I went to the gym yesterday after a 2 day break. I felt so guilty. In the evening M and I went to Ikea to check out their Xmas sale event and to have some Swedish meatballs. Do you know they've stopped serving it with boiled potatoes, they have mashed potatoes instead. They are becoming as streamlined as McDonald's. But you can't beat a yogurt ice cream for $1 or a hot dog for 50 cents.
I've decided to do a top sirloin roast for this evening's dinner, and I believe we have some sparkling wine to go with that. I'm not much of a drinker, but it is New Year's Eve!
Happy New Year when it comes, everyone! Let's hope for a good new decade, especially if the past one hasn't been so good for you. And good luck with those resolutions, I haven't really made any.
News
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Feng Shui Horoscope
I received this in an email and found it very entertaining!
Take just a couple of minutes to take this test & see what
happens! If you are honest this tells the truth -- it's pretty good.
Write your answers on a piece of paper, NO cheating!! The answers are at the bottom...
1. Which is your favorite color: red, black, blue, green, or yellow?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, black or white?
5 . Name of a person of the same sex as yours.
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like California or Florida more?
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more?
9. Write down a wish. (a realistic one)
When you're done , scroll down. Don't cheat
Answers:
1. If you choose:
Red - You are alert and your life is full of love.
Black - you are conservative and aggressive.
Green - Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back
Blue - You are spontaneous and love kisses and affection from
the ones you love.
Yellow - You are a very happy person and give good advice to
those who are down.
2. If your initial is:
A-K - You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.
L-R - You try to enjoy your life to the maximum and your love
life is soon to blossom.
S-Z - You like to help others and your future love life looks
very good.
3. If you were born in:
JAN - MAR: The year will go very well for you and you will
discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.
APR - JUN: You will have a strong love relationship that will
last forever.
JUL - SEP: You will have a great year and will experience a
major life-changing experience f or the good.
OCT - DEC: Your love life will be great, you will find your
soul mate.
4. If you chose...
Black: Your life will take on a different direction, it will
be the best thing for you, and you will be glad for the change.
White: You have a friend who completely confides in you and
would do anything for you, but you may not realize it.
5. This person should be your best friend.
6. This is how many close friends you will have in your
lifetime.
7. If you chose:
California : You like adventure.
Florida : You are a laid back person.
8. If you chose:
Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover and are
very reserved.
Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people
9. This wish will come true if you send this to 1 person in
one hour. Send it to ten people, and it will come true before your next
Birthday
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Entertaining
The grocery stores were crowded yesterday although the road traffic seemed lighter. We had a light dusting of snow. For this evening's dinner, I'll be using this recipe from 'For the Love of Cooking' as we have some chicken lovers. I'll also be doing a boneless pork rib roast in a Jamaican jerk sauce. I decided to get a pre-made fruit tray and a pre-mixed green salad to lessen my stress. One of the families had to cancel at the last minute due to other priorities, things happen.
We will be entertaining again on New Year's Eve, we're having some more friends over for what should be a quiet, casual dinner. It's a busy week for entertaining.
We will be entertaining again on New Year's Eve, we're having some more friends over for what should be a quiet, casual dinner. It's a busy week for entertaining.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Olympic Rings in Vancouver
My uncle sent me this beautiful photo of the Vancouver skyline with the Olympic rings
Yesterday K had 3 friends over for the evening, and one of them slept over. It was his friends from elementary school, so it was a sort of reunion. L and K's former piano teacher came over to wish us a Merry Christmas and brought some gifts. We were busy chatting and hardly noticed the 4 boys leaving out the front door. Then we realized we had no idea where they went and when they would be back. So upon their return an hour later we had to set the rules straight. It turns out they went tobogganing at the park. I just thought that if their parents called for any reason, I wouldn't be able to say where they were and they're still only 14 and it was dark outside. Then they started playing hide and seek in the basement and we heard lots of loud booming noises and could only hope nothing was broken. Never a dull moment. Things became quiet when they started to watch a movie.
We have 3 families coming for dinner tomorrow, so today is grocery shopping day. L is attending a party tonight.
News
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Yesterday K had 3 friends over for the evening, and one of them slept over. It was his friends from elementary school, so it was a sort of reunion. L and K's former piano teacher came over to wish us a Merry Christmas and brought some gifts. We were busy chatting and hardly noticed the 4 boys leaving out the front door. Then we realized we had no idea where they went and when they would be back. So upon their return an hour later we had to set the rules straight. It turns out they went tobogganing at the park. I just thought that if their parents called for any reason, I wouldn't be able to say where they were and they're still only 14 and it was dark outside. Then they started playing hide and seek in the basement and we heard lots of loud booming noises and could only hope nothing was broken. Never a dull moment. Things became quiet when they started to watch a movie.
We have 3 families coming for dinner tomorrow, so today is grocery shopping day. L is attending a party tonight.
News
20 Secrets Your Waiter Will Never Tell You
What Twitter and Facebook's 2009 Trends tell us about ourselves
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas Recap
This is our gingerbread house all decorated. The jellybeans are really delicious.
