RandomCanadian

The head of VW UK has stated that UK owners will get no compo in regards to the Diesel emissions scandal. My car is actually affected as its got a VW Diesel engine, not that I give a shit TBH but, once again, the Yanks will get a windfall in compo and Europe will get fuck all. Wankers. Diesel isn't common in my neck of the woods. I asked my sales-guy about it (I bought my Tiguan in June) and he advised against diesel as it was more for drivers with a long commute. Mine is relatively short at 25 minutes. I did get an apology letter from the dealership owner after the scandal broke even though I don't have a diesel.

18 January also the first anniversary of my brother's death. Thoughts with you. Dad went up to the Hall of Remembrance. I just had some personal moments today. My aunt in America was around this time last year too. I was too chicken to post last week. Wednesday was a year ago for Nana. No one remembered but me. Oh well. A little late, my thoughts are with you both. And today is a year for my great-grannie. What a terrible week this was last year It sure was. Coming up on 30 years without my mum; the celebrities are kind enough to distract me from thinking on it too much. My thoughts are with you, too RG.

My laptop needed service today. It was only supposed to take 20 minutes so I made my way over to IT with a book to read while I waited. The IT guys and I started talking cars. It turned out we all owned Volkswagens (GTI, cc and two Tiguans). Service took longer than 20 minutes to fix the laptop problem but I had a great time.

My mum was the Eagles fan so I grew up listening to their music though I wouldn't call myself a fan. I could add Hotel California to my extreme dislike list. It is turning out to be a tough year for musicians and it is sad to hear of another legend dying. On the topic of Springsteen, I saw him in concert in 1984 (cost CAN$45). It was my first ever "big" concert. We had behind the stage seats. We did get to see cool stuff like every few songs he'd stick his head in a washing tub full of ice and water. The band did do a few songs (I can't remember how many) for us in the back, which was also very cool. Four hours of Bruce and company with no opening act. Worth every freakin' penny.

You and me both and thanks! My oldest has no interest in driving and son #1 would like to drive but feels he shouldn't. Son #2 might drive but that is a few years off. We have decent transit with a bus stop right outside the complex and LRT close.

18 January also the first anniversary of my brother's death. Thoughts with you. Dad went up to the Hall of Remembrance. I just had some personal moments today. My aunt in America was around this time last year too. I was too chicken to post last week. Wednesday was a year ago for Nana. No one remembered but me. Oh well. A little late, my thoughts are with you both.

Two and half years ago I purchased decent used car from my now former boyfriend with the intention of giving it to daughter #2 as a graduation gift. The car is still in my name. I started off teaching her to drive and she was doing great. We made up songs for her to remember road rules and such. Then her dad took over the lessons and destroyed her confidence. She is unnecessarily cautious and drives too slow. So far she has failed two road tests and the next one is scheduled for March. *fingers crossed*

My children's grandpa was in the German army. He was Polish and forced to serve when he was 15 surrendering to allied forces when he was 17. He very rarely talked about his war experience and I was one of the lucky few present one of times he felt like sharing. We lost him to cancer in 2013. He was one of the best men I ever knew.

Gavin MacLoud, he is the quietest of the bunch. "Hey, Gavin MacLoud put on your hat you're blinding us with your head." ~ from Bob and Doug MacKenzie's Great White North album. I always thought that line was funny.

Sounds like you need a new BFF #2. That is just me being cynical about birthdays; she's a good person. She is there for me when it really counts. Last September, she dropped everything to be by my side while I dealt with my daughter.

Birthday...my kids will do nothing, BFF(1) will take me out for dinner and BFF(2) will forget, call me a week later and suggest we get together for lunch and then I won't hear from her again until I wish her a happy birthday in December. Gotta love routine.

I'm turning 50 this year as well. I don't fear death. My family has an overall history of dying young; however, Nana and Nannie lived to ripe old ages respectively. My mum passed at age 43 (ovarian cancer) and my father at age 64 (diabetes). No other immediate family members made it out of their 70's. I've mentioned before that I figure I'll go between 65 and 70. As I come up on 30 years without my mum and having been 10 years longer without her than with her as hard as it has been I like to think I've done okay. Am I living the dream, not really but I am living on my terms. I've had the hard conversations and my friends know my wishes. If I die tomorrow I know that they will do right by my kids. No regrets.

They get a wrestling champion type belt. I am entertained. I think it started as a segment on Jimmy Fallon and morphed into its own show.

I am quite enjoying Lip Sync Battle on Spike TV.

I have two though I disliked both from the get go: Peaches - Presidents of the United States Lightening Crashes - I'm not sure if that is the title or the name of the group. Any time it comes on, I turn it off or leave the room. I was in labour with my fourth child and my BFF (and labour coach) decides to put on soothing music from her own device. Songs comes on - I scream at her to turn it off. She has the audacity to question a labouring mother - I scream: dead baby song! I ended up having an emergency c-section. I fully blame her and that fucking song.

Songs that make me crank the volume are (and in no particular order): I'll Stop the World (and melt with you) - Modern English Love you 'till the End - The Pogues Crazy for you - Madonna Anarchy in the UK - The Sex Pistols In your Eyes - Peter Gabriel Higher Love - Steve Winwood With or without you - U2 Don't Give up - Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel Soak up the Sun - Sheryl Crowe Blue Monday - New Order We Belong - Pat Benatar Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen Another one Rides the Bus - Weird Al Yankovich Knowing me Knowing you - ABBA (honestly, any ABBA song) Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams Something so Strong - Crowded House Kiss Off - Violent Femmes Good Riddance - Green Day Friday I'm in Love - The Cure How soon is Now - The Smiths At the mediocre but with heart level I sing and play guitar. I've learned to play many (not all) of the above songs.

When he married Rima I suspected something but didn't want to think it. I am a fan. From Hans Grueber through Colonel Brandon to Phil Allen and finally Snape I just loved this man's work. I am so completely gutted. It is turning out to be a tough month for very cool British guys. "Give me an occupation or I will surely go mad..."

I can't even deal.

Getting ready for bed, took one last look at Twitter...I see Weird Al's tweet "I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me - I was not ready for this. RIP Bowie." My sentiments exactly. I spent 22 years with a hard core Bowie fan and for some strange reason I'm concerned about how he may be taking the news of his idols' death.

Leonard Nimoy

Heck is where people go who don't believe in gosh. (courtesy of my son, I thought it was hilarious)

Stan Lee Joost only to apologize for consistently voting for him on the next to die poles.

Not anymore

-4 C right now. Frost everywhere yet sunny it looks beautiful outside. Not enough to make me venture out to take my holiday decorations down, mind.

I understand. When Nannie died in 2002 I discovered that neither my mum's or grand-dad's ashes were claimed. Being the dedicated grandchild that I am I decided to take possession of all the ashes (including the second husbands). I told Nana that when she croaked (her estate is paying) I'd finally deal with everyone and now I am.