7 weird facts about me

I was tagged by Ally at" Just a diamond in the rough" for this meme.

1. The name of this blog should be "Diary of a former catholic church follower/believer".

2. I prefer cold weather to very warm weather...

3. When I was a kid I use to bite my toenails. ( gross, I know)

4. I've been listening to Loreena McKennit non stop for 7 weeks...

5. I prefer very cold temperature inside my own home... I'm not much of a heater.... Quite the opposite. 

6. I can multi-task, I just have to listen to something for my brain to memorize it. I don't need to pay attention... 

7. It's snowing here and I think it's awesome. 

Mr.Cat passed away 2 weeks ago... He got very ill and Friday October 17, I took him to the vet and was told that my poor baby's bladder and kidney were blocked. The vet told me that usually an easy surgery fixes it but that he was in bad shape, very much in pain... My poor little friend so I called my angel, she met me at the clinic, we pet, loved, hugged and kissed him, I sang to him, my angel and I said our goodbyes and then, he left us. I was a crying mess, my angel was a mess too. He was such a class act, he was truly the best cat ever...  

It's been 2 weeks and altho I miss him, I'm ok.... And no, I'm not going to get another cat anytime soon.

I'm tagging anyone who want to play for this meme and I'm keeping each of you in my thoughts and I'm sending love.

A much due update

As requested by Vixen this afternoon I'll post an update for everyone who've been following me for the past 15 months.

School, well I'm glad I took the class because I got to meet 2 awesome women who that I've grown to be really close to in a matter of weeks.

Sometimes Life puts someone on your road and it feels you've known this person all your life, in a matter of days there's a bond that is impossible for me to explain, a trust that feel we've known each other for a million of years and a love that's unexplainable... But freaking good and positive and sweet and great. So I've met 2  friends and one of them is a shining star who's helped me to grow soo much in such a short time. 

I'm going to finish the program but I'm not at my place. I want to work with humans, I wanna help other people, I want to listen, make in a difference, I want to use my heart, not just my brain. 

I'm going to finish this program and probably be doing a Bachelor degree in Social Work, for sure I'm going to go in that field. The details are still being thought about at the moment. 

I've lived some type of awakening, the Catholic Church just isn't my place anymore, I don't believe in the doctrine, I don't believe in most of the tenets of the church. The awakening is leading me to a more human belief, to a more spiritual but absolutely not religious path. I'm fine in that but I feel I'm going to disapoint soo many of my friends. It's like I'm outing myself out of the closet. It would almost be easier to come out about something like being gay or having had an abortion because few of my friends that I love very much are really strong in their beliefs and I just want to keep them as friends but the religious part just isn't me anymore. And I mean, I'm not even sure I consider myself Christian anymore. It's that good or that bad depends on which side of the fence you're sitting on. Ha!Ha!Ha!!!

Last tuesday (on the 3oth of september) I got myself a tattoo. I'd been thinking about it for several months and finally got it and man, this has changed me in several ways. I got the kanji sign for "Courage" tattooed on my lower back. It's beautiful and it's been healing well. I'm almost done and I don't feel anything but happiness about this part of myself.

I was able to finally realise and feel good about something else. I love men, I find them beautiful, smart, sweet, sexy BUT I've never seen myself in a relationship. 

I got into the whole "society that pressures women to be in a relationship if they want to be normal" but man, I want to stay single. I'm happy and content that way, I don't want a boyfriend or a partner or nothing. I'm happy as myself and there's nothing wrong about it. There's nothing wrong about me.

I doubt I'll ever have kids, if I come to that, I'll do Artificial Insemination but quite honestly, I adore kids but I don't have the feeling inside of me that cries for maternity. I love kids and babies and I'm a great auntie but I don't have a call to motherhood and I'm normal and fuck society if it wants to make me feel bad about it.

There's not much else going on. I need to get my butt back to my accounting assignments for the weekend. I've got a lot of work to do.

I'm here and I'm happy!

Peace

Sunday Stealing

Stolen from The Gal Herself , this is Sunday Stealing. 

1.My uncle once: showed me how to eat 2 bigmac

2. Never in my life have I: gone skinny dipping

3. When I was five my parents: had 3 kids

4. High school was: I don't want to remember

5. I will never forget to: take my keys when I leave the house!

6. Once I met: the prime minister of quebec in 1995, Mr. Jacques Parizeau

7. There’s this boy I know: who takes his pack to school very seriously

8. Once, at a bar, I: got drunk and woke up the next day not remembering anything...

9. By noon, I’m: waking up during the weekend

10. Last night I: read all evening while taking care of my sinusitis

11. If only I had: a smaller tummy

12. Next time I go to church: I'll mark it in my calender

13. What worries me most is that I: won't achieve all my dreams

14. When I turn my head left I see: my printer

15. When I turn my head right I see: my tv

16. You know I’m lying when I: am saying I love my parish priest 

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: nothing

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: ???

