JUST WEED YOUR GARDEN ALREADY!

There are three sure signs that the Lakes are open in Muskoka...

I no longer wear socks, the trilliums in my backyard are in bloom, and I can clock when certain Business folks tug the string on the little tin can I hold up to my ear. They know who they are and they tug with confidence because they know I'll talk them in off the proverbial ledge they've ultimately talked themselves onto! 

WOOHOO... TRILLIUMS = NO SOCKS UNTIL OCTOBER!
TAKEN: MAY 8th, 2015

Keeping that last thought on the table, let's backup to my lovely trilliums.

Though I don't tend my wild flowers (because they're exactly that) I do have somewhat of a green thumb. I love digging into the soil, getting my hands mucky, & building something. Not only that, I have always found it intriguing to watch all the elements work together as a Team for an amazing result.

A little rain, a little sun, a little TLC from yours truly: all very important elements to the success of any growth cycle. Gardens, just like good people, need to be nurtured and ultimately supported. Any garden (no matter how much you love it) when ignored and left unattended, will face some extremely predictable seasonal challenges. 

Hopefully, most reading will correlate the weeds in any garden to the total idiots that gather around a water cooler and decimate solid coworker moral. They are what I consider to be the heartiest weed; borderline poisonous but no matter how much danger they pose, still permitted to freely inhabit the garden. So much so, that one would almost think that the gardener has an innate fear to pull them out and remove them by their roots. 

Just remember, doing the same thing and expecting different results is futile and a waste of good energy. Those weeds will always be a nuscience and your garden will forever suffer until they are dealt with. Glass half full? A freshly weeded garden may appear a tad sparse at first.... Yet it ultimately thrives in the end.

Just offering my two cents and a caveat that I will give change if need be!

Z IS FOR ZERO-ZIP-ZILCH

NOTE TO SELF: Email GARY! 

Well, I made it!

I survived my 3rd AtoZ April Blogging Challenge and my hyphenated words reflect the stored ounces of energy I have left to create even one more post. To say it's been a very long and emotional month, would be an understatement.

As expected (& as I do every year) I've gained readers, while others fell by the wayside. I was sad to see my buddy Gary go during the writing process this month. He quit reading at PEEPS; which was fitting I suppose.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't thank each and every one of you for reading my silly thoughts until the end. With this, my 506th post under my belt, this years challenge has once again proved to be a very personal journey... Of both reflection, as well as of self-discovery.

Cheers ~ Rhondi

Y IS FOR YOWZA

Hanging on for dear life (yet embracing the Samana moment).... YOWZA!
Taken: APRIL 9th, 2015

There are a handful of people in my life that can make me laugh so hard; that when I'm done, my face truly hurts.

Because they're so important to me, I wanted to choose a Y word that I thought was at least a tad bit deserving.

So I chose a sexy, urban dictionary word, that easily defined some of the emotion they tend to evoke in me... YOWZA!

All I'll say is that after receiving a hilarious message from an electronic friend yesterday, I damn near needed to change my pants because I'd laughed so hard I nearly piddled.  When I asked why they shared their specific joke with me, their answer was sincere.

"Because... LIFE is short!"

Yes-Sir-Ree-Bob-A-Roonie was my quick 'n very simple reply.

X IS FOR X-IT!

SEE YA LATER WINTER OF 2015
IT's ABOUT FRIGGIN' TIME!!
TAKEN: APRIL 28th. 2015

W IS FOR WHATEVER

My only regret is carrying crappy "taker" baggage for far too long!

Three years ago last November, I was the girl with the balloons. 

My nest had emptied and I was embarking on a personal journey that I knew would change me to my very core. 

Suffice is to say that I made some much needed and very big life moves. Then, to compliment my new outlook, I started this silly little Blog. As stupid as this reads, yesterday proved to me that the woman of more than three years ago, has officially morphed into a space where she knew she needed to be.

How so? As I looked down at my phone yesterday, I rolled my eyes, injected applicable sound effect, and said only one word. Pffft....WHATEVER!

You see, for the last leg of my journey, I decided that 2015 was going to be dedicated to the "Death of The Taker!” You know the type, they'll only call you when they're in a jam, need something and/or are looking for an ego boost. The even bigger trait of a taker is that they are conspicuously absent whenever you’re in need of them. 

Why is it that people think they can re-enter your life without penalty for treating you poorly? Could it be that they have no clue that they truly have? 

WHATEVER… Nuf said!

V IS FOR VIBRANT

My 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge has been a bit of a roller coaster for me. The good news is that have I met and connected with the most Bloggers in the three years I have participated. Not only that, previous electronic friends have reconnected with me thanks to some of the topics I have blogged about. Which tells me my struggle for words was worth it?!

Anyway, in an effort to let readers get to know me a little better, I decided to pick a V word that best describes me. Though a few quickly came to mind, it was a conversation at lunch yesterday that made me choose the one I did. The comment was about how comfortable I am leading people. We talked about my level of personal confidence, which led me to my word of the day... I truly do greet each new day!

May your day be as VIBRANT as my disposition.
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2012

Just look at my pup. I’m sure it’s the tone of my voice  & my words that had her in such a euphoric state. 

Then again, it could be that the person taking my picture was telling me to turn the volume down on my snow pants and Dottie is just helping them with their plight.

Either way, I vividly remember this day, which was one for the record books. 

Not only were my pants as loud as our laughter but my positive energy was taken to the next level by a solid dose of Vitamin D. 

Not to mention that I was spending the day with the ones that I love.

