Posted in Books, Canada, Doctor Who, Family, Fibromyalgia, halloween, money, Movies, Zombies

Love Moves Us

Posted on by D. Parker

So my body is being distinctly uncooperative, oh you know, the usual Chronic Suckage, including but not limited to: Fibromyalgia and all its joys (heavy sarcasm), Migraines (several types, quite exciting, note more sarcasm), Titeze’s Syndrome, muscle spasms in my back, and of course, the falling and almost falling (I do my own stunts, I think I could do Tiktok videos of me trying not to fall, it sort of resembles dancing, er, maybe Elaine from “Seinfeld” dancing, but still). And yes, I’ve moved again, the joys of renting versus owning. Though this time, love moves us. We’ve moved to be closer to family. And now I’m working on finding my way around a new city…with varying degrees of success.

So in between and sometimes at the same time as packing, unpacking, repacking, calling hydro, gas (got a $797 bill, it was wrong, but with the direction Canada is taking, not completely out of the question; so a couple of small heart attacks and many communications later, more like $57. Best part? The customer service agent asked if I wanted to do auto pay…ummm, no with a definite emphasis on never no), also various other thingies as well as filling out forms online, I’ve been doing a lot of reading and watching TV.

A few highlights (some books, some shows, some movies – or a combination thereof): “Where The Crawdads Sing”: “The Cook of Castamar” (obsessed by this); “Marcella”; “Bonfire of Destiny”; “Foyle’s War”; “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” (hmmm, I’ll rename it The Lost Hours of Donna Parker”, where does the time go?)”…

“La Revolution” (what if the French Revolution, but with zombies, hey, history has been rewritten so many times, who knows what really happened? After all, Daryl Dixon is now in Paris, hmmm); “Wednesday”; “Women at War”; “The Barrier”; “1899” (my brain is still trying to recover from that one); “Vikings: Valhalla” (I think all Vikings series should simply be titled, “Pretty People Pillaging”); “Des” (can’t get enough of David Tennant; can’t wait for his return in “Doctor Who”);

“Top Gun: Maverick”; “What We Do In the Shadows”; “Ten Percent”; “The Handmaid’s Tale”; “The Whale” (get your tissues ready, Brendan Fraser is amazing and for me, the message, damaged people damage others whether they mean to or not resonates); “Castlevania”; “Good Omens 2” (hey, adding Jon Hamm and Peter Davison, you can never go wrong); “Rick and Morty” and a bunch more (I do wish I could sleep more, I’d give up all I watch for more sleep). I’ve been watching so much international TV I think I’m learning some other languages…

I tried out the new Netflix “Lite” plan (in Canada slightly cheaper still paying a lot of tons of ads/restrictions). Pros: The price difference obvs. Cons: Ads. Enough to be annoyed that I’d still be shelling out $$$ to see ads; when I watch ads on TUBI, XUMOPlay, Filmrise, PLUTO, GEM, YOUTUBE, etc. well, they’re free so ads who cares, free. I like free. https://yadadarcyyada.com/2022/01/21/cant-buy-me-love/

I wait for sales on Netflix gift cards (and other gift cards), buy them and use them to pay, so I usually get anywhere from 10%-25% off. Another con? Lower resolution: 720p, not 1080p, but most “modern” TVs upscale and I grew up in Northern Ontario, with TVs with rabbit ears; needless to say sometimes there was more snow on our TV than on the ground!

Here’s the kicker: locked content. You’ll notice a little lock on the thumbnails for certain shows, licensing issues or some such nonsense. Some stuff locked, “Vikings”; “Murdoch Mysteries”, “The Walking Dead”; etc.

Most can be found on other streaming services for free, at your local library, and/or on a free trial, etc. but I found a deal breaker, “Waterworld” is locked, I’m sorry, there are some obstacles you can’t overcome.

So I jumped up a tier. Everything is tiered now, here a tier, there a tier, everywhere a tier, tier, streaming services need to calm down, e i e i o blah blah blah. Jeez, even Netflix is a class struggle. One price for all! Cut the crap about people sharing passwords, yes, it’s probably wrong, but your prices are way too high. Want people to subscribe without sharing, it’s not rocket science, make your prices reasonable.