19. By this time next year I will: finished with my college program and employed

20. A better name for me would be: Miss Perfectionnist

21. I have a hard time understanding: Republicans

22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: be doing it back in 2 days...

23. You know I like you if I: want to spend time with you

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: depends, God? 

25. Take my advice, never buy a warranty from Staples.ca, these people are crooks. 

Unconscious Mutterings

Please mutter with me.  Together our individual mutterings create a symphony of mind, thought, and joy.  Our word association prompts were created by the lovely Pea at LunaNina.com

Here’s the list!  Leave your answers in the comments and I’ll post your link!

Groceries :: shopping

Deodorant :: a must

Psychic :: rubbish

Cherries :: yummy

Spooky :: horror movies

Yogurt :: yummy

Kitchen :: cleaning

Nothing personal :: 

Be nice :: rude

Delivery :: room

Commonly confused words test

Click to do the test

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You scored 93% Beginner, 93% Intermediate, 87% Advanced, and 80% Expert!

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!

English isn't even my first language, I feel quite smart, what was your result?

What your bed says about you?

Taken from The Gal's, here are my answers.

What Your Bed Says About You

Outward appearances are very important to you. You do your best to look good and have an attractive home. You try to be an organized person, but you often fall behind. Certain parts of your life tend to fall into chaos. You are very high maintenance. You like everything a certain way, and you're grumpy if things aren't the way you like them. In relationships, you tend to kick back and let the other person be in charge. You tend to be a dreamy, head in the clouds type of person. You think in terms of possibilities. You are a total homebody. You are happiest when you're at home.

What Does Your Bed Say About You?

Unconscious muttering

From Lunalina's, here's this week unconscious mutterings:

1. Cry :: out
   
2. Stretch :: marks
   
3. Efficient :: me
   
4. Brunch :: sunday
   
5. Afro :: hair
   
6. Preheat :: convenient food
   
7. Delicious :: chocolate
   
8. Global warming :: scary
   
9. Actions :: saving the world
   
10. Ride :: home

Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head. AND you don't have to have your words up on Sunday. Take all week if you want!

You are Ernie

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times. You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun. How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Thanks to Jenny and The Gal. They both took it and inspired me to do the same.

Unconscious Mutterings

I took this from my friend Claudia's few minutes ago.

1. Signature :: pen
2. Olympics :: medals
3. 100% :: success
4. Damn! :: again
5. Gold :: medal
6. Fresh and natural :: look
7. Fraction :: math
8. Hurry :: late
9. Summer :: over
10. 29th :: end of the month

I hope everyone is having a good day. I got up very late but that's OK, it's sunday. A day to rest and relax. I should be baking biscottis but alas, I don't have all the almonds I need, so I'll wait and bake 'em tomorrow or take my butt to the grocery store today. We shall see.

Saturday nine

1. Do you worry about your next birthday? yeah, I'm turning 30 fucking years old. Fark, this makes me feel really old. 

2. Have you ever lied about your age in the recent past? If yes why?  nah, people don't really believe I'm 29 anyway. 

3. Have you ever lied about your age when you were young? If yes why? yes, to buy some alcohol. 

4. How much older have you been a person that you were romantically involved? older, I think 3 years. 

5. How much younger have you been a person that you were romantically involved?  22 years younger

6. Have you ever been consider a sibling, rather than parent of your child? I don't have kids, so it never applied. 

7. If you have had children, did you factor in age when deciding to have a sibling? I don't have kids

8. If you have not had children, are you happy with your choice and/or fate? I will have kids one day, I am waiting either a) for the correct man or b) if I haven't met Mr.Right when I'm 33, I'll have an artificial insemination with a donor. (clinics here accept single women) 

9. Do your siblings have kids? Are you close to them? Their ages? My siblings don't have kids, yet. 

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks to The Gal for inspiring me to do this meme. 

Had my first driver's lesson tonight and other things...

I'm posting and running. This evening TTF gave me my first driver's lesson. I drove around for over 30 minutes, it was fun, instructive and easier than I thought and I wasn't scared.