Isn't this the cutest little bear, she brought a smile to my face when I first saw her. A friend gave it to me, filled with delicious Lindt chocolates.
It was mild and drizzling lightly yesterday afternoon, but I decided to go for a walk, umbrella in hand. I had my turkey fix on Christmas day and did have seconds. My mother-in-law loved the Masai Figurines we got her for Christmas. M and the kids gave me an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant gift certificate. L is very happy with her new hair straightener and K is busy playing his new Xbox wrestling game. We got M a new wallet with a change compartment.
News
Kindle Ebooks outsell real books at Christmas
Ingredient: Marching to the beet of root veggies
Isn't this the cutest little bear, she brought a smile to my face when I first saw her. A friend gave it to me, filled with delicious Lindt chocolates.
It was mild and drizzling lightly yesterday afternoon, but I decided to go for a walk, umbrella in hand. I had my turkey fix on Christmas day and did have seconds. My mother-in-law loved the Masai Figurines we got her for Christmas. M and the kids gave me an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant gift certificate. L is very happy with her new hair straightener and K is busy playing his new Xbox wrestling game. We got M a new wallet with a change compartment.
News
Kindle Ebooks outsell real books at Christmas
Ingredient: Marching to the beet of root veggies
- There is a recipe for roasted beet in here
Recommended Reads: CTV.ca's holiday book list - a good array of interesting books here
Recommended Reads: CTV.ca's holiday book list - a good array of interesting books here
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Precious
Well, Christmas Day went well, although it rained all day quite heavily. We are all breathing a sigh of relief because if it had been snow, it would have been very difficult to get around.
Here's a funny video of a kid going crazy over his Xbox 360 present.
L was telling me about this movie called 'Precious' that she saw recently. It's no Cinderella story. Imagine a horrific life that seems to just get worse through no fault of your own. And you keep going until it improves, although things will never be perfect.
On the lighter side, I've been making these low fat Pillsbury crescent rolls with a smear of light cream cheese and they are great for a quick breakfast. Just smear less than a teaspoon of your favourite cream cheese onto the croissants before rolling them up and bake. We like the 'light garlic' or 'light chive and onion' flavours.
News
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Here's a funny video of a kid going crazy over his Xbox 360 present.
L was telling me about this movie called 'Precious' that she saw recently. It's no Cinderella story. Imagine a horrific life that seems to just get worse through no fault of your own. And you keep going until it improves, although things will never be perfect.
On the lighter side, I've been making these low fat Pillsbury crescent rolls with a smear of light cream cheese and they are great for a quick breakfast. Just smear less than a teaspoon of your favourite cream cheese onto the croissants before rolling them up and bake. We like the 'light garlic' or 'light chive and onion' flavours.
News
Selfish giving: Charity's dark side
3 Powerful Social Good Trends in 2010
Environmental factors, not genetics, determine aging of face: study
The snacking laws
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thrilling
The gym was busy yesterday, and one of the regulars told me she will be in over Christmas. It seems the gym will be open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
We went to see 'The Jersey Boys' musical last night and enjoyed it very much. It's a life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
L received scholarship offers from 2 of the universities she applied to. They are about her 5th and 6th choice universities. It's so thrilling, especially at this time of year.
We're going out to dinner with my sister's family tonight and we'll open some gifts and hopefully make some phone calls to family abroad.
Well, it's Christmas Day tomorrow, so I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I plan to post again on the 26th!
News
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We went to see 'The Jersey Boys' musical last night and enjoyed it very much. It's a life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
L received scholarship offers from 2 of the universities she applied to. They are about her 5th and 6th choice universities. It's so thrilling, especially at this time of year.
We're going out to dinner with my sister's family tonight and we'll open some gifts and hopefully make some phone calls to family abroad.
Well, it's Christmas Day tomorrow, so I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I plan to post again on the 26th!
News
Pepsi to skip Super Bowl Ads in Favour of $20M Social Media Campaign
Edible dishes are something to munch on
'Good' cholesterol less protective in diabetes
Food addiction underrecognized, argue some
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Youtu.be
L and I watched 'The Painted Veil' the other night. It was a good movie, but very quiet and slow paced, sort of the complete opposite of Avatar.
I answered the phone and ended up making a small donation to the Pediatric Aids Canada organization. It seems my donation will help buy much needed medicine for a third world country such as Africa and I will receive a tax receipt. The nice man on the phone took the trouble to explain to me that any registered charity will have 'RR' in its charitable registration number.
You know, I have so many pre-printed address labels from a variety of charities collected over the years, I realize I'll probably never use them all.
Have you heard that Youtube now has a shortened URL? So you just type in 'youtu.be' and you're there!
KathyG posted this 'PMS Survival Tips' video on her blog and it's quite funny.
News
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I answered the phone and ended up making a small donation to the Pediatric Aids Canada organization. It seems my donation will help buy much needed medicine for a third world country such as Africa and I will receive a tax receipt. The nice man on the phone took the trouble to explain to me that any registered charity will have 'RR' in its charitable registration number.
You know, I have so many pre-printed address labels from a variety of charities collected over the years, I realize I'll probably never use them all.