U IS FOR UNCONDITIONAL

After my lunch meeting today... I once again feel I truly am.

Peeps... Here’s the skinny...!

Though I am busier than a one armed paper hanger, when a very important last minute lunch invite came my way, I simply couldn't refuse.

As a result, I am pleased to report that I let my guard down MORE today than I have in well over a year. Simply put, my dining partner made me laugh, and laugh, and laugh... So much so, that when I got home, I honestly felt like my lackluster smile of self doubt had officially been rejuvenated. I kid you not, THAT is the true brilliance of unconditionality in a friendship.

He knew exactly what I needed, which in turn erased any of my self-doubt. It got rid of all of those questionable shitty cob webs, that'll in turn help me topple any future naysayers. I had a blast. I am extremely grateful for his friendship and he's the perfect ally in any storm.

Our friendship?

Most certainly... UNCONDITIONAL.

T IS FOR TIMING

As my daughter returned home to us today, I thought the quote below fitting when trying to understand the timing in ones life. I know for a fact that these very wise words will resonate with so many in my life: both past and present, near and far. May my timing find each and every one of you healthy & happy. ~ Your friend, Rhondi

“Sometimes the best and worst times of your life can coincide. It is a talent of the soul to discover the joy in pain - thinking of moments you long for, and knowing you’ll never have them again. The beautiful ghosts of our past haunt us, and yet we still can’t decide if the pain they caused us outweighs the tender moments when they touched our soul. This is the irony of love.”           

                                                                                                                         ~ Shannon L. Alder

My Sweetie and me... Never to focus on the past. It's not the direction we're going.
TAKEN: MARCH 11th, 2012

S IS FOR SELFIE

Thanks for the post idea Becca!
TAKEN: DECEMBER 2007

Well, here it is. My very first selfie. How goofy is it that I vividly remember the night I took this bad boy?

Crux of the story is, Facebook was the new and in thing, and I wanted to change my profile pic for the upcoming season. Admiring the festive lights in the livingroom,  I hatched a plan. 

Seeing that the days of holding up ones phone was years from hitting the mainstream, my pic was staged using a 35mm digital camera and a mirror. Even today, I still find the look of it intriguing.

Everyone knows that each and every aspect of social media and online optimization is a part of what I do. I guess you could say that I’m one of the lucky ones that get to do “IT” for both business & pleasure. As I reflect, I have to admit that it's been an extremely interesting journey, that started with a Myspace account so many moons ago. From there, I just followed the technology, invested my time, and got lucky. Most probably wonder why I stay with Blogger and haven't headed over to Wordpress, the answer is a no-brainer.

I don't write for a living, I simply enjoy to write: I'm comfortable here.

This Blog wasn't created to generate revenue, just some interesting thoughts and a personal peace of mind. As I officially wind it down, it feels good to know that I have accomplished exactly that.

Silly ...geeky... selfies...  et all!

R IS FOR REMINISCENT

I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that I’ve been talking to my Dad these last few days. I know you’ll probably not be surprised to read that he isn't answering back; yet there’s an inner peace in knowing that he’ll always be there to listen when need be.

I miss my Dad. I miss him every single day. I miss the lifetime of guidance he gave me and I am grateful that I was with him when he passed. The last six weeks he was alive it was like every day was an adventure. We looked at pictures, he told me stories, and together we searched for his one true love. We never did find her before he passed but she has found me since and we remain in contact to this very day.

10 years since he left me... My dad is still my closest confidant.
TAKEN: JUNE 1985
 (Photo © yagottalaughaoubtit.com)

Just look at us!

It’s hard to believe I was a babe when this photo was taken. I had my own apartment and was dating the third of my four T’s. (I’m not sure if I've ever shared that I only ever had four serious boyfriends & that their names all started with the letter T. Weird eh?)

That said, my number three T drove a Corvette and was as arrogant as they get. Boy, he may have been easy on my eyes but there was no conceit in his family, because he had it all. YUP, my cousins Nan & Jan just totally rolled their eyes! 

Oh, young love. There really isn’t a formula. So, I guess as I reminisce, if there’s one spark of wisdom I have for my daughter it’s that she shouldn't fret. She's not the only gal that ever hooked up and invested in an asshole, her mother did too.

All I can say to her, all these years later, is... Thank goodness Tom has always remained in my very valuable “lessons learned” file!

Ya Gotta Laugh About It!!

Q IS FOR QUESTIONABLE

I’m the first person to put my hands up and admit that I’m not the sharpest tack in the box. That said, I suppose I am grateful that Sharp Tack Quality Control Department let me slip into their proverbial box for being 'just sharp enough'. Hell, I'm no rocket scientist, so I’ll accept whatever grades those white coat quality peeps are handin' out!!

What do I know?
My fur babies don't even listen to me!
TAKEN: MARCH 31, 2015

Giggles aside, for the first time since I started this electronic journal, the one thing I have refused to discuss, have been the months of painfully questionable distance placed between my daughter and myself. All I will say is that based on difficult choices, hard lines were drawn & maintained.

It's only recently that she has made the personal choice (outside of us) to come home. It's only now, that I can tearfully admit that it was my husband and my sons that carried me though all those very difficult months.

Truth? I wasn't silent because I wanted to be,  I was silent because I needed to be. For her: so she could go to the next level in her life without my noise. My heart knew she needed to have this specific life experience, no matter what the outcome.

I'm not gonna lie. The evolution of the relationship I have with my children isn't unlike what I have discovered works within my marriage, which is probably why I have learned to compartmentalize so well. Simply put, I came to the realization that a breath saved, makes the world of difference... in the long run.

