Read about this blogger's (Frenchless in France) Paris Surprise It's along the lines of 'chance encounters with famous people'!
Two boys will be coming over today to finish up a Science project. 'They' will build a crane. I was at the hardware store last night picking up some parts. So, did you know that a tower crane is made up of a horizontal lever, spins around on a gear, and uses a pulley system to lift loads?
We'll be having a dinner party February 15th, two other families will be coming over, and one of the kids has a severe gluten allergy (celiac disease?). So she can have pure corn or rice products and she avoids most sauces like ketchup, worcestershire, etc. Needless to say, the food will have to be very plain, although herbs, salt and pepper should be ok. I just realized that's just a couple of weekends away.
News
Expanding Shoes For Kids Could Save Parents A Fortune
A Three-Minute Workout That Could Change Your Life
Warren Buffett tops world's wealthiest CEOs list
Earth-hunter telescope prepared for launch
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Personality Type
What's your personality type? Take this neat quiz to find out
I found out I'm a 'nurturer' which explains why I seem to find less and less time to blog each day. I'm always too busy taking care of everyone else's needs! (Or I could be spending too much time blogging).
News
$14 Million Lottery Winner Gives Promised 30-Grand To Coffee Servers
When you watch these ads, the ads check you out
Web rivals TV in race for young viewers, report says
I found out I'm a 'nurturer' which explains why I seem to find less and less time to blog each day. I'm always too busy taking care of everyone else's needs! (Or I could be spending too much time blogging).
News
$14 Million Lottery Winner Gives Promised 30-Grand To Coffee Servers
When you watch these ads, the ads check you out
Web rivals TV in race for young viewers, report says
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pig Dissection
I was at the library today, and noticed they've installed a blood pressure machine just beside the book return. That's kind of neat. The community centres here are always bustling with a busy library, ice skating, sports gym and swimming. They run all kinds of programs for all age groups. You can get an hour of free internet access with your library card.
L got to dissect a pig at school the other day. She found it really exciting, it being a real pig. A lot of her classmates were squeamish as I thought she would be, as I am. It must be just her own pain that renders her incapable!
K went to school all excited as 'Raphael Nadal' this morning. We decided to tape his knees up with bandage for extra effect! One of his friends (a boy)was going to be Kylie Minogue, complete with a mini-skirt.
We had a big snow storm yesterday, but it's all cleared up today. My arms did hurt from shovelling as the snow mounds are quite high.
News
Eat less meat, help save the planet, author says
More Than A Dozen Workers Claim To Be $14 Million Lottery Winner's 5 'Special Employees'
Put the brakes on commuting – work at home instead
Having More Family Fights? Blame The Economy
Playing it cool online
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Multi-tasking
I received the following PAUSE newsletter today from Patricia Katz. It's so true what she says about so-called multi-tasking.
REFLECTION:
If you were running late in the morning and grabbed something to eat on the drive to work, how many of you would choose a bowl of milk and cereal? Not exactly top of list for a mobile snack, is it?
I'm guessing one Ontario woman wishes she hadn't made that choice herself. Earlier this winter this cheerio scooping driver lost control on an icy highway, crashing into the roadside guideposts. Police found her - safe but embarrassed - covered in milk and cereal.
Her experience is one more - thankfully not tragic - example of what happens when we choose to multitask in thoughtless, irresponsible ways.
In his recent book, Dave Crenshaw explodes what he calls the 'Myth of Multitasking'. Crenshaw maintains that multitasking is neither a reality nor efficient.
When we multitask, we're not really doing two things at once. We're actually moving back and forth between tasks doing something Crenshaw refers to as ' micro switch-tasking'. Each switch of attention and focus comes with an efficiency cost - the time and energy required to refocus on the competing task before being able to carry on.
Now, some of you may already be preparing your arguments that you can in fact walk and chew gum at the same time - hence proving that multitasking is not a myth. Know that Crenshaw distinguishes between switch-tasking and background-tasking. The latter is when you perform multiple tasks where only ONE task requires significant mental effort.
ACTION:
Pay attention to the real nature of the multitasking experience the next time you find yourself engaging in conversation, checking your email, and making a note all at the same time. Presumably all three of these tasks require some degree of mental effort - so none would qualify as a backgrounding task.
How many times do you have to ask yourself or someone else, "Where was I?"
In what instances would you be better off simply concentrating on one focal point to completion, and then moving on to the next?
PS- Keep your eyes on the road and your cereal in the kitchen!
_________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Multitasking: A polite way of telling someone you haven't heard a word they said." From Urbandictionary.com.
_________________________
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Read Crenshaw's article on 'The Myth of Multitasking' at: http://davecrenshaw.com/mythofmultitasking.html
_________________________
From the
e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2009 Patricia Katz, Optimus Consulting.
(877) 728-5289 or www.patkatz.com.
REFLECTION:
If you were running late in the morning and grabbed something to eat on the drive to work, how many of you would choose a bowl of milk and cereal? Not exactly top of list for a mobile snack, is it?
I'm guessing one Ontario woman wishes she hadn't made that choice herself. Earlier this winter this cheerio scooping driver lost control on an icy highway, crashing into the roadside guideposts. Police found her - safe but embarrassed - covered in milk and cereal.
Her experience is one more - thankfully not tragic - example of what happens when we choose to multitask in thoughtless, irresponsible ways.
In his recent book, Dave Crenshaw explodes what he calls the 'Myth of Multitasking'. Crenshaw maintains that multitasking is neither a reality nor efficient.
When we multitask, we're not really doing two things at once. We're actually moving back and forth between tasks doing something Crenshaw refers to as ' micro switch-tasking'. Each switch of attention and focus comes with an efficiency cost - the time and energy required to refocus on the competing task before being able to carry on.
Now, some of you may already be preparing your arguments that you can in fact walk and chew gum at the same time - hence proving that multitasking is not a myth. Know that Crenshaw distinguishes between switch-tasking and background-tasking. The latter is when you perform multiple tasks where only ONE task requires significant mental effort.
ACTION:
Pay attention to the real nature of the multitasking experience the next time you find yourself engaging in conversation, checking your email, and making a note all at the same time. Presumably all three of these tasks require some degree of mental effort - so none would qualify as a backgrounding task.
How many times do you have to ask yourself or someone else, "Where was I?"
In what instances would you be better off simply concentrating on one focal point to completion, and then moving on to the next?
PS- Keep your eyes on the road and your cereal in the kitchen!
_________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Multitasking: A polite way of telling someone you haven't heard a word they said." From Urbandictionary.com.
