So last night was a blast! We danced until our feet nearly fell off and headed home around 1. Christena and Carmen quite respectively, took their shoes off near the beginning of the night since they could barely dance, but me, on the other hand, endured the angry pain that consumed my feet from my very high heels because I was too afraid they would not go back on if I took them off. Everyone looked stunning. Tenie wore a blue ballet skirt with a pink halter top and her lovely new silver heels. Carmen was clad in a beautiful black halter dress that had red ribbon edging the different layers of her very puffy skirt...oh and her very nice new black strappy heels. I wore an egg plant halter dress with black heels and my hair was done quite nicely by Tenie. It was definitely a night to remember. When the song "Home for a Rest" came on, the room erupted into leg slapping, foot stomping and hand clapping. We were stomping so much that we made the CD skip! We then "Walked like an Egyptian," which was quite fitting as it was an Archaeology formal. There weren't many songs that we didn't dance to. We only stopped for water, or alcohol, breaks and by the time it was time to catch a cab, I was ready for sleep. It is an event we will definitely be attending next year. The crowd was small and the DJ was really good, which made for a nice combination. In March our university holds the annual Charity Ball. All of the proceeds from that event goes to a charity that the organizing committee picks at the beginning of September. If that formal is a repeat of last night, we're in for a great time! I can't wait. Oh yes, and Jetta was very happy to see us when we got home. Tenie and Carmen walked over and picked her up from Ashley's, as I could barely walk because of my stupid sore feet. She jumped into bed with me and fell fast asleep. She must have been busy playing with Medley and keeping Auntie Ashley company. The swim meet went well as well. My times were pretty fast and I nearly broke my own Canadian record. Ihave a meet in Montreal in February, so hopefully that record will be obliterated then. Anyway, off to get supper out of the oven. Oh and the quote of the day is taken from one of my favourite Greenday songs-it kind of suits the day as it's rainy as hell and a very peculiar day. *I wahsed the dishes, made muffins, washed the mats in the bathroom, overhauled the kitty litter, and read for my classes, have a group meeting tonight at 8:30, oh and found out my parents are having a fiftieth wedding anniversary party for my grandparents, which I must try to get home for* So it is: "Everything is dementedly okay."

It was a gorgeous day here in Waterloo today. I swear it was more like May than January. I think Mother Nature is very confused-hmmm, could it be from all of the crap we pump into the atmosphere? Anyway, I went for a haircut this afternoon, after two classes and a grooling swim practice. Jetta did amazingly. It was the first time she and I had walked there on our own and she had a flawless performance. I have to admit I was a little nervous, but the instant she found the door all of my doubts vanished and I was absolutely ecstatic. It's a feeling a guide dog handler can't quite explain to a non-guide dog handler. (No offense to you non-guide dog users, you're really great people too). An hour later, I emerged a new, happy girl. My dog had found a place we had only been to twice last semester and my hair was no longer falling into my eyes and up my nose. Christena met me and she, Jett and I took the bus to one of our lovely shopping facilities-otherwise known as a mall. Tomorrow evening she, Carmen and I are heading to the Archaeology formal and she desperately needed new dress shoes. The ones she owned were ancient and were about to bite the dust. We hit a few shoe stores with no luck. She was very distraught as most of the strappy sandals made her feet "look like hams!" (Those are her words, not mine). She was starting to get worried when we found a nice silver heel with a little bow that were on sale for sixteen dollars. It was meant to be! We also stopped in and bought Ashley a home warming gift at a fantastic store called Green Earth. I love that store! I think we should move in. She had mentioned wanting a celtic cross and this store was just the place. We perused their Celtic cross selection and settled on a white, gold rimmed cross from Saint Pattrick's era. It's quite lovely. I think I want one for myself. I also found myself a Celtic charm called Brigit's Sun: which is the sign for inner light. It's basically a woman sitting on a half moon with a star beside her. There was another charm with a unicorn on it, which stood for protection and prosperity, but unfortunately they were sold out. Oh well, there is always next time. We finished the evening off by stopping off at Ashley's for tea after supper and giving her the cross. We have just gotten home from tea and I am about to head to bed. I have my first swim meet in six months and I need to be rested up. I am a little nervous, but I am glad because it's here in Waterloo. (Yay, no travelling). Jetta will be happy it's here too. Whenever she sees me get the suitcase out she mopes. I have often caught her removing items from the pockets as well. Maybe she figures if she unpacks, I'll get the hint and we won't go. (Sooooo cute)! She is going to spend the night with Ashley tomorrow so that she is not left alone while her Mom and her two other aunts shake their groove thangs. (Don't ask). We'll pick her up after the formal and I am sure she'll be happy to see us-but she'll also be happy we didn't drag her along. Anyway, I should sleep: tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Oh yeah, I have also been looking for motivating quotes to inspire me for practices and meets. So the quote for today is: "Your body hears everything your mind says." So very true.

