Archive for the ‘Ranting, raving & random thinking …’ Category

The Joy of Crossing the Border …

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Growing up in Thorold, a town neighbouring with Niagara Falls, I have deep rooted memories of our regular trip of ‘going over the river’ to dine, see movies or shopping for clothes not yet available just a few miles west.

Although our family seemed to embrace the virtues of honesty and high morals, for some reason all were disregarded when it came to those trips. Any sense of committing a venial sin for lying was tossed out the window as we neared the american side of the Rainbow Bridge (that way we did not have to claim ‘it’).

So, yes over the years I have amassed a plethora of “let me tell you what happened today at the border …” tales, complete with being placed ‘on record’ for a period of 2 years. But I’ll save those for another day.

Here is my recount of just what happens on a typical venture to the other side and most importantly attempting to make it back …

Mother Moments …

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Whether you are a Mom, an aunt, a teacher, coach or mentor to young people I’m sure there have been moments with them that touched your heart. It could have been in the form of a tickle, a jolting jab or maybe even a wrenching squeeze. I challenge you to think of some of them and treasure them.

Here are just a few of mine …

On affirmation … Vince at 2 was an eloquent talker with the voice of an old man. One day I had decided maybe I should try to do something on the culinary side for a change (Joe has always done all of the cooking). He walked into the kitchen and saw me fumbling my way around the ingredients.

He was quick to comment “Mommy you’re not supposed to cook. Only men do that.”

I knew that. I thanked him for the reminder.

On protection … when Alena was in grade on she came home from school excited to show me her class picture. Sitting on my lap she started pointing out the various kids with an descriptor … “This is Emily. She has a new baby brother. This is Thomas. He chases me at recess. But I’m fast. This is Sara. She just got her 7th barbie. I only have 2. And this is Jonathon. When he showed his mommy this picture she said that I was the fattest in the class ….”

I failed to hear about the rest of the children because at that moment my heart was squeezed, my throat was tightened and my belly knotted. I was in full blown ‘mother mode’.

It took some sleuthing but I made that call to that Mom and played that card. I could not protect my child in the playground but ‘Mom – Mom’ she had some explaining to do. I believe we are in this journey together.

On rage … after my eldest repeatedly asked me the same question desperately hoping for a different answer he stood his ground and would not move. In a last ditch effort to convince me to change my mind he said “but I just don’t get why I can’t go. What will I tell ‘insert name’ (girlfriend)?” … no longer able to contain my frustration the rage button was activated. I jumped up from the couch where I was comfortably lounging and screamed “just tell her I’m a f***ing whacko!!!!!!!” The question was not asked again.

On fear … when my second child was 5 weeks old we were at my parents home for a visit. Having decided to go into the backyard, my dad picked up the baby seat and proceeded to walk towards the back door. I followed behind. I saw him back up to the screen door and use his elbow to adjust the handle to open it. Still holding the seat at the top and at the footrest he then stepped outside onto the patio.

And as he did all I heard was “oh no” and the shrilled scream from the baby. In the next split second of panic I saw my baby lying on the concrete floor. The footrest had given way and there he lay screaming.

Fast forward … without elaborating, other than a regular reoccurrence of ‘punning’ and the odd goofy expression on his handsome face he seems to be fine.

On acceptance … Alena (who I always believed had an old soul) was in kindergarten and after spending an enjoyable time together, she took my head in her hands and pressing my cheeks together she announced “if I was a little girl and you were a little girl, I’d want you to be my friend.”

P.S. I know your head is swirling right now with many of your own. I encourage you to please write them down before you forget them and share them. If nothing else they will be an important part of your memory bank and a most valued part of their inheritance. Consider it as taking the gift they gave you … and re-gifting it back to them.

Happy Mother’s Day …

to all of you who in some way influence the lives of children everywhere ~!!~ 

 For more interesting reading … www.ihaveastoryforyou.com

“How do I look?” … an internal dialogue

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Shopping in Winner’s one day I spotted a pair of pants with a design in the fabric. I really liked them. I liked the blend of colours too. I knew for sure a basic black top (of which I have way too many to choose from … it’s just sooo slimming though) could finish it off nicely. So I searched the racks hoping to find a pair in my size.

In frustration I thought to myself “why can’t I ever find the clothes I like in my size?”

Before I could dwell on the matter for too long my little ‘inside voice’ barked the reply: “maybe because they weren’t meant to be worn in your size.” Think spandex in size XL without a t-shirt draped to the knees. Need a rear view visual? With lips together, run your tongue from the inside of one cheek to the other.

back to that voice … it’s that same voice that does not allow me to leave the house in certain clothing combinations (but pj’s to the curb are completely acceptable because I’m still on my property), horizontal striped bottoms to avoid looking like a spin top or sans lipstick … not pretty. That voice is a familiar one. Ironically it’s my own.

It’s obvious those I see roaming the streets don’t seem to have to deal with a voice like that. Then again, many don’t appear to own a mirror either. With a tinge of envy I believe they’re the lucky ones ~!!~

PS if you’re really bored check out the latest CBL Vintage Videos

I’ve been posting www.youtube.com/user/Moodivator

& if you enjoy them …. SHARE.

