My 31st post

I know I haven't posted much on here. You might think I have nothing say. Quite the contrary, actually. I have so much to say.

But things happen. Life happens.

And before you know it, the summer is half gone. Hard to believe, but easy to predict.

Writing is already starting to pick up with two assignments handed to me this week. I am also being tapped for several Fringe Festival reviews next week for the SP. How exciting! Been so long since I've been to a play, I think I'm going through withdrawal.

I've started playing around with some fiction and believe it or not I have a story AND a character that I like. At the same time. Even a plot. Conflict, too! If I'm not careful I might just have a story on my hands.

Other musings...
Life is so precious. So fragile. So fleeting. One minute things are fine and the next a bomb goes off (whether real or metaphorical) and the life you knew is suddenly dark and partially in rubble.

Getting through those dark times is no easy task. In my life recovery has two key ingredients - faith and people. Faith gives you hope - in the face of dark odds. And people keep you sane.

Both light the way to a better tomorrow. Happily, God has filled my life with both.

My muse

Once in a while my muse surprises even me. This from today... (sorry, my muse doesn't do punctuation some days).

standing on a slippery rock, jutting out of the ocean. i stand defiantly in the face of the relentless waves and intense wind. the waves have been disturbed from their normal ebb and flow, instead they hurl themselves at the shore with thunderous crashes. the frothing water surrounds me, licking at my feet, like a hungry predator. i have fallen off my perch more times than i can count. my body is bruised and scarred from the tide's tumult and it's latest angry attack.

but i will not be removed from my perch for more than the time it takes to climb back on. though sometimes it may take a lifetime, the process of struggling back upon the rock is the only thing that gives me hope. the promise that i will stand with the storm behind me and the calmed waves offering a gentle bed for the setting sun. it's a picture i keep in my mind for the days of the darkest storms - for the days when i cling to my rock until my fingers ache, my knees and elbows bloody from the surf's constand pounding.

it will be calm again, i know. the sun is still behind those angry clouds, ready to shine it's brilliance like a precious jewel to those who have yearn to see it, and ached to feel it's gentle warmth.

it will be calm again...

Happy Holidays aka Our First Family Holiday

Ever have one of those smile to yourself for no reason kind of moments?

I'm in the middle of two weeks vacation. I've taken time off from my out of home work (is there such a thing as vacationing form in home work, I wonder...) and since I have no articles to work on, it's basically an involuntary vacation on that end.

So my husband and I and our two kids headed for Regina last Wednesday so we could travel with my brother-in-law and mother-in-law toward Lethbridge for a family wedding. Please no one explain to me the difference in time that would have been saved had we simply travelled straight to Lethbridge from here.

After several days of swimming in the pool at Lethbridge Lodge we were off to the mountains. Our kids were psyched. They had never seen the mountains up close and personal before and we planned to spend two days hiking in Banff.

The kids were disappointed our hotel didn't have a pool. I, on the other hand, after several swimming sessions in Lethbridge felt relieved! It did have an outdoor hot tub, however. We could sit and relax in hot bubbling water while revelling in the mountain scenery surrounding us.

Watching our kids faces as we drove toward these mammoth majestic peaks was a special kind of joy. They loved it. I've never heard so many "oh cool!" or "wows" before.

After two days in Canmore, we headed to Calgary to stay with friends. It was such an encouragement to reconnect with old friends. We got to meet their son who was just about to turn two. The kids had a blast together. The older kids (the husbands) had fun playing with their new X-box as well.

The next day we went to Heritage Park in Calgary. We enjoyed walking through their living historical exhibits. Workers wander through the park dressed in period costumes. They had my pity as that day neared almost 30 degrees. I have newfound respect for my ancestors - wearing long skirts and sleeves in blazing heat while warming the house further with cooking and warming water for cleaning.

After a trip on their steam train and their paddle boat we happily hopped back in our air-conditioned car for the trip to Hussar to stay with more friends.

Staying on a farm was quite the treat for Logan. Our friends don't farm themselves, but there is a lot of farming heritage there. They joyfully showed our budding young farmer around.

The next day (Thursday) we drove through rain to Drumheller to tour the Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum. Despite the crowds it was a fascinating. After all that walking we basically fell into the car for the last four hours home.

I got to know my kids so well during this last week. So many aspects of their personality that I never noticed before. It was so wonderful to see.