I'm really happy and thrilled!!! It was something that we'll be doing again. ::big grin::

Guys, keep Funsize and her family in your thoughts and prayers, she lost her baby boy Colin at 33 weeks  and 4 days of gestation. They need all the love, prayers and thoughts you guys can give.Follow the link and read her story. 

I've been better at reading and visiting your blogs! I will be back on track soon. Oh and by the way, classes are going to be starting on september 2nd. That time, it shouldn't be delayed. Yipee!

Guess what I'm doing tomorrow morning?

I'm going for my driver's license, it's my learner's license but nonetheless a permit to drive. I'm a little bit stressed but I'm always a worrier so it's not a big shock that I would feel anxiety. I'm sick with a bad cold, that stinks but last week The Lawyer and her family were sick with it and I stayed with them and caught it. I'm feeling terrible but with the help of decongestant, I guess I'll survive. It could be worse. ;)

The rest is well, I've been feeling quite detached from this blog. I can't really explain it, maybe it's something that happens to every blogger, maybe it's just be, what do I know?

So I'm enjoying my Neo Citran and will soon get my butt to bed so I can rest and be in shape for tomorrow. I'm leaving at 7h30. I'll let you know If I get the licence tomorrow. Think and pray for me?

I'm alive

Just to let you know that I'm doing well, I'm alive and I've just being busy (that's why the lack of update). I celebrated my 1st anniversary on the blog 10 days ago. :)

I hope you guys are well. I'll be updating more tomorrow, I'm not home. If anyone wants to get in touch with me, my email addy is in my profile.

Take care!

The bad blogger update

I don't even have a good excuse for being missing from the blogosphere other than life's been keeping me busy and happy.

On the student, the update is that we hired a young lady that's being doing a FANTASTIC job. She's serious, wants to work, on time, dedicated and people appreciate her. It's been a good thing. We hired her on July 3rd and she started on the 4th. And because of the fact that she's independent and doing a good job, I've been able to not go there as much. I have to admit that The Lawyer has pushed me to let go and let her work alone and to trust her. (cut the cord) I'm maybe over-protective, insecure or controlling ??? (Don't answer) but I wanted to go there too much and she gently but firmly told me that once a week to visit my student is enough. She can reach me at home or on my cell phone if there's anything, but nothing more than that.

On the topic of being pushed (insert roll-eyes smiley)The Lawyer's been pushing me (gently and with affection) about me not having my driver's license. I have finally, after many discussions, taken an appointment for august 7th to ger my learner's license. I have refused for over 10 years, it was not even something I was willing to discuss. But sometimes, when you are ready to be pushed, you "get the message".

I've been working but also reading a lot, taken some sun, enjoyed the summer even if we haven' been having that much nice weather. Even if I'm just enjoying life I've been working and growing a lot inside ...

I miss you guys but I'm not far, I'm just on the other side of the blog's door. My one year anniversary is coming, I'm going to get my butt back at it's place.

A belated update but I've got a good excuse

You won't believe it but guess what? The Friendly Boss and I have to interview students again tomorrow for the fucking summer job. The one we hired wasn't doing a good job, I'll tell you the stories in another post but he quit this morning.
We didn't needed that. I've been wondering, what the hell am I suppose to learn from all of this?

1. Don't trust anyone
2. The generation of the 20 years old and less sucks (What are they called, the Y generation?)
3. Dealing with employee is a pain in the ass?
4. I can't control everything and sometimes even if you do your best, things still end up getting fucked?
5. Patience and letting go?
6. None of these answers, God's just testing your faith and you have miserably failed?


I'm half kidding, this has taken it's toll on me, I feel like hell, I don't sleep really well and I just want my life back. I seriously just want my damn life back.

breathe, breathe, breathe... Everything will work out great, in the end, it'll be fine. Tomorrow, we are interviewing 5 students, I gave them all a call and had a little chit-chat with them today. We'll see what happens. Pray for us please?

On the personal level I've had an awesome girl's night out last Friday with The Passionate One, The Lawyer and The Cute Blonde, we went shopping, bought clothes and went for sushis, it was great. Saturday night The Lawyer's parents were celebrating her brother's birthday and we played games until very late and on Sunday night I babysat 8 kiddos, ranging from the age of 2 to 12.

Off to get my butt back in the Parish's computer. I'm sorry for the lack of update and visits to each and every one of you. I promise, I'll be back.


:::smooches:::

Tag time

The Gal herself tagged me, and I'm glad, because it gives me an excuse to use this cool picture. Now, here are the rules:

a) Link to the person who tagged me.

b) Mention the rules.

c) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.

d) Tag 6 other bloggers by linking to them.

e) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.