Could that be why I write? So that I will always have a voice that is truly my own?

QUESTIONABLE!

P IS FOR PEEPS

Staccs is moving back to Ontario next week. Not for a visit but to generally start anew. 

Though she's shed a tsunami of tears in the last couple of weeks, the one thing she can’t deny, is that her inner circle have rallied around her and unconditionally assured her that she’s doing the right thing.

Saying her PEEPS are 'all that' is an understatement. As selfish as this may read, I am glad the advice she received to regroup came from them and not me.

I love my shot of TEAM PINK. Brat Pack... Black & White.
TAKEN: JUNE 2010

Wearing those “bat shit crazy bitch mother, that stood in the way of true love” pair of shoes have to be the most unfashionable & uncomfortable pieces a gal will ever wear.

The ugliest outfit that goes with those f-ugly shoes? Letting your children experience life lessons when you know that you're ultimately the heavy. There is no handbook for parenting, yet today proved that I have learned to truly listen.

To my daughters PEEPS....  You are all such amazing Men. 

Never lose sight of that!

O IS FOR ORIGINALITY

When I posted my letter “N” yesterday, I quickly got a message from my buddy Tim saying he wasn't sure if my post was lame or profound. I quickly picked up the phone and called him. After a couple of chuckles, I immediately admitted the obvious. “Marketing 101: If I have to explain the concept, it’s not working!”

One of these things is not like the others!

Though I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as a bad idea, the truth was yesterday I didn’t have one. So, instead of looking to others to spark a post idea, I tossed a photo into my graphic design software and created something that was my own. Whether lame or profound, it was mine!

Yup, my blog might not be funny & at times encroach on lame; BUT at least I can (more often than not) satisfy myself with a BIG O for ORIGINALITY!

That is all. 

N IS FOR NOSTALGIA

Jukebox, Goob, Sweetie & Me... in South Carolina
TAKEN: APRIL 1993

M IS FOR MIFFED!

Why is it lately I feel like everyone is screwing me and no one is buying me a drink first?

Seriously... Old friends, new friends (assholes, that think they’re my friend) even the odd Facebook "friend". In keeping with that theme, I have to go on the record that no one has screwed me longer and harder than Hydro One!!

I know I’ve ranted about this before but I can completely understand how some Canadian households don’t know if they should feed their family or keep them warm. Though my situation may not be as grave, it doesn't leave me any less disgruntled.

I guess my biggest complaint is what Hydro One wants... Hydro One gets. NO offering of foreplay, and most definitely, not even a finite drop of LUBE.

I can honestly tell you that after the last couple of winters, nothing will ever surprise me. The only preparation I have for getting screwed, are the actions I take before I open the bill: I tense up every muscle in my body and brace myself for what's coming!

All I’ll say is that after every one of our monthly encounters, I’m always left unsatisfied.

No big surprise there. I suspect the CEO has a teeny weeny…. BRAIN!!!

L IS FOR LOST

My word choice today is about how I am feeling, not about a misplaced possession.

You see, last night I got a message asking me to call the Son in Law of our cottage neighbour in the City. Instantly, my heart dropped. I was home alone, so I replied that my husband would call when he returned from running his errand. Half an hour later, my biggest fear came to fruition. Our much loved neighbour Lois, had passed.

When we bought our cottage, not only had we been blessed with our own perfect little haven, we'd inherited the most amazing neighbours. As a young couple new to cottaging, Ken & Lois helped us any way they could. They were the brains of cottage life, and we were the brawn. (Meaning...They could fix anything, and we could pack up and carry anything.) In hindsight. it was a match made in heaven.

Rest In Peace Lois.... You'll be with us forever.
TAKEN: JUNE 2013

Though we lost Ken in 2011, we were still cheerfully blessed each summer with Lois’ company. She remained as spry as ever, and swan everyday no matter how cold the water was. I am going to miss her swimming over, climbing our dock ladder, and enjoying a whirl down our slide. Not only am I going to miss her company, I'm going to miss her very sincere smile. 

I suppose I chose this particular photo, because from now on, every time the sun peeks through the trees, I’ll instantly think of her watching over us.

Rest in Peace Lois; be sure to give Ken a hug and a kiss for me. 

We love & miss you both very much.

K IS FOR K-LOW!

Well, I made it home; only to discover I left my laptop cord at the dang blasted Resort!

I didn’t panic, because I embarrassingly hoard any & all electronic accessories produced. Anyway, much to my dismay, not only did I quickly establish that I did NOT have a cord, it was instantly apparent that the boys had endured a week from hell. They say 'it happens in threes' and last night a skunk came a kockin'... and the pups gladly answered the stinking door! No pun intended.

Glass half full?

WOOT ... #7 Kyle Lowry
(My arms were too short to take the pic!)
TAKEN: APRIL 13th, 2015

When I eventually got a hold of myself, I delivered GOOB home, my JUKEBOX helped with the crisis at hand, and I got on the phone in search of answers. About a half hour later, I heard the front door close and it was GOOB with my belated Birthday gift that had gotten stuck in transit.

Check out my very sexy, #7, Kyle Lowry jersey!

For a number of reasons, his gift arrived at a perfect time. First and foremost, with Lowry healthy (he returned to the lineup for my Birthday) we'll both get to suit up and kick it up a notch when they play the Celtics tomorrow night. Yup, it's now official, from this day forward, T-MAC & K-LOW jerseys will be pumped & ready to go!