_________________________
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Read Crenshaw's article on 'The Myth of Multitasking' at: http://davecrenshaw.com/mythofmultitasking.html
_________________________
From the
e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2009 Patricia Katz, Optimus Consulting.
(877) 728-5289 or www.patkatz.com.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Controversial
I got a haircut today. The salon had their heater fixed while I was there, it had been out since yesterday, can you imagine?
It's gorgeous, sunny and cold, but we're getting ready for some snow overnight and all day tomorrow.
I just read in the news that Paul McCartney may be getting ready to marry his new girlfriend.
The bold soul from Paris, is trying to give away a cat. This seems to be a controversial post, judging by the many comments (some nice and not so nice) that she has received.
News
Aspirin May Help Stop Liver Disease
What's in a kebab?
It's gorgeous, sunny and cold, but we're getting ready for some snow overnight and all day tomorrow.
I just read in the news that Paul McCartney may be getting ready to marry his new girlfriend.
The bold soul from Paris, is trying to give away a cat. This seems to be a controversial post, judging by the many comments (some nice and not so nice) that she has received.
News
Aspirin May Help Stop Liver Disease
What's in a kebab?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Year of the Ox
L got off school a bit early today and she has been craving authentic Chinese food, so we went to the Chinese mall a little after the lunch hour. Then I'm wondering why it's so crowded... of course! It's the start of the Chinese New Year. It'll be much busier later on. I took a few pictures of this mall, I'll see if I can get some posted. But the food deals are amazing. You can order 4 main courses, including rice and a soup for $21. They get a good lunch crowd from the nearby office buildings and it's quite a mix of ethnicities, everyone knows a good deal! We got 2 orders of fried sticky rice and 2 noodle dishes to take home. We ate rice noodle shrimp rolls and congee (a savoury rice porridge) ($3.00 each) for lunch while we were there.
While I'm Chinese by race, I'm more culturally Jamaican, right down to the accent sometimes, so all the Chinese culture here never ceases to amaze me.
K's Science lab partner emailed the proper results late yesterday evening so he scrambled to adjust his data and had it ready for handing in today.
News
"60 Minutes" lands hero pilot's first TV interview
Chinese Hope Year Of The Ox Ushers In Better 2009
While I'm Chinese by race, I'm more culturally Jamaican, right down to the accent sometimes, so all the Chinese culture here never ceases to amaze me.
K's Science lab partner emailed the proper results late yesterday evening so he scrambled to adjust his data and had it ready for handing in today.
News
"60 Minutes" lands hero pilot's first TV interview
Chinese Hope Year Of The Ox Ushers In Better 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sleeper Hit
I decided to drive to church early this morning. The priest actually said 'if a woman is menstruating...purification' in his sermon, I couldn't believe it. Otherwise, he was a bit boring.
M and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire last night. Wow! For some reason, I thought it would be a light, romance type movie. It's Oscar material. Intense, action, suspense, drama, romance, good acting and what a story. It's set in what looks like the real India. Director Danny Boyle must be making lots of money as I heard it was a low budget film to begin with.
K is writing up a class lab experiment due tomorrow for which no reliable data was collected! We'll have to wing it.
Japra, here's the crab recipe:
Baked Crab
1 onion chopped
1 tomato chopped
1 tbs worcestershire sauce
salt, pepper, breadcrumbs
2 170g cans of crab meat
saute onion, tomato. stir in crab flakes, worcestershire, salt, black pepper
fill baking shells, sprinkle with bread crumbs, brown under broiler.
If you don't have baking shells, you can use little bowls. I only had a small baking dish, so I used that instead. I also put a bit of garlic powder because I like that with everything.
News
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Holy grail of cybersecurity: Vein-pattern recognition
How smart are your clothes?
M and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire last night. Wow! For some reason, I thought it would be a light, romance type movie. It's Oscar material. Intense, action, suspense, drama, romance, good acting and what a story. It's set in what looks like the real India. Director Danny Boyle must be making lots of money as I heard it was a low budget film to begin with.
K is writing up a class lab experiment due tomorrow for which no reliable data was collected! We'll have to wing it.
Japra, here's the crab recipe:
Baked Crab
1 onion chopped
1 tomato chopped
1 tbs worcestershire sauce
salt, pepper, breadcrumbs
2 170g cans of crab meat
saute onion, tomato. stir in crab flakes, worcestershire, salt, black pepper
fill baking shells, sprinkle with bread crumbs, brown under broiler.
If you don't have baking shells, you can use little bowls. I only had a small baking dish, so I used that instead. I also put a bit of garlic powder because I like that with everything.
News
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Holy grail of cybersecurity: Vein-pattern recognition
How smart are your clothes?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Dance Moves
Here's a cute video that was featured in our local paper recently (in case you want to learn how to dance like Beyonce (-:
Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance moves explained
It's L's turn to bring a snack in for work, so I got some healthy snacks for everyone. She says 'Mom, thanks and all that, but these are teenagers, I thought you knew they just like junk'. So I told her to just blame it on her mother then.
We decided to invite 2 families over on February 14th, as it's a long weekend for us. We had a lovely time last summer at one of their cottages. Turns out Valentine's Day won't be a good date as one of the men thought it wouldn't go over well with his wife! I guess you have to be sensitive to these things as romance is still alive. The Autoshow is also on that weekend, and K loves this event.
It's a gorgeous, sunny day today although I have yet to step outside. K went off excitedly to his friend's 14th birthday party and warned us to not pick him up even a minute early. Two rambunctious boys were left off the list, so it may be a bit boring! One boy apparently threw tomatoes in the house last year and the poor mother discovered some under the couch cushions quite a few weeks later.
I just made a baked crab dish that's calling to me.
News
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance moves explained
It's L's turn to bring a snack in for work, so I got some healthy snacks for everyone. She says 'Mom, thanks and all that, but these are teenagers, I thought you knew they just like junk'. So I told her to just blame it on her mother then.
We decided to invite 2 families over on February 14th, as it's a long weekend for us. We had a lovely time last summer at one of their cottages. Turns out Valentine's Day won't be a good date as one of the men thought it wouldn't go over well with his wife! I guess you have to be sensitive to these things as romance is still alive. The Autoshow is also on that weekend, and K loves this event.
It's a gorgeous, sunny day today although I have yet to step outside. K went off excitedly to his friend's 14th birthday party and warned us to not pick him up even a minute early. Two rambunctious boys were left off the list, so it may be a bit boring! One boy apparently threw tomatoes in the house last year and the poor mother discovered some under the couch cushions quite a few weeks later.