So, a friend emailed me this a few days ago and i only filled it out today. I saw something similar on Catherine's blog and thought that it would be a good idea to post it. So here it is. x all the things you've done
This is for your entire life:
() crashed a friend's car *no, but if I drove it I probably would have*
() stolen a car
(x) been in love
() been dumped
() shoplifted
() been fired
() been in a fist fight
() smoked a cigarette *no thanks, I choose healthy lungs*
() snuck out of your parent's house *I never had to sneak, my paretns were cool*
(x) had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
() been arrested
() gone on a blind date, hahaha
(x) lied to a friend *wish I didn’t have to mark that one*
(x) skipped school *with my mom’s car*
() seen someone die
(x) been Out of Canada *all of the time*
() been to Mexico
(x) been on a plane *too many times for me to count*
() purposely set a part of yourself on fire
(x) eaten sushi
(x) been skiing
() met someone from the internet
(x) been at a concert *most recent, Greenday*
(x) taken painkillers *um had four teeth surgically removed, I would think so!*
(x) love someone or miss someone right now
(x) laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by, *friends described them*
(x) made a snow angel *I’m from Northern Ontario of course I have*
(x) had a tea party
(x) flown a kite
(x) built a sand castle
(x) gone puddle jumping
(x) played dress up
(x) jumped into a pile of leaves *most recent, September*
(x) gone sledding *gave myself a concussion once*
() cheated while playing a game.
(x) been lonely
(x) fallen asleep at work/school
() used a fake ID
() gotten kicked out of a club/bar
(x) watched the sun set, *again described to me*
(x) felt an earthquake *in Greece*
(x) slept beneath the stars
(x) been tickled
() been robbed
(x) been misunderstood
(x) petted a reindeer/goat/kangaroo
(x) milked a cow
(x) won a contest
() run a red light/stop sign
() been suspended from school
(x) been in a car crash...
(x) had braces *for four damn years*
(x) felt like an outcast/third person
() eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night *been close though*
(x) had deja vu
(x) danced in the moonlight *my friends and I get a little out of control*
(x) like the way you look *for the most part*
() witnessed a crime
(x) questioned your heart *who hasn’t? and if you haven’t wanna tell me how not to*
() been obsessed with post-it notes
(x) squished mud through your bare feet *hence the name for my blog*
(x) been lost *does this include the times other people have gotten lost with me in the car?*
(x) been on the opposite side of the country
(x) swam in the ocean *first time was in Australia when I was 17, amazing*
() felt like dying *I think I’m too afraid of death*
(x) cried yourself to sleep
(x) played cops and robbers
(x) recently coloured with crayons *how recent is recently?*
(x) sang karaoke *sooooo much fun, everyone should try at least once in their lives*
() paid for a meal with only coins *now that is just cruel*
(x) done something you told yourself you wouldn't *everything from falling for someone to eating extra ice cream*
() made prank phone calls *I was too afraid of caller ID*
(x) laughed until some kind of beverage came out of
your nose *got milk?*
(x) caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) played in the rain
(x) written a letter to Santa Claus
() been kissed under the mistletoe *No, but it is a goal of mine*
() watched the sun rise with someone you care about *the someones I care about don’t get up that early*
(x) blown bubbles
(x) made a bonfire on the beach *most recent one was in Greece, we cooked vegetables and steak over it. Yum yum*
() crashed a party *I usually enjoy the party too much to crash it*
(x) gone roller-skating *I prefer blades*
(x) had a wish come true
() jumped off a bridge