I got Crave/HBO free for a month with a deal from Pizza Pizza (I crave pizza and then my chronic suckage tortures me, but then its siren song calls again, so evil). I’ve cancelled now, so I saw about 6 episodes of “The Last of Us” which I really enjoyed, so far. Pedro Pascal once again proves he can play anyone, anywhere, anyhow and supposedly he’s a fun guy (fungi?). Can’t wait until the MCU is smart enough to scoop him up. Also great in “The Mandalorian“ where he’s also escorting a “child” to safety. Hmmm. Bella Ramsey (“Game of Thrones“, hmm, who else was in GoT, oh yeah, Pascal). Maybe I’ll catch up with more later if there’s another deal or if the apocalypse is delayed…I never trusted mushrooms.

Enjoyed some of Bryan Cranston in everything and in this case, “Your Honor” (make good choices!!!). “Yellowjackets” was delicious (nudge nudge know what I mean?) but looks like I’ll miss the second serving, er season, for now.

I had Sundance Now for a free one month trial and really got my money’s worth (ba dum tss, I’ll be here all week, wow, tough crowd, are you an audience or an oil painting?). Highlight was “River” (Stellan Skarsgård, Nicola Walker, Adeel Akhtar, Lesley Manville and more make this so watchable). Ear worm alert: “I Love To Love (But My Baby Just Love to Dance)” by Tina Charles in my head, begone ear worm, forget it, I guess I’ll just have to dance, I’ll have to dance, I’ll have to dance…

Cancelled Disney+ (it came free for a year with my internet deal). Yet another streaming service whose prices keep on creeping, creeping, creeping. Again, if they want people to subscribe and subscribe without sharing, easy peasy lemon squeezy, lower your prices; it’s not that magical…

My brain and I aren’t getting along. Brain is all like, here’s some brain fog, ha ha, fight your way through that with the added stress of moving, etc. So I hung out with: Margaret Atwood. Agatha Christie, Gena Showalter, Holly Ringland, Colleen Wachob, Julia Quinn, Nicola Cornick, Anne O’Brien, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, and a few others…kinda helped.

Many days I’m just too tired to focus, or even hold my head up, so e-audiobooks and TV are ever so helpful. So the 90-day AppleTV+ subscription I got from PC Optimum is fun. Watched “Invasion”, honestly, with the state of Canada/the world I’m not sure these alien shows and movies are as scary as they used to be. Could aliens be worse than the leaders (and use the term loosely) than we have? We should give them a chance. Change we need. I’ve always wanted to believe.

Heck, the zombie apocalypse is starting to look good right about now, at least there would be a better supply of housing and it would be affordable, well, you know, once you clean the place up, board it up, and defend it. I was thinking treadmills all around the place, then the zombies could supply me with power. They are The Walking Dead…

“Silo” was ok if a bit predictable, spoilers, it takes place in a silo (shocker). “Foundation” is a little disappointing, too loosely based on the “Foundation” series of stories by Isaac Asimov; why do people think they can improve on Asimov? It’s like rewriting Roald Dahl to make it more politically correct, knock it off, grrrr.

I had to use up a movie theater gift card I was given before the pandemic (this theater chain isn’t in the city we’ve moved to) so I saw “Cocaine Bear” which was just as fantastic as the title implies. Can’t wait for some sequels, maybe “Cocaine Snakes on a Plane”, “Purple Cocaine Rain”, “Meth Giraffe”, “Cocaine Care Bears”, “Weed Woofer”, “Ecstasy Elephant”…I think the options are endless.

Then here at Galaxy Cinemas we saw “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (a-maz-zing!!!!) and “Across The Spiderverse” (soooooo good!). I couldn’t be bothered to see “Barbie” in theaters, I don’t own any pink clothes.

We’re renting in a new build so there’s construction which surprisingly is not as loud as the people who feel they should share their playlist from their cars, hint hint, I can do my own playlist, you can keep yours. And if you need to have a convo with someone at 2am, go inside the house. Oh and exciting but in a bad way, our “neighbour” got arrested about 90 days after we moved in, er, um, don’t wanna know.