I also enjoyed the change of pace. The absence of the normal routines of life, bring a rejuvenation I'd forgotten existed. I found myself smiling to myself for no reason frequently. In fact, I think I shall continue to do so from time to time as I remember the laughs, tears, fun and relaxation.

Perhaps I'll post some pictures in the coming weeks.

And we're not done yet. Next Thursday we will drive to Dauphin. Friday we head to Winnipeg for another family wedding. Saturday we return to Dauhpin. The following day we will drive to Saskatoon and possibly to Biggar to meet my mom. The kids are going to my mom for two weeks for swimming lessons. I have a feeling they may need the down time from all the activity!

Til next time...

Coming out of the closet

Hi. My name is Jennifer and I am organizationally challenged. Further, I am the reigning queen of procrastination (watch the crown, eh) and I am highly distractable (who else can play hours of solitaire when you're supposed to be doing laundry or writing or sleeping even...)

Several years ago I realized I needed help. You could hardly walk in my house and to be honest, I had no idea how in the world to keep a house clean and organized. Nor did I have a clue how to cook meals and keep up with the demands of having a husband and kids.

I complained constantly that no one ever helped and the reason my house was such a mess was because no one cared. I pouted and whined until I made everyone - myself included - miserable.

But I found help.

A wonderful lady in North Carolina had started a website and yahoo list called FlyLady. You can visit her website at FlyLady.com.

I have flutter and stumbled and twittered my way along over the years. But only rarely have I have spoken of my deficiency and nor the antidote I found.

FlyLady doesn't tolerate my whining or stinkin' thinkin' as she calls it. She teaches that the most effective way of showing our families how to manage a household is to be an example. She encourages babysteps and not one day life makeovers. Real change takes time and babysteps. Babysteps are principle that can apply in almost every area of life.

I love the system. Even though my inner brat sometimes rebels and things get a little ragged around the edges, for the most part, my house is never more than fifteen minutes worth of messy. My meals are planned, bills paid on time, and usually I can tell you the last time I vacuumed. My dishes are always done and put away and my kitchen sink sparkles almost all the time.

I've discovered through using her system that without an external routine placed on me, I am terrible at establishing my own schedule. I just can't do it. I find myself aimlessly wandering the internet or watching tv or vainly scrubbing a tiny spot of my house while the rest of it falls down in shambles around me.

Slowly I am getting better. I still have yet to master aspects of her system but it's worth the effort. Besides housework done incorrectly still blesses my family (another FlyLady-ism).

And to keep me from getting distracted FlyLady uses a timer. I could write a book on the virtues of timers - especially for distractable kids! God bless timers! For one thing, without them I could never do a load of laundry.

FlyLady also has a wonderful member of her team named Leanne who talks nutrition and food. Leanne's website (savingdinner.com) offers a menu mailer. Each week a new menu is emailed to me with a six complete meals and a shopping list to go with it. I love it. It has forever changed the way I cook and plan meals. No more macaroni and cheese, unless it's a special treat. (how cool is it that my kids think KD is a special occasion? It costs like what? $.50 a box?)

Leanne has menu mailers for all kinds of special diets - including heart healthy or low carb or her latest body clutter (for those who are looking to lose weight). The cost is minimal when compared with how much of my sanity is saved every week. And I never face that dreaded question: What's for supper? without knowing the answer ahead of time. It's like a pop quiz and I've got a cheat sheet in front of me!

Now I look forward to planning meals and cooking each night. I see it as a way to protect my family and bless them.

The best part of FlyLady is the insistence that members love and respect themselves. Fly = Finally Loving Yourself. The best reason to have a clean, tidy home isn't so your neighbours will like you, it's because we deserve it. We deserve to have a house that sparkles because it's our own private retreat - our family's oasis from the world.

I know for some organizing and managing a household can be done with their eyes closed. But not me. I need the encouragement of FlyLady's sage wisdom. And I thank God for her every day.

I just wanted to say how thankful I am that God brought me to FlyLady's website.

Check out FlyLady's and Leanne's websites. You might find something that helps you truly FLY.

Thoughts

I recently came across a statement that made me stop in my tracks. Here it is for all to ponder...

Jesus said to pray for your enemies. He never said you wouldn't have any.

The Afghan mission

Graeme Smith is a reporter with the Globe and Mail. He recently returned from Afghanistan and filed this audio diary. The pictures and his message will make you proud of our soldiers and proud to be Canadian.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/special/audio/smith4.html

God bless our forces wherever they are serving. They are a credit to our nation and they deserve our undying respect, gratitude and praise.

