Yes, She's My Date. NO, I'm NOT Sleeping With Her!

The first 'formal' party I attended, after the ex and I split, was the Holiday Party at work.

Or as others call it, the Christmas Party.

Each year, it's a similar event.

Buffet meal, speeches and prizes, dance.

Business casual / semi formal.

Which of course translates into, 'a night to dress up, Ladies!'


That first year, I brought a longtime guy friend as my date.

He was 'safe'.

And as it turned out, we had a great night!


The next year, I did something different.

Although I had enjoyed the party with my friend the previous year, I also still had the 'duty' of making sure he was having a good time, and being entertained all evening.

Rightfully so, seeing as he was my date and he didn't know any of my co-workers.


However, the second year, I knew in advance I wanted to let loose on the dance floor.

And I wouldn't really be able to do that, if I was with a date, who didn't know anyone, and who wasn't crazy about dancing.

So, I decided to bring my best friend, Cassandra.

I've mentioned her a few times, here in the Korner.

Like HERE and HERE and HERE and of course HERE.

Annnnnnnd ... you get the idea.

We've had alot of adventures together!

We've been friends for almost 20 years.

I knew, if I brought her as my guest, she'd love the meal, and I'd have a guaranteed dance partner.

And the bonus was, she already knew lots of my co-workers.

Many she had met at my own house parties over the years.

I wouldn't have to make sure she was 'entertained' all evening, because she was perfectly capable of entertaining herself!

The perfect 'date'.

So, I brought her with me.

And the year after that.

And the year after that.

And again this year.

I think it's four ... or actually, FIVE years now she's been my 'date' (yeah, I'm missing a pic there somewhere).

And as much as I enjoy bringing her, there's one thing, after so many years, I'd like to get straight ... here ... and now.

For all you ... guys especially ... who have looked at us (not only at this particular event), on the dance floor and wondered to yourselves... or perhaps even to your buddy next to you ... 'I wonder if they're ... '

Sorry to disappoint you, Boys, but NO ... we're not.

Yes, she's my date, no, I'm not sleeping with her.

It's convenient, it's practical, and tradition now, but most of all, it's always a fun, Girls Night Out for both of us.

Our yearly shindig, if you will.

So, stop wondering.

And fantasizing!

Women CAN go out together, and have dinner, dance, and even end up in the same bed, discussing the evening's events, and giggling like 12yr old schoolgirls.

But in the end, it usually ends the same way.

No, not a pillow fight! Get your minds out of the gutter, all of ya!!

What I mean is, usually, one is mumbling, and the other responds with a grunt of some sort.

After that ... silence.

Not as exciting as the pillow fight, I know, but hey, it's my reality ;-p

That's just the way us, Best Friends, roll.

K.

Just Another Sunday Night ... Callin' The Cops ...

Sunday evening, after dinner, Adam announced he was going to Bob's* house for a sleepover.

I was OK with the spur of the moment-ness of it, because Bob* is a good friend who just lives 'down the road'.

Good kid, good family.

'See ya! Have fun at Bob's*!'


About an hour after he'd left, he called home.

'Mom? I just got a text message from Johnny*, and I'm scared.'

Immediately my Mom Senses were tingling.

I had already asked Johnny* to stop communicating with Adam, and the kid just wasn't getting the hint.

Adam had already removed him from Facebook. This was a message sent to his cell phone.

We hadn't figured out how to block text messages on the phone yet. We'd never had the need to.

Although Adam never answered them, Johnny* occasionally continued to send text messages along the, 'You there? I really need to talk to you', variety.

'What did he say this time?' I asked?



Adam lowered his voice and said, 'He said, 'See what you did? It's because of you I'm sitting here with three slits in my wrist!''

I blinked.

I stared into the fireplace for a second.

And blinked again.

Then I took a deep breath.

I thanked Adam for calling me, told him to not answer the message, go back to his evening with Bob*, have fun, and leave Johnny* to me.

After some reassurance that everything would be fine ... after all, he DID call Mom, and Mom handles everything ... right? ... he hung up.

So did I. Then, looked at the phone and thought, 'What the hell do I do NOW?'


I didn't know if this kid was serious, or simply trying to make Adam feel responsible for his bad choices, but I wasn't about to take any chances.

I had no idea if there was a boy sitting in a bedroom somewhere who needed help or not, and all I had to go on was a first and last name, a general location of a house, and a cell phone number.