#whatpeopleneedtostop

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

This week on Twitter one of the trends receiving a long list of comments was called ‘what people need to stop’. Of course the tweets ranged from “breathing” to “war”, but it gave me permission to use it as a opportunity to share some from my personal list of “c’mon world, enough is enough.”

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – TV announcers, game analysts, athletes and stars kindly refrain from filling the void in every thought with “at the end of the day”. I think it’s time we replaced that with “my apologies but my mind has suddenly gone blank and I really have no clue what else to say right now.”

*#whatpeoplleneedtostop – media hounds please remember that you and your ogling interest made the Kardashians who they are … enough with the gushing … save your gush for someone you know like your neighbour’s son who is breaking records in swimming at the tyke level … he’ll probably love you for it too.

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – anyone who thinks that social media efforts should be the sum total of your efforts to interact with others … listen carefully “stand up straight, head up, eyes forward, smile & extend your right hand and say out loud “Hi, I’m Carole. Wanna go for a coffee?”

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – using your customer relations job as a platform to share the miserable day you’re having … please hold the whine and keep your germs to yourself

*#whatpeopleneedtostop  – satisfied diners at any fast food joint who merely roll down the window and dump their debris … you gotta open your door, step out of your car and walk towards that litter receptacle … think of the exercise you’ll get and need after all that carb consumption

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – faking … sincerity, the truth and beauty … ha, you actually believe perfection is where true beauty lies … hmm interesting use of ‘lies’.

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – taking the fun out of our eating. Enough of the righteous, raw ‘n roots right out of the earth foods. Let’s take potato chips (oh please don’t. There are still a few more in the bowl for me to enjoy) … you’ve taken the salt, removed the cholesterol, subbed the potato, soon to go will be the crunch. It won’t be long until we’re taking a pill for the same satisfaction.

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – reality TV … now c’mon how realistic is it to wake up and be yourself in front of an array of people with cameras … in your bedroom. Way too many of these shows have resulted in the demise of either the relationship or the family. Even Dog’s family currently has issues. Trivia: one of the 1st reality show efforts involved the ‘Loud Family’ back in the 70′s … they endured the public exposure of a breakup, drug use and a ‘coming out’ … all on live TV.

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – cheating … by jumping the line up, snagging claimed parking spots, sneaking into the side door at AMC and thinking that a scarf around the passenger headrest qualifies you for the commuter lane … nice try (I saw you)

*#whatpeopleneedtostop – making promises that won’t ever be kept … if I had $1 for every person who said “wow, I can get you so much business” … well, I’d be sipping margaritas on an island beach today and certainly wouldn’t have the desire to be blogging about it.

Ok, here’s your chance to vent, let it go, rant about your own personal favourites. Tell me. Tell me now ~!!~

P.S. Coming Tuesday, March 27 … CBL’s Vintage Video Clips of snippets of my work over the past 20 years or so will be introduced on YouTube

I’m a Hoarder … both in my home and my head

Friday, March 9th, 2012

The reality show Hoarders mystifies me. I really can’t watch it for too long before I either want to be physically ill or reach that point when I yearn to don a mask, gloves and overalls and get in there and yell “outamyway, I’m coming in.” I value order.

Now before I paint a picture of living in a clutter free minimalistic environment, let me assure I don’t. I confess I have stuff. Lots of stuff. (more…)

Dr. Oz … we have to talk about your 2 day cleanse

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

Hi my name is Carole and I just completed a self imposed 2 day cleanse as prescribed by you in the March issue of O magazine. Dr. Oz I readily admit I will try anything once, perhaps out of boredom; maybe for the challenge; often just to ‘live to tell the tale’. So I was intrigued that wintry day when I read of your 48 hours of ‘spring cleaning’ where you promised the opportunity ‘to eat whole foods’ (a place I never shop), ‘nourish the body’s detoxifying organs’ and basically provide a good flush to the system of all the bad stuff. (more…)

S**t My Family Says …

Friday, February 24th, 2012

The latest craze on YouTube are videos posted as parodies of specific segments of our population under the heading: ‘S**t Boys, Girls, Postmen, Dog Owners etc. Say’. So I’ve decided to do one of my family without the video. Use your imagination … (more…)

You can call me crazy, but don’t call me …

Friday, February 10th, 2012

I have answered to a plethora of monikers extending way beyond the christened Carole or even Carole Ann, generally reserved for Aunts and Uncles. I was never in love with my name but I am pleased that it at least can be differentiated as ‘Carol with an e’.

The nicknames varied. The earliest was Michalina Mantle after the famed star of the ball diamond. The most common one was Bert, shortened from the surname and one that was pinned on almost every other relative blessed with the name. In high school Italian class I was Carabella; to my Nona, I was Cara-figlia; and to my brother I am ‘fi’. (more…)

My Top 11 moments & memories of 2011 …

Friday, January 6th, 2012

worth forgetting …

*embracing the ‘hear I am’ realm of social media, in particular responding to my kids’ suggestion that I should tweet ’cause I’d be a natural … only for them to criticize every attempt I made.