God bless their mission.
Grant them eyes to see the enemy.
Give them wisdom to discern traps and dangers.
Guide them to those who need help and not shy from the danger.
Bless the troops as they bring healing and protection to those who are vulnerable.
Grant them compassion to show mercy when the opportunity arises.
Let them know how much we all appreciate their courage and devotion to duty.
And above all, God, speed them back home to us safe and sound.

I'll say the same prayer for all those who serve in God's army.

Being enough

I fell into the pit of despair last week.

It's hard not to. For one thing, the weather around here has me seriously contemplating my boat-building skills.

If I wanted to experience rain like Vancouver, well, I'd live in Vancouver.

My kids are so disappointed each morning when they wake up and it's raining again. And no matter how times I tell them it's not my department, they continue to file their weather complaints with me.

Add in normal stress and strain of life and it's easy to see why I found myself at the bottom of despair. Sadly, I didn't have the energy to drag my sorry butt out of it, so I chose to remain there for a while.

Slowly, I feel like I am returning to myself. My optimism even made a cameo appearance this morning.

When you look around our society, it's so easy to feel bad about ourselves. Through music, ads, television, movies, news... our society constantly reminds us that we aren't good enough. We aren't young enough, smart enough, funny enough, savvy enough, pretty enough or thin enough.

Further, we don't have enough of this or enough of that. Our house isn't big enough, or our car isn't cool enough. And on and on...

It's hard to just be thankful and content. We have to tune out so much (not to mention act against the inner man Paul talks about in Romans) in order to find joy and contentment in our present circumstances. Most days it's a struggle.

But isn't it encouraging to know that God thinks we're enough. He loved us enough. In fact, He loved us enough to send His only Son to die a tormented death that we could truly live.

That's enough to give me goosebumps. That the God of the universe, who spoke everything into existence takes a remote interest in me, blows me completely away.

Focusing on that may be the key to finding a small slice of contentment this side of heaven.

Writing Slump

As always happens during the summer months I've hit a writing slump. OI! I hate it. I'd rather be snowed under with barely time to breathe than have nothing to work on.

So I created a new contest for myself.

I've been doing a lot of reading on anxiety disorders (something I've struggled with since childhood). One of the books talks about Embracing the Fear (actually that's the title!) and encourages anxious people to seek out situations that make them nervous - to embrace their fears.

The idea is that anxious people somewhere became uncomfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Being nervous or scared in a situation meant they had to run away and escape. (That pretty much describes me!). To fight this dreaded cycle, the book suggests seeking out feared situations in order to gain more comfort with the unwanted feelings.

So... as I have this major fear of rejection (and it's an occupational hazard when you're a writer), I decided to have fun with this for the summer.

My new goal: over the summer I plan to rack up as many rejection slips as possible. I'll even print them up and post them somewhere. So far I'm up to one. I'll let you know how it's going...

With the first rejection under my belt, I admit, it wasn't nearly as scary now that it's my goal to fail. Kind of takes the sting right out of it!

Should be fun!

Terror arrests in Toronto

I always knew this day would come. Thank God it came BEFORE any innocent lives were lost.

CTV story... click here

CNN story... click here
Under banner reading: Canadian police say they have foiled a major "al Qaeda-inspired" bomb plot against targets in and around Toronto.

Twelve male adults and five youths have been arrested. Along with chemicals for explosive production and other weopons they found 3 tons of ammonia nitrate (a common fertilizer). For comparison the Oklahoma City bombing used 1 ton of the same chemical. This group was preparing to attack targets in Toronto.

God bless our police services all across Canada for being so vigilant.

I'll be be on my knees thanking God an awful lot today...

Update: I'm listening live to a news conference on CKOM.com.

Lessons in the dirt

I've spent the last two evenings in my back yard pulilng weeds and cleaning up.

Here are a few things I've learned:

1. Neglect breeds bad weeds and means more work.
Our yard was neglected last fall and this spring. As a result many of the weeds had formed a green jumbled mess. A few small weeds band together quickly to form a stubborn weedy-bush that can only be ripped out with lots of effort. A small amount of work daily, would have prevented this jungle-tangle disaster.

Spiritual principle: Don't neglect studying God's word. It helps in the picking of a few small weeds, as opposed to a complete back-breaking overhaul to remove a deep-rooted problem. Like everything, creating a simple daily habit keeps things looking fabulous without a lot of work.