Oh, and just another quick thanks again to my boys for their help and support last week. It really was greatly appreciated. xo

PS: ...#WeTheNorth
PSS: Couldn't resist :)

J IS FOR JUNK

As someone that loves a great yard sale in the Spring, I can totally relate to the saying “one lads junk is another ones treasure.”  In the case of the shoreline and streets here, the volume of junk on display is almost unbearable.

I won’t belabour my point except to mention that I chose this destination for a couple of reasons and access to the four kilometer “Bridge To Nowhere” that’s attached to the resort was something I thought would complement my stay nicely. I was wrong. Strewn with garbage and the smell of skunk I turned around and never returned. 

I understand that the culture here is different than it is in Canada and I fully understand that this is a third work country... but for the sake of the marine ecosystem, clean up the freakin' junk!

Worse yet? I originally took this photo because I thought there may be a story as to how long it had been there as well as how the ship originally wrecked. There’s a story there alright. There’s someone living on it! 

CONDO FOR ONE... Samana style!
TAKEN: APRIL 9th, 2015

I couldn't believe my eyes. I wanted to suggest to him that he needed to find himself a Realtor and upgrade but I didn't want to get his hopes up. You see, his current home doesn't have much curb appeal. 

Maybe I should suggest a couple (50) dozen garbage bags and a gaggle of shovels to start?

Just sayin’!

I IS FOR IMPOSSIBLE

Here’s the deal. I was born at ten thirty in the morning.  

How do I know that? Well, when I was little, my Dad use to tell me that he dropped my mother off at the hospital on his way to work and he got the call on his first coffee break that I had arrived.

You're only as old as you feel...!
TAKEN: APRIL 9th, 2015

That story was shared in the sun yesterday as I traveled with three other Canadian couples to Bacardi Island. We had met them on the first day and instantly bonded over the love of humour and six degrees of separation. Seriously, as our day unfurled yesterday, we realized that we had even more very mutual long term friends.

With an email arriving last night (asking ‘how my adventure was’) and no ability to return it, and as I began to write this morning, I struggled to pick my word. So many emotions kept going through my head. 

Just for fun, here's my short list!

Internet: The service here sucks better than a two dollar hooker with a turnstile!

Insane: In reference to the boat ride that almost killed us yesterday!

Incredible: The way the 8 of us laughed said boat ride off & enjoyed our day.

Inspiring: The new friendships you can nurture and completely embrace when you step out of your comfort zone.

Impossible: That at 10:30am this morning I officially turned 29!

Yes, without a doubt… I IS FOR IMPOSSIBLE!!!

H IS FOR HUBBY

My husband and I have been together since we were 21 years old. For those of you that don’t know me personally, I’m not turning 29 this week, which means that he and I have spent more of our lives together than apart. To paint an even more detailed picture, we've known each other since being in the same Grade 1 class in Public School.

When I returned home in the mid '80's to care for my mother in an in home Hospice situation, we began dating. From our very first date he made me laugh. Even yesterday by the pool, I could hear him entertaining other Canadians while I quietly read my book. He’s really quite shy but like most, once he becomes comfortable with you, he’s extremely outgoing and the introversion disappears.

Struggling with my internet connection here yesterday, I had to go to the lobby to post my letter G.  For whatever reason my text wouldn't upload, so the only thing that appeared was my picture. After about an hour, he came to fetch me and walk me back to the pool.

When we arrived at my chaise, I was panicked. I anxiously told him that I had left my sunglasses on the desk in the Club lounge. He totally hopped on board with helping me figure out what we should do. Was I going to go back? Did I need him to come with me? After what felt like a couple of minutes, he stopped talking and simply smiled and pointed at me. 

What? What? What? He was confusing me. Were my boobs hanging out? Did I have a booger on my face? I was at a loss by his gesture.

MY HUBBY
TAKEN: APRIL 6th, 2015

Then, with no emotion what so ever he said “Rhondi, they’re on your face!”

Followed by: “It's only fair you post your own stupidity to your Blog there Baby!!”

So here you have it.

Let’s face it, after all these years there’s one thing neither can ever deny….

Turnabout is  most definitely fair play.

G IS FOR GRAN-BAHIA

GRAN-BAHIA CAYACOA ~ Dominican Republic
TAKEN: APRIL 7TH, 2015

F IS FOR FUNNY

My Birthday treat... Except it's not my Birthday!
TAKEN: APRIL 6th, 2015

When I returned from dinner last night I had a little surprise waiting for me in the room. It was a yummy treat accompanied by a birthday greeting. Funny thing was, it wasn't my Birthday.

I was joking with a couple of people before I left on my vaycay that my husband and I have been together all these years and he still hasn't a clue when my birthday is. True to form, he’ll broach his question like a fact finding mission every single year. It always starts... “I know your Birthday’s coming up, right?"

Truth? I was going through customs at YYZ on Sunday and a very attractive gentleman checked my passport and offered me an early Birthday greeting. That very tall dark & handsome drink of water and I shared good a laugh about who paid for my trip, only to have my husband remark afterward. 

"I’m pretty sure it’s his job to know when your Birthday is.  Afterall, it's right there on your Passport, and he has to check it..." he said.

Still laughing, I couldn't resist. “When is it?” I asked.

“You’ll see!” he said.

With the arrival of my yummy treat last night... I guess he really showed him!

Good thing that other lad had access to my Passport to confirm.

Ya Gotta Laugh About It!