How could I even track down his parents phone number with that info?

Come on Kim, figure out what to do, time's tickin'!!!



Last summer (late Aug), while visiting friends out of town, Adam made a new friend, Johnny*.

Johnny is a couple of years older, but I didn't have a problem with that, because Adam is a mature kid for his age when it comes to 'hangin' with the boys', after years of hanging around with his older brother and HIS friends.

I had asked my friend about his parents? Was he a 'good kid'? Did he come from a 'good family'?

It wouldn't matter who it was, boy/girl, older/younger ... I like to know who my kids are friends with, and what kind of kids they are.

She said she didn't know his mom, but knew his dad from way back, and he was a nice guy. No issues that she knew of other than they were divorced.

OK.

Obviously divorce is not a strike.

Welcome to the crew, Johnny*



Aside from the initial meeting, and one additional occasion Johnny* came to hang out for a few hours while we were visiting the same friends, their friendship continued only online.

Last month, Johnny* made a few comments that I considered 'over the line'.

I'm not going to get into details here. Those aren't important.

What is important, is to stress that through mutual agreement, Adam and I decided that the friendship, messages, etc. would not continue.

I will also say that my Mom Senses were telling me that Johnny* had issues, and although I certainly didn't think he was a bad kid, by ANY means, I did think he needed to talk to someone about his issues.

But, that person was NOT my 10yr old son.

Being a friend is one thing. Being made responsible for someone else's decisions, feelings, thoughts ... that's not a friendship.

And it's not the kind of pressure a 10yr old boy needs/deserves on his shoulders.

A friend wouldn't do that.

So, Johnny* was made aware the friendship would have to come to an end.

The result?

"I'm sitting here with three slits in my wrist!''



I did the only thing my conscience would let me do.

I called the RCMP.

I understood Johnny's* mother/father may not appreciate having the Police show up at their door, especially if it was a 'false alarm', but I was willing to take that chance.

You can't play around with crap like that.

And you can't cry wolf with THIS mama.



I wasn't sure exactly where he lived, but based on the info I had, they found him.

About an hour later, an officer called back and said Johnny* appeared fine physically.

After determining that fact, they sat him down, and had a long talk with both him and his mother.

I was very thankful for that.

And thankful for the callback, letting me know he was OK.

Although I may not want Adam to maintain a friendship with Johnny*, I certainly don't want to see anything happen to the boy either.

To me, that text message was a cry for help.

I hope it gets answered.



I know Johnny* isn't comfortable talking to his mom or dad, or other friends, or someone else he has there closer to him, and I'm sorry for that.

I know there are many others out there just like Johnny*.

He's NOT alone.

If Johnny* sees this, I'd like him (and all others who feel the need to talk to someone) to PLEASE call:

KIDS HELP PHONE!

1-800-668-6868

I can't say someone there CAN help, but I do know they've been listening to kids for over 20 years and they're better equipped at handling the confusing issues.

Better than my son is.

The calls are confidential, and can be made anonymously.

CALL!


Most people I know, end their weekend on a quiet note.

In my Korner?

Come on!

A quiet moment?

Round here, that's just another Sunday night ... callin' the cops!

Oh ... wait ... last time, it was Saturday night!


Talk to your kids, People!

Or better yet, LISTEN!

K.

P.S. * Obviously Bob and Johnny are NOT their real names. m'kay? M'KAY!

Halifax Whistler 100 Walk - Uniting Strangers, Dogs And Friends

On February 13th, at 1pm almost 100 dogs and their owners, assembled at the South entrance triangle, on the Halifax Common.

The boys, Alec's friend Charles, Belle and I were five of them.


Some of you may remember me mentioning the Walk for the Whistler 100, that I attempted to organize for Halifax.

In six days.

With a kennel club event going on, that would have hundreds of dogs and owners attending.

Unexpectedly finding out I needed a PERMIT from HRM to hold the walk in the first place.

And then there was that whole Canada Games thing, that potentially had people either busy checking out the events on a Sunday afternoon, or in Florida.

We'd most likely get more people if I pushed the date back, but I wanted to coincide with what seemed to be the majority of BC walks, at the time I originally decided to have the walk.


So I went ahead with it anyway.

I figured, if it turned out it was only the boys, Belle and I who showed up, at least we would have tried.