Have you heard that Youtube now has a shortened URL? So you just type in 'youtu.be' and you're there!
KathyG posted this 'PMS Survival Tips' video on her blog and it's quite funny.
News
Modern Santa Claus: He's multilingual, trim and a good listener
Many people who say "I feel your pain" really do
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Insane Canadian Fisherman
This is a good video:
Insane Canadian Fisherman
And another:
Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce
And are there any Elvis fans out there?
M, L and K went to see 'New Moon' at the theatres on Sunday night. L had wanted to see it for awhile and finally found the time.
I made some slow-baked spare ribs in barbecue sauce yesterday. Well, quick slow baked...2 hours as opposed to 4 hours. Baby back ribs are 3 times as expensive but will bake in half an hour. Next time, I'll have to remember to keep basting the slow cooked ribs as they did start to burn a little, but the flavour was amazing. Anyway, it's a work in progress.
As the weather seemed relatively mild (no wind), I went for a walk with my friend S. We stopped off at the library and she recommended this movie called 'The Painted Veil' with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, so I borrowed it. I actually can't wait to see it.
Today, K has a dental cleaning and both kids are going for much-needed haircuts.
News
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Keeping workouts on track in December (and forgiving holiday indulgences)
Insane Canadian Fisherman
And another:
Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce
And are there any Elvis fans out there?
M, L and K went to see 'New Moon' at the theatres on Sunday night. L had wanted to see it for awhile and finally found the time.
I made some slow-baked spare ribs in barbecue sauce yesterday. Well, quick slow baked...2 hours as opposed to 4 hours. Baby back ribs are 3 times as expensive but will bake in half an hour. Next time, I'll have to remember to keep basting the slow cooked ribs as they did start to burn a little, but the flavour was amazing. Anyway, it's a work in progress.
As the weather seemed relatively mild (no wind), I went for a walk with my friend S. We stopped off at the library and she recommended this movie called 'The Painted Veil' with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, so I borrowed it. I actually can't wait to see it.
Today, K has a dental cleaning and both kids are going for much-needed haircuts.
News
Health Canada proposes putting anti-cancer drug into french fries, potato chips
Potatoes, algae replacing oil in plastics
Scientists say paper battery could be in the works
Keeping workouts on track in December (and forgiving holiday indulgences)
Monday, December 21, 2009
4 Days and Counting
Xmas Flower Arrangement at the Mall
Well, K is excited and actually counting the days to Christmas. We ended up seeing the 10 pm Avatar movie in 3D on Saturday night as the earlier shows were sold out. We normally wait until the crowds die down, but we decided to go ahead and brave the lines (after reading all the great reviews). It was a long movie and we left the theatre at 1 am. L was at a sleepover. M and K loved it. I appreciated all the work that went into making the movie and it is certainly memorable. It's non stop action and excitement, and will be sure to appeal to the guys. I felt a bit tense afterward. My sister in California and her family also saw it and they loved it.
So we bought our 10pm tickets and went home for a couple of hours before the show. Some friends called, they were making their Christmas deliveries, so we were able to see them that night. They brought a homemade cranberry nut loaf, some assorted homemade cookies and some nice chocolates. Between that and the buttered popcorn at the movies...and the kids decorating the gingerbread house...it's becoming difficult to track what's going into my mouth.
I took a walk to church yesterday, it was very icy just on some of the pathways, otherwise no new snow until perhaps later in the week. They sang 'happy birthday' for the priest who celebrates today. It was really crowded, even the upstairs seats were filled, it's that time of year.
The kids have appointments today to get their seasonal flu shots at the doctor.
News
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Well, K is excited and actually counting the days to Christmas. We ended up seeing the 10 pm Avatar movie in 3D on Saturday night as the earlier shows were sold out. We normally wait until the crowds die down, but we decided to go ahead and brave the lines (after reading all the great reviews). It was a long movie and we left the theatre at 1 am. L was at a sleepover. M and K loved it. I appreciated all the work that went into making the movie and it is certainly memorable. It's non stop action and excitement, and will be sure to appeal to the guys. I felt a bit tense afterward. My sister in California and her family also saw it and they loved it.
So we bought our 10pm tickets and went home for a couple of hours before the show. Some friends called, they were making their Christmas deliveries, so we were able to see them that night. They brought a homemade cranberry nut loaf, some assorted homemade cookies and some nice chocolates. Between that and the buttered popcorn at the movies...and the kids decorating the gingerbread house...it's becoming difficult to track what's going into my mouth.
I took a walk to church yesterday, it was very icy just on some of the pathways, otherwise no new snow until perhaps later in the week. They sang 'happy birthday' for the priest who celebrates today. It was really crowded, even the upstairs seats were filled, it's that time of year.
The kids have appointments today to get their seasonal flu shots at the doctor.
News
The Best Places to Shop for Last-Minute Gifts
It's not fair! Cash, gift cards a no-no for Christmas, study finds
Study Reveals Almost Half Of Men Are Last-Minute Shoppers
What do you do when your cell phone falls in water!!??!!?