I just made a baked crab dish that's calling to me.
News
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Friday, January 23, 2009
On Strike
I've been catching bits of the Australian Tennis Open in beautiful Melbourne Australia. Some of the young guys are wearing outfits similar to the one I got for K so now he's all pumped, he wants to take tennis lessons right away. Maybe in the March break holidays as his schoolwork comes first for the time being.
The weather was balmy and spring like today, but this weekend it's back to the bone chilling temperatures.
M was just telling me a man at the gym had a seizure on the stair climber early this morning. He fell right off the machine. The attendant was very flustered but managed to call emergency and 2 ambulances and a firetruck arrived within 5 minutes. Everyone thought it was a heart attack. They took him away for observation and he might have hurt his leg.
One of our Toronto University's unions (York University) has been on strike for 11 weeks, meanwhile a lot of students have been missing their year. They just turned down a 10% raise over 3 years. They obviously don't care about the students. The province has called in a mediator.
News
Cutting-edge cancer technology comes to Ontario
The weather was balmy and spring like today, but this weekend it's back to the bone chilling temperatures.
M was just telling me a man at the gym had a seizure on the stair climber early this morning. He fell right off the machine. The attendant was very flustered but managed to call emergency and 2 ambulances and a firetruck arrived within 5 minutes. Everyone thought it was a heart attack. They took him away for observation and he might have hurt his leg.
One of our Toronto University's unions (York University) has been on strike for 11 weeks, meanwhile a lot of students have been missing their year. They just turned down a 10% raise over 3 years. They obviously don't care about the students. The province has called in a mediator.
News
Cutting-edge cancer technology comes to Ontario
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Heimlich
I asked L to teach me the Heimlich manoeuvre last night. She's now qualified to do so. It wasn't that hard and it's good to know in case someone around you accidentally starts choking. You're actually supposed to check if they can dislodge the substance by coughing first. If they can't cough, it means it's more than a partial blockage and will then need help such as the Heimlich. I'd like to learn CPR next.
I skipped the gym today and did some shopping. The Winner's (TJ Maxx chain)stores have 15% off everything today. I got K some tennis gear for his upcoming dress-up day, which he'll be able to use in the summer. I also found L a couple of masks at the party store for her semi-formal. K has a birthday party to attend on Saturday, so I got his friend a gift card from a video game store. That guy said business was just fine as usual, when I inquired (thinking about the jewellery stores not doing well these days).
News
Can't Sell Your House? Raffle It Off
Safety Of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Questioned
Compound found in nuts may treat depression, cancer
Maintain your ’do without shampoo
I skipped the gym today and did some shopping. The Winner's (TJ Maxx chain)stores have 15% off everything today. I got K some tennis gear for his upcoming dress-up day, which he'll be able to use in the summer. I also found L a couple of masks at the party store for her semi-formal. K has a birthday party to attend on Saturday, so I got his friend a gift card from a video game store. That guy said business was just fine as usual, when I inquired (thinking about the jewellery stores not doing well these days).
News
Can't Sell Your House? Raffle It Off
Safety Of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Questioned
Compound found in nuts may treat depression, cancer
Maintain your ’do without shampoo
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Celebrity Gossip
This seems to be the time of year to make or talk about vacation plans. One lady at the gym is going on a Mediterranean Cruise in the spring, it sounded wonderful. These are bad times, but people feel they have to live their lives anyway, never knowing what tomorrow will bring. I've also heard you can rent some nice houses in Hawaii, presuming you can afford the airfare to get there!...one of these days.
Someone fell during today's step class and she didn't get up for the rest of the number. She was escorted to the manager so they could file a report, which is what they do nowadays. It looked like an ankle injury.
On the celebrity gossip front, I heard on the radio this morning that Sarah Larson, George Clooney's ex, has been propositioning a number of A-list stars at Sundance. Apparently she misses being in the limelight and will do anything to get back there. A lady I know met George Clooney in the neighbourhood some years ago. He was scouting out a movie location and had a waitress from Montreal in tow. She mentioned being surprised at his average height, thinking he was taller.
News
Acupuncture helps headaches, even when 'faked'
Foodie fights fat
Top Chef's Tom Colicchio Saves Life
Like never before, inauguration experienced online
Someone fell during today's step class and she didn't get up for the rest of the number. She was escorted to the manager so they could file a report, which is what they do nowadays. It looked like an ankle injury.
On the celebrity gossip front, I heard on the radio this morning that Sarah Larson, George Clooney's ex, has been propositioning a number of A-list stars at Sundance. Apparently she misses being in the limelight and will do anything to get back there. A lady I know met George Clooney in the neighbourhood some years ago. He was scouting out a movie location and had a waitress from Montreal in tow. She mentioned being surprised at his average height, thinking he was taller.
News
Acupuncture helps headaches, even when 'faked'
Foodie fights fat
Top Chef's Tom Colicchio Saves Life
Like never before, inauguration experienced online
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Historic Day
It's not every day that History is made, this sure beats 9/11. I noticed that Barack Obama is left-handed (like me!) I'll have to tell K, he is too! What a moving inauguration ceremony and I loved his speech of responsibility and hard work ahead.
L is stressed because she has to submit her course selections for Grade 12 and it's such a commitment. Looks like she's settling on two Maths, French, English, Art and Biology.
You know, I've been learning about levers and pulleys with K for his Science class and I'm at the gym looking at all the weight-training equipment and starting to understand how it all works! I even sort of understood how the bicycles gear up and down, something I've never questioned. Not to mention I'm all boned up on Canadian History. We take a lot for granted these days (as Obama would say).
News
Americans have chosen 'hope over fear,' Obama says
Obama hair raises question: Can stress turn hair grey?
15 tips to save money
Poor kids at risk of being shorter than richer peers
Snooze and you just might lose
L is stressed because she has to submit her course selections for Grade 12 and it's such a commitment. Looks like she's settling on two Maths, French, English, Art and Biology.
You know, I've been learning about levers and pulleys with K for his Science class and I'm at the gym looking at all the weight-training equipment and starting to understand how it all works! I even sort of understood how the bicycles gear up and down, something I've never questioned. Not to mention I'm all boned up on Canadian History. We take a lot for granted these days (as Obama would say).
News
Americans have chosen 'hope over fear,' Obama says
Obama hair raises question: Can stress turn hair grey?