At the beginning of the week, I contacted a childhood friend of mine, Christine Greening, owner of Bark & Fitz, Halifax.

We hadn't actually seen each other in over 20yrs, but had been keeping up with each other lately on Facebook.

I figured if anyone could help me spread the word about this, she could.

And she did.

Christine and Jenn Sinclair, retail manager of Bark & Fitz, Halifax

With only six days to get the word out, between my cold emailing media, vets, shelters, pet stores, groomers, walkers, sitters, and posting it everywhere I could think of and her network of key people in the dog community who graciously spread the word, we managed to get ...


SEVENTY FOUR+ PEOPLE!!!

Yes, I'm counting the Dude we picked up at the Oval along the way!

Seventy four people (and then some) showed up to raise awareness, honour the Whistler 100 and had a great walk with their dogs!

WooHoo!!!

WAY TO GO Halifax, Nova Scotia! I'm SO proud of us!



When the walkers and dogs first arrived, they were greeted by (my 10yr old) Adam, who not only did a great job on our sign ...



He also handed a red ribbon to each owner for their dog.

There were 100 ribbons on hand, one for each of the slain huskies.




AND ... he took almost 180 pictures in total for us that day!



Thanks so much Adam for taking them all! GREAT JOB, Hun! You ROCK!


Belle on her way to the walk.

Alec (my 14 yr old) and his friend Charles held the sign for us the whole way!

I know for a fact, some people walked who DIDN'T even HAVE a dog!

For a bunch of dogs who had never met each other (for the most part) they all seemed to know they were there for a reason and just ... got along and walked. It was GREAT!

Our efforts didn't go unnoticed ... we made the 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm CBC radio news!

As well as the CBC morning news the next day.

They also did an online article, that you can find HERE.

THANKS, CBC! Much appreciated.


As for any other type of media coverage ... before, during or after ... nothing.

Very disappointing.

Various print, radio and tv media were notified early in the week (Tuesday).

They had lots of time to promote it. They didn't. Not that anybody heard or noticed.

They obviously didn't see this as a newsworthy event, as they didn't show up on Sunday either.

Did I mention, VERY DISAPPOINTING!


Having said that, THANKS MUCH to 101.3 The Bounce for posting the event notice to their event 411 website and Frankie's and K8's blogs!

I was also told FX 101.9 would mention it on air, but didn't personally hear it. So thanks to JB if it was!

Also have to give a shout out and BIG THANK YOU to Wilsons Gas Stop in Fall River, NS, for putting our poster up in the very middle of their door for ALL to see! BAM! Thanks much for the support, Wilsons!


Unfortunately, the only reason the CBC was there, was because of strategic location planning.

From their window, they noticed the large group of owners/dogs/bows gathered almost directly in front of their building, and realized they'd better come down and see what was going on.

Interview with Paul Palmeter of CBC, Halifax.




And I know, the walkers are VERY glad they did!


Now, you regulars in my Korner ... do you REALLY think it was a fluke that I planned our walk to be at the Common, during the Canada Games, when there would be a huge crowd at the Oval?

And potential media coverage?

Uh ... NO!

We needed to be seen! We needed people to know we were standing up for animal rights.

Standing up for the 100 who were frozen dead in a pit, somewhere in BC.


This WAS a newsworthy event.

A simple search for Whistler 100 will bring up various news articles either promoting upcoming walks, or by media on hand at an event.

They're walking as far as Italy and Norway!

People care!

Laws have to and will be changed and each person that took part in the Halifax walk was an integral part in making that happen.


Thanks so much to everyone who came out!

Also, to AAOAW, and especially to my childhood friend, Christine, for helping me pull it all together.

The Halifax Whistler 100 Walk . Uniting Strangers, Dogs And Friends.


If you would like to see some of the pics, and comments on them, that were posted by the AAOAW FB group page, feel free to do so by checking out THEIR ALBUM.

If you would like to see all 117 pictures that made it out of Adam's original 180, please check out MY ALBUM.


There WILL be another walk next year. In April, on the anniversary.

Hopefully on the Common, if we can get a permit again (thanks HRM, for a no-hassle walk, btw).


Join us!

Raise awareness.

Walk and (re)connect with friends.

Maybe ... Save a dog.

We all did ...

K.