How to Live Happily on 75 Percent Less
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Avatar
'Dylan's Candy Bar' Gift Basket
The new movie Avatar is being hailed as 'a visually stunning masterpiece that is sure to alter the course of cinema for years to come'. It sounds like a movie to see, if only for the effects.
In other exciting news, there was a knock on the door yesterday morning and we received a Dylan's Candy Bar Gingerbread House Kit from our financial advisor. It's already assembled, so the kids can decorate it with all the fixings, hopefully today. L told me Dylan Lauren is the owner and founder of this upscale candy store and the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren. She saw her on a TV episode of 'Cake Boss'.
News
Review: Avatar
James Cameron's Latest Spectacle - this review contains a series of movie clips, the animation looks so natural
The new movie Avatar is being hailed as 'a visually stunning masterpiece that is sure to alter the course of cinema for years to come'. It sounds like a movie to see, if only for the effects.
In other exciting news, there was a knock on the door yesterday morning and we received a Dylan's Candy Bar Gingerbread House Kit from our financial advisor. It's already assembled, so the kids can decorate it with all the fixings, hopefully today. L told me Dylan Lauren is the owner and founder of this upscale candy store and the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren. She saw her on a TV episode of 'Cake Boss'.
News
Review: Avatar
James Cameron's Latest Spectacle - this review contains a series of movie clips, the animation looks so natural
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Your ecological footprint
How big is your ecological footprint? You can go online and complete a quiz to calculate it.
I figure most people in North America have a bigger footprint than they should and awareness is the first step to solving the problem.
L got nominated by her school for one of the big full scholarships at the university of her choice. Each school can only nominate one or two people depending on the university. We're thrilled, although there are likely a lot of contenders. Also, that's one more application for her to complete. She also already got acceptances into 2 other universities. It's less than a week since she applied.
News
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I figure most people in North America have a bigger footprint than they should and awareness is the first step to solving the problem.
L got nominated by her school for one of the big full scholarships at the university of her choice. Each school can only nominate one or two people depending on the university. We're thrilled, although there are likely a lot of contenders. Also, that's one more application for her to complete. She also already got acceptances into 2 other universities. It's less than a week since she applied.
News
The Five Best Christmas Albums of All Time
6 Worst Fast-Food Burgers (and What You Should Eat Instead!)
Friday, December 18, 2009
I'm Right
Well, the Olympic Torch was in town yesterday. It was cold, but it's exciting to think of it making its way to Vancouver for the winter Olympics.
We have this Scotiabank TV commercial called 'I'm Right'. I wish I could find a youtube video for it. This couple is sitting in front of a financial advisor at a desk. The wife says 'can you please explain to him that now is not the time to invest?' She goes on and on about the reasons why and if the advisor could please set him straight. So the advisor gets this knowing look on her face, looks at the husband and says 'he's right'. The husband immediately rips his shirt off revealing this white t-shirt trimmed in the bank's red colour that says 'I'm right'. Yesterday morning's local TV station was having fun with the joke. All the men at the station were wearing these 'I'm right' t-shirts and they had to explain to the female co-host what this was all about. It was funny. All the men were looking so pleased with themselves at this inside joke they're calling the new 'male anthem'. I just found the Breakfast Television video called 'I'm right', it's under the caption 'BT bites'.
It's a great morning station, they were also demonstrating live streaming videos, now on the Iphone. So a team downstairs started filming, and the team upstairs could see what they were filming live on their own iphones. Filming must not be the right word for this (capturing images?).
News
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We have this Scotiabank TV commercial called 'I'm Right'. I wish I could find a youtube video for it. This couple is sitting in front of a financial advisor at a desk. The wife says 'can you please explain to him that now is not the time to invest?' She goes on and on about the reasons why and if the advisor could please set him straight. So the advisor gets this knowing look on her face, looks at the husband and says 'he's right'. The husband immediately rips his shirt off revealing this white t-shirt trimmed in the bank's red colour that says 'I'm right'. Yesterday morning's local TV station was having fun with the joke. All the men at the station were wearing these 'I'm right' t-shirts and they had to explain to the female co-host what this was all about. It was funny. All the men were looking so pleased with themselves at this inside joke they're calling the new 'male anthem'. I just found the Breakfast Television video called 'I'm right', it's under the caption 'BT bites'.
It's a great morning station, they were also demonstrating live streaming videos, now on the Iphone. So a team downstairs started filming, and the team upstairs could see what they were filming live on their own iphones. Filming must not be the right word for this (capturing images?).
News
Top 10 places to enjoy a cup of tea
Kinder Surprises: Banned in the U.S.A.
From blog to book deal, how 6 authors did it
Prayer boosts forgiveness: study
Scientists discover Earth-like, water-rich planet: study
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Some healthy and delicious recipes
My friend's basement started flooding last week and they still haven't found the problem. Then their furnace stopped working and there was a carbon monoxide build-up. They think it was starting to make her sick. They had older detectors that obviously weren't working. Her husband told us we should likely be changing them every 3 years or so and also that the newer ones detect a wider range of gases. So we are going to get some new ones, ours are OLD. How old are your carbon monoxide detectors? Another friend just mentioned to me that she has a detector near the furnace as well as in other parts of the house.
