Knit and the City

Today I'm not 35 anymore. I'm officially on my way to 40. So far I've loved my 30's. I'm definitely going to enjoy the rest of them! As usual, if I work on my b-day I get to wear the crown.

Ah, the peace and quiet.
The Niece Invasion has been completed! I deem it a victory for this Auntie!
Now, where did I leave my drink?

Why am I drinking? With my parents moving I keep getting these parcels of stuff. My stuff from ages ago! My journals, my yearbooks, my dead bridal bouquet. Special treasured momentos. And pictures!

This pic enough to keep me drinking! I know, I have no self respect. But it's all in the name of humour so I'll sacrifice it. Look at that mullet! It was supposed to be kinda like David Bowie's hair in the film Labyrinth. I think I kept the hairspray industry afloat back then.
1988. It was a very good year .

The Niece Invasion Day Three.
I am malled out. Cashed out. And worn out. I love her very, very, much. As a person with no kids to 24-7 teenager is quite a challenge. I think I need to work out more.
Today we went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

I've never been. Whoa! It's shaky, swayey and a little bouncy! I thought it was really neat. They had some First Nations demonstrations of carving and dancing which I found to be quite interesting. The niece had no care as to the history of the bridge. She did point out that the staff didn't dress like 'real' loggers, First Nations carvers shouldn't be getting paid to carve for tourists and that they should sell the park and someone could build a nice house on it with a fantastic view. At least she has an opinion. I resisted the urge to toss her in the trout pond. She heads back to Grandma's tomorrow.

Holy Amazing Internet Friend Birthday Surprise Parcel!
Thank you Spazzlicious!
By the way it was her b-day on Monday and I haven't sent my card or parcel. Yo, DogMama, is gonna be late!

When I got the parcel pick up card I didn't think it was for me. (Why did I go if I thought it wasn't for me? Another story) The card said D. Ande. The address was right and when I picked it up I figured it out. It was labeled Dande Ande _________. Ha! We got some smartys working at the Post Office!
It started off really well! Treats!

For rapt dogs and cats who think they're dogs.

Thinking the same thing I thought? Thass right. Holy Crap!

Here's the super fabulous haul!

Here's the short list. Sticker/magnet/3 types of dog treats/scented candle/3 types of soap/3 types of lotion (smelling like a cedar trunk today)/2 pint glasses/20 peso note (for my mom)
AND Mandy I been sent something to get to you. Call me!

Wow. I am truly stunned. You 'net friends never cease to surprise me. I hope that I can size up. You know me, it will be late, whatever it is!

The Niece Invasion Continues!

Update when she leaves me alone for 10 minutes or ever goes to bed!

I made it through Niece Invasion Day One! Thanks for all the suggestions!
I found out that she's a dawdler. It takes her forever to get going! Pokey! But once you get her in the right direction she's perfectl;y fine. Except for one thing.
"Are you serious?" If I hear that phrase from her mouth one more time...I don't know what I'll do.
I took her shopping and picked out a comforter set for her bed here. We get home to find the guy has already set up and made her bed! I guess I'll be taking that comfortor back! He set her up her own little area in the basement complete with nightlight, reading lamp and wardrobe.
While we were shopping we picked up some CD's. Did you know there's no 'rap' section at Wal-Mart? (Paige, I had a kid with me. Wal-Mart was a necessity!) It's called the 'Urban' section. We picked up Black Eyed Peas. Beastie's, Khanye West and Eminem. So we been rappin' out, yo.

The funnest part about being with my niece is that she's not afraid to try anything new foodwise. We took her for Thai. She tried and ate everything! Even the hot stuff. She did manage to slop a little bit of Tom Yum Goong on her new white Diesel minskirt that the guy just bought her but it came out in the wash. I got some soup on myself as well! We must be related!

Originally we were going to go to our favourite sushi joint Ichibankan on Bute. Have you ever walked into a favourite restaurant that's changed owners and renovated? Freaks you out. Ichibankan went from a bustling conveyer belt sushi place to a ultra modern sake bar with a ton of black and red accents and no people in it. Wish them well. We bolted after the shock wore off!

Today we have to take the family to the vets. Afterwards I'm not sure what we're going to do. There's always the giant mall up at Metrotown. I may mall out.

I picked these up.

A pattern for a hat is included but no other instructions. We also picked up a Cool Corder to make fun bracelets with. Crafty times ahead!