15 tips to save money
Poor kids at risk of being shorter than richer peers
Snooze and you just might lose
Monday, January 19, 2009
Chinese New Year
It's a balmy -7C today. In western Canada, they're experiencing a 'chinook'. They are having 14C weather after a long period of -30C type of cold. I'm feeling energetic today and as a result, getting a lot done. I made some salmon fried rice with some leftover salmon and rice. I baked some chicken and microwaved some vegetables with various herbs and seasonings (yum).
L's school is having a masquerade type semi-formal next month, so she needs a nice mask. K's school is having a dress-up day at the end of the month and he wants to go as Rafael Nadal, the tennis player. He says he needs matching wrist bands and bandana.
The Chinese New Year (of the Ox?) falls on January 26th. It is big here, due to the large Chinese population. L said a lot of her swim students notified her that they won't be in class this weekend because of it.
The horrifying thing is that I jumped on the bathroom scale this morning after many weeks and was 3 pounds heavier. It's either water weight (monthly fluctuation?), or the responsibility I seem to have taken to gradually eating little bits of all the Christmas chocolate.
There's an interesting take in the news below on that story where the man donated a kidney to his extranged wife and wants to put a price on it.
News
You can't put a price on a healthy marriage
Heinz Ketchup Makes 'Major' Change To Product After More Than A Century
What are your kids doing after school?
L's school is having a masquerade type semi-formal next month, so she needs a nice mask. K's school is having a dress-up day at the end of the month and he wants to go as Rafael Nadal, the tennis player. He says he needs matching wrist bands and bandana.
The Chinese New Year (of the Ox?) falls on January 26th. It is big here, due to the large Chinese population. L said a lot of her swim students notified her that they won't be in class this weekend because of it.
The horrifying thing is that I jumped on the bathroom scale this morning after many weeks and was 3 pounds heavier. It's either water weight (monthly fluctuation?), or the responsibility I seem to have taken to gradually eating little bits of all the Christmas chocolate.
There's an interesting take in the news below on that story where the man donated a kidney to his extranged wife and wants to put a price on it.
News
You can't put a price on a healthy marriage
Heinz Ketchup Makes 'Major' Change To Product After More Than A Century
What are your kids doing after school?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Spilling the Tea
K reports that his schoolfriend's neighbour recently had a heart attack and died shovelling snow off his driveway. There's an article below with some good shovelling tips beyond lifting from the knees. We had about a foot of snow last night. And we've had a bit more today. But it's the light powdery kind and it's not as cold as it has been.
Our dinner party went well last night. My friend brought a delicious hazelnut chocolate log which didn't last long. Her 24-year-old son got an apartment with his girlfriend and so will be moving out next month, another life stage. Her other son in university had his girlfriend ask him for some space, which depressed him. However, they have not broken up.
My poor sister in Florida reports that she was holding a mug of tea and tripped over an electrical cord in her home a few nights ago. She didn't want to spill the tea so she ended up crashing into a bookcase and bruising her face, knees and her neck snapped back. So she has a stiff neck and a bruised face and other body bruises. In retrospect, spilling the tea was a better idea.
News
Inventor designs adjustable glasses to help poor see
How To Shovel Snow Without Breaking Your Back
What Records Can You Really Throw Away?
Our dinner party went well last night. My friend brought a delicious hazelnut chocolate log which didn't last long. Her 24-year-old son got an apartment with his girlfriend and so will be moving out next month, another life stage. Her other son in university had his girlfriend ask him for some space, which depressed him. However, they have not broken up.
My poor sister in Florida reports that she was holding a mug of tea and tripped over an electrical cord in her home a few nights ago. She didn't want to spill the tea so she ended up crashing into a bookcase and bruising her face, knees and her neck snapped back. So she has a stiff neck and a bruised face and other body bruises. In retrospect, spilling the tea was a better idea.
News
Inventor designs adjustable glasses to help poor see
How To Shovel Snow Without Breaking Your Back
What Records Can You Really Throw Away?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
All ready for dinner
Another freezing day with some light snow expected. Imagine living in a freezer and you go inside to stay warm! K is doing a bit of studying and assorted homework. He made a lovely crane design using Google Sketch. He has a History exam on Monday.
I made 2 types of roast chicken, one in a mild jerk sauce, the other with some regular seasonings...I'm trying to please all palates, not to mention some of us like dark meat, some like white meat! I decided to saute some mushrooms and will microwave some vegetables at the last minute. We'll also have a tossed salad with store-bought low fat honey dijon dressing, some seasoned parboiled rice and whole wheat rolls. Everything's ready for our dinner guests. I'm looking forward to a glass of wine later on. I'm not a drinker, but the white wine did look delicious chilling in the refrigerator.
M and L just got home. L worked today and had a tennis lesson. I had to listen to all the details of her challenging match with one of the instructors where she got him on some surprise points.
News
Will You Be Ready For The Next Blackout?
The 7 Best Foods for Weight Loss
I made 2 types of roast chicken, one in a mild jerk sauce, the other with some regular seasonings...I'm trying to please all palates, not to mention some of us like dark meat, some like white meat! I decided to saute some mushrooms and will microwave some vegetables at the last minute. We'll also have a tossed salad with store-bought low fat honey dijon dressing, some seasoned parboiled rice and whole wheat rolls. Everything's ready for our dinner guests. I'm looking forward to a glass of wine later on. I'm not a drinker, but the white wine did look delicious chilling in the refrigerator.
M and L just got home. L worked today and had a tennis lesson. I had to listen to all the details of her challenging match with one of the instructors where she got him on some surprise points.
News
Will You Be Ready For The Next Blackout?
The 7 Best Foods for Weight Loss
Friday, January 16, 2009
Uplifting
What an uplifting story of survival in the news today of that plane that crashed in the Hudson River in New York. Also overwhelming was the teamwork involved in the rescue and a hero of a pilot. Maybe this is a good omen for Obama's presidency. Did you read the touching letter he wrote to his daughters (see the news below)?
We're having a couple over to dinner tomorrow night. It's my florist friend, she offered to bring dessert. I decided to do roast chicken. I'd like to see the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', I keep hearing how good it is. It's not in open release here, but I found a theatre relatively nearby where it's playing. Now, to find the right evening that doesn't interfere with everyone's schedules.
Do you have a lot of loyalty points cards accumulating for just about everything? I decided to check out what I can get for my petropoints from the PetroCanada gas stations. It seems I'm quite close getting a $50 gas card, not bad, after many years of use. If I link it with my Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) card, I can get 20% more points (if I haven't done that already).