2. Weeds spread.
Our neighbours moved out of the rental next door and the owner hasn't been able to find anyone to move in. As a result their once well-mannered yard, puts it's feet up on the table with it's work boots on, while it belches and makes other rude noises. The weeds on their side of the fence have contributed to the problem on our side. It took about 45 minutes just to yank out the large weeds on their side.

Spiritual principle: Our lives affect other lives. And other people's sins affect our lives. In fact, their sin can even breed sow sin in our own lives if we let it. Tending our own garden, by dealing with things before they become a big problem protects those around us.

3. It's hard, yucky messy work, but it's worth it.
I am lucky enough to have a wonderful climbing vine that loves the chain link fence in my back yard. The bad part is I rather it didn't grow where it's growing. But for the most part I let it grow and creep and climb in relative peace. Last fall I neglected to yank out all the little vines. It took at least an hour just to rip out all the dead, dried brittle vines from between the metal links of the fence.

Each snap of a branch catapulted a rain storm of little seeds all over me. It was like being sprinkled with thorns. My hair and clothes were coated and my bare arms quickly became itchy and uncomfortable

But the result? A yard that looks infinitely better than it did. Two flower beds are ready for planting and our downstairs tenant can now get to his parking space in the back without the use of a machete.

Spiritual principle: Working on our own sins and bad habits is hard, uncomfortable work. It isn't easy. In fact it's downright difficult. But the end result is so worth it. I reclaimed a yard I can use to relax and enjoy the great outdoors (and grow a few plants). The difficult work we do in our lives creates a life God can use.

4. Mosquitos eventually become bloodthirsty enough to bite despite the bad taste of incest repellant.
Disturbing the grass and other vegetation in my yard was like flicking a switch on a neon sign reading: all you can eat buffet. I had prepared for this by wearing pants and spraying myself with repellant. But the pesky critters eventually worked through my defenses and found a few tender spots - like my ankle (ouch!).

Spiritual principle: Getting rid of sins and bad habits can stir up resistance from those around us and even from the elements of darkness. Satan would love us to continue with our faith gardens a twisted mess of neglect. So don't be surprised when you hear a faint buzz...

5. Getting rid of weedy problems is much harder alone.
Dear hubby was working tonight so I did much of my work by myself. The work was extra exhausting. Although I love the time for introspection it is much more fun when he's helping. Last Saturday we worked together to pull weeds between the concrete blocks that form our patio. We laughed and helped each other. And whenever a large incest freaked me out, I could count on dear hubby to relocate it.

Spiritual principle: The body of Christ is a powerful team. Too bad we often turn on each other, rather than offering a helping hand. Perhaps we are too scared to get smudged and dirty. Perhaps the creepy crawlies in our own yard scare us too much to venture into another's yard and help. So sad, isn't it? When God's family doesn't operate like a family - but a club steeped in superficiality.

That's all the lessons for today. I've shower and lathered lotion on my poor irritated skin. Tomorrow I get to plant flowers and veggies. I'm so excited to have a real live garden this year. I'm praying God will continue to teach me lessons in the dirt.

Dry Spell

I hate it. I've just come through a dry spell with my writing. Nothing makes a writing want to write more than a few weeks without opportunities to churn out some prose.

Unfortunately, life intervened and several stressful situations ate up all my creativity.

I hate that.

Oh well, life isn't fair, as I've vividly experienced over and over again recently.

So I'm back at it as of today. This post is just to say, that I'm still here. And I'll be posting more frequently (I could never promise regular updates, though! ; )

Musings

Ever had one of those times in your life when it seems like you're on a merry-go-round and the mean big kids have spun it a little too fast and you're scared to move and everything's a blur? And all you really want to do is run home and cry?

Yeah. Me too.

Having one of those times right now, actually.

It's a test. I know. It doesn't make it easy. But then. I suppose it wasn't supposed to be. Otherwise it wouldn't be a test, right?

But life takes off on us once in a while and suddenly you find yourself dizzy and scared.

I am grateful for relationships that I have. Relationships that foster a sense of peace and offer nuturing when I need it. Or a chance to vent when I think no one else will understand. Or just a hug.

I have been blessed this week. While certain things have spun out of control, I have also found myself surrounded by friends who have offered all those things in abundance.

Isn't it neat, how God takes care of us. Even providing his arms through a friend. I'm so grateful for friends!

Home Invasion

Found this while surfing today.

http://www.homeinvasion.org/

Interesting. Might have to locate me a copy....