And now, I am sure, more than you ever wanted to know...

1. I've got a very high score on Word Challenge on Facebook but I didn't achieve this alone. One afternoon, The Lawyer and I worked as a teem on Word Challenge and score this high result. I'm not proud of it because I didn't achieve this alone. I'm smart but not fast as she is. She, BY HERSELF beat me a week after and I think she's awesome and freaking smart.

2. If my underarms aren't shaved, I feel dirty.

3. I feel naked when I'm not wearing foundation and powder.

4. I wear size 6 or 7 in shoes. (6 if they are hush puppies, 7 for the others)

5. Every time I'm afraid or scared I pray and it calm me down.

6. I'm efficient, productive and I love to be in the action. I just need to learn to manage my perfectionism so it stays positive and doesn't eat me inside.

I'm tagging anyone who wants to play? Vixen? Lara? The Mommy Project? Ruff Diamond? Claudia? Izzy? Jehara?

Sudoku are a good remedy for insomnia...

Yeah, they sure are. I'm doing them in a book at the moment. I worked most of the day at the Parish's computer working in the new program transferring and entering manually the data. It's boring, I, mean really boring but it needs to be done. I'm actually late but fuck, there's soo many hours in a plus when you've got plenty of things to do and a life. This is super important for me. Taking care of myself and having a life outside of The Parish.

I'm relaxing and trying to get myself ready for sleep by doing sudoku in a little book, I played "Word Challenge" on Facebook, for some reasons, using my brain helps me relax.
I know, I'm strange.

Tomorrow is the first day of my student at The Church, I hope it's going to work out. I trained him for a part of the afternoon Monday, reviewed everything with him and I'll be with him tomorrow morning to start and I'll be present on and off for the first days, then, "God willing" things will turn out well and this is going to be easy for me as the supervisor. I am putting "God willing" in quote because I am not in control of the situation and I told him (God) that I was on the edge of losing my mind so help me god, this needs to be an easy thing.

It was the St-Jean Baptiste in Quebec yesterday, which is for Quebec what the 4th of July is for the Americans. On Monday night, a bunch of friends got together but before I had dinner at The Lawyer's house with another friend of ours, it was fun, we had fun with The Lawyer's baby boy.

Oh, my MacBook went to the Apple official repair store on Monday because he was slow and the technician changed the memory and it's back to it's regular speed. I had to reinstall everything, the program, the backup I made of evertything I had on my baby and I'm just happy it's working.

The Gal is right, I know I need a break from The Parish because I'm starting to feel like an angry bitch and these people don't have to pay for my lack of energy and need for vacations. I mean, even if they aggravate me sometimes, they just shouldn't have to pay for this and I'm being careful not to lose my smile and niceness when I'm doing church's stuff.

I've been feeling a bit better because I was actually able to enjoy some time with friends, real fun times. Nice talks, heart-to-heart, laughs and that kinda lightened my mood. I was in such a pissed off mood Friday and Saturday I almost sent The Friendly Boss (TFB) my resignation letter.
But the poor guy's vacation for the week and I didn't wanted to give him a heart attack when he'll be back home. Instead, I'll talk with him when I'm calm down and well rested. He was right and it's a bit painful for me to admit but he told me back at the end of May that he was worried that if he was giving me too much things to manage for The Church Council that I would overdo and not respect myself and get tired. He knows I'm a perfectionist, he knows I want nothing but perfection from myself. He was right that I took too much and that I just can't manage everything. But I want to be able to, I'm powerful and strong, I can do anything I want. Nothing is too heavy for me to handle. I can manage everything without losing my sanity.
I'm such a fucking liar, I just need to let go and not take everything soo seriously, I can do so much, I'm just a human.

Poor TFB was once again right. I may or may not tell him what I just posted. I'm sure he already knows, the man knows me THAT much.

So until I can sleep I'm going to be doing sudoku and doing the tag given by The Gal.

Guess what?

I went to mass on Saturday night, as you know, I've not been such a faithful catholic in the past months. I guess when you are behind the scene (aware of what goes on in the community), sometimes it's just enough to keep someone away from practising. But I needed to go because I wanted to inform the parishioners that we'll be having a student at The Church for 6 weeks and to invite them to visit and come while the church's doors are open.

Mass was OK I guess and my little speech before the last prayer went well. I thought I was clear and I thought people understood my words but after 3 people came up to me and said "What did you say?" and suddenly I remembered that people just don't pay attention when someone speaks at the microphone. For some odd reason, they don't listen. I knew better than getting mad because it's always that way but it did piss me off a little bit.

