My phone call yesterday...

...I was in a panic to call my Father-in-law...[I refuse to use "ex" with Sandra & Roger]...you see, 3 years ago in Feb....I found out the news that would make us live in fear and devastation..."Roger has cancer. Pancreatic & Lung...." It was like I was hit in the stomach with an axe.

I met Sandra & Roger when I was 17...I started dating their son. And, at a time when I needed my Dad (whom could not be there for me at the time)...I had Roger. Roger became my Dad. And, he was very much a part of my life for 17 years. I have been separated for 9 years now, but have kept in constant contact with Sandra & Roger...after all, they were/are my family regardless! And, I had my 2 boys to consider,as well!

Kyle was my first child...and first Grandchild on both sides of the family...then, before any others came along...I had Ryan, my second child. So...Grampy Thibodeau is very special to them.

So, I got to talk to Roger yesterday and it was one of the hardest things for me to do. The realization that he has gone 3 years with these horrible cancers, that the treatments stopped in July, that he is under palliative care, that he is losing weight like crazy, that his voice no longer sounds strong like the man I gained strength from, and saying the words "I love you..." knowing it could be the last time... just about killed me. He told me to hug the boys and kiss them....tell them how much he loves them...and, to tell them the importance of keeping in touch. :) I cried...and I cried. My heart is sobbing....I miss him and he isn't even gone yet.

The one thing I am very thankful and grateful for...I am able to converse with him. He is still alive and functioning, and he knows exactly how I feel! I love you, Roger...thanks for filling in as a Dad when I needed one....and thanks for being a fantastic Grampy to the 2 most precious things in my life: Kyle & Ryan! Muah...I love you all the sky!

Another conversation or 2 to make-come-true....

Me: k , :o) I'll provise the GPS.....provide ... cripes

Friend: And I will provide the spell check

Me: lol ...My fingers are confused

Friend: confused fingers....is there a cure for that?

Me: I doubt it, lol .....Could start a fund and travel to tropical locations to find a cure!
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THEN....this morning:

Me: I need a life...and a vacation.

Co-Worker: Chuckle...

Me: Oh, and lots of money, too

Co-Worker: It won't happen...you can't have all 3.

[WTH?! Why not?! Rolling of Eyes]

The little Man, that is really a dog, is 7 mths today...

Happy 7 months, Finn! OMG....I can't even begin to tell you what life has been like with this Portuguese Water Dog. He has been in my life for 3 months now. And, to say he means the world to me is an understatement. It certainly has been a long time since I have had a pup in my life. And, to those that say they are one of the family and just like the kids - Damn right they are!

Wake up barks at 2am and gastro issues and teething and boredom and pent up frustration/energy...man, been through this x2 already with my boys! Finn is now their brother-from-another-mother! And, this Mother is tired....yawn! But like a Ma with her child....would I trade it for the world?!... No Way!

We have gone through a lot in 3 months. The nipping....and bruises, Finn was dismissed from Obedience Class (we never did go back), tumbles at the new off-leash dog park, snipping of the boys then the after-affects (stress diarrhea), diet concerns, finding a dog-friendly swimming area, and the "big (and only one) accident" that I was the victim of....

Yes, Finn chewed half of one of my flip-flops...darn rubber/dog park smell. According to Cesar Millan - The Dog Whisperer, my flip-flops were the victim of pent-up energy. Makes sense! Finn watches The Dog Whisperer...unfortunately, he doesn't read, yet...so...bye bye flip-flops! Better you than the furniture!

I luv this pup....accidents and all. Makes life quite interesting! Best part: he gets me walking on a daily basis! Kudos, Finn! You rawk! I mean bark! :)

Calling for pledges....HELP!!!

Yes....my life has been a whirl-wind lately! And, I am calling on you...my friends, family, artists, etc. to help out for a worthy cause!