E IS FOR EXPERIENCE

Well, for the first time in my life I did it.  When my Birthday went unmentioned again last year, I knew if I wanted something special for my twenty-ninth celebration this week, I was going to have to plan it for myself: so I did.

As a result, yesterday morning at 11:15 am, I landed in Samama; a quaint fishing village that doubles as a tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. Truth of the matter is that I immediately put my flip-flops on at YYZ, because I knew when I arrived I'd want to hit the ground running. Yes-sir-eee, yesterday I was bat shit crazy excited for what I was about to experience!

Kinda hard NOT to experience THIS!
TAKEN: APRIL 5th, 2014

My personal philosophy is simple… Anything I chose to do, I love getting the most out of it. 

I guess my point is, if you want me to do something half-assed, I’m not the girl for you. Doesn't matter if it's employment, customer, sexual, or a travel experience, I always position myself to get the most out of it.

Speaking of any sexual experience, THAT's something I really love to stay on top of and throw my back into!

 Seriously? Did you think I’d set myself up like that and not hit it the hell out of the park?

RELAX! Could have been worse. Today's post could have been for the letter O!!

D IS FOR DIGITAL

Part of my creative process is having a picture accompany my posts. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree because my mother was a shutterbug too. The only sad notable was she always positioned herself behind the camera, so when she passed, there was no evidence of a family photo to be found.

As a result, my children have always been comfortable in the presence of a camera; taking pictures has always been a part of what we do as a family. My daughter, like my mother and myself, gravitates to the process as does my oldest son. 

Staccs & I rockin' Toronto Harbourfront with her new iPhone!
TAKEN: AUGUST 3rd, 2012

Because of my word choice today, I had the glorious task of searching through a bazillion Kodak moments to accompany my just as many of my passing thoughts. I chose this particular pic because it was a first for me personally. 

Staccs and I were in the City for the long weekend visiting her twin when she asked to take our picture. I had my Fugi digital but she had her fancy new Iphone. 

The photo I am sharing is the very first picture she took of us using a reverse function camera so we could see ourselves on the screen. A fun little ditty that will forever reminds us both of a memorable summer staycation.

I personally have no interest in getting an IPhone. As a die hard Blackberry girl, I'm totally giddy that the new Classic Blackberry has brought back the rollerball. I'll take that function over a 'switch camera' function any day. What can I say, all of my camera's may be digital but my thumbs most definitely rock ALL of my buttons.

....On my phone silly!!

C IS FOR COMPETITIVE

When I was participating in the April A-Z in 2013, smack dab in the middle of the annual challenge, I left on a two week girlz road trip to South Carolina. I'd tried to put together a matrix of words prior but those words never seemed to fit my mood nor my spirit on that particular day. So, when we'd stop and take a hotel, I was always panicked to post before midnight.

With another vacation on my horizon next week, it was the night we spent in Gettysburg back in 2012, that helped me chose my word today. Frazzled because my internet connection was a big hunk of poo, I dropped an F bomb and said, "why the hell am I so worried about a silly little blog post?" 

My sister rather nonchalantly responded, "because it's a competition Rhondi!"

Me keeping score in Runaway Bay!
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2013

Now, we all know that this isn't a competition in the true sense of the word; but by all means I feel I am competing against myself. Just like I do with my golf clubs, as well as my kayak, I treat this challenge the same way. I can't help it, it's how I'm hardwired.

My husband is the most comfortable to instantly point out my behaviour and call me out on it. The funniest moment that comes to mind was a trip we took with friends to Runaway Bay, Jamaica. On about the third day, we were lounging by ocean and I verbalized a simple observation.

"Holy Cow", I said.

"LOOK at how dark you are getting!"

To which he replied those familiar five words.

"It's NOT a competition Rhondi!!"

Dang bang blast it... Does he know me or what?

B IS FOR BRAT

When on holiday in the Dominican Republic last November, a friend posted the cutest picture on her Facebook of a litter of puppies she was giving away. Six months later, what I now consider to be a lapse of temporary insanity, I sent her a personal message asking for details. Less than a week after landing back in Canada, the stork delivered Annie.

Annie watching Pudd & Dot run the golf course.
TAKEN: MARCH 15th, 2014

I'm not kidding, since I started writing this post, I've had to stop and tell her to get the hell out of mischief 3 times. Each time, I've mumbled to word BRAT under my breath. 

Having said that, I'm not sure if it's because she's had the other pups to mentor her but she has been the least destructive puppy we've ever raised. No shoes have seen their death, and our furniture has remained completely in tact this time around. The added bonus is that for being a bitch, she knows to play nicely with other dogs.  Other than her intense curiosity for mischief, she really is a very good girl. 

Hey... Who the heck else does that remind you of?!  

Maybe my letter B should have simply been for BUSTED!!

A IS FOR ABSENTEEISM

I'm not alone... Holton's Heroes have my back!
TAKEN: OCTOBER 3, 2010

Off the top of my head, I can’t remember the last time I had my attendance taken. Wait, that’s a lie.

There was this total ditz that worked for my former employer that insisted I file a bi-weekly time sheet even though I was salaried. All I’ll say is that her previous employer was the Government; so suffice is to say that 99% of what she did made no sense whatsoever!

Well, it’s time for the April A-Z Blogging Challenge again and true to form the letter A presented challenges for me right out of the gate. Then, at five o'clock this morning, I realized that since starting my blog in 2011, the two writers that inspired me to start writing, no longer blog nor participate. They've stopped blogging and I'm still here. 