My compassion meter is a bit broken when it comes to church business and that's freaking sad. I think I need vacations from The Parish because I have no tolerance left. I'm tired, I have been swamped and overwhelmed with Church council's business and I need a break. I'll get it in a few weeks. I'm going to survive and be well because I have a "real-life" outside of the Parish but I need a serious and total break and as soon as my student is able to work by himself and function well and as soon as the Parish's datas are transfered I'm going to be on vacation for few weeks.

I got a call Friday morning from The College and my college program is scheduled to start on August 18.

Other than that life's been treating me well, I've been able to spend quality time with friends and enjoying myself... I'm sorry I haven't been visiting you guys as much as I use to. I promise, I'll get my butt back in gear soon enough. How's life been treating each and every one of you?

The "donated" furniture

Sorry about the quality of the picture and one of them really sucks but here's the "donated" furniture. I requested the permission of the President of the church council and he agreed as long as his face wasn't on them. (he was posing in the first pictures we took)

So what do you guys think? Anyone want it?

Saturday update with pictures

I had a crazy week, that's mostly why I didn't update but I'm back.

I have my student, I hired him Tuesday in the late evening, he starts on June 25st and I'm happy about this (TFB is happy too). Will I be willing to do the process again next year? I can't answer now but we'll see.

Church council on Tuesday night was, let's put it this way "weird", Mr. Power Trippin' was on a roll. Not only did his actions bother me but The Tall Friend saw it himself, The Friendly Boss too, I think he has huge issues with women and I am one. That's one of the problem with the clergy, some of them can't stand women, they think we are inferior and react strangely to our presence. Whatever... (I would write more about the issue but with my luck, someone from the Parish will find my blog and know I'm referring to "him", I could refer to him as "He, who shall not be named".

I took pictures for The Gal, of my purse and my shoes and the new shoes I got yesterday. The brown leather shoes and purse I bought last week and the black leather highheels shoes, I got yesterday. I love 'em. I feel feminine, hot, sexy... (sorry for the crappy pictures)

I was sick last night with acid reflux and for some reason, puked my gut out until 1h00 AM. The freaking acid burns... Oh my gosh, but I'm better now, I did think I was not going to survive this but all is well.

I just vacuumed, mop the floors and did laundry. I'm going back to reading a book and relaxing. I need this, after a few week of Parish's hell, I need a break.

I hate this...

Once again this morning we had an interview for the fucking summer job. The person was very interested when I called yesterday and invited them for an interview at 9h00 AM tuesday morning but called 30 minutes before to cancel. The person had my fucking home number but instead of telling ME, called the Parish's office to cancel.

This is what I looked like when The Friendly Boss called to let me know:


then

then I hung up, took a long shower while


and now I'm pissed off.

Screw that, what the hell is wrong with this generation? Doesn't anyone want to work damnit? Full time job for 6 weeks, the work isn't very hard, it's interesting and fun and no one wants it? Fuck that shit.

I called the lady at the local Service Canada Center for Youth, she's always been nice with me. She was telling me that they are lacking student to fill all the positions available. Great positions that were easily filled in the past years are not being filled this year. Student don't really wanna work. It reassured me to see this was NOT just about us. But it still pisses me off.

If it was up to me at the moment, I would just throw the towel. This sucks, royally sucks. I know it has nothing to do with me as a human but it's taking it's toll on me because I'm the silly one who's working like crazy on this for no fucking results.

I think today is not my day. I'm too sensitive.

Friday shopping therapy

To forget about my week of hell with The Parish's stuff, I went shopping with The New Blogger. She doesn't like shopping but needed some things and you know me, I enjoy shopping.


I bought my first high heel shoes, they are in brown leather, they are gorgeous. I got a matching purse (leather) that I'm in love with, capri's and a green shirt. We had a good dinner with The Tall Friend and the kiddos and I'm just happily sitting at home. I'm watching TV, just because I haven't had a time to watch any in the past week and I'm just going to sleep in tomorrow. I want to go to the library and rest.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Slice of life

We need to do the process to hire someone all over again. It's a real PITA but it needs to be done. I've been trying to get the word out that we are looking for a student for the job, seriously been doing that constantly since yesterday at 15h15, it's going to have to work out.

I've had meetings related to The Parish non-stop, I want to sleep in tomorrow and maybe go shopping? After my meeting this afternoon I drop by my hairdresser for a cut, I needed to feel pretty and take a break, then tonight I went to eat with a friend and we stopped at The Passionate One's for a coffee, it was nice.