(Best Arnie voice here) -It's not a tumour.-

Checked out my x-rays yesterday and I didn't see any aliens or giant masses of something an x-ray would pick up. Woo Hoo! What I did see was a couple discs in my neck flattening out and some calcification on a couple of vertabrae edges.
He has the technology. He can put me back together.
I had my first adjustment and it was a little scary! I was reading here about how chiropractors are just out to get your money and how it has no basis in scientific fact. Oh yeah, that they could kill you by inducing a stroke.
Gimme me a mother freaking break! Chiropractic care makes complete logical sense to me. Like fixing the alignment on your car. Yes, as in every profession, not everyone finished at the top of their class. I dare you to ask your GP what mark he graduated with. I'll bet he didn't make the honour roll. Search and find a chiropractor you like, ask questions, get informed. If I win the lottery I may go to Chiropractic School.
That is after I travel the world, rescue all the homeless greyhounds, become a vet and purchase all the yarn my money will buy.
Always good to have something to fall back on. Doctor Ande. I like the sound of that!

My niece is coming to stay for a few days!

Suggestions please...what the hell am I going to do with a boy crazy 13 year old for 3 days?
What has my mother gotten me into? I do look forward to spending some quality time with her. It's been a long time.

I -heart- this dog.

No knitting yet. I don't want to hurt anything again. I go for my follow up tomorrow.
So, my DOD has been commenting that I should post a pic of him so you all can see if I inherited any good looks from him. So here's my Mom, Dad and my older sister Kath.

I think I may have a little DOD in the nose. Oh yeah, the jowls! Well, the ones he has now. Thanks for those, DOD. They've just started to show up!

I had my appointment at the back doctor today.
Seems like the trouble is not my lower back. It's my neck. I got to go have it x-rayed today to see if it's degenerated. Yes, I said degenerated.
Christ, I haven't turned 36 yet!
Now that I think about it, my neck has bothered me as long as I can remember. I must just tune it out because I don't take aspirin or acetaminophen very often. I know this because my last bottle of Tylenol I had to throw out because it expired. Still 3/4 full. Hm, interesting.
Good news is the doctor should be able to fix me up. Follow up on Friday!

T-dog asked for a model shot.

In July! Look at that thermometer! Things you do for the bestest internet friends...sheesh.

Also, I have a serious confession to make. I know it may change your perception of me.
I am hooked on "Average Joe".
-i know-

After Terri's approval, to make myself feel better I may have nipped into this.

Aren't you excited? I was and it kept me distracted from my right butt cheek and right leg pain.

Firstly, the best ever hat! Handknit, with (dare I say it) internet friend love! Perfectly made from sock yarn.
Innit cute?

Gets better-how could it- It's reversible! Knit in my fabulous work uniform colours 'Le Coulers du Budget' Damn leg couldn't knock that goofy grin offa my face!

Please note-the photos seem to be way better. That's because my MOM took them! She and me, we think alike. Zoom in, get close, make that crazy face again!

A beautiful book made of dried leaves and handmade paper.

A Savary Journal. I'll be taking it up to the island to jot down notes of our trips there. Great idea, T!

Fun stuff in the bottom.

My 'bunny-hug'!

With my USMC hoody and my RCMP bunny-hug I think everyone now will know that I loves the leathernecks and I may have a slight case of Scarlet Fever. I need to make a new T-shirt. "Uniforms, Ande loves them."

I can't thank Terri enough. Thank you Thank you Thank you! I owe her a seriously long email. Bad, Bad, Ande!

Good news. Got a call from the doctors office and they bumped my appointment up a day! I'll be meeting the back doc tomorrow at 12:30pm!

The only way I've been able to compose this post is by laying flat out all day. Best boyfriend in the world figured out how to keep me in bed. Git yer minds outta tha gutter! Granted he could have helped me with my hamstring stretches. Hmmm, there's always tomorrow.

I'm already 300 pages in. I'm a freak.

Just a quick update.
I think I'm going to be scarce for a bit. I seem to have pinched the sciatic nerve in my lower back. For the past 5 days I've had shooting, burning pain down my right leg. Bad enough to make me nauseous, sweaty and shaky afterwards. I can't sit for very long. I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday. Thank Goodness for Robaxacet to take the edge off the pain. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
I do have knitting updates! For next time!
I have to get the guy to set up the computer so I can stand at it.

Be well!