Yes-sir-ree, I'm still here with really shiny bells on. My thesaurus is ready and my keyboard is sharpened just like the pencils I no longer require. For bloggers starting out, all I'll say is that over the years, I have met so many amazing electronic friends via this forum that it's heartwarming. People that I would've normally never met, have let me into their thoughts and lives via their blogs. I really do feel truly blessed.

Hold that thought... B may have to be for BLESSED if I get blocked again tomorrow!

...HER STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

You know the saying... "Weddings & Funerals"
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 8th, 2014

It was a little more than a year ago that I stood at the base of this stairway and snapped this picture. When I posted it to my Facebook, my caption simply read, “It’s a beautiful day for a February wedding!”

Well, last Friday had me standing at the base of the stairway again. Except this time, I was faced with attending a Celebration of Life for the Mother of the Groom from that very memorable day.

Though the Priest tried to explain who she was & how loyal she was to her faith, I left the church feeling he'd not done her legacy the justice she had ultimately earned.

For instance, though he mentioned that she sang in the choir and was a member of the Woman’s League, he failed to mention was that when she was healthy, she walked up the hill from her home and never once missed Mass. She also attended every funeral, to pray for those that had passed and to pray for the grieving families in their time of need. What he didn't say, was this stairway was a very large part of who she was her entire life. 

Friday, the fourteen of my first cousins that flocked in attendance (three that had flown in) wept. You see, what he failed to mention was that she had affected all of us in a very positive and supportive manner during our formative years and beyond. Though I'm sure we all have different memories, I found her home, and my memories surrounding it, to be some of the most cherished for me. Why? Whenever I was there...She always made me feel that I was loved. 

I have to believe that with a heart as big as hers, St. Peter wasn't waiting for her to let her in; I'm positive that once she passed, he instantly arrived at her bedside and immediately gave her a personal escort to a place she'd envisioned her entire life. I have to believe, that my photo simply illustrates the memorable journey they took together, via her personal stairway to Heaven. 

Rest In Peace Auntie Phyllis. We all love you and will miss you very much.

GRAND CAYMEN CALLED!

Sitting in a local coffee shop at lunch today, enjoying a bowl of homemade soup, I realized that I was parked in the exact chair I was three months ago, whilst enjoying a pipping hot cup of coffee. The only difference was that today I was alone and not across from the certain someone that had kept me company on that cold winter day. As a result, I immediately felt the need to email them and tell them that I missed seeing their face. Before I could respond, my phone rang. I was elated to discover it was my very good buddy Glenner. He was calling from Grand Caymen Island. 

I suppose because we worked so closely for so long we immediately felt the need to make sure the other was on solid footing and moving forward in a positive and productive manner. Though pleased to report that both those things instantly got great big red check marks; a couple of red ticks didn't change the fact that I truly miss him. 

Between the two of us...We really do have the silliness figured out!

I've missed the intelligent Business conversations we use to have at his desk and I've missed the laughs we used to share (which were usually produced at my own expense). His contagious laughter fueled my need for humour, which always got us through the crap.

Yup, without a word of a lie, day in and day out, I was the gal responsible for cleaning up the multitude of unending shit at the circus. Yes-sir-ree, my wheelbarrow was endlessly filled by the white elephant I followed after every single day: the inheriting son!

Sharing aside, there truly is something cathartic about hearing a certain persons voice that immediately puts you at ease. Truth?

It felt like he was sitting across the table from me, rather than sitting at a Boardroom table, on a land line, in the sunny Caribbean.

He's a very good man... and I am a very fortunate that he is my friend.

MY VIEW FROM HERE...

After a good jump on spring cleaning this morning, I decided to take the pups and trek into the cottage this afternoon. We’ve had such a long and shitty winter that I’d gotten in the habit of heading over to the golf course with them, rather than packing them into the car for their favourite jaunt. Truth of the matter is, I've only walked in to check on my favourite place once since ringing in the New Year there almost three months ago.

A couple of things have me hopeful that it’s going to be an early cottage season. Firstly, because they weren't needed, I left my snowshoes in the trunk of the car. Secondly, after walking in, when I got to the top of the stairs, I immediately noticed was the red steel roof was shining bright; cleared of its winter blanket. That vision right there is something I look forward to each and every spring. Simply makes me all warm 'n fuzzy inside.

I spy with my little eye... A GREAT 2015 Cottage season!
TAKEN: March 22nd, 2015

Standing on the deck outside the upstairs bedroom I couldn't help but admire how much has melted, as a result, my imagination ran away with me. I could envision the pups jumping in off the dock. I could hear the May showers hitting the steel roof and I could see me curled up in bed with my newest book. I could smell bacon cooking in the cast iron fry pan (on the BBQ) on the deck below and could feel my thumbs texting my kids, reminding them exactly what they were missing.

I don’t know what it is about the place but as silly as it sounds it's a part of who I've evolved into. I know they say that you should never get attached to Real Estate, so I suppose my only response to that would be… 

WHEN the hell have I ever made some else's opinion my own?! ? 

EXACTLY!

MY REALITY CHECK BOUNCED!

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t think I have experienced a smear of what the majority of  the successful people I went through High School with have. I’m not complaining. I chose to return home to care for my Mother, as well as get married and start a family at a young age. Nope, no apologies here; much more importantly no regrets.

Working at the Mike's Mart downtown the winter before I left for school.
TAKEN: March 1984

Out of a sad set of circumstances, I came face to face with one of my closest high school friends today. We had only seen each other once (at a wedding) since graduating. Suffice is to say, seeing each other after all this time was a tad surreal. 