Seriously, we need to hire a student that will do the job, pray for us? TFB is unavailable this week due to engagements so I'm trying to find applicants that we will interview next week. I want to do the job, I want to do my share of the work because that's what team work is about. I'm a fixer, I can do this. I will "fix" the situation. I'm an action type of girl, I HATE inaction and reaction, I'm pro-active, I'm strong.

Action = power = control over a situation.

What relaxes me at night is to play "Who has the biggest brain?" on Facebook, a friend of mine hooked me on this game.

Annulment of Muslim Marriage Over False Virginity Claim Sparks Outrage in France

From this article

The annulment of a young Muslim couple’s marriage because the bride was not a virgin has caused anger in France, prompting President Sarkozy’s party to call for a change in the law.

The decision by a court in Lille was condemned by the Government, media, feminists and civil rights organisations after it was reported in a legal journal on Thursday. Patrick Devedjian, leader of the ruling Union for a Popular Movement, said it was unacceptable that the law could be used for religious reasons to repudiate a bride. It must be modified “to put an end to this extremely disturbing situation”, he said.

The case, which had previously gone unreported, involved an engineer in his 30s, named as Mr X, who married Ms Y, a student nurse in her 20s, in 2006. The wedding night party was still under way at the family’s home in Roubaix when the groom came down from the bedroom complaining that his bride was not a virgin. He could not display the blood-stained sheet that is traditionally exhibited as proof of the bride’s “purity”.

Mr X went to court the following morning and was granted a annulment on the grounds that his bride had deceived him on “one of the essential elements” of the marriage. In disgrace with both families, she acknowledged that she had led her groom to believe that she was a virgin when she had already had sexual intercourse. She did not oppose the annulment.
Related Links

* Debate over Muslim brides’ virginity

* Sex advice: I'm a 35 year-old Muslim virgin

* Teacher at Muslim school 'was asked if she was a virgin'

Critics ran out of superlatives to condemn what they depicted as a dangerous aberration. Valérie Létard, Minister for Women’s Rights, said that she was “shocked to see that today in France the civil law can be used to diminish the status of women”.

Elisabeth Badinter, a philosopher and pioneer of women’s legal rights, said that she felt shame for the French justice system. “The sexuality of women in France is a private and free matter,” she said. “The annulment will just serve to send young Muslim girls running to hospitals to have their hymens restored.”

Although officially discouraged, the 30-minute operation is in increasing demand from Muslim women who fear the consequences of being unable to prove their virginity on their wedding night. Numerous agencies offer services for surgery trips to north African nations. One is offering a “hymenoplasty trip” to Tunis for €1,250 (£980). Internet sites and blogs are full of would-be brides in fear of the test of “the blood-soaked sheet”.

While ministers fulminated against the Lille decision, a different stand was taken by Rachida Dati, the Justice Minister, who has Moroccan and Tunisian parents. The law had, she said, protected the bride. “Annulling a marriage is a way of protecting the person who perhaps wants to undo a marriage. I think this young girl wanted . . . to separate quite quickly. The law is there to protect vulnerable people,” Ms Dati said.

The annulment was defended by Xavier Labbée, the lawyer who acted for Ms Y. The decision was justified by the bride’s deception, not her sexual history, he argued. “Quite simply it is about a lie,” he said. “Religion did not motivate the decision . . . but it is true that religious convictions played a role.”

Requests for annulments have risen sharply to nearly 2,000 a year in France, but experts could recall no case involving non-virginity.

In the news here today, they're saying that Quebec's civil law is similar to France's civil law and such a judgement could be made here. What the hell? An annulment because the bride was not a virgin. I'm outraged!

Well, well, well...

We have got ourselves a student for the summer job at The Parish. We scheduled 5 interviews today, 1 cancelled 30 minutes before, one didn't come and 3 were interviewed. One will get a call tomorrow and will be very happy to hear the news. It was NOT a difficult choice. The Friendly Boss will call the 3 students to let them know our decision, if they have or don't have the job.

One of the student really lost points when she started to talk about one place where she send her resume, and named her and called her lots of ugly names. Seriously, it was hard not to roll my eyes at her. TFB said he will be telling her, as constructive criticism that it's not appropriate to act like this and that she needs to stop doing this during interviews that it's hurting her. He worked human resources, he knows what he's talking about. I mean, I know it's fucking inappropriate to do it but he'll be good at telling her gently.

