People of Vancouver Getting 'Snowed'

I just had to share my frustration and empathy for the folks of

Vancouver who (realize it or not), are getting snowed by the

city and it's plan for the snow shortage crisis.

Vancouver has had the good fortune of a fairly mild winter

this season. Well, being on the other side of the weather

coin 'I' say the good fortune...

The lack of snow posed a potential problem for our hosts of 

this year's Olympics, specifically skiing events.

The folks at Whistler who's hills are still in good condition

apparently offered the use of their hills to event organizers.

So will the skiers be flying down Whistlers hills?...........NO!

The hills are unaccessible to those coming to watch the 

events, so Whistler's offer was declined.

So now what would the next logical plan be??!! Hmmm...

Apparrently it is to spend a crap load of money to have

it shipped in from 3 hours away to toss on a hill that

people can park their butt on for a cpl days!!!

I'm sorry, but that is such a BIG waste of tax payers

money! Why spend so much on an event?? People will not continue to swarm Vancouver's hills in years to come because of their stupidity ..oops I mean effort.

...It's not like they would've had to call the event off;... just for one or two there would be no public allowed. People WILL sit in an auditorium to watch an event if it's big enough geez! I think an auditorium is cheaper to rent too then snow shipping? Just a guess.

Maybe the city should make those that just 'have' to park their butts up there to see it, pay for the chauffering of the snow!

No? I didn't think so.

Sorry residents of Vancouver/British Columbia....I tried.

The Devil Made Me Do It

   Well, my blog has temporarily become my soap box. I have to get this off my chest because I'm going to EXPLODE if I don't blow off some 'lava'.

   Summer, (even though still a ways off), is coming up fast....for my mom in-law. She is planning on taking a cruise with some of her friends/family this summer, and with the new year having started, she's gone in to 'full speed ahead' with the planning.

   Now PLEASE don't get me wrong. I love this woman as if she were my own mother. We have a really good relationship and I appreciate the sacrifices she's made for us.
We've all been alot though, and as a result have had to miss out on things. It is on this thought that the devil has perched and sings into my ear.

   I dove right into school almost immediately after the seperation. I believe in the whole of things, keeping busy was better, but it made for some neglection of the kids (fun stuff) which after such a big 'change' was hard. I shouldn't have, but I promised the kids that once I graduated, we would go on vacation to California. It would be a reward for all of us for being so patient and working hard. Well, of course my unexpected dismissal totally screwed that plan up (for now).    

   Money once again is tight, so when MIL said she is still planning on going, I can't help but feel upset and jealous, I admit it. She is constantly on me about saving money and being more frugile. The kids don't need such a big Christmas, down size the birthday parties, no to bigger purchases...
I didn't mind, I agreed with her. It's good to have that 'voice' in your ear when temptation strikes. I'm still sort of waiting for that same voice though to go off in her ear.

   Why is it we (the kids and I) have to wait until things get better? I will continue to try of course, but what it takes alot of time to start over. I want to enjoy time with my kids, not just work for their enjoyment.

   When I revisit the past and all she has done for us, I feel ashamed at myself for thinking like this. She has stepped up where her son did not; she moved away from friends and conveniences, worked a horrible job with a horrible shift (4 am - 12 noon), taken care of her 3 (now 4) grandkids, and all with not so great health. She grew up poor, had her husband leave her, started over only to end up in our mess...She has lived her life without living. If she wants to go travel, then she should.

   I'm sure I'll be upset many more times before (and after), but as long as I have this 'soap box', I'll have something to cover that pesky devil on my shoulder.

   Bon Voyage Barb; you've earned it.

Twittering Amongst The Stars

   Welcome to my first blog of 2010! I hope it showers you all with health, happiness, and prosperity!

   The way we communicate with each other over the internet is constantly changing and evolving. It seems like there is always some new way of getting connected with people. First it was the use of messengers (for example Yahoo or MSN), and then personalized pages such as My Space or Facebook. The hottest #TT right now though seems to be .......that's right! Twitter.
An ever increasing amount of people are deciding to join in on the fun, and surprisingly a large number of them are celebrities.

   I have to say that I am surprised by the number of actors, sports figures, writers etc that are on Twitter. I mean why not, it is afterall an effective means to reach a large number of fans with up to the minute info about album releases, new and upcoming films etc. 
There seem to be alot though who do not use the service as merely a plug for themselves; they actually share what is going on in their lives at the moment, and/or what's on their mind.

   I know that there are those who are skeptical of celebrities on Twitter.They are just accounts that have been set up to fool people. Well, that is a fair arguement, but I will continue on with my blog based on my own personal belief that they are who they say. Afterall, ANYONE can lie and pretend to be someone they're not, it's does not just pertain to those with 'celebrity status'.
Innocent til proven guilty I say (for anyone).

   I find it wonderful that many of them have decided to share themselves with us 'normal' folk. They have made me laugh, cry, think, and they have inspired. Some are even kind enough to respond if written to.
   Some of my personal favourites include @StephenFry, @WayneBrady, @omarepps, @WillyVille, @oliviawilde, @JimCarrey, @1capplegate, @TheEllenShow,  @MARLONWAYANS (or any of the Wayans fam, they are all awesome!),and @Kelsey_Grammer (just to name a few!) I am on and off of the computer throughout the day, and no matter how I'm feeling (good or bad), after catching up on Twitter, I always feel better.
Somedays I'm whisked off to another part of the world by Stephen Fry, or others sitting down at the family table of the Wayans busting a gut laughing! I can't count the number of days that the inspiring quotes posted by Omar Epps, Wilmer Valderrama, and again the Wayans have REALLY helped lift my spirits.

   I would really like to thank those celebs who have decided to open up. I believe it takes alot of courage and belief in self to do so, as the profession can be very harsh when personal info is exposed.
I think that a very large number of us could either care-less about the majority of crap that the media throw at us, or even bother to believe it. Most 'stories' are obtained through invasion of privacy and/or reworded & 'photoshopped'.
Having these people (celebs) share what and how much of themselves they desire to is good enough for me, and should be acceptable to their fans.

I believe for most of it is.

   Gee, if people continue to turn to Twitter for their fill of 'HollyWood gossip', then where will that leave the poor paparazzi?

   ...hopefully at the line of a local unemployment office.