Have a great weekend.
News
Plane to be hoisted out of Hudson Saturday: officials
Obama tells daughters he ran for president for them, all children
Weight: How to lose it without losing it
Alert To Patients: Combination Of Blood Pressure Meds Can Be Dangerous
We're having a couple over to dinner tomorrow night. It's my florist friend, she offered to bring dessert. I decided to do roast chicken. I'd like to see the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', I keep hearing how good it is. It's not in open release here, but I found a theatre relatively nearby where it's playing. Now, to find the right evening that doesn't interfere with everyone's schedules.
Do you have a lot of loyalty points cards accumulating for just about everything? I decided to check out what I can get for my petropoints from the PetroCanada gas stations. It seems I'm quite close getting a $50 gas card, not bad, after many years of use. If I link it with my Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) card, I can get 20% more points (if I haven't done that already).
Have a great weekend.
News
Plane to be hoisted out of Hudson Saturday: officials
Obama tells daughters he ran for president for them, all children
Weight: How to lose it without losing it
Alert To Patients: Combination Of Blood Pressure Meds Can Be Dangerous
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Good Old Days
K's orthodontist sent an email appointment reminder. Then I had to press a key in another window to confirm. Good thing I check email, they used to call. This place is run like clockwork, they're busy, but always on time, even early. The receptionist sits on an exercise ball all day, instead of a chair. The young doctor himself has a brilliant academic background and knows his stuff. But I remember my late father always needed the personal touch, being a 'people person'. He enjoyed going to the bank to say, negotiate a loan, or just to talk about things. The manager knew him by name. Hopefully we can retain something good from those days.
Apparently the de-icing salt used on the roads don't work in today's temperatures. It might have hit -30C according to my sister. And they expect some snow later on, so it will be slippery. My new boots are toasty warm, I have to say, not the same for my thin gloves.
L is overdoing it again, her schedule is so jam-packed, she has limited time to talk to me, much less her friends. I told her she'll get sick if she doesn't leave enough time to rest (job, tennis, after-school activities, homework, driving lessons).
News
How Food Can Affect Your Mood
Let's put down our forks for a minute and talk about chopsticks
Science closing in on cloak of invisibility
Paintballs can cause 'devastating' eye injuries
Wind Chill A Cdn. Invention But How Do They Determine How Cold It Really Feels?
Woman Rediscovers $574,000 Lottery Ticket Days Before It Would Have Expired
Those Who Sleep More Less Likely To Get A Cold
Apparently the de-icing salt used on the roads don't work in today's temperatures. It might have hit -30C according to my sister. And they expect some snow later on, so it will be slippery. My new boots are toasty warm, I have to say, not the same for my thin gloves.
L is overdoing it again, her schedule is so jam-packed, she has limited time to talk to me, much less her friends. I told her she'll get sick if she doesn't leave enough time to rest (job, tennis, after-school activities, homework, driving lessons).
News
How Food Can Affect Your Mood
Let's put down our forks for a minute and talk about chopsticks
Science closing in on cloak of invisibility
Paintballs can cause 'devastating' eye injuries
Wind Chill A Cdn. Invention But How Do They Determine How Cold It Really Feels?
Woman Rediscovers $574,000 Lottery Ticket Days Before It Would Have Expired
Those Who Sleep More Less Likely To Get A Cold
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nortel Bankruptcy
Nortel filing for bankruptcy is big news here. It was once Canada's most valuable company during the tech boom of 2000. Everyone has owned shares in this company at one time or another, shocking stuff, see the story below, the comments are rolling in.
I'm hibernating today, it's frostbite weather for the next few days. The element in my oven burned out the other day. A bright flame shot out when M tried to open it. I quickly turned it off and shut the door, remembering a friend's adventure last year. Then M went and got a new element and replaced it. I also made a mental note to stop cooking with long sweater sleeves. It just takes an instant to unknowingly set fire to yourself. The other bad habit is cooking and not being close by. I mean what if I was having a shower at the time the element burned out?
M told me he's been taking low dose (500mg) glucosamine chondroitin pills as he thinks they help his knee joints. Then my friend says she's also taking them, just because she thinks it will prevent the onset of joint pain. I take omega-3 pills and vitamin D because of things I read. The joys of middle age!
News
Open Office Concepts Put More Stress On Workers: Study
Nortel files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Sacrificing dollars for convenience costs us all
Victorian food for hard times: Free gruel handed out in London
FDA finds no link with asthma drugs, suicide
I'm hibernating today, it's frostbite weather for the next few days. The element in my oven burned out the other day. A bright flame shot out when M tried to open it. I quickly turned it off and shut the door, remembering a friend's adventure last year. Then M went and got a new element and replaced it. I also made a mental note to stop cooking with long sweater sleeves. It just takes an instant to unknowingly set fire to yourself. The other bad habit is cooking and not being close by. I mean what if I was having a shower at the time the element burned out?
M told me he's been taking low dose (500mg) glucosamine chondroitin pills as he thinks they help his knee joints. Then my friend says she's also taking them, just because she thinks it will prevent the onset of joint pain. I take omega-3 pills and vitamin D because of things I read. The joys of middle age!
News
Open Office Concepts Put More Stress On Workers: Study
Nortel files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Sacrificing dollars for convenience costs us all
Victorian food for hard times: Free gruel handed out in London
FDA finds no link with asthma drugs, suicide
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Early Morning Adventure
I left the house early this morning before sunrise, in the middle of the snowfall, to get to my 8am renal artery appointment about a half hour's drive away, leaving plenty of time to get there. It was stressful, being out of my ordinary routine, not to mention I had to remember not to drink anything as I was fasting from the night before. It was difficult finding the place as google maps gave me the impression it was on the other side of the road. Then I missed the entrance. Then I had to get a ticket to enter an underground parking lot. Still, I had about a half hour to spare by the time I negotiated the elevators and located building 'B' of 'A, B and C'. I got my bearings quickly after speaking to a couple of very helpful people. One of them told me the parking was reasonable compared to the nearby hospital, with the first half hour being free.
I had forgotten to get details of what my test was about. When I looked it up on the internet, it sounded as if they would put a catheter up my body and other horrors. I started having doubts of being able to return home my own! I made sure to check M's itinerary for the day and left all the lab information with him before I left home. It turns out it was just a 40-minute ultrasound, the bed was very comfortable and the technician was a nice young man who said he was originally from Russia when I asked. On the ground floor, the coffee shop attendant beckoned me over and I said 'Why not, I could use a coffee!' I breathed an audible sigh of relief after paying the parking attendant and exiting the property, onto the snow-covered, traffic-filled roads. Best of all, it was only 9.15am and I had my whole day still ahead of me (if I made it safely to the gym)!
