weather

So, it was -12 this morning with a windchill of -20. Cold, but not the coldest of Toronto winter days. But tomorrow it’s supposed to be +7. A swing of almost 20 degrees overnight. This is a pattern that has repeated itself a few times already this winter. Am I alone thinking this is horribly, horribly wrong? And not only because it makes my entirely superficial “need” for a parka superfluous.

Meanwhile, it’s snowing in Greece…

it’s January 12

I was recording today’s voicemail message at work this morning and January 12 rang a bell. Whose birthday was that? Shawn’s? Gee – I guess he’s 40 now too. Probably married with kids. Middle aged. Then I realized that everyone I went to high school with is 40 now, probably married with kids… established, middle aged.

Holy crap.

suddenly strapped for cash

Ok – I just got the quote from the landscaper last night. I had asked for something around $9,000.  He said it would be more like $15,000. Final quote: $20,000.  Yikes.  Plus, this is the spring we’ll go on a big vacation.

No computer for me, no parka, no lunch, no coffee!

Maybe I should charge admission during BBQ season? 

oh apple, thou art temptation

The iMac now has the new Intel processor. It apparently runs twice as fast as the iMac G5. It would be nice if they said it only ran half as hot as the iMac G5, then it might be safe to buy. Normally, with the introduction of a new computer, a buyer might jump at the chance to buy one of the remaining old stock at a discount. But not if it's going to meltdown on me.

Mind you, I'm used to a laptop, albeit an almost 6 yr old Dell Inspiron with crappy video, no remaining memory and a tempermental keyboard. So maybe I'd be better off with a Powerbook. And if I want a Powerbook, I better get one fast because they're being replaced with the new Intel based MacBook Pro. “MacBook Pro”? Who came up with that? Are they made in Scotland? Now “Powerbook” – THAT'S a name! But I digress. The MacBook Pro has some great specs, but it's twice the price of the iMac and it's not like I need to carry my computer around with me.

Hmmm…. or I could just be content with what I have.

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

of all the gall…!

Damned gallstones. Discomfort escalated to a mild attack on the weekend. I guess a change is necessary – time to eat a little better (ok, a lot better), and drink more apple cider.

oh parka of my heart’s desire

I wish it would get colder so that I could justify the purchase of a big-ass down-filled parka with a fur-trimmed hood. My current winter coat is the North Face Nupste. I’ve had it for a couple of years and it’s developing cold spots. Plus, my beloved Crumpler bag has totally fucked-up the fabric of my jacket. So a new winter coat is in order, and the obvious next step in warmth is a parka. More specifically, this parka:

Although I’m not sure which colour to choose. The red looks a little too much like I’m heading off to an Antarctic research station. Black may pick up too much lint? There’s navy, brown, old green, yellow, cloud pink (ummm – no thanks) and hampton blue.

Or maybe I should just be happy with what I have. What a concept!

Home For Special Care

Lil sis and I took mom to her new place of residence yesterday. It’s a house in a residential area similar to Midhurst (only it’s located around 1/2 south of Barrie). It’s populated by schizophrenics… but when you get there, you realize its full of schizophrenics who can’t live independently even when medicated. Which makes sense, otherwise they could live anywhere. But it was grim to see them all there. I thought it wouldn’t be any worse than the hospital – but it is worse. The hospital isn’t just schizophrenics — it has people who have hit a rough patch and need to get better — instead of just being full of people who can’t get better enough.
Man.
I cried when I left.