Once he noticed me, he instantly made his way through a crowd of people to wrap his arms around me, greeting me with a very heart felt hug. Though glad he'd remembered me, I immediately felt myself in uncharted waters. You see, I simply couldn't identify with the person that was standing in front of me.

It might be because I don’t think I have really changed. Sure, I’ve evolved but I think the core of my personality is still the same. I guess I am just disappointed that I can’t say the same for the person whose locker was a “do you need a ride home” holler away.

Makes no matter. We're never going to see each other again. Which is clearly my loss, based on how he focused on chatting about his financial success. Though I'm happy for him, I really did want to stop him and point out that it doesn't take much money to have it better than a gal that loves living in a Town where everything is a five minute drive and a fifteen minute walk away. Didn't bother, I just told told 'em to 'take care' and went on my merry way.

Guess today proved to me... once and for all... that I have missed yet another boat. 

At my age, here's hoping the next one that happens along is wheelchair accessible!

MEET MY BUDDY BROCK

It was another sunny day in Muskoka today but yesterday was the brightest day that I’d experienced in a very long time. I was in the middle of a conference call when a knock came to the door. When the receptionist opened it to let me know that there was someone to see me, I was elated to see my buddy Brock. He knew by my reaction and how tightly I hugged him, that I'd suffered a really long winter of not hearing what he had to say to me face to face. 

Folks... Meet my buddy Brock Napier!
Photo (c) Muskoka News Watch ~ All Rights Reserved

I don’t expect 99.999% of you to know who the heck I am talking about (let alone recognize him) but rest assured when I boast that he has steadfastly been philanthropic within our small community and within the District of Muskoka. 

He’s donated millions of dollars and personally raised millions more in an effort to keep our current infrastructure solid and self-sustaining. It’s not only the hospitals and local charities that have received support; he and his wife donated the land, as well as spearheaded the fundraising to build our state of the art OSPCA. They truly are... amazing people.

Friends with the both of them since 2010, it was my love for my dogs that had us stay in touch after they’d renovated their cottage. Brock would bring his four pups by to see me at work when he was in town, which would ultimately always lead to a parking lot chat about the state of our economy.

Yesterday, once we finished saying hello, I immediately invited him in. I pulled him up a chair so he could openly share in our Team call. When we headed outside so I could say hello to Wendel and the girls, he took it upon himself to say he was impressed at what's been built in a very short period of time. “You certainly have a lot going on,” he commented. “I am happy for you...” he said. I humbly thanked him.

I feel truly blessed that he is my friend. His respect means a lot to me.

I do know one thing for sure,  I’ll never too busy for Brock. My only complaint may be that though he has a brilliant Business mind, he has a great big fat hairy thorn in his butt for the evolution of technology. I kid you not, he doesn't own a computer, which challenges my most comfortable method of communication. Wondering how I'll share this post with him? I'll print it off and I will FAX him.

Seriously... Who sends a fax anymore? I do.... Exclusively, to my buddy Brock!

476 OF ‘EM LATER… IS IT THE END?

GOOB and his Momma!
TAKEN: OCTOBER 2011

The picture I am sharing today was taken Thanksgiving Sunday in 2011. Goob was home from school for the weekend and I realized (after the fact) that his being away was affecting me more than I was willing to admit. 

Though his twin sister was home every weekend, as an 'official empty nester' I could feel myself unraveling. I can only describe what I was going through as a full blown identity crisis.

So, in an effort to combat the darkness of the process that surrounded me, I started this silly little blog. That was 475 posts ago, with this offering being number 476. That said, the heart of my angst is that I haven’t written in 18 days, which is the longest stretch I have ever gone. I don't think I'm blocked but I do believe I am stuck.

You see, in the last few months, I’ve been taken advantage of, been lied to, and just plain used for an others personal gain. Lately, no matter how many times I look at my keyboard, I just can't find a stitch of humour in any of it. Frankly, it’s all just plain sad. Heartbreaking actually.

As a result, I have to ask myself; what do I do with this silly little outlet I used to use to ensure that my glass half empty didn’t win? Truth is, I’m not sure. I guess the even bigger question is…. Could this be the end of the blogging road for me?

I hope not, as it’s a hobby I enjoy. Though I do feel lately that I am lost in the forest, I realize that I'll have to dig really deep in hopes of finding my way. Here's hoping while wandering about I find and whimsically discover a great group of pine trees, that can show me my way; whilst joining me in solid kick ass rendition of 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon'.

After all, they have to be just as pissed at that old Oak tree, as I am at the gaggle of varying peeps that hoodwinked me, right?

Right!

I KICKED NEGATIVITY TO THE CURB!

Right after returning from my holiday and just before Christmas, I made a couple of pretty significant adjustments. Knowing it was going to be a long winter, I made the effort to reflect on what was working for me and what was not. You see, I had finally decided to purge the biggest bullshit items from my life; realigning my positive energy and kicking the negative garbage to the curb. 

The process that followed wasn't unlike cleaning out your garage. Hard decisions had to be made with regards to what was going to be entitled to stay and what definitely had to go. Envision yourself standing among a bunch of generally cherished clutter, having to make hard choices. Do you select your favourite rubber boots that now have holes in the soles or your favourite tennis rackets (which no longer has strings, not to mention you no longer play the sport). That said, once I had resigned myself to my choices I felt relief. That was more than two months ago.