September 12th marks the 5th Anniversary of the Grey Bruce Wheelchair Relay Challenge. The Barrie office of CPA Ontario has been delivering services and programs to people with Spinal cord injuries in Simcoe County, Muskoka and parts of Grey County for over 25 years! This is an oppourtunity to raise awareness & I am grabbing the "bull by the horns" in order to make people aware of how it feels in a wheelchair - and hoping to raise some funds, as well!

If you can't donate $$$$, then please donate your time by cheering on the "Country 93 Rollers" in the OSCVI Parking lot this Sunday at Noon....trust me, we need your help! Well, I do! :o) I have back/spinal issues and would never want to lose my legs....or spine, for that matter!

If you can, please take a moment to donate/pledge: Country 93 Rollers by clicking on the link below...

http://cpa-ontario-donate.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=3123&mid=10&tid=28591

That would be awesome & much appreciated! Thank you so much to those whom have donated already...and thanks in advance to those who will!!! Hugs! xo

PS....special guest Roller with be Performing Artist: Tommy Gilham! http://www.tommygilham.com

The neighbour down the way.....

...ruins my day! She is NOT friendly! Oh, only when her little fluff ball comes running into the yard, and at that....I get ignored. "The Man" gets the attention. [Rolly eyes!]

She walks her little fluff dog and "her" pup...and when I walk out the door (in my yard, I must add) she turns into Blair Witch/Devil hatred in an instant. She yanks on the leash of the pups till their tongues hang out and drags them across the street as her head spins in circles. WTF?!

All I can say Lady....you already have my cooties as you walk by my yard...on my lawn. And, I'd be more concerned on teaching your dogs manners and watching your baby in the morning! I have my end covered!

Ugh!

So, I come into work and listen to Johnny's Today I'm Gonna Try and Change The World. Shrug...tomorrow is another day. I'll try again.

The "PUP" needs a playmate....

The Pup seems to be out of his shyness-shell & he is starting to let me know he needs friends to hang with. Yup,...he has vocals and they can be pretty high-pitched!

The comments I hear: "Oh, your pup is so quiet" "Oh, my he is so calm"...." Boy, he is well behaved"....um, hello...have you not seen him at home!!!

The co-worker who has his very own "Pup" got a taste of The Pup coming out of his shell. Asked The Pup to speak,...and boy...did he, right in the co-workers face...so close, we could smell what The Pup had for breakfast. Then,...the co-worker called him over to pet him and all he could see were white, glistening, sharp teeth on a huge-honkin' mouth that I have dubbed Shark-face! Oh, The Pup is not vicious...it is his greeting...just not the type of greeting we humans are used to, is all...

So, back to needing a playmate. The Pup is...well...a pup. He loves other dogs (even cats) and just wants to run, and tumble and sniff (the usual kid - pup - thing.) I noticed this has been neglected, especially since he sits in front of the "black" refrigerator and stares...then barks...he just can't conceive why the pup staring back is such a snob. The really sad part was when I went to Westside Nurseries and he spotted the concrete animals. (I swear, I had no idea!) There were dogs and cats and ducks...a pups heaven of friendship just waiting for The Pup.

The Pup was desperate to get over to the concrete figures...I had no idea why...until I spotted the Boxer. Oh my....He tugged on the leash until he made it over to the edge, and barked - WOOF - and wagged his tail. I thought, "You're not serious?!" But, yes...The Pup wanted to be friends with the Boxer. He even licked the nose.

I'm serious....he was so excited to see "this" Boxer. Oh man....

So...to my co-worker with the other pup...lets make a date on the calendar...I'm begging! Just sayin'!

Dwight Yoakam look-alike....

...who me?!

Apparently so...here is how the conversation went:

The FB friend: By the way i just love your hat.
Me: lol...Thats Dwight Yoakam
The FB friend: What is Yoakam.
Me: Dwight is a singer. That is his last name....That's who is in my profile pic
The FB friend: O i see, It looks really good on you.
Me: That's not me...it's a picture of the singer Dwight Yoakam
The FB friend: OH, then your going to have to put your face on the F-Book.LOL

Yeesh!...Really?! Am I that flat-chested?