New job? New look? Party on!

August 1/12.

Where'd July go? Gone in the blink of an eye. Can't believe in just over a month, kids will be back to school. I always HATED Labour Day night. Cried every year on that evening because I was petrified of the future. (Fear of the unknown has always done me in). My late Mum would tell me, "Lainey, there comes a time for COURAGE!"- Hey, SOUNDS good, Mum, but it never worked! I always cried myself to sleep and had to be FORCED out the door in the morning!

The only time things changed was when I went off to college and fell in love with Seneca & the amazing gang of students and teachers there. After the first day, couldn't WAIT to get to class and learn about TV/radio/film/theatre/PR. You mean we get to talk about Bonanza and the Ponderosa today?? Yippee ki yay!

And I can get a diploma for talking TV? Unbelievable.

Never knew Seneca would lead to 18 years at Global TV, interviewing Tom Selleck,

Christopher Plummer,

and Robin Williams! Those were really fun days. Looks like I may have the chance to do a few more interviews coming soon. We'll see!

In the meantime, my parents-in-law, Ben and Jean Bornstein, (and other family members) have been rolling with wild games of caregiver musical chairs - ladies going AWOL, finding and interviewing new ones plus other health issues. Getting older is tough enough without these monkey wrenches tossed into the mix!

Last week, Sam and Kate had fun on a two-day trip to NYC!

They stayed at the Edison Hotel right near the ever-crowded Times Square.

Kate enjoyed shopping. This dress was among her purchases. They had fun buying things on Canal Street.

The Book of Mormon was the show she chose to see on her own. It was completely sold out.  Sam took off to see the Lindbergh musical, Baby Case. (the Lindbergh baby kidnapping case is his obsession...er...hobby).    

Then together, they attended the final emotional performance of A Streetcar Named Desire, (which even brought tears to the eyes of tough guys who shall remain nameless!)
"STELLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

They came home to Toronto with tons of trinkets and many memories. Nothing like New York!

Meanwhile, I stayed home with Max to look after the really exciting stuff at the house. When Max brought home a giant speaker in a massive box, we tried to crush and rip it up for the recycling bin, but darned if it wasn't the strongest cardboard box in the history of the world. Even wearing boots and jumping on it, I couldn't break it down. Max and I ended up having to tear it into shreds which took forever.

When I wasn't attending doctor's appointments, grocery shopping or transporting kids from here to there, I was hanging out with my lifelong friend, Joanne Silver, visiting from L.A. I took her back to our old stomping grounds at 100 Roehampton where we used to share an apartment many years ago. Found out a one bedroom there now rents for about $1100 a month. (When we were there, it was under $400)!

On her last full day, we had breakfast downtown at Marche. I had a fabulous raspberry crepe with syrup and a cup of Earl Grey tea. Really good!

Her sister, Val was with us. (they both got the memo to wear white t-shirts!)

Later on, had to wish a fond farewell to Joanne as she headed off for the airport to fly home. Wahhhhhhhh. We said au revoir at the Church and Queen Green P parking lot. I hate goodbyes.

So does Joanne!

Also got to attend our great friend, Franc Mosbaugh's milestone birthday party held for him by his talented sister, Mary, (standing on right). She outdid herself with the fabulous food.

And the cake was gorgeous! (sorry Franc, but it gives away your age!)

My sister, Carrie and her son Lee, were unable to attend Franc's bash, since they were away in Lewiston New York for a baseball tournament, so it was unusual to be at the party with her boyfriend, Paul Nodwell! Got the chance to catch up with him about the bear that attacked their northern campsite recently!

They're lucky to have escaped with their lives!

Franc spent some time Skyping with relatives who couldn't come to the party. He told everyone he didn't feel a day over sixty (because he WASN'T a day over 60....yet! ha ha!) - MY Skype has gone on strike and won't work at all!! I need a computer geek to fix it. SO frustrating not to be able to talk to people!

One guest brought these cute lamb sugar cookies as a contribution!
(I brought wine - what else?)

Franc's partner, Robert (centre) baked up his special Cornish pasties, which were so delectable. He was joined by his Dad and step Mum (left) in the back yard.

Thanks, Mary, for being the hostess with the mostest!!!!

And finally made it back to Paul Taylor, hair master extraordinaire at the I 'N I salon. Arrived with my usual raggedy rats nest of so-called hair.