Another reason

Yesterday a 12-year old girl, who can not be named under the Young Offenders Act, and 23-year old Jeremy Allen Steinke were charged with the killing of her parents in a quiet suburban Medicine Hat home.

I've lived in Medicine Hat. In fact, as recently as February I walked down a path a stone throws from the very house where her parents and younger brother were found dead Sunday afternoon. That this would take place in such a quiet and friendly city (really just a big small town really) is astounding to me.

What I wish, is that it could be astounding to everyone that it should happen ANYWHERE!

But the sad commentary is becoming an all too familiar story. Isolated with feelings of anger and hurt and a bizarre fascination with the macabre she found a home online with fellow vampire freaks of all things. That's where she met her would-be accomplice.

Online.

On the internet.

Still want your kids to have a computer in their room?

How about in the den or basement office where you can't see them or what they are doing or where they are surfing or who they chatting with?

I don't know if this poor Medicine Hat couple had their computer in a central area, but I do know that I am continue to preach the one thing I know about parenting.

Keep in mind I don't know much about parenting. And I know precious little about this Medicine Hat tragedy. But I do know this...

If you want to know where you kids are going online and who they are chatting with then you need to keep the computer in a central area where you can see it! Then they can't surf to porn sites or find a predator posing as a young girl to chat with or discover a hateful circle of friends who will provide security and acceptance for their depraved fantasies without you knowing.

The internet is a wonderful tool. It can connect you with friends and loved ones the world over. But it also has a dark side. Protecting them from it is our job as parents. Be informed. Be involved. Keep the internet out of their rooms.

The consequences of allowing such things might not be so drastic, but let's make it hard for Satan to get to our kids.

I'm done preaching now...

Title

I've taken this week off. Officially. On purpose and everything.

As a freelancer taking time off is tricky. Sometimes you have time off without realizing, as your phone never rings and your email notification remains silent. No editors asking for stuff means you don't work. Which technically could be considered time off, but I don't count it unless I purposely plan to have it off.

I've worked like a dog these last three weeks.

As an aside: Where does that phrase come from anyway? I mean seriously. I've never seen a dog work all that hard. Maybe a police or rescue dog or something. But most dogs I've met yawn and stretch and bark at the mailman from the couch. How hard can they work really?

Anywho...

I've been working like a crazy person with writing deadlines (three just this morning - why do I do this to myself?), work at the centre, meetings and other commitments. During all of this my family took turns getting sick.

Sooo... given my lack of sleep, prolonged mood of tension, stress and general abuse of my brain cells I realized some time last week that it would be very likely that my yearly spring cold would pay me a visit sometime soon.

As a result I arranged to take this week "off".

And right on cue I'm sick.

I woke up this morning with a headache and burning throat. I'm trying hard not to talk and to drink as much warm (and cold) fluids as possible.

Complicating my life is my job as a contractor at the centre. This means taking time off requires me to still check messages from home and return phone calls as needed. But I arranged one day with only one appointment. Other than that, I'm coming home when I'm done to just sit and stare at the walls.

I've even given myself permission to stay in my jammies all day if I so desire.

I already turned down work from one editor and arranged an interview for a coming centre spread for next week.

I'm on holiday. All right. I might be sick, but I"m still on holiday. And the pajamas sound real good. Along with ice cream. Maybe watch some Dr. Phil. Get caught up on my reading.

RIght now I have to go pick up my husband to take him to an appointment. So much for holidays...

Fear Factor

Hello. My name is JJ and I’m a big chicken.

Bawk! Bawk! Bawk!

It’s true. I’ve been a scaredy-cat since I was a kid. Whenever a bug came near me I freaked. And big machinery like a back hoe sent me screaming in terror.

Now I’m a grown up, but little has changed. I might not cover my ears and run at the sight of heavy equipment, but I’m still scared of so many things.

I’m scared of heights or more accurately falling from them.

I’m scared of closed or confined spaces, though not as much as I used to be.

I’m scared of spiders (it’s a phobia so I know it isn’t rational, but that doesn’t help, ok?).

I also have other more complex fears.

I’m scared others won’t like me. I’m not as insecure as I used to be. I’ve accepted that there are those that I will consistently rub the wrong way for whatever reason. Doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with me. That’s just how it is.

I’m scared of making mistakes. That’s the perfectionist in me talking and probably my editors appreciate this quality. (Though, heaven help me, I made two glaring typos in my most recent article in the SP and my red pencil is twitching…)

I’m also afraid of failure.