After the gym, I was looking for a hypoallergenic chain for K, it turns out he's allergic to his stainless steel necklace, it gives him a rash. I found a few pieces of costume jewellery for him to try (one was just leather) and was surprised at how discounted they were. The saleslady said: 'it's called a bad economy'. She said the big store was empty and it's not normal. I noticed another jewellery store with 50% to 80% off discounts, unreal. So if you want jewellery, now is the time to get it.
I had forgotten to get details of what my test was about. When I looked it up on the internet, it sounded as if they would put a catheter up my body and other horrors. I started having doubts of being able to return home my own! I made sure to check M's itinerary for the day and left all the lab information with him before I left home. It turns out it was just a 40-minute ultrasound, the bed was very comfortable and the technician was a nice young man who said he was originally from Russia when I asked. On the ground floor, the coffee shop attendant beckoned me over and I said 'Why not, I could use a coffee!' I breathed an audible sigh of relief after paying the parking attendant and exiting the property, onto the snow-covered, traffic-filled roads. Best of all, it was only 9.15am and I had my whole day still ahead of me (if I made it safely to the gym)!
After the gym, I was looking for a hypoallergenic chain for K, it turns out he's allergic to his stainless steel necklace, it gives him a rash. I found a few pieces of costume jewellery for him to try (one was just leather) and was surprised at how discounted they were. The saleslady said: 'it's called a bad economy'. She said the big store was empty and it's not normal. I noticed another jewellery store with 50% to 80% off discounts, unreal. So if you want jewellery, now is the time to get it.
Check out this youtube video 'Miley and Mandy show with Justin Gaston' Miley's new older boyfriend Justin really can sing and so good looking, an underwear model?
News
VapoRub may cause more congestion in kids' airways
Why Your Finger Length May Help Determine How Good A Stock Trader You Are
The 5-cent solution
News
VapoRub may cause more congestion in kids' airways
Why Your Finger Length May Help Determine How Good A Stock Trader You Are
The 5-cent solution
Monday, January 12, 2009
Near Rescue
I found that foodtv show I was talking about yesterday, it's called 'The Wild Gourmets' if anyone's interested.
L's really enjoying her swim instructor job. She did a near rescue in her teen class the other day. This student is in an advanced level program (the final level) and can't swim in deep water. He just jumped in and wasn't coming up. She threw him a float and was about to blow the whistle but he finally got a hold of it and she was able to jump in and instruct him to the side. The supervisor had to talk to the parents as he's being demoted. She likes all the classes, from toddler to adult. Sounds like great experience. The supervisor reviews their performance every other week and they have to review their feedback. Can't say that this would be the job for me, I'd be stressed out of my mind!
News
Study says 1 in 200 American kids are vegetarian
Dream Job In Paradise Pays $86,000 - And Is Open To Anyone In The World
Can't Resist Cookies? It's In Your Genes
L's really enjoying her swim instructor job. She did a near rescue in her teen class the other day. This student is in an advanced level program (the final level) and can't swim in deep water. He just jumped in and wasn't coming up. She threw him a float and was about to blow the whistle but he finally got a hold of it and she was able to jump in and instruct him to the side. The supervisor had to talk to the parents as he's being demoted. She likes all the classes, from toddler to adult. Sounds like great experience. The supervisor reviews their performance every other week and they have to review their feedback. Can't say that this would be the job for me, I'd be stressed out of my mind!
News
Study says 1 in 200 American kids are vegetarian
Dream Job In Paradise Pays $86,000 - And Is Open To Anyone In The World
Can't Resist Cookies? It's In Your Genes
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Reusable and sustainable
It's cold and sunny and it snowed, so I just did a bit of shovelling. My neighbours on both sides shovelled our sidewalk! A few weeks ago, I was complaining that one of them wouldn't even do her own.
My girlfriend wanted to go for a long walk, but I decided it was too cold and I have a bit of review work to do with K. It turns out that one of the boys K is working with on that new Science project has lego parts that can build a crane, so they're all set (major relief).
Well, what do you know, the price of stamps is going up by 2c to 54c. So I guess it wasn't such a bad idea purchasing those permanent stamps in bulk the other day!
I watched a great TV show last night, I think it was on FoodTV, but this couple was camping in the English countryside and living completely off the land. So they were fishing, then they found wild mushrooms, bartered them at a store for eggs and other supplies and made a delicious meal of eggs and mushrooms at their camp. Then to get their meat fix, they shot wild pidgeons and went rabbit hunting at night on somebody's farm. Apparently rabbits have overrun the country, so it's quite ethical to eat them. Unfortunately, I didn't catch the name of the show. It's all good in theory, but it would be tough for most of us to have to really live that way.
A major grocery chain will start charging 5c for plastic bags, starting tomorrow. I think that's a good thing, it will force me to use my reusable bags.
Have a great week everyone.
News
Introducing the Ferghamels! Fergie and Josh Duhamel Wed
96-year-old fights to keep $600/month NYC apartment
How Does Dollarama Make A Profit? One Buck At A Time
My girlfriend wanted to go for a long walk, but I decided it was too cold and I have a bit of review work to do with K. It turns out that one of the boys K is working with on that new Science project has lego parts that can build a crane, so they're all set (major relief).
Well, what do you know, the price of stamps is going up by 2c to 54c. So I guess it wasn't such a bad idea purchasing those permanent stamps in bulk the other day!
I watched a great TV show last night, I think it was on FoodTV, but this couple was camping in the English countryside and living completely off the land. So they were fishing, then they found wild mushrooms, bartered them at a store for eggs and other supplies and made a delicious meal of eggs and mushrooms at their camp. Then to get their meat fix, they shot wild pidgeons and went rabbit hunting at night on somebody's farm. Apparently rabbits have overrun the country, so it's quite ethical to eat them. Unfortunately, I didn't catch the name of the show. It's all good in theory, but it would be tough for most of us to have to really live that way.
A major grocery chain will start charging 5c for plastic bags, starting tomorrow. I think that's a good thing, it will force me to use my reusable bags.
Have a great week everyone.