I just received this recipe for a Salmon Vegetable Chowder, it looks healthy and delicious. The regular seafood chowder recipes are usually quite rich.
Or how about some Yogurt strawberry jam - jam muffins?
News
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I just received this recipe for a Salmon Vegetable Chowder, it looks healthy and delicious. The regular seafood chowder recipes are usually quite rich.
Or how about some Yogurt strawberry jam - jam muffins?
News
The Gift That Needs Forgiving
Alzheimer's disease linked to hunger hormone: study
5 Foods you should never ditch when you diet
3 Gut-Busting Holiday Foods
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Jersey Boys
SoccerMom had asked for a photo of our Christmas Tree and here it is, all decorated! I sort of threw everything on vertically, lights and garlands.
We just made plans with some friends to go see 'Jersey Boys' playing in Toronto over the Xmas holidays. So we will go to dinner somewhere first and it sounds like a nice night out, I am looking forward to it. They are advertising the show quite a bit on TV and we almost didn't get the tickets we wanted.
I forced myself to exercise at the gym yesterday morning and passed on buying that small lemon meringue pie at the grocery store later on. (270 calories for one quarter slice, pies are dangerous) Instead, I found this recipe for chewy peanut butter cookies at Blogger for Hire
and we made them. They really are chewy and I ate one too many.
One of L's teachers witnessed a fatal car accident yesterday and the poor lady was still in shock today. She was asking all the students to please take care on the roads and not to speed. This person was speeding on slippery roads, his car slid under an 18-wheeler truck and that was it, in an instant. He was driving right in front of the teacher's car.
News
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N.S. lab gets green light to test cancer vaccine - a test vaccine for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, wow.
Drinking coffee, tea sharply reduces risk of diabetes: Study
10 great digital gifts for social media lovers
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Creative Tuesday - Festive
Here's my contribution to the 'Festive' theme for Mr. Toast's Creative Tuesday. See the sidebar for details if you would like to participate. I really do think art helps you to 'think outside of the box' and be more spontaneous. I was inspired by a little toy flamingo I put out every Christmas, it was a gift one year from a friend in Florida.
I have to say, the weather yesterday was not bad at all, 2C (34F) was positively balmy, if a bit wet. It sure beats living in Canada's prairie provinces (like Winnipeg) right now, with dangerous -40C (-40F)wind chills.
L has officially submitted her university applications, hurray! There are some supplementary application forms due next February for a few of the universities, but those can be done in due time.
News
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas: Cute Seasonal Video
America's 'new poor' making painful choices - this article sounds like a good argument for universal health care
Giant pandas may not have taste buds for meat
I have to say, the weather yesterday was not bad at all, 2C (34F) was positively balmy, if a bit wet. It sure beats living in Canada's prairie provinces (like Winnipeg) right now, with dangerous -40C (-40F)wind chills.
L has officially submitted her university applications, hurray! There are some supplementary application forms due next February for a few of the universities, but those can be done in due time.
News
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas: Cute Seasonal Video
America's 'new poor' making painful choices - this article sounds like a good argument for universal health care
Giant pandas may not have taste buds for meat
Monday, December 14, 2009
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
I had planned to go to church this weekend, but decided to hibernate yesterday. Although the temperatures did go above freezing, but there was freezing rain. The new washer and dryer arrived and they are amazing. I didn't seem to be stuffing a load in and there are 2 rinse cycles on the washer. L and I ate apple fritter doughnuts from Tim Horton's on Saturday and loved them so much, M got some more yesterday. I hadn't had one for awhile so maybe that's why they tasted extra good. We chose those because we read that they are one of the more healthy kinds of doughnuts.
L and K go on Xmas break at the end of the week. L is giving gifts to 7 of her teachers, as it's her final year of high school. The Olympic flame is in town and will be at various venues this week. M decided to mail some Olympic t-shirts to some relatives in the U.S. as a Christmas gift. It's funny how he's all caught up on the Tiger Woods gossip, just because he's this sports icon. Normally, he's never that aware of all the scandals going around.
Oh, one of the friends we had dinner with on Friday had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Her husband gave her this beautiful diamond ring encircled with smaller diamonds. Wow, she was really happy with that.
News
Comfort Foods That Won't Pack On the Pounds!
Video games take bigger role in education
Fat intake has little bearing on weight gain: study
L and K go on Xmas break at the end of the week. L is giving gifts to 7 of her teachers, as it's her final year of high school. The Olympic flame is in town and will be at various venues this week. M decided to mail some Olympic t-shirts to some relatives in the U.S. as a Christmas gift. It's funny how he's all caught up on the Tiger Woods gossip, just because he's this sports icon. Normally, he's never that aware of all the scandals going around.
Oh, one of the friends we had dinner with on Friday had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Her husband gave her this beautiful diamond ring encircled with smaller diamonds. Wow, she was really happy with that.
News
Comfort Foods That Won't Pack On the Pounds!
Video games take bigger role in education
Fat intake has little bearing on weight gain: study
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Windfall
Financial Abundance angel!
She really does work like magic!
A friend sent this abundance angel to me in an email, and I thought it was a nice wish to share.