I put off starting articles because of it. I fear my best writing or articles are behind me. (I can see my husband rolling his eyes now, he’s heard this so often!)

Slowly, though, I have realized that living a life of faith is living a life of risk. I’m not talking about sky-diving without a parachute here. I mean being vulnerable, being open, honest and real with people and taking the risk of getting hurt. I mean taking the chance of not being liked by absolutely everybody and, yes, risking making mistakes.

Growing means making the occasional blunder. And allowing ourselves the grace to fail at times.

Because we know that even if we’ve failed or made a huge mistake, God is always there waiting with outstretched arms. He runs to great us when we think no one cares where we’ve been. His love never fails even when we have. His mercies and goodness start afresh each day.

I don't have to fear being imperfect, because He knows my weaknesses. He knows my sins and the deepest rebellion in my heart and yet He sent His Son to die for me anyway.

So making minor mistakes or even major flubs does not mean we're not worthy anymore. God knows and God comforts like no one else when we run to him.

And we realize His grace is sufficient for us. Even for us chickens.

Current news

Ok. This is belated current news. My latest article hit newspaper stands last Saturday (the 15th). The StarPhoenix ran a feature on Robert Orr and his Christian radio station here in Saskatoon. Unfortunately, they made it subscriber only online. (Sorry).

But if you can track down a back copy of the paper it's on page E5.

I'm currently working on a bunch more for the SP due Monday. It's going to be a very busy week. One could argue that I love being busy. For one thing it would explain why I find myself constantly biting off more than I can chew... and then chewing it.

For another there's a certain rhythm to the life of a contractor. You're only one assignment unemployment, disaster, starvation. While I admit there is no greater source of motivation than constantly living on razor's edge of calamity, I haven't quite adjusted to the ebb and flow of freelancing.

I forget to take advantage of those weeks when life is rather quiet and be grateful for the reprieve. And I forget, sometimes, to be grateful when I'm faced with numerous deadlines, interviews, revisions, rewrites, photos, jpegs, transcripts, research... oh yeah... and writing too!

I'm trying to look at these busy times as a gift. I miss my fulltime job at the SP so much. But slowly, God is changing my heart to see the wonderful blessings he has provided me with every day. For instance, despite being too busy to seek out assignments, I've never had a week without something to work on. (Except the one week when I was on holidays in Alberta - go figure!)

God knows what he's doing - even if it takes me six months to admit it.

Ponderful

I am in the midst of a haze of deadlines and going slowly nutty. The best thing to do would be to send chocolate or coffee... better make it both!

Anywho... I interviewed a gentleman last night for an article and he said something so profound I didn't want to forget it in the aforementioned fog. So here it is for all to ponder:

Life is bittersweet. We just have to make the most of the sweeter moments.

Huh.

Took the zing right out of my pity-party. Darn it anyway...

The wall

It happens every year about this time. I hit the wall.

That's when I've had it with big bulky sweaters and over-large coats. That's when I'm sick of scraping windows, warming up cars, driving on slippery roads and ice-rutted streets. That's when I've reach my fill of shoveling snow and finding lost mittens.

This year it is compounded by a dreadfully scary winter driving incident and the fact that I sprained my ankle last week after falling down our front steps.

Yup. I've had it.

I've done rather well this year. The fact that we've had a beautifully mild winter has helped. Nothing sends me hurtling toward the wall faster than a few weeks at -40. (A few years ago, after an especially cold January-February-March, I threatened to Fed Ex myself to Florida. I kid you not.)

I was born and raised in Saskatchewan where winter resides about six months out of every 12. And I'm a wimp. I admit it.

You know that pride most Canadians develop? They live in a barely hospitable climate and they're darn proud. Yeah, well, I don't have it. Not me. I stare longingly south starting about November 1.

Now please don't suggest I move somewhere warm or more temperate. You see with warmer climates come other things I don't like... namely larger more poisonous insects. Eek! Or earthquakes. Like hello? Who voluntarily signs up to live on land that could open up and swallow you at any moment? Or hurricanes. Um... no thanks.

So I brave the cold, the snow, the ice and unbearably dry air as my yearly penance.

And every year it happens... I hit the wall.

So if you happen to see me with my eye twitching, muttering incoherently about the weather, don't worry. I'll be ok come spring.

More on movies...

Here's a great round up of some fabulous films from last year. Although, I disagree about Madagascar. I thought it was over the top and dreadful, personally.

http://www.crosswalk.com/fun/movies/1383225.html

Please rent one of them.