News
Introducing the Ferghamels! Fergie and Josh Duhamel Wed
96-year-old fights to keep $600/month NYC apartment
How Does Dollarama Make A Profit? One Buck At A Time
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Full Moon
Here is that 'mango picker' for K's last Science project. K's friend is demonstrating. Excuse L's mess, that's her 'work area'. Two of K's friends are coming over today to work on another project. They want to build a mechanical crane with levers and pulleys over the next few weeks.A friend of my sister's is having a wild 50-year-old surprise party thrown for her. They are hiring a pole-dancing instructor! I don't think my sister can make it for one reason or another.
Oh well, time to see if Science help is required!
News
Simple and stylish sweet potato
How To Eat Healthy Despite The Recession
Saturday Night Special: Biggest Full Moon of 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Some slapstick humour
This one's called 'German Waterbed'
I heard on the radio this morning that the reason Jessica Love Hewitt called off her engagement was that her fiance refused to sign a pre-nup, wouldn't even look at it. He is not an established actor like she is. The radio announcer made the point that some of these pre-nups aren't too bad, they are structured to pay more, the longer you stay married. The other announcer was of the opinion that if you love someone, it isn't necessary. Being more business-minded, and in Love Hewitt's position, I see the sense of having one, you know how Hollywood marriages are. What do you think?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Celebrity Gossip
I thought I heard on the radio this morning that Matthew Broderick was unfaithful to Sarah Jessica Parker and they are splitting up. Must've been a mid-life crisis.
It was a gorgeous winter's day. Cold, but no appreciable wind and the sun came out.
If anyone is interested in a simple pork chop recipe, here's how I did it today.
6 pork chops
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/4 cup flour
pre-heat oven to 350F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Season chops and dredge in the flour. Bake for 35 mins, turning in the last 15 mins.
News
Physical fitness helps brains of aging women
Survey Of Best And Worst Professions Offers Some Surprising Results
It was a gorgeous winter's day. Cold, but no appreciable wind and the sun came out.
If anyone is interested in a simple pork chop recipe, here's how I did it today.
6 pork chops
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/4 cup flour
pre-heat oven to 350F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Season chops and dredge in the flour. Bake for 35 mins, turning in the last 15 mins.
News
Physical fitness helps brains of aging women
Survey Of Best And Worst Professions Offers Some Surprising Results
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Big Birthday
The gym wasn't crowded today, huh? Well, we were having a bit of a snowstorm. Our regular instructor was back and in quite a bit of pain as she had been off her regular exercise for a couple of weeks. Surprising that all it takes is a couple of weeks and you're back to square one, no matter that you usually exercise.
I had my follow up doctor appointment today and he wants me to go for a spot compression mammogram Jan 29, just to make sure. He couldn't feel anything, and the ultrasound we know was negative and he told me not to worry, he didn't think it was anything. The first mammogram detected a 1.6 cm by 0.6 cm lump, which sounds quite big. He thought maybe they didn't compress it enough and I do remember it being a lot more painful when I used to have it done at the hospital as opposed to this private clinic. Let's hope.
Then I went by the kidney specialist, she's sending me for a renal artery test next week. I see her for monitoring my blood pressure. She also gave me a form for a fasting blood test I have to do in October before I see her again in November. So we have very good health care in Canada but I'll be glad to be back to my normal daily routine tomorrow (likely including some shovelling)!
K passed his most recent and major math and science tests and he's in line with the rest of the class, but I think they're all struggling with this curriculum. We have a lot of hard work ahead. He's doing Edgar Allan Poe this term and L told him she loved the particular short story because she had the best English teacher that year. Then he agreed to read it.
The other thing that's bothering me is that I have a big birthday coming up June 21 and it's not 40! Every decade seems to bother me a bit more, although I've been feeling old since I was 16. I hope to have a few intimate parties as opposed to one big bash.
News
Could we reduce love to a pill? Maybe, says expert
Working out should leave you smiling
Angry Lottery Player Receives Compensation Over Misprinted Ticket
Wii Sports is best-selling game ever
U.S. scientists learn how to levitate tiny objects
The drive for longer life
I had my follow up doctor appointment today and he wants me to go for a spot compression mammogram Jan 29, just to make sure. He couldn't feel anything, and the ultrasound we know was negative and he told me not to worry, he didn't think it was anything. The first mammogram detected a 1.6 cm by 0.6 cm lump, which sounds quite big. He thought maybe they didn't compress it enough and I do remember it being a lot more painful when I used to have it done at the hospital as opposed to this private clinic. Let's hope.
Then I went by the kidney specialist, she's sending me for a renal artery test next week. I see her for monitoring my blood pressure. She also gave me a form for a fasting blood test I have to do in October before I see her again in November. So we have very good health care in Canada but I'll be glad to be back to my normal daily routine tomorrow (likely including some shovelling)!
K passed his most recent and major math and science tests and he's in line with the rest of the class, but I think they're all struggling with this curriculum. We have a lot of hard work ahead. He's doing Edgar Allan Poe this term and L told him she loved the particular short story because she had the best English teacher that year. Then he agreed to read it.
The other thing that's bothering me is that I have a big birthday coming up June 21 and it's not 40! Every decade seems to bother me a bit more, although I've been feeling old since I was 16. I hope to have a few intimate parties as opposed to one big bash.
News
Could we reduce love to a pill? Maybe, says expert
Working out should leave you smiling
Angry Lottery Player Receives Compensation Over Misprinted Ticket
Wii Sports is best-selling game ever
U.S. scientists learn how to levitate tiny objects
The drive for longer life
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wii Fit parody
My sister sent me this Wii Fit parody she found on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYBmAVuBns
M and L watched the World Junior Hockey Championship last night. Canada was the proud winner over Sweden! The Most Valuable Player saved the Canadian Team at the last minute from defeat at the previous game. All these players will be drafted into a professional hockey league soon, the few that make it all the way to the top!
I was talking to a mom I know at the gym this morning. She visited a wintry cold Morocco with her young family just before Christmas. The highlight of the trip was this horrible fight that broke out in the colourful Marrakesh market. This lady was violently beating up her two young children with the help of another woman. The crowd ignored them. Her own children were horrified and realize now what a different world they live in. My friend tried to intervene but backed away when the woman turned on her angrily with a scowl. Then they decided to run away and not interfere with the culture.
News
Canada's junior hockey heroes proud in victory
Third-hand smoke poses risk
Food for prenatal thought
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYBmAVuBns
M and L watched the World Junior Hockey Championship last night. Canada was the proud winner over Sweden! The Most Valuable Player saved the Canadian Team at the last minute from defeat at the previous game. All these players will be drafted into a professional hockey league soon, the few that make it all the way to the top!