Well, there weren't any mishaps with the hammer yesterday, but it was definitely loads of fun. Today is election day here in Canada and many people are on edge. I have decided that I am not going to watch any of the television coverage as it will just make me extremely agitated. My friends and I believe that, unfortunately, the Conservatives will win. The only thing saving us is that it will be a minority government. A lot of people are "sick of the Liberals," and think the shit the Conservatives are feeding them is great, but if they even stopped to consider everything that was being said their thoughts may be different. For example, the Conservatives have claimed they will cut taxes and increase spending...okay, then where does the money for the spending come from? We aren't exactly floating in extra cash. We're in debt! Also, Steven Harper wants to change the abortion legislation. That is fine if you are pro-rape baby carrying. What happens if a woman gets raped? She will not have the choice to terminate the pregnancy that was conceived violently and de-humanizing act. Could you imagine ggrowing up knowing you were a product of a rape? You may not find out, but then again, you may. And what would the expectant mother feel? This could lead to some serious mental break downs and if the Conservatives are worried about people with disabilities, then don't you think they should ensure their society would be healthy? Also, the Conservatives want to revert the gay marriage law back to it's original status. Why?! I mean, they're not hurting anyone. The point is not that he is taking away abortions or gay marriages, the point is he is taking away the right to choose. If you want to marry someone of the same sex, who bloody well cares?! My God, it's been happening since humans...well, were humans. Look at the history. It's only been recently that society has decided to construct stupid stigmas and stereotypes around that shit. Not to mention, Steven Harper's gang wants to cut university courses that he believes are economically unsound. For example, if you wanted to enroll in history or archaeology, you better find a different discipline if they win because he's getting rid of those. Oh yeah and he thinks that Sociology is "cute." Say good-bye to Statistics Canada then if you want to get rid of sociology, who do you think generates those stats? Sociologists! He also wants to put 1200 dollars into Day cares. Oh good, but that is only in one year. What would you like them to do with that? Buy a box of crakcers? He also does not believe in "social handouts," so good-bye Ontario Disability Pension. If they get rid of that, or reduce it, I will not be able to continue going to university. I would not be able to pay my bills, buy groceries or afford Jetta. So where does that leave us? Hmm, let's see, the student can't continue going to school because you cut her funding...so, she can't get a job...which puts her back even further than when you were assisting her for a short while. Now's she's really become a societal "burden!" At least I was trying to do something with my life. does anyone realize that most disabled people are unemployed because they can't afford to go to university or college and without such diplomas or degrees they can't get jobs. Most disabled people can't work minimum wage jobs. Could you see a blind person at the back of McCrappies flipping fries? Yeah that is safe. I can't work as a casheer, fast food employee, server at a restaurant...or anything like that. They are not accessible. So, in order to ensure I am independent like the government wants me to be, I have to go to university, and if they take away the ODSP pension, well then you can forget it. Anyway, I guess that is my rant for the day. I injured myself in swim practice today so I have to go find some more ice.

It's a beautiful Sunday today in Waterloo. The sun is shining, the cats are purring and Jetta is dancing around like a fool. I woke up before the rest of the house-minus the animals of course-fed the cats, fed myself, wahsed the dishes, put ribs in the crock pot, cleaned the bathroom and now Christena and I are heading over to our friend's house. She is the other member of the Confederation of the Bitches. We are going to pick up subs and head over to have a picnic in her livingroom-since it is still too cold out to have a picnic outside. Then the three of us are going to hang pictures. She just moved into a new place just before Christmas and is still getting settled. Jetta and Medley will play and the three of us will indulge in too much food, hysterical laughter, radical conversations and probably a few mishaps with the hammer. Anyway, I have to go pack the blanket for our picnic. I'll keep everyone updated as to how it went. If it's nice out where you are, get out and enjoy it!