Well, low and behold, night before last, I get a text message from the oldest and most comfortable pair of rubber boots that I'd kicked to the curb. Suffice is to say, all of those hurt feelings came rushing back, only to have the ones telling me that I had made the right decision take charge. Suffice is to say, I don't believe our paths will cross ever again. Sad but true, I have no desire to feed that expired parking meter; and Lord knows they'll never make the effort.

Quirky sent me a tobogganing video...
Holy Snow in NASHVILLE Batman!

TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2014

Just like those once new pair of boots, over the years, I have been fortunate enough to meet people across the country and into the US. They easily found a window into my life but change in circumstance usually represented a change to our 'frenergy'.

Then, there's my Quirky Sidekick. He and I have created something (that I believe) few could ever replicate. What is the key? We feel the other is worth the effort. 

Let's face it, maintaining a true friendship as your life evolves and you change as a person is really hard work. I've tried to hold together certain friendships but it seems it's only the quirkest one of all that has truly made it.

I suppose it is because it's natural, truly unforced and most certainly... unconditional.

It's as simple as that!

...A REFLECTIVE RHONDI

Like I do every Sunday, I loaded up the car and went and spent my standard hour and a half with my buddy Rod. As he handed me the bottle of water I’d asked for, I noticed an old newspaper article faded in its frame. Though I struggled to read the fine print, I could see the headline. It read... “The Hardest Working Man in Bracebridge.”

My personal motto? Work hard & PLAY harder
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 22nd, 2015

When I read it aloud and then commented that I’d never noticed it before, he very casually said “that was written when I was nineteen”. To give that some perspective, we are the very same age... 29!

As we chatted about our busy week, I couldn't help but think of the sign I had at home that Goob had given me this past Christmas (that's it on the right, keeping my snowshoes warm).

It's conversations like the one I had today, that remind how differently we've raised our children in comparison to how we were raised.

I will admit that I know I work too much. Yet, I will also admit that I don't know how to live any other way. I'm not entirely sure how it's been construed that I work so much that I don't have a life, because that's simply not true. I have a life. Exactly the life I want. One with a solid balance. One that is fulfilling and always evolving. One that is constantly ushering out the old and welcoming in the new. One that proves I'll never stop pushing and I'll never stop learning.

Afterall, life is all about finding a proper balance... right?

Okay, so who wants have lunch & play hooky with me next Friday? You're frickin' ON!

♫♪♫ DOCTOR, MY EYES... ♪♫♪

Today was a very enjoyable hump day for me. Pleased to report that I toddled in and brainstormed with Pete, then SJ landed and took it to the next level. I semi-worked a lot and sang aloud a little. Guess I am just simply elated that today has rated as something other than a deeply frozen February day!

Aside from my good humour, when I was hunkered down first thing this morning, it produced an official “AH-HA” moment for me. Today it became undeniably apparent that I have to get prescription spectacles. I don’t want to, yet I know it’s time. Being unable to read my laptop screen this morning made me realize that my hours in front of the computer have taken a toll and it's time to pay the piper!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
(...to listen to one of my very favorite Jackson Browne songs)
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 18th, 2015

Vanity aside, I have a 27” computer screen at home and it probably sits closer to my face than it should. Glass half full? I never have to use my Dollar Store magnifying glasses (pictured left) when I am working in front of it.

That said, today when I was trying to work from my laptop, it was like trying to read the fine print on a small tube of hemorrhoid cream. The inability, simply offered zero relief to the pain in my ass!

Anyway, I think I'm so conditioned to pushing myself through challenges that I never stop & wonder how much easier it might be with a little help. Why so? Who the hell knows... All I know is that I am squinting like at bandit trying to finish this post (and if it weren't for my happy light and my eyelashes creating shadows, I wouldn't be able to read what I am typing).

After such a great day, all I can say is here's hoping that I don't have to wear the bottom of a couple of pop bottles, welded to a set of heavy duty wire rim fence frames.

Pfft.... Whatever. At least I have half a chance in making those suckers seem fashionable!

HAPPY in MEMORY OF MY MAMA DAY

I got up this morn and was at my desk by six.  For the second night in a row, I didn’t sleep very well, so I just got up and at 'em. About an hour in, I checked my email to be greeted by a friendly hello and a “Happy Valentines Day”. Though I instantly greeted them back, I didn’t have the energy to explain why the annual Hallmark frenzy's something I have never really acknowledged.

Around nine, doing my very best bad hair/fuzzy slipper shuffle, I wandered into the kitchen and announced to my husband that I felt the need to Blog about my Mom today; then added, “I guess I should wish you a Happy Valentines Day”. My husband simply hugged me, kissed me on the forehead and no other words were spoken. For us, today has never been anything other than an  In Memory of My Mama Day.

I was four years old when this photo was taken.
Photo is  © yagottalaughaboutit.com

It’s hard to believe that it’s been twenty eight years today since my Mother passed. As I was daydreaming over my coffee before dawn, I remember it was shortly after midnight when my Dad woke and discovered she was gone.

After all of her suffering, my immediate thought (all those years ago) was that it was meant to be.

You see, she was just that stubborn.

If she knew she didn't want to take her journey on Friday the 13th, she'd of dug into her depths and simply refused to let go. That was my Mama. Always in control, never doing anything she didn’t want to!

At my ripe old age of 29, I have come to realize that we are all just a genetic discombobulation of both of our parents. Good traits, bad habits, even mannerisms all relate back to how we are hard wired. That said, not a day goes by that I don't thank my Mother for giving me her Business sense and her gam's. She had the most amazing mind, that was complimented nicely with a great pair of legs and beautiful smile.

Thanks Mom. Today I remember you.... I love and miss you very much.