I'm confident about the one we picked, absolutely confident in her capacities and the work she will do. It's going to make my job easier this summer. (TFB and I will be her supervisors and be there for her if she needs anything).

Other than that, we got some work done with The Tall Friend around 19h30 because we've got a big meeting with all of our employee and our volunteers tomorrow night.

I may be posting The Ugly Couch soon... I think I'll take pictures without The Friendly Boss in them.

Currently listening to...

Where do you go by No Mercy.

Where do you go my lovely
Where do you go - I wanna know
My lovely I wanna know
Where do you go?
I wanna know
Where do you go?
I wanna know
Where do you, where do you go?
Where do you, where do you go?

You leave without a word
No message no number
And now my head is poundin like rollin thunder
You left me with a heartache
Deep inside
Girl you should see me
Cry all night and I wonder
Everybody says what a shame
What is wrong
They dont like the game you play
Heard youre hangin round every night
Until dawn
And waiting for you night and day

Where do you go my lovely
Where do you go - I wanna know
My lovely I wanna know
Where do you go?
I wanna know
Where do you go?
I wanna know

You gotta break the silence
Dont keep me waiting
Just like ariver flowing to the sea
Youre running back to me
Girl, hear what Im saying

Where do you go my lovely
I wanna know
Where do you go?
I wanna know
Where do you, where do you go?
Where do you, where do you go?
Save me
Come back and dry
The tears I cry for you baby
You gotta stop this heartache
Deep inside
You gotta help me make it through the night
Save me - come back and save me

Where do you go my lovely
Where do you go - I wanna know
My lovely I wanna know
Where do you go?
My lovely where do you go?
I wanna know
Where do you, where do you go?

I think we danced on that song at The Bar Friday night. I had such an amazing time that I'm willing to do it anytime again. Amaretto mixed with grape juice is a great drink, I had more than 9-10 drinks. I haven't had any alcohol since. Last night one of the girl and I went for a coffee and both she and I were unable to have anything with a sip of alcohol after Friday's party.

My friend is not back yet, so I'll get home around 22h00, which is totally fine with me. I haven't worked on anything for the Parish today and yesterday, I'm a bad bad girl.

Sex and the city and girl's night out

Because of my friend The Gal requested it, I'm going to let you know what I thought of the movie "Sex and the city". Friends and I went to see it (9 girls), I followed the whole series, so I loved the movie but it wasn't as good as the TV show. If that makes sense. Plus, the movie was in French so the voices didn't match the real actress's voices. But I was happy we went, I laughed, I was touched with the story and the 4 girls. Go see it, it's worth it!

Then we went to a bar, gout ourselves a lounge and partied until 3 AM. I was wasted totally... We had loads of fun, we danced, it was awesome.... When we left the bar we stopped to eat something and I got home at 4h15 AM and I was in bed by 4h25. I got up at 11h55 this morning when the phone rang. (I'm still tired)

I'm at The Nurse house spending the night with her mom and I'll be back tomorrow night at home. I bought my MacBook with me. So I'm online...

Update, a story from The Parish and all...

Remember my rant about life insurance? Well, after more than 2 months, I was finally accepted. I'm covered! I received the call after lunch. I was relieved and thrilled and happy and thankful and happy.

Our Parish Priest wanted to do a "welcoming room" in the rectory. He thought his office wasn't decorated well enough, he wanted new furniture, new curtain, paint and all that jazz. We don't have money to buy all these stuff, so we suggested he find some second handed furniture. Oh My gosh! What was my shock on Monday when I went to the rectory, entered his office and saw THE UGLIEST EVER PIECES OF FURNITURE. I mean terribly awful vintage 3 pieces chairs and a couch. They are velvet pinkish coloured, with build-in spotlights, glasses and some old build-in tape and the speakers. The glasses would be paradise for a coke head who'd wanna sniff and relax on the couch. It's awful. It was given by an older and very nice parishioner but for god's sake it's just terrible.

The Friendly Boss and I were hysterically laughing this morning while meeting in that room, we even took pictures of the furnitures with TFB acting in them. I have 2nd handed furniture but wouldn't want these pieces in my home. They are for a freak's museum. We can't have people sit on those. Our old ones were not THAT bad. They actually were great. See, The Parish Priest wanted newer stuff and now he's stuck with those. He can't throw 'em out. That would hurt the nice parishioner's feelings ya know.

I would post the pictures (not showing TFB to respect his private life) but with my luck someone from the parish would know it's me if they saw those awful to god pictures. Ha Ha HA!!!!

I'm getting back on the Parish's computer to work in our database, transferring old files.