Paul is set to take a trip to Peru soon, so he's been busy cramming in customers before he leaves. He came in early on Tuesday morning to mix up colours just for me!

It was so early, the laundry guy hadn't even delivered the clean towels and gowns yet, so Paul brought me his own personal cloth gown with velcro closings. So cool. But I looked like Hannibal Lecter, about to be carted off! (kinda FELT that way too).

Got the foils for lowlights.

Always a charming look.

But in the end, - voila! Every hair back in place and colour the way I like it. Thanks for everything Paul!

Have a safe trip and will see you the day after you get back for the NEXT colour and cut! Can't wait to hear about your Machu Picchu adventures! (only wish I could hire you as my personal stylist so you could do my hair every day! I know, I know, you've heard that a million times before from clients!)

Job search, Kevio, Tafelmusik, Carrie, Kate, IKEA, hair colour, soap opera & shellac!

March 30/12.

Today marks the end of two weeks, searching for even one publication willing to use my services as a freelance entertainment writer. So far, nothing. Hours and hours of research, emailing and phone calls have resulted in, "Thanks, but no thanks." Times are tough out there for everyone. Reminds me of those hilarious Lloyd Bridges scenes as spaced-out air traffic controller Steve McCroskey in Airplane (1980), when he continuously complains he picked the wrong week to quit smoking, drinking (and everything else!) Still makes me laugh. (someone on youtube conveniently strung them altogether for full effect!)

 
Can relate there Lloyd. (I sure picked the wrong week to try and track down work)! Still something on the go, but not sure it will happen. Really miss the days at TV Guide as the Soaps columnist, interviewing stars, transcribing and writing columns every week for seven years. What a blast. Terrific job for me. I was on a high every time I picked up the phone!

It was great fun and I loved that gig. In 25 years of talking to daytime celebs for radio, TV and print, never had a single bad experience. Soap actors and actresses are always talkative, funny, generous with their time and willing to chat about anything and everything. (Of course, Tony Geary, "Luke Spencer" on General Hospital, was my favourite). Still is.

This is me taking a break today after a full physical with my GP - blood work, ECG, blood pressure, etc. (Princess Margaret Hospital leaves nothing to chance. They want you to have a physical every year, as soon as the timing is right for OHIP to cover it, so they're sure your overall health is good). My weight? Stuck at 97 lbs. Have an appointment with a nutritionist this coming Tuesday to help me gain a few more pounds. (OK everyone)? This shot was taken outside the neighbourhood coffee shop, Riverdale Perk. I gave up coffee many years ago. (Have ENOUGH nervous energy without adding caffeine to the mix!) My cousin, Kevan happened to drive by to grab a takeout jolt of java and took this pic. (I was buying milk at Luke's, the convenience store next door). Then I turned the camera on him. He likes my new (leased) Subaru! I've had it since last August and it's really fun to drive.

Kev had a chance to drive the car this week and loved it! We went to a concert together. More on that in a moment. In fact, Kevio & I spent a fair amount of time together over the past few days! Fine with me. He da bomb!

(and his badly broken ankles have healed very well since last summer and all the physio at Bridgepoint).

Those "rehab" days seem long gone now. This is last September 4th when Max & I paid Kev a visit in the sunny courtyard. He's come a LONG way baby!!! 

Earlier in the week, I stopped by Auntie Ray's condo to chat, but she wasn't in her unit.

While taking the elevator back down to the lobby, I spotted a seniors resident who reminded me SO much of my late Mum. Her name is Dorothy.

 I asked if I could take her picture for my blog. She said yes. Her hair was the same as Mum's, and even the off-white jacket she had on was exactly like one Mum used to wear. I thanked her, then turned around and left the elevator in tears. I never know WHEN emotion will hit me. 

Tracked Auntie Ray down in the diningroom, having supper with her son, Kev. We all had a nice visit. I told her about the woman who looks like Mum and she said, "I know exactly who you mean. I think of Jill every time I look at her."

After dinner, we walked Auntie Ray back to her unit. No more crutches, canes or even limping for Kev. He bounds all around town now, on foot, in the car, whatever, -  (while she gingerly uses her walker). But hey, at 92? - Doing GREAT!!

Home sweet home for Auntie Ray. Gorgeous decor.

Tuesday night, my sister, Carrie, had some comp tickets for Tafelmusik's 30-year concert anniversary event at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. (She's been singing soprano with the fabulous group for over 20 years). Kevio and I decided to go together. I picked him up and then he drove my car to the theatre so he could try out the Subaru!