P.S. If anyone else with a camera happened to get a shot of the kid in the orange jacket, running around taking pictures, would you mind sending me a copy please? He was so busy TAKING pictures, he didn't actually get INTO any of them! Thanks! **smooches!**

Walking For The Whistler 100

Occasionally, I like to use this little Korner of the web to promote, or raise awareness for subjects that are near and dear to me.

Most likely involving kids, or people in need.

Today is another one of those days!


Perhaps you are familiar with the incident at Outdoor Adventures, Whistler.

The senseless slaughtering of the 100 sled dogs back in April, 2010.

Surprisingly, the story is really only now making the news, and getting people's attention ... http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110131/bc-sled-dogs-killed-110131/



It got MY attention.

I saw it for the first time on the midnight news last Sunday, and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I love dogs.

Always have.

Couldn't imagine my life without one.


If you're that type of person, this story hit home. Hard.

I have ALOT of opinions on the tragedy.

However, because I have, what I believe, is more important information I want to share today, I'm going to keep it simple.


1. It shouldn't have happened. Period. The laws against animal abuse/cruelty in Canada need to be changed.

Hear that, Mr Prime Minister?

We want TOUGHER LAWS! Not PTSD benefits for the killer!

No, No, NO!


2. I hold many people ultimately 'responsible' for the fate of the dogs.

Obviously the man who slaughtered them. You, sir, have a special place in hell. But I'm sure you already know that.

However, he, as well as a handful of other's who knew of the dog's impending fate ...

... COULD have picked up the phone and made an anonymous phone call to the police, media, etc, warning of the actions OAW were considering.

... COULD have been a HERO!

... COULD have ...


One call.



And of course, I have questions.

What REALLY happened to the 40-60 dogs that were supposedly 're-homed' prior to the slaughter, and why hasn't anyone come forth to say 'Hey, I have one of THOSE dogs!'

I really wish someone would.

I know alot of people are wondering what happened to them.


And more importantly, if OAW is shut down, for whatever reason, what is going to happen to the ... 200? remaining dogs?

Will THEY be re-homed?

Or joining their brothers and sister in the pit of hell in the backyard?

Let's hope not.


To raise awareness, to (hopefully) ensure the safety of the remaining dogs, and to remember those who didn't have a chance, members of the Advocates Against Outdoor Adventures Whistler are organizing Dog Walks.

Pic taken from HERE

There are (currently) 10 walks taking place throughout BC as well as in Calgary and Red Deer over the upcoming weekend, February 12 & 13, that have been announced on the

AAOAW's Facebook page.

The walks are in memory of the dogs, or Whistler 100 as they are becoming known, as well as to raise awareness for animal cruelty, and the fact the laws need to change.

By having a walk in Halifax, NS on Sunday, February 13th, we can show our support coast to coast.


So, I organized one :-)

I wouldn't say our event is a protest, by any means, but more so a peaceful dog walk, in memory and support of the dogs, and the fact they hopefully haven't died in vain.

For all those in the Halifax area, would LOVE to see you there!


Here are the specifics:


EVENT: Walk for the Whistler 100


Please join us on Sunday, February 13, 2011 for a DOG WALK around the Halifax Commons, in support and memory of the Whistler 100.

Many of us were shocked and outraged by the senseless slaughtering of the 100 Huskies at Outdoor Adventures, Whistler - http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110131/bc-sled-dogs-killed-110131/

Dog owners and lovers want to show our support for these dogs, and raise awareness for animal cruelty.

And we’re doing it COAST TO COAST!


On Sunday, walks are taking place in BC, and Alberta (so far), and now with us joining in Halifax, we’ll be able to show our support for the Whistler 100 from coast to coast!


All walkers are asked to meet at the South Commons Triangle (Next to the pool on the Halifax Commons) for 12:45 pm and be ready to walk at 1pm.

We will be walking – two by two- around the perimeter of the Halifax Commons.

The walk is scheduled for one hour. This means we will most likely do more than one loop around the perimeter.

These will be organized, peaceful walks, in memory of the dogs, as well as to raise awareness for animal cruelty, and the fact the laws need to change.


Event Details!

WHEN: Sunday, February, 13, 2011 1pm – 2pm (meet at 12:45 at South Commons Triangle - next to the pool on the Halifax Commons)

WHERE: Perimeter of the Halifax Commons (on sidewalk)


Important Details:

Please be advised that leashes are mandatory. This is a walk to show positive support for the dogs, and all animal rights.