But I love being closer to family. I’ve been to the beaches many times, haven’t spotted Kempenfelt Kelly yet, but I know he’s out there, I think we’ll be friends, for sure; a baseball game with my brother (go Baycats!); found some thrift stores; made myself known at the local library; fell in hearty like with our local weatherman, K.C. Colby, who makes me smile https://twitter.com/KCColbyCTV;

grown my hair into a proper bob; made perogies with the fam; tried to knit again, what can I say, knit happens; bought Taylor Swift tickets (just wanted to see if you were paying attention); ate no chocolate *bahaha, clearly untrue;

Kempenfest (it put me in bed for 3 days but sadly that’s not unusual, again, chronic suckage https://yadadarcyyada.com/2019/11/22/99-problems-and-fibromyalgia-is-all-of-them/) and look, blogging again. https://yadadarcyyada.com/2017/02/02/theres-no-crying-in-blogging/ 
https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/04/10/im-hooked-on-a-feeling/ https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/08/27/message-in-a-bottle/
 https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/09/26/the-phantom-of-the-blogging-tips/ https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/10/16/you-cant-handle-the-blogging-truth/

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2020/welcome/ https://yadadarcyyada.com/2019/09/18/head-over-heels/  https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/11/07/can-you-feel-the-blog-love-tonight/  https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/06/09/to-blog-or-not-to-blog/

Amazon jumped the price on Amazon Prime again, so I cancelled. I keep trying to get away but they keep pulling me back in, with my arch nemesis, a deal.

Sigh. Being broke and obscure kinda sucks. Maybe I’ll win a lottery, or a long-long-long-long lost relative will leave me a juicy inheritance…or something even more unbelievable, the Liberal government will actually, after 1100+ days (with another 2 years to go), pass the Canada Disability Benefit. To paraphrase Queen, All we hear is government ga ga, government goo goo, disabled Canadians are just background noise to you Justin Trudeau. Hmmm, the lottery seems like better odds.

Sorry I’ve been away so long, I know I keep saying that and I do sincerely mean it each time. But I’m settled now, who knows for how long, the life of a renter is so unstable, especially these days thanks to decades and decades of poor housing policies and many other poor choices, you know, give me the country (the world?) for a few years, I’ll straighten it out.

I’m an Autumn person and being further up North so many of the leaves have already gifted us with their colourful joy…sigh, delightful. Time for hot chocolate, sweaters, “Hocus Pocus”, “Halloweentown”, Thanksgiving (Happy Thansgiving to all in Canada), apple cider, the new “Haunted Mansion” and more. I was born for the Fall, except for pumpkin spice, that I don’t get, but respect for those who do. https://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/10/09/you-may-say-im-a-dreamer/

I’m ready, Great Pumpkin, I’ve found the most sincere pumpkin patch.

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61 thoughts on “Love Moves Us”

  3. It must be awful, dealing with your various health issues and trying to settle in a new location. Sounds like your move was an improvement, although dealing with noisy neighbours is annoying. I hope things settle down quickly!

    I admire your skills at finding the best deals for streaming services! Disney+ had a 3-month special of $1.00 a month recently, so I signed up to watch “Only Murders In the Building”. 🙂 Of course, I’ll be cancelling after that – way too expensive! Life in general is becoming unaffordable for many. I hope the government gets their act together in helping those in need.

    Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We do the best we can with what we have. It has settled down to some degree and it’s going to cool down weather-wise just in time for us Canadians to roast their turkeys for Thanksgiving this weekend.
      Yes, “Only Murders in the Building” is so fun, but I agree on the prices, all these streaming services are way too much!!!
      Happy Thanksgiving and may your heart be filled with joy and peace!!!🦃🥧 xox

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Donna, welcome back. You were missed. You moved. Happy new place! Always amazes me how you put your posts together. Tech savvy videos and all. Don’t stay away so long. Keep us posted! 📚🎶 Christine

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. It’s always good to be back, it feels like coming home, a blog home with a delightful family.
      Thank you, blogging is a great way to empty my brain, maybe now that I’ve settled I’ll have more energy to do more. Fingers crossed. Hope this weekend treats you kindly. All the best, always. xox

      Liked by 2 people

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    1. Me too and yes, yes, he’s not the new Doctor, that’s Ncuti Gatwa. But there supposed to be a few specials as they try to revive the series after the last few years. I can’t wait!!! Hope this weekend treats you kindly. xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’ve missed me too and all of you, I hope, hope, hope that now I’m more settled and closer to family I can be here more often with my blog family. Hope you are well (all things considered) my dear friend. Many, many, many hugs xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