*being told I was selected as ‘a woman too watch for in 2012′ … didn’t fall for it. I merely happened to be on the membership list they were using to solicit ads … the message was sent to ‘all’.

*being recognized in the Oakville Santa Claus parade dressed up in a new clown outfit … is my day-today look really that bad?

*giving my Mom a copy of my ‘Book of Blogs’ then realizing her reaction to it was bland in comparison to my nephew giving her Kim Kardashian’s new to book.

*being asked for ID when I tried to pay MY phone bill @ Roger’s with MY Visa … when I challenged them on the odd request they responded … “It’s for your own safety because the card could be stolen.” My response was “Oh yeah you’re right. It would be a travesty if someone stole my card then tried to pay my bill.”

*receiving an online message that I ‘was the best blogger on the internet’ … too bad he represented dirtysextrade.com

*meeting with someone who pitched me for a stake in a business ‘bound to make millions’ only to be ditched when I announced “I’m not really motivated by money.” I paid for my own coffee.

*hearing from a guy “you know, you might be good enough to make a career in speaking.” Although I wanted to tell him I was completing 25 years in the business, I couldn’t get my upper teeth out of my bottom lip.

*enduring hours online and phone communicating with US retail giant Bloomingdales (no stores in Canada) to make a purchase only to be stopped in my tracks with “sorry but you will have to drop by your local store to complete the transaction.” Again I reminded her, “I am Canadian & there are no Bloomingdales in Canada.” She replied “If you can just hold on a moment I will locate one for you in your neighbourhood.” Click.

*paying for an expensive series of facial treatments to help with sun spots only to be burned with the 1st ‘micro-dermabrasion’ application. Her focus then went from the sun spots to the scar on my forehead. It remains.

worth remembering … if the above is the worst I experienced in ’11, I had it good … and for that I am grateful.

*getting together with select people over an afternoon coffee … and gathering with the same group of friends the 1st Friday of the month and never getting bored of it or them.

*finding the perfect pair of jeans for $22 @ Forever 59 … worn so often they’re now down to 17 cents a wear.

*discovering that my new favourite piece of jewellery is actually a napkin ring purchased in bundles of 10 for $2.  The best part is giving one away to whoever compliments it … to date I have given away close to 100.

*flushing my mind while enduring 6 days of silence and thankfully all the good stuff was still there … but it’s a shame I have forgotten the names of most close friends & family members.

*enjoying a 10 hour road trip with friends & discovering the importance of taking Omega 3 capsules & having our hormone levels checked; the success of laser eye therapy & the illusion of Spanx; & who knew where the best outlet malls were en route & who had the coupons.

*getting my haircut that one time in October when I did not reach for the scissors to tweak it.

*irresponsibly scraping at an ingrown nail, enduring the aftermath of excruciating pain but having it miraculously heal in time to dance my feet off @ a wedding.

*having my 1st book ‘I have a story for you …’ listed on both Amazon and Chapters while producing a 2nd book of my blogs that won’t be … because I’ve learned the real fun is in the writing not the selling.

*allowing myself to be seen in public with dirt on my face, rips in my clothing and mud on my shoes after a round of ‘Yard Duty’ in someone’s garden but feeling more proud than embarrassed for it.

*realizing it doesn’t take much to make me happy … a black coffee, a cryptic crossword, in person scrabble with a friend, the occasional bag of  popcorn from the Encore and a set of markers on hand for doodling. And if at the same time … now that’s a party.

*having a family and group of friends I can love and be loved by in return regardless of my imperfections or occasional wrongdoing.

P.S. here’s to more of it all in 2012 and finding the 

wonderful in every day ~!!~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Christmas Wrap …

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

 

Well I’ve posted & I’ve messaged … I’ve blogged my thoughts away

I’ve creeped at all your photos … & had a lot to say

I was social & I networked … I even flogged my book

Tried my hand at twitter … can’t say that I am hooked

Like talking to myself and … hoping that I’m heard

But what if no one’s listening …  is that just inferred?

Shared your posts, linked them too … clicked ‘like’ & then ‘read more’

And yes there were a selected few … I did choose to ‘ignore’

Added friends I’ve never met … & some who never ‘speak’

While others dare to share it all … like “I’m going to take a leak”

Scrolled to read your comments … played scrabble with you too

Does it prove I have more time … than what I have to do?

But now it’s best I take a break … from me you need it too

Perhaps in that I just might find … some different stuff to do

On that note I thank you all … for being my faceless ‘friend’

Who witnessed my attempts at … the social media trend

I like that you are within one key’s … reach at any time

And that we’ll chat again next month … but now I’ll end this rhyme

May you enjoy your Christmas season … & too the next new year

With real friends, lots of fun … & optimistic cheer

So “I’ll see you when I see you” … there’s nothing more to tell

That’s all I’ve got to say now … I hope you all stay well ~!!~

P.S. if any of you would ever like to meet face-to-face over coffee … it would be a pleasure.