Don't believe you're allowed to take pics, but I go by the Auntie Ray philosophy, - "Don't ask, apologize later." Snapped a few shots from the great seats Carrie obtained for us. Ivars Taurins conductor.

Sure wish I could have gotten a better shot of Cayr. She's second row from the top, fourth person over (the shortest of the bunch, but the best, most glorious and angelic voice!) She had a mind-blowing solo. The Carrie Loring fan club (see below), all in tears when we heard it. (though you'd never KNOW it from this mini-celebration pic! ha ha!)

Afterwards, giddy & emotionally drained, we met up with Carrie for this post-concert photograph. (left to right), Kev, me, Carrie, composer/musician extraordinaire, Eleanor Daley and my super singer sister-in-law, Mary Spence-Thomas, (just back from a two-month exotic & adventurous trip to New Zealand, in the nick of time to catch this show)! Love this shot.

The abundance of Tafel merch 

was selling like hotcakes following the fabulous performance!

Not only was it a phenomenal showcase for the choir, but also a welcome-home bash for Mary! Cheers!

The 3 Musketeers. All for one and one for all!  Congrats Carrie, on the incredible show and thanks for the tickets!

Switching to casual mode, this week marked a GPS-guided trip to IKEA with Kate to buy a new duvet cover, sheets, pillows and pillow cases, among other things.  She's had the same bed/mattress since she was about two-years old, so it was WAY OVERTIME for an upgrade! Ordered the mattress, box spring and Duvet from Sleep Country, to be delivered and assembled. IKEA would provide the extras. 

By the time we got there around 3:30 p.m., we were starving,

and headed directly for the cafeteria! Kate had the famous Swedish meatballs, a salad and pop. I opted for poached salmon, veggies, fries, tea, some kind of Swedish coconut cake and a chocolate nut bar to share with Kate. (Yep! I DO eat!) It was $20 for the two of us and all delish!

We followed the yellow-brick-road-arrows on the floor all through the massive IKEA showroom.

So many cool things to see.

I found a nice office to work in, if I'd been able to figure out how to operate the computer!

Kate fell in love with this $500 carpet.

And if the Three Bears were with me, they would have said, this bed was, "Just right!" 

We ended up storming the endless IKEA shelves for a pile of accessories, including storage bins and magazine holders,

(Carrie's orders), - to pack up my "home office". Much of the stuff here has been discarded since this pic was taken! But the bins I bought will help a lot with the rest! 

The next day, Kate had a final session as coach with her Rosedale Heights improv team. They presented her with a beautiful bouquet of white roses to say thank you for her encouragement, ideas, suggestions and guidance. 

Later, Kate finally got to see master hair stylist, 

Paul Taylor from INI Hair Design, (after two years without attention to her glorious tresses), 

and ended up with a gorgeous, dark, rich new hair colour and flat-ironed style! Looks fab!

Last, but not least, we were awaiting the delivery of the Sleep Country mattress, box spring, etc. I got home from a bunch of errands, only to see

Kate's rosebud pink baby headboards out in front of the garbage bins. They've been in her room for almost 18 years and it was tough for me to see them leaving the premises forever. (cue the tears). Ya, I know, I'm a wimp. Only hours later, someone took them, (which is what we wanted). Only hope they'll bring happiness to someone else!

A little later, the guys from Sleep Country brought the brand new double mattress for Kate, along with the new box spring. Good news? The mattress made it up to the third floor. Bad news? Box spring? Fuhgeddaboudit! No way it could be forced around the hairpin staircase turns to her bedroom.

So back it went into the truck. A week from now, a two-piece box spring will be delivered and assembled. For now, mattress on the floor. I was disappointed that Kate didn't get to enjoy the full effect of the new bed, but she was OK about it all. She has a lot more patience than I do! To get my mind off things, I sat at the computer, read up about freelancing, (I could just about write a book on the subject now!), sent off more letters, emails, resumes, requests, 

and then took off to Urban Nails to get my shellac done! 

This time, Kelly was away, so cutie Katie did them for me. Beautiful job! Still can't seem to get over having fingernails! (and strangely, the nail colour? - Rosebud pink - same as the baby headboards). 

Job search continues next week. 

Meanwhile, missing someone I can't see. Sigh.