Please respect the laws and bylaws, have your dog licensed.

Please be prepared to pick up after your dog.



Join us!

Raise Awareness!

And just maybe, save a dog!


If you have any questions, they can be directed to Kim Stoodley at kimstoodley@yahoo.com

Hope to see you Sunday!

And don’t forget to bring your dog(s)!!!

If you don't have one ... borrow one!

*********************************************

I'd like all the those visiting today, to please spread the word of these walks/events, in any way you'd like :-)

Digg me, Stumble me, Tweet me ... whatever! Every little bit helps!

Thanks!

K.

See This? THIS Is What 40 Looks Like!

See this?

THIS is what 40 looks like.

Yesterday was my birthday.

I turned 40.

OK, so maybe it looks more like this ...

Alright! Alright! So it looks most often like this ...

People act like turning 40 should be a big deal.

Really? It was just like any other day.

I did go out with family and friends the Friday night before my birthday, to celebrate.

That was a GREAT time!

I’m not sure why, but I felt very strongly about going home for my birthday this year. Spending it with my mom, and family.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting sentimental in my old age, but if I was going to go out and celebrate this event, I wanted to do it with family.

Friends were invited, and welcome too, of course, but for some reason, this year, it was important for me to party hard with my family, as opposed to a room full of strangers in a downtown bar.

Friday night was a wonderful time. I danced. I sang. My glass was never empty all night!

I’m really glad I made the road trip and had the night out.

Because yesterday, the actual birth DAY … was pretty much a non-event.

The first ‘Happy Birthday’ message I read on my Facebook wall that morning made me smile. OK, it out and out made me laugh (Thanks, Russell!!!)

It was nice to start the day off like that.

I got an e-card from my uncle.

My mom called me at work.

Adam wished me a happy birthday on his way out the door for school. Alec did too, later that afternoon sometime.

I got a heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday’ from a couple of people at the office, and an obligatory ‘Happy Birthday’ from a couple of others.

On the way home from work last night, I bought myself a chocolate fudge cake, and had the bakery lady write on it ‘Happy 29th, ALWAYS!’

I had many happy birthday wishes on my Facebook wall throughout the day, that I REALLY appreciated!

I got home from work, unloaded a dishwasher, put a load of laundry in the wash, brought three armloads of wood in from the garage, made spaghetti for dinner, and folded a full laundry basket, filled entirely of … socks! UGH!

And that was how I celebrated.

No fanfare.

No ‘big deal’.

Heck … not even cards from my kids … until Alec realized I was disappointed in them for that, and made me one.

But what can ya do? They’re kids. It’s not like their dad is going to remind them to do anything for me to make the day ‘special’.

It is what it is.

My co-workers? Um … yeah. There was another guy in the office with a birthday yesterday, too.

Also his 40th.

His cube was decorated. A card went around the office for everyone to sign. A bunch of people took him out to lunch.

And I must say, it really warmed my heart to see how our co-workers took the time and effort to make his day special for him.

It was also a nice kick in the face to see that the people I work with every day, some for years, some I consider friends, didn’t think enough of me to pick up or sign a card, let alone decorate a cube.

That was nice.

Made me feel SO good to know how much they cared!

Right.

Feeling sorry for myself?

Nope.

Simply stating the facts of how I spent my ‘special day’ for my 40th.

Feeling bitter towards my co-workers?

Nope.

It was an eye opener. Nothing more.

I got used to being the only one making my day special for ME, after the ex and I split six years ago.

That’s why I buy myself a birthday cake every year. And why I buy myself presents from my kids.

*I* make my day special.

For me.

I had a lot of fun in my 20’s.

I was just starting out … getting married ... starting a family … working on the career ... starting a life.

I can’t really say I’m sorry to see my 30’s go.

Although there were a few good moments (like Adam’s birth), they were few and far between.

A lot of it pretty much SUCKED!

I’m looking forward to my 40’s.

I think it’s going to be a GREAT decade!

It’s going to be what *I* make of it.

And I plan on making it phenomenal!!!

Next year though, I’ve decided I’m going to do things just a little bit differently ...

See this?

Pic taken from HERE

Next year?

This is what 41 is going to look like! Or something close to it!


Happy Birthday to ME!!!! :-)

K.