M said he saw this well-dressed lady in Walmart with a small child. She tried 2 credit cards and 1 debit card and they all failed. She was unable to pay her $40 bill.
It's that time of year again, the newspaper delivery man has started to leave the paper right in front of our door. So it must be 'tip' time.
News
Why most women like to shop
Ontario's cottage country buried in snow
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Lock De-Icer
Well, it was a busy day yesterday. It started when one of my car tires complained about air pressure, so in -8C (16F) weather, I took the kids to school then stopped off at the gas station. However, this has been my 3rd or so time doing this, so the process went quite smoothly. There was another lady there ahead of me, but there was a man in another car that came to help her. So I was proud of my non-mechanical self. I've found the major thing for me to remember when I'm doing this is to make sure I'm wearing my progressive lens eyeglasses, so that I don't have to squint at the tire pressure readings on the gauge.
Then, I had a few errands to run, and get my exercise in before I picked the kids up again. L just had a half day of school.
Towards evening, I went to the mailbox only to find the lock was frozen shut. Really, it feels like January or February. We have super mailboxes on the street corners in the suburbs that you access with a key. So, what we do is go hunting for the bottle of lock de-icer and that usually helps a lot. It didn't this time, so we'll try again later. L says she managed to force it open last year.
After that, I took K to his tennis lesson. Then we had plans to meet some people for dinner, so my only problem by then was to find a nice, warm, yet dressy cardigan to wear for the occasion! I heard they had 80 cms of snow in Northern Ontario, roads were closed off.
News
Sepsis killing Canadians at a higher rate than strokes, heart attacks: Report
Then, I had a few errands to run, and get my exercise in before I picked the kids up again. L just had a half day of school.
Towards evening, I went to the mailbox only to find the lock was frozen shut. Really, it feels like January or February. We have super mailboxes on the street corners in the suburbs that you access with a key. So, what we do is go hunting for the bottle of lock de-icer and that usually helps a lot. It didn't this time, so we'll try again later. L says she managed to force it open last year.
After that, I took K to his tennis lesson. Then we had plans to meet some people for dinner, so my only problem by then was to find a nice, warm, yet dressy cardigan to wear for the occasion! I heard they had 80 cms of snow in Northern Ontario, roads were closed off.
News
Sepsis killing Canadians at a higher rate than strokes, heart attacks: Report
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friendly Banter
Yesterday, I decided to have the coffee and muffin special at McDonald's after my workout ($1.46 including tax). A retired gentleman was at the cashier. He told her he's almost coming to regard her as a friend. In fact, he told her he could add her as his Facebook friend. She laughed and said 'Oh, you have Facebook too?'. He said 'Of course I do!' (Well, I enjoy this friendly banter). The manager was telling him he had spent 16 hours the previous night cleaning up a grease fire, declaring them to be the worst kind.
My girlfriend had given K a nice wallet for Christmas, but I had to exchange it for one with a change compartment. It was not that easy to find one. Where do men put their change?
Then, I waited for over an hour in the doctor's office. I needed to refill a prescription and decided to get the seasonal flu shot. This young lady sitting next to me was not feeling well, and thought it might be the flu. Oh dear. My doctor was suffering from allergies himself, he thinks it's to the cold, no kidding.
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Find that scent-sational gift
Snaphaven keeps your photos safe for life
My girlfriend had given K a nice wallet for Christmas, but I had to exchange it for one with a change compartment. It was not that easy to find one. Where do men put their change?
Then, I waited for over an hour in the doctor's office. I needed to refill a prescription and decided to get the seasonal flu shot. This young lady sitting next to me was not feeling well, and thought it might be the flu. Oh dear. My doctor was suffering from allergies himself, he thinks it's to the cold, no kidding.
News
Find that scent-sational gift
Snaphaven keeps your photos safe for life
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Connected Home
The other day I was just wondering why we would want to have a computer (internet capability) on our appliances. The news story below demonstrates with an excellent example. Distracting to say the least, what do you think, are you ready for this?
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News
Youtube-streaming microwave turns dinner into a show
8 Must have traits of tomorrow's journalist
Top color for 2010 is `transporting' turquoise
Eggnog: Fluid, festive and fattening
A few extra pounds may help elderly live longer
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Striptease
I woke up this morning to our first snowstorm of the year! It looks like about 10cms of the white stuff and it is heavy and wet. School buses are delayed and there is a car stuck in the snow just up the road.
Well, our old clothes dryer is pretty much dead, fortunately it managed to do half loads and we were able to finish a load of laundry. We decided to upgrade to a new washer as well, so they will be arriving soon. Things have changed in the last decade, and I'm sure we'll be impressed with all the new features. We really just got a basic set, nothing too fancy, but there have still been improvements. I told M I couldn't get excited about a new washer or dryer (basic white's just fine). I thought the most important things would be capacity and whether the company would take the old ones away for us.
We gave some 'Quality Street' chocolates to K's orthodontist and his staff the other night. The receptionist thanked us and assured us they would be enjoyed. A bit later on, the brilliant, busy, young doctor himself strolled out to the reception area to thank me personally, to say that I shouldn't have, and to wish me a Merry Christmas. Well, I had a big smile on my face for a bit! All I could think of to say was 'Don't work too hard', to which he replied 'I'm actually going to take a few weeks off for Christmas for the first time.' It can really be more gratifying to give than receive.