I woke up extra early this morning-quite by accident-and found my three fuzzies sleeping with me. Jetta was sprawled along the length of my body, Sisu *female cat* was curled up on my feet and Loki *male cat* was pushed up against my knees. I found I was very hot and struggled out of the mass of blankets and bodies, accidentally waking the two cats. Jetta snorted a little, but barely moved: typical Jetta style. I shoved my legs back under the covers and both kittens crawled up to me and lay on my stomach purring. Even though I was awake two hours too early, and my stomach was still bothering me from the lovely stomach flu I am fighting off, I was very content. There is something comforting about waking up with animals surrounding you and all of them being happy you're awake. The cats laid with me until I got up to get breakfast and then followed me back in and watched me eat breakfast-willing me to drop crumbs. This loyalty leads to me today's story. It happened a few days ago, but I had to calm down a bit before I wrote about it. Monday, Jett and I were heading home from class. We took our usual route snaking across campus and walking through a parking lot that empties out onto the sidewalk. It's a very high traffic area, so I am always cautious when walking through. Jetta usually slows her pace and watches the wide paved area for any unwelcome speeders. As I was nearing the middle of the parking lot I heard a large truck shifting gears and using air brakes. I told Jetta to find the shoulder, as I figured walking the outskirts of the parking lot would be much safer than walking down the centre. She slowed her pace even more so much so that we were barely moving. I could feel her looking around trying to find the safest path. Suddenly the truck blew its horn and Jetta stopped dead in her tracks. I kicked my foot under her belly to see if I could feel the curb on the other side of her. My foot struck the concrete barrier that divides the parking lot from the lawn. As I was about to leap into the grass I heard, "Can't you see I'm backing up?!" Instinct took over from there, "No, I'm blind!" I yelled back. I dropped the harness at this point and jumped into the lawn. Then the driver yelled "Get the Hell out of the way!!" Pure rage filled my beins. I don't think I've ever been so angry in my life. First of all, I couldn't get out of the way because I didn't know where he was! Secondly, if I did know how to get out of the way, or to see, I wouldn't have been standing there yelling back and forth! Thank goodness there was an innocent bystander who instructed me to walk straight and then left and I would by pass the truck. I took her advice and thanked her profusely, but I was still fuming. By the time I had reached home I was even more angry than I had been ten minutes previous. I wanted to report him, but I didn't have any of his identifying information. Stuck with nothing else to do I phoned the Accessible Learning office. It wasn't because he nearly ran me over, or that fact that I was blind and he nearly ran me over, it was because he was so bloody arrogant and rude. When you are delivering things to a university campus, you must be aware that there are students that live and go to school there. You should have a little respect. Not all students are stupid and get in the way of 18 wheelers on purpose. He should have assessed the situation before blowing his lid-besides, Jetta is not very hard to miss. And, I was wearing a light pink jacket, I'm not a short girl, how could he have missed me in the first place? Luckily for me, the woman who had given me directions was able to get his truck's information and had already reported him. The real kicker is that he is a university book store delivery truck. Accessible Learning contacted the book store and apparently they're dealing with it. I was akked if I wanted a personal apology, I don't think I do. An apology should not be forced, but rather something you do because you want to. Maybe he should just take anger management classes and maybe some inter-personal relationship lessons. Either way, I'm just glad I'm here to tell the tale. If it weren't for Jeta, I would have walked smack into the back of a reversing 18 wheeler and probably would not be in any shape to bitch about it. Thanks Jetta, I love you.

