, open mouthed. Seems Salem was watching him dig (moving the Rodos finally) and she lost her balance and fell off the balcony, landed on their patio umbrella, bounced off and hit the ground, where she promptly remembered the dogs. 2 retrievers. It all ended well. Thankfully the dogs are training to be seeing-eye dogs, and are well behaved enough to not kill a bewildered kitty when told. 8 Lives Remain.

As for my moment of stupidity:
I was contacted by a guy about a week ago who wanted to buy one of my books. However he wished to pick the book up in person, rather than have me mail it. He sent me several emails, one of which was where he suggested that he pay me cash in person. I hoped he would go away. Instead he bought the book online, from me. So I emailed him and agreed, sure you can get the book, lets figure out a time and place. My Idea: Come to shoppers (where my male co-worker would hand him the book instead of me). His Idea: Can I come by your house between 10:00- 11:30 tonight.
ALARM BELLS
um, no. I don't think that will work for me.
Panic at the disco. So at 12 noon Shannon, Angie, Emma, myself, 3 kids and 4 cell phones await this guy. As we wait we joke that this guy may not be a mass-murderer/stalker, but may actually be super hot and be the guy I eventually marry. In the end he was just some normal guy in a very nice mercedes. However thanks to Shannon, almost the entire co-op knows my stupidity. We now have a new policy in place- no pick-ups thank you very much.

Domestic Goddess

So this is the blueberry pie I am trying to make, it's in the oven right now. In 45 minutes we'll know if it looks anything like this. My pastry was too flimsy, so I couldn't do the lattice thing, but I did do a criss cross thing. Stay tuned for pictures!

So why am I baking a pie? Well because Shannon has never made a pie and seems to not believe how easy it is. So she gave me a ton of blueberries in return for a pie. She's a bit of a freak though... she made 4 batches of different muffins today, all before 10:30 am. She needs to get out more. Yesterday she made about 4 dozen cookies, a few loaves of bread and another batch of muffins. We've been joking that we're on the Fat-Fast diet! I'm now refusing to eat anymore muffins.

giggles

People put funny pictures on their blogs. These ones made me laugh.


This is why I don't own a Swiffer














Bathing suit season is almost upon us. The paparazzi are everywhere. Don't be an unsuspecting victim!!


















Man, art people are weird!

















~

Tarragon

Did you know that tarragon is called the king of herbs? Well it is.
Sarah gave me a bunch of it. I've dried it, but I have no idea what to do with it. Do you have any recipes that use tarragon that don't involve meat or bernaise sauce?

I have also decided what I'm going to do with the patch of dirt at the base of the stairs. Once my loser neighbour keeps his end of the bargain by removing the rhodos (he was supposed to do it 3 weeks ago!) I spent last weekend removing the wysteria. So anyways, I have a small lilac tree, and an hydrangia to plant- given to me by another neighbour. Finally I won't have to steal lilacs anymore!!!! I'm also going to put in a bunch of herbs, most of them perenials. So far: dill, basil, oregano, sage and mint. I'm on the hunt for lemon balm and chives maybe thyme. What am I missing? I also bought a succulent to put in the sunny bit, and a cucumber plant. The carrots are a total failure- lesson learnt. Some of the lettuce is almost ready for the first harvest. Stay tuned for pictures!

flowers

The sadest thing just happened. Some flowers were delivered to my house. They were so beautiful! And then the guy showed me the card .... addressed to Carol Williams!!!! She lives in the co-op next to Shannon, but my address was written. How sad is that!

Although it was kinda strange to receive flowers on Mother's Day...

And what did Shannon get? Well she went to a wedding the night before and didn't get to sleep until 3 AM. The girls were so excited to wish her happy mother's day that they woke her up at 4:45!!! Needless to say she is not a very happy mother today!