Sorry about the lack of update

I'm swamped with work for the Parish. I have a cold and I'm just feeling overwhelmed with tons of stuff that I've got to take care of. I'm well, mood is good, I just wish th cold could get away but I'll survive.

I'll be back soon!

13 things I did since last Thursday Thirteen

I know, I'm not original at all.

1. Donated blood.
2. Went shopping
3. Collected donations for The Parish (last Friday and this Tuesday and I'll be doing it again the same days. We are running the annual campaign until the beginning of June.
4. Worked on The Parish's records
5. Worked on the darn letter to address some financial issues with The Diocese.
6. Went out with The Passionate One, her sister and another friend. It was a fun girl's night out!
7. Watched Untraceable with The Young Priest.
8. Slept (not enough)
9. Cooked
10. Cleaned
11. Talked on the phone. Darn I love to talk on the phone. I'm a chatty Cathy.
12. Read
13. Went to a conference on Tuesday night. A Catholic priest was addressing some people and 2 people offered their testimony of faith.

PSA on sending your resume to get a job

The Friendly Boss and I are in charge of hiring a student for a 6 weeks student job, we've put 2 ads on the Internet on some job searching places for students and have been getting resume by email. (that's the way we asked the candidate to contact us) The job description is clear, it's a great opportunity for a student. Now, with my PSA.

First, if your cover letter has a lot of spelling errors, the person who's going to read the email will roll her eyes. But damn it, the worse is sending your resume in a Microsoft Publisher file. Damn it, send your resume on a Word document. I don't have publisher, not everyone has access to this program. Use a very commonly use format like W-O-R-D. I had a soft spot for the candidate because she's obviously pretty young, so I emailed her back, asking her very nicely to send me back her resume in a Word document explaining that The Parish doesn't have Publisher and that we can't open her Resume.

So the fun is starting, we'll do interviews in 2 weeks I think. The Friendly Boss and I still need to discuss it but that seems good for me.

We just want a college/university level student interested in being at the church full time for the visitors and do tours and talk to the visitors/tourist about the Parish's and the area's history. We want someone smart, outgoing, mature, interested in history and good with the public.

Please, pray that it works and that we'll make the correct choice this year. Even if school was started for me I couldn't have the job because when you are on the church council (elected) you can never be paid or receive money, it would be a conflict of interest. I love my volunteer position at The Parish and I prefer to give my time for the Church for free. That's my gift of faith to this community.

It's a heartache

That's what I'm listening at the moment. It's a Bonnie Tyler song.

It's a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Hits you when it's too late
Hits you when you're down

It's a fool's game
Nothing but a fools game
Standing in the cold rain
Feeling like a clown

It's a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Love him till your arms break
Then he lets you down

It ain't right with love to share
When you find he doesn't care for you
It ain't wise to need someone
As much as I depended on you

It's a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Hits you when it's too late
Hits you when you're down

It's a fool's game
Nothing but a fools game
Standing in the cold rain
Feeling like a clown

[Instrumental Interlude]

It ain't right with love to share
When you find he doesn't care for you
It ain't wise to need someone
As much as I depended on you

Oh, it's a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Love him till your arms break
Then he lets you down

It's a fools game
Standing in the cold rain
Feeling like a clown
It's a heartache
Love him till your arms break
Then he lets you down
It's a fools game
Standing in the cold rain...

I got up pretty late today but I have a good excuse. The Young Priest and I went for a coffee yesterday, we met actually quite late (8 PM ish) because he had to attend a practice for a wedding he was doing today, and after the coffee, we stopped at the grocery store and he offered to watch a movie. We rented Untraceable, it was good but fucked up. How can people be that mean? How can human being be so evil? I was delinquent and stayed online until 3 AM.


Today? I cleaned and washed the outside windows. Man, that was fun. I thought I did a great job but I looked at them with the sun down and it's full of streaks. Fuck it, I don't know if I'll be courageous enough to do it again tomorrow.

Yesterday I called Baby Sister who's oversea, it was the first time I spoke to her since she left and it was nice.

I decided not to go to mass this evening because of the priest who was celebrating. I mean, I wish I could say more but it wouldn't be OK of me to discuss this specific person. Maybe tomorrow? Maybe I'll go tomorrow, maybe not. It's hard to be very involved in a parish where you get to know the real side of everyone. It sucks and It's hard to see people who don't practice what they preach. It just makes this girl not want to attend church. I'm not perfect but I practice what I preach. Hazelnut, does it make any sense to you? Do you see the same sometimes in your parish? Anyone else?