I was talking to a mom I know at the gym this morning. She visited a wintry cold Morocco with her young family just before Christmas. The highlight of the trip was this horrible fight that broke out in the colourful Marrakesh market. This lady was violently beating up her two young children with the help of another woman. The crowd ignored them. Her own children were horrified and realize now what a different world they live in. My friend tried to intervene but backed away when the woman turned on her angrily with a scowl. Then they decided to run away and not interfere with the culture.
News
Canada's junior hockey heroes proud in victory
Third-hand smoke poses risk
Food for prenatal thought
Monday, January 5, 2009
Swiss Delice cookies
I skipped the gym and stocked up on some groceries and supplies today. A lot of people were doing that. I decided to get a pack of 100 local stamps from Costco for $50.50 plus 5% GST tax. A lady at the gym suggested that to me, and I thought it made sense. These permanent stamps don't have a price on them, so they never even expire. I just calculated I save a whole $1...hmm. Well, I won't have to think about running out of stamps several times per year!
K said he had a bad dream last night, I forget what it was, but so did I. I dreamt I was in this room taking his math test with him and it was so hard I couldn't figure out what to do. I looked over at him, and said 'don't worry, this one is impossible, not your fault' (back to school stress for some of us parents too).
Someone gave us some 'Swiss Delice' chocolate cookies over the holidays and they are so 'melt in your mouth' delicious, it's hard to stop at just a few.
News
What size is your water footprint?
Nearly 15 per cent of people with dementia under 65
How To Make Your Job Recession Proof
Lifestyle Gaming Pt. 1: Losing Weight With The Wii
K said he had a bad dream last night, I forget what it was, but so did I. I dreamt I was in this room taking his math test with him and it was so hard I couldn't figure out what to do. I looked over at him, and said 'don't worry, this one is impossible, not your fault' (back to school stress for some of us parents too).
Someone gave us some 'Swiss Delice' chocolate cookies over the holidays and they are so 'melt in your mouth' delicious, it's hard to stop at just a few.
News
What size is your water footprint?
Nearly 15 per cent of people with dementia under 65
How To Make Your Job Recession Proof
Lifestyle Gaming Pt. 1: Losing Weight With The Wii
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Feel
I went for a walk this morning with a friend. We were out for 3 hours, including the time we stopped off at McDonald's. She was surprised when I pointed out that her fruit'n fibre muffin was 370 calories, but it is a large muffin. Anyway, it was fun. She's trying to get me to read Twilight, all four books? She's enjoying the series more than her daughter! I'm more of a non-fiction reader. We saw a couple taking wedding photos on Main Street, the bride must've been cold, although she wore a white winter jacket over her beautiful dress.
It's back to school tomorrow and a return to normal routine. It feels good to have the Christmas decorations packed away for another year. I was listening to 'Feel' by Robbie Williams last night as I packed away. He's really talented, but his career didn't take off in the North America as it has in Britain.
News
Conn. man's last lotto ticket wins $10M for widow
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Funny money in big supply: bank
It's back to school tomorrow and a return to normal routine. It feels good to have the Christmas decorations packed away for another year. I was listening to 'Feel' by Robbie Williams last night as I packed away. He's really talented, but his career didn't take off in the North America as it has in Britain.
News
Conn. man's last lotto ticket wins $10M for widow
What the world drinks:The most popular brands
Vt. man wins $650K after pulling ticket from trash
Funny money in big supply: bank
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Toronto Eaton Centre Pictures
We've been eating out every day of the New Year for some reason.
Last night, L and K went to a Raptor's basketball game. They won, after a long losing streak. M and I decided to walk around the Eaton Centre meanwhile. We walked through the underground concourse and stopped at a restaurant for dinner, on our way to the massive downtown shopping mall. It's a long walk underground, 3 city blocks? And we didn't take the subway back to the Air Canada Centre where the basketball games are held. K ran into his gym teacher and M ran into a co-worker (small world).
L taught her first swim lessons today and it's not as daunting as we first thought it would be. But next week may be busier as everyone returns from vacation.
Today, M and I attended the funeral of my friend's mom who passed away from cancer in her early 70's. She leaves behind her husband, 3 children, and 7 grandchildren. She spent the last 10 years of her life in retirement, and helping to raise her grandchildren. It was evident in today's ceremony how close she was to her grandchildren. The eldest (now in university) read a touching passage about her grandmother's life. The family held a reception at a restaurant after the burial.
Other friends have now returned safely from their vacations and a lot of people seem to be sick with colds. I think I'll start packing the decorations away tonight.
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How to look like a million bucks
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Friday, January 2, 2009
Swim Psychology
Well, today's lunch party was cancelled at the last minute. The dad called M from the airport around 9.30pm last night, they had been skiing in British Columbia (western Canada). He said it was freezing (-20C) out there. He had a fever and a cough and didn't sound very healthy, so we've postponed (totally understandable).
So I went for my walk this morning, it was lovely and relatively mild out. Then I baked the chicken legs for lunch anyway. We had them with soft dinner rolls.
L told me that a part of her recent swim instructor course touched on how to handle difficult parents. There are those who will bring their crying kids to you hoping that you'll decide they won't have to fail after all. It's called 'the guilt trip'. You're supposed to ignore the crying child and stick to your guns. There are those who will try to bribe you with say, Raptor basketball tickets. So not only does that risk your job, but of course you have no business succumbing to bribery. Doesn't this sound just like a job in some corporation? I'm sure she won't be bored for one minute. She'll have a different batch of people every half hour during her shifts. (Parent & Tot, Pre-school, Adult, Teens)
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A 40- second time lapse video of the seasons
Cosmetic sales an eye-opener
Beware of the Mr. Big boo-boo
So I went for my walk this morning, it was lovely and relatively mild out. Then I baked the chicken legs for lunch anyway. We had them with soft dinner rolls.
L told me that a part of her recent swim instructor course touched on how to handle difficult parents. There are those who will bring their crying kids to you hoping that you'll decide they won't have to fail after all. It's called 'the guilt trip'. You're supposed to ignore the crying child and stick to your guns. There are those who will try to bribe you with say, Raptor basketball tickets. So not only does that risk your job, but of course you have no business succumbing to bribery. Doesn't this sound just like a job in some corporation? I'm sure she won't be bored for one minute. She'll have a different batch of people every half hour during her shifts. (Parent & Tot, Pre-school, Adult, Teens)
News
A 40- second time lapse video of the seasons
Cosmetic sales an eye-opener
Beware of the Mr. Big boo-boo
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Handy Tips
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