Salem

Salem is my cat. She is a lucky cat. Sarah use to give me a hard time that Elliot got premium cat food and Salem got cheap Whiskas food. Sarah said it was because I didn't love Salem! Well today Salem's stinky poo tipped the scales. She is now on super premium food. Did you know that there is organic human-grade food for cats? Yes she is now eatting organic non-genetically modified chicken breast turned into cat food, mixed with FRUIT, vegitables, grains and kelp. I didn't think she would actually eat it, but she is. Yeah fruit and veggies- cranberries, apples, potatoe and carrots. (The pet store would take it back if she didn't like it, so there wasn't any risk.) It's 3 times the price of Whiskas, but if her poop is 3 times less stinky it will be worth it!

Lilacs

I love lilacs. We had a huge one at Dad's house. I miss having them in the house. I have been stealing lilac blooms for the last week from people's yards. Yesterday I finally went to Nana's and stole some of hers. This morning I woke up to the smell of lilacs!

I got an email from the fox about the upcoming chili peppers concert. I would like to see them, but the tickets are $66 plus service charge. that's just stupid. So I did the math. If they sell out and sell all 20 000 seats, before expenses they make $1.32 million dollars in Vancouver. Times the 31 dates listed equals $40.92 million -assuming that all venues hold 20 000 people and all tickets are the same price. Not bad for 4 months work!!! Is it too late to become a pop sensation a la Britney Spears?

Hmm, It's been a while hasn't it?

Been busier than usual with Sarah and Ryan in town. So quick update for the last 2 weeks:
Watched a few baseball games, had a fondue with Shannon, Marcell, Ryan and Sarah. Dinner at Dads, Lunch with Nana, Aunt Irene, Sarah and Ryan. Baby shower for Barbara today. I'm sure there will be entirely too much cooing over little Otto! Poor little Jacob must be getting a little jealous. And lots of time spent looking for another job. Someone suggested Chapters- I don't really want to be in retail anymore, but if it pays enough...
Micah you worked there? What is the pay?

And my neighbour is expanding my garden space! He's transplanting the 3 Rhodo's at the bottom of my stairs to somewhere. So that means I can plant other stuff. I already bought strawberry plants to be put there. Maybe cucumbers? Tomato? Potatoes?

sun, shoes, veg and worms

I haven't posted anything in a while. It was my birthday, very fun but busy weekend. The weather couldn't be better. 20 degrees for the last 3 days has given me the first sunburn of the year. I went out for lunch and drinks with Whitney on Saturday after work, then off to the Vancouver Public Library booksale to increase my inventory. Then later to dinner at Anduccii's. Sunday was Sushi Lunch (breakfast) with Sarah and Shannon, followed by a trip to the liquor store to buy Champagne like it was new years or something! Honestly I don't know how Sarah and Shannon drink so much Champagne. Then off to watch Sarah and Sud's baseball team play, followed by a game of Botchi. Sushi breakfast and alcohol in the first real heat of the year, sent me over the edge. Spinning-head hit in the carride and didn't stop until I got home and ate 30 minutes later. Super glad I didn't continue on to the Burgon's!

But before all this I went to the annual Army and Navy shoe sale! you gotta be aggressive, those ladies push and shove and had mouths like sailors! Luckily I escaped with my life and three pairs of shoes and a purse. 2 pairs were $9.99 each and the 3rd pair was $29, the purse was $11. deal! looks like I'll be wearing heels all summer

Update on the garden- 2 types of lettuce looking good, the carrots have been reseeded after some sort of animal crawled in the window box and dug them up! I'm convinced it was the Easter Bunny. Peas are coming along, won't be long before I'm eatting them. Planted cucumbers, beans and radishes yesterday. The cucumbers don't grow on a vine, they grow on a bush! have you ever heard of such a thing? I still have to pick-up a tomato plant and strawberries. This is going to be the best garden ever! Last night I bought corn on the cob- first of the season- oh so good with BBQ'd potatoe!

As for the worms? who knows, I looked in last night, took a longtime to find the worms, doesn't look like they've done anything to the spinach I threw in last week. I gave them some tomato and water, we'll see if anything happens.