SoccerMom has this video on her blog today and I just had to share it. Bear with us!
Oh, Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam has taken over Lissa's Create Tuesdays, see my sidebar for details. There is already a lot of interest!
News
One-fifth of Canadians research news, topics for holiday party chat fodder: survey
From mommy blogging to mainstream
Google revamps search with real-time results
Jamaica: Insiders' guide to an island food paradise
Well, our old clothes dryer is pretty much dead, fortunately it managed to do half loads and we were able to finish a load of laundry. We decided to upgrade to a new washer as well, so they will be arriving soon. Things have changed in the last decade, and I'm sure we'll be impressed with all the new features. We really just got a basic set, nothing too fancy, but there have still been improvements. I told M I couldn't get excited about a new washer or dryer (basic white's just fine). I thought the most important things would be capacity and whether the company would take the old ones away for us.
We gave some 'Quality Street' chocolates to K's orthodontist and his staff the other night. The receptionist thanked us and assured us they would be enjoyed. A bit later on, the brilliant, busy, young doctor himself strolled out to the reception area to thank me personally, to say that I shouldn't have, and to wish me a Merry Christmas. Well, I had a big smile on my face for a bit! All I could think of to say was 'Don't work too hard', to which he replied 'I'm actually going to take a few weeks off for Christmas for the first time.' It can really be more gratifying to give than receive.
SoccerMom has this video on her blog today and I just had to share it. Bear with us!
Oh, Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam has taken over Lissa's Create Tuesdays, see my sidebar for details. There is already a lot of interest!
News
One-fifth of Canadians research news, topics for holiday party chat fodder: survey
From mommy blogging to mainstream
Google revamps search with real-time results
Jamaica: Insiders' guide to an island food paradise
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Staydrenched
We had a sudden power outage late Sunday night. It was awkward, grabbing flashlights and lighting candles. L finished her homework with a lantern. We ended up setting the travel alarm so that we would be sure to get up on time the next morning. We have a gas fireplace in the basement, so we reasoned that if it got unbearably cold, we could use that as a source of heat. The power returned at 12.20am. (Whew!) The good side of this is that we were able to watch the season finale of 'The Amazing Race' before the outage.
This is the cutest video:
The drench Clever Hamsters jazz band - official ad
Here are some other good ones:
Identity theft on Facebook is easy
Florida State lineman
News
Police piece together fake Lego gun case, after armed takedown
This is the cutest video:
The drench Clever Hamsters jazz band - official ad
Here are some other good ones:
Identity theft on Facebook is easy
Florida State lineman
News
Police piece together fake Lego gun case, after armed takedown
Monday, December 7, 2009
Just call me John
The kids were watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) on tv the other night. They love that movie, L says it's 'magical and so creative'. The chocolate theme must help. I should stop calling them 'kids', more 'teenagers'. L drove them to their tennis party the other night and even gave a couple of friends a ride.
Here's a funny joke for you:
The Navy Chief noticed a new seaman and barked at him "Get over here! What's your name sailor?"
"John" the new seaman replied.
"Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy junk they're teaching sailors in boot camp these days, but I don't call anyone by his first name," the chief scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last names only; Smith, Jones, Baker, whatever... And you are to refer to me as 'Chief.' Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye, Aye Chief!"
"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"
The seaman sighed. "Darling. My name is John Darling, Chief.."
"Okay........ John, here's what I want you to do......"
News
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YouTube makes videos "Feather" light
Here's a funny joke for you:
The Navy Chief noticed a new seaman and barked at him "Get over here! What's your name sailor?"
"John" the new seaman replied.
"Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy junk they're teaching sailors in boot camp these days, but I don't call anyone by his first name," the chief scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last names only; Smith, Jones, Baker, whatever... And you are to refer to me as 'Chief.' Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye, Aye Chief!"
"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"
The seaman sighed. "Darling. My name is John Darling, Chief.."
"Okay........ John, here's what I want you to do......"
News
Midlife anxieties laid bare in insightful "Men" - this looks like an interesting movie, something different
YouTube makes videos "Feather" light
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's getting cold outside
I officially went into my winter jacket yesterday, it felt cold and my fingers have started to split from not wearing gloves. The cold, dry air does that to my skin in the winter. I have various creams and lotions to help. I got the tree up last night and put the decorations out. This designer had mentioned on a recent TV show that she now strings her lights vertically down the tree (instead of wrapping them around), so I thought I would try that, and I think it works just fine. I even did that with the garlands.
I'm going for a cold walk with a friend this morning then we're all going out for lunch to celebrate the season and exchange gifts. The kids have a tennis party after their tennis lessons this afternoon, they'll be tired but it will be good, healthy exercise including pizza.
We were finally able to co-ordinate with two other families and the twelve of us will be meeting at a restaurant for dinner next weekend.