Guess what everyone? They're doing a special on the accessive amounts of salt used in Waterloo tomorrow and how horrible it is for the environment! It's phenomenal that they need to call in a bloody expert to tell them this. That's a meritocracy for you.

Jetta’s New Found Fame

For the (almost) 3 and a half years that Jetta and I have been together everyone remembers her. How could you not? Those cute floppy ears, her big dreamy brown eyes, the giant wet black nose, her little dainty paws and of course her ass wiggle. She’s cute and she knows it! (It probably doesn’t’ help that my friends and I are constantly telling her). At first, it shocked me how many people commented on her physique as we passed, but eventually I got used to it. It is also shocking how many guys smile at her. If I walk wit a sighted friend they always notice how often men ogle at her. It’s become a running joke amongst my friends and I to say, “How’s that fair? They’re to even your species. What about the girl attached to the dog? Should I grow floppy ears and a wiggly tail?”
On swim meets, competitors from other teams often come up to me and ask if they can pet her. Of course I usually have to say no because she’s working. At the beginning of new semesters classmates whisper about how sweet she is. I’ve had breeders ask me if she’s available. Um, Hell no! A guide dog in heat is a bad idea. She’s received her own Christmas cards from family and friends; her own happy birthday Jetta emails; people remember her name and not mine; essentially, everyone just seems to love her. She’s even converted non-dog lovers. The animal has charisma!
(Don’t read this Jetta you’ll get a swollen head).
But the thing that occurred a few days ago was a first. I emailed a prof questioning him about his expectations for a certain assignment that is due at the end of the month. My emails are often signed “Jess and Jetta.” It’s become a signature…and a habit. We spend nearly every waking minute, and sleeping for that matter, together I feel as if we almost are the same person. He emailed me back a day later and I clicked on the little envelope to open it. I was surprised at the first line, which read: “Hi Jess and Jetta.” It went on to explain the assignment in great detail. I nearly fell off my Swiss ball laughing. A professor has never addressed an email to Jetta before. I’ve decided that this professor is either very crazy, or just a huge dog lover. He also asked if it would be okay for Jetta to be let off work one day in class. It seems a ten minute vacation is due. She needs her time too. Jetta really should thank him for the email anyway. This probably means I’ve been at this university too long. There aren’t very many other university students who can say, “Oh yeah, my prof emailed my dog today.” Life is never dull with Miss Jetta around that is for sure.
Hmm, does this mean that Jetta should start taking notes?

Just one more month,
Just one more day,
I can leave this place,
But I will never escape.

I thought it was my salvation,
I thought it was my freedom,
But the pain in their eyes,
Tells me it will never go away.

Why did they send us here?
How was it their right?,
They have plundered and desecrated,
They have ruined millions of lives.

They give their reasons,
They silence our doubts,
But how can you believe them,
They’re killing your children.

They’re claiming a nation,
It is not theirs,
They are murdering a culture,
And controlling us with fear.

Consider their words,
Question their motives,
For we are living in fear,
A conquered nation,
Conquered by our own powers that be.

So I was listening to Greenday at the gym today and thought I’d post their lyrics. I’ve seen them in concert in Vancouver recently, and thoroughly enjoy their new album, as it reflects my views of the war in Iraq. I thought it was slightly appropriate considering Bush’s fantastic speech over the holidays. (The word “fantastic” meaning crap). So, if you agree with them, read on, but if you don’t, you might want to skip today’s entry. *Also, I’d apply the term “America” to North America”*

Green Day
American Idiot
Don't wanna be an American idiot.
Don't want a nation under the new mania.
And can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mindfuck America.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
Convincing them to walk you.

Well maybe I'm the faggot America.
I'm not a part of a redneck agenda.
Now everybody do the propaganda.
And sing along in the age of paranoia.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
Convincing them to walk you.

Don't wanna be an American idiot.
One nation controlled by the media.
Information nation of hysteria.
It's going out to idiot America.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alien nation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
Convincing them to walk you.