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      2. Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that, David, although I’m very, very glad to hear you’re doing better. I do too, I feel like we’re kindred spirits separated by way, way too much water and illness. I’m sending a million hugs your way, I hope you’re ready. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Great to see you again!!!! Much of what you say here I can relate to … my mind and body have been in an ongoing battle for several years now. Typically, the body wins, but every now and then the mind proves to be the stronger of the two! Keep on keeping on … we’ve missed you!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’m sorry to hear that you understand, I hope that the good days or the good moments, even on the bad days, sustain you and refresh you..
      I hope now that I’m settled and closer to family I’ll be able to blog more and visit my blog family more often. Sending you some peace and comfort, best wishes xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Most days my mind just tells my body to sit down and shut up! Of late, though, the body is more assertive! But yes, the good moments outweigh the bad … I just have to remind myself of that some days. I do hope you’ll be blogging more, for we have missed you, but mostly I do hope you find peace and comfort, my friend! Hugs

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      2. Too bad our minds and bodies can’t get along,
        but the good moments outshine the bad (who we’re
        just going to ignore if we can). I’ve missed you
        all too and though I can’t make any promises,
        I did start on a new one, so that’s progress,
        just keep moving forward, right?
        Hope this week is bringing you so many good
        moments, as well as peace, love, and joy.
        xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

      3. We all do what we can, my friend. Don’t push yourself. I find that my blogging is my outlet, my vent for the frustrations over things happening in the world, but not everyone is the same. We’ll just be happy to see you when you feel like sharing some thoughts with us, or just popping in to say, “Hi!”. xxx

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      4. It’s funny, I want to be here, I miss it when I’m not but life just keeps popping up, good stuff and bad stuff and I spend my spoons, so I think I need to prioritize my blog family, you’re worth it. Hope the week ahead treats you kindly. xoxoxo

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I understand so well! In September 2021 I had some serious health issues, spent two weeks in the hospital and have still not fully recovered. For about 3 months, I simply did not have the energy nor the drive to blog, and yet … I missed my blogging family so much, I WANTED to be here, but I just couldn’t. I came back gradually, and you will too. We’ll be right here waiting, happy to see you when you can, and understanding when you can’t. Hugs

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      6. I’m so sorry to hear that, but I’m so glad you made it back to us,
        I think that’s what we do in this big blogging family,
        life tears us away but we keep finding our way back.
        All the best today, tomorrow and every single day.
        We are here. We are here. We are here. xox

        Liked by 1 person

  12. I wish WordPress had multiple choice buttons like Facebook and that you could pick more than one. I’d pick ❤️ and 🥰 and 😂. I enjoy your blog so much and wish you well and a Happy Thanksgiving with your family. Hang in there.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Welcome back Donna. Nice rant, I was with you all the way. Good on you for finding all these deals. Can I ask what the price diff was between Netflix and Light? Yep, they’re choking us from every direction here. Don’t get me started! Where in our great white north are you living now? Hugs ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It was $5.99 (plus tax) for the Lite and $9.99 (plus tax for the standard, then 2 higher tiers, but they’re changing all the plans soon, so who knows, they just keep squeezing.
      Barrie! Hope this weekend treats you kindly, and your days bring you peace and comfort.
      Happy Turkey Day hugs xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Thanks for letting me know Donna. We’re almost neighbours! 🙂 I’m at the north end of Toronto. I also wanted to tell you about a site that is free and surprising legal, where you can watch any movie or TV series currently streaming for free. You can get it on your computer or phone and cast it to the TV it’s http://www.bflix.to Happy watching, and Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂 ❤ xxx

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  15. Seeing your unique and meaningful writing again is sooo lovely, my dear Donna. Although very sorry for your permanently falling. I know it is our path to ageing, and you can’t get away from it, but as you say, love moves us, and I add that our memories keep our minds awake. Just keep going (and not falling!!). With love, Aladin

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. It’s always good to be back. And it’s wonderful to be here.
      Hope you are doing well and that we all manage to stay upright, literally and figuratively. 😉
      All the best, always. 🙂 xox

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  17. I always have the most wonderful time laughing with your humorous posts. At the same time, my heart goes out to you for the health challenges you face daily. So glad to hear you are now closer to family. I’m presently visiting mine in Northeastern Ontario but I live on Vancouver Island where the world has suddenly decided to move to Victoria and rents have skyrocketed. I keep hoping to win the lottery too but keep forgetting to actually buy the tickets. I wish you good health, a loving family and happy winnings. 🤗💕🕊️✨

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    Reply

    1. It makes me smile to know people enjoy my posts.:)
      Rents are completely out of control, here, there and everywhere these days,
      I don’t know what the solutions are but I hope someone comes up with some soon.
      Yes, I do believe to win a lottery (though the odds are astronomical) you have to buy tickets,
      but even those are really expensive now too, aren’t they?
      I wish you all the best every single day. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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