L has started her drama club rehearsals and declares it amazing fun. She loves improvising,the creativity and self expression of it all. She was at a birthday party with her school friends last night. The parties are now boy and girl parties. There is a fascination with alcohol although the legal drinking age here is 19 and parents are not always around.
K went on an Art field trip this week to the Art Gallery of Ontario to view the King Tut exhibition. He came back with a nice sketch he made while he was there.
I have two-bite butter tarts and mince tarts in the house...yum, I got them from the supermarket. K likes the plain butter tarts without nuts or raisins.
News
Pasta myths--debunked
Davis boy, 12, honored for saving dad's life
I'm going for a cold walk with a friend this morning then we're all going out for lunch to celebrate the season and exchange gifts. The kids have a tennis party after their tennis lessons this afternoon, they'll be tired but it will be good, healthy exercise including pizza.
We were finally able to co-ordinate with two other families and the twelve of us will be meeting at a restaurant for dinner next weekend.
L has started her drama club rehearsals and declares it amazing fun. She loves improvising,the creativity and self expression of it all. She was at a birthday party with her school friends last night. The parties are now boy and girl parties. There is a fascination with alcohol although the legal drinking age here is 19 and parents are not always around.
K went on an Art field trip this week to the Art Gallery of Ontario to view the King Tut exhibition. He came back with a nice sketch he made while he was there.
I have two-bite butter tarts and mince tarts in the house...yum, I got them from the supermarket. K likes the plain butter tarts without nuts or raisins.
News
Pasta myths--debunked
Davis boy, 12, honored for saving dad's life
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tiger Woods Christmas Card
Okay, it's a slow news day and I thought I'd run with this one! Yes, the jokes have started. Some other ones going around:
He's going to have to change his name.... to Cheetah.
His wife's the only one that can beat him with golf clubs.
In other news, here's a new viral video called 'Pink Glove Dance'. And
Adam Lambert sings on Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Interesting Point
I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and heard a caller telling everyone he had organized his co-workers with an idea to pool money that would've been secret santa gifts for themselves. Instead, they used the money to buy assorted toys for the local CP24/CHUM Christmas Wish Toy Drive. The point he wanted to make was that people are more than willing to help out on something like this, but what is often missing is an organizer, someone who will 'run with the idea'. So it was a call to 'event planner' type personalities out there. That was an interesting point, I thought.
Shortly after that, I heard two Walmart sales employees talking about the in-store sales being really amazing lately. We must really be out of recession, sounds like good news.
The real good news is that all our (thirty plus) Christmas cards are done and ready for mailing! On to decorations and some gift wrapping.
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Give yourself the gift of a stress-free holiday
Shortly after that, I heard two Walmart sales employees talking about the in-store sales being really amazing lately. We must really be out of recession, sounds like good news.
The real good news is that all our (thirty plus) Christmas cards are done and ready for mailing! On to decorations and some gift wrapping.
News
America's Cheapest Health Foods
Tis the Season For Free Gmail Holiday Postcards
10 Unique gifts you can make with help from the web
Give yourself the gift of a stress-free holiday
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Virus Alert
well, Mr. Toast had a fabulous virtual tea party last night. I'd say he outdid himself! Thanks again, Mr. Toast.
I got this in an e-mail and it sounds real. There's also a heart warming story in the news section below.
'All,
Checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!
Checked Snopes, and it is for real.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,'regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C drive of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address on his/her contact list. That is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it!
If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even if it is sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.
It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.
COPY THIS, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US'
News
Wrong Number Miracle
I got this in an e-mail and it sounds real. There's also a heart warming story in the news section below.
'All,
Checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!
Checked Snopes, and it is for real.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,'regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C drive of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address on his/her contact list. That is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it!
If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even if it is sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.
It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.
COPY THIS, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US'
News
Wrong Number Miracle
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mr. Toast's First Annual Christmas Tea
Do stop in on Mr. Toast's first annual Christmas tea today from 4 - 10pm (MST). I'm 'taking' delicate finger sandwiches with cucumber, egg salad, cream cheese, seafood, and chicken salad fillings for at least 60 people. The pinwheel ones are so pretty. Oh, and it's formal attire. I have the perfect chocolate brown evening dress with a bit of bling on it. My black faux fur coat should keep me nice and warm. I'll change into strappy dress sandals once I get inside.
I received our first Christmas card yesterday. I also found a nice hair straightener for L. Hopefully I can get the cards done this week. I hope K will start wearing his winter coat because he's been going off to school wearing just a thick sweater and it was 2C in the morning, just a bit above freezing.
News
I found this video quite funny in a weird way. It's called 'The Box spoof'.
Little boy steals the show at Santa Monica (video)
Kindle breaks sales record in November
Twitter declared most popular English word of 2009
I received our first Christmas card yesterday. I also found a nice hair straightener for L. Hopefully I can get the cards done this week. I hope K will start wearing his winter coat because he's been going off to school wearing just a thick sweater and it was 2C in the morning, just a bit above freezing.
News
I found this video quite funny in a weird way. It's called 'The Box spoof'.
Little boy steals the show at Santa Monica (video)
Kindle breaks sales record in November
Twitter